Settings and effectiveness of the revised probe compared to the original probe for micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to compare the settings and effectiveness of the original P3 and revised P3 probes for micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. METHODS: This retrospective cross sectional study includes a total of 56 patients with glaucoma who received micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. 32 patients received treatment with the original P3 probe and 24 received treatment with the revised P3 probe. Success was defined as a 20% reduction in intraocular pressure. Laser settings, pre-op and post-op intraocular pressures, and pre-op and post-op medications were assessed. RESULTS: A 20% IOP reduction was achieved in 50% of patients in the original probe vs. 58.3% in the revised probe at one month (P = 0.536) and 71.9% vs. 50% at three months (P = 0.094), respectively. The revised P3 probe used higher values of power (2500 mW vs. 2023 mW, P < 0.0001), total duration (217 s vs. 179 s, P < 0.0001), and energy (170 J vs. 113 J, P < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in IOP lowering meds with the original probe at one month (-0.9 +/- 1.5 vs. -0.0 +/- 0.7, P = 0.010), but this was not seen at three months. CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference in IOP lowering effect between probes despite the revised probe using higher total energy. The original probe may be associated with fewer medications at 1 month, but not at 3 months. Further studies with longer follow up are needed to optimize the treatment parameters in order to maximize effectiveness while limiting side effects.

Fetoscopic laser coagulation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: a comparison of flexible 1.0/1.2 mm fetoscopes with curved sheaths of 2.7/3.3 mm2 vs. 2 mm fetoscopic lens technique with sheaths of 6.6/11.3 mm2.

OBJECTIVES: Fetoscopic laser coagulation of placental anastomoses is usually performed for a treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). A common complication of fetoscopic laser coagulation for TTTS is preterm preliminary rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM) aggravating the neonatal outcome significantly. However, use of an flexible 1 mm fetoscope with an curved sheath could reduce iatrogenic damage of the amniotic membrane and improve neonatal outcomes after laser treatment. The aim of this study was to compare neonatal outcomes using this flexible fetoscope with curved sheath vs. use of a standard lens technique. METHODS: Outcomes were retrospective analyzed after use of a standard lens fetoscope of 2 mm (sheath 6.63 mm2 or 11.27 mm2 for anterior placenta) and a flexible fetoscope of 1 mm or 1.2 mm (sheath 2.65 mm2 or 3.34 mm2) in two German centers of fetal surgery, performed during 2006-2019. RESULTS: Neonatal outcome of 247 TTTS patients were analyzed including the rates of double and single fetal survival. The survival of at least one fetus was 97.2 % in the group with the ultrathin technique (n=154) compared to 88.3 % (n=93) in the group with the standard lens fetoscope (p=0.008). Survival of both fetuses was not different between groups (81.0 vs. 75.3 %). The procedure to delivery interval was significantly increased using the ultrathin fetoscope (89.1±35.0 d vs. 71.4±35.4 d, p=0.001) resulting in an increased gestational age at delivery by 11 days on average (231.9±28.1 d vs. 221.1±32.7 d, p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Fetal survival can be significantly increased following TTTS using flexible fetoscope of 1 mm or 1.2 mm (sheath 2.65 mm2 or 3.34 mm2).

Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas da Degeneração Macular Relacionada à Idade (forma neovascular) / Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines of macular degeneration related to age (neovascular form)

CONTEXTO: Os PCDT são documentos que visam garantir o melhor cuidado de saúde diante do contexto brasileiro e dos recursos disponíveis no SUS. Podem ser utilizados como materiais educativos aos profissionais de saúde, auxílio administrativo aos gestores, regulamentação da conduta assistencial perante o Poder Judiciário e explicitação de direitos aos usuários do SUS. Os PCDT são os documentos oficiais do SUS que estabelecem critérios para o diagnóstico de uma doença ou agravo à saúde; tratamento preconizado, com os medicamentos e demais produtos apropriados, quando couber; posologias recomendadas; mecanismos de controle clínico; e acompanhamento e verificação dos resultados terapêuticos a serem seguidos pelos gestores do SUS. Os PCDT devem incluir recomendações de condutas, medicamentos ou produtos para as diferentes fases evolutivas da doença ou do agravo à saúde de que se tratam, bem como aqueles indicados em casos de perda de eficácia e de surgimento de intolerância ou reação adversa relevante,

Outcomes of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair with extensive scleral-depressed vitreous removal and dynamic examination.

There are multiple surgical approaches to the repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Here, we evaluated the outcomes of small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), alone or in combination with scleral buckle (SB-PPV), for RRD repair using a standardized technique by 3 vitreoretinal surgeons: "extensive" removal of the vitreous with scleral depression and dynamic examination of the peripheral retina. One hundred eighty seven eyes of 180 consecutive patients treated for primary RRD by three vitreoretinal surgeons at a tertiary academic medical center from September 2015 to March 2018 were analyzed. Most RRDs occurred in males (134 [71.3%] eyes), affected the left eye (102 [54.3%]), and were phakic (119 [63.3%]). PPV alone was performed in 159 eyes (84.6%), with a combined SB-PPV used in the remaining 29 eyes (15.4%); focal endolaser was used in all (100%) cases. The single surgery anatomic success rate was 186 eyes (99.5%) at 3 months, and 187 (100%) at last follow up. Overall best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) had significantly improved at 3 months ([Snellen 20/47] P<0.00005) and last follow up ([Snellen 20/31] P<0.00005), as compared to day of presentation ([Snellen 20/234]). Our findings suggest that "extensive" removal of the vitreous and dynamic peripheral examination with scleral depression may lead to high single surgery success in primary uncomplicated RRD repair.

Combined Endoscope assisted Procedures (CEaP) as a complete treatment for neovascular glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect and complications of Combined Endoscope assisted Procedures (CEaP): endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation and pars plana ablation (ECP-plus), along with endoscopic panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study design is a retrospective and noncomparative interventional case series from a tertiary referral center in Taiwan. Patients experiencing vessel growth at the iris and anterior chamber angle, along with an IOP > 21 mmHg were included. RESULTS: Twenty-five eyes from 23 patients were included over a 24-month period. After the procedures, all of them had a lower IOP value than their preoperative value. The mean IOP was 38.2± 7.1 mm Hg preoperatively, and 10.2± 4.7 mmHg (1 day), 13.8± 4.6 mmHg (1 week), 15.0± 5.3 mmHg (2 weeks), 17.4± 4.7 mmHg (1 month), 16.6± 4.1 mmHg (3 months), 16.0± 5.0 mmHg (6 months), and 15.7± 5.5 mmHg (12 months) postoperatively. At the 6th and 12th months, the IOP stabilized rate was 84% and 75%, respectively. Complications in the initial postoperative period (< 3 months) included uveitis (24%), and hyphema (16%), which were both resolved in the early postoperative period. Complications beyond 6 months included hypotony and phthisis bulbi in two patients (8%) in our study. There was no subject who suffered from retinal detachment, endophthalmitis or any other severe complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that CEaP offers positive results in IOP lowering and NV regression. Additionally, CEaP is a complete treatment for NVG in controlling IOP and NV growth. The IOP lowering effects can be sustained upon completion of the treatment.

Deep learning-based monocular placental pose estimation: towards collaborative robotics in fetoscopy.

PURPOSE: Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a placental defect occurring in monochorionic twin pregnancies. It is associated with high risks of fetal loss and perinatal death. Fetoscopic elective laser ablation (ELA) of placental anastomoses has been established as the most effective therapy for TTTS. Current tools and techniques face limitations in case of more complex ELA cases. Visualization of the entire placental surface and vascular equator; maintaining an adequate distance and a close to perpendicular angle between laser fiber and placental surface are central for the effectiveness of laser ablation and procedural success. Robot-assisted technology could address these challenges, offer enhanced dexterity and ultimately improve the safety and effectiveness of the therapeutic procedures. METHODS: This work proposes a 'minimal' robotic TTTS approach whereby rather than deploying a massive and expensive robotic system, a compact instrument is 'robotised' and endowed with 'robotic' skills so that operators can quickly and efficiently use it. The work reports on automatic placental pose estimation in fetoscopic images. This estimator forms a key building block of a proposed shared-control approach for semi-autonomous fetoscopy. A convolutional neural network (CNN) is trained to predict the relative orientation of the placental surface from a single monocular fetoscope camera image. To overcome the absence of real-life ground-truth placenta pose data, similar to other works in literature (Handa et al. in: Proceedings of the IEEE conference on computer vision and pattern recognition, 2016; Gaidon et al. in: Proceedings of the IEEE conference on computer vision and pattern recognition, 2016; Vercauteren et al. in: Proceedings of the IEEE, 2019) the network is trained with data generated in a simulated environment and an in-silico phantom model. A limited set of coarsely manually labeled samples from real interventions are added to the training dataset to improve domain adaptation. RESULTS: The trained network shows promising results on unseen samples from synthetic, phantom and in vivo patient data. The performance of the network for collaborative control purposes was evaluated in a virtual reality simulator in which the virtual flexible distal tip was autonomously controlled by the neural network. CONCLUSION: Improved alignment was established compared to manual operation for this setting, demonstrating the feasibility to incorporate a CNN-based estimator in a real-time shared control scheme for fetoscopic applications.

How technology is driving the landscape of epilepsy surgery.

This article emphasizes the role of the technological progress in changing the landscape of epilepsy surgery and provides a critical appraisal of robotic applications, laser interstitial thermal therapy, intraoperative imaging, wireless recording, new neuromodulation techniques, and high-intensity focused ultrasound. Specifically, (a) it relativizes the current hype in using robots for stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) to increase the accuracy of depth electrode placement and save operating time; (b) discusses the drawback of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) when it comes to the need for adequate histopathologic specimen and the fact that the concept of stereotactic disconnection is not new; (c) addresses the ratio between the benefits and expenditure of using intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), that is, the high technical and personnel expertise needed that might restrict its use to centers with a high case load, including those unrelated to epilepsy; (d) soberly reviews the advantages, disadvantages, and future potentials of neuromodulation techniques with special emphasis on the differences between closed and open-loop systems; and (e) provides a critical outlook on the clinical implications of focused ultrasound, wireless recording, and multipurpose electrodes that are already on the horizon. This outlook shows that although current ultrasonic systems do have some limitations in delivering the acoustic energy, further advance of this technique may lead to novel treatment paradigms. Furthermore, it highlights that new data streams from multipurpose electrodes and wireless transmission of intracranial recordings will become available soon once some critical developments will be achieved such as electrode fidelity, data processing and storage, heat conduction as well as rechargeable technology. A better understanding of modern epilepsy surgery will help to demystify epilepsy surgery for the patients and the treating physicians and thereby reduce the surgical treatment gap.

Comparison of pain experience and time required for pre-planned navigated peripheral laser versus conventional multispot laser in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To compare the pain and the duration of a panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) session using a conventional multispot laser (Quantel Medical) versus the Navilas® laser. METHODS: Treatment-naïve patients requiring bilateral PRP for diabetic retinopathy were included. For each patient, PRP was carried out using a conventional multispot laser (Quantel Medical, 577 nm) in one eye and the other eye was treated with the Navilas laser (OD-OS, 577 nm). For both PRP treatments, similar parameters (same power, exposure time, number, size and spacing of the spots) were used. For each eye, the duration of the session and the pain, measured using respectively a chronometer and a visual analogic scale (VAS), were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-two eyes of sixteen patients (mean age 57 ± 13 SD, range 28-74), 11 men and 5 women, have been included. A mean of 1289 (1000-1500) spots with a mean power of 352 mW (300-450 mW) and an exposure time of 27 ms (20-30 ms) were delivered. The PRP session with the Navilas laser (mean time of 5.2 ± 0.8 min) was faster than with the conventional multispot laser (6.6 ± 1.1 min) (p = 0.02). Laser-induced pain was significantly reduced (VAS of 2.4 ± 1.6) using the Navilas laser compared to conventional laser (VAS: 7.1 ± 2) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The PRP sessions using the Navilas laser were significantly faster and less painful than with a conventional multispot laser in our series.

Prospective evaluation of micropulse transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma: 1 year results / Avaliação prospectiva do laser de diodo micropulsado em pacientes com glaucoma refratário: resultados de um ano de seguimento

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness in in­traocular pressure reduction and safety of micropulse trans­scleral diode cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma. Methods: We prospectively evaluated a case series of 21 eyes of 21 consecutive patients with refractory glaucoma treated with micropulse transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation at 12-month follow-up. The total treatment time was at the discretion of the surgeon, considering baseline and target intraocular pressure and glaucoma diagnosis. Intraocular pressure, inflammation, visual acuity, and number of medications were monitored. Success was defined as intraocular pressure between 6 and 21 mmHg and/or 30% reduction from baseline intraocular pressure with or without the use of antiglaucoma medications. Visual acuity loss was defined as a loss of ≥2 lines of vision on the Snellen chart or a ≥2-level decrease in visual function in patients with nonmeasurable chart acuity. Results: The mean age was 61.04 ± 12.99 years, and 11 (52.4%) patients were male, with most (95%) patients showing low visual acuity at baseline (count fingers or worse). The mean intraocular pressure was 33.38 ± 15.95 mmHg, and the mean number of medications was 3.5 ± 1.1 at baseline. After 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, 76.19%, 57.14%, 55.56%, and 66.67%, respectively, of the patients were classified as treatment successes. Seven (33.3%) patients required new laser treatment and were considered treatment failures. The mean intraocular pressure reduction was 44.72% ± 29.72% in the first week and 41.59% ± 18.93% at the end of follow-up (p=0.006). The mean number of medications significantly dropped to 2.00 ± 1.7 at the 12-month visit (p=0.044). Complications included hypotony (4.8%), intraocular inflammation after 1 month (19%), and visual acuity loss (4.8%). Conclusions: Micropulse transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation was safe and effective for reducing intraocular pressure in eyes with refractory and advanced glaucoma, with reduced need for ocular antihypertensive medication.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia na redução da pressão intraocular e na segurança da ciclofotocoagulação com laser de diodo transescleral em glaucoma refratário. Métodos: Avaliamos prospectivamente uma série de casos de 21 olhos de 21 pacientes com glaucoma refratário tratados com ciclofotocoagulação com laser de diodo transescleral com acompanhamento por 12 meses. O tempo total de tratamento ficou a critério do cirurgião, considerando a pressão intraocular inicial e alvo e o tipo de glaucoma. Pressão intraocular, inflamação, acuidade visual e número de medicamentos foram monitorados. O sucesso foi definido como pressão intraocular entre 6 e 21 mmHg e/ou redução de 30% da pressão intraocular basal com ou sem o uso de medicamentos glaucomatosos. Perda da acuidade visual foi definida como perda de ≥2 linhas de visão na tabela de Snellen ou uma diminuição de ≥ 2 níveis na função visual em pacientes com acuidade do gráfico não mensurável. Resultados: A idade média foi de 61,04 ± 12,99 anos e 11 (52,4%) pacientes eram do sexo masculino, com a maioria (95%) dos pacientes apresentando baixa acuidade visual inicialmente (conta dedos ou pior). A pressão intraocular média foi de 33,38 ± 15,95 mmHg, e o número médio de medicamentos foi de 3,5 ± 1,1, no início do estudo. Após 1, 3, 6 e 12 meses, 76,19%, 57,14%, 55,56% e 66,67%, respectivamente, dos pacientes foram classificados como sucesso do tratamento. Sete (33,3%) pacientes necessitaram de novo tratamento com laser e foram considerados falhas no tratamento. A redução média da pressão intraocular foi de 44,72% ± 29,72% na primeira semana e 41,59% ± 18,93% no final do seguimento (p=0,006). O número médio de medicamentos diminuiu significativamente para 2,00 ± 1,7 na visita de 12 meses (p=0,044). As complicações incluíram hipotonia (4,8%), inflamação intraocular após 1 mês (19%) e perda de acuidade visual (4,8%). Conclusões: A ciclofotocoagulação com laser de diodo transescleral foi segura e eficaz para reduzir a pressão intraocular em olhos com glaucoma refratário e avançado, com necessidade reduzida de hipotensores oculares.

[Multidisciplinary approach in urology. Laser technologies: faster, simpler, more efficient].

Laser technology has taken a place among the methods of treatment of various urological diseases. The new laser devices are being developed in addition to commonly used. Physicists of the russian NTO "IRE Polus" in collaboration with doctors from Sechenov University have developed a new generation laser device - thulium fiber laser. It has been actively used since 2017 for laser enucleation of prostate. Later the laser was used for treatment of bladder tumor, lithotripsy. The device has already managed to prove its efficacy in in-vitro experiments and clinical practice surpassing foreign analogues.

Single session of pattern scanning laser versus multiple sessions of conventional laser for panretinal photocoagulation in diabetic retinopathy: Efficacy, safety and painfulness.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficiency, safety and painfulness of retinal laser photocoagulation employing a pattern scanning laser system Pascal given in a single-session versus conventional laser multiple-session treatment of the same patient with diabetic retinopathy during 12-month follow-up. METHODS: The cohort included 60 eyes in 30 patients treated at the Ophthalmology Clinic, Faculty Hospital Ostrava, from 2008 to 2013. Panretinal laser coagulation was performed on one eye using the multispot panretinal photocoagulation given in a single-session system Pascal (OptiMedica, Santa Clara, California). On the other eye laser treatment was carried out by the classic conventional multiple-session method. RESULTS: The performance of Pascal panretinal laser coagulation was evaluated as significantly less painful (visual scale of pain was 3.28 ± 1.9) than the performance of conventional photocoagulation (visual scale of pain was 3.93 ± 1.88) with similar efficiency. Distribution of progression of diabetic retinopathy in individual patients was very similar in both groups under comparison, and was strictly paired in 24 of the 30 patients at the end of 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Laser photocoagulation of the retina with the use of short impulse durations and patterns in patients with diabetic retinopathy given in one session possesses similar efficiency to that of conventional retinal photocoagulation in multiple sessions. The single session treatment is also better tolerated by patients and in addition to this, it shortens the performance of the whole therapy, which potentially saves considerable funds of all subjects participating in the process of treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03672656.

[Focal laser coagulation in the treatment of a patient with kidney cancer and prostate cancer].

The article describes the clinical observation of the patient 84 years old with prostate cancer T2bNxM0, left kidney cancer T1N0M0 and severe comorbidity. Stepwise interstitial laser coagulation was performed using the Russian microsecond Nd: YAG laser surgical complex.

Large Spot Laser for Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare large spot versus standard spot laser for treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty eyes of 40 infants with bilateral type 1 ROP were randomized for laser photocoagulation using laser indirect ophthalmoscope with either standard spot or large spot size laser. During the procedure, total time taken and Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) scores were noted. Regression of disease and refractive error were noted on follow-up. RESULTS: The infants were randomized into two groups. All infants in both groups had regression of ROP. Large spot laser significantly reduced total treatment duration in zone I by 32% (P = .005) and zone II by 63.4% (P = .0006). Moderate-to-severe pain occurred in PIPP scores in both groups throughout the procedure (under topical anesthesia) and was comparable between the groups. Mean change in refractive error (myopia) from pre-laser (2.090 diopters [D] ± 1.345 D) to 3 months' post-laser (2.465 D ± 1.399 D) was not statistically significant between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Large spot laser significantly reduced total duration of laser treatment in zone I/II ROP. Large spot laser is a useful alternative for treatment of ROP in terms of faster procedure, lesser total duration of pain, and similar regression profile. It does not cause additional myopia and can be performed without additional training. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:e233-e239.].

Eficacia y seguridad de la ciclofotocoagulación transescleral con micropulsos en el tratamiento del glaucoma / Efficacy and Safety of Micropulse(R) Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation in Glaucoma

PROPÓSITO: Comunicar nuestros resultados con la ciclofotocoagulación transescleral con el láser diodo Micropulse(R) (Iridex) en el tratamiento del glaucoma. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo en pacientes adultos con glaucoma con al menos 6 meses de seguimiento y solo una sesión de Micropulse(R). Se utilizó la misma técnica quirúrgica, el único parámetro de láser que podía variar fue el tiempo total de tratamiento (en segundos). Los parámetros restantes se mantuvieron fijos en 2 W de potencia y 0,5 ms (31,3%) de ciclo activo. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo un total de 22 ojos de 17 pacientes con glaucoma de diversos tipos y estadios (en su mayoría congénitos y pseudoexfoliativos). El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue 7,9 meses. La duración total del tratamiento varió de 100 a 180 segundos. Definición de éxito: 5 mmHg < presión intraocular (PIO) < 21 mmHg, y una reducción ≥ 20% del valor basal y no adición de inhibidores orales de la anhidrasa carbónica y no reoperación. La tasa de éxito global fue del 72,7% en el primer mes, del 54% a los 4 meses, del 41% a los 6 meses y del 27,3% en el seguimiento final. Los pacientes tratados con duraciones de tratamiento más prolongadas (180 s) lograron mejores resultados. La reducción promedio de la PIO en ojos exitosos fue del 36% (de 26,3 a 16,7 mmHg, DE: 4,58, p = 0,028). No se informaron complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: En una población heterogénea de glaucoma (principalmente de tipo congénito y pseudoexfoliativo) obtuvimos una baja tasa de éxito (27,3%) en el mediano plazo con una sola sesión de Micropulse(R)

OBJECTIVE: To report the results using Micropulse(R) transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (Iridex) in the treatment of glaucoma. METHODS: Retrospective study in adult patients with glaucoma with at least 6 months of follow-up, and only one session of Micropulse (R). The same surgical technique was used in all cases. The only laser parameter that could vary was the total treatment duration (in seconds). The remaining parameters were fixed at 2 Watts of power and 0.5 ms (31.3%) of active cycle. RESULTS: A total of 22 eyes of 17 patients with glaucoma of various types and stages were included (mainly congenital and pseudoexfoliation). The mean follow-up time was 7.9 months. The total treatment duration varied from 100 to 180 seconds. Definition of success: 5 mmHg < Intraocular pressure (IOP) < 21mmHg and a reduction of ≥ 20% of the baseline value and no addition of oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and no re-operation. The overall success rate was 72.7% in the first month, 54% at 4 months, 41% at 6 months, and 27.3% at final follow-up. Patients with longer treatment durations (180 s) achieved better results. The mean reduction in IOP in successful eyes was 36% (from 26.3 to 16.7 mmHg, SD 4.58, P = .028). No complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: In a heterogeneous population of glaucoma (mostly congenital and pseudoexfoliation types), a low success rate (27.3%) was obtained in the medium-term with a single session of Micropulse(R)

3-year-data of combined navigated laser photocoagulation (Navilas) and intravitreal ranibizumab compared to ranibizumab monotherapy in DME patients.

PURPOSE: The prospective, comparative evaluation of combined navigated laser photocoagulation and intravitreal ranibizumab in the treatment of diabetic macular edema has shown advantage of a combination therapy compared to ranibizumab monotherapy at year 1 with significantly reduced injections. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the long-term visual gains and need of injections in a 3 year-follow-up period. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients of the original study in the long-term follow-up from month 12 to 36. BCVA measurements following the original 1 year study were taken using logMAR charts. Injections were provided with standard of care using PRN, based on change in BCVA and CRT using SD-OCT scans. Main outcome measures were change in BCVA and mean number of injections from 12 to 36 months. RESULTS: BCVA was stable in both groups from 12 through 36 months, showing a change of 0.16 ± 0.1 log MAR. Following the initial reduction in required injections at month 12, combination therapy patients continued to require 1.3 times fewer injections over the next 24 months (2.91 ± 2.3 vs 3.85±3.7 injections for monotherapy). CONCLUSIONS: Combination of navigated laser and ranibizumab achieved BCVA gains equivalent to anti-VEGF monotherapy. These results could be maintained through month 36. Required injections were 2.0 injections lower in year 1 and further 1.3 times fewer in year 2 and 3 in the combination group compared to monotherapy. Adding navigated laser photocoagulation to intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy may still represent a superior therapeutic approach to DME patients.

Fotocoagulación láser por fetoscopía en síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal / Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation in fetal-fetal transfusion syndrome

CONTEXTO CLÍNICO: Los embarazos gemelares monocoriónicos presentan un riesgo incrementado de desenlaces adversos comparados con los embarazos gemelares dicoriónicos y los embarazos únicos. Esto se debe, fundamentalmente, a que la mayoría de ellos comparten una placenta única, con anastomosis inter-fetales permitiendo un flujo sanguíneo bidireccional entre ambos fetos. Comparados con los embarazos dicoriónicos, en los monocoriónicos las complicaciones son tres a diez veces más frecuentes e incluyen el síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal (STFF), la secuencia fetal anemia-policitemia (SFAP, definida principalmente por la diferencia de hemoglobina entre los fetos y por la presencia de anastomosis placentarias mínimas y crónicas), la muerte fetal intrauterina única y sus consecuencias en el gemelo, y la restricción selectiva del crecimiento intrauterino. El desbalance del flujo sanguíneo intergemelar puede conducir a STFF o SFAP en hasta 15% y 3% respectivamente, en esta población de alto riesgo. Se postula que las anastomosis arterio-arteriales (AA) y veno-venosas (VV) presentes en la superficie de la placenta generan un flujo bidireccional con diferencias en la dirección y el volumen del flujo acordes a las presiones dinámicas entro los dos fetos, favoreciendo el desarrollo del STFF. Si esta variación en el flujo sanguíneo se convierte en significativa, el gemelo donante se vuelve hipovolémico y oligúrico, mientras que el gemelo receptor se vuelve hipervolémico y poliúrico, desencadenando los diferentes estadios del síndrome (ver la Clasificación de Quinteros en el Anexo III). Una de las complicaciones más frecuentes y temidas de los fetos sobrevivientes es el daño en el desarrollo neurológico. TECNOLOGÍA: Dentro de las diferentes técnicas FLF, la coagulación de todos los vasos que cruzan la membrana intergemelar se ha abandonado porque la misma lleva a pérdida placentaria innecesara. Posteriormente surgieron variantes de esta técnica endoscópica como la coagulación con láser selectiva, la cual tiene como objetivo preservar la mayor cantidad de tejido placentario funcionante, mediante la coagulación de sólo las anastomosis vasculares verdaderas en lugar de todos los vasos que cruzan la membrana. La coagulación secuencial selectiva es una adaptación en la cual las anastomosis son coaguladas en un orden específico que permite, al menos en parte, una corrección intraoperatoria de la hipoperfusión del feto donante y la hiperperfusión del feto receptor. La técnica de Solomon es otra adaptación en la cual se realiza la coagulación de todo el ecuador del margen placentario de un lado al otro, minimizando el riesgo de anastomosis residuales. Si bien se considera un procedimiento seguro, el mismo no está exento de complicaciones como la rotura prematura iatrogénica de membranas, la recurrencia del síndrome, la secuencia fetal anemia-policitemia iatrogénica, la corioamnionitis y el sangrado intraamniótico. OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente informe es evaluar la evidencia disponible acerca de la eficacia, seguidad y aspectos relacionados a las políticas de cobertura del uso de la fotocoagulación láser por fetoscopía para el tratamiento del síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal en embarazos gemelares. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda en las principales bases de datos bibliográficas, en buscadores genéricos de internet, y financiadores de salud. Se priorizó la inclusión de revisiones sistemáticas (RS), ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados (ECAs), evaluaciones de tecnologías sanitarias (ETS), evaluaciones económicas, guías de práctica clínica (GPC) y políticas de cobertura de diferentes sistemas de salud. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un ECA, tres RS, dos GPC y seis informes de políticas de cobertura de fotocoagulación láser por fetoscopía en síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal. CONCLUSIONES: Evidencia de moderada calidad sugiere que la fotocoagulación láser selectiva por fetoscopía no es superior a la amniorreducción en cuanto a la disminución de la mortalidad peri o postnatal de uno o ambos gemelos. Sin embargo, esta técnica se asocia con una disminución en la frecuencia de anomalías del desarrollo neurológico y una mayor sobrevida a largo plazo. Evidencia de moderada calidad sugiere que la técnica de Solomon se asocia con una reducción en la secuencia fetal anemia-policitemia y en la recurrencia del síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal en comparación con la fotocoagulación láser selectiva por fetoscopía. Las guías de práctica clínica relevadas la sugieren como una alternativa. La mayoría de las políticas de cobertura consultadas provenientes de financiadores públicos y privados de Europa y Estados Unidos no mencionan la tecnología, mientras que algunas brindan cobertura. Los financiadores públicos de Latinoamérica consultados, no brindan o no mencionan su cobertura. No se encontraron estudios locales de costo-efectividad, impacto financiero u organizacional.

Spatiotemporal modeling of laser tissue soldering using photothermal nanocomposites.

OBJECTIVE: Laser tissue soldering using photothermal solders is a technology that facilitates rapid sealing using heat-induced changes in the tissue and the solder material. The solder material is made of gold nanorods embedded in a protein matrix patch that can be placed over the tissue rupture site and heated with a laser. Although laser tissue soldering is an attractive approach for surgical repair, potential photothermal damage can limit the success of this approach. Development of predictive mathematical models of photothermal effects including cell death, can lead to more efficient approaches in laser-based tissue repair. METHODS: We describe an experimental and modeling investigation into photothermal solder patches for sealing porcine and mouse cadaver intestine sections using near-infrared laser irradiation. Spatiotemporal changes in temperature were determined at the surface as well as various depths below the patch. A mathematical model, based on the finite element method, predicts the spatiotemporal temperature distribution in the patch and surrounding tissue, as well as concomitant cell death in the tissue is described. RESULTS: For both the porcine and mouse intestine systems, the model predicts temperatures that are quantitatively similar to the experimental measurements with the model predictions of temperature increase often being within a just a few degrees of experimental measurements. CONCLUSION: This mathematical model can be employed to identify optimal conditions for minimizing healthy cell death while still achieving a strong seal of the ruptured tissue using laser soldering. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:143-152, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Single-Spot Yellow Laser Versus Conventional Green Laser on Panretinal Photocoagulation: Patient Pain Scores and Preferences.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is the mainstay therapy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Pain during and after its application is a complication that affects patients' therapeutic adherence. This study aimed to compare pain perception and patient preference for the 577-nm yellow laser (YL-577) (LIGHTL as 577; LIGHTMED, San Clemente, CA) and the conventional 532-nm green laser (GL-532) (Purepoint Laser; Alcon, Fort Worth, TX) with PRP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 92 patient eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy treated with PRP were randomly assigned to receive both GL-532 and YL-577 (184 eyes) - one on each eye, with the order of application randomized, as well. Afterward, verbal rapid answer and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain perception and patient preference were evaluated. RESULTS: VAS score was 7 ± 2 for the GL-532 group compared to 5 ± 3 in the YL-577 group (P = .001). Overall, 75% of the patients preferred YL-577 therapy if they were to receive a second PRP session. CONCLUSION: The use of YL-577 as an alternative approach for PRP reduces pain perception and is preferred by patients. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2017;48:902-905.].

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia-laser treatment of epistaxis.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder characterized by recurrent epistaxis, telangiectasias, and multiorgan vascular dysplasia. Various modalities exist for the treatment of HHT-related chronic epistaxis, although no method is preferred over another. The aim of this study was to review the effectiveness of diode laser photocoagulation in the treatment of epistaxis in patients with HHT. The study included 17 patients (7 men, 10 women) treated with diode laser photocoagulation from year 2008 to 2012. All patients met the Curaçao criteria for a diagnosis of HHT. Patients were followed for 1 year. Treatment success was assessed using a custom questionnaire and total blood counts. After laser photocoagulation, the frequency and intensity of bleeds were reduced significantly and average hemoglobin concentrations improved at the 4-month assessment. After laser treatment, no patient required septodermoplasty; therefore, we suggest that every patient with HHT should be treated with laser photocoagulation. Diode laser treatment is a simple and effective procedure that should be considered when treating HHT.

[Current approach and the role of laser photocoagulation in the treatment of retinal vein occlusions]. / . Sovremennye podkhody i mesto lazernoi koaguliatsii v lechenii okkliuzii ven setchatki.

Despite the emergence of new approaches in the treatment of retinal vein thrombosis and post-thrombotic complications, namely, intravitreal pharmacotherapy and surgical treatment, laser photocoagulation continues to play a significant role in the management of patients with this pathology. Although the method of laser photocoagulation has been used for quite a long time, different views exist on its indications and execution in specific clinical situations. At that, not all opinions regarding the use of laser photocoagulation in thrombosis are based on convincing clinical studies. The aim of this work was to summarize current literature data on the use of laser photocoagulation in the integrated treatment of retinal vein occlusions and, also, to show which aspects of the treatment of thromboses can be considered well-established and reasonable and which remain a subject of debate.