Dr. Jeffrey Gordon, Dr. Daniel Feuermann, Gordon and Mahmoud Huleihil, Israeli researchers from the Negev’s Ben-Gurion University, have developed a tool for performing surgery that uses concentrated sunlight. The new device seems to be as effective as the conventional laser “scalpel”, at least in experimental conditions, but it looks to be a far less expensive tool.
Dr. Gordon was cautious, and told Reuters, “This is only for sunny climates and even then for clear sky periods. I do not wish to project the impression that we're offering some universally applicable solution.” However, Nature magazine saw the new tool as a possible candidate to replace conventional laser surgery in the future.
Dr. Feuermann told Globes newspaper, “If a commercial entity is interested in applying it, I estimate a device could be marketed within a year or two. As for cost, the prototype cost $7,500 to build. Commercial production would probably lower that.” In light of the fact that traditional medical lasers can cost up to $150,000 apiece, the “sunlight laser” would clearly be an attractive alternative for hospitals that are located in areas to take advantage of the technology.
Perhaps since the device, once perfected, would greatly benefit cash-poor, but sunlight-rich countries, Ben-Gurion University has decided not to patent it. The know-how to build it is currently freely available.
As of now, the “laser” has been successfully tested on animal subjects. But further clinical tests are planned.
Dr. Gordon was cautious, and told Reuters, “This is only for sunny climates and even then for clear sky periods. I do not wish to project the impression that we're offering some universally applicable solution.” However, Nature magazine saw the new tool as a possible candidate to replace conventional laser surgery in the future.
Dr. Feuermann told Globes newspaper, “If a commercial entity is interested in applying it, I estimate a device could be marketed within a year or two. As for cost, the prototype cost $7,500 to build. Commercial production would probably lower that.” In light of the fact that traditional medical lasers can cost up to $150,000 apiece, the “sunlight laser” would clearly be an attractive alternative for hospitals that are located in areas to take advantage of the technology.
Perhaps since the device, once perfected, would greatly benefit cash-poor, but sunlight-rich countries, Ben-Gurion University has decided not to patent it. The know-how to build it is currently freely available.
As of now, the “laser” has been successfully tested on animal subjects. But further clinical tests are planned.