Laser Therapy and Occlusal Stabilization Splint for Temporomandibular Disorders in Patients With Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Randomized, Clinical Trial.

Context • Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) report frequent and severe symptoms from temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The appropriate treatment of TMDs remains controversial. No studies have occurred on the efficacy of therapy with a laser or an occlusal stabilization splint in the treatment of TMDs in patients with FMS. Objective • The study intended to investigate the therapeutic effects of laser therapy and of an occlusal stabilization splint for reducing pain and dysfunction and improving the quality of sleep in patients with TMDs and FMS. Design • The research team designed a single-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Setting • The study took place in the research laboratory at the University of Granada (Granada, Spain). Participants • Participants were 58 women and men who had been diagnosed with FMS and TMDs and who were referred from the clinical setting. Intervention • Participants were randomly assigned to the occlusal-splint or the laser group. The laser group received a treatment protocol in which laser therapy was applied to the participant's tender points, and the occlusal-splint group underwent a treatment protocol in which an occlusal stabilization splint was used. Both groups underwent treatment for 12 wk. Outcomes Measures • Pain intensity, widespread pain, quality of sleep, severity of symptoms, active and passive mouth opening, and joint sounds were assessed in both groups at baseline and after the last intervention. The measurements used were (1) a visual analogue scale (VAS), (2) the Widespread Pain Index (WPI), (3) the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), (4) the Patient's Global Impression of Change (PGIC), (5) the Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Questionnaire Index (PSQI), (6) an assessment of the number of tender points, (7) a measurement of the active mouth opening, (8) a measurement of the vertical overlap of the incisors, and (9) the measurement of joint sounds during mouth opening and closing. Results • The group X time interaction for the 2 × 2 mixed analysis of variance found no statistically significant differences between the 2 treatment groups: (1) VAS, P = .591; (2) WPI, P = .112; (3) SSS, P = .227; (4) PGIC, P = .329; (5) number of tender points, P = .107; (6) right and left clicking sounds in the jaw joint during palpation at mouth opening, P = .723 and P = .121, respectively; and (7) right and left clicking sounds in the jaw joint during palpation at mouth closing, P = .743 and P = .698, respectively. Compared with baseline, the laser treatment showed significant improvements on several outcomes, including the VAS, P < .001; WPI, P = .003; and SSS, P = .001. Overall, the study found an average improvement in symptoms from baseline of 21% , P < .001, based on the PGIC. Conclusions • Laser therapy or an occlusal stabilization splint can be an alternative therapeutic treatment for reducing pain symptoms and the clicking sound for TMDs in patients with FMS.

[The application of KTP laser in otolaryngology - 3 years experience]. / Zastosowanie lasera KTP w otolaryngologii - 3 lata doswiadczen

INTRODUCTION: The KTP laser is popularly called the green laser is a type of Nd: YAG laser zawdzieczajacy its name from the additional element of KTP crystal which is a wavelength of 532 nm. AIM: The aim of this paper is to present our 3-year experience in the application of KTP laser in otolaryngology. MATERIAL: In the Department of Otolaryngology, CSK MON Military Medical Institute in Warsaw from 2008, performed 211 operations using the green laser. The study group was 89 women and 122 men aged 12 to 94 years (mean age 53.2 years). METHODS: The surgery was performed 15-watt KTP Aura laser. All guestrooms are fibers with a diameter of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mm, and guides for inserting the fiber ends are not. Results: In 3-year period have made a 211 KTP laser surgery including the nasal cavity, mouth, larynx and trachea, and the outer ear. In the procedure adopted one day 76 people, and at least 111 patients stayed in hospital for 4 days. RESULTS: In our material patients after UPPP tonsillectomy and operations, in addition to a negligible bleeding during surgery, rarely also had late bleeding (5%). In our clinic konchoplastyki performed based on the so-called. technique of "cross-hatching". The laryngeal endoscopic surgery is used micromanipulator, if we are to remove a large tumor of the larynx much better to use the guide laryngeal. CONCLUSIONS: The KTP laser is an important tool in the operational procedures in otolaryngology in large part due to the high activity and its complexity hemostatycznemu assistant. Become familiar with the operation of the laser and improvement of surgical techniques allows patients to propose a modern surgical procedures. Improves the possibility of radical treatment of tumors of the larynx endoscopic method.

Bone treatment laser-navigated surgery.

A new concept was developed based on the experience gained in dental rehabilitation with implantation in the oral maxillofacial region. Despite the use of cooling systems, mechanically rotating instruments may damage the surrounding tissue due to the frictional heat generated. An alternative approach for bone removal is laser application. A preoperative plan was prepared. Laser ablation was performed in accordance with the data set on bovine bone using a navigation system. This new concept allows precise bone removal and adjustment of the laser power according to the preoperative plan. The power of the laser automatically decreases as it approaches the border of the planned cavity or important anatomical structures. The advantage of this approach is precise and safe bone removal without damaging the bone by frictional heat.

Effect of AcrySof versus silicone or polymethyl methacrylate intraocular lens on posterior capsule opacification.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of AcrySof intraocular lenses (IOLs) on the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) compared with silicone or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) IOLs for patients with senile cataracts. DESIGN: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). PARTICIPANTS: Patient data from previously reported RCTs. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration methodology to identify RCTs comparing AcrySof with silicone or PMMA IOLs in patients with senile cataract. A meta-analysis was performed on the results of RCTs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Posterior capsule opacification score, neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy rate, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.5 or better after cataract surgery. RESULTS: In total, 10 RCTs involving 1202 eyes with senile cataract were included in this meta-analysis. The results suggested that AcrySof had lower PCO scores than round-edged silicone IOLs (standard mean difference [SMD], -0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.42 to -0.08; P = 0.003) and a somewhat higher PCO score than sharp-edged silicone IOLs (SMD, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.29-0.68; P<0.00001). AcrySof had a lower Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate than round-edged silicone IOLs (odds ratio [OR], 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14-0.62; P = 0.001) and did not differ from sharp-edged IOLs (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 0.23-13.13; P = 0.60). AcrySof had a lower PCO score (SMD, -1.07; 95% CI, -1.29 to -0.85; P<0.00001) and a lower Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.04-0.20; P<0.00001) than round-edged PMMA IOLs. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in BCVA between AcrySof and round-edged silicone IOLs (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 0.66-7.82; P = 0.19) or PMMA IOLs (OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 0.78-13.16; P = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: AcrySof and sharp-edged silicone IOLs are similarly effective in inhibition of PCO after cataract surgery. In patients implanted with the AcrySof lens, significantly less PCO developed than in those who had round-edged silicone or PMMA IOLs. The results of this meta-analysis support the theory that a major factor in preventing PCO development is a sharp-edged IOL design.

Efficacy of different intraocular lens materials and optic edge designs in preventing posterior capsular opacification: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of different intraocular lens (IOL) materials and optic edge designs in preventing posterior capsular opacification (PCO). DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Pertinent studies were selected through an electronic search of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Embase. The randomized controlled trials meeting the predefined criteria were reviewed systematically by meta-analysis. The treatment effects were measured as risk difference, and the pooled estimates were computed according to a random effect model. RESULTS: In total, 23 randomized controlled trials were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled risk differences of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates were -24% (95% confidence interval [CI], -29% to -20%) comparing acrylic with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) lenses; -9% (95% CI, -17% to -1%) comparing silicone with PMMA lenses; 14% (95% CI, -8% to 36%) comparing hydrogel with PMMA lenses; 4% (95% CI, -2% to 10%) comparing silicone with acrylic lenses; 19% (95% CI, 8% to 30%) comparing hydrogel with acrylic lenses; and 28% (95% CI, 10% to 46%) comparing hydrogel with silicone lenses. The pooled risk differences of PCO rates were -39% (95% CI, -47% to -31%) comparing acrylic with PMMA lenses; -14% (95% CI, -29% to 0%) comparing silicone with acrylic lenses; 56% (95% CI, 36% to 75%) comparing hydrogel with acrylic lenses; and 48% (95% CI, 31% to 64%) comparing hydrogel with silicone lenses. When comparing sharp with rounded-edge designs, pooled risk differences of capsulotomy rates were -47% (95% CI, -77% to -17%) in PMMA lenses, -22% (95% CI, -47% to 2%) in acrylic lenses, and -9% (95% CI, -17% to 0%) in silicone lenses; pooled risk differences of PCO rates were -28% (95% CI, -50% to -7%) in acrylic lenses and -37% (95% CI, -46% to -27%) in silicone lenses. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of PCO and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy may be influenced by different IOL biomaterials and optic edge designs. The lenses made by acrylic and silicone and those with sharp optic edges are superior in lowering the rates of PCO and laser capsulotomy.

Fellow-eye comparison of posterior capsule opacification rates after implantation of 1CU accommodating and AcrySof MA30 monofocal intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To measure posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy rates between the AcrySof MA30 intraocular lens (IOL) (Alcon) and the 1CU IOL (HumanOptics) in a fellow-eye comparison. SETTING: Ophthalmology Department, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom. METHODS: Thirty patients who had bilateral cataract surgery with a 1CU IOL prospectively randomly allocated to 1 eye and an AcrySof MA30 monofocal IOL to the other eye were examined. Best corrected distance visual acuity was recorded using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study logMAR chart. Digital retroillumination images of the posterior capsule were taken with the pupil dilated and analyzed with POCO software. RESULTS: Eyes with the 1CU IOL had significantly higher PCO rates than eyes with the MA30 IOL at all time points. By 2 years after surgery, 50% of eyes with a 1CU IOL had required Nd:YAG capsulotomy compared with no eyes with an MA30 IOL. There was no significant difference in visual acuity at any time point when post Nd:YAG capsulotomy was taken in to account. CONCLUSIONS: The 1CU IOL has 4 broad optic-haptic junctions where the square-edged barrier is breached; this appeared to allow passage of lens epithelial cells, leading to an increase in PCO. However, the increased PCO cannot be attributed to this alone as the 1CU is hydrophilic, a factor known to be associated with higher PCO rates.

Effect of laser-assisted scaling and root planing on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid of patients with chronic periodontitis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the efficacy of laser-assisted (low level laser therapy [LLLT], high intensity laser therapy [HILT], or antimicrobial photodynamic therapy [aPDT]) scaling and root planing (SRP) compared with SRP alone on the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the gingival crevicular (GCF) of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). METHODS: In order to address the focused question: "What is the efficacy of SRP with and without laser and/or aPDT on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the GCF of patients with CP?" an electronic search without time or language restrictions was conducted up to and including February 2017 in indexed databases using various key words. RESULTS: Twenty-two randomized control trials were included in the present systematic review. Nine studies and six studies assessed the efficacy of LLLT and HILT, as adjunct to SRP, respectively. Seven studies assessed the efficacy of aPDT as adjunct to SRP on down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the GCF among patients with CP. The outcomes of the studies included based upon the reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were inconsistent. CONCLUSION: The role of laser-assisted SRP on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the GCF of patients with CP remains unclear. Further long term and well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed in this regard.

Effect of anterior capsule polishing on posterior capsule opacification and neodymium:YAG capsulotomy rates: three-year randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term effect of extensive polishing and nonpolishing of the anterior lens capsule on posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy rates. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: This prospective randomized bilateral double-masked study included 108 eyes of 54 consecutive patients with age-related cataract. Following phacoemulsification, 3-piece intraocular lenses (IOLs) with round-edged silicone optics were implanted. Patients received an Allergan SI-40 IOL with a truncated, round optic edge or a Domilens Silens6 IOL with a fully round optic edge. Patients were randomly assigned to have extensive anterior capsule polishing with the Menapace aspiration curette or no treatment in the first eye; the second eye received the opposite treatment. Digital retroillumination images were taken at 1 week, 1 year, and 3 years, and Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates were evaluated. Posterior capsule opacification was objectively scored using automated image analysis software (AQUA) or estimated based on clearly defined assumptions if a capsulotomy had been performed. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (78 eyes) concluded the study. Three-year PCO scores after polishing did not differ significantly (P>.05). However, 21 polished eyes (53.8%) required Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy compared with 14 nonpolished eyes (35.9%). The mismatch between PCO scores and Nd:YAG rates resulted from a change in PCO morphology that is not detected by scoring methods based on retroillumination photography but is visually disturbing to patients. CONCLUSIONS: Polishing the anterior capsule was effective in reducing fibrotic opacification but ineffective in reducing regeneratory opacification. Changes in regeneratory PCO morphology not picked up by retroillumination photography increased the need for Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy.

[Treatment of patients with breathing disturbances during sleep in the II ENT Department Silesian Medical University Zabrze]. / Wyniki leczenia chorych z zaburzeniami oddychania podczas snu w Klinice Laryngologii Slaskiej AM w Zabrzu.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome comprises preventive behavior, conservative methods (CPAP) and surgical treatment. In the diagnostics procedures the most important aim is to determinate whether the patient is an habitual snorer or OSA patient. Very important thing is also patient's qualification for proper mode of treatment. The aim of the surgical treatment is to remove all the reasons that obturate the upper airways and cause the increasing of respiratory air stream resistance. The most collapsible airway region during sleep is oropharynx involves the soft palate, uvula, tonsils, tonsillar pillars, base of the tongue and pharyngeal muscles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the study the results of surgical treatment of 138 patients suffer from breathing disturbances during sleep treated at the ENT Department Silesian Medical University in Zabrze in the years 1997 to 2002 were presented. In the evaluated group were 51 habitual snorer and 87 OSA patients. Various type of surgical procedures were performed depend on the airway obturation level (septoplasty, tonsillectomy, LAUP, arytenoidectomy). The postoperative control sleep studies were performed in 68 patients (49.3%) 6 to 12 weeks after the end of the surgical treatment. In all the patients the subjective improvement were evaluated. RESULTS: In 35 from 45 OSA patients (77.8%) RDI decreased after the surgical treatment more then 50% of the preoperative value or was lower then 10 (RDI lower then 10 was in 16 patients, in 19 patients decreased more than 50%). The subjective radical improvement was obtained in 107 patients (77.5%), moderate improvement in 19 cases (13.8%) and no improvement in 12 patients (8.7%). CONCLUSIONS: On the base of our results we concluded that surgery is successful method for treatment of selected patients with breathing disturbances during sleep.

Probability of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy after cataract surgery in Olmsted County, Minnesota.

PURPOSE: To estimate the cumulative probability of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy after cataract extraction in a geographically defined population. METHODS: Rochester Epidemiology Project databases were used to identify retrospectively all Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomies performed on Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents who had previously undergone cataract extraction between 1988 and 1996, inclusive. Demographic data and potential risk factors for laser, including age, sex, surgical technique, year of surgery, and intraocular lens material, were obtained by chart review or by retrieval from computer databases. The cumulative probability of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was calculated by Kaplan-Meier estimates, and risk factors were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: A total of 925 Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomies were identified after 3541 cataract extractions in 2718 patients. The cumulative probability of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy after cataract surgery was 6% (95% confidence interval = 5% to 7%) at 1 year, increasing to 38% (35% to 40%) at 9 years. Young age at the time of surgery (P =.02), polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lens material (P <.001), earlier year of surgery (P <.001), and extracapsular extraction (in comparison with phacoemulsification, P <.001) were found to increase significantly the risk of subsequent Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. Women tended to have a greater probability of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy (P =.17), but this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was common after cataract surgery but infrequent during the first postoperative year. Prolonged follow-up is necessary in investigations of the effects of new cataract surgery technologies on the probability of capsulotomy.

Neodymium:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy after implantation of AcrySof intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To report the incidence of neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy after phacoemulsification and implantation of AcrySof (Alcon) intraocular lenses (IOLs). SETTING: Private practice, Wolfe Clinic, Marshalltown, Iowa, USA. METHODS: A retrospective diagnosis and procedure code review of 12419 consecutive cases having phacoemulsification and AcrySof IOL implantation from January 1995 through December 2002 was performed. The outcome parameter was the incidence of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomies. RESULTS: An Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was performed in 763 (6.1%) of the 12419 cases. The incidence of posterior capsulotomy was approximately 1% at 1 year, increasing in linear fashion by approximately 1% to 2% per year. CONCLUSIONS: The Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rate after implantation of AcrySof IOLs was relatively low; the cumulative rate was approximately 1% to 2% new cases per year over a 7-year period, with a plateau suggested at year 6.

Posterior capsule opacification and neodymium: YAG capsulotomy rates with AcrySof acrylic and PhacoFlex II silicone intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence and severity of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy rates between AcrySof(R) MA30BA acrylic (Alcon) and PhacoFlex(R) II SI-40NB silicone (AMO) intraocular lenses (IOLs). SETTING: Outpatient Cataract Surgery Center, TLC Eyecare and Laser Center, Jackson, Michigan, USA. METHODS: AcrySof and PhacoFlex II IOLs were implanted in fellow eyes of 156 patients requiring bilateral cataract extraction. The patients were followed for a mean of approximately 3 years for the incidence and severity of PCO and the Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates. RESULTS: Of the 63 eyes that were free of PCO throughout the study, 42 had the AcrySof IOL and 21 had the PhacoFlex II IOL. Of eyes that developed PCO, the mean severity in the AcrySof group was 16% less than that in the PhacoFlex II group. Of the 50 eyes that had an Nd:YAG capsulotomy, 17 were in the AcrySof group and 33 were in the PhacoFlex II group. All differences between groups were statistically significant (P<.05). CONCLUSION: The AcrySof MA30BA IOL was associated with less PCO proliferation and thus fewer Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomies than the PhacoFlex II SI-40NB IOL.

Comparison of Nd : YAG capsulotomy rates following phacoemulsification with implantation of PMMA, silicone, or acrylic intra-ocular lenses in four European countries.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of Nd : YAG laser capsulotomy after cataract surgery according to the type of intra-ocular lens material (PMMA, silicone, hydrophilic acrylic, hydrophobic acrylic) implanted in four European countries (France, Italy, Germany, Spain). DESIGN: A retrospective record review. PARTICIPANTS: A review of 1525 patients (first operated eye), aged 50 to 80 years, operated on for cataract in 1996 or 1997 in 16 surgical centers (4 per country). METHODS: The study employed a retrospective cohort design. Charts were reviewed to collect information during at least a three-year period following cataract surgery to identify patients who underwent Nd : YAG laser capsulotomy postoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data on the type of intra-ocular lens implanted was extracted from the patient notes, as was the date and outcome of the Nd : YAG laser intervention. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis with the time to Nd : YAG laser was performed on the data. RESULTS A total of 1525 patients (first operated eye) were available for the study (n = 294 for hydrophilic acrylic, n = 384 for PMMA, n = 421 for hydrophobic acrylic, n = 426 for silicone). There was a highly statistically significant difference between the IOL groups for the incidence of posterior capsule opacification (p < 0.001) and for Nd : YAG laser treatment (p < 0.001). The mean delay of Nd : YAG laser treatment from the date of cataract operation was 2.48 years (+/-1.70, ranging from 0 to 5.88 years). The rate of Nd : YAG laser capsulotomy over the follow-up period was lowest in the hydrophobic acrylic group (7.1%), followed by silicone (16.2%), PMMA (19.3%) and hydrophilic acrylic (31.1%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A low incidence of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and Nd : YAG laser treatment was detected in hydrophobic acrylic IOLs in comparison to three other types of IOLs implanted in a large cohort of persons with age-related cataract. Choice of IOL type may reduce the need for Nd : YAG laser treatment, although further research on the reasons for this is needed.

Evaluation of the carbon dioxide laser on vital human primary pulp tissue.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the response of the human primary pulp to the carbon dioxide laser and formocresol for vital pulp therapy. METHODS: Fifteen healthy children with intact, caries-and-restoration-free, contralateral primary cuspids with at least two-thirds of the roots remaining who were scheduled for orthodontic extraction were randomly assigned to pulpotomy treatment with a carbon dioxide laser or formocresol. The treated teeth were clinically and radiographically evaluated at 28 and 90 days post-treatment prior to extraction. The extracted teeth were evaluated histologically for pulpal response. RESULTS: All teeth were asymptomatic and clinically normal at both observation periods. Internal root resorption was observed in one formocresol and two laser treated teeth. There was a significant inverse correlation between the laser energy applied to the pulp and the degree of inflammation at 28 days (P = .01) but not at 90 days (P = .27). CONCLUSION: Carbon dioxide laser treatment compared favorably to formocresol for pulpotomy in primary teeth.

Neodymium:YAG capsulotomy rates following phacoemulsification with implantation of PMMA, silicone, and acrylic intraocular lenses.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the most common visually disabling sequela of modern cataract surgery. Methods of reducing its incidence include the development of newer surgical techniques and intraocular lens (IOL) materials and designs. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence and time interval of development of PCO, and the requirement of laser capsulotomy in patients implanted with a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), silicone, or acrylic IOL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 340 consecutive patients who underwent phacoemulsification and implantation ofa PMMA, silicone, or acrylic intraocular lens were analyzed. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence and time interval of development of PCO, and the requirement of laser capsulotomy in patients implanted with a PMMA, silicone, or acrylic IOL. RESULTS: The incidence of PCO was found to be significantly less in the acrylic group (6.5% as compared to 21.74% and 26.6% in the PMMA and silicone groups, respectively; P = 0.01297 and 0.0039). Most patients (65%) exhibiting PCO in the PMMA group developed it within the first six months. In the silicone group, development of PCO was delayed. In 60% of patients, it appeared 18 months after surgery. Neodymium:YAG capsulotomy was required in 45% and 60% of patients developing PCO in the PMMA and silicone groups, respectively, while it was required in only 1 of the 4 patients developing PCO in the acrylic group. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that implantation of an acrylic IOL helps reduce the incidence of PCO as well as the need for Nd:YAG capsulotomy. PMMA IOLs require Nd:YAG capsulotomy earlier in the postoperative period as compared to silicone IOLs.

Incidence of nd:Yag capsulotomy after lens implantation of an Acrylic IOL in one eye and a Silicone IOL in the other eye of the same patient: a preliminary study.

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 40 patients who underwent an uneventful phacoemulsification in both eyes and had an Acrylic IOL (AcrySof) implanted in one eye and a Silicone IOL (SI 30/S 140) in the other. A subset of 18 patients had a mean follow up of 1 1/2 year. In the Acrylic group 1 patient (5.5%) underwent a posterior Yag-capsulotomy. In the Silicone group 6 patients (30%) underwent a Yag-capsulotomy. (2 anterior--4 posterior) (p = 0.04) Acrylic IOL's were associated with a significantly reduced incidence rate of Yag-capsulotomy compared with silicone IOL's after 1 1/2 years.

Neodymium: YAG capsulotomy rates after phacoemulsification with hydrophobic and hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the incidence of neodymium: YAG (ND:YAG) laser capsulotomies for posterior capsule opacification (PCO) seen with hydrophobic and hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens implants 18 months after surgery. METHODS: One hundred and five eyes that had phacoemulsification with a continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and implantation of either a hydrophobic or a hydrophilic acrylic posterior chamber IOL were evaluated in order to assess the incidence of PCO. Fifty-six eyes received a hydrophobic IOL (Acrysof-Alcon) and forty-nine eyes received a hydrophilic IOL (Galand-Visional). A standardized surgical protocol was performed by a single surgeon. All surgical complications were excluded and all patients had standardized postoperative medication and follow-up. RESULTS: With an average follow-up of 18 months in both groups, the incidence of posterior Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy for PCO was 8.9% in the hydrophobic group and 24.4% in the hydrophilic group, respectively (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Intraocular lenses made from hydrophobic acrylic material are associated with a significantly reduced rate of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomies as compared with intraocular lenses made from hydrophilic acrylic material.

O uso do laser e seus princípios em endodontia: revisão de literatura / The use of laser and its principles in endodontics: review of literature

INTRODUÇÃO: com advento e criação do aparelho laser em 1960 por Theodore Harold Maiman e a utilização do laser na Endodontia em 1971 com Weichman várias aplicações potenciais foram criadas para a utilização dos lasers. Este estudo permite ao clínico um melhor entendimento da utilização do laser dentro da odontologia mais especificamente na área endodôntica. OBJETIVO: evidenciar o uso do equipamento laser na área endodôntica nas modalidades em: Auxílio no diagnóstico pulpar, capeamento pulpar, pulpotomia, preparo e Limpeza do canal radicular, esterilização dos canais radiculares e terapia fotodinâmica (PDT), irrigação dos canais radiculares, remoção de smear layer e cirurgia parendodontica. MÉTODO: trata-se de uma revisão de literatura estruturada. CONCLUSÃO: este estudo fornece evidências de que o equipamento laser pode ser pensado e usado como um instrumento alternativo o qual pode complementar ou substituir alguns dos tratamentos endodônticos convencionais. (AU)

Introduction: with advent and creation of the laser apparatus in 1960 by Theodore Harold Maiman and posterior use in Endodontics in 1971 with Weichman, several potential applications were created for the use of lasers. This study allows the clinician a better understanding of the use of the laser in dentistry more specifically in the endodontic area. Objective: the objective of this study is to show the use of laser equipment in the endodontic area in the following modalities: Pulp diagnosis, pulp capping, pulpotomy, preparation and root canal cleaning, sterilization of root canals and photodynamic therapy (PDT), root canal irrigation, Smear layer removal and parendodontic surgery. Method: a critical literature review. Conclusion: this study provides evidence that laser equipment can be considered and used as an alternative instrument that can complement or replace some of the conventional endodontic treatments. (AU)

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty funded by the Australian government's Medicare scheme (1995-2007).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the provision, through the Australian state-funded Medicare system, of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and its laser-assisted variation (LAUP) to the population of Australia between 1995 and 2007. STUDY DESIGN: Case series using a comprehensive national administrative database. SETTING: The Commonwealth of Australia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Subjects comprised the population of Australia. The raw numbers of procedures, reimbursement amounts in Australian dollars, and per capita adjustment nationwide and in each state/territory for UPPP and LAUP for each calendar year from 1995 to 2007 were downloaded from a publicly accessible database run by Medicare. RESULTS: The Australian federal government paid AUD 8.2 million for 19,534 UPPP procedures and AUD 1.1 million for 3270 LAUP procedures in the calendar years 1995 to 2007, inclusive. There is substantive variability between states in provision. Over time, provision of UPPP has declined slightly compared with population growth and overall Medicare provision. LAUP provision has declined markedly. CONCLUSION: Provision of UPPP under Medicare in Australia has declined slowly relative to population growth and overall growth in Medicare per capita provision. Laser-assisted UPPP (LAUP) has steadily declined and is now rarely used compared with the peak in its provision in the mid 1990s.