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Current Diabetes Reports Sep 2021This review highlights indications and evidence on laser therapy in the management of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Particular focus is placed upon... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review highlights indications and evidence on laser therapy in the management of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Particular focus is placed upon the benefits and limitations of conventional laser photocoagulation versus more modern laser photocoagulation techniques, as well as the role of laser photocoagulation in treatment of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema with the frequent utilization of pharmacologic, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), therapy.
RECENT FINDINGS
Laser photocoagulation remains the gold-standard therapy for the effective, definitive treatment of PDR, and also is highly effective in the management of DME. However, numerous recent studies have demonstrated the clinical efficacy and improved functional and anatomic outcomes of combination therapy with pharmacologic treatment. Continuing innovations in laser technology and improved understanding of laser-retinal interactions and pathophysiology demonstrate that laser therapy will continue to play a critical role in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema for many years to come.
Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Retinopathy; Humans; Laser Coagulation; Laser Therapy; Macular Edema
PubMed: 34487257
DOI: 10.1007/s11892-021-01403-6 -
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports Jul 2019The goal of this review is to summarize the field to date and to discuss strengths and limitations of low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for the future investigation... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The goal of this review is to summarize the field to date and to discuss strengths and limitations of low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for the future investigation as a treatment of inflammatory disease.
RECENT FINDINGS
LLLT is a promising therapeutic, particularly for those diseases of skin and joints because they are most accessible to treatment. Indeed, the known mechanisms of LLLT support its use for anti-inflammatory purposes, as well as stimulation of tissue growth and repair. Although the standard of care for the majority of inflammatory diseases is immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids with undesirable toxicities, LLLT offers a unique approach by being non-invasive and incurring minimal side effects. It is also relatively inexpensive and accessible and even has the possibility to be patient directed at home. There is evidence that LLLT is able to modulate the immune system at the skin and joint, and it has been shown to be efficacious in humans by affecting bacterial colonization as it may pertain to chronic rhinosinusitis. However, there is variability in the methods of laser application as well as a lack of evidence for laser type, dose-ranging studies, and wavelength selection that create barriers to the implementation of LLLT without further more rigorous and standardized study. The heterogeneity makes it difficult to draw strong conclusions about the efficacy of LLLT and its mechanisms.
Topics: Animals; Autoimmune Diseases; Humans; Inflammation; Laser Therapy; Low-Level Light Therapy; Musculoskeletal Diseases
PubMed: 31267251
DOI: 10.1007/s11882-019-0869-z -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International Feb 2021
Topics: Humans; Low-Level Light Therapy
PubMed: 33785126
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2021.0034 -
Lasers in Medical Science Mar 2022The purpose of this study was to assess skin elasticity, the reduction in the number and the depth of wrinkles and changes in the other skin defects (bags under the...
The purpose of this study was to assess skin elasticity, the reduction in the number and the depth of wrinkles and changes in the other skin defects (bags under the eyes, dark circles under the eyes, skin hyperpigmentation in the ageing eye area following the use of non-ablative fractional laser, bipolar radiofrequency and intense pulsed light). Moreover, the study was also comparison which device brought better results than the others. This study included 71 patients (66 women, 5 men), aged 33-63 years (the average age was 45.81 years) with skin phototypes II and III. Twenty-four patients received five treatment sessions with a 1410-nm non-ablative fractional laser in 2-week intervals, 23 patients received five treatment sessions with a bipolar radiofrequency in 1-week intervals and 24 patients received five treatment sessions with an intense pulsed light in 2-week intervals. The treatment was applied on the skin in the eye area. The Cutometer (Courage + Khazaka electronic) reference test was used as an objective method for the assessment of skin elasticity. A questionnaire was used to compare baseline state with changes that occurred after the series of treatment sessions. The results of cutometric measurements of R2, R6 and R7 parameters and the results of questionnaires indicated that non-ablative fractional laser therapy, bipolar radiofrequency and intense pulsed light improved skin elasticity. Of the three treatments, the most significant percentage improvement in the R6 parameter was demonstrated by non-ablative fractional laser therapy which gave better final results than the other methods (p < 0.0001). No other statistically significant relationships were found between RF and IPL. In the (subjective) opinion of study participants (questionnaire), all used methods resulted in the reduction of the amount and the depth of wrinkles. However, they did not observe significant impact of individual treatment method on the signs of skin ageing, including discolorations within eye area, bags (fatty hernia), dark circles (vascular/pigmentary) and oedema (predisposition to water retention). Non-ablative fractional laser therapy, bipolar radiofrequency and intense pulsed light improved skin elasticity and the reduction of wrinkles. The most significant improvement of elasticity was demonstrated by laser therapy. It seems necessary to expand the group with the effect of individual treatments against bags and dark circles under the eyes.
Topics: Adult; Face; Female; Humans; Laser Therapy; Lasers; Male; Middle Aged; Rejuvenation; Skin Aging
PubMed: 33988812
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-021-03329-7 -
Thulium fiber laser: the new player for kidney stone treatment? A comparison with Holmium:YAG laser.World Journal of Urology Aug 2020To compare the operating modes of the Holmium:YAG laser and Thulium fiber laser. Additionally, currently available literature on Thulium fiber laser lithotripsy is... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
PURPOSE
To compare the operating modes of the Holmium:YAG laser and Thulium fiber laser. Additionally, currently available literature on Thulium fiber laser lithotripsy is reviewed.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles relating to the operating modes of Holmium:YAG and Thulium fiber lasers, including systematic review of articles on Thulium fiber laser lithotripsy.
RESULTS
The laser beam emerging from the Holmium:YAG laser involves fundamental architectural design constraints compared to the Thulium fiber laser. These differences translate into multiple potential advantages in favor of the Thulium fiber laser: four-fold higher absorption coefficient in water, smaller operating laser fibers (50-150 µm core diameter), lower energy per pulse (as low as 0.025 J), and higher maximal pulse repetition rate (up to 2000 Hz). Multiple comparative in vitro studies suggest a 1.5-4 times faster stone ablation rate in favor of the Thulium fiber laser.
CONCLUSIONS
The Thulium fiber laser overcomes the main limitations reported with the Holmium:YAG laser relating to lithotripsy, based on preliminary in vitro studies. This innovative laser technology seems particularly advantageous for ureteroscopy and may become an important milestone for kidney stone treatment.
Topics: Equipment Design; Humans; Kidney Calculi; Laser Therapy; Lasers, Solid-State; Thulium
PubMed: 30729311
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-019-02654-5 -
Dental and Medical Problems 2023Laser protocols for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) have not yet been studied systematically. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Laser protocols for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) have not yet been studied systematically.
OBJECTIVES
The present study aimed to review clinical trials on the treatment of DH with laser therapy through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The search of electronic databases resulted in 562 publications up to April 2020. The inclusion criteria were studies carried out on humans and reporting on the treatment of DH with laser therapy. Case reports, literature reviews and systematic reviews were excluded. Selected by abstract, potentially eligible papers were read in full (n = 160). Independent examiners performed data extraction and the assessment of the risk of bias.
RESULTS
A total of 34 studies were included in the analysis, and 11 in the quantitative analysis. It was observed that most studies followed up patients for a maximum of 6 months (55%). Through the meta-analysis, we observed statistically significant differences between the average pain before and after 3 months of treatment with highand low-power lasers. However, through indirect comparisons, it was observed that the high-power laser showed a greater tendency to reduce the pain levels after 3 months of treatment as compared to the low-power laser, but without a statistically significant difference.
CONCLUSIONS
It was possible to conclude that regardless of the type of laser used in the treatment of DH, this treatment is an effective option for the control of pain symptoms. However, it was not possible to establish a defined treatment protocol, since the evaluation methods are very different from each other. Text for Rewiew and clinical cases.
Topics: Humans; Dentin Sensitivity; Laser Therapy; Low-Level Light Therapy; Treatment Outcome; Lasers
PubMed: 37023343
DOI: 10.17219/dmp/151482 -
The Canadian Journal of Urology Aug 2019Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases affecting the aging man, with almost 80% of men... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases affecting the aging man, with almost 80% of men greater than 70 affected. Historically, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been considered the historical gold standard in the treatment of LUTS due to BPH for many years, contemporary literature indicates that holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has replaced TURP and open simple prostatectomy as the size independent surgical gold standard for BPH treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this review, we discuss the current techniques utilized, outcomes and safety, as well as the long term durability of results. Adverse events associated with the HoLEP procedure, both enucleation and morcellation, are covered as well.
RESULTS
HoLEP has a robust body of literature supporting the technique, which demonstrates its ability to surpass other surgical BPH procedures, including TURP and open simple prostatectomy. Additionally, there is long term durability of both subjective and objective outcomes greater than 10 years associated with this procedure. One randomized trial showed specific postoperative outcome measures that were superior to TURP at 7 years of follow up, including Qmax (4.36 mL/s improvement), erectile function (2.39 points improvement on the IIEF erectile function section), and weight of prostate removed (15.7 grams greater), while other studies have shown greater reduction in postoperative PSA, lower detrusor pressure at Qmax, and more.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, HoLEP has proven to be an extremely durable and effective treatment for patients suffering from LUTS due to BPH. Both the Europeans and AUA guidelines on the surgical treatment of BPH recommend HoLEP as a size-independent treatment option for those men with moderate to severe symptoms. HoLEP is an excellent option for many patients who may not be good candidates for other procedures based on prostate size, age, or bleeding risk.
Topics: Holmium; Humans; Laser Therapy; Lasers, Solid-State; Male; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Prostatism; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31481144
DOI: No ID Found -
Missouri Medicine 2020Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive and cytoreductive neurosurgical technique that has gained significant momentum in the last decade.... (Review)
Review
Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive and cytoreductive neurosurgical technique that has gained significant momentum in the last decade. Several technological enhancements such as MRI thermometry and improved laser probe design have enabled feasibility and improved the safety of LITT procedures. Numerous reports have been published describing the treatment of lesions ranging from tumors to epileptogenic foci, but the indications for LITT continue to evolve. We describe the general physical and biological concepts underlying LITT, clinical workflow, and established and emerging indications.
Topics: Ablation Techniques; Brain Neoplasms; Epilepsy; Humans; Laser Therapy; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neurosurgical Procedures
PubMed: 32158050
DOI: No ID Found -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Feb 2021A wide and evolving range of lasers and their applications often makes it difficult for a busy surgeon to choose the ideal laser for a specific indication. With this in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
A wide and evolving range of lasers and their applications often makes it difficult for a busy surgeon to choose the ideal laser for a specific indication. With this in mind, this article aims to summarize the most recent literature concerning laser application in rhinology.
METHODS
A literature search from 2000 to 2020 using the PubMed database was employed. Keywords used included "laser," "rhinology," "endonasal endoscopic surgery," "hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia," "rhinitis," "refractory rhinitis," "Inferior turbinate hypertrophy," "dacryocystorhinostomy," "septoplasty," "cartilage reshaping" and "choanal atresia." The most up to date studies published for each rhinology condition that could potentially be treated with laser surgery was included.
RESULTS
Rhinological conditions appropriate for laser applications are discussed. We identified articles related to a number of applications including hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, rhinitis, turbinate surgery, dacryocystorhinostomy, septoplasty, choanal atresia, and sphenopalatine artery ligation, paying attention to the outcomes of the studies and their limitations.
CONCLUSIONS
There is currently no one-size-fits-all laser and therefore being up to date on the latest clinical application results can help the clinician decide which are the best treatments to offer their patients.
Topics: Humans; Laser Therapy; Nasal Surgical Procedures; Nose Diseases; Otolaryngology; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32703032
DOI: 10.1177/0145561320940115 -
International Journal of Hyperthermia :... Oct 2019A growing body of evidence is being published regarding the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive image-guided ablation techniques. While clinical applications of... (Review)
Review
A growing body of evidence is being published regarding the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive image-guided ablation techniques. While clinical applications of these techniques are increasing, international societies have started to publish treatment guidelines and to make efforts to standardize both terminology and reporting criteria for image-guided thyroid ablations. Laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are among the most common ablation techniques either for benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Unlike laser ablation and RFA in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules, where safety and efficacy have been widely demonstrated, evidence regarding local tumor control of thyroid malignancies is still limited. However, preliminary results are encouraging and image-guided thermal ablation techniques can be considered a valid alternative to surgery for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancers. This review evaluates the basic concept of RFA and laser ablations, their techniques, clinical outcomes, and complications based on the suggestions of several society guidelines. Multidisciplinary collaboration remains critical to identify patients which may benefit from minimally invasive image-guided thermal ablations, especially if surgery or radioiodine therapy are not feasible options.
Topics: Catheter Ablation; Humans; Laser Therapy; Thyroid Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31537159
DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2019.1622795