Thermic effects in the "vestibule" during laser stapedotomy with pulsed laser systems.

Background And Objective: Apart from the ablation properties at the stapes footplate, the degree of thermic loading in the inner ear is important in determining the suitability of pulsed lasers for stapedotomy. The aim of the study is to compare the thermic effects in the vestibule with different pulsed laser systems.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Temperature increases and heat exchange processes in the fluid (physiological saline) were examined in a calorically and physiologically approximated cochlea model for applying the laser parameters effective in creating footplate perforations.

[The development of a finger joint phantom for the optical simulation of early inflammatory rheumatic changes].

In the field of rheumatology, conventional diagnostic methods permit the detection only of advanced stages of the disease, which is at odds with the current clinical demand for the early diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Prompted by current needs, we developed a finger joint phantom that enables the optical and geometrical simulation of an early stage of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results presented here form the experimental basis for an evaluation of new RA diagnostic systems based on near infrared light.

Effects of pulsed laser systems on stapes footplate.

Background And Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the tissue ablation capacity of various pulsed lasers at the stapes footplate.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Isolated human stapes and bovine compact-bone platelets were used to determine the effective laser parameters and appropriate application technique for achieving a perforation measuring 500-600 microns in diameter. Of interest were also the shape and quality of the perforations, the reproducibility of the perforation effect, and the thermically altered marginal zones occurring at the footplate.

Effects of continuous-wave laser systems on stapes footplate.

Background And Objective: The aim of the present study was to clarify which of the presently available continuous-wave laser systems are best suited for application in stapes surgery.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Isolated human stapes and bovine compact-bone platelets were used to investigate the connections between the parameters of various laser systems and their effects on bone tissue. The purpose was to optimize the laser parameters required to achieve a perforation measuring 500 microns to 600 microns in diameter.

In vitro studies and computer simulations to assess the use of a diode laser (850 nm) for laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT).

Background And Objective: This study investigated the feasibility of 850 nm diode laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT), a new procedure providing local hyperthermia and photocoagulation, a minimally invasive treatment of tumors, and other disorders such as benign prostate hyperplasia.

Study Design/material And Methods: An improved fiber optic diffuser inserted through a catheter was used to irradiate prostate, liver, and kidney tissue in-vitro. Experimental results were compared with predictions from mathematical simulations based on measured optical tissue parameters.