Use of a Laser to Stop a Bleeding Ulcer

QUESTION: When my husband recently was hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer,
our fine doctor saved him by using a scope and a laser gun to stop the
bleeding, and my husband was able to come home in just a day or two. However,
my son is skeptical, as he says that lasers are used to cut tissue, not to
stop bleeding. He thinks I didn't understand the doctor's explanation. Can
you explain what happened so my son won't think his mother is losing her grip?
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ANSWER: I certainly can describe a procedure that seems to be the one your
doctor used. Of course, we don't call it a "laser gun," but lasers can be
used to stop bleeding in the stomach as well as replacing the scalpel for
cutting in some circumstances. There are two main types of laser equipment
currently available; the argon laser, and the Nd-YAG laser, which uses a
garnet to generate the light beam. Though both types can be used, some
statistics indicate that perhaps the YAG laser is the more effective in cases
like these, and probably stops the bleeding by causing the muscles in the wall
of the bleeding artery to contract and close the vessel, as well as by
clotting the proteins found in the blood and tissues. Since the physician can
see the bleeding vessel through his scope (endoscope), he can apply the laser
beam directly to the spot that is hemorrhaging, stopping the flow of blood.
Another procedure, using an electrocautery system, where electrical current is
used to coagulate blood and tissue, is also available in several forms. In
some cases reported, injections of liquids to sclerose (harden and close) the
bleeding vessels have met with some success as well. If your son still doubts
the truth of your report, he might call your physician directly and prove that
Mom is still on the ball.