Articles tagged with Laser Surgery
A new imaging system has been invented to guide cancer surgery, allowing surgeons to detect malignant tissue in real-time. The system uses a fluorescent dye that localizes in tumors and a handheld laser to visualize tumor boundaries, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
A recent study published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology found that the pulsed-KTP laser treatment developed at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is as effective as traditional approaches in curing patients' tumors while preserving vocal quality. The treatment has shown a high success rate of 96% among patients wit...
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.
A new study shows that total facial rejuvenation combining extensive facelifts, midface implants, and laser resurfacing can be performed safely at one time. Patients experienced normal wound healing and no reported complications after the procedure.
A minimally invasive laser procedure, performed under MRI guidance, has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing or eliminating seizures in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). The procedure, known as SLAH, destroys the area of the brain responsible for seizure activity without harming neighboring tissue.
Researchers have discovered that blue light phototherapy is effective in killing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA. The treatment uses a specific wavelength of blue light to target and destroy the bacteria.
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.
A new study by Dr. Peter Kronenberg and Prof. Olivier Traxer found significant discrepancies between advertised and measured laser fiber diameters, with some fibers being up to double the thickness promoted. The study's findings highlight the importance of accurate technical specifications in urology surgery.
A new set of guidelines aims to reduce radical surgery and extend survival time for men with penile cancer, providing better quality of life. The guidelines offer various treatment options, including non-radical surgeries, laser therapy, radiation therapy, and radiochemotherapy.
Scientists have developed a new gold-based solder that forms strong, liquid-tight seals when used in laser-welding cuts during intestinal surgery, potentially reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found that laser-assisted lipolysis can reduce fat bulk and tighten skin, providing a more effective alternative to traditional liposuction. The minimally invasive treatment uses targeted energy to melt fat without affecting surrounding tissue, resulting in faster recovery times and improved results.
A Mayo Clinic study found that only 21% of urologists and radiation oncologists recommended active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer, while 47% preferred surgery and 32% chose radiation therapy. The study suggests that physicians' recommendations may be influenced by their area of expertise.
Researchers developed a glue mixture that can improve the safety of LASIK eye surgery by reducing the need for cornea transplants. The adhesive, made from fibrinogen and riboflavin, was tested on dogfish sharks and rabbits and found to be effective in keeping the cornea's flap in place.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have shown that pulsed-dye laser treatment improves burn scar appearance, texture, and elasticity. The study found significant improvements in redness, scar thickness, and biomechanical properties, with potential implications for further refining treatment options.
Researchers develop a small, flexible endoscopic device with a femtosecond laser 'scalpel' that removes diseased tissue while leaving healthy cells untouched. The device boosts imaging resolution by 20% and is five times smaller than the team's first prototype.
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.
Researchers developed contact lenses that release anesthetics over time to ease pain after PRK surgery. The vitamin E-loaded lenses extended the release of three commonly used anesthetics from under two hours to up to a few days.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology developed a novel CAD system to create accurate moulds for breast reconstruction surgery. Three patients reported higher satisfaction rates after successful surgeries using the technology.
Studies by Dr. Culbertson and Dr. Packer confirm the advantages of laser cataract surgery, including reduced ultrasound energy use and protection of corneal endothelial cells. Laser pre-treatment may lead to safer and faster surgery with improved vision outcomes.
A recent study published in Circulation: Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology found that laser lead extraction is as safe in people aged 80 or older as it is in younger patients. The study, which analyzed 506 patients, found no significant differences in infection rates, complications, or other health outcomes between the two groups.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found flexible-fiber CO2 lasers to be safe and effective in endoscopic assisted transsphenoidal craniotomies, with low complication rates. The study demonstrated the utility of this technology for treating pituitary tumors and other sellar lesions.
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.
A decade-long study demonstrates that holmium laser therapy is a safe and durable treatment option for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, reducing complications and recurrence rates compared to traditional TURP. Patients treated with HoLEP experience reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and fewer sexual side effects.
The laser printing process is now being used to produce functional products, with applications in industries such as automotive and medical devices. The additive manufacturing market is expected to continue growing, driven by advances in polymer materials and increasing demand for customized products.
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.
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.
A clinical study published in Science Translational Medicine shows the Catalys Precision Laser System significantly improves precision in cataract surgery, reducing risks and enhancing visual outcomes. The system's advanced optics and control software enable surgeons to perform critical steps with greater accuracy.
A new laser system has been developed at Stanford that uses optical coherence tomography to create precise cuts in the lens capsule, increasing safety and precision. The system has undergone clinical trials with no significant adverse events.
Scientists have developed a microchip technology that rapidly tests potential drugs on tiny worms, identifying promising chemicals for regenerating nerve cells. The technique has already found one class of neuronal regenerators and holds promise for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS.
A pilot study published in the Journal of Endourology suggests that CO2 laser technology used with robotic prostate cancer surgery may preserve sensitive nerve areas necessary for erections and urinary continence. The technology, known as BeamPath, was found to be easy to manipulate and accurate.
A study comparing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for varicose veins found that RFA caused less post-operative pain. Both groups showed similar improvements in clinical and quality of life scores at six weeks after 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.
The laser has become a crucial tool in modern chemistry, used to study climate change, ultrafast chemical reactions, and disease-related proteins. Scientists are developing new laser-based systems for detecting nerve agents and diagnosing hard-to-treat diseases.
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.
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 found no significant endothelial cell loss after LASIK and PRK procedures. The study suggests that corneas after these surgeries are suitable for transplantation, with no difference in cell loss compared to normal eyes.
Cleavage rejuvenation, DIY cosmetic therapies, and Botox breast lifts are making headlines, with plastic surgeons raising concerns over their safety. The ASPS conference features discussions on the latest information on cosmetic gynecology, laser liposuction, and new fillers like Selphyl.
Research at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting found that electrosurgical units, lasers, and light cords are common igniters of operating room fires. The study, which surveyed 349 otolaryngologists, revealed that nearly 80% of fires occurred when supplemental oxygen was being used.
Researchers from BUSM found that the 940nm wavelength laser is more effective in treating facial telangiectasias due to its superior penetration of the dermis and slower heating of vessels. This results in less pain and side effects compared to the 532nm wavelength.
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.
Researchers found that bevacizumab significantly improved vision in diabetic patients with macular edema, with 51.8% of eyes showing improvement after 24 months. Additionally, the treatment controlled cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery, with most eyes improving and remaining stable.
Glaucoma surgical procedures have been increasing, but Medicare payments for the procedures have been decreasing. The analysis found that average payments for trabeculoplasties decreased over time, while annual payments for cyclodestructive procedures and shunt-related procedures increased.
Gary Conrad's research on cornea development has led to knowledge that could improve LASIK surgery by strengthening the stromal flap and allowing it to permanently bind back to the cornea. The lab group is testing a possible solution using riboflavin and UVA light.
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...
The multifidus muscle's unique packing design allows it to serve as a critical stabilizer of the lumbar spine, providing strong support for the lower back. This discovery could lead to improved therapeutic interventions, such as physical therapy targeting specific muscles, to treat spinal disorders and reduce lower back pain.
A study investigates the impact of femtosecond laser-induced damages on olfactory ensheathing cells, revealing that cellular activity can be controlled easily. The research suggests four reasons for the formation of femtosecond laser-induced calcium waves and proposes cell damage and recovery mechanisms.
A study found that large-volume breast reductions in morbidly obese women are as safe as for slimmer patients. Additionally, post-bariatric patients often experience nutritional deficiencies, which can impact wound healing and immune response, prompting plastic surgeons to recommend optimal nutrition.
A study published in Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery found that carbon dioxide laser resurfacing can improve facial wrinkles over the long-term, with a 45% improvement rate. However, some patients experienced complications such as hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation.
Researchers at MGH have developed a new laser treatment that targets blood vessels to remove tumors while preserving and restoring vocal quality. Over 25 patients have been treated, with all being cancer-free up to 5 years after treatment.
A global study of LASIK patients found that 95.4 percent are satisfied with their new vision, with similar high satisfaction rates reported in countries outside the US. The study also identified factors associated with patient dissatisfaction, which will be presented at an upcoming ASCRS symposium.
A study of 196 high myopic eyes found LASIK to be a safe and effective procedure in the long term. The results showed that 40% of patients avoided wearing glasses after surgery, while only 5% lost more than 2 lines of vision.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are developing a new tool to improve LASIK surgery outcomes by measuring eye tissue stiffness using tiny bubbles generated inside eye tissue. The technology could also provide a new treatment for presbyopia, a age-related difficulty focusing on close objects.
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.
A study comparing LASIK and LASEK found no clinically significant differences between the two procedures. Both procedures were deemed safe, effective, and predictable for treating low to moderate myopia.
A study by OHSU eye doctor William Mathers found a higher risk of suffering vision loss from contact lenses compared to laser vision correction surgery. This contradicts traditional assumptions that contact lenses are safer than laser surgery, highlighting the importance of proper care and cleaning.
A new formula developed by doctors at the University of Rochester Medical Center reduces farsightedness among LASIK patients, making it more likely to get vision right the first time. The formula takes into account various imperfections in the eye that were not previously known to exist.
The study found no differences in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, or perception of stray light between the two types of LASIK. Bladeless LASIK showed greater corneal backscatter initially, but patients perceived no difference in vision after three months.