Continuous-wave Thulium Laser for Heating Cultured Cells to Investigate Cellular Thermal Effects.

An original method to heat cultured cells using a 1.94 µm continuous-wave thulium laser for biological assessment is introduced here. Thulium laser radiation is strongly absorbed by water, and the cells at the bottom of the culture dish are heated through thermal diffusion. A laser fiber with a diameter of 365 µm is set about 12 cm above the culture dish, without any optics, such that the laser beam diameter is almost equivalent to the inner diameter of the culture dish (30 mm). By keeping a consistent amount of culture medium in each experiment, it is possible to irradiate the cells with a highly reproducible temperature increase. To calibrate the temperature increase and its distribution in one cell culture dish for each power setting, the temperature was measured during 10 s of irradiation at different positions and at the cellular level. The temperature distribution was represented using a mathematical graphics software program, and its pattern across the culture dish was in Gaussian form. After laser irradiation, different biological experiments could be performed to assess temperature-dependent cell responses. In this manuscript, viability staining (i.e., distinguishing live, apoptotic, and dead cells) is introduced to help determine the threshold temperatures for cell apoptosis and death after different points in time. The advantages of this method are the preciseness of the temperature and the time of heating, as well as its high efficiency in heating cells in a whole cell culture dish. Furthermore, it allows for study with a wide variety of temperatures and time durations, which can be well-controlled by a computerized operating system.

A new technique for treatment of tracheal stenosis.

We show the use of a new endoscopic drill for the management of web-like tracheal stenosis. Our device creates radial holes within stenosis that facilitate the use of scissors for cutting the scar tissue and the subsequent mechanical dilatation.

Comparación entre facoemulsificación asistida con femtoláser y facoemulsificación convencional: resultados visuales y complicaciones / Comparison between femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification and conventional emulsification: visual results and complications

La aplicación del femtoláser en la cirugía de catarata podría ser una de las grandes revoluciones contemporáneas ocurridas en el campo del tratamiento de la catarata. Si el uso de esta tecnología provocara una eficacia y seguridad muy superiores sobre la facoemulsificación convencional, justificaría el alto costo que genera para la cirugía de catarata en la actualidad. En revisiones de estudios comparativos no se han encontrado diferencias significativas entre los resultados visuales de ambos procedimientos al final del período de seguimiento posoperatorio. Una mejor circularidad de la capsulorrexis, unido a disminución en la emisión de energía ultrasónica y del tiempo efectivo de faco, son atribuidos como las grandes ventajas del uso del femtoláser en la facoemulsificación. Sin embargo, en cuanto a la pérdida de células endoteliales, el edema corneal posoperatorio y el edema macular posquirúrgico no se han registrado grandes diferencias entre ambas técnicas quirúrgicas, mientras que el costo de la cirugía se incrementa considerablemente con la utilización del femtoláser. Por tanto, se necesitan estudios de gran tamaño de muestra bien diseñados que proporcionen evidencias más fiables respecto al uso del femtoláser en la cirugía de catarata actual(AU)

The application of femtoláser in cataract surgery could be one of the great contemporary revolutions occurred in the field of treatment of cataract. If the use of this technology would cause a very superior efficacy and safety over conventional phacoemulsification, it justifies the high cost it generates for cataract surgery today. In reviews of comparative studies we have not found significant differences between the visual results of both procedures at the end of the period of postoperative follow-up. Better circularity of the capsulorhexis, coupled with decrease in the emission of ultrasonic energy and effective phacoemulsification time, are attributed as the major advantages of using femtoláser in phacoemulsification. However in terms of endothelial cell loss, postoperative corneal edema and macular edema after surgery they have not been recorded big differences between the two surgical techniques, while the cost of surgery is considerably increased with the use of femtoláser. Therefore studies of large sample size, well-designed to provide more reliable evidence regarding the use of femtoláser in current cataract surgery are needed(AU)

Endoscopic hand drill for management of tracheal stenosis.

We propose the use of a new endoscopic drill for management of web-like tracheal stenosis. Our device allows creating radial holes within stenosis that facilitates the use of the scissors for cutting the  scar and the subsequent mechanical dilatation.

Vantagens da frenectomia labial por laser de diodo de alta intensidade / Advantages of lip frenectomy with high-intensity diode laser ­ a case report

Existem condições clínicas em Periodontia na qual o freio labial está posicionado de forma penetrante nas papilas gengivais, ficando muito próximo à margem gengival, podendo predispor ao desenvolvimento de recessões gengivais. Também pode ocorrer dificuldade de higienização, infl amação persistente, restrição no movimento labial, interferência fonética e agravos estéticos, além de dificultar o fechamento de diastemas. Muitas vezes, é indicada a remoção cirúrgica de freios labiais utilizando lâminas de bisturi e, mais recentemente, o laser de alta intensidade. O laser, ao ser absorvido pelos tecidos, gera a vaporização e sublimação, resultando em corte e exérese, além de atuar como auxiliar na cicatrização, provavelmente através da bioestimulação. Seu meio ativo promove a vaporização completa e a coagulação nos tecidos, sem gerar propagação do aquecimento. Há maior controle da hemorragia transoperatória, resultando em um procedimento cirúrgico limpo, frequentemente dispensando suturas, facilitando a visibilidade, execução e remoção do freio labial. O objetivo deste trabalho foi demonstrar as vantagens do laser cirúrgico de alta intensidade (Nd:YAG; 808 nm; 1,2 W; 20 pps; 126 J) a partir de um relato de caso clínico de frenectomia realizada em uma paciente do sexo feminino, com 34 anos de idade, que apresenta freio labial persistente associado a diastema interincisal superior. O procedimento cirúrgico com laser de alta intensidade em tecidos moles apresentou algumas vantagens, como a redução do tempo cirúrgico, de morbidade e sintomatologia pós-operatórias.

There are clinical conditions in periodontics where the labia frenulum is deeply positioned into the gingival papillae getting very close to the gingival margins, predisposing the development of recessions, causing difficulties for cleaning, with persistent infl ammation, lip movement restrictions, phonetic interference, esthetic alteration, besides preventing diastema closure. Oftentimes, removal with a surgical blade or high-intensity lasers is recommended. The laser is absorbed by the tissues generating vaporization and sublimation which results in cutting and excision, and increased improved healing possibly due to its bio-stimulatory effect. Its active medium promotes complete tissue vaporization and coagulation, without heat propagation, control of the intraoperative bleeding and a clean surgery that often does not require sutures. This facilitates visibility, execution and removal of the labial frenulum. The aim of this paper was to demonstrate the surgical benefi ts of the high-intensity laser (Nd:YAG; 808 nm; 1.2 W; 20 pps; 126 J) in a case report of frenectomy for a 34 years-old female patient presenting persistent inter-incisal diastema associated with an atypical labial frenulum. The soft tissue laser therapy has the advantage of reduced clinical time and still not promoting edema, with minimal postoperative pain and side effects.

A influência do laser de baixa intensidade na osseointegração de implantes de titânio ­ revisão sistemática / The influence of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the osseointegration of titanium implants ­ a systematic review

Objetivo: fazer uma revisão da literatura sobre o laser de baixa intensidade (LLLT) e seus efeitos na osseointegração dos implantes de titânio. Material e métodos: uma busca eletrônica foi realizada nos bancos de dados PubMed/Medline e Cochrane Library, entre 1995 e 2015, limitando-se aos artigos em inglês e usando as seguintes palavras-chave: "LLLT", "dental implant" e "osseointegration", combinadas por operadores booleanos. Resultados: das 96 referências analisadas inicialmente, apenas 17 artigos foram incluídos (15 estudos em animais, dois estudos em humanos). Quinze artigos mostraram efeitos positivos da LLLT, enquanto dois foram neutros. Houve grande variabilidade no uso da LLLT, sobretudo no que se refere à dose utilizada, ao número de sessões, à energia de irradiação, e ao comprimento de onda. Conclusão: mais pesquisas sobre este tema são necessárias, utilizando doses padronizadas, assim como comprimento de onda e protocolos de aplicação pré-definidos.

Objective: to perform a systematic review on low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and its effects on the osseointegration of titanium implants. Material and methods: an electronic search was on the PubMed/Medline database and Cochrane Library between 1995 e 2015, restricted to the English literature and using the keywords: "LLLT", "dental implant", and "osseointegration" combined by Boolean operators. Results: from the 96 initially retrieved references, only 17 articles were included (15 animal studies, 2 human studies). Fifteen articles showed positive effects, while only two demonstrated neutral effects of LLLT. A great variability was found on LLLT regarding doses, number of sessions, energy, and wavelengths used. Conclusion: further research on this topic need to be made using standard doses, wavelengths, and pre-defi ned application protocols.

Comparison of intra-ocular pressure changes with liquid or flat applanation interfaces in a femtosecond laser platform.

Cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure and femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) has gained increased popularity. FLACS requires the application of a suction device to stabilize the laser head and focus the laser beam accurately. This may cause a significant escalation in intra-ocular pressure (IOP), which poses potential risks for patients undergoing cataract surgery. In this study we aimed to assess the effect of the Ziemer LDV Z8 femtosecond cataract machine on IOP. We demonstrated through a porcine model that IOP was significantly higher with a flat interface but could be abrogated by reducing surgical compression and vacuum. Pressure was lower with a liquid interface, and further altering angulation of the laser arm could reduce the IOP to 36 mmHg. A pilot series in patients showed comparable pressure rises with the porcine model (30 mmHg). These strategies may improve the safety profile in patients vulnerable to high pressure when employing FLACS with the Ziemer LDV Z8.

The return of the jedi: comparison of the outcomes of endolaser dacryocystorhinostomy and endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy.

BACKGROUND: External dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is considered to be the gold standard treatment of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. A better understanding of the endoscopic anatomy of the lacrimal sac has increased the success rate of endonasal DCR. Laser DCR has become popular in recent years and has a success rate comparable with those of other endonasal techniques. The aim of this study was to compare the surgical results of endonasal DCR (EDCR) and endonasal laser DCR (ELDCR). METHODS: Fifty-four patients treated with ELDCR and 42 patients treated with EDCR for nasolacrimal duct obstruction from 2009 to 2012 with at least 1.5 years of follow-up were retrospectively enrolled in this comparative study. Lack of patient complaints and irrigation testing were used as subjective and objective assessment tools, respectively. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of age and sex. ELDCR had a success rate of 85.2%, and EDCR had a success rate of 92.9%. The difference between the 2 procedures was not statistically significant. ELDCR had a significantly shorter operative time than did EDCR (16.9 vs 24.4 minutes, respectively; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Endonasal procedures have the advantage of no scar formation and do not disturb the pumping mechanism of the lacrimal sac. Their success rates are comparable with those of external DCR. Surgery is quicker, and with use of a laser, even less time is spent in the operating room. In selected cases, ELDCR can be a good alternative method with a high success rate.

Protective mechanisms of adenosine 5'-monophosphate in platelet activation and thrombus formation.

Platelet activation is relevant to a variety of acute thrombotic events. We sought to examine adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) mechanisms of action in preventing platelet activation, thrombus formation and platelet-related inflammatory response. We assessed the effect of AMP on 1) P-selectin expression and GPIIb/IIIa activation by flow cytometry; 2) Platelet aggregation and ATP secretion induced by ADP, collagen, TRAP-6, convulxin and thrombin; 3) Platelet rolling and firm adhesion, and platelet-leukocyte interactions under flow-controlled conditions; and, 4) Platelet cAMP levels, sP-selectin, sCD40L, IL-1ß, TGF-ß1 and CCL5 release, PDE3A activity and PKA phosphorylation. The effect of AMP on in vivo thrombus formation was also evaluated in a murine model. The AMP docking with respect to A2 adenosine receptor was determined by homology. AMP concentration-dependently (0.1 to 3 mmol/l) inhibited P-selectin expression and GPIIb/IIIa activation, platelet secretion and aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, TRAP-6 and convulxin, and diminished platelet rolling and firm adhesion. Furthermore, AMP induced a marked increase in the rolling speed of leukocytes retained on the platelet surface. At these concentrations AMP significantly decreased inflammatory mediator from platelet, increased intraplatelet cAMP levels and inhibited PDE3A activity. Interestingly, SQ22536, ZM241385 and SCH58261 attenuated the antiplatelet effect of AMP. Docking experiments revealed that AMP had the same orientation that adenosine inside the A2 adenosine receptor binding pocket. These in vitro antithrombotic properties were further supported in an in vivo model of thrombosis. Considering the successful use of combined antiplatelet therapy, AMP may be further developed as a novel antiplatelet agent.

Usage of GreenLight HPS 180-W laser vaporisation for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Laser therapy has gained increasing acceptance as a relatively less invasive treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). From the early procedure of interstitial laser coagulation through to the use of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, there has been an expanding body of evidence on the efficacy of such procedures. One of the newer lasers is the Green Light HPS 180 W laser. Studies with this GreenLight laser (GLL) (American Medical Systems, Inc, Minnetonka, MN, USA) showing results as good as those of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). In this paper, the efficacy of the new GLL 180-W versus the gold standard TURP in patients with LUTS due to BPH was tested in a prospective clinical trial. OBJECTIVE: To compare results of Green light laser (GLL) evaporisation of the prostatae and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for treatment of BPH. MATERIJALS AND METHODS: A total of 62 patients with BPH were randomly assigned to two equal groups: TURP or GLL. RESULTS: Both groups were compared regarding all relevant preoperative, operative, and postoperative parameters. Functional results in terms of improvement of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual (PVR) urine were assessed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 mo. A total of 62 patients completed 12 mo of follow-up in the TURP and GLL groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics were comparable. Mean operative time was significantly shorter for TURP. Compared to preoperative values, there was significant reduction in hemoglobin levels at the end of TURP only. A significant difference in favor of GLL was achieved regarding the duration of catheterization and hospital stay. In the GLL, no major intraoperative complications were recorded and none of the patients required blood transfusion. Among TURP patients, 6 required transfusion, 1 developed TUR syndrome, and capsule perforation was observed in 5 patients. There was dramatic improvement in Qmax, IPSS, and GLL compared with preoperative values and the degree of improvement was comparable in both groups at all time points of follow-up. Four TURP patients and one GLL patients developed bladder neck contracture treated by bladder neck incision; none in either group experienced urethral stricture or urinary incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to transurethral resection of the prostate, GreenLight HPS 180-W laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate is safe and effective in the treatment of patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

In situ imaging of honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom components from aqueous and aluminum hydroxide-adsorbed venom immunotherapy preparations.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with aqueous and aluminum hydroxide (Al[OH](3))-adsorbed purified honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom (HBV) preparations can reduce the incidence of side effects associated with venom immunotherapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess these purified HBV immunotherapy preparations in situ. METHODS: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) was used to visualize the distribution of HBV components. The preparations were administered on the back legs of naive Wistar rats. The rats were killed, and cryosectioned tissue sections were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining and MALDI-MSI analyses. RESULTS: Low-density maps of tissue distribution of HBV peptides, such as secapin, mast cell degranulating peptide, and melittin (Api m 4) were detected in the tissue after administration of HBV immunotherapy preparations. In addition, release of biogenic amines, cytokines, and leukotrienes was observed, and the distribution of HBV allergens, such as Api m 1 and Api m 2, was shown. At the 24-hour time point, the major HBV allergen Api m 1 was still detected at the site of Al(OH)(3)-adsorbed HVB injection, whereas in the case of aqueous HBV preparation, all the allergens, as well as most of the biogenic amines, were cleared at the 24-hour time point. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that the majority of low-molecular-weight HBV components are rapidly removed from the site of venom immunotherapy administration. Furthermore, Al(OH)(3)-adsorbed HBV preparation demonstrated a depot effect, prolonging the availability of bee venom allergens at the site of administration.

[Laser information technologies in oncosurgery].

The introduction of laser information technologies to medical practice has improved the results of reconstructive and plastic operations in oncology thanks to a possibility to plan the surgery beforehand. Sixty-eight patients were operated on at Gertsen Moscow Research Oncology Institute between 2001 and 2006; 99 stereolithographic models were used to plan different stages of the surgical intervention. The tasks fulfilled with an individual stereolithographic model, may be relatively divided into three groups: 1) planning the resection stage; 2) planning the reconstructive surgery; 3) assessing the necessity to correct the complex autograft after the reconstructive surgery. The use of laser stereolithographic modelling in surgical treatment of patients with locally advanced malignancies made it possible to complete the reconstructive operation successfully in 98.4% of the patients, and rehabilitate functionally 88.6% of the patients.

A survey of investigations used for the management of glaucoma in hospital service in the United Kingdom.

AIMS: This study surveys the current use of investigations for the management of glaucoma in hospital practice by UK ophthalmologists. METHODS: A total of 1007 questionnaires were posted to all active NHS consultant ophthalmologists. They were asked to indicate the type of hospital (whether university (UTH) or general (DGH) hospital), glaucoma specialist status, and availability and use of automated perimetry, disc photography, HRT, GDx, OCT, and pachymetry. RESULTS: A total of 493 completed questionnaires were received and 469 were analysed: 284 (60.6%) DGH, 185 (39.4%) UTH, 144 (30.7%) glaucoma specialists. There was good availability of automated perimetry (467, 99.6%), disc photography (420, 89.6%), pachymetry (374, 79.7%), OCT (212, 45.2%), HRT (206, 43.9%), and GDx (59, 12.6%). A total of 308 (65.7%) consultants had at least one digital imaging instrument available. The majority of consultants used SAP (347, 74.0%) and SITA-fast (282, 60.1%) for glaucoma suspects, and for monitoring glaucoma (283, 60.3% and 197, 42.0%, respectively). Some used Esterman (155, 33.0%) and Goldmann fields (90, 19.2%) in addition to SAP and SITA-fast for glaucoma suspects. Few consultants used short-wavelength automated perimetry and frequency-doubled perimetry. Of the three imaging tests, HRT was the most commonly used investigation for disc asymmetry, early glaucoma, glaucomatous progression, ocular hypertension, normal tension glaucoma, and unreliable visual fields (P<0.0001). Where pachymeters were available, 333 (89.0%) consultants and 117 (98.3%) glaucoma specialists used pachymetry in glaucoma management. CONCLUSIONS: There was some variation in the use of investigations for the diagnosis and management of glaucoma, reflecting the range of techniques available. SAP, SITA-fast, and pachymetry were the most commonly utilised investigations followed by HRT. Glaucoma specialist status, type of hospital, and presence of research influenced the availability and use of all investigations, except visual fields.

Practice management.

Laser treatment is now state-of-the-art in many disciplines of dentistry and is rapidly being recognized as the standard of care for many procedures. Seamless, efficient, and successful integration of lasers into a dental practice takes time and effort on the part of the dentist. Restructuring of fee schedules to reflect superior laser-based care and an internal and external marketing plan are essential for the dentist to recoup his or her investment in this new technology. Training the staff in laser technology and becoming familiar with new reimbursement codes (for medical and dental insurance) may become necessary. The mission statement and practice philosophy of providing superior care with less discomfort now can be realized with the integration of lasers into a dental practice.

Chromosomes are target sites for photodynamic therapy as demonstrated by subcellular laser microirradiation.

The present investigation has been undertaken to examine the possibility that the cell nucleus, and specifically the genetic material, is a target site for photodynamic therapy. PTK2 and Hep-2 cells are pretreated with a medium containing 15 microg/ml (0.09 mM) 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Individual fluorescence images are recorded for each selected cell using a cooled charge-coupled device (CCD). A laser microbeam system generating 630 nm is used for subcellular-region irradiation of specific targets: chromosomes, the mitotic spindle, the perispindle region and the peripheral cytoplasm. Nuclei of interphase cells are also irradiated. Data comparing the sensitivities of the different subcellular microirradiation sites in ALA-treated mitotic cells demonstrate that under the irradiation conditions used, the chromosome is the most sensitive subcellular target followed by the perispindle region, the peripheral cytoplasm and spindle, and, lastly, the interphase nucleus.

Imaging superficial tissues with polarized light.

OBJECTIVE: Polarized light can be used to obtain images of superficial tissue layers such as skin, and some example images are presented. This study presents a study of the transition of linearly polarized light into randomly polarized light during light propagation through tissues. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The transition of polarization was studied in polystyrene microsphere solutions, in chicken muscle (breast) and liver, and in porcine muscle and skin. The transition is discussed in terms of a diffusion process characterized by an angular diffusivity (radians(2)/mean free path) for the change in angular orientation of linearly polarized light per unit optical path traveled by the light. RESULTS: Microsphere diffusivity increased from 0.031 to 0.800 for diameters decreasing from 6.04 microm to 0.306 microm, respectively. Tissue diffusivity varied from a very low value (0.0004) for chicken liver to an intermediate value (0.055) for chicken and porcine muscle to a very high value (0.78) for pig skin. CONCLUSION: The results are consistent with the hypothesis that birefringent tissues randomize linearly polarized light more rapidly than nonbirefringent tissues. The results suggest that polarized light imaging of skin yields images based only on photons backscattered from the superficial epidermal and initial papillary dermis because the birefringent dermal collagen rapidly randomizes polarized light. This anatomic region of the skin is where cancer commonly arises.