Lens Fragmentation with Picosecond Laser Pulses After Artificial Cataract Induction with Microwaves.

In this work we demonstrate the first laboratory study results of lens fragmentation with low-energy picosecond ultrashort laser pulses after artificial induction of cataract with microwave radiation on an ex vivo animal model. This method will be evaluated with regard to the further development of lens fragmentation with novel ultrashort picosecond laser systems instead of ultrasonic phacoemulsification or the significantly more complex femtosecond laser fragmentation. As samples we used postmortem porcine eyes.

Ophthalmic surgeries on porcine eyes with picosecond ultrashort laser pulses.

Purpose: This work demonstrates significant advantages in ophthalmic surgeries through the use of picosecond ultrashort laser pulses instead of state-of-the-art nanosecond laser pulses. These ultrashort lasers shall serve as universal tools more effectively combining advantages of high precision, low impact and economic advantages compared to existing instruments.

Methods: As samples, we used post-mortem porcine eyes on which we performed the experiments with both picosecond and nanosecond lasers.

Improved ex vivo training model for percutaneous renal surgery.

Percutaneous endourological procedures require an advanced level of skills. To facilitate the training of the proper technique, some years ago we developed a porcine ex vivo model for training percutaneous endourological procedures. When dilating the percutaneous tract silicone and gelatine were frequently damaged thus inhibiting proper working with the endoscopes.

Ex vivo training model for percutaneous renal surgery.

Percutaneous endourological procedures require an advanced level of skills. To facilitate training in the proper technique, simulators are helpful. Non-biological models, useful for learning the basic steps, do not represent the clinical situation in an ideal way.