APRIL 3, 2009--Laser medicine experts from around the world are gathering this week and through the weekend in National Harbor, Maryland at the Annual Scientific Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). Nearly 1500 laser specialists in aesthetic surgery, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, oncology, dermatology, photobiomodulation, and urology are attending, and about 130 industry exhibitors are showcasing their latest products. In addition to revelation of research results on (see Laser treatment can significantly reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, study finds), hot topics include featured presentations on photoactive bonding of corneal tissue transplants, fiber laser and endoscopic systems for treatment of laryngeal disease, non-invasive cryolipolysis, and cancer-targeting nanoparticles:
A Light-Activated, Sutureless Technology For Bonding Corneal Tissue Transplants Offers Superior Wound Healing Results of randomized testing of two techniques for repair of corneal defects in rabbits – one invasive using traditional sutures; the other using a newly developed laser-activated, sutureless technology called photochemical tissue bonding (PTB) that uses photochemical reactions to create a tight seal will be presented.
Innovations in Laser Surgery Enhance Treatment of Benign and Malignant Laryngeal Disease Recent advances in fiber-based laser and endoscopic technologies are moving laryngeal surgeries from the operating room to the doctor's office using local anesthesia. Researchers expect this style of minimally invasive laser surgery will likely lead to enhanced treatment of a number of benign and malignant laryngeal diseases thanks to the clinical benefits of earlier surgical intervention, better conservation of normal tissue, and improved vocal function for patients.
First Human Study of Non-Invasive Cryolipolysis Yields Promising Results in Patients with Love Handles and Back Fat Findings from the first multi-center study of non-invasive cryolipolysis, a breakthrough technology that is based on the natural biologic vulnerability of fat cells to the effects of cold via controlled energy extraction, confirmed that the procedure is safe and provides fat layer reductions when performed in routine clinical settings. Data based on interim results from evaluations of 32 male and female study subjects will be presented.
New In Vitro Research Shows Laser Therapy Increases Efficiency of Certain Nanoparticles to Target Cancer Cells Researchers investigating new applications of nanoparticles known as single walled carbon nanohorns (SWNHs) found that when they are exposed to infrared radiation, they have the capability to conduct heat and create local chemical reactions – resulting in enhanced tumor destruction. Laboratory results demonstrating the anti-cancer efficiency of nanoparticles will be discussed.
This year's keynote speaker is Thomas Gunderson, a managing director and senior research analyst at Piper Jaffray, who follows medical technology companies. Mr. Gunderson's lecture entitled "Aesthetic Technology and Wall Street: Looking Good in Tough Times" will be delivered on Saturday, April 4.
The ASLMS recognizes the outstanding achievement of its members with annual recognition awards for their vast contributions to laser medicine and surgery. This year's recipients include:
+ Christopher B. Zachary, MD, MBBS, FRCP, will be bestowed the 2009 Leon Goldman Memorial Award.
+ Suzanne L. Kilmer, MD, is this year's recipient of the Ellet H. Drake Lectureship Award.
+ J. Stuart Nelson, MD, PhD, will receive the 2009 Caroline and William Mark Memorial Award.
+ Sue Terry, RN, CMLSO, will be honored with the 2009 Nursing/Allied Health Excellence Award.
+ Kristen M. Kelly, M.D. is the recipient of the 2009 Dr. Horace Furumoto Innovations Professional Development Award.
For more information please see the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) website.
Posted by Barbara G. Goode, [email protected], for BioOptics World.