Exogenous bFGF or TGFβ1 accelerates healing of reconstructed dura by CO2 laser soldering in minipigs

Laser application in neurosurgery

BACKGROUND

Technological innovations based on light amplification created by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER) have been used extensively in the field of neurosurgery.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical literature to identify current laser-based technological applications for surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic uses in neurosurgery.

RESULTS

Surgical applications of laser technology reported in the literature include percutaneous laser ablation of brain tissue, the use of surgical lasers in open and endoscopic cranial surgeries, laser-assisted microanastomosis, and photodynamic therapy for brain tumors. Laser systems are also used for intervertebral disk degeneration treatment, therapeutic applications of laser energy for transcranial laser therapy and nerve regeneration, and novel diagnostic laser-based technologies (e.g., laser scanning endomicroscopy and Raman spectroscopy) that are used for interrogation of pathological tissue.

CONCLUSION

Despite controversy over the use of lasers for treatment, the surgical application of lasers for minimally invasive procedures shows promising results and merits further investigation. Laser-based microscopy imaging devices have been developed and miniaturized to be used intraoperatively for rapid pathological diagnosis. The multitude of ways that lasers are used in neurosurgery and in related neuroclinical situations is a testament to the technological advancements and practicality of laser science.

[Mechanism of lipolytic and smooth effects of D980-nm laser treatment on skin tissue in rats]

Objective

To determine the efficacy of D980-nm laser in dissolving fat and renewing skin, and to explore the clinical application of D980-nm laser in reconstruction of photodamaged skin.

Methods

Eighteen 12-14 month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 400-450 g, were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n=6). The rat skin at the left side was exposed to D980-nm laser irradiation at a density of 20 J/cm ², a power of 8 W, a pulse width of 20 ms, and a pulse frequency of 40 Hz for 1 time (group A), 2 times of 5-minute interval (group B), and 3 times of 5-minute interval (group C) as a treatment course, for 4 treatment courses with an interval of 1 week; the other side of the skin was not treated as the control groups (groups A1, B1, and C1, respectively). After 8 weeks, the skin was harvested for HE staining and immunohistochemical staining to observe the structure changes of skin, to measure the dermal thickness, to count the number of fibroblasts, and detect the expressions of transforming growth factor β ₁ (TGF-β ₁) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).

Results

Compared with groups A1, B1, and C1, the skin structure was significantly improved in groups A, B, and C. After D980-nm laser irradiation, the number of fat cells decreased; local angiogenesis was observed; the total number of fibroblasts and fibers increased; the collagen fiber had large diameter, and arranged closely and regularly; the dermal thickness and the number of the fibroblasts increased; and the expressions of TGF-β ₁ and bFGF were significantly enhanced, showing significant differences ( P<0.05). With increased D980-nm laser irradiation times, the above indexes increased, showing significant differences between group C and groups A, B ( P<0.05).

Conclusion

D980-nm laser treatment has lipolytic and tender effect on the skin, and the frequency of the treatment is an important factor in skin renewal.