Diode Laser Enucleation vs. Bipolar Transurethral Enucleation of Prostate for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Retrospective Comparative Study with Three-Year Follow Up.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical outcome of 1470 nm diode laser enucleation of the prostate (DiLEP) vs. bipolar transurethral enucleation of prostate (TUEP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: One hundred and fifty-seven patients were retrospectively involved in this study. Eighty-two patients underwent DiLEP while 75 underwent bipolar TUEP. Seventy-three patients in DiLEP and sixty-nine in bipolar TUEP completed the 3-year follow-up, respectively. The baseline properties, perioperative data, and postsurgical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between DiLEP and bipolar TUEP in preoperative parameters. Significantly shorter operating time was noted in DiLEP group (p = 0.000). No patient suffered dangerous complications, and none in either group required a blood transfusion. No statistically significant differences were found between DiLEP and bipolar TUEP in the decrease in hemoglobin or sodium. During the 3-year postoperative follow-up, ongoing and significant improvements were found in both groups without any difference. CONCLUSIONS: Both DiLEP and bipolar TUEP can improve low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to BPH in a comparable way with high efficacy. Compared with bipolar TUEP, DiLEP with a morcellator required a shorter operative time.

Dual quantum cascade lasers for noninvasive glucose detection using photoacoustic spectroscopy.

The combination of mid-infrared and photoacoustic spectroscopy has shown promising developments as a substitute for invasive glucose detection technology. A dual single-wavelength quantum cascade laser system has been developed using photoacoustic spectroscopy for noninvasive glucose monitoring. Biomedical skin phantoms with similar properties to human skin have been prepared with blood components at different glucose concentrations as test models for the setup. The detection sensitivity of the system has been improved to ± 12.5 mg/dL in the hyperglycemia blood glucose ranges. An ensemble machine learning classifier has been developed to predict the glucose level in the presence of blood components. The model, which was trained with 72,360 unprocessed datasets, achieved a 96.7% prediction accuracy with 100% of the predicted data located in zones A and B of Clarke's error grid analysis. These findings fulfill both the US Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada requirements for glucose monitors.

Diode laser in management of loss of taste sensation in patients with post-COVID syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Loss of taste (ageusia) is a symptom observed following recovery from COVID-19 infection. The loss of taste and smell sensation may negatively affect patients' quality of life (QoL). The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Diode Laser in managing loss of taste sensation in patients with post-COVID syndrome versus the placebo. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study sample was 36 patients who complained of persistent loss of taste sensation following COVID-19. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the two groups according to the received treatment: Group I (laser treatment) and Group II (light treatment), with each patient receiving a diode laser treatment or placebo from the same operator. Taste sensation was subjectively measured after treatment for four weeks. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a significant difference between both groups regarding taste restoration after one month (p = 0.041), with Group II having a significantly higher percentage of cases 7 (38.9%) with partial taste restoration. In contrast, a significantly higher proportion of Group I 17 cases (94.4%) had complete taste restoration (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that using a Diode laser 810 nm aided in a more rapid recovery from loss of taste dysfunction.

Two-color infrared photothermal microscopy.

Infrared photothermal microscopy is an infrared (IR) imaging technique that enables non-invasive, non-destructive, and label-free investigations at the sub-micrometer scale. It has been applied in various research areas targeting pharmaceutical and photovoltaic materials as well as biomolecules in living systems. Despite its potency in observing biomolecules in living organisms, its practical application for cytological research has been restricted by the deficiency of molecular information from the IR photothermal signal, due to the narrow spectral width of a quantum cascade laser that is one of the most preferred IR excitation light sources for current IR photothermal imaging (IPI) techniques. Here, we address this issue by bringing modulation-frequency multiplexing into IR photothermal microscopy for developing a two-color IR photothermal microscopy technique. We demonstrate that the two-color IPI technique can be used to obtain the IR microscopic images of two discrete IR absorption bands and to distinguish two different chemical species in live cells with a sub-micrometer spatial resolution. We anticipate that the more general multi-color IPI technique and its use for metabolic studies of live cells could be realized by extending the present modulation-frequency multiplexing method.

Evaluating the effectiveness of laser hair reduction using a home use laser in comparison to a Diode laser.

BACKGROUND: Lasers of different wavelengths have been developed for use in permanent hair reduction. An increase in the manufacturing of home-use laser hair removal devices allows for these treatments to be performed in the comfort of your own home at an affordable cost. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of permanent hair reduction using a Diode laser in comparison to the Silk'n™ Flash and Go Lux (475-1200 nm) home-use laser. METHODS: Fifteen females received six axillae laser hair removal treatments at two to four-week intervals using either a professional laser or home-use laser device. Photographs and hair counts were taken before each treatment and at a three week follow up. A T-test was used to evaluate statistical significance, and regression analysis to determine a difference in the effects. Pain scores and side effects were recorded by a visual analogue scale in a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: The professional laser showed an overall hair reduction of 85% on the right axilla and 88% on the left axilla. The home-use laser showed an overall reduction of 52% on the right axilla and 46,3% on the left axilla. Mild side effects were experienced for both laser devices. There were no serious adverse effects reported, safety features are effective to a certain extent. CONCLUSION: The Flash & Go Lux home-use laser can effectively reduce hair at a slower rate than the Diode laser. The home-use laser device offers protection against accidental exposure to light and use on darker skin types. Risks of retinal damage due to long-term exposure to home-use laser light are still cause for concern.

Wooden Tongue Depressor Multiplex Saliva Biosensor Fabricated via Diode Laser Engraving.

Since wood is a renewable, biodegradable naturally occurring material, the development of conductive patterns on wood substrates is a new and innovative chapter in sustainable electronics and sensors. Herein, we describe the first wooden (bio)sensing device fabricated via diode laser-induced graphitization. For this purpose, a wooden tongue depressor (WTD) is laser-treated and converted to an electrochemical multiplex biosensing device for oral fluid analysis. A low-cost laser engraver, equipped with a low-power (0.5 W) diode laser, programmably irradiates the surface of the WTD, forming two mini electrochemical cells (e-cells). The two e-cells consist of four graphite electrodes: two working electrodes, a common counter, and a common reference electrode. The two e-cells are spatially separated via programmable pen-plotting, using a commercial hydrophobic marker pen. Proof-of-principle for biosensing is demonstrated for the simultaneous determination of glucose and nitrite in artificial saliva. This wooden electrochemical biodevice is an easy-to-fabricate disposable point-of-care chip with a wide scope of applicability to other bioassays, while it paves the way for the low-cost and straightforward production of wooden electrochemical platforms.

High-frequency near-infrared semiconductor laser irradiation suppressed experimental tooth movement-induced inflammatory pain markers in the periodontal ligament tissues of rats.

High-frequency near-infrared (NIR) semiconductor laser-irradiation has an unclear effect on nociception in the compressed lateral periodontal ligament region, a peripheral nerve region. This study aimed to investigate the effects of NIR semiconductor laser irradiation, with a power of 120 J, on inflammatory pain markers and neuropeptides induced in the compressed lateral periodontal ligament area during ETM. A NIR semiconductor laser [910 nm wavelength, 45 W maximum output power, 300 mW average output power, 30 kHz frequency, and 200 ns pulse width (Lumix 2; Fisioline, Verduno, Italy)] was used. A nickel-titanium closed coil that generated a 50-g force was applied to the maxillary left-side first molars and incisors in 7-week-old Sprague-Dawley (280-300 g) rats to induce experimental tooth movement (ETM) for 24 h. Ten rats were divided into two groups (ETM + laser, n = 5; ETM, n = 5). The right side of the ETM group (i.e., the side without induced ETM) was evaluated as the untreated group. We performed immunofluorescent histochemistry analysis to quantify the interleukin (IL)-1ß, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and neuropeptide [calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)] expression in the compressed region of the periodontal tissue. Post-hoc Tukey-Kramer tests were used to compare the groups. Compared with the ETM group, the ETM + laser group showed significant suppression in IL-1ß (176.2 ± 12.3 vs. 310.8 ± 29.5; P < 0.01), PGE2 (104.4 ± 14.34 vs. 329.6 ± 36.52; P < 0.01), and CGRP (36.8 ± 4.88 vs. 78.0 ± 7.13; P < 0.01) expression. High-frequency NIR semiconductor laser irradiation exerts significant effects on ETM-induced inflammation. High-frequency NIR semiconductor laser irradiation can reduce periodontal inflammation during orthodontic tooth movement.

Effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) over endothelial function in healthy individuals: a preliminary crossover clinical trial.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) causes stimulatory effects that raise cell metabolism. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of PBMT on the endothelial function of healthy individuals. It was a controlled, randomized, crossover, triple-blind trial with 22 healthy volunteers (female: 77.3%), aged 25.45 years which were randomly divided into three groups. PBMT with gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser (810 nm, continuous-wave mode, 1000 mW, 0.28 cm2) was applied over the radial and ulnar artery regions in two parallel spots: group 1-30 J (n = 22, 107 J/cm2) per spot; group 2-60 J (n = 22, 214 J/cm2) per spot; and group 3-placebo (n = 22, sham). The endothelial function was measured before and immediately after PBMT by the flow-mediated dilation technique (%FMD) with high-resolution ultrasound. Statistical analysis was made with ANOVA for repeated measures, the effect size was measured by Cohen's d, and results are presented as mean and standard error (or 95% confidence intervals). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The %FMD increases 10.4% with 60 J (mean difference = 0.496 mm, 95% CI = 0.42 to 0.57, p < 0.001), 7.3% with 30 J (mean difference = 0.518 mm, 95% CI = 0.44 to 0.59, p < 0.001), and 4.7% with placebo (mean difference = 0.560 mm, 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.63, p < 0.001). We found a small effect size (p = 0.702; d de Cohen = 0.24) without statistical difference between interventions. PBMT with the energy density of 60 J and 30 J did not improve endothelial function.Trial registration number: NCT03252184 (01/09/2017).

Mid-IR quantum cascade laser spectroscopy to resolve lipid dynamics during the photocycle of bacteriorhodopsin.

Membranes are crucial for the functionality of membrane proteins in several cellular processes. Time-resolved infrared (IR) spectroscopy enables the investigation of interaction-induced dynamics of the protein and the lipid membrane. The photoreceptor and proton pump bacteriorhodopsin (BR) was reconstituted into liposomes, mimicking the native purple membrane. By utilization of deuterated lipid alkyl chains, corresponding vibrational modes are frequency-shifted into a spectrally silent window that allows us to monitor lipid dynamics during the photoreaction of BR. Our home-built quantum cascade laser (QCL)-based IR spectrometer covers all relevant spectral regions to detect both lipid and protein vibrational modes. QCL-probed transients at single wavenumbers are compared with the previously performed step-scan Fourier-transform IR measurements. The absorbance changes of the lipids could be resolved by QCL-measurements with a much better signal-to-noise ratio and with nanosecond time resolution. We found a correlation of the lipid dynamics with the protonation dynamics in the M intermediate. QCL spectroscopy extends the study of the protein's photocycle toward dynamics of the interacting membrane.

Enhanced antibacterial activity of cadmium telluride nanocrystals in combination with 940-nm laser diode on anaerobic bacteria P. gingivalis: an in vitro study.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common chronic diseases in the oral cavity that causes tooth loss. Root scaling and leveling cannot eliminate all periodontal pathogens, and the use of antibacterial agents or lasers can increase the efficiency of mechanical methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the antibacterial activity of cadmium telluride nanocrystals in combination with 940-nm laser diode. Cadmium telluride nanocrystals were prepared by a green route of synthesis in aqueous medium. The results of this study showed that cadmium telluride nanocrystals significantly inhibit the growth of P. gingivalis. The antibacterial property of this nanocrystal increases with increasing its concentration, laser diode 940-nm irradiation and with increasing the time. It was shown that the antibacterial activity of combination of 940-nm laser diode and cadmium telluride nanocrystals is greater than the effect of either alone and can have a similar effect with its long-term presence of microorganisms. This is very important because it is not possible to use these nanocrystals in the mouth and in the periodontal bag for a long time.

Acoustic evaluation of photobiomodulation effect on in vitro human blood samples.

Although positive photobiomodulation response on wound healing, tissue repair, and therapeutic treatment has been widely reported, additional works are still needed to understand its effects on human blood. This research carried out acoustic measurements using A-scan (GAMPT) ultrasonic techniques to elucidate the photobiomodulation effects on in vitro human blood samples as therapeutic treatment measures. The human blood samples were irradiated using a 532-nm laser with different output laser powers (60 and 80 mW) at various exposure times. The ultrasonic velocity measured in the human blood samples after laser irradiation showed significant changes, most of which were within the acceptance limit for soft tissues (1570 [Formula: see text] 30 m/s). Abnormal cells (echinocyte and crenation) were observed due to excessive exposure during laser treatment.

Excision of a Benign Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma in the Oral Mucosa of the Anterior Mandibular Teeth with a 975-nm Diode Laser: A Case Report of a 39-Year-Old Woman.

BACKGROUND Peripheral giant cell granuloma, or epulis, is a common and benign oral lesion that can grow rapidly. Diode lasers are increasingly used to excise soft-tissue lesions because the technique preserves tissue for histopathology while controlling bleeding. Here, we report the excision of a 2-cm benign peripheral giant cell granuloma of the oral mucosa by 975-nm infrared diode laser, with rapid wound healing and good tissue preservation for histological analysis. CASE REPORT A 39-year-old woman presented with a large red-purple lesion in the oral mucosa of the lower jaw, near teeth 41 and 32. According to the patient, despite the absence of pain, the lesion caused difficulty while eating, speaking, and maintaining oral hygiene. The periodontal assessment included the following parameters: clinical attachment level, gingival recession, pocket probing depth, Loe-Silness gingival index, and tooth mobility index. The lesion was excised under local anesthesia using a 975-nm diode laser, and histopathology reports confirmed the diagnosis of peripheral giant cell granuloma. Six weeks after removal of the peripheral giant cell granuloma, all periodontal parameters were improved except for clinical attachment level and gingival recession. CONCLUSIONS Excision by 975-nm infrared diode laser can maintain tissue integrity for histopathology while allowing complete excision and control of bleeding. Soft lasers can provide advantages such as reduced bleeding, less operative and postoperative pain, decreased mechanical trauma, increased patient acceptability, and rapid wound healing without sutures, and they can be used to successfully remove peripheral giant cell granulomas.

Assessing the Surface Modifications of Contaminated Sandblasted and Acid-Etched Implants Through Diode Lasers of Different Wavelengths: An In Vitro Study.

Objective: The present study was conducted to compare the effects of 810 nm, 980 nm, and dual (810: 50%-980: 50%) diode lasers on the surface modifications of implants contaminated by a standard strain of Escherichia coli. Methods: Based on the operation on their surface, the implants were divided into six groups: "Group 1" was the positive control group undergoing no specific procedures. "Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6" were contaminated by a standard strain of E. coli; "Group 2" was also set as the negative control group. "Groups 3, 4, and 5" were irradiated by 810 nm, 980 nm, and dual lasers (810: 50%-980: 50%; 1.5W, 320 µm fiber) for 30 sec, respectively. "Group 6" was treated using standard titanium brushes. All groups were examined to evaluate the surface modifications by the X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscope, and atomic force microscopy. Results: The values of carbon, oxygen, aluminum, titanium, and vanadium were significantly different in the surface composition of the contaminated implants from the control groups (p = 0.010, 0.033, 0.044, 0.016, and 0.037, respectively). In all target areas, there were significant differences in surface roughness (p < 0.0001); the same was also true about the pairwise comparison of the study groups (p < 0.0001). "Group 5" demonstrated lower morphological surface changes and roughness degrees. Conclusions: Overall, laser irradiation could alter the surfaces of the contaminated implants. Titanium brushes and 810/980 nm lasers resulted in similar morphological alterations. Dual lasers enjoyed the least degree of morphological alterations and surface roughness.

In vitro controlled elemental analysis to evaluate the combined effect of acidulated phosphate fluoride with Er:YAG and diode lasers.

Background: Acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) application is used for dental caries prevention. Combining APF with different laser wavelengths increases acid resistance in enamel. Aim: To assess the effects of Er:YAG (2940 nm) laser and diode (940 nm) laser after the application of APF on morphology and mineral content of enamel surfaces of human teeth in vitro. Materials and Methods: Twenty (20) freshly extracted third molar crowns were collected and split longitudinally into halves. Ten (10) halves were given to each of the following groups: group 1 (control), group 2 (application of 1.23% APF gel only), group 3 (diode laser; 1 W for 60 sec, contact mode after APF gel), and group 4 (Er:YAG; 80 mJ, 0.8 W, 10 Hz; in pulsed mode for 10 sec after APF gel). Specimens were morphologically examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and mineral content was analysed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). Collected data were statistically analysed by ANOVA. Results: Morphologic results were superior in group 3 followed by group 2 and group 1 with the least change in group 4. EDX of calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), and Ca/P ratio weight % showed the highest value with no statistical significance between groups 2 and 1, and higher with statistical significance in groups 3 and 4 in descending order. Carbon weight % showed highest results in group 4 then 3, 2, and 1. Fluoride weight % showed highest statistical results in group 4 then 2, 3, and 1. Conclusion: The diode laser showed superior morphological results after APF application compared to the Er:YAG laser. The Er:YAG increased fluoride absorption on outer enamel surfaces.

Contexte: L'application de fluorure de phosphate acidulé (FPA) est utilisée pour la prévention des caries dentaires. La combinaison de FPA avec différentes longueurs d'onde de laser augmente la résistance de l'émail aux acides. Objectif: Évaluer les effets du laser erbium YAG (2940 nm) et du laser à diode (940 nm) après l'application de FPA sur la morphologie et le contenu minéral des surfaces de l'émail des dents humaines in vitro. Matériaux et méthodologies: Vingt (20) couronnes de troisième molaire fraîchement extraites ont été recueillies et divisées longitudinalement en moitiés. Dix (10) moitiés ont été données à chacun des groupes suivants : groupe 1 (contrôle), groupe 2 (application de gel de FPA à 1,23 % seulement), groupe 3 (laser à diode; 1 W pendant 60 secondes, mode contact après le gel de FPA), et groupe 4 (erbium YAG; 80 mJ, 0,8 W, 10 Hz kl ; en mode pulsé pendant 10 secondes après le gel de FPA). Les spécimens ont été examinés morphologiquement au microscope électronique à balayage (MEB), et le contenu minéral a été analysé par rayons X à dispersion d'énergie (EDX). Les données recueillies ont été analysées statistiquement par ANOVA. Résultats: Les résultats morphologiques étaient supérieurs dans le groupe 3, suivi par le groupe 2 et le groupe 1, avec le changement le moins important dans le groupe 4. Le pourcentage de l'EDX du calcium (Ca), du phosphore (P) et du rapport Ca/P en poids a montré la valeur la plus élevée sans signification statistique entre les groupes 2 et 1, et la plus élevée avec signification statistique dans les groupes 3 et 4 par ordre décroissant. Le pourcentage en poids de carbone a montré les résultats les plus élevés dans le groupe 4, ensuite 3, 2 et 1. Le pourcentage en poids de fluorure a montré les résultats statistiques les plus élevés dans le groupe 4 puis 2, 3 et 1. Conclusion: Le laser à diode a montré des résultats morphologiques supérieurs après l'application de FPA par rapport au laser erbium YAG. L'erbium YAG a augmenté l'absorption du fluorure sur les surfaces externes de l'émail.

Improving Titanium Implant Stability with Photobiomodulation: A Review and Meta-Analysis of Irradiation Parameters.

Objective: This analysis was designed to present a summary of available evidence that will inform practice and guide future research for photobiomodulation (PBM) after titanium implant placement procedures. Materials and methods: A systematic review was performed according to the Cochrane Collaboration and in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) criteria. Two investigators screened the titles and abstracts, and reviewed articles for risk of bias. Online databases searched included PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Terms were specific to the effects of PBM on dental implant stability. Results: Eight hundred fifty-six studies were identified, and 15 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Light sources included both laser and light emitting diode (LED) devices. Wavelengths ranged from 618 to 1064 nm. The meta-analysis concluded that all 15 published studies were able to safely apply PBM near dental implants without adverse events. Laser and LED wavelengths that reported significant results included 618, 626, 830, 940 (2 × ), and 1064 nm. Conclusions: The use of adjunctive PBM can be safely prescribed after surgical placement of titanium implants. Six groups reported statistical significance for improving implant stability (four laser diode, two LED) in wavelengths ranging from 618 to 1064 nm. The amount of time spent delivering PBM was not a variable that differentiated whether a study reported significant results.

Temperature limits during irradiation in laser-assisted treatment of peri-implantitis - labo-ratory research.

INTRODUCTION: Peri-implantitis is a relatively new and difficult disease that is becoming more common. Of the different therapeutic options to manage this condition, lasers show certain advantages over other therapeutic alternatives because of their antibacterial potential. AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the temperature rise of implant surfaces, soft tissues, and bone during irradiation with diode, CO2, and Er:YAG lasers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten implants inserted in biological models were irradiated with three laser systems with different parameters: a diode laser (980 nm) with power levels of 0.75 W and 1.6 W; a CO2 laser (10600 nm) with power levels of 252 W and 241 W; and an Er:YAG laser (2940 nm) with power levels of 1.5 W, 6.8 W, and 7.5 W. The temperature rise was measured using a specially designed thermal probe (type K thermocouple) with accuracy of ±0.1°C over the range from 20°C to 80°C. The temperature was measured at 5 points - in the implant body, in the mucosa, in the middle part of the implant, in the implant apex, and in the bone around the implant apex. Measurements were obtained at 1 minute working interval. RESULTS: Diode and CO2 lasers with both parameters used increased significantly the temperature of more than 46°C, whereas the temperature in the Er:YAG laser group was less than 30°C. There was a statistically significant difference between diode, CO2, and Er:YAG lasers in favor of the erbium laser. CONCLUSIONS: The Er:YAG laser demonstrates the best thermal properties during irradiation of the implant surface. The three working modes tested - 1.5 W, 6.8 W, and 7.5 W - provide safe intervention on both the soft and bone tissues of the implant interface and on the implant itself.

Microscopic, Macroscopic and Thermal Impact of Argon Plasma, Diode Laser, and Electrocoagulation on Ovarian Tissue.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To compare the microscopic, macroscopic and thermal damage inflicted to ovarian tissue by conventional monopolar and bipolar energy, argon plasma coagulation (APC) and diode laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bovine ovaries were used as a substitute for human tissue and subjected to the four aforementioned techniques and the inflicted damage was measured. Sixty fresh and morphologically similar cadaveric bovine ovaries were divided into five equal groups, each group was subjected to one of the following energy applications for both 1 and 5 s: Monopolar, bipolar electrocoagulation, diode laser, preciseAPC® and forcedAPC® Ovarian temperatures were measured at 4 and 8 s after treatment. Formalin-fixed ovarian specimens were examined by pathologists regarding macroscopic, microscopic and thermal tissue damage. RESULTS: None of the ovaries reached the temperature producing severe damage (40°C) after 1 s of energy transfer. Heating of adjacent ovarian tissue was least pronounced when preciseAPC® and monopolar electrocoagulation were applied (27.2±3.3°C and 28.2±2.9°C after 5 s of application, respectively). Conversely, 41.7% of the ovaries subjected to bipolar electrocoagulation for 5 s overheated. ForcedAPC® resulted in the most pronounced lateral tissue defects (2.8±0.3 mm after 1 s and 4.7±0.6 mm after 5 s). When the modalities were applied for 5 s, the electrosurgical instruments (mono- and bipolar) and preciseAPC® induced similar lateral tissue damage (1.3±0.6 mm, 1.1±1.6 mm and 1.2±1.3 mm, respectively). preciseAPC® created the shallowest defect of all the techniques (0.05±0.1 mm after 5 s of application). CONCLUSION: Our study hints at superior safety profiles of preciseAPC® and monopolar electrocoagulation compared to bipolar electrocoagulation, diode laser and forcedAPC® for ovarian laparoscopic surgery.

COMPARING FUNCTIONAL AND VASCULAR LAYER OUTCOMES OF LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION VERSUS SUBTHRESHOLD MICROPULSE LASER FOR DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA: An OCT-Angiography Study.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of conventional laser and subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) in treating diabetic macular edema in terms of functional outcomes and changes in quantitative metrics for the retinal capillary and choriocapillary vascular layers. METHODS: Fifty-two eyes from 52 patients with treatment-naive, clinically significant macular edema were randomly assigned to the conventional laser group or SML group in a 1:1 ratio. Best-corrected visual acuity, central macular thickness (CMT), and optical coherence tomography angiography scans were measured at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: The SML group showed rapid visual recovery, improving from baseline of 0.320 ± 0.31 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (20/42 Snellen) to 0.270 ± 0.22 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (20/37 Snellen) at 1 month ( P = 0.038) and had significant improvements in CMT at 6-month post-treatment (353.88-301.00 µ m, P = 0.005). Statistically significant changes were detected across all optical coherence tomography angiography metrics, including vessel density, vessel length density, vessel diameter index, and fractal dimension, at 6 months for both groups in the deep capillary plexus and choriocapillary plexus. CONCLUSION: Subthreshold micropulse laser resulted in early visual recovery and sustained macular thickness improvement in the treatment of diabetic macular edema. Microvascular perfusion parameters, including vessel density, vessel length density, and fractal dimension, improved in the deep capillary plexus and choriocapillary plexus for both treatment groups at 6 months post-treatment.

Novel laser hair removal in all skin types.

BACKGROUND: Laser has been long accepted as a solution for excess or unwanted hair growth yet traditional lasers are not always ideal for safe and effective outcome for all skin types and hair characteristics. A diode laser module combining three wavelengths (755, 810, and 1064 nm) in a single pulse was developed to provide a fast and long-term solution for subjects with various profiles. AIMS: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a Triple wavelength diode laser module for hair removal treatment in all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, dual centered, single-arm study. Subjects were treated with a novel diode laser module. Thirty-six subjects were enrolled, sixteen with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV (46%) and twenty with Fitzpatrick skin types V-VI (54%). Treatment areas were axilla and bikini lines. Subjects underwent 4 treatment sessions at 6 weeks ± 5 days intervals and attended a follow-up visit 3 months after the last treatment session. 2D digital photographs were taken at baseline and at the follow-up visit, and a hair count was conducted by three blinded evaluators. RESULTS: A significant reduction in hair count between baseline and the 3-month follow-up visit was observed in both axilla and bikini lines for all skin types. The mean hair reduction was 41.5 ± 19.4% and 48.1 ± 20.9% in the axilla and bikini line, respectively. A significant hair reduction was also observed within skin type groups; mean hair reduction 45.5 ± 16.9% and 40.3 ± 17.2% in skin types I-IV and V-VI, respectively, indicating similar efficacy for both light and dark skin types. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the Soprano Titanium laser platform is safe and effective for hair removal treatment in all skin types.

Photoacoustic imaging of hidden dental caries using visible-light diode laser.

BACKGROUND: Hidden caries is a type of tooth decay that is difficult to identify through visual diagnosis because teeth with hidden caries appear normal on the tooth surface but are damaged underneath. METHODS: A photoacoustic imaging system based on visible light using a diode laser with a wavelength of 532 nm was developed to detect hidden caries in teeth. RESULTS: The results indicate that the average of acoustic intensity level for healthy teeth is -74.2 ± 0.1 dB, and the average of acoustic intensity range for teeth with hidden caries is -81.2 ± 0.5 dB. The intensity level for the caries area varies depending on the severity of caries. CONCLUSION: Based on the acoustic intensity level measured by the interaction of teeth with laser light, the photoacoustic imaging system in the study can accurately detect the presence of hidden caries and recognize the difference between caries teeth and healthy teeth. This research can be developed into a prototype of a simple device that makes it easy to operate in dental practice.