Attempts to use lasers in medicine are so numerous and, historically, so diverse, that it proves difficult to describe them all in this chapter. Many laser ideas were introduced experimentally, evaluated clinically and later abandoned, giving way to other concepts in accordance with the availability of laser sources or delivery technologies. This process continues today. The present collection of laser applications thus describes the laser innovations at a given point in time only. A fundamental trend stands out with regard to laser sources: laser equipment is reduced in complexity, maintenance requirements, and costs, thus giving way to more widespread use
