2022 VLSS • March 4-5, 2022 • Las Vegas, NV

Speakers, Presentation Titles, Abstracts and Biographical Highlights

Ordered Alphabetically by Presenter’s Last Names

Ray Arza, DVM

Ray Arza, DVM

New Concepts and Innovations in CO2 laser surgery

Abstract

This presentation identifies the past deficiencies of CO2 surgical lasers in cutting too slow and producing excessive thermal damage to tissue, therefore limiting the effective use of the older CO2 surgical laser devices in veterinary applications. It describes the tremendous innovations and improvements in our new higher power systems, with explanations of how to combine new advancements in flexible waveguide technology with new concepts and techniques which will produce scalpel speed laser surgery with greatly improved tissue results.

Comprehensive explanations of major points that a surgeon must consider and apply in order to effectively use this technology with optimal results, include:

  1. Understanding of continuous mode vs. super pulse
  2. Appropriate power settings, and hand-speed
  3. Applications of all the different spot-sizes available to the surgeon
  4. Focusing lens and tip-less hand-pieces
  5. The 5 key factors in attaining great incisional results

To give both experienced and novice laser users the knowledge needed to utilize this technology with confidence and to obtain the very best results possible.

Biographical Highlights

Dr. Arza earned his DVM at the University of Tennessee in 1979. He was a small animal general practitioner for 23 years with a special interest in surgery and dentistry. Dr. Arza started using a surgical laser in 1998, and soon thereafter became a popular lecturer at conferences, universities, and seminars on laser technologies. In 2002, he left private practice to join the industry as an educator, trainer, consultant, and lecturer, and independent manufactures representative of surgical lasers, therapy lasers, and digital thermography. In 2006 he became the first sales representative for Aesculight veterinary surgical lasers and has been intimately involved with the development and advancement of the Aesculight and VetScalpel surgical lasers. In January of 2021, he became Co-Director of Sales in North America for Aesculight. Dr. Arza and his wife, Sandy, have been blessed with five children and thirteen grandchildren.

Noel Berger, DVM

Noel Berger, DVM, MS

Chirurgie La Ser Du Bouledogue Francais (French Bulldog Surgery)

Abstract

The French Bulldog breed has become increasingly popular and desirable to own. Unfortunately, many of the unique physical attributes of this breed also predispose the individual dog to medical problems that may require surgical management. While some owners and breeders may scoff and say it is normal for them, unfortunately, the truth is that these conditions are not normal, and represent disease, distress, and disaster. Selected conformational abnormalities, surgical correction, and CO2 laser techniques will be discussed that will provide strong support for early intervention and better quality of life for these dogs.

Biographical Highlights

Dr. Berger is a 1988 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine and also earned the MS degree in Veterinary Clinical Sciences in 1989 from Cornell University. Following a residency in pathology, he entered private small animal veterinary practice and has been a clinician for over 33 years. He is certified by the American Board of Laser Surgery in veterinary surgery, physics and safety. He is the first author of several peer-reviewed papers in veterinary laser surgery, laboratory diagnostics, and stem cell therapy. He has co-authored several book chapters and published a textbook on small animal laser surgery. Dr. Berger delights in teaching the safe techniques required to minimize post-surgical pain and inflammation using lasers and currently practices these techniques at a small animal hospital near Tampa Florida. While serving as chief surgeon at this specialty hospital, Dr. Berger provides laser surgery consultations and referral procedures to colleagues in the greater central Florida region and beyond.

Lorraine A. Corriveau, DVM, DABVP (canine/ feline)

Lorraine Corriveau, DVM, Dipl. ABVP

CO2 Laser, Its Uses in General Practice, Its Benefits to Patients, and Its Overall Value for the Veterinary Practice

Abstract

Case-based presentation on the practical application and use of the CO2 laser in veterinary medicine general practice including not just the traditional species of dogs and cats but also including some exotic animal species.

Biographical Highlights

Dr. Corriveau received her DVM in 1999 from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. She became a diplomate of the ABVP in canine/feline in 2016 and a diplomate of the ABLS in Veterinary Laser Medicine and Surgery in 2019.

David Duclos, DVM

David Duclos, DVM, Dipl. ACVD

Use of the CO2 Laser to Treat Papilloma Virus Lesions in Dogs and Cats

Abstract

Papillomaviruses cause various clinical diseases in dogs and cats. These conditions include warts in the mouth and various parts of their body, canine pigmented viral plaques, and Bowen’s disease in cats. The papillomaviruses are species-specific and have a strong affinity for the mucosal and squamous epithelium. Each of these clinical conditions is caused by different strains of the papillomavirus. Each of the diseases discussed here is caused by different strains of this virus. Papillomaviruses are contagious so removal, even when the clinical condition seems not to bother the animal, is important to prevent transmission to other pets. Since the lesions are confined to the epithelial surface, the CO2 laser is a very effective tool in the treatment of these conditions. The pathogenesis of these three conditions, warts, plaques, and carcinoma, will be described. The specific techniques used in laser ablation for each of these will also be demonstrated. Finally, the discussion will include the three laser settings of power, time, and spot size. It will be shown during the demonstration of these procedures how changes to these variables can be used to control the depth of ablation.

Biographical Highlights

David D. Duclos, DVM, Diplomate ACVD, graduated cum laude, from Washington State University, and completed his Residency in Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania. Since 1991 he has been the owner and clinical dermatologist at the Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic, in Lynnwood, WA near Seattle. He is the primary author of numerous scientific papers in both national and international veterinary journals and is the author of several chapters on various topics in several veterinary medical textbooks. Among his interests in the field of dermatology is the use of the CO2 laser in the treatment and management of dermatologic conditions. He has been using the CO2 laser in his dermatology practice since 1992. He is the primary mentor for a Dermatology Resident at his practice and teaches senior veterinary medical students, human senior medical students, and veterinary interns, and residents in dermatology rotations lasting 2 to 4 weeks at his Clinic. These students come from veterinary schools at Washington State University, in Pullman, WA, and Western University, in Pomona, California, and various veterinary schools and medical schools in the US and Europe.

John Godbold Jr., DVM

John Godbold Jr, DVM

The Evolution of Laser Surgery to Your Standard of Care

Abstract

The surgical laser is now the go-to tool for surgeries in veterinary medicine, redefining the standard of care in many veterinary practices. See how veterinarians have taken a tool that once was looking for a use and made it a transforming instrument in soft tissue surgery. Learn how this remarkable practitioner-driven evolution has resulted in new concepts, new innovations, and new procedures that improve surgical outcomes.

Biographical Highlights

Dr. Godbold graduated with honors from Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1978. In 1980, he established Stonehaven Park Veterinary Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee where he practiced full time as a solo small animal practitioner for 33 years. Dr. Godbold currently works full time with Stonehaven Veterinary Consulting, teaching and assisting colleagues, and working in the development of new technologies.

Since 1999, Dr. Godbold has pursued a special interest in the use of laser modalities in small animal practice. He has extensive experience with surgical and therapeutic lasers, has developed new surgical and therapeutic techniques, and assists equipment manufacturers with their technologies.

Dr. Godbold has published numerous papers, articles, and chapters about the use of lasers in small animal practice. His publications have appeared in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Clinician’s Brief, Laserpoints, The Feline Patient, Laser Surgery in Veterinary Medicine, Laser Therapy in Veterinary Medicine – Photobiomodulation, Today’s Veterinary Practice, Veterinary Practice News, The Integrative Veterinary Care Journal and the Newsletter of the Veterinary Surgical Laser Society.

Dr. Godbold published the internationally distributed Atlas of CO2 Laser Surgery Procedures in 2002, with a new edition each year since. He is co‐editor and a chapter contributor of the 2017 textbook Laser Therapy in Veterinary Medicine ‐ Photobiomodulation, published by Wiley‐Blackwell.

In high demand as a continuing education speaker, Dr. Godbold has led over 700 laser and thermal imaging workshops, wet‐labs, and continuing education meetings throughout North America and in over 25 countries around the world.

Jakub Kaczmarek, DVM

Jakub Kaczmarek, DVM, DECVS

CO2 Laser World  – Clean, Fast and Safe Cuts

Abstract

CO2 surgical lasers allow bloodless and less painful surgery. As a result, one gets a clear visualization, faster surgical time, and excellent healing. Correct surgical technique is necessary for desired results and safety.

Advanced surgical procedures using a CO2 laser will be presented during this lecture. Anatomy, pathophysiology, technique, and postoperative management will be discussed. This lecture will help surgical decision-making regarding laser settings and choosing an accurate closure technique.

How Surgical Lasers Can Help Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeons

Abstract

Coming soon.

Biographical Highlights

Jakub Lukasz Kaczmarek, DVM, ECVS Resident. After graduating the veterinary studies in Wroclaw (Poland) in 2013, he began a two-year surgical internship at the referral clinic in Birkenfeld, Germany. He is currently a resident of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons at a reference clinic in Augsburg / Germany.

Boaz Man, DVM

Boaz Man, DVM

Learn to Savor the Flavor of CO2 Laser

Abstract

The goal of this presentation is to familiarize the general practitioner with the benefits of the newest and most efficient high-power surgical laser. Dr. Man has been using surgical laser for 20 years and this lecture is filled with case examples of laser surgery in general practice. Dr. Man shares his knowledge and videos that demonstrate the wide array of applications for surgical lasers.

Biographical Highlights

Dr. Man, a South Florida native, has been passionate about caring for pets’ needs since childhood. Beginning at 13, Boaz spent every summer and school holiday working at veterinary hospitals in preparation for his dream to become a veterinarian. Dr. Man completed his Bachelors in Biology with a Double Minor in Chemistry and Judaic Studies from the University of Miami in 1999.

Dr. Man earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2004 after completing his clinical training at Oklahoma State University. Dr. Man then completed an internship with board-certified internists, surgeons, and critical care veterinarians at Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Man has been serving clients and patients at several prominent animal hospitals in South Florida. In 2013 Dr. Man became the owner and medical director of Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital, which is AAHA accredited, and he is proud to be a fear-free certified veterinarian. Dr. Man is an editorial advisory board member for DVM 360 & contributes regularly with his educational social media content and publications for the magazine. Dr. Man serves as a practice management advisor for fear-free and has recently been invited to lecture on hot topics in veterinary medicine in San Diego & Las Vegas, including digital cytology & high-power laser surgery.

Dr. Man resides in Boca Raton with his wife Jade, their three children Leia, Ruby, and Max, and their rescued dogs named Millie and Elvis. He believes in providing the highest quality of care to his patients and those that love them and has special interests in dermatology, internal medicine, and surgery. Dr. Man takes great pride in his commitment to practicing state-of-the-art medicine and diagnostics. He believes staying up to date with technology is one of the many essential keys to practicing good medicine. Most importantly, Dr. Man is dedicated to giving pet parents the guidance they need to make informed decisions with regard to their pet’s health.

C. Kumar n. Patel, PhD, MS

C. Kumar N. Patel, PhD, MS, Inventor of CO2 Laser

The Discovery of the CO2 Laser

Abstract

Kumar N. Patel, PhD, MS, invented the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in 1964. This presentation describes the invention of the CO2 laser. The course attendees are introduced to the main physics concepts behind the CO2 laser technology. The presentation outlines the changes the invention has brought to soft tissue surgery since the laser’s inception over 50 years ago.

Biographical Highlights

C. Kumar N. Patel was born in Baramati, India in 1938. He received his bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications from Poona University at the age of 19 (1958), then came to the US for graduate school. He earned an MS (1959) and Ph.D. (1961) in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. He spent more than 30 years at Bell Labs, starting in 1961.

Dr. Patel began doing fundamental research in laser action in pure rare gases. This led him to discover laser action in carbon dioxide (CO2) in 1963. He is the inventor of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and the Spin-Flip Raman lasers. He pioneered the use of these and other lasers to measure trace gases in difficult environments.

In February 2000 he founded Pranalytica, Inc. in Santa Monica, CA. where he is CEO and Chairman of the Board. The company initially developed revolutionary ultra-sensitive trace gas detection instrumentation based on laser spectroscopy. Driven by advances in its laser sources, Pranalytica led the commercialization of revolutionary new infrared light sources – quantum cascade lasers.

Dr. Patel is a Professor of Physics with a joint appointment in Electrical Engineering at UCLA. He served as UCLA’s vice chancellor for research through 1999. Among his many awards, Patel was elected to the National Academy of Science in 1974 and the National Academy of Engineering in 1978. He received the National Medal of Science given by the President of the United States in 1996.

Peter Vitruk, PhD, MInstP, CPhys

Peter Vitruk, PhD, MInstP, CPhys

How Deep Do Lasers Cut and Coagulate?

Abstract

This presentation is a Laser Designer’s perspective on the most important and critical controls available to laser surgeons with respect to Depth of Incision and the Depth of Coagulation/Hemostasis. These fundamental concepts of laser surgery will be abundantly illustrated with the videos. The difference between the ablative and non-ablative laser wavelengths will be explained as well as their relevance to soft tissue laser surgery.

Biographical Highlights

Dr. Peter Vitruk was born and raised in Ukraine. He earned his PhD degree in Physics from the Moscow Physics and Technology Institute, Moscow in the late 1980s in the former USSR. In the 1990s he held a Research Scientist position with The Academy of Sciences in the former USSR and then a Royal Society Visiting Research Fellow position at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. He later worked as Senior Scientist with Synrad Inc. in Seattle, WA, and then as Chief Scientist with Luxar/ESC/Lumenis also in Seattle, WA. In 2002 Dr. Vitruk founded Luxarcare LLC – an exclusive certified Luxar laser service and accessories provider for 12,000+ surgical Luxar laser installations around the globe. In 2005 he founded Aesculight LLC and LightScalpel LLC – the only American-based designer and manufacturer of surgical CO2 lasers for small office out-patient market. Dr. Vitruk has authored 10 patents and over 20 articles on CO2 lasers, and is a Member of The Institute of Physics, UK. In 2017 he founded the American Laser Study Club, an educational platform that helps physicians, dentists, veterinarians, and practice staff members to excel at the efficient and safe application of laser energy in everyday practice. He is married to his wife of 34 years Natasha and they together have two children, Olga and Alexander.

Christopher J. Winkler DVM, VMLSO, Dip. ABLS

Christopher J. Winkler, DVM, VMLSO, FALSC, FALSMS

Your CO2 Laser and You

Abstract

Conventional soft tissue surgery using scalpel blades can cause significant bleeding and pain, leading to extended operating times and potential intra-operative and post-operative complications. The use of surgical lasers facilitates hemostasis and reduced inflammation, allowing for rapid conduction of these same procedures with less anesthesia while reducing intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pain. Today’s CO2 laser is a versatile surgical instrument, providing both general practitioners and surgical specialists an advanced combination of power, cutting speed, and hemostatic control to a wide variety of soft tissue procedures. In some procedures, the use of the surgical laser may even preclude the use of sutures. A series of videos of a variety of soft tissue procedures encountered in general practice will demonstrate how the CO2 surgical laser is used to aid today’s veterinary surgeon by allowing rapid hand speed, excellent hemostasis, and an unobstructed surgical field. Objectives for the attendee include learning implementation, variety, and value of using this remarkable instrument in a general practice setting.

Laser demonstrations in animal models, including but not limited to spay and neuter, soft palate resection, stenotic nares, mass removal, cystotomy, and entropion, will be presented in a slide and video format. Perioperative use of therapy lasers will also be demonstrated.

Biographical Highlights

A graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Winkler currently owns and operates Suffolk Veterinary Group Animal Wellness and Laser Surgery Center on Long Island and introduced lasers in his practice in 2010. Dr. Winkler offers the benefits of laser surgery and laser therapy to his own patients and referrals he receives from other veterinarians locally and nationally, and also takes a special interest in laser education for veterinary students, colleagues, and licensed veterinary technicians. A faculty member of the American Laser Medicine College and Board, he is certified in Veterinary Laser Medicine and Surgery by the American Board of Laser Surgery, a certified Veterinary Medical Laser Safety Officer by the American Institute of Medical Laser Applications, and a Fellow member of both the American Laser Study Club and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. He has appeared nationally as a speaker and instructor on laser surgery and laser therapy for the NYVet, the WVC, the NAVC, the AVMA, the Colonial Veterinary Conference, and the Great Smokies Veterinary Conference, contributes articles on laser surgery for Veterinary Practice News, and has acted as a consultant for laser surgery and laser therapy companies. Dr. Winkler is the editor and co-author of the textbook Laser Surgery in Veterinary Medicine (Wiley-Blackwell, 2019), and is the 2021 recipient of the Kumar C. Patel prize in laser surgery education.

Register to learn about veterinary laser surgery from leaders and pioneers at the American Laser Study Club (ALSC)’ 5th Annual Symposium!! The 2022 Veterinary Laser Surgery Symposium will take place in Las Vegas, NV on March 4-5, 2022 (immediately preceding the Western Veterinary Conference – WVC). This is the one and only gathering for veterinarians with a focus on laser surgery, it will also include a hands-on laser surgery lab. This is a great place to meet colleagues, network, and learn from renowned veterinary surgeons and dermatologists. Attendees will learn about surgical laser applications, techniques, technologies, laser science, and safety education.

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