AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

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Prepare for the AST Surgical Technologist Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions; each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready to succeed!

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Which thermal method of hemostasis utilizes intense, focused light?

Electrocautery
Laser
Diathermy
Cryotherapy

The correct answer is: Laser

The correct choice emphasizes the use of intense, focused light for achieving hemostasis. Laser technology utilizes focused beams of light to produce heat, which can coagulate tissue and seal blood vessels, effectively controlling bleeding. This method allows precision and minimizes damage to surrounding tissues, making it an advantageous option in surgical procedures where meticulous control of bleeding is crucial. In contrast, electrocautery involves the use of an electrically heated element to cut or coagulate tissue but does not rely on focused light. Diathermy utilizes high-frequency electrical currents to generate heat within tissues, and while effective, it operates through a different mechanism than lasers. Cryotherapy employs extremely low temperatures to destroy tissue, primarily used for different indications rather than for direct thermal hemostasis. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why laser is the optimal answer in this context.