Numerical Analysis of the Wavelength Dependence in Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Using a Finite Element Method

Purpose: The aim of this study was to do numerical analysis of the wavelength dependence in low level laser therapy (LLLT) using a finite element method (FEM). Methods: Numerical analysis of heat transfer based on a Pennes' bioheat equation was performed to assess the wavelength dependence of effects of LLLT in a single layer and in multilayered tissue that consists of skin, fat and muscle. The three different wavelengths selected, 660 nm, 830 nm and 980 nm, were ones that are frequently used in clinic settings for the therapy of musculoskeletal disorders. Laser parameters were set to the power density of 35.7 W/$cm^2$, a spot diameter of 0.06 cm, and a laser exposure time of 50 seconds for all wavelengths. Results: Temperature changes in tissue based on a heat transfer equation using a finite element method were simulated and were dominantly dependent upon the absorption coefficient of each tissue layer. In the analysis of a single tissue layer, heat generation by fixed laser exposure at each wavelength had a similar pattern for increasing temperature in both skin and fat (980 nm > 660 nm > 830 nm), but in the muscle layer 660nm generated the most heat (660 nm ${\gg}$ 980 nm > 830 nm). The heat generation in multilayered tissue versus penetration depth was shown that the temperature of 660 nm wavelength was higher than those of 830 nm and 980 nm Conclusion: Numerical analysis of heat transfer versus penetration depth using a finite element method showed that the greatest amount of heat generation is seen in multilayered tissue at = 660 nm. Numerical analysis of heat transfer may help lend insight into thermal events occurring inside tissue layers during low level laser therapy.