Articles tagged with Laser Surgery
The latest figures from the European Registry of Quality Outcomes for Cataract and Refractive Surgery show significant improvements in safety and efficacy, with complications such as posterior capsule rupture occurring at a low rate. The registry has recorded nearly five million cataract surgeries, with the most common procedure being ...
A simple perception test using standard eye testing equipment can accurately predict the success of laser surgery for age-related vision loss. The test identified 1.66% of patients who were not suitable for the treatment, while 96.9% successfully adapted to their laser blended vision.
A new study shows that laser treatment, PRK, is as safe and effective in treating myopia in older teenagers (17-18 years) as it is in adults. The procedure achieved excellent results with around 64% of teenagers' eyes achieving 20/20 vision.
Patients who had cataract surgery or received a new type of lens for presbyopia correction have excellent vision over near, intermediate, and far distances without glasses. The study found that nearly all patients needed glasses 'none' or 'a little of the time' for distance and intermediate vision.
The new book Spinal Surgery Biomechanics: Principles for Residents offers a comprehensive exploration of core biomechanical concepts essential for mastering spinal surgical procedures. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing a biomechanical framework that supports surgical planning and patient safety.
Researchers developed an in-silico meta-analysis tool to determine optimal laser irradiation conditions for treating nevus of Ota. The study found that picosecond laser treatment demonstrated higher efficacy and equivalent safety compared to nanosecond laser treatment.
The WATER III trial shows that waterjet surgery can better preserve ejaculation function compared to standard laser surgery. The technique has similar outcomes and can be performed with robot assistance, reducing waiting times for men with urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.
A new laparoscopic imaging technique uses stereo depth estimation and speckle-illumination SFDI to accurately map the optical properties of biological tissue. The device provides detailed optical property maps, enabling surgeons to identify critical tumor margins and improve clinical outcomes.
The study found a notable drop in common ophthalmic procedures following the COVID-19 pandemic, especially laser peripheral iridotomy, which declined significantly in the hardest hit areas of the Northeast. Eye drug injections showed minimal changes during this time.
A new study by ACS Journal of Proteome Research identifies shifts in tear protein levels as predictors of long-lasting pain after LASIK surgery. The analysis suggests that specific patterns of protein changes could one day be used to evaluate patients' risk of post-surgical eye pain and find new treatments.
Researchers developed an index to optimize picosecond laser treatment for skin blemishes, showing low complication rates and high efficacy. The wavelength-dependent indicators are expected to improve the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a system that combines three functions: cutting bone, controlling depth, and differentiating tissue types. This autonomous system uses three lasers to make precise incisions with minimal human interference.
A study published by Nemours Children's Health found that laser epilation significantly reduced the risk of recurrence in patients with pilonidal disease. The procedure was compared to standard care, showing a 33% lower rate of recurrences in patients who received laser epilation.
The program, which has just one room and one laser, now has about 300 clients undergoing tattoo removal. Removing those tattoos may help individuals reduce their exposure to violence, build a new identity, and gain employment. Nearly nine out of 10 clients desired tattoo removal to transition to a healthier life.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive technique using laser speckle imaging to visualize microvasculature in donor hearts and detect abnormal blood flow. The method enables precise visualization of blood circulation, potentially identifying hearts suitable for transplantation.
A study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine suggests that light therapy, known as photobiomodulation (PBM), can improve heart function and reduce the thickness of the cardiac wall in middle-aged mice. The research also found improved neuromuscular coordination and a significant survival rate among mice with severe heart disease.
Research found that nonablative fractional lasers (NAFL) reduce the risk of subsequent keratinocyte carcinoma development. NAFL-treated patients had about half the risk of developing a new facial keratinocyte carcinoma compared to untreated controls.
Researchers developed a laser-based approach to perform microbiopsies, enabling fast, painless tissue sampling with minimal damage. The novel technique uses laser ablation to extract tiny tissue volumes, which can be analyzed using virtual H&E imaging and other techniques in minutes, not hours.
Researchers at Ural Federal University develop infrared optical fibers with high transparency and low optical losses, suitable for applications in space, laser surgery and medical imaging. The fibers retain their properties even when exposed to ionizing radiation.
Researchers found a weak correlation between provider and patient satisfaction with anesthesia during ocular surgery, suggesting that providers are poor predictors of patient comfort. The study recommends further research to understand patient satisfaction with anesthesia.
Researchers have developed a new implant that reduces ghrelin levels and body weight gain by half when exposed to laser light, offering a minimally invasive treatment option for obese patients. The implant uses a laser-activated dye to kill cells producing the 'hunger hormone'.
A Tanzanian study found that laser treatment (SLT) successfully reduced eye pressure to normal levels in 61% of patients after one year, compared to 31% with daily eye drops. SLT may be an affordable alternative for glaucoma care in Africa.
Researchers at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science have developed high-power Er3+-doped mid-infrared lasers with peak powers over 0.33 MW and repetition rates up to 150 Hz. The lasers achieved quasi-continuous signals, making them promising candidates for dental ablation surgery and optical parametric oscillator applications.
Researchers developed an organ-preserving treatment method to repair damaged vein valves, achieving a success rate of 95.24% in eliminating varicose vein problems. The therapy uses a thin sheath around the defective vein to restore its normal diameter and prevent serious health issues.
A new laser-steering microrobot allows for precise control of laser beams in minimally invasive surgeries, enhancing surgical capabilities and precision. The device, developed by Harvard researchers, can be integrated into existing endoscopic tools and offers a non-disruptive solution for advancing surgery.
The article reviews the development of surgical microscopes, from their introduction in 1921 to the latest advancements. Advanced technologies such as augmented reality displays, hyperspectral imaging, and robotic visualization platforms are increasing the capabilities of surgical microscopes. These improvements enable better visualiza...
A National Eye Institute-supported clinical study found that surgical and injectable drug approaches are equally effective in treating bleeding inside the eye from proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Most participants needed both treatments to improve vision over two years. The findings provide useful guidance for clinicians managing p...
A curved blade is proposed for a laser scalpel to expand its medical applications, being two times thinner than the current cylindrical option. The concept utilizes a photonic 'hook' formed by an amplitude or phase mask at the fiber end, enabling precise tissue manipulation and reduced bleeding.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that laser stimulation inhibits sclerostin expression in bone without causing inflammation, providing a new treatment possibility for osteoporosis. This method may aid the development of laser-based therapies to promote bone regeneration.
A new study from the University of Missouri School of Medicine found that pre-treatment eye pressure is a key indicator of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) effectiveness in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Patients with higher baseline intraocular pressure achieved larger reductions in pressure after surgery.
Researchers found that a fundamental principle of lasers, compensating for losses with amplified light, is only an approximation. A tiny excess loss due to luminescence inside the laser provides the key to understanding the spectral linewidth.
Scientists have developed a new type of laser that can deliver high amounts of energy in very short bursts, making it ideal for corneal surgery. The research uses quartic solitons to produce short, powerful light pulses without heating and damaging the surface.
A new study shows a common eye condition, glaucoma, can be successfully treated with gene therapy using a single injection, providing additional treatment options and benefits. Glaucoma affects over 64 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
Researchers at ITMO University and S.N. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Complex introduced a laser method for cataract surgery that stimulates tissue regeneration while destroying the cloudy lens. The technique has been clinically proven to reduce corneal endothelial cell loss by 1.8 times.
A Rutgers University scientist has developed a new 'virtual biopsy' device that can quickly determine a skin lesion's depth and potential malignancy without using a scalpel. The device, called vibrational optical coherence tomography (VOCT), uses sound vibrations and near-infrared light to create a 3-D map of the lesion under the skin.
Researchers analyzed data from 234 patients undergoing minimally invasive laser surgery for epilepsy, finding that targeting specific brain regions such as the amygdala and hippocampal head improved seizure-free outcomes with minimal side effects. The study's results provide insights into the most effective approach for this type of su...
A team of University of Central Florida researchers has developed the first supersymmetric laser array, which overcomes a long-standing problem in laser science. The findings have promising applications in various fields, including medicine, military, industry and communications.
A new human model simulates cataract surgery on human donor eyes, allowing evaluation of artificial intraocular lens (IOL) implants. The model predicts that Hoya Vivinex IOL is better able to manage events leading to Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) than Alcon Acrysof IOL.
Russian scientists developed a new method to study biomechanical changes in tissues after laser surgery, improving the accuracy and safety of eye surgeries. The method uses optical coherence tomography (OCT), which visualizes tissue structure by infrared light scattering, to quantify mechanical properties changes before and after laser...
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a 'transistor' laser that can be manipulated at the nanoscale using an external voltage. This technology could lead to more accurate medical procedures and re-routing of fiber optic communication lines.
A team of scientists has designed a D-shaped laser that regulates light emission patterns and eliminates instabilities, leading to stable beams. The unique cavity shape causes light to bounce off mirrors in an unpredictable manner, resulting in a stable light stream for high-powered applications.
A Yale-led research team has developed a new approach to stabilize high-power lasers by introducing chaotic cavities, reducing laser instabilities and promoting stable beam profiles. The innovative method is scalable to increasing power levels and can be applied to various types of high-power lasers.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new non-invasive approach to permanently correct vision. The technique uses a low-powered ultrafast laser to alter biochemical and biomechanical properties of collagenous tissue, resulting in changes in corneal curvature and refractive power.
A clinical trial of 179 patients found improvement in facial angiofibroma appearance with topical rapamycin treatment. The use of topical rapamycin is considered safe and effective for treating disfiguring growths in people with tuberous sclerosis complex.
A new technique enhances power output of single-mode lasers, enabling terahertz spectroscopy applications. The technique introduces a hybrid second- and fourth-order Bragg grating in the laser's optical cavity.
The James Webb Space Telescope aligns its primary mirror segments through wavefront sensing and control, measuring imperfections with a near-infrared camera instrument. Engineers use computer algorithms to determine the mirror's shape and movement, resulting in sharp, focused images.
Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers have developed a new method to create quantum dots that emit laser light more efficiently, using less power. The treatment involves adding extra electrons to the dots, allowing them to produce laser light without external stimulation.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that laser treatment, YAG vitreolysis, significantly improved symptoms of eye floaters in 54% of patients, with 53% reporting complete improvement. The procedure also showed improvements in quality of life, including general vision and independence.
New consensus recommendations suggest that isotretinoin treatment does not significantly increase the risk of abnormal scarring or delayed wound healing associated with skin procedures. The review article analyzed 32 relevant articles and concluded that manual dermabrasion and fully ablative laser procedures are not currently recommended.
A substantial percentage of LASIK surgery patients experience new visual symptoms, including double images and glare, despite a decrease in overall prevalence. Researchers found that up to 43% of patients reported these new symptoms at 3 months post-op.
Researchers developed computer simulations demonstrating how lasers attack bacterial colonies, suggesting benefits for oral debridement and periodontal treatment. The study confirms the effectiveness of 810 nm diode lasers and 1064 nm Nd:YAG lasers in killing bacteria with minimal heating of surrounding tissue.
Researchers at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology developed a novel ceramic-based laser, twice as effective as other solid-state lasers. The laser is used in surgical operations and has a wavelength that does not damage underlying tissue, making it ideal for medical purposes.
Researchers from Kazan Federal University and Ogarev Mordovia State University conducted an in vitro study on endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins using solid-state laser radiation. The results confirmed that a heated carbonized layer on the fiber end face increases efficiency, paving the way for process optimization.
Researchers have developed a way to print lasers using an inkjet printer, creating 'lasing capsules' that can be easily disposed of after use. The tech estimates production costs at just a few cents per unit.
Using laser probe, neurosurgeons deliver chemotherapy drugs to patients with glioblastoma after opening the blood-brain barrier. The technology allows for longer treatment windows and potentially limits harmful effects of chemotherapy.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a 3D laser scanning technology that can accurately measure spaces and preserve details. This technology is being used in various fields, including archaeology, real estate, and manufacturing, to enhance space preservation and renovation.
A clinical trial has found that ranibizumab (Lucentis) is highly effective in treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy, with patients showing improved central vision and reduced risk of surgery compared to laser therapy. The study also suggests that Lucentis may help prevent diabetic macular edema.
Patients who underwent face-lift surgery reported feeling nearly nine years younger, yet their self-esteem didn't change. Low self-esteem patients showed a significant increase, while those with high preoperative self-esteem experienced a decrease after surgery.
Advanced laser surgery and echocardiography predict fetal development and survival in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies. Dr. Audibert presents results from 115 treated cases, exploring the usefulness of these techniques to improve outcomes.
Medical laser technologies hold promise for various applications, including iron deficiency screening, breast cancer treatment, glioblastoma multiforme surgery, nasal airway obstruction relief, and varicose vein treatment. However, their translation into clinical practice is hindered by multiple barriers that need to be overcome.