Comparative analysis of CO2 laser and ultracision harmonic scalpel for endoscopic treatment of Zenker's diverticulum using a propensity score: A retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is a progressive condition that can cause dysphagia and aspiration. Endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy (ECPM) is the gold standard treatment for ZD, but there are various techniques available. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the ultrasonic harmonic scalpel (UHS) versus the CO2 laser (CO2L) for ECPM in ZD. DESIGN: We led an observational study. The main composite outcome consisted in persistence of postoperative dysphagia OR recurrence/reoperation of symptomatic ZD within two years postoperatively. Surgery was considered effective when no dysphagia within two years postoperatively. The secondary outcome was the occurrence of acute mediastinitis within 72 h postoperatively. A propensity score was built to adjust for differences observed between non-randomized groups. Additional sensitivity analyses were performed. SETTING: All patients with ECPM surgery for ZD were included from 2011 to 2018 in a single tertiary center. Patients with failure of endoscopic exposition were excluded. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 86 patients who underwent ECPM with either the CO2L (n = 53) or UHS (n = 33) technique. ZD size and other demographic variables were comparable between the groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: UHS had superior efficacy compared to CO2L (relative risk of failure = 0.29; 95 % confidence interval: 0.05-1.0; p = 0.05), but there was a higher incidence of mediastinitis in the UHS group (12 % vs. 4 %), although this was not statistically significant. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The UHS technique appears to be an effective technique for ECPM in ZD patients but its safety remains to explore by further larger studies.

Timing of Laser Intervention on Facial Scars: A 3D Imaging and Scar Scale Analysis in a Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: Scars resulting from injuries or surgical procedures often present both physical and aesthetic challenges. Recent studies have indicated promising results in improving postoperative scar outcomes through the combined use of specific laser technologies. Nevertheless, there remains a crucial need for further exploration to ascertain the optimal timing for initiating such treatments. METHODS: In this retrospective investigation, a cohort of 47 adult patients who did not require hospitalization was analyzed. These patients were divided into two distinct groups: Group A, which received intervention beginning 2 weeks after their respective operations, and Group B, which commenced intervention 4 weeks postoperation. Each group underwent a comprehensive treatment protocol consisting of five laser sessions. Initially, patients underwent three sessions of V-beam pulsed-dye laser (PDL) therapy followed by two sessions of ablative fractional CO2 laser (AFL) therapy. Evaluation of outcomes was conducted using advanced imaging techniques such as Antera 3D imaging, in conjunction with established scar assessment tools including the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the University of North Carolina "4P" Scar Scale (UNC4P). RESULTS: All patients successfully completed the full course of five treatment sessions, with no dropouts and no reported adverse events. Baseline cosmetic assessments of scars were equivalent across both groups. In Group A, the mean VSS scores decreased from 7.04 before treatment to 5.29 at 3 months posttreatment and further to 4.33 at 6 months posttreatment. Meanwhile, in Group B, scores decreased from 7.52 to 6.83 at 3 months and 6.17 at 6 months. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline VSS scores between the two groups (p = 0.34). At both the 3- and 6-month follow-up points, mean VSS scores were significantly lower in Group A compared to Group B (p < 0.05). Similar trends were observed in UNC4P scores. Statistically significant differences were noted across all time points (baseline, 3 months, and 6 months posttreatment) for both VSS and UNC4P scores (p < 0.05). Subset analysis revealed greater improvements in texture and depression volume at 3 months posttreatment, while improvements in depression area, depth, elevation variation, and area were more pronounced at the 6-month mark. CONCLUSIONS: Early intervention using the combined 595-nm pulse dye laser and CO2 ablative fractional laser (AFL) 2- and 4-weeks post-surgery proves to be an effective and safe method for improving scar outcomes, particularly for facial surgical scars when treatment starts 2 weeks after surgery. However, further research is needed to refine our understanding and address potential study limitations.

Combined Stromal Vascular Fraction and Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy for Hypertrophic Scar Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic scars (HTSs) result from aberrant wound healing processes, leading to raised, thickened tissue with functional discomfort and cosmetic concerns. Current treatments, including corticosteroid injections and laser therapy, have limitations. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) therapy and CO2 laser treatment offer promising avenues, with SVF therapy showing regenerative potential and CO2 laser therapy promoting precise tissue removal and wound healing. This study aims to investigate the combined application of SVF therapy and CO2 laser treatment for HTS, aiming to enhance treatment efficacy, tissue remodeling, and aesthetic outcomes, ultimately improving patient satisfaction in HTS management. METHOD: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases have been searched for relevant studies. The "R" software (version 4.3.1) along with the "tidyverse" and "meta" statistical packages utilized to analyze data related to the efficiency of this combined method. A random-effects model was fitted to the data. For each study, continuous outcomes were pooled by calculating the standardized mean difference, along with their 95% confidence intervals. The assessment of heterogeneity utilized the I2 and chi-squared tests, applying the random effect model. RESULTS: Six articles fulfilled our inclusion criteria and were included in our review. Results from the pooled analysis of Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores across three included studies indicated a significant impact of the SVF+CO2 method on VSS scores post-treatment (SMD=-3.0144; 95% CI:-4.3706 to -1.6583, p<0.0001). However, analysis of transepidermal water loss levels before and after treatment showed no significant difference (SMD=-2.7603; 95% CI: -6.8729 to 1.3522; p=0.1883). Comparatively, in a pooled analysis of two studies, the combined SVF+CO2 method demonstrated superior efficacy in VSS scores compared to other methods (SMD= -1.3573; 95% CI: -2.2475 to -0.4672, p = 0.0028), with moderate heterogeneity across studies (I^2=23.0%, p = 0.2545). CONCLUSION: The combined application of SVF and CO2 laser treatment shows significant promise in improving hypertrophic scars' appearance and texture. The SVF+CO2 method demonstrates superior efficacy compared to other modalities, suggesting its potential as a valuable therapeutic approach for hypertrophic scar management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Fractionated CO2 Laser in Combination with Topical Tacrolimus for Chronic Alopecia Areata: A Case Series Study.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring autoimmune disease requiring long-term treatments. Topical, intralesional or systemic corticosteroids are the first option. However, considering the risk of skin atrophy and the possible lack of clinical response, new treatment options are urgently needed. A fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCL) has been proven to be effective alone or in combination with other drugs. However, no study has ever evaluated the association between FCL and topical tacrolimus. We report three cases of AA resistant to corticosteroids for at least 12 months, treated with topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and FCL on some patches. After 16 weeks from the beginning of treatment, all patients showed improvement in clinical and trichoscopic parameters in the areas treated in combination. FCL and tacrolimus may represent a new therapeutic option, but further studies are needed for confirmation.

Exoscopic Transoral Supraglottic Laryngectomy.

This article, accompanied by technical notes and video, presents a case of an 85-year-old patient with a cT2N0 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated using CO2 transoral laser exoscopic surgery (TOLES). The procedure achieved en bloc tumor removal with negative margins, preserving laryngeal and swallowing functions, demonstrating TOLES as a viable alternative to traditional microsurgery with enhanced visualization and ergonomics. Laryngoscope, 2024.

Comparative analysis of Paiteling a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and CO2 laser therapy for high-risk HPV-associated with LSIL (CIN1) lesions.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of Paiteling and CO2 laser therapy on high-risk human papillomavirus. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 558 patients with HR-HPV low-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1) from 2021 to 2023. Patients were selected and put into two groups: Paiteling and CO2 laser. Out of the 558 patients who were included in our final study, 239 (42.8 %) were treated with Paiteling, and 319 (57.2 %) were treated with CO2 laser vaporization. The mean age was 49.55 ± 12.10 years old. We observed that 27 (4.83 %) were younger than 30 years and 531 (95.1 %) were older than 30 years. We reviewed the patient's results at intervals of 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after each therapy. The results of the recurrence rate, effective viral clearance rate, and the effectiveness of both therapies on low-grade cervical lesions were determined using multivariate and univariate cox-regression analysis. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to determine the HR-HPV conversion rate of each therapy. RESULTS: The median time for HR-HPV clearance was 6.00 months (95 % CI: 4.26-6.89) in the Paiteling group and 9.00 months (95 % CI: 15.92-22.67) in the CO2 laser group. There was a significant difference between the two groups (χ2 = 25.118, p-Value = 0.000). The HR-HPV clearance rate during 6-12 months for Paiteling and CO2 laser was 100 (55.6 %) and 80 (44.4 %), respectively. The clearance rate for both therapies from 6 to 18 months was statistically significant (6-12 months: p < 0.010, 12-18 months: p < 0.011). The Paiteling HR-HPV negative rate over 24 months 214 (89.5 %) is higher than CO2 laser 176 (55.2 %). Paiteling has a 5.4 % re-infection rate, which is marginally lower than the 5.6 % rate for CO2 lasers. The clearance rate for both therapies from 12 to 18 months [Paiteling: 20 (4.7 %) to 10 (3.6 %) and CO2 laser: 22 (8.4 %) to 15 (4.2 %)] was also significant (p < 0.011). The percentage of persistent Hr-HPV clearance rate for Paiteling patients was higher than carbon dioxide laser vaporization. No severe side effects were reported by the Paiteling patients compared to laser vaporization. This is due to the fact that Paiteling, as a traditional Chinese medicine, is a topical, non-invasive medicine, thus preserving the integrity of the cervix. CONCLUSIONS: Paiteling is an effective noninvasive therapy that can clear persistent HR-HPV associated with cervical low-grade squamous lesions in a relatively shorter period of time compared to CO2 laser ablation.

Cadaveric Study on the Safety of High-Flow Nasal Oxygen in Laser Microlaryngeal Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO), or transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE), is a technique providing apneic oxygenation and a degree of ventilation during microlaryngeal surgery. Its use with laser has been questioned due to concern for airway fire. For fire to occur, a triad of ignition source, oxidizer, and fuel source must be present. By using HFNO and eliminating an endotracheal tube (fuel source), it is hypothesized that airway fire risk is minimal. We tested this theory with human cadavers using HFNO with increasing levels of FiO2 while performing microlaryngeal laser surgery. METHODS: HFNO was placed on two cadavers, and oxygen was administered at incrementally increasing fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) concentrations (30%-100%). Laryngeal microsurgery was conducted with CO2 and KTP lasers applied for 30 s. Oxygen readings were taken at several anatomic locations along the body assessing oxygen concentrations in correlation with increasing FiO2 administration. RESULTS: The use of CO2 and KTP laser on cadaveric vocal folds produced char but no spark or airway fire at any of the tested oxygen concentrations. Apart from the mouth, there was minimal increase in oxygen levels at the surrounding anatomic sites despite elevating FiO2 levels. CONCLUSION: HFNO may be safe to use during microlaryngeal laser surgery. By eliminating the endotracheal tube as a fuel source, risk of airway fire may be negligible. Our study safely applied CO2 and KTP lasers for an uninterrupted 30 s with HFNO at 70 L/min and 100% FiO2 producing no spark or fire. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 2024.

Comparing Line-Field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography and Reflectance Confocal Microscopy on the In Vivo Healing Process of Lesions Induced by Fractional Photothermolysis.

BACKGROUND: The advent of ablative fractional photothermolysis has revolutionized laser dermatology by providing a method to produce well-standardized, precise, and repeatable microscopic lesions. These wounds typically heal within 1-3 weeks, depending on the body site, with a minimal risk of permanent scarring. This positions ablative fractional photothermolysis as an exemplary in vivo model for studying the skin's wound healing processes. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two noninvasive imaging techniques, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT), in assessing skin wound healing following microscopic injuries induced by ablative fractional photothermolysis. METHODS: The forearms of participating volunteers were treated and ablated with a CO2-Laser in a fractional pattern using varying power settings (2.5-10 mJ/MTZ). In vivo RCM and LC-OCT images were obtained at predefined time intervals post-laser treatment, ranging from 6 h to 14 days. RESULTS: Vertical visualization of the lesions through both imaging modalities revealed a healing process characterized by the upward and outward movement of microscopic epidermal necrotic debris, thereby reducing the depth of the injury while forming an external crust. LC-OCT imaging demonstrated more comprehensive results with fewer movement artifacts. Conversely, horizontal visualization with both techniques highlighted a gathering of keratinocytes around the wounds, indicating the initiation of the regenerative process. RCM provided superior image clarity in this horizontal plane. CONCLUSIONS: RCM and LC-OCT offer valuable and complementary noninvasive alternatives to conventional biopsy methods for the assessment and characterization of the skin's wound healing process post-ablative fractional photothermolysis. These findings underscore the potential of such imaging techniques in enhancing our understanding of the wound healing process. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05614557.

Treatment effect of ultra-pulse dynamic CO2 laser and comedone extractor in dense comedones: a prospective, randomized, split-face, evaluator-blind, controlled clinical trial.

Clearance of comedone is challenging in the treatment of acne, as it is very likely to develop into inflammatory lesions. However, there is lack of effective treatments for dense comedones. Comedone extractor has been widely employed by dermatologists, but the effect is temporary and may cause irritation. CO2 laser is a potential method for dense comedones, but the efficacy and safety need to be explored. In this single-center, randomized, single-blind, self-controlled study, the faces of patients with dense comedones were randomly assigned into two sides receiving either ultra-pulse dynamic CO2 laser or comedone extraction at an interval of 2 weeks for 4 sessions. After 4 treatments, the average comedone reduction rate of the CO2 laser was 64.49%, which was higher than that by the extractor (46.36%) (P < .001). 79.16% of the patients reached over 50% reduction by CO2 laser, while only 37.5% on extractor treated side reached 50% clearance. Texture index, porphyrin index, red zone, erythema index, and transepidermal water loss decreased after both treatments, and CO2 laser showed more improvement. There was no difference in hydration index and melanin index between the two treatments. No permanent or severe side effects were observed on both sides. The CO2 laser showed higher comedone clearance with lower pain scores than the comedone extractor.

Efficacy and adverse reactions of fractional CO2 lasers for treating papular acne scars: a retrospective study of 35 patients.

Papular acne scars are a special type of acne scar, and the prevalence and treatment of this disease have rarely been reported in the literature; moreover, the prevalence of this disease is often neglected, and treatment is difficult. Our study revealed a high prevalence of this type of acne scar in the clinic and explored an effective and safe method. This retrospective study aimed to analyse the prevalence of papular acne scarring among patients attending our Dermatology Laser Clinic and evaluate the clinical efficacy of fractional CO2 lasers. We retrieved the data of 370 patients with acne scarring who visited our hospital between April 2021 and November 2022 and analysed the prevalence of papillary acne scarring among them. Among these patients, 35 underwent CO2 laser treatment using an artificial grid pattern. A total of three treatments were administered, with a two-month interval between each session. Scar assessment was conducted using the Global Scar Scale (GSS) and the Acne Scar Clinical Assessment (ECCA) scale, along with physician visual evaluation and patient satisfaction surveys, both before the first treatment and one month after the final treatment. Adverse reactions were recorded during follow-up visits after each treatment. Among the 370 patients with acne scarring, 128 exhibited papular acne scarring, resulting in a prevalence rate of 34.6%. Among them, 37.5% were male and 32.6% were female. A total of 90.6% of patients had combined other types of acne scarring, while 9.4% had papular acne scarring exclusively. Following CO2 laser grid treatment, there was a significant reduction in GSS scores and ECCA values, accompanied by a noticeable improvement in physician visual evaluation and patient satisfaction scores. Papular acne scarring has a relatively high incidence rate, and there is no significant sex difference. It often coexists with other types of acne scarring. CO2 laser treatment using an artificial grid pattern effectively improved papular acne scarring with a good safety profile.

CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery for secondary open-angle glaucoma after vitrectomy.

Purpose: To explore the efficiency and safety of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery (CLASS) in Chinese patients with glaucoma secondary to vitrectomy. Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 16 eyes from 16 patients with glaucoma secondary to vitrectomy who underwent CLASS and were followed up for 12 months. Main outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of anti-glaucoma medications, and postoperative surgical success rate and complications. Results: The postoperative IOP and number of anti-glaucoma medications used at all follow-up time point were significantly lower than those preoperatively. The difference in BCVA was not significant before and after surgery. The main complicatios were peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) and scleral reservoir reduction, which were controlled after neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, 2 (12.50%) patients underwent re-operation. The complete and total success rates at 12 months were 68.75% and 87.50%, respectively. Conclusion: CLASS is a safe and effective procedure for Chinese patients with glaucoma secondary to vitrectomy. PAS and scleral reservoir reduction is a major contributor to postoperative IOP elevation, and trabecular minimally invasive perforation with the Nd:YAG laser is effective in lowering IOP and increasing scleral cistern volume.

Effectiveness of surgery combined with photodynamic therapy for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the safety and effectiveness of a new model of surgery combined with Photodynamic therapy for treating Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP). METHODS: Review the case data of patients with RRP who opted for comprehensive surgery combined with Photodynamic therapy at the Nanjing BenQ Medical Center, from January 2021 to May 2023. The efficacy of this program was evaluated by comparing the annual number of surgeries and Derkay scores before and after the surgery. RESULTS: A total of 23 RRP patients were included in the study. After treatment, the recurrence rate was 65.2 % (15/23), with an average recurrence time of 94.3 ± 50.8 days. The average Derkay score at the time of recurrence was significantly lower than the average pre-treatment Derkay score (P < 0.001). The average annual recurrence rate before treatment was 2.2 ± 1.3, compared to 1.5 ± 1.5 after treatment, with no significant difference (P = 0.16). However, subgroup analysis revealed a significant decrease in the annual recurrence rate of adult-onset RRP after treatment (P = 0.01). The most common adverse reaction was mild pharyngeal pain (11/23). There were 3 cases of new-onset vocal cord adhesions. No patients experienced serious respiratory-related adverse reactions, anesthesia-related adverse reactions, or systemic phototoxic reactions. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study indicates that surgery combined with Photodynamic therapy (PDT) might be a safe and effective option for treating RRP, especially in patients with Adult-Onset Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (AORRP).

Evaluation of Surface Roughness of Translucent Zirconia After Applying Nd:YAG and CO2 Lasers: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surface roughness is one of the most important factors that play an important role in increasing the connection between the surface of the tooth and the applied restoration. Due to the increased interest in zirconia and the improvement of its mechanical and aesthetic properties, studies have increased that work to improve and increase its surface roughness so that it can be used as a veneer in the future. This study aims to compare the effect of two types of lasers on the surface of highly transparent zirconia to evaluate the surface roughness resulting from the two techniques. METHODOLOGY: The study sample consisted of 20 ceramic cubes made of translucent zirconia (DD cubeX2, Dental Direct, Germany). It was made using a CAD-CAM Zircodenta device (Imes-Icore, Germany) and a zirconia sintering furnace (Imes-Icore, Germany). The study sample was divided into two groups; the first group consisted of 10 cubes exposed to Nd:YAG laser and the second group consisted of 10 discs exposed to continuous wave CO2 laser. The surface roughness test was conducted for the study samples in each of the groups using a surface roughness tester. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS v25 software. RESULTS: The surface roughness was measured and its mean was 1.208±0.22 in the Nd:YAG laser group and 0.809±0.21 in the CO2 laser group. There was a significant difference between the study groups according to the independent sample T-test. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that the Nd:YAG laser surface roughens of zirconia is greater than the continuous wave CO2 laser, with a substantially significant difference.

Co2 LASER Therapy as an Option for Non-Healing Surgical Wounds after Radiation Therapy-A Retrospective Study.

Background: Radiation has a huge impact on wound healing with progressive and irreversible impairment at the cellular level, making it very challenging for surgeons in terms of wound healing after salvage surgery in previously radiated patients. CO2 LASER helps in wound healing by its combined effect yielding a better result. Our study aims to retrospectively evaluate the healing outcome in a series of patients post-radiation, diagnosed with head and neck neoplasm recurrence, undergoing CO2 LASER treatment for non-healing surgical wounds, post salvage surgery having a previous history of radiotherapy in Head and Neck cancers. Methodology: A total of seven patients from January 2018 to June 2021 who underwent CO2 LASER treatment in non-healing surgical wounds, post salvage surgery having a previous history of radiotherapy in Head and Neck cancers were included in this study. Clinical assessment of healing in terms of complete healing, the appearance of the scar, and patient satisfaction, with a follow-up for 18 months. Results: This series included a total of seven patients, five men and two women, aged between 27 and 62 years with a mean age of 47 years. Three patients had a previous history of radiation, and four patients had a previous history of chemoradiation (CT + RT). Successful healing was noted in all the seven patients. Post-healing all patient's scars were soft, flat, and clinically acceptable. One patient presented with hypopigmentation. Conclusion: CO2 LASER therapy speeds up the healing process with minimal discomfort to the patient. CO2 LASER therapy can be used as an alternative for non-healing surgical wounds after salvage surgery in previously radiated  patients with an unhealthy wound bed where split-thickness skin graft uptake is unpredictable.

Mitigating Intraphase Catalytic-Domain Transfer via CO2 Laser for Enhanced Nitrate-to-Ammonia Electroconversion and Zn-Nitrate Battery Behavior.

Developing sustainable energy solutions is critical for addressing the dual challenges of energy demand and environmental impact. In this study, a zinc-nitrate (Zn-NO3-) battery system was designed for the simultaneous production of ammonia (NH3) via the electrocatalytic NO3- reduction reaction (NO3RR) and electricity generation. Continuous wave CO2 laser irradiation yielded precisely controlled CoFe2O4@nitrogen-doped carbon (CoFe2O4@NC) hollow nanocubes from CoFe Prussian blue analogs (CoFe-PBA) as the integral electrocatalyst for NO3RR in 1.0-M KOH, achieving a remarkable NH3 production rate of 10.9 mgh-1cm-2 at -0.47 V versus RHE with exceptional stability. In-situ and ex-situ methods revealed that the CoFe2O4@NC surface transformed into high-valent Fe/CoOOH active-species, optimizing the adsorption energy of NO3RR (*NO2 and *NO species) intermediates. Furthermore, DFT calculations validated the possible NO3RR pathway on CoFe2O4@NC starting with NO3- conversion to *NO2 intermediates, followed by reduction to *NO. Subsequent protonation forms the *NH and *NH2 species, leading to NH3 formation via final protonation. The Zn-NO3- battery utilizing the CoFe2O4@NC cathode exhibits dual functionality by generating electricity with a stable open-circuit voltage of 1.38-V versus Zn/Zn2+ and producing NH3. This study inspires the simple design of low-cost catalysts for NO3RR-to-NH3 conversion and positions the Zn-NO3- battery as a promising technology for industrial applications.

Combined Open Surgery and CO2 Laser for Giant Supraglottic Hemangioma in an Adult: A Case Report.

Laryngeal hemangiomas are rare vascular tumors, mainly in children, and less common in adults. Giant lesions typically require multiple endoscopic procedures and temporary tracheostomy. Open surgery allows single-procedure removal with fewer complications. CO2 laser excision controls bleeding and minimizes tissue damage. This study evaluates this hybrid approach to manage adult giant supraglottic hemangiomas. A 54-year-old woman with a giant supraglottic hemangioma was successfully treated using a combination of open surgery and CO2 laser. Limited data on adult laryngeal hemangiomas result in a lack of established treatment protocols. For giant supraglottic hemangiomas, combining open surgery with CO2 laser resection offers distinct advantages: enhanced lesion visibility, optimal airway control, effective hemostasis, reduced tissue damage, and lower recurrence rates. This hybrid approach also supports rapid recovery and favorable clinical outcomes. Combining open surgical excision with CO2 laser is effective for managing giant supraglottic hemangiomas in adults.

Fractional CO2 Laser Versus Microneedling Combined with Narrowband Ultraviolet and Topical Steroid for Treating Non-Segmental Vitiligo in Treatment-Resistant Localizations: A Comparative Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

Introduction: Vitiligo poses a significant challenge, particularly in treatment-resistant areas such as acral regions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combining fractional CO2 laser and microneedling with conventional therapies for non-segmental vitiligo in resistant areas. Methods: A randomized clinical trial with a paired design was conducted on 84 individuals with non-segmental vitiligo and treatment-resistant lesions. Participants in two separate groups received various combinations of interventions, including narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) and topical steroid (Clobetasol ointment) as conventional treatments, with fractional CO2 laser or microneedling as add-ons for four symmetrical treatment-resistant lesions. The treatment duration was 16 weeks, followed by observation until six months post-intervention for each patient, and it focused on assessing the percentage of repigmentation, safety, patient satisfaction, and potential adverse effects. Results: The results of the study revealed a significant difference in average efficacy, with treatments involving fractional CO2 laser and microneedling compared with other interventions without them showing a higher percentage of repigmentation. No notable distinction in repigmentation patterns was observed, except for slightly higher marginal repigmentation with microneedling. Side effects, including pain, burning sensation, and erythema, were more frequent, with no significant difference between the groups. Itching and crusting had a significant difference in the two groups. Patient satisfaction levels were comparable, with the first group slightly more than the second. Conclusion: In conclusion, combining NB-UVB and topical steroid therapies with the fractional CO2 laser or microneedling seems to be effective for vitiligo treatment in resistant areas. Attention to variations in patients' characteristics and specific body locations is necessary when applying these modalities. This study provides valuable insights into novel approaches for managing vitiligo and highlights the potential benefits of these innovative treatments in combination with conventional therapy.

Advances in the Management of Localized Scleroderma: A Systematic Review of Laser Therapy and Injectable Filler Approaches.

Localized scleroderma (LS), commonly known as morphea, presents a significant clinical challenge due to its chronic, inflammatory nature affecting the skin and potentially underlying tissues. This systematic review explores the innovative approach of combining laser therapy and injectable fillers, specifically hyaluronic acid, for the treatment of LS. We conducted a comprehensive literature review following PRISMA guidelines, examining articles from MEDLINE/PubMed to assess the combined efficacy of these treatments in improving both esthetic and functional outcomes for LS patients. The search yielded 64 articles, with six selected for in-depth analysis for a total of nine patients, covering a range of patient demographics and treatment types. Our review highlights cases where fractional CO2 laser therapy promoted long-term tissue remodeling and instances where hyaluronic acid fillers effectively addressed skin atrophy and volume loss, enhancing both immediate and long-lasting esthetic improvements. The synergy between these treatments suggests a promising dual approach, aiming to maximize esthetic outcomes and to improve the quality of life for LS patients. This review underscores the necessity of further research to establish a comprehensive, evidence-based clinical pathway integrating both treatments for managing LS, thereby enhancing patient satisfaction and addressing the multifaceted nature of this challenging dermatological condition.

Exploiting CO2 laser to boost graphite inks electron transfer for fructose biosensing in biological fluids.

The possibility to print electronics by means of office tools has remarkedly increased the possibility to design affordable and robust point-of-care/need devices. However, conductive inks suffer from low electrochemical and rheological performances limiting their applicability in biosensors. Herein, a fast CO2 laser approach to activate printed carbon inks towards direct enzymatic bioelectrocatalysis (3rd generation) is proposed and exploited to build biosensors for D-fructose analysis in biological fluids. The CO2 laser treatment was compared with two lab-grade printed transducers fabricated with solvent (SB) and water (WB) based carbon inks. The use of the laser revealed significant morpho-chemical variations on the printed inks and was investigated towards enzymatic direct catalysis, using Fructose dehydrogenase (FDH) integrated into entirely lab-produced biosensors. The laser-driven activation of the inks unveils the inks' direct electron transfer (DET) ability between FDH and the electrode surface. Sub-micromolar limits of detection (SB-ink LOD = 0.47 µM; WB-ink LOD = 0.24 µM) and good linear ranges (SB-ink: 5-100 µM; WB-ink: 1-50 µM) were obtained, together with high selectivity due to use of the enzyme and the low applied overpotential (0.15 V vs. pseudo-Ag/AgCl). The laser-activated biosensors were successfully used for D-fructose determination in complex synthetic and real biological fluids (recoveries: 93-112%; RSD ≤8.0%, n = 3); in addition, the biosensor ability for continuous measurement (1.5h) was also demonstrated simulating physiological D-fructose fluctuations in cerebrospinal fluid.

Review of laser and energy-based devices to treat rosacea in skin of color.

The prevalence of rosacea in skin of color (SOC) populations is estimated to be as high as 10% in some countries. Traditionally, intense pulsed light (IPL) and pulsed dye laser (PDL) have been the laser and energy-based devices (EBDs) used to treat rosacea. However, not all laser and EBDs are safe for SOC (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI) due to increased absorption of energy in pigmented skin and increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring. This review summarizes the use of the top seven laser and EBDs for treating rosacea in SOC.