Sialolithiasis: Application parameters for an optimal laser therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Laser Physics
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Sialolithiasis, the formation of salivary stones, causes significant discomfort and requires effective treatment.
• Current treatment options for sialolithiasis can be invasive and may lead to complications.
• Laser ablation offers a potential minimally invasive approach for sialolithiasis treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in-vitro parametric effects of Ho:YAG laser ablation on natural and artificial sialoliths.
• To determine optimal laser parameters for efficient sialolith fragmentation.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of laser ablation for treating sialolithiasis.

Main Methods:

• In-vitro experimental studies using natural and artificial sialoliths.
• Application of high-power pulsed Ho:YAG laser radiation (λ = 2080 nm, τ ≈ 250 μsec).
• Analysis of surface microstructure, water adsorption, and ablation thresholds.

Main Results:

• The threshold for sialolith ablative erosion was found to be approximately 200 J/cm².
• Fragmentation rates reached approximately 1 mm/pulse at 2400 J/cm².
• High energy density irradiation at low pulse repetition rates proved efficient with minimal thermal loading.

Conclusions:

• Optimized Ho:YAG laser ablation is an effective method for sialolith fragmentation.
• The proposed laser parameters minimize thermal damage, ensuring safety for oral and maxillofacial tissues.
• This approach could lead to an improved therapeutic protocol for sialolithiasis.