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Laser Alone (laser + alone)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences100%

Kinds of Laser Alone

  • excimer laser alone
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    Selected Abstracts

    Combined Ultrapulse CO2 Laser and Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser Compared with Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser Alone for Refractory Melasma: Split-Face Design

    DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2003
    Suhattaya Angsuwarangsee MD
    Background. Melasma is common and can cause major psychological impact. To date, the mainstay of treatment, including various hypopigmenting agents and chemical peels, is ineffective and can cause adverse effects. Laser is a new approach and is yet to be explored for its efficacy and safety. Objective. To compare combined Ultrapulse CO2 laser and Q-switched alexandrite laser (QSAL) with QSAL alone in the treatment of refractory melasma. Methods. Six Thai females were treated with combined Ultrapulse CO2 laser and QSAL on one side of the face and QSAL alone on the other side. The outcome was evaluated periodically for up to 6 months using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index score and the modified Melasma Area and Melanin Index score. Results. The side with combination treatment had a statistically significant reduction of both scores. On the QSAL side, the score reduction was not significant. Two cases developed severe postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and were effectively treated with bleaching agents. Transient hypopigmentation and contact dermatitis were observed with the combination treatment side. Conclusions. Combined Ultrapulse CO2 laser and QSAL showed a better result than QSAL alone but was associated with more frequent adverse effects. Long-term follow-up and a larger number of cases are required to determine its efficacy and safety for refractory melasma. [source]

    Combined Excimer Laser and Topical Tacrolimus for the Treatment of Vitiligo: A Pilot Study

    DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2 2004
    Adam Z. Kawalek BA
    Background. Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder that is characterized by well-defined, often symmetric white patches. Although current therapeutic modalities are directed toward increasing melanocyte melanin production, few treatment modalities address the immunologic nature of the disease. Objective. To determine whether excimer laser, a known therapeutic modality, in combination with tacrolimus, a topical immunomodulator, accelerate response time and/or improve the degree of response in patients with this disorder. Methods. Eight subjects diagnosed with vitiligo were recruited to participate in this institutional review board,approved double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Twenty-four symmetric vitiliginous patches (elbows, knees) from eight subjects received excimer laser treatment three times per week for 24 treatments or 10 weeks. Additionally, topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment (Protopic) and placebo (Aquaphor) were applied to randomized patches (left or right) twice daily throughout the length of the trial. Vitiliginous patches were monitored with photographs at baseline, every 2 weeks, and 6 months after treatment. Biopsies were performed on subjects with significant results. Results. Twenty vitiliginous patches from six subjects qualified for evaluation. Fifty percent of patches treated with combination excimer laser and tacrolimus achieved a successful response (75% repigmentation) compared with 20% for the placebo group. Subjects who responded successfully repigmented faster (19%) with combination therapy compared with excimer laser alone. Additionally, three subjects experienced transient hyperpigmentation in lesions treated with combination therapy. Conclusion. Combining topical immunomodulators with known phototherapeutic modalities may represent a key advancement in the treatment of disease. [source]

    Removal of gutta-percha from root canals using an Nd:YAG laser

    INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 10 2003
    D. Vidu
    Abstract Aim, To examine the use of an Nd:YAG laser in removing gutta-percha fillings from root canals when used in conjunction with eucalyptol, dimethylformamide (DMF) or no solvent. Methodology, Root-canal fillings (sealer and gutta-percha) were removed with laser irradiation of 20 Hz/1.5 W from 30 roots randomly divided in three groups. In group 1, the solvent was eucalyptol; in group 2, the solvent was DMF; and in group 3, no solvent was used. Laser irradiation was performed until the temperature measured on the root surface increased by 4 °C over room temperature. The treatment was deemed complete when the apical foramen was reached with the optical fibre and a reamer. The samples were split longitudinally, and the area of remaining gutta-percha on the root-canal walls was determined with the aid of a computer program. The total number of laser pulses to achieve length and the highest temperature recorded was determined for each tooth. The results were statistically analysed using Student's t -test (P < 0.05) for independent samples. Results, The average temperature increase in group 1 was 9.17 ± 0.56 °C; in group 2, 9.56 ± 0.28 °C; and in group 3, 8.29 ± 0.41 °C. The shortest time to achieve length was in group 3 (6.4 ± 0.49 min), then in group 1 (6.7 ± 0.85 min) and group 2 (7.05 ± 0.79 min). The area of remaining gutta-percha was the largest in group 2 (6.13 ± 5.76%), whilst the smallest was for group 3 (4.69 ± 4.03%), but the difference was not statistically significant. The number of pulses was not statistically significant between the groups. Conclusions, Use of an Nd:YAG laser alone is capable of softening gutta-percha. The addition of solvents did not improve the retreatment, either in terms of the time required for the procedure or in terms of the area of remaining gutta-percha on root-canal walls. [source]

    Combination of 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser and topical calcipotriol in vitiligo

    JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 4 2007
    SM Goldinger
    Abstract Background,, A large variety of therapeutic agents are being used for the treatment of vitiligo, but treatment remains a challenge. Recently, monochromatic phototherapies such as 311-nm narrowband ultraviolet B therapy and 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser have been reported to be an effective and safe therapeutic option in children and adult patients with vitiligo. Single reports stipulate that the addition of topically applied calcipotriol to phototherapy increases its effectiveness. Objective, The purpose of the present pilot study was to determine if the addition of topical calcipotriol increases the efficacy of the 308-nm xenon chloride excimer in the treatment of vitiligo. Methods, Ten patients with vitiligo with essentially bilateral symmetrical lesions were enrolled in this prospective right/left comparative, single-blinded trial conducted over a 15-month period. All patients received 308-nm XeCl excimer laser therapy three times weekly. Calcipotriol ointment (Daivonex®) was applied to lesions on one side of the body twice daily. Results, After 24 treatments (8 weeks), nine patients were evaluated. Eight patients showed evidence of repigmentation on both body sides, with no significant difference between the body side treated with calcipotriol and excimer laser and the side treated with excimer laser alone. The mean repigmentation rate was 22.4% (1, 37%). Conclusion, The addition of calcipotriol ointment to 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser phototherapy does not significantly enhance its efficacy. Small additive effects must be investigated in a larger trial. [source]

    Pilot study examining the combined use of pulsed dye laser and topical Imiquimod versus laser alone for treatment of port wine stain birthmarks

    LASERS IN SURGERY AND MEDICINE, Issue 9 2008
    Cheng-Jen Chang MD
    Abstract Background and Objective The objective of this study was to improve port wine stain (PWS) therapeutic outcome in response to laser therapy. Our specific aim was to determine whether the combined use of pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy and topical Imiquimod versus PDL alone can improve PWS therapeutic outcome. Study Design/Materials and Methods This pilot study involved a retrospective review of 20 subjects, all Asian, with PWS. Subject ages ranged between 3 and 56 years. Upon enrollment, three test sites were prospectively identified on each subject for treatment assignments to the following regimens: (A) PDL+Imiquimod; (B) PDL alone; and (C) Imiquimod alone. PDL test sites received a single treatment with a 585 nm wavelength; 1.5 milliseconds pulse duration; spot size 7 mm using a light dosage of 10 J/cm2 with cryogen spray cooling. For the PDL+Imiquimod and Imiquimod alone test sites, subjects were instructed to apply Imiquimod topically to the sites once daily for 1 month after PDL exposure. Subjects were followed-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after PDL exposure to evaluate each of the three test sites. The primary efficacy measurement was the quantitative assessment of blanching responses as measured by a DermoSpectrometer to calculate the hemoglobin-index of each site at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after PDL exposure. Subjects were also closely monitored for any adverse effects. Results Based on paired sample test analysis, there were clinically, and statistically significant, differences in blanching responses over time favoring PWS receiving PDL+Imiquimod as compared to either PDL or Imiquimod alone (P<0.05). At 12 months, it should be noted that there was some evidence of redarkening of PWS test sites treated by PDL+Imiquimod and PDL alone, presumably due to revascularization of blood vessels. However, based on comparison of the hemoglobin-indices determined at 1 and 12 months after PDL exposure, there was less revascularization of PWS test sites treated with PDL+Imiquimod as compared to PDL alone (P<0.05). Transient hyperpigmentation was noted in 10% (n,=,2) and 40% (n,=,8) of subjects on the PDL+Imiquimod and PDL alone test sites, respectively. On all sites, hyperpigmentation resolved spontaneously without medical intervention within 6 months. Permanent hypopigmentation or scarring was not observed on any test site. Conclusion Based on the results of this pilot study, PDL+Imiquimod resulted in superior blanching responses over time as compared to PDL alone for treatment of test sites on PWS lesions. Although the PDL+Imiquimod approach is intriguing, clinical validation in large PWS patient samples is required. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:605,610, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    Treatment of port wine stains with photodynamic therapy, using pulsed dye laser as a Light Source, Compared With Pulsed dye laser alone: A pilot study,

    LASERS IN SURGERY AND MEDICINE, Issue 4 2005
    Alun V. Evans MRCP
    Abstract Background and Objectives Laser-induced photo thermal damage has been combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a systemic photosensitiser to treat vascular lesions. The efficacy of PDT using systemic 5-aminolaevulinic acid (5-ALA) as the photosensitiser and pulsed dye laser (PDL) as the light source in port wine stains (PWS) is unknown. Study Designs/Materials and Methods We conducted an internally controlled pilot study comparing the efficacy of PDT using PDL as a light source, to PDL alone in the treatment of PWS. Results The PWS improved slightly in all patients but no significant difference was found between the three treatment arms in terms of lesional lightening or incidence and severity of side effects. Conclusions There was no evidence of increased efficacy of PDT using PDL as a light source compared to PDL alone. There was also no significant difference in adverse events. Further studies using different treatment regimens over longer periods of time may be warranted. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    Microleakage of composite resin restorations in cervical cavities prepared by Er,Cr:YSGG laser radiation

    AUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 2 2008
    S Shahabi
    Abstract Background:, Evaluation of microleakage is important for assessing the success of new methods for surface preparation and new adhesive restorative materials. The aim of this laboratory study was to assess microleakage at the margins of composite restorations in Er,Cr:YSGG laser prepared cavities on the cervical aspects of teeth by means of dye penetration, and compare this with conventionally prepared and conditioned cavities. Methods:, Class V cavities were produced on sound extracted human teeth, which had been assigned randomly to one of three groups (N = 10 each), as follows: Group 1 , prepared using a diamond cylindrical bur and then treated with 37% phosphoric acid; Group 2 , irradiated with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Biolase Waterlase) and then treated with 37% phosphoric acid; Group 3 , irradiated only with the laser. After application of bonding agent (Excite, Ivoclar Vivadent), all cavities were restored with composite resin (Heliomolar). After polishing the restorations, the teeth were thermocycled from 5,50°C for 500 cycles. Dye leakage was assessed after immersion in methylene blue, by examining longitudinal sections in a stereomicroscope at ×30 magnification. Results:, The extent of dye penetration was lowest in the laser only group (Group 3). Penetration of dye to dentine and axial walls occurred in 80 per cent of conventionally prepared (bur + acid) specimens, but in the laser group, dye penetration to the axial wall occurred in only 30 per cent of cases. There was a strong statistical association between treatment group and the distribution of microleakage scores (Chi-square, P = 0.0023). Conclusions:, For Class V cavities, with the adhesive materials employed, higher microleakage occurs with phosphoric acid etching of bur- or laser-cut surfaces, than with the surface created by use of the laser alone without additional conditioning. [source]

    Randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of 308-nm excimer laser alone or in combination with topical hydrocortisone 17-butyrate cream in the treatment of vitiligo of the face and neck

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2008
    F. Sassi
    Summary Background, Vitiligo is a pigmentary disorder which may have disfiguring consequences. Its treatment remains a challenge. Objectives, We designed a parallel-group randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of 308-nm excimer laser alone or in combination with topical hydrocortisone 17-butyrate cream in patients with vitiligo unresponsive to previous treatment with topical steroids or narrow-band ultraviolet (UV) B phototherapy. Methods, Consecutive patients aged 18,75 years with nonsegmental vitiligo localized on the face and/or neck lacking response to previous conventional treatment were eligible. In total, 84 patients (44 women and 40 men, mean age 44 years) were randomized to 308-nm excimer laser phototherapy twice weekly alone or in combination with topical hydrocortisone 17-butyrate cream twice daily for three periods of 3 weeks followed by a 1-week steroid-free interval. The primary outcome was a reduction of at least 75% of the overall lesional areas as judged by automatic image analysis on reflected UV photographs, conducted blind to treatment assignment, at 12 weeks compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes were clearance, and improvements on Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) and Skindex-29 scores. Results, A total of 76 (90%) patients completed the study. In an intention-to-treat analysis, seven [16·6%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5·3,27·8%] patients in the excimer monotherapy arm and 18 (42·8%; 95% CI 27·8,57·8%) in the combination arm showed , 75% reduction of vitiligo lesions at 12 weeks (,2 test 6·89, P = 0·0087). Clearance was observed in two (4·7%; 95% CI 1·6,11·2%) and nine (21·4%; 95% CI 9·0,33·8%) patients, respectively (Fisher's exact test P = 0·04). A significant difference also emerged for PGA scores, while no difference was documented for Skindex-29. Conclusions, Recalcitrant vitiligo of the face and neck may benefit from the combination of excimer laser phototherapy with topical hydrocortisone 17-butyrate cream. [source]