Simple Characterization of Cylindrical Diffuser Fibers With a Fluorescent Layer.

OBJECTIVES: A fast, simple, versatile, and reliable method to record light emission intensity profiles of cylindrical light diffusers (CDFs) in air and transparent liquids has been developed. METHODS: A fluorescent color glass filter (RG695) converts red light emitted by a cylindrical diffuser fiber into near-infrared light in an emission angle-independent manner. The red light was provided from a diode laser system at 635 nm. Near-infrared fluorescence from the RG695 was imaged with a camera. Images from this camera were processed to obtain emission intensity profiles. Cylindrical diffuser fiber profiles of four different manufacturers were compared. RESULTS: The proposed method provides angle-independent intensity profiles of cylindrical diffuser fibers with a single camera shot. It could be demonstrated that dependent on the underlying principle of how the diffuser fiber tips emit light, the emission profile can change significantly in media with different refractive indices. CONCLUSIONS: By converting the light emitted by a diffuser fiber tip into fluorescence light one can eliminate the dependence of the recorded profile on the emission angle from the diffusor. This approach allows for easily taking into account refraction-index (mis)matching by placing the equipment into a suitable liquid. The proposed measurement principle bears potential for quality assurance measurements of CDFs used for interstitial laser thermotherapy or photodynamic therapy.

Influence of vitamins and food on the fluorescence spectrum of human urine.

OBJECTIVES: Fluorescence spectroscopy of human urine is a method with the potential to gain importance as a diagnostic tool in the medical field, e.g., for measuring Coproporphyrin III (CPIII) as an indicator of cancer and acute types of porphyria. Food can change human urine's color, which could influence the urine fluorescence spectrum and the detection of CPIII in urine. To determine if there is a noticeable influence on the urine fluorescence spectrum or on the detection of CPIII in urine, 16 vitamin supplements, and three food items were tested. Such investigation may also prevent false interpretation of measured data. METHODS: Urine samples were collected before and after (overnight, ca. 8 h) intake of each test substance. Samples were investigated by fluorescence spectrum analysis. At excitation wavelengths from 300 to 500 nm and emission wavelengths from 400 to 700 nm excitation-emission-matrices were measured. Data obtained from urine before intake were compared to the data from overnight urine. Furthermore, the investigation of any interference with the CPIII concentration was performed at an excitation wavelength of 407 ± 3 nm and emission wavelengths of 490-800 nm. RESULTS: Only vitamin B2, but none of the other tested substances, showed noticeable influence on the urine fluorescence spectrum. None of the tested substances showed noticeable interference with the recovery rate of CPIII. CONCLUSIONS: The correct interpretation of measured data by fluorescence spectroscopy is possible with the exception if vitamin B2 supplementation was performed; thus, the consumption of vitamin B2 supplements before fluorescence testing of the patient's urine should be avoided and/or must be requested. CPIII concentrations could reliably be measured in all cases.

Hyperspectral imaging for monitoring of free flaps of the oral cavity: A feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) provides spectral information about hemoglobin, water and oxygen supply and has thus great potential in perfusion monitoring. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of HSI in the postoperative monitoring of intraoral free flaps. METHODS: The 14 patients receiving reconstructive head and neck surgery with a radial forearm free flap were included. HSI was performed intraoperatively (t0), on Day 1 (t1), 2 (t2), 3-6 (t3), 7-9 (t4), 10-11 (t5) and 12-15 (t6) postoperatively. Flap tissue perfusion was assessed on defined regions of interest by calculating the perfusion indices Tissue Hemoglobin Index (THI), hemoglobin oxygenation (StO2 ), Near Infrared Perfusion Index (NIR Perfusion Index) and Tissue Water Index (TWI). RESULTS: Image quality varied depending on location of the flap and time of measurement. StO2 was >50 intraoperatively and >40 on t1 for all patients. A significant difference was found solely for TWI between t0 and t2 and t0 and t4. No flap loss occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The use of HSI in the monitoring of intraoral flaps is feasible and might become a valuable addition to the current clinical examination of free flaps.

Interstitial photodynamic therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

PURPOSE: Innovative, efficient treatments are desperately needed for people with glioblastoma (GBM). METHODS: Sixteen patients (median age 65.8 years) with newly diagnosed, small-sized, not safely resectable supratentorial GBM underwent interstitial photodynamic therapy (iPDT) as upfront eradicating local therapy followed by standard chemoradiation. 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) induced protoporphyrin IX was used as the photosensitizer. The tumors were irradiated with light at 635 nm wavelength via stereotactically implanted cylindrical diffuser fibers. Outcome after iPDT was retrospectively compared with a positively-selected in-house patient cohort (n = 110) who underwent complete tumor resection followed by chemoradiation. RESULTS: Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 16.4 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 28.0 months. Seven patients (43.8%) experienced long-term PFS > 24 months. Median follow-up was 113.9 months for the survivors. Univariate regression revealed MGMT-promoter methylation but not age as a prognostic factor for both OS (p = 0.04 and p = 0.07) and PFS (p = 0.04 and p = 0.67). Permanent iPDT-associated morbidity was seen in one iPDT patient (6.3%). Patients treated with iPDT experienced superior PFS and OS compared to patients who underwent complete tumor removal (p < 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively). The rate of long-term PFS was higher in iPDT-treated patients (43.8% vs. 8.9%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: iPDT is a feasible treatment concept and might be associated with long-term PFS in a subgroup of GBM patients, potentially via induction of so far unknown immunological tumor-controlling processes.

Non-Invasive Zinc Protoporphyrin Screening Offers Opportunities for Secondary Prevention of Iron Deficiency in Blood Donors.

Background: Frequent blood donors are at high risk of developing iron deficiency. Currently, there is no potent screening during blood donation to detect iron deficient erythropoiesis (IDE) before anemia develops and deferral from donation is inevitable. Study Design and Methods: In addition to capillary and venous hemoglobin, the iron status of 99 frequent blood donors was assessed by various venous blood parameters and zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP). ZnPP was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a new prototype fiber-optic device was employed for non-invasive measurements of ZnPP through the blood collection tubing (NI-tubing) and on lip tissue (NI-lip). We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic value of the NI-tubing measurement for early detection of severe iron deficiency in blood donors. Results: NI-tubing and HPLC reference measurements of ZnPP showed narrow limits of agreement of 12.2 µmol ZnPP/mol heme and very high correlation (Spearman's Rho = 0.938). Using a cutoff of 65 µmol ZnPP/mol heme, NI-tubing measurements (n = 93) identified 100% of donors with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and an additional 38% of donors with IDE. Accordingly, NI-tubing measurements would allow detection and selective protection of particularly vulnerable donors. Conclusion: NI-tubing measurements are an accurate and simple method to implement ZnPP determination into the routine blood donation process. ZnPP was able to identify the majority of subjects with IDE and IDA and might therefore be a valuable tool to provide qualified information to donors about dietary measures and adjustments of the donation interval and thereby help to prevent IDA and hemoglobin deferral in the future.

Homogeneously Emitting, Mechanically Stable, and Efficient fs-Laser-Machined Fiber Diffusers for Medical Applications.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Light delivery is an essential part of therapy forms like photodynamic therapy (PDT), laser-induced thermotherapy, and endovenous laser therapy. While there are approaches to the light application for all three therapies, there is no diffuser that can be used for all three approaches. This diffuser must meet the following criteria: Homogeneous radiation profile over a length of 40 mm, efficient light extraction in the diffuser area, mechanical breakage resistance as well as thermal stability when applying high power. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ultrashort pulse laser was used to inscribe inhomogeneities into the core of a fused-silica fiber core while scanning the laser focus within a linear arrangement of cuboids centered around the fiber axis. The manufactured diffuser was optically and mechanically characterized and examined to determine the maximum power that can be applied in a tissue environment. RESULTS: Based on the analysis of all examined diffusers, the manufactured diffuser exhibits an emission efficiency ε = (81.5 ± 5.9)%, an intensity variability of (19 ± 5)% between distal and proximal diffuser end, and a minimum bending radius Rb = (15.4 ± 1.5) mm. It was taken advantage of the fact that the outer areas of the fiber core do not undergo any structural changes due to the machining and therefore do not suffer a major loss of stability. Tissue experiments revealed that a maximal power of 15 W was deliverable from the diffuser without harming the diffuser itself. CONCLUSIONS: It could be shown that a diffuser manufactured by ultrafast-laser processing can be used for low power applications as well as for high power applications. Further tests have to show whether the mechanical stability is still maintained after the application of high power in a tissue environment. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Development of a microstructured tissue phantom with adaptable optical properties for use with microscopes and fluorescence lifetime imaging systems.

OBJECTIVES: For the development and validation of diagnostic procedures based on microscopic methods, knowledge about the imaging depth and achievable resolution in tissue is crucial. This poses the challenge to develop a microscopic artificial phantom focused on the microscopic instead of the macroscopic optical tissue characteristics. METHODS: As existing artificial tissue phantoms designed for image forming systems are primarily targeted at wide field applications, they are unsuited for reaching the formulated objective. Therefore, a microscopy- and microendoscopy-suited artificial tissue phantom was developed and characterized. It is based on a microstructured glass surface coated with fluorescent beads at known depths covered by a scattering agent with modifiable optical properties. The phantom was examined with different kinds of microscopy systems in order to characterize its quality and stability and to demonstrate its usefulness for instrument comparison, for example, regarding structural as well as fluorescence lifetime analysis. RESULTS: The analysis of the manufactured microstructured glass surfaces showed high regularity in their physical dimensions in accordance with the specifications. Measurements of the optical parameters of the scattering medium were consistent with simulations. The fluorescent beads coating proved to be stable for a respectable period of time (about a week). The developed artificial tissue phantom was successfully used to detect differences in image quality between a research microscope and an endoscopy based system. Plausible causes for the observed differences could be derived based on the well known microstructure of the phantom. CONCLUSIONS: The artificial tissue phantom is well suited for the intended use with microscopic and microendoscopic systems. Due to its configurable design, it can be adapted to a wide range of applications. It is especially targeted at the characterization and calibration of clinical imaging systems that often lack extensive positioning capabilities such as an intrinsic z-stage.

Evaluation of hyperspectral imaging to quantify perfusion changes during the modified Allen test.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the capability of hyperspectral imaging (HSI), a contact-less and noninvasive technology, to monitor perfusion changes of the hand during a modified Allen test (MAT) and cuff occlusion test. Furthermore, the study aimed at obtaining objective perfusion parameters of the hand. METHODS: HSI of the hand was performed on 20 healthy volunteers with a commercially available HSI system during a MAT and a cuff occlusion test. Besides gathering red-green-blue (RGB) images, the perfusion parameters tissue hemoglobin index (THI), (superficial tissue) hemoglobin oxygenation (StO2), near-infrared perfusion (NIR), and tissue water index (TWI) were calculated for four different regions of interest on the hand. For the MAT, occlusion (OI; the ratio between the condition during occlusion and before occlusion) and reperfusion (RI; the ratio between the non-occlusion state and the prior occlusion state) indices were calculated for each perfusion parameter. All data were correlated to the clinical findings. RESULTS: False-color images showed visible differences between the various perfusion conditions during the MAT and cuff occlusion test. THI, StO2, and NIR behaved as expected from physiology, while TWI did not in the context of this study. During rest, mean THI, StO2, and NIR of the hand were 34 ± 2, 72 ± 9, and 61 ± 6, respectively. The RI for THI showed a roundabout threefold increase after reperfusion of both radial and ulnar artery and was thus, distinctly pronounced when compared with StO2 and NIR (~1.25). The OI was lowest for THI when compared with StO2 and NIR. CONCLUSIONS: HSI with its parameters THI, StO2, and NIR proved to be suitable to evaluate perfusion of the hand. By this, it could complement visual inspection during the MAT for evaluating the functionality of the superficial palmary arch before radial or ulnar artery harvest. The presented RI might deliver useful comparative values to detect pathological perfusion disorders at an early stage. As microcirculation monitoring is crucial for many medical issues, HSI shows potential to be used, besides further applications, in the monitoring of (free) flaps and transplants and microcirculation monitoring of critically ill patients.

Safety and efficacy of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) using 1940 nm and radial emitting fiber: 3-year results of a prospective, non-randomized study and comparison with 1470 nm.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and ≥36 months outcomes of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) by means of 1940 nm laser with radial fiber for the treatment of truncal vein insufficiency and compare the results to a historical cohort, obtained via reviewing the literature. METHODS: This prospective, non-randomized, single-center clinical study included 139 consecutive patients with 177 incompetent great saphenous (GSV, n = 135) and short saphenous veins (SSV, n = 42). The maximum laser power (Pmax. 10 W) and pullback velocity were adjusted individually (Vmax = 1 mm/s). The laser fiber was placed at the junction to the deep vein under duplex monitoring. Simultaneous phlebectomies were performed on all the patients. Regular follow up with clinical and duplex ultrasound examination (DUS) were carried out postoperatively at 1 month (1 M), 6 months (6 M), 12 months (12 M), 24 months (24 M), 36 months, and after that (≥36 M). The results were compared with three cohorts (total 616 EVLA procedures with 1470 nm laser and radial fiber) from literature (criteria: >100 procedures, follow-up of ≥2 years). RESULTS: The follow-up rate was 100%, 91%, 73%, 48%, and 23% of the truncal veins at 1, 6, 12, 24, and ≥36 M, respectively. In comparison to the literature using 1470, a lower average linear endovenous energy density (LEED) (53 vs. 77-82 J/cm) resulted in 100% (6 M) and 96.5% (24 M) occlusion rates, reduced local ecchymosis (2.2% vs. 3.2%-18.7%) and reduced average postoperative pain levels (1.3 vs. 2.18). Regarding adverse events, induration (1.1% vs. 1.8%), skin burns (0% vs. 0.45%), endovenous heat-induced thrombus propagation (EHIT) in the deep veins (2.3% vs. 1.8%) and laser-induced persistent paresthesia (2.2% vs. 0.5%-2.9%) were comparable. Recanalizations observed in this study (GSV 0, SSV 3) were asymptomatic and required no treatment. At ≥36 M reflux in the accessory veins was observed in 5% versus 10.5% of patients. Reintervention was required in none (0% vs. 21%). At >36 M, short average stump lengths of 1 cm (GSV) and 0.3 cm (SSV) were observed. CONCLUSION: EVLA with 1940 nm laser with radial emitting fiber is as safe and effective as 1470 nm laser for the treatment of truncal vein insufficiency. Lower postoperative pain, low analgesic requirements, short convalescence add to patients' comfort. EVLA with 1940 nm laser-guided by intraoperative DUS permits reproducible placement of the radial fiber at the saphenofemoral and saphenopopliteal junction, enabling further studies to assess the effect of shorter stump length on patterns and frequency of recurrence without increased risk of EHIT.

Clinical Evaluation of Single-Use, Fiber-Optic, and Digital Ureterorenoscopes in the Treatment of Kidney Stones.

INTRODUCTION: Indication of ureteroscopy for the treatment of urolithiasis has expanded immensely over the last decade. Fiber-optic and digital reusable instruments present the standard in clinical practice, but various newly available single-use devices might offer an exciting alternative. To date, the evidence is limited to clinical evaluation and efficacy of single-use ureteroscopes (URS) compared to standard instruments. Therefore, we evaluate a single-use instrument's clinical characteristics and efficacy in direct comparison with a fiber-optic and digital device. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted for patients undergoing endoscopic therapy for urolithiasis at a tertiary care center. We evaluated the different instruments' clinical performance in categories of visibility, the stability of visibility, irrigation flow, and surgeon's satisfaction. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS using the Chi-Quadrat and Kruskal-Wallis test. A p value of p ≤ 0.05 was defined as statistically significant. RESULTS: A total number of 77 patients were included and distributed as follows: 35 (46.7%) single-use, 19 (25.3%) digital, and 23 (28%) fiber-optic URS. Patients' characteristics were homogenous over the three cohorts in sex, stone amount, and localization. The stone-free rate was equal in all three cohorts (p = 0.31). We identify stability of visibility, irrigation flow, and satisfaction were equal in all cohorts (p = 0.73; p = 0.20; p = 0.20). We report a significant difference in visibility, with 100% rated excellent in the digital URS group (p = 0.028). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Single-use URS achieve comparable clinical outcomes with equal stone-free rates in direct comparison with fiber-optic and digital reusable instruments. Accordingly, single-use devices present an adequate alternative for endoscopic therapy of urolithiasis.

Endovenous laser ablation using laser systems emitting at wavelengths > 1900 nm: a systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the currently available literature reporting clinical application of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) by means of laser systems emitting at wavelengths > 1900 nm, pertaining dosimetry, intraoperative parameters, postoperative outcomes, and efficacy based on occlusion rates, recanalization, and postoperative complications. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, OVID, and Web of Science for publications since the year 2000 until December 2021. Case series, prospective trials, retrospective studies, and randomized controlled trials describing the application of a 1920/1940-nm wavelength laser for EVLA in humans with a minimum of one postoperative follow-up visit were included in the study. Four case series and one randomized controlled trial with a total of 509 EVLA procedures (396 great saphenous veins and 113 small saphenous veins) were identified, meeting the inclusion criteria. The studies were heterogenous in their documentation, EVLA, and duplex ultrasound protocol and result reporting. Overall, the applied average cumulative LEED values ranged from 17.8 to 53 J/cm. Complications observed were pigmentation (0-9.75%), paresthesia (2.5-7.3%), thrombophlebitis (0-5%), EHIT Class 2 (2.26-2.4%), and EHIT Class 1 (1.2-2.4%). Four cases of recanalizations were observed in one study cohort within the first month after treatment. Follow-up at 12 months was available for 3 studies (procedures n = 218) with recanalizations in 8 limbs. Follow-up at 24-36 months was available for 2 studies (procedures n = 126) showing recanalizations in 5 limbs. Recanalizations were asymptomatic and incidental findings on follow-up duplex ultrasound. Pooled occlusion rates were 99.2% at 1 M, 96.3% at 12 M, and 96% at 24 M. Overall, patients undergoing EVLA with long wavelength laser systems > 1900 nm show high occlusion rates, significant improvement in VCSS, low postoperative complication rate, low pain levels, low analgesic requirement, and early convalescence. Apart from persistent paresthesia, all the complications regressed spontaneously within 6 months. EVLA by means of 1920/1940 nm shows promising clinical results with high efficacy and low complication rates. Heterogeneity still exists regarding ideal protocol for duplex ultrasound examination and documentation of anatomical parameters (e.g., vein diameter, ideal stump length and status of accessory veins) and light dosimetry for EVLA.

Comprehensive Investigation of Parameters Influencing Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy in Frequency- and Time-Domain Illustrated by Phasor Plot Analysis.

Having access to fluorescence lifetime, researchers can reveal in-depth details about the microenvironment as well as the physico-chemical state of the molecule under investigation. However, the high number of influencing factors might be an explanation for the strongly deviating values of fluorescent lifetimes for the same fluorophore reported in the literature. This could be the reason for the impression that inconsistent results are obtained depending on which detection and excitation scheme is used. To clarify this controversy, the two most common techniques for measuring fluorescence lifetimes in the time-domain and in the frequency-domain were implemented in one single microscopy setup and applied to a variety of fluorophores under different environmental conditions such as pH-value, temperature, solvent polarity, etc., along with distinct state forms that depend, for example, on the concentration. From a vast amount of measurement results, both setup- and sample-dependent parameters were extracted and represented using a single display form, the phasor-plot. The measurements showed consistent results between the two techniques and revealed which of the tested parameters has the strongest influence on the fluorescence lifetime. In addition, quantitative guidance as to which technique is most suitable for which research task and how to perform the experiment properly to obtain consistent fluorescence lifetimes is discussed.

Comparison of stone elimination capacity and drilling speed of endoscopic clearance lithotripsy devices.

PURPOSE: To investigate the fragmentation capacity, clearance time, and drilling speed of combined ultrasonic with impact dual-energy and single energy ultrasonic lithotripter devices. METHODS: Stone fragmentation and clearance tests were performed under direct view in an underwater layered hemisphere by four different operators using artificial stones (n = 10/operator). Time for complete clearance was measured. Drilling tests were performed using an underwater setup, consisting of a mounting rack for fixing the lithotripter handpiece with the probe in vertical position and in contact with the stone phantom placed on one side of a balance for defined and constant contact application pressure equivalent to 450 g load. Time until complete perforation or in case of no perforation, the penetration depth after 60 s into the stone sample was recorded. Four devices, one single energy device (SED), one dual-energy dual probe (DEDP), two dual-energy single probe (DESP-1, DESP-2), with different parameters were tested. RESULTS: Stone fragmentation and clearance speed were significantly faster for dual-energy device DESP-1 compared to all other devices (p < 0.001). Using DESP-1, the clearance time needed was 26.0 ± 5.0 s followed by DESP-2, SED and DEDP requiring 38.4 ± 5.8 s, 40.1 ± 6.3 s and 46.3 ± 11.6 s, respectively. Regarding the drilling speed, DESP-1 was faster compared to all other devices used (p < 0.05). While the drilling speed of DESP-1 was 0.69 ± 0.19 mm/s, compared to 0.49 ± 0.18 mm/s of DESP-2, 0.47 ± 0.09 mm/s of DEDP, and 0.19 ± 0.03 mm/s of SED. CONCLUSIONS: The dual-energy/single-probe device combining ultrasonic vibrations with electromechanical impact was significantly faster in fragmentation and clearing stone phantoms as well as in drilling speed compared to all other devices.

Bioenergetic Alterations of Metabolic Redox Coenzymes as NADH, FAD and FMN by Means of Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Techniques.

Metabolic FLIM (fluorescence lifetime imaging) is used to image bioenergetic status in cells and tissue. Whereas an attribution of the fluorescence lifetime of coenzymes as an indicator for cell metabolism is mainly accepted, it is debated whether this is valid for the redox state of cells. In this regard, an innovative algorithm using the lifetime characteristics of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) to calculate the fluorescence lifetime induced redox ratio (FLIRR) has been reported so far. We extended the FLIRR approach and present new results, which includes FLIM data of the various enzymes, such as NAD(P)H, FAD, as well as flavin mononucleotide (FMN). Our algorithm uses a two-exponential fitting procedure for the NAD(P)H autofluorescence and a three-exponential fit of the flavin signal. By extending the FLIRR approach, we introduced FLIRR1 as protein-bound NAD(P)H related to protein-bound FAD, FLIRR2 as protein-bound NAD(P)H related to free (unbound) FAD and FLIRR3 as protein-bound NAD(P)H related to protein-bound FMN. We compared the significance of extended FLIRR to the metabolic index, defined as the ratio of protein-bound NAD(P)H to free NAD(P)H. The statistically significant difference for tumor and normal cells was found to be highest for FLIRR1.

Non-invasive measurement of erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin in children.

BACKGROUND: Reliable screening for iron deficiency (ID) has required a blood sample and cost-intensive laboratory measurements. A novel method to non-invasively measure erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), an established marker for ID, is evaluated in children. METHODS: ZnPP was determined non-invasively by fluorescence measurements on the wet vermillion of the lower lip in 99 hospitalized children aged 9 months to 5 years. For comparison, conventional ID parameters and ZnPP were determined from blood samples. RESULTS: The non-invasively measured ZnPP values had limits of agreement (LoA) of 14 µmol ZnPP/mol heme (95% confidence interval: 9-20) compared to fluorescence measurements directly in blood. Repeated high-performance liquid chromatography reference determinations had comparable LoA of 14 µmol ZnPP/mol heme (9-17). Non-invasive ZnPP measurements had sensitivity and specificity of 67% (39-88%) and 97% (91-99%), and negative and positive predictive value of 94% (90-97%) and 80% (55-93%), for detecting ID as defined by the soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). In groups with more severe ID as defined by serum ferritin and sTfR, higher ZnPP values were found, with the highest ZnPP values for the group with ID anemia. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive ZnPP measurements are reliably feasible in children. The simple and fast method has the potential to enable wide-spread screening for ID.

In vitro investigations of propulsion during laser lithotripsy using video tracking.

OBJECTIVES: Ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy is an important and widely used method for destroying ureter stones. It represents an alternative to ultrasonic and pneumatic lithotripsy techniques. Although these techniques have been thoroughly investigated, the influence of some physical parameters that may be relevant to further improve the treatment results is not fully understood. One crucial topic is the propulsive stone movement induced by the applied laser pulses. To simplify and speed up the optimization of laser parameters in this regard, a video tracking method was developed in connection with a vertical column setup that allows recording and subsequently analyzing the propulsive stone movement in dependence of different laser parameters in a particularly convenient and fast manner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pulsed laser light was applied from below to a cubic BegoStone phantom loosely guided within a vertical column setup. The video tracking method uses an algorithm to determine the vertical stone position in each frame of the recorded scene. The time-dependence of the vertical stone position is characterized by an irregular series of peaks. By analyzing the slopes of the peaks in this signal it was possible to determine the mean upward stone velocity for a whole pulse train and to compare it for different laser settings. For a proof of principle of the video tracking method, a specific pulse energy setting (1 J/pulse) was used in combination with three different pulse durations: short pulse (0.3 ms), medium pulse (0.6 ms), and long pulse (1.0 ms). The three pulse durations were compared in terms of their influence on the propulsive stone movement in terms of upward velocity. Furthermore, the propulsions induced by two different pulse energy settings (0.8 J/pulse and 1.2 J/pulse) for a fixed pulse duration (0.3 ms) were compared. A pulse repetition rate of 10 Hz was chosen for all experiments, and for each laser setting, the experiment was repeated on 15 different freshly prepared stones. The latter set of experiments was compared with the results of previous propulsion measurements performed with a pendulum setup. RESULTS: For a fixed pulse energy (1 J/pulse), the mean upward propulsion velocity increased (from 120.0 to 154.9 mm · s-1 ) with decreasing pulse duration. For fixed pulse duration (0.3 ms), the mean upward propulsion velocity increased (from 91.9 to 123.3 mm · s-1 ) with increasing pulse energy (0.8 J/pulse and 1.2 J/pulse). The latter result corresponds roughly to the one obtained with the pendulum setup (increase from 61 to 105 mm · s-1 ). While the mean propulsion velocities for the two different pulse energies were found to differ significantly (P < 0.001) for the two experimental and analysis methods, the standard deviations of the measured mean propulsion velocities were considerably smaller in case of the vertical column method with video tracking (12% and 15% for n = 15 freshly prepared stones) than in case of the pendulum method (26% and 41% for n = 50 freshly prepared stones), in spite of the considerably smaller number of experiment repetitions ("sample size") in the first case. CONCLUSION: The proposed vertical column method with video tracking appears advantageous compared to the pendulum method in terms of the statistical significance of the obtained results. This may partly be understood by the fact that the entire motion of the stones contributes to the data analysis, rather than just their maximum distance from the initial position. The key difference is, however, that the pendulum method involves only one single laser pulse in each experiment run, which renders this method rather tedious to perform. Furthermore, the video tracking method appears much better suited to model a clinical lithotripsy intervention that utilizes longer series of laser pulses at higher repetition rates. The proposed video tracking method can conveniently and quickly deliver results for a large number of laser pulses that can easily be averaged. An optimization of laser settings to achieve minimal propulsive stone movement should thus be more easily feasible with the video tracking method in connection with the vertical column setup. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:333-339, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Laser-assisted fixation of a nitinol stapes prosthesis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Otosclerosis is an inner ear bone disease characterized by fixation of the stapes and consequently progressive hearing loss. One treatment option is the surgical replacement of the stapes by a prosthesis. When so called "smart materials" like nitinol are used, prosthesis fixation can be performed using a laser without manual crimping on the incus. However, specific laser-prosthesis interactions have not been described yet. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the thermo-mechanical properties of the NiTiBOND® prosthesis as a basis for handling instructions for laser-assisted prosthesis fixation. STUDY DESIGN AND MATERIALS AND METHODS: Closure of the NiTiBOND® prosthesis was induced ex vivo by either a diode laser emitting at λ = 940 nm or a CO2 laser (λ = 10,600 nm). Total energy for closure was determined. Suitable laser parameters (pulse duration, power per pulse, distance between tip of the laser fiber and prosthesis) were assessed. Specific laser-prosthesis interactions were recorded. RESULTS: Especially the diode laser was found to be an appropriate energy source. A total energy deposit of 60 mJ by pulses in near contact application was found to be sufficient for prosthesis closure ex vivo. Energy should be transmitted through a laser fiber equipollent to the prosthesis band diameter. Specific deformation characteristics due to the zonal prosthesis composition have to be taken into account. CONCLUSION: NiTiBOND® stapes prosthesis can be closed by very little energy when appropriate energy sources like diode lasers are used, suggesting a relatively safe application in vivo. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:153-157, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE): a preclinical investigation of the male genital tract.

The aim of this study was to assess the potential of probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) as a new diagnostic imaging technique for the male genital tract. For this purpose, testes, epididymides, and vasa deferentia were obtained during transsexual surgery of healthy patients (n = 10, 26-52 years). Prior to this, testes of rats (n = 10, Sprague-Dawley) and mice (n = 8, wild-type) were examined. Ex vivo tissues were investigated by pCLE after topical fluorescence staining. Images and pCLE real-time video sequences were compared to images acquired by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM); this allowed the identifying of corresponding microstructures. Interestingly, the seminiferous tubules of transsexual humans contained mainly spermatogonia due to long-term estrogen treatment, whereas the seminiferous tubules of the murine and rat spermatogenesis-related cell types were differentiated. Mosaicking improved the inspection potential by wide-angle views. Similarly, the microarchitecture of the epididymis and the vas deferens was successfully visualized in situ and on a cellular level by pCLE. In summary, pCLE allows for real-time identification of relevant microstructures responsible for spermatogenesis under ex vivo conditions. Additionally, pCLE enabled to localize vital spermatozoa in the testis thus opening up new ways to improve sperm retrieval rates during assisted reproduction. Both clinically relevant experiences hold promise to introduce this diagnostic method into a clinical study, and to investigate its potential as a clinical diagnostic procedure to expedite and improve the medical situation.

Impact of pulse duration on Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy: fragmentation and dusting performance.

OBJECTIVES: In vitro investigations of Ho:YAG laser-induced stone fragmentation were performed to identify potential impacts of different pulse durations on stone fragmentation characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Ho:YAG laser system (Swiss LaserClast, EMS S.A., Nyon, Switzerland) with selectable long or short pulse mode was tested with regard to its fragmentation and laser hardware compatibility properties. The pulse duration is depending on the specific laser parameters. Fragmentation tests (hand-held, hands-free, single-pulse-induced crater) on artificial BEGO stones were performed under reproducible experimental conditions (fibre sizes: 365 and 200 µm; laser settings: 10 W through combinations of 0.5, 1, 2 J/pulse and 20, 10, 5 Hz, respectively). RESULTS: Differences in fragmentation rates between the two pulse duration regimes were detected with statistical significance for defined settings. Hand-held and motivated Ho:YAG laser-assisted fragmentation of BEGO stones showed no significant difference between short pulse mode and long pulse mode, neither in fragmentation rates nor in number of fragments and fragment sizes. Similarly, the results of the hands-free fragmentation tests (with and without anti-repulsion device) showed no statistical differences between long pulse and short pulse modes. CONCLUSION: The study showed that fragmentation rates for long and short pulse durations at identical power settings remain at a comparable level. Longer holmium laser pulse duration reduces stone pushback. Therefore, longer laser pulses may result in better clinical outcome of laser lithotripsy and more convenient handling during clinical use without compromising fragmentation effectiveness.