MADE IN THE USA
Airway-focused clinicians will have an opportunity to explore both ablative and non-ablative CO2 laser techniques during Breathe & Thrive Laser Day, taking place Thursday, April 22, 2027, as part of Airway Palooza – Breathe & Thrive Symposium 2027 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The five-hour LightScalpel workshop will combine focused classroom education with guided surgical simulation labs covering frenectomy, non-ablative soft palate procedures, laser-tissue interaction, and laser safety, and will highlight how these techniques can be incorporated into clinical practice.
The program is limited to 40 participants and provides 5 CEUs.
From Laser Principles to Practical Techniques
Breathe & Thrive Laser Day is designed to connect the science of CO2 laser surgery with techniques clinicians can apply to airway-focused procedures.
The program begins with approximately one hour of lecture examining the differences between ablative and non-ablative CO2 laser applications.
Attendees will explore how wavelength, laser settings, delivery technique, and tissue interaction influence incision depth, coagulation, hemostasis, and thermal effects within surgical margins.
The course will also address the differences between surgical lasers and hot-tip, non-laser devices and provide practical guidance for selecting settings and techniques appropriate for various soft-tissue applications.
CO2 Laser Frenectomy
Frenectomy will be one of the primary clinical areas covered during Laser Day.
Participants will review and practice techniques applicable to tongue-, lip-, and buccal-ties, with an emphasis on understanding how laser settings and technique affect tissue interaction during soft-tissue surgery.
A dedicated frenectomy simulation lab will enable participants to apply concepts from the lecture through guided practical exercises.
Non-Ablative Soft Palate Techniques
The workshop will also introduce non-ablative CO2 laser techniques for the soft palate.
Rather than removing tissue, these techniques are designed to promote collagen remodeling and tissue tightening. In appropriately selected patients, this approach may help reduce soft palate vibration associated with snoring.
Participants will review the histology and principles behind non-ablative tissue remodeling before practicing the technique during a dedicated simulation lab.
Three Hours of Guided Surgical Simulation
Following the lecture, participants will move into approximately three hours of guided participation labs using tissue samples and a pig jaw.
The labs will include practice with:
- Laser safety and equipment handling
- Superficial tissue ablation
- Shallow and deep incisions
- Coagulation and hemostasis
- Frenectomy techniques
- Common laser dentistry techniques
- Non-ablative soft palate techniques
- Surgical technique simulations
The goal is to help clinicians see how changes in settings, technique, and tissue interaction translate into observable clinical effects.
Led by Laser Physicist Peter Vitruk, PhD, MInstP
Breathe & Thrive Laser Day will be led by Peter Vitruk, PhD, MInstP, laser physicist and founder of the LightScalpel wet-lab curriculum developed with the American Laser Study Club.
The Laser Surgery and Safety Basic Knowledge Certification Curriculum used during the workshop was developed by the American Laser Study Club and covers fundamental principles of surgical laser physics, soft-tissue ablation and coagulation, laser safety, and clinical technique.
Finish the Day With a Panel Discussion
Following the simulation labs, participants will gather for the Laser Day Happy Hour and Panel Discussion from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.
The session provides an opportunity to ask questions, discuss clinical considerations, and connect what was demonstrated in the laboratory with everyday practice.
Breathe & Thrive Laser Day Details
Date: Thursday, April 22, 2027
Time: 1:00-6:00 PM
Location: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Continuing Education: 5 CEUs
Instructor: Peter Vitruk, PhD, MInstP
Tuition: $395
Class Size: Limited to 40 participants
Advance registration is required for the wet-lab program.
Part of Airway Palooza – Breathe & Thrive 2027
Breathe & Thrive Laser Day takes place on the opening day of Airway Palooza – Breathe & Thrive Symposium 2027, held April 22-25, 2027, in Fort Lauderdale.
The larger symposium brings together clinicians from across the airway community for education, clinical discussion, case-based learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
