Medical Applications

Lasers serve as precise, selective scalpels, deliverable to virtually any part of the body using fiber optics. These fibers can be threaded into coronary arteries to characterize atherosclerotic plaques, guiding life-saving procedures. Skin laser treatments are used to remove scars, disfiguring birthmarks and resurface damaged skin. Lasers and optics-powered devices can measure blood chemistry, brain function and muscle activity; detect cancer and vascular disease and provide feedback on exercise, diet and medical therapies.

UC Irvine Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic innovations are vital for diagnostic and therapeutic devices that are standard-of-care globally. The Institute has significantly advanced research in cancer and cardiovascular disease, contributing to the growth of UC Irvine. This includes playing a key role in establishing the UC Irvine Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated center, and the UC Irvine Department of Biomedical Engineering.

Technologies developed at the Institute are used in:

  • Airway Disorders
  • Burns and Wounds
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Exercise Medicine
  • Neurologic Injury and Disease
  • Ophthalmology
  • Oral Health
  • Skin Disease
  • Trauma and Critical Care
  • Vascular Malformations

These innovations continue to enhance medical diagnostics and treatment worldwide.