Journal of clinical laser medicine & surgery
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J Clin Laser Med Surg · Aug 2002
Comparative StudyApplication of holmium:YAG laser in epiduroscopy: extended practicabilities in the treatment of chronic back pain syndrome.
Minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques offer advantages in the treatment of chronic back pain syndrome and may provide for expanded indications and visualization. Epiduroscopy for the visualization of the epidural space still is burdened with technical problems. The mechanical instruments now available, coupled with the narrow working canal, result in marked limitations. The aim of this study was to assess the possibilities and technical requisites for the use of the holmium:YAG laser in lumbar epiduroscopy. ⋯ The results show that the holmium:YAG laser considerably expands therapeutic possibilities and aids in solving the technical problems of epiduroscopy. No negative effects occurred when the laser is used.
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J Clin Laser Med Surg · Aug 2002
Interstitial laser hyperthermia for colorectal liver metastases: the effect of thermal sensitization and the use of a cylindrical diffuser tip on tumor necrosis.
Our aim in this study was to investigate the characteristics of a diffuser-tipped optical fiber in producing tumor necrosis, compared to a standard bare-tipped fiber. The potential synergistic effect between thermal sensitization by metronidazole and interstitial laser hyperthermia (ILH)-induced tumor necrosis is also evaluated. ⋯ Diffuser-tipped optical fiber appears to significantly increase the diameter of ILH-induced tumor necrosis compared to the bare fiber. In contrast to the bare fiber, it enables the application of laser energy using higher power settings without compromising the diameter of tumor necrosis achieved. In animals treated with metronidazole, a trend towards increased tumor destruction at the tumor-host interface was seen on histolopathology. In addition, a trend towards increased diameter of tumor necrosis was also seen; however, statistical significance was not achieved.