Addendum: Żywicka, B., et al. Comparison of a 1940 nm Thulium-Doped Fiber Laser and a 1470 nm Diode Laser for Cutting Efficacy and Hemostasis in a Pig Model of Spleen Surgery. Materials 2020, 13, 1167

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Comparison of A 1940 nm Thulium-Doped Fiber Laser and A 1470 nm Diode Laser for Cutting Efficacy and Hemostasis in A Pig Model of Spleen Surgery

Partial and total splenectomies are associated with a high risk of substantial blood loss. Lasers operating at wavelengths strongly absorbed by water have the potential to improve hemostasis and cut while providing a narrow zone of thermal damage. The aim of this study is to compare a thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL) emitting a wavelength of 1940 nm and a diode laser (DL) operating at 1470 nm for spleen surgery in a pig model. A partial splenectomy and spleen incisions were made in 12 animals using the two laser devices. The hemostasis was evaluated visually during surgeries. Post-mortem and histopathological evaluations were done on days 0, 7, and 14 following surgery. Neither TDFL nor DL caused bleeding on day 0 or delayed bleeding. On day 14, pale streaks at the site of incision were slightly wider after cutting with DL than with TDFL. Histological analysis revealed a carbonized zone with exudation and a deeper zone of thermal tissue damage on day 0. The width of the thermal changes was 655.26 ± 107.70 μm for TDFL and 1413.37 ± 111.85 μm for DL. On day 7, a proliferation of fibroblasts and splenocytes was visible, as well as a formation of multinucleated giant cells adjacent to the residues of carbonization. The zone of thermal damage was broader for DL (1157.5 ± 262.77 μm) than for TDFL (682.22 ± 116.58 μm). On day 14, cutting sites were filled with connective and granulation tissues with the residues of carbonization. The zone of thermal damage was narrower for TDFL (761.65 ± 34.3 μm) than for DL (1609.82 ± 202.22 μm). Thus, both lasers are efficient in spleen surgery, providing good hemostasis. However, TDFL produces a narrower zone of thermal damage, which suggests its better efficiency for spleen surgery, especially when performing more precise procedures.

Comparing the Air Abrasion Cutting Efficacy of Dentine Using a Fluoride-Containing Bioactive Glass versus an Alumina Abrasive: AnIn VitroStudy

Air abrasion as a caries removal technique is less aggressive than conventional techniques and is compatible for use with adhesive restorative materials. Alumina, while being currently the most common abrasive used for cutting, has controversial health and safety issues and no remineralisation properties. The alternative, a bioactive glass, 45S5, has the advantage of promoting hard tissue remineralisation. However, 45S5 is slow as a cutting abrasive and lacks fluoride in its formulation. The aim of this study was to compare the cutting efficacy of dentine using a customised fluoride-containing bioactive glass Na0SR (38–80 μm) versus the conventional alumina abrasive (29 μm) in an air abrasion set-up. Fluoride was incorporated into Na0SR to enhance its remineralisation properties while strontium was included to increase its radiopacity. Powder outflow rate was recorded prior to the cutting tests. Principal air abrasion cutting tests were carried out on pristine ivory dentine. The abrasion depths were quantified and compared using X-ray microtomography. Na0SR was found to create deeper cavities than alumina (p<0.05) despite its lower powder outflow rate and predictably reduced hardness. The sharper edges of the Na0SR glass particles might improve the cutting efficiency. In conclusion, Na0SR was more efficacious than alumina for air abrasion cutting of dentine.