Internal-Illumination Photoacoustic Tomography Enhanced by a Graded-Scattering Fiber Diffuser.

The penetration depth of photoacoustic imaging in biological tissues has been fundamentally limited by the strong optical attenuation when light is delivered externally through the tissue surface. To address this issue, we previously reported internal-illumination photoacoustic imaging using a customized radial-emission optical fiber diffuser, which, however, has complex fabrication, high cost, and non-uniform light emission. To overcome these shortcomings, we have developed a new type of low-cost fiber diffusers based on a graded-scattering method in which the optical scattering of the fiber diffuser is gradually increased as the light travels.

The Impact of Alternative Alkalinizing Agents on 24-Hour Urine Parameters.

Objectives: To determine if alternative alkalinizing agents lead to similar changes in 24-hour urine pH and citrate compared to potassium citrate (KCIT). Many stone formers cannot tolerate KCIT due to side effects or cost. In these patients, we have prescribed potassium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate as alternative alkali (AA), though their efficacy is unclear.

Holmium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser Pulse Type Affects Irrigation Temperatures in a Benchtop Ureteral Model.

MOSES technology is a holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser pulse mode shown to minimize stone retropulsion. This may facilitate lithotripsy at higher power settings. However, power and heat production are proportional, and temperatures capable of tissue injury may occur during ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

The Rise and Fall of High Temperatures During Ureteroscopic Holmium Laser Lithotripsy.

Temperatures over 43°C-the threshold for cellular injury-may be achieved during ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy. The time to reach and subsequently clear high temperatures at variable laser power settings and irrigation pressures has not been studied. A flexible or semirigid ureteroscope was placed within an 11/13 F ureteral access sheath inserted into a 250-mL saline bag simulating a normal-caliber ureter, renal pelvis reservoir, and antegrade irrigation flow.

Urological Malpractice: Claim Trend Analysis and Severity of Injury.

Introduction: In the current malpractice environment all urologists are at risk. Claim trend data on costs, types of urological errors and severity of injury in urological surgery malpractice claims are lacking.

Methods: We analyzed physician level claim data from a large professional liability insurer with a nationwide client base.