A Review of CO2 Laser-Mediated Therapy for Oral Mucosal Lesions

(1) Background: Several studies investigating the clinical outcomes of potentially premalignant oral epithelial lesions treated with CO2 lasers have been published over the last decades. (2) Methods: A systematic research review was performed for studies published between 2011 and 2021 in the PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. (3) Results: Initially, the search identified 52 relevant articles. The primary analysis of the titles and abstracts eliminated 22 articles, leaving 30 articles whose full texts were examined. A total of 22 articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies were classified into 3 categories. (4) Conclusions: After evaluating the results of all the studies included in this review, an initial general statement can be made, namely that CO2 lasers are a treatment option worth taking into consideration when approaching oral mucosal lesions. When compared to other types of lasers used in dental practice, the CO2 laser stands out due to its many advantages.

What is Being Reported About Vaginal “Lasers”?: An Examination of Adverse Events Reported to the Food and Drug Administration on Energy-Based Devices

Background Description of energy-based genitourinary non-surgical devices (energy-based devices) safety data is outlined given their rapid adoption. Objectives To describe adverse events (AEs) for energy-based devices in the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database, and to compare to similar devices and other subspecialty applications. We hypothesized that products with genitourinary applications had similar AEs to dermatologic or general surgery applications. Methods Reed Tech™ Navigator compiled AE reports for all registered energy-based devices. Individual AE reports associated with 1) non-ablative, 2) fractionated, 3) unfractionated 4) radiofrequency, and 5) hybrid laser technologies were categorized. AE characteristics were compared among genitourinary applications (n=39) and other subspecialty applications within the same devices (n=79). Results Eighteen manufacturers were identified, which collectively manufacture 43 products with genitourinary applications. Thirty-nine genitourinary AEs were reported and isolated to 6 manufacturers with 11 products, of which 82% (n=32) were injuries, 15% (n=6) were device malfunction, and 3% (n=1) related to improper maintenance. Local treatment reactions were the most commonly reported injury (62%, n=21). AEs varied by device type with CO2 lasers having more burns and radiofrequency devices having higher rates of sensation loss. When comparing similar technology types, genitourinary energy-based devices had the least AE reports per device in MAUDE database. Conclusions AEs were reported on a quarter of the products currently available, and most were local treatment reactions. The reporting of AEs is equal to that of other subspecialties suggesting similar risk profiles. Improved reporting is needed to fully evaluate the safety of individual energy-based devices.

Photoacoustic Laser System for Food Fraud Detection

Economically motivated adulterations of food, in general, and spices, in particular, are an emerging threat to world health. Reliable techniques for the rapid screening of counterfeited ingredients in the supply chain need further development. Building on the experience gained with CO2 lasers, the Diagnostic and Metrology Laboratory of ENEA realized a compact and user-friendly photoacoustic laser system for food fraud detection, based on a quantum cascade laser. The sensor has been challenged with saffron adulteration. Multivariate data analysis tools indicated that the photoacoustic laser system was able to detect adulterants at mass ratios of 2% in less than two minutes.

Effects of Treatment Combining 9300 nm Carbon Dioxide Lasers and Fluoride on Prevention of Enamel Caries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the literatures on the effect of treatment combining 9300 nm carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers and fluoride on prevention of enamel caries. A literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The keywords were ((9300 nm) OR (9.3 µm) OR (carbon dioxide laser) OR (carbon dioxide lasers) OR (CO2 laser) OR (CO2 lasers)) AND ((fluoride) OR (fluorides)) AND ((dental caries) OR (caries) OR (remineralization) OR (remineralization) OR (demineralization) OR (demineralization)). Meta-analysis was performed to compare the change in mineral content by laser irradiation and fluoride treatment (F + L) with that of fluoride treatment (F) and laser treatment (L). The search identified 946 potential publications and five laboratory studies using a chemical model for cariogenic challenge and determining mineral loss of the enamel were included in this review. Meta-analysis comparing F + L with L on enamel showed a standard mean difference of −1.58 (CI: −2.13, −1.03). Meta-analysis comparing F + L with F on enamel showed a standard mean difference of −1.84 (CI: −2.30, −1.39), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 49%, p = 0.04). In conclusion, F + L was better than L and F in preventing enamel demineralization.

Interferon Therapy for Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids

Interferons (IFNs) belong to the family of cytokines are widely used to treat keloids owing to their ability to increase collagenase activity thereby reducing the production of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM). Intralesional injection of IFN-α – 2b increases the collagenase level by inhibiting the secretion of metalloproteinases, an inhibitor of collagenase. Moreover, the anti-fibrotic activity of IFNs, interfere with fibroblast mediated collagen synthesis. On the other hand, combinatorial therapy has been preferred recently along with IFN due to its side effects observed in various clinical trials conducted only with IFN. Triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) and CO2 lasers along with IFNs are found to be the potential therapy for the treatment of scars and keloids. In this chapter, IFN mediated therapy for the treatment of scars and keloids, its benefits and limitations and the advantages of combinatorial therapy with the appropriate literature support are discussed.