Application of intravenous low-intensity laser irradiation as part of anesthetic care during invasive surgery

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of applying low-intensity He-Ne laser irradiation as part of a complex system of anesthetic care of patients during invasive surgery. The following technique of intravenous low-intensity laser irradiation (i.v. LILI) was used. A filament of He-Ne laser was introduced through the subclavian venous line into the ostium of the vena cava superior. The power output was 20 mV, the exposure period 30 minutes. The irradiation began 10-15 minutes before anesthesia was introduced. In some cases, a second session was required. The 61 patients enrolled in the study were divided into a study group of patients who were irradiated and into a control group of patients who did not receive i.v. LILI. It was shown that i.v. LILI decreases neuroautonomous strain on the patient. Under the influence of i.v. LILI the P 50 appears to increase, the index of tissue oxygen extraction does not change, and the data of the acid base balance tend to improve. Low plasma levels of 11 oxycorticosteroids and the plasma content of 5-HTA and histamine as well as moderate changes in plasma enzyme activity confirm the efficacy of protecting patients from surgical trauma by application of i.v. LILI.