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A second look at glaucoma surgery

A study led by Queen's University professor Robert Campbell revealed that using anti-inflammatory medicines after common eye surgery isn't helpful or necessary. The research found that steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not affect the ability of laser treatment to lower eye pressure.

SourceQueen's University·JournalOphthalmology·DateSep 18, 2014

Lawsuits increasing over skin-related laser surgery like hair removal performed by non-physicians

A study found that lawsuits related to procedures when non-physicians operate the laser are increasing, particularly outside traditional medical settings. Non-physician operators, including nurse practitioners and medical assistants, were involved in 75.5% of hair removal lawsuits from 2004 to 2012.

Optics Express focus issue: Modular ultrafast lasers

The Optics Express Focus Issue on Modular Ultrafast Lasers showcases state-of-the-art developments in femtosecond lasers, enabling new applications in biology, medicine, chemistry, and energy research. Key findings include the generation of broad-bandwidth frequency combs for precision metrology and spectroscopy.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 13, 2012

Taking a 'shine' to heart repair

A new treatment developed at Tel Aviv University uses laser-treated bone marrow stem cells to help restore heart function and health. The procedure significantly reduces heart scarring after an ischemic event by up to 80 percent, offering a safer and quicker alternative to existing options.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalLasers in Surgery and Medicine·DateAug 11, 2011

Men fuel rebound in plastic surgery

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a significant increase in men undergoing cosmetic procedures, with over 1.1 million procedures performed in 2010. Facelifts and other surgical procedures saw substantial growth, bucking the trend of minimally-invasive treatments.

Self-administered light therapy may improve cognitive function after traumatic brain injury

A new study found that daily application of light therapy via LEDs on the forehead and scalp improved cognitive function in patients with traumatic brain injury. The treatment led to substantial improvements in memory, inhibition, and attention, enabling one patient to return to full-time work.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPhotomedicine and Laser Surgery·DateMar 17, 2011

A safer alternative to laser eye surgery?

A new Cochrane Systematic Review suggests phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) may be a safer alternative to excimer laser surgery for moderate to high levels of short-sightedness. Patients who underwent IOL treatment reported better spectacle-corrected vision and contrast sensitivity, as well as higher patient satisfaction.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateMay 11, 2010

Fetal surgery continues to advance

Fetal surgery continues to evolve with advancements in prenatal diagnosis and surgical techniques. Experts at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia describe innovative procedures for treating rare defects, including lung masses, sacrococcygeal teratomas, and spina bifida.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalSeminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2010

Duda, where'd my spines go?

UC researcher Michal Polak confirms one of Darwin's theories by showing that the spines on Drosophila bipectinata males assist them in copulation. The study found that removing these spines resulted in drastic reductions in ability to copulate and compete for mates.

Researchers find demand for cosmetic and surgical procedures in dermatologic surgery rising rapidly

Since 2000, there has been a dramatic increase in cosmetic and non-cosmetic surgical procedures performed by dermatologic surgeons, with a 120% growth rate between 2001 and 2007. The procedures with the greatest increases were soft tissue augmentation, botulinum toxin injections, and non-ablative skin rejuvenation.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalDermatologic Surgery·DateOct 5, 2009

Blue light destroys antibiotic-resistant staph infection

Researchers have discovered that blue light can effectively destroy two common strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a laboratory setting. The study found that high-dose photo-irradiation using 470-nm blue light was able to kill up to 90.4% of the bacteria, making it a promising potential treatment for MRSA i...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPhotomedicine and Laser Surgery·DateJan 29, 2009

Surgery without stitches

The Surgilux device seals surgical wounds using an infrared laser, potentially reducing complications and infections associated with sutures. Early test results show promising results in brain and nerve surgery, paving the way for a new approach to repairing damaged nerves.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalLasers in Surgery and Medicine·DateDec 20, 2007

Fetal surgeon shows for first time that laser procedure may treat vasa previa

A University of South Florida fetal surgeon successfully treated a rare condition where placental blood vessels block the birth canal and can rupture during labor. The laser procedure sealed off the abnormal fetal blood vessels, eliminating prolonged hospitalization and allowing the pregnancy to progress with a vaginal delivery.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·DateDec 18, 2007

New insights into how lasers cut flesh

Researchers discovered that ultraviolet lasers interact with living tissue differently than previously thought, with varying effects on wavelength and pulse duration. The study found that shorter wavelength lasers can cut more precisely and produce less collateral damage than mid-infrared lasers.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 25, 2007

LASIK for older adults

A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago found that LASIK surgery is safe and effective for patients aged 40-69 years old, with reliable predictability of correction. The study also highlighted challenges faced by older adults, including difficulty with near vision after LASIK due to presbyopia.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalOphthalmology·DateApr 18, 2007