|
1
|
- Farouk A.H. Al-Watban, MSc, PhD
- Principal Scientist
- Xing Yang Zhang, MD
- Research Associate
- Bernard L. Andres, RMT, MT(AMT)
- Research Assistant
- Azizah A. Al-Anazi, BSc
- Research Technician
|
|
2
|
- Research in Low Power Laser Therapy (LPLT) has greatly advanced. It was
in 1966 when Dr. Endre Mester, professor of surgery in Budapest,
received a new and an exciting device: the LASER. He investigated if
light from the laser could be used to combat cancer. A series of
experiments were done to ascertain that laser light, “new and unknown
type of light” would not give dangerous or unexpected results. He shaved
the fur from the back of a number of rats and applied different doses of
laser light to half of the shaved area leaving the other half untreated
for comparison. Nothing happened with small light dose. With larger dose
the fur grew back faster on the treated half: the laser light had a
stimulating effect. With even larger dose this stimulating effect
disappeared, and with even higher doses the opposite effect occurred:
the fur on the untreated half re-grew faster. An inhibitory effect was
obtained. Further experiments with a new group of rats with surgical
wound showed that a certain dose of laser light stimulated wound
healing, while a significantly higher dose inhibited it. The results of
this research were published in 1967 in Hungarian, but remained largely
unnoticed in the Western countries.
|
|
3
|
- Today, 40 years later, over 2000 different investigations from over
eighty countries on the effect of LPLT on humans and animals have been
published in the medical literature. Among these originated from King
Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
with Farouk A. H. Al-Watban, PhD as principal investigator, Bernard L. Andres, RMT, MT(AMT) and/or
Xingyang Zhang, MD as co-investigator/s, with their research on:
- Laser Dosimetric studies spanning the visible to infra-red spectrum
using the normal and diabetic wound and burn models
- In-vitro biostimulation studies on normal and neoplastic cell lines
- The comparison of in-vitro and in-vivo LPLT with wound healing drugs
- The use of cheap source of photons, the Light Emitting Diode (LED)
- In-vitro and In-vivo Photodynamic Therapy
- The transfer of this accumulated LPLT knowledge and techniques from
bench-to-bedside entails more Research in collaboration with the various
Medical Specialties at KFSH&RC.
|
|
4
|
- The “Mastery of Light” had started many millennia ago with the control
of fire. Since then, vast
achievements have been made in both the understanding of light and
applying this understanding for the improvement of our lives. From the ancient practice of “Heliotherapy”
(treatment by sun exposure), awareness the on curative properties of
light led to the discovery of a more innovative therapeutic tool, the LASER.
|
|
5
|
- History teaches us that a major technology principle can trigger the
creation of new and revolutionary industries for decades following its
discovery. The transistor was
immediately appreciated as a new kind of electronic amplifier in 1948,
but no one could conceive of the revolutionary change that this device
would create in all walks of life.
The transistor paved the way for the microelectronics industry,
and the computer age, both of which are now major drivers of the
worldwide economy.
|
|
6
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
8
|
- Lasers have the characteristics of emitting beam of light, which are
extremely intense and nearly non-divergent. Laser light is collimated, coherent
and monochromatic, making it different from the light generated by
normal sources. These
characteristics have numerous applications and advantages. Regardless of a laser size or mode of
emission and its applications, all lasers have three common basic
elements, these are:
- Active medium that can be either solid (ruby), liquid (dye), gas (HeNe)
or semiconductor materials (GaAs).
- Excitation mechanism that is the form of energy required exciting the
active medium, which could be optical, electrical, or chemical energy.
- Feedback mechanism done by the output couplers that consist two
specially designed mirrors. The high reflectance mirror and the output
coupler mirror. Light
amplification is achieved as the photons move back and forth between two
parallel mirrors, triggering stimulated emissions, at the same time the
intense, directional, monochromatic laser light “leaks” through the
output coupler mirror.
|
|
9
|
- The generation of LASER photons is attributed to the interplay of its
three essential elements: an active medium, which can be solid, liquid
or gas, energy required for excitation mechanism, and mirrors for
feedback mechanism. The active medium consists of particles (e.g.
molecules, atoms or electrons) that are in ground state. An external
source of energy activates these atoms by moving into higher energy
levels or excited state. Once activated these atoms become unstable and
returns into its stable state by emitting packets of surplus energy,
called photons. The mirrors make the photons reflect back and forth
continuously stimulating along their path other ground state atoms to
emit identical photons. Finally, an amplified laser beam consequently
passes through the semi reflective mirror.
|
|
10
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
20
|
- Laser medical applications are divided into the following four
categories:
- Surgery: Surgical use of laser is
the most predominant application of laser in modern medicine. The basic advantages include its
capabilities to vaporize, cut and coagulate tissues giving rise to
non-contact surgery, dry field almost bloodless surgery, highly sterile
surgery, highly localized precise microsurgery, clear field of view,
prompt healing with minimal post operative swelling and scarring and
reduced post-operative pain.
- Therapeutic:
- A) Laser + Photosensitizer in Photodynamic Therapy, using low power
laser that has no thermal effect.
- B) Laser Alone in
biostimulation, laser induced analgesia, stimulation of wound healing
and modulate biochemical processes such as synthesis and degeneration
of collagen.
- C) Hyperthermia – slight increase of controlled thermal energy above
normal temperature of the body.
|
|
21
|
- Photodynamic Diagnosis (PDD):
Using the laser similarly as photodynamic therapy with another
laser wavelength which can detect fluorescence emitted from malignant
cells showing their size and location.
A good resolution can be obtained by this method. Laser trans-illumination for early
breast cancer detection could be an alternative to x-rays.
- Analytical use of laser in medicine has taken several forms, such as the
following:
- A) Fluorescence for activated cell sorting.
- B) Laser doppler velocimeter to measure vascular flow.
- C) Laser microprobe mass analyzer for the determination of trace metals.
- D) Laser acoustic microscopy to study morphology of living tissues in
response to radiation.
- E) Laser induced x-ray diffraction to study the process of physiology,
immunology, respiration, etc.
- F) Nephelometry to measure albumin, immune complexes, etc. and
- G) Laser holography
|
|
22
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
31
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
37
|
|
|
38
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
42
|
- Laser in Dermatology: With the
development of lasers that produce short individual pulses of light in
the early 1980’s, laser surgery became much more precise and
effective. Since then major
advances in the ability to treat variety of skin disorders and cosmetic
problems were realized. The first
laser to produce selective light induced injury was the pulsed dye
laser. This device is used to
treat a variety of blood vessel abnormality, particularly, port wine
stains. The pulsed dye laser
approved by FDA in 1988 has since revolutionized the treatment of this
disorder and has since been used to treat other disorders of the blood
vessel including broken blood vessels on the face, spider veins on the
legs, different types of scars and even warts. Pigmented laser disorders such as
aging spots, café-au-lait spots, brown birthmarks and tattoos are
treated by pulsed laser technology.
Laser has recently been developed for hair removal by selectively
damaging the hair bulb. The most
recent development that generated tremendous interests are the use of
pulsed CO2 and Erbium lasers for skin resurfacing. By using short pulses of light that
are absorbed by the upper layers of skin,
|
|
43
|
- these lasers resurface the skin making it much. smoother and restoring
it to a more youthful appearance This treatment is effective in
rejuvenating skin of patients with wrinkles or other sun-induced damage
and also for smoothing the textural change of acne scarring. Compared to chemical peels, laser
resurfacing is more precise, results more impressive and side effects
are no more frequent. These
dramatic developments have reshaped the ability to treat skin disorders.
- Laser in Dentistry: Studies have
established the disturbing link between periodontal disease, heart
disease and strokes. Those
patients with infected gums and gum diseases suffer twice the heart attack
rate and almost triple the stroke rate of those who do suffer from gum
infection, which is crucial when arterial cardiovascular damage is
present in a patient.
Pre-surgical laser protocol can help eliminate bacteremia by
efficiently addressing buildup of bacterial colonies that cause and
sustain periodontal disease in a patient soon to receive open-heart
surgery.
- Laser in Urology: Various types
of lasers are
|
|
44
|
- utilized to successfully treat a number of diseases on the urinary and
genital systems. The more common
diseases include: urinary stones, urothelial tumors, obstructions due to
narrowing of ureteropelvic junction, ureteral stricture, benign
enlargement of the prostate urethral strictures, benign condylomas and
superficial cancer of the penis.
Majority of such treatments require general anesthesia but can be
performed as an outpatient basis with little or no blood loss and
excellent results.
- Laser in Ophthalmology: Lasers
have three applications in Ophthalmology:
- Used to treat glaucoma – a group of diseases caused by increased
pressure in the eye.
- Refractive surgeons use excimer lasers to reshape the cornea and help
the eye focus properly. Laser
vision correction to treat near-sightedness, farsightedness and
astigmatism.
- Retina specialists use lasers to treat macular degeneration. The procedure combines a light
activated drug with a low-power red light to destroy abnormal blood
vessels.
|
|
45
|
- Laser in Podiatry: Many
conditions treated by laser include: Fungal nails; Ingrown nails;
Deformed nails; Matrixectomies; Granulomas; Porokeratosis; Pigmented
villondular; Synovitis; Neurofibromatosis; Periungual fibromas;
Remodeling hypertrophic scars/keloids; Hemangiomas; Adjunct ulcer
therapy (like debridement); Plantar warts; skin fissures; Tumors;
Various types of cysts including foreign body cysts; Incision and
excision of neuromas and release of sublesional hematomas.
- Laser in Otolaryngology:
Otolaryngology was one of the first areas in which lasers have
been applied. Particularly, the
CO2 laser has found use in the treatment of airway in which precision,
homeostasis and lack of swelling are necessary. This allows removal of diseased tissue
without compromising the patient’s breathing. Carbon dioxide lasers have been used
to remove both benign and malignant conditions of the larynx (voice
box), pharynx (throat) and oral cavity.
Similarly, ND:YAG and KTP lasers can be transmitted through a
fiber optic cable to remove growths in the tracheobronchial tree as well
as
|
|
46
|
- esophagus. These two wavelengths
have been applied to surgery within the nasal passages and sinuses. The CO2 and Argon laser have been used
to treat otologic disorders such as otosclerosis. The precision afforded allows delicate
removal of bone tissue and replacement with artificial prosthesis to
improve hearing. Currently
otolaryngologists are at the forefront of using various imaging
modalities to view laser tissue interaction deep within the head and
neck to afford greater therapy precision in the care of patients.
- Lasers in Neuro-surgery:
Microsurgical lasers are used for precision cutting, for making
incisions into the brain and spinal cord producing discrete for the
relief of pain. The CO2, KTP and
ND:YAG are used frequently in the vaporization and coagulation of
tumors, particularly, if located intracranially or deep within the
brain. The use of laser has been
particularly beneficial for very narrow approaches that are required to
access tumors in these locations.
Fiber-optically delivered lasers are being more frequently used
for the vaporization and shrinkage of spinal discs to treat patients
with herniated discs within the upper, mid and lower
|
|
47
|
- back through minimally invasive surgical approach using the endoscopic
guidance.
- Photodynamic Therapy: Photodynamic
therapy is a new method for treating patients with esophageal and lung
cancer. The theoretical success
of photodynamic therapy as a non-thermal, laser-assisted ablative
technique is based on the ability of special pharmaceutical product
known as photosensitizers to produce cytotoxicity in the presence of
oxygen after light stimulation at an appropriate wavelength. The most commonly used photosensitizer
and the only one approved by US FDA for use in humans is the
Hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) also known as Photofrin. The photosensitizer is absorbed by
tumor cell, more than normal cells at a ratio of 2:1. When activated by laser light, the
photosensitizer causes destruction to the tumor cells in which it is
retained at a higher concentration.
|
|
48
|
- Lasers in General Surgery: Any
surgical procedure can be performed using lasers. Majority of laser surgeries actually
use the laser device instead of other tools, such as scalpels, electro
surgical units, cryosurgery probes to accomplish standard procedure like
mastectomy or cholecystectomy.
Lasers allow the surgeon to do more complex tasks, reduce blood
loss, decrease post operative discomfort, reduce chance of wound
infection, decrease the spread of some cancers, minimize the extent of
surgery in selected circumstances and result in better wound healing if
they are used appropriately by a skilled and properly trained
surgeon. They are useful in both
open and laparoscopic procedures.
Common laser surgical uses include breast surgery, removal of
gallbladder, hernia repair, bowel resection, hemorrhoidectomy and solid
organ surgery.
|
|
49
|
|
|
50
|
- The Laser Department of the KFSH&RC was established in 31 December
1984 upon the appointment of Dr.
Farouk Al-Watban as Chairman.
- It was reorganized and placed
under the umbrella of the Biomedical Physics Department in 27 July 1987.
- At present, “The Laser Medicine
Research Unit” is under “The Biological and Medical Research
Department.”
- For 2 decades of Laser Research under the leadership of Dr. Farouk
Al-Watban, Principal Scientist, The Laser Medicine Research contributed
in filling gaps of knowledge in the fields of: 1) Low Power Laser
Therapy (LPLT) - Laser Biostimulation and 2) Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
|
|
51
|
- Low Power Laser Therapy (LPLT)
- Abstract Presentations = 48
- Full Manuscript = 27
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
- Abstract Presentations = 15
- Full Manuscript Publications = 7
- Book & Book Chapters
- Lasers in General = 1
- Low Power Laser Therapy = 2
- Photodynamic Therapy = 1
- Other Research & Publications = 27
|
|
52
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, X.Y. Zhang (Abstract)
“Towards Optimum Dosimetric Parameters for the Effect of Laser
Therapy on Wound Healing” Laser
in Surgery and Medicine Supplements 5, 1993.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, X.Y. Zhang (Abstract) “Laser Biostimulator and
Bioinhibitor” Laser in Surgery and Medicine, Supplement 6, Pp. 9, 1994.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban : (Abstract) “Therapeutic Lasers Effectiveness and
Dosimetry” International
Conference in Medicine and Biology, Fleming Hall, Medicine Faculty,
Viadi Tor Vergata 135, Roma, November 8-10, 1995. RC Bulletin, Vol. 7,
Nos. 1&2, Pp. 60, 1997.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, X.Y. Zhang: (Abstract) “The Effects of Wound Healing
on Rats Using HeCd, HeNe, and Krypton Lasers were Compatible with
Absorption Spectrum of Human Fibroblasts” Lasers in Surgery and
Medicine, Supplement 8, No. 5, 1996. Research Center Bulletin Vol. 7, Nos.
1&2 Pp. 94, 1997.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, X.Y. Zhang:
(Abstract) “The Stimulation and Inhibition Effect of Lasers for
Wound Healing on Rats” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, Supplement 8, No.
46, 1996. RC Bulletin, Vol. 7,
Nos. 1&2, Pp. 95, 1997.
|
|
53
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, X.Y. Zhang
(Abstract) “Lasers Acceleration of Open Skin Wound Closure in
Rats and its Dosimetric Dependence” 1st Conference of the World
Association for Laser Therapy “WALT”, 5-9 May 1996.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Abstract) “Biostimulation: LL Lasers Dosimetric Dependence for
Open Skin Wound Closure in Rats” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine pp. No.
7, Supplement 9, 1997, RC
Bulletin, Vol. 7, Nos. 1&2, Pp. 95, 1997.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Abstract) “Stimulation and Inhibition Effects of Kr.
Laser for Wound Managements” Laser Surgery and Medicine Supplement 10,
Pp. 19, 1998.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Abstract) “Stimulation Zero Bioactivation And
Inhibition Effects of L.L. Laser for Wound Managements” European Medical
Lasers Association 6th Conference1998, Parliament Palace, Bucharest
Romania.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Abstract) “Stimulation Zero Bioactivation and
Inhibition Effects of L.L. Laser for Wound Managements” 2nd
International Workshop, SemiConductor and Solid State Lasers in
Medicine, St. Petersburg, 28-31 May 1998.
|
|
54
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Abstract) “Lasers Wound Healer Dosimetric Dependence”
WALT, World Association for Laser Therapy” September 2-5, 1998, Kansas
City, MO., USA., Proceedings, Pp.
43, 1998.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, X.Y. Zhang (Abstract) “The Evaluation of Relationship
Between the Effects of Wound healing and Laser Skin Transmission” WALT
(World Association for Laser Therapy), 3-5 September 1998, Kansas City,
USA., Proceedings, pg. 44, 1998.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, X.Y. Zhang (Abstract) “Low Level Laser Therapy
Promotes Wound Healing Effect Using Argon, Krypton, and CO2 Lasers” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
Supplement 12, 2000, Pp. 5 No.
17, 06 April 2000.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, X.Y. Zhang (Abstract) “The Effects of Low Level Laser
Therapy on Wound Management of Rats” 13th Congress of the International
Society for Laser Surgery and Medicine (ISLSM), Havana Cuba, 22-26
November 1999.
|
|
55
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, X.Y. Zhang (Abstract) “The Effect of Wound Healing on
Rats Using Carbon Dioxide Laser” 7th Congress of International
Musculoskeletal Laser Society (IMLAS), Vienna Austria, 20 May 2000.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres (Abstract) “The Light That Could Heal” 3rd
World Congress of WALT (World Association for Laser Therapy), Book of
Proceedings, Pg. F1-43, 2000.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres (Abstract) “Bio-Modulatory Effect of He-Ne
Laser on Various Cells” South-East Asian Workshop on Photobiology in the
Tropics (SEAWPIT 2000), Yogyakarta, Java Indonesia, 4-6 September 2000.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres (Abstract) “The Efficacy of HeNe Laser (632.8 nm) in Accelerating Wound
Healing was Better than Pharmacological Treatments in Normal Rats” ULM
International Workshop, Germany, International Advisory Board, 07
November 2000.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, X.Y. Zhang (Abstract) “ Effects of Helium-Neon Laser
Irradiation on Wound Healing of rats and Cloning Efficiency of CHO
cells” Laser Medicine and Surgery, Supplement 13, Pp. 23-24, 2001.
|
|
56
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres (Abstract) “Lasers in Medicine: 21st
Century’ 1st Saudi Science
Conference, King Fahd University Petroleum & Minerals,
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia,
Proceedings Physics, Pp. 205-214, 9-11 April 2001.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Abstract) “Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Dosimetry in
Wound Healing” 14th Congress of the ISLSM, Chennai (Madras) India, 27-30
August 2001.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Abstract) “Comparison between Laser Therapy and
Pharmacological Treatments in Accelerating Wound Healing” NASA/DARPA
Photobiology Workshop, 2nd NOA Conference, Houston, Texas, Pp. 70-76,
October 2002.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and Andres, B.L. (Abstract) “ Polychromatic LED in Burn
Healing of Non-diabetic and Diabetic Rats” 22nd Annual Meeting of American
Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), Altanta, Georgia, USA., Supplement 14,
Pp. 13, No. 43. 10 –14 April 2002.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and Delgado, G.D. (Abstract) “ Burn healing with a
Diode Laser-670 nm at Different Doses as Compared to a Placebo Group”
22nd Annual Meeting of ASLMS, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Supplement 14, Pp
14, No. 45, 10 – 14 April 2002
|
|
57
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and Andres, B.L. (Abstract) “Low Level Laser Therapy”
1st Joint Conference on Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Diseases, Abha
Interncon Hotel, April 2002.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and Andres, B.L. (Abstract) “Wound Healing
Photo-Biostimulation” 4th World Congress of the WALT -Proceedings,
Tokyo, Japan, Pp. 67, 27-30 June 2002.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and Andres, B.L. (Abstract) “Miracle Healing With
Light” Supreme Council of Sciences
42nd Week of Science”, Aleppo University, Syria on 2-4
November 2002.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and Zhang X.Y. (Abstract) “Effects of Wound Healing on
Rats Using Pulse CW Laser With 635 nm” Journal of the ASLMS, Abstract
No. 30, Supplement 15,2003, Anaheim, California, USA, April 9-13, 2003.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, Andres, B.L. and Zhang, X.Y. (Abstract) “The Efficacy
of Gallium-Arsenide Laser (633nm) and Solcoseryl In Burn Healing of
Non-Diabetic and Diabetic Rats” 15th World Congress of the ISLMS, 25-27
June 2003, Munich, Germany, Journal of Medical Laser Application/International
Journal for Laser Treatment and Research, Vol. 18:2, Pp. 156, 2003.
|
|
58
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and Zhang X.Y. (Abstract) “Efficiency of LLLT with
Regards to Dosimetry, Pulsed, LED and Pharmacological Treatment” 10th
International Congress EMLA & Celebration of EMLA 20th
Anniversary, Zurich, Switzerland,
2-5 October 2003
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres (Abstract) “Comparison of the Effects of
Diode Laser (633nm) and Regranex in burn Healing of Diabetic and
Non-Diabetic Rat” Joint Laser Conference (ASLMS, EMLA, LMS), Edinburgh
International Conf. Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland, 19-22 September 2003.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, V.D. Gonzaga (Abstract) “Dosimetry Effects of Low
Power Diode Laser (670nm) Light on Burn”, Laser Medicine and Surgery,
Supplement No. 16, Pp. 38:121, 2004.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres (Abstract) “Comparison of Laser (633nm),
SolcoserylTM, PolygenTM and RegranexTM Therapy in Burn Healing of
Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Rats”
Laser Surgery and Medicine, Supplement 16, Pp. 37:118, 2004
|
|
59
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Abstract) “The Effects of Wound Healing Acceleration
on Rats in Visible Lasers are better than far Infrared Lasers”
NAALT-2004 Conference, Hawaii,
USA, 22-27 August, 2004.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, V.D. Gonzaga (Poster) “Medical Lasers for Photodynamic
Therapy and Wound Healing Acceleration” KACST Conference, King Faisal
Hall Intercontinental Hotel, Riyadh, KSA, 11-14 November 2004.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, V.D Gonzaga, B.L. Andres, X.Y Zhang (Abstract) “Wound And Burn Healing
Accelerations By Low Power Laser Therapy in Comparison With LED and
Pharmaceutical Treatments” 5th Congress of WALT, Guaruja, SP, Brazil,
25-27 Nov 2004.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres, (Abstract) “Comparison of 633nm, 810nm, 980nm
Laser And Polychromatic LED in the Healing of Burns in the Diabetic Rat”
25th ASLMS Annual Meeting-2005, Lake Buenavista, Florida, USA.
|
|
60
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres, V.D. Gonzaga, X.Y. Zhang (Abstract)
“Laser Therapy for Wound and Burn Healing in Normal and Diabetic
Rats” IMLAS, 12th International
Congress-2005, Istanbul, Turkey, Abstract Book, Pp 17, F-3, 22-25 June
2005.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres (Abstract) “Low Power Laser Therapy in
Wound Healing” Saudi Physical Therapy Association (SPTA)–Gulf Physical
Therapy Colloquium, 11-12 May 2005.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres (Abstract) “Comparison Of 633nm, 810nm, 980nm Laser And
Polychromatic Led In The Healing Of Burns In The Diabetic Rat”,
ASLMS 25th Annual Meeting, Lake Buenavista, Florida, USA, 30
March-03 April 2005.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres, X.Y. Zhang (Abstract) “Laser Therapy for
Diabetic Wound and Burn Healing comparison with other Treatments” Laser
Praha 2005, Prague, CZ, 16-18 September 2005.
|
|
61
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Abstract) “Low Power Laser Therapy in comparison with
Light Emitting Diode” Arab Health Congress, Dubai, UAE, 02 October 2005.
- B.L. Andres, F.A.H. Al-Watban
(Abstract) “Polychromatic LED Therapy in Non-Diabetic and Diabetic
Wound/Burn Healing Models: Biomechanical and Biochemical Analysis of
Scar”, “Laser Therapy Symposium 2006”, KFSH&RC, Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia, 14-15 March 2006/ 14-15 Safar 1427. Abs. Bk p. 24.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres (Abstract). “Low Power Laser Therapy in
Diabetic Wound & Burn healing Models: Comparison with other
treatments”, “Laser Therapy Symposium 2006”, KFSH&RC, Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia, 14-15 Safar 1427. Abs. Bk p. 21.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres (Abstract)
“Multi-Wavelength Led Therapy in Diabetic Wound Healing”, ASLMS
26th Annual Meeting-2006 – Sheraton Boston, Hotel/Hynes Convention
center-Boston, MA
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Abstract) “Enhanced Healing Processes Phototherapy
Using Low Power Laser and Light Emitting Diodes in Normal and Diabetic
Rats” ASLMS 26th Annual Meeting, April 5-9, 2006, April 5-9, 2006 –
Sheraton Boston, Hotel/Hynes Convention center-Boston, MA
|
|
62
|
- A.A.B. Al-Anize, B.L. Andres, X.Y. Zhang, F.A.H .Al-Watban (Abstract)
“Low Power Laser Therapy as Biostimulator for Patients with Acute Wounds
and burns”, WALT 2006 – 6th International Congress, 25-28 October 2006,
Limassol Cyprus, Abstract Book No. 76.
- B.L. Andres, F.A.H. Al-Watban (Abstract) “Wound and Burn Healing Therapy
Using LED in Normal and Diabetic Models: Biomechanical and Biochemical
Analysis of Scar”, WALT 2006 – 6th International Congress, 25-28 October
2006, Limassol Cyprus, Abstract Book No. 78.
|
|
63
|
|
|
64
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and X.Y. Zhang (Paper) Stimulative and Inhibitory
Effects of Low Incident Levels of Argon Laser Energy on Wound Healing”
Laser Therapy, Vol. 7, No.1, Pp. 11-18, March 1995.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Paper) “Therapeutic Lasers Effectiveness and
Dosimetry”. International School
of Quantum Electronics, NATO Advanced Study Institute, 19th Course: Biomedical Optical Instrumentation and
Laser-Assisted Biotechnology “Ettore Majorena” Centre for Scientific
Culture, Erice-Sicily, 10-22 November 1995.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and X.Y. Zhang (Paper) “Comparison of the Effects on
Wound Healing Using Different Lasers and Wavelength” Laser Therapy Vol.
8, No. 2, Pp. 127-135, June 1996.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and X.Y. Zhang (Paper) “Laser Acceleration of Open Skin
Wound Closure in Rats and its Dosimetric Dependence” Lasers in the Life
Science, Vol. 7, No.4, Pp. 237-247, 1997.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Paper) “Comparison of Wound Healing Process Using
Argon, and Krypton Laser” Journal
of Clinical Laser Medicine & Surgery, Pp. 209-215, Vol. 15, No. 5,
1997.
|
|
65
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and X.Y. Zhang (Paper) “The Acceleration of Wound
Healing is not attributed to the Laser Skin Transmission” Low Level
Laser Therapy Journal, Vol. 11, No. 1, Pp. 6-10, 1999.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and B.L. Andres (Paper) “The Effect of He-Ne Laser
(632.8 nm) and PolygenTm Pp.
145-150, Vol. 18, No. 3, July 2000.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and B.L. Andres (Paper) “The Effect of He-Ne Laser
(632.8 nm) and SolcoserylTM in Vitro” Journal of Lasers in Medical
Science, 16: 267-275, 2001.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and B.L. Andres (Paper) “Wound Healing Efficacy of HeNe
Laser (632.8 nm) and Pharmacological Treatments in Normal Rats” Journal
of Lasers in the Life Sciences, Vol. 9, Pp. 245-254, 2001.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and B.L. Andres (Paper) “Laser Photons and
Pharmacological Treatments in Wound Healing” Laser Therapy Special
Millennium Edition, Vol. 12, Pp.3-11, 2000.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Paper) “Lasers in Wound Healing” Proceedings of
(National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency) NASA/DARPA Photobiology Workshop, 2nd NOA Conference,
Houston, Texas, Pp. 70-76, October 2002.
|
|
66
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and B.L. Andres (Paper) “Therapeutic Photons in Wound
Healing” Global Health Care 2002,
Pp. 1-6, 2002.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and B.L. Andres (Paper) “Polychromatic LED Therapy in
Burn Healing on Non-Diabetic and Diabetic Rats”, Journal of Clinical
laser Medicine and Surgery, Pp. 249-258, Vol. 21, No. 5, 2003.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, X.Y. Zhang (Paper) “The Comparison of Effects Between
Pulsed and CW Lasers on Wound Healing”, Journal of Clinical Laser
Medicine & Surgery, Vol.22, No., 1, Pp. 15-18, 2004
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, and Delgado, G, (Paper) “Burn healing with a Diode
Laser, 670 nm at Different Doses as Compared to a Placebo Group” Journal
of Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, Vol. 23, No. 3, Pp.: 245-250, 2005.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres, V.D. Gonzaga, X.Y. Zhang (Paper) “Low
Power Laser Can Accelerate Wound Healing for Astronauts”, submitted for
Remote Sensing Arabia, Riyadh, KSA, 18 April 2005.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, X.Y. Zhang
(Paper) “Effects of Wound Healing on Non-diabetics and Diabetic
Rats Using Defocused Carbon Dioxide Laser”, submitted to the Journal of
Lasers in the Life Sciences, 23 February 2005.
|
|
67
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, V.D. Gonzaga, B.L. Andres, X.Y. Zhang (Paper) “The
Significance of Treatment Parameters in Photoengineering of Tissue
Repair Processes”, submitted for publication, Photomedicine and Laser
Surgery (Special Issue), submitted 09 October 2005.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, B.L. Andres, (Paper) “Polychromatic LED in Oval
Full-Thickness Wound Healing in Non-diabetic and Diabetic Rats”, Journal
of Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, Vol. 24, No.1, Pp.: 10-16, 2006.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, Andres B.L. (Paper) “The Dosimetric Extrapolation of
Low Power Laser Therapy from Animals to Humans for Diabetic Wound and
Burn Healing”, WALT-2006 Book Pp. 7-20, Medimond SRL, Moduzzi Editore
International Proceedings Division, Bologna, Italy.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, X.Y. Zhang,
B.L. Andres (Paper) “Low Power Laser Therapy Enhance Wound
Healing on diabetic Rats Comparing Different Lasers”, Photomedicine and
Laser Surgery , (25) 2, Pp.72-77, 2007
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and B.L. Andres, (Paper), “Low Power Laser
Therapy: Photobiostimulation For
Patients With Post-operative Acute Wound And Burns”, US Dermatology
Review 2006, submitted to Touch Briefings.com.
|
|
68
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, R. Brannon, G. King, A. Qureshi, T. Altamero:
(Abstract) “Effect of Photodynamic Therapy on RIF-1 Tumor”. Part 1, 5th Annual Meeting of the
American Soc. For Laser Medicine
and Surgery, Orlando, FLA., May 27-29, 1985.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, R. Brannon, G. King, A. Qureshi, T. Altamero: (Abstract) Effect of Laser HPD/PRT on
Experimental Murine Fibrosarcoma RIF-1, Part II. XXI Congress
International de la SMIER, Lyon, France Sept. 16,17,18 Acta Endocopica,
p. 64, 1985.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban : (Abstract)
“Incidence of Normal Tissue Necrosis of the Effect of Laser PDT
on Experimental Murine Fibrosarcoma”.
The First International Conference on Clinical Applications of
Photosensitizers for Diagnosis and Treatment, Tokyo, Japan, April 30 to
May 2, 1986.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and T. Altamero:
(Abstract) “Dosimetric Relation of the Effect of Laser PDT on
Experimental Murine Fibrosarcoma”.
The Sixth Annual Meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine
and Surgery, May 24-26 Boston, Mass., U.S.A. , p. 165 (16), 1986
|
|
69
|
|
|
70
|
|
|
71
|
|
|
72
|
|
|
73
|
|
|
74
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (BOOK) “Laser Application in Industry and Medicine”
Mars Publishing House, P.O. Box 10720, Riyadh 11443, 1988. (Arabic
Language)
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (BOOK CHAPTER) “Photodynamic Therapy Variation in
Biological Activities of HPD and Biological Effectiveness with RIF-1”
(Experimental Results). In: “Lasers System for Photobiology and
Photomedicine”, Eds: A.N.
Chester, S. Martelluci and A.M. Scheggi, NATO ASI Series, Series
B: Physics-Vol. 252, pp. 173-192, Plenum Publishing Corporation, New
York, 1991.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (BOOK CHAPTER) “Therapeutic Lasers Effectiveness and
Dosimetry”, In: “Biomedical
Optical Instrumentation and Laser Assisted Biotechnology”, Eds: A.M.
Verga Scheggi, S. Martelluci, A.N. Chester and R. Pratesi, NATO ASI
Series, Series E: Applied Science, Vol. 325, pp. 171-183, International
School of Quantum Electronics, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Netherlands,
Series Publication Coordination Office, 1996. Published also as (BOOK CHAPTER) in
Research Center Bulletin Vol. &, Nos. 1&2, pp. 13-23, 1997.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, X.Y. Zhang, B.L. Andres, V.D. Gonzaga (BOOK CHAPTER)
“Laser as a Wound Healer” In
Comparison with Pharmacological drugs, LED and conventional light
sources” published in The Millennium Laser Book Trilogy, Lasers in
Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, European Medical Laser Association Part
Three, Pp. 618-650, 2003.
|
|
75
|
|
|
76
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban, R.G. Harrison, C.R. Pidgeon and P.N.D. Maggs (Paper) “High Efficiency Frequency
Doubling of 12.8 micrometer Radiation in Te”, 3rd National Quantum
Electronics Conference, The Institute of Physics, University of Southhampton,
14-16 September pp. 61, 1977.
- M.A. Hannan, M.O. Amer. and F.A.H. Al-Watban: (Abstract) “Potential
Carcinogenicity of Sunlight and Skin Cancer in Saudi Arabia”, (Abs.) Proc. 74th Annual
Meeting, American Association for Cancer Research, Vol. 24, p. 91, March
1983.
- R.P. Nair, L.S. Skaggs, R.C. Barral and F.A.H. Al-Watban (Paper) “Glimpses of Irradiation facilities at King Faisal Specialist
Hospital and Research Centre”, published in the 8th Saudi Medical
Conference Journal, 30 October to 2 November, pp. 184-185, 1983.
- M.A. Hannan, M. Paul, M. Amer, and F.A.H. Al-Watban: (Paper) “A Study of Ultraviolet
Radiation and Genotoxic Effects of Natural Sunlight in Relation to Skin
Cancer in Saudi Arabia”, Cancer Research, Vol. 44, pp. 2192-2197, May
1984
- M.A. Hannan, M. Paul and F.A.H. Al-Watban: (Abstract) “Relative Biological
Effectiveness (RBE) of Cyclotron-produced Fast Neutrons for Lethality,
Mutagenicity and Recombinagenicity”, 15th Annual Meeting of the
Environmental Mutagen Society, Program & Abstracts, 19-23 February
Canada, pp. 99, 1984.
|
|
77
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Abstract) “The
Laser and its Medical Applications”, Laser Symposium Abstracts, King
Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, and the Franco Arab
Association for Medical Research, Riyadh, 23-24 April 1984.
- E. Mahboubi, M. Hannan, R. Sabbah, J. Godwin, A. El-Yazigi and F.A.H.
Al-Watban: (Abstract) “Oral
Cavity Cancer and Etiological Factors in Saudi Arabia”, (Abs.) Proc.
75th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research,
Poster Epidemiology II, 10 May 1984.
- M.A. Hannan, M. Paul and F.A.H. Al-Watban: (Abstract) “DNA Repair Pathways
Involved in the Restoration of Fast Neutron-induced Lethal Damage”,
(Abs.) Proc. 75th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer
Research, Poster Biology XII, 12 May 1984.
- M.A. Hannan, A. El-Yazigi, F.A.H. Al-Watban, N. Feteih: (Paper) “Measurement of Solar
Ultraviolet- B in Riyadh: Its
Significance in Studies in
Vitamin D Deficiency in Saudi Arabia”, King Faisal Specialist Hospital
Medical Journal, Vol. 4, No.4, October 1984, pp. 307-312.
- M.A. Qureshi, A. Rifai, D.J. Schlyer, F.A.H. Al-Watban: (Abstract) “The Present Status of
Nuclear Medicine at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research
Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia The
Third Asia and Oceania Congress of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul, Korea, 27-31
August 1984.
|
|
78
|
- M.A. Hannan, A. El-Yazigi, M. Paul, P.D. Gibson & F.A.H. Al-Watban: (Abstract) “Mutagenic/Carcinogenic
Potential of ‘Shamma’ - A Substance of Abuse”, 3rd Drug Symposium in
Saudi Arabia, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 18-21 November
1984.
- G. Sharat Lin, M.A. Hannan and F.A.H. Al-Watban: (Abstract)
“Haematophorphyrin Derivative in Early Detection of Cancer and
Photoradiation Therapy”.
Presented at the Second UICC Conference on Cancer Prevention in
Developing Countries, Kuwait, 1-4 December 1984.
- G. Sharat Lin and F.A.H. Al-Watban: (Abstract) “’Strategies for
Development of Meaningful Intercomparisons of Cancer Occurrence in the
Arabian of Gulf Region” Presented
at the Second UICC Conference on Cancer Prevention in Developing
Countries, Kuwait, 1-4 December 1984.
- M.A. Hannan, B.R. Fish, G.S. Lin and F.A.H. Al-Watban: (Abstract) “Need for Screening
Environmental Carcinogens in the Arabian Gulf Area”. Presented at the Second UICC
Conference on Cancer Prevention in Developing Countries, Kuwait, 1-4
December 1984.
- B.R. Fish, F.A.H. Al-Watban, M.A. Hannan and M. Paul: (Abstract)
“Environmental Carcinogenesis: Collecting Valid Air Samples.” Presented
at the Second UICC Conference on Cancer Prevention in Developing
Countries, Kuwait, 1-4 December 1984.
|
|
79
|
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and B.R. Fish: (Paper) “Symposium in Saudi Arabia: “Lasers Burst into Practice”,
International Health Magazine, No. 10, pp. 28-31, Oct.-Dec. 1984.
- M.A. Qureshi, L. Mclsaac, D.J. Schlyer, H.B. Hupf, F.A.H. Al-Watban, D.
Lewall: (Paper) “Production of
1-123 as Iodide by Distillation”, International Journal of Nuclear
Medicine and Biology, MS 785, p. 122, 1985.
- H.B. Hupf, S.D. Tischer and F.A.H. Al-Watban: (Paper) “The Cyclotron Radionuclide
Program at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre”, Nuclear
Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B10/11 967-968 North
Holland, Amsterdam (1985).
- Omar Galal, Helmut P. Weber, Susanne Enders, F.A.H. Al-Watban, Raafat M.
El-Sayed, Carlos Duran (Paper), “Transcatheter Laser Atrial Septostomy
in Rabbits”, International Journal of Cardiology, 1993, 42, 31-35. .
- F.A.H. Al-Watban (Abstract) “Laser Medicine: A New Frontier in Modern
Hospital Technology”, The First Middle East Symposium on Management of
Hospital Technology, Diplomatic Quarters Cultural Palace, Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia, 29 February to 03 March 1992.
- F.A.H. Al-Watban and M.L. Wolbarsht (Letter to the Editor), “Corneal
Epithelium: Regrowth With
Anesthetics And Photodynamic Therapy”, RC Bulletin, Vol. 8, No. 1, 1998.
|
|
80
|
- Invited Speaker in Local and International Symposia
- Chair and Co-Chair of Local and International Symposia
- Laser Safety Consultant
- Laser Seminar/Workshops (Local & International), Laser Therapy-2006,
KFSH&RC, KSA & WALT-2006 6th Congress, Limassol,
Cyprus
- Member of Editorial Board (International Peer Reviewed Journals)
- Incumbent President of WALT (2006-2008) “World Association for Laser
Therapy”
- President-Founder of WALA (World Academy of Laser Applications) in 2007.
|
|
81
|
- Low Power Laser Therapy (LPLT), is a form of photo-therapy which
involves the application of low power mono-chromatic and coherent light
to stimulate healing.
- It is used to:
- increase the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair
- resolve inflammation and
- give pain relief.
- The technical term for LPLT is “PhotoBiostimulation.”
|
|
82
|
|
|
83
|
- Absorption of laser energy in LPLT: The major absorbing structures for
the red visible and near infrared laser wavelengths are most likely
proteins. The identity of the
photoreceptors responsible for the biological effects of LPLT, however, has not been resolved. Several studies have suggested that
either elements in the mitochondrial cytochrome system or endogenous
porphyrins in the cell are the energy absorbing chromophores in LPLT. The tissue penetration of laser
energy can be both on superficial and deep structures. As the energy penetrates the tissues,
there is multiple scattering by both erythrocytes and micro-vessels and
thus blood rheology and the distribution of micro-vessels influence
markedly the final distribution of laser energy. The photo-biological effects which
occur with LPLT are not specific to monochromatic coherent laser energy,
it can also be elicited by conventional light sources emitting
non-coherent energy over similar range of wavelengths but with lesser
efficacy.
|
|
84
|
- Effects of LPLT on Fibroblast: At low doses, LPLT stimulates
proliferation, while high doses are suppressive. Fibroblast maturation and locomotion
through the matrix is also influenced by LPLT, and this in turn contributes to the
higher tensile strengths reported for healed wounds. The mechanisms by
which LPLT may stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts are:
- Through the stimulated production of bFGF, a multifunctional
polypeptide which supports fibroblast proliferation and
differentiation.
- A further effect of LPLT on fibroblasts which can influence wound
healing process is the transformation of fibroblast into myofibroblast
which is responsible for wound contraction.
- LPLT affects immune cells, which secrete cytokines and other
growth-regulatory factors for fibroblasts. Macrophages, the essential component
of wound healing are themselves prone to the effects of LPLT, which
have been shown to release soluble factors that promote fibroblast
proliferation.
|
|
85
|
|
|
86
|
- Effects of LPLT on Immune Cells: LPLT increase both phagocytic and
chemotactic activity of human leukocytes in-vitro. LPLT delivered in-vivo induces changes
in nuclear chromatin similar to those found after mitogen stimulation. Moreover, laser irradiation
potentiates the proliferative response of blood lymphocytes to mitogen. In wound healing, activation of
lymphocytes by LPLT makes them more responsive to stimulatory mediators
present in injured tissues. In
both in-vivo and in-vitro systems, LPLT influences macrophage function
by promoting the secretion of factors which enhance fibroblast
proliferation. Additional effect observed is an enhancement of the
phagocytic activity of macrophages during initial phases of the repair
response (6 hours after trauma).
This is thought to facilitate debridement of the wound thereby
establishing the conditions necessary for the proliferative phase of the
healing response to begin.
|
|
87
|
- Effects of LPLT on Epithelial Cells: LPLT increases the motility of
human epidermal keratinocytes in-vitro explaining the finding that
LPLT-treated wound sites show accelerated closure. Despite its effect on proliferation,
it does not alter normal keratinocyte differentiation or the synthesis
of keratins and therefore, does not interfere with the formation of a
normal functioning epidermis.
Its clinical use under conditions which enhance
keratinocyte migration should not alter the ultimate integrity or
differentiated function of the epidermis that migrates to cover the
wounded area.
- Effects of LPLT on Bone Cells: LPLT using HeNe laser exerts pronounced
effects on proliferation, differentiation and calcification of cultured
osteoblastic cells, although there is a specific therapeutic window for
these effects. Cell proliferation
and DNA synthesis are increased by LPLT only when the cells are in phase
of active growth. It causes
increased accumulation of calcium and accelerates calcification
in-vitro. This implies
that LPLT could be useful in healing sites within the bone by increased
bone deposition and bone regeneration.
|
|
88
|
- Effects of LPLT on the Blood Vascular System: Vascular spasm can result
in tissue ischemia, and has been linked to a range of painful
conditions. In in-vitro systems,
LPLT can induce a prompt reduction in isometric tension of vascular
smooth muscle, while the same effect could be induced by LPLT in-vivo
delivered through the skin of underlying vessel. Relaxation of vascular smooth
muscle may contribute to analgesic effects of LPLT.
- Effects of LPLT on Muskulo-skeletal Pathology: LPLT is currently used in
the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain and muscle strain in
both human and veterinary medicine.
Physiotherapy has been an area of particularly high utilization
of LPLT.
- Wound Healing: Reports of LPLT applied to soft tissues in-vitro and
in-vivo suggest stimulation of specific metabolic processes in healing
wounds. While there are
variations according to the mode of delivery and the type of tissue
studied, a common feature of these studies is that while low doses of
LPLT are stimulatory, high doses of laser irradiation are suppressive.
|
|
89
|
|
|
90
|
|
|
91
|
|
|
92
|
|
|
93
|
|
|
94
|
|
|
95
|
|
|
96
|
|
|
97
|
|
|
98
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
101
|
|
|
102
|
|
|
103
|
|
|
104
|
|
|
105
|
|
|
106
|
|
|
107
|
|
|
108
|
- LPLT and Analgesia: In-vivo LPLT selectively inhibits a range of
nociceptive signals arising from peripheral nerves, including neuronal
discharges elicited by pinch, cold, heat stimulation and chemical
irritation. While
target tissues can be irradiated directly to elicit analgesic effects
an alternative approach is
to irradiate target skin points used in acupuncture or accupressure.
- LPLT and Nerve Regeneration: LPLT has been shown to both reduce the
production of inflammatory mediators of the arachidonic acid family from
injured nerves, and to promote neuron maturation and regeneration
following injury. In
the surgical arena, LPLT has been considered an ideal approach for
promoting the regeneration of damaged neural tissue. LPLT has been considered an ideal
approach for promoting axonal growth in injured nerves in animal model
systems.
- Post-Surgical Pain: While there is accumulating evidence to support the
analgesic capabilities of LPLT when used post-surgically, the mechanisms
of this effect are unclear. The
effect has been explained in terms of interference with the mediation of
the pain message and/or the stimulation of endorphin production.
|
|
109
|
- Laser Therapy influences many of the transmitter signal substances that
are involved, such as:
- Endorphins
- Nitric Oxide
- Bradykinin
- Serotonin, etc.
- And its direct effect on nerves,
e.g. C-fibres
|
|
110
|
- LPLT acts against acetylcholine(a powerful nociceptive neurotransmitter)
by activating the synthesis of choline esterase (ChE), which accelerates
the decomposition of ACh into choline and acetic acid, preventing the
transmission of pain.
|
|
111
|
- LPLT affects the release of endogenous opiates (a and b-endorphins), which bind to opiate receptors
achieving analgesia by blocking entry of these receptors to the incoming
nociceptive transmission substances.
|
|
112
|
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), is a treatment that uses a Drug called
Photosensitizing Agent, and a particular type of light. When photosensitizers (PS) are exposed
to a specific wavelength of light, they produce a “singlet oxygen” that
kills nearby cells via oxidation mechanisms.
- Each PS is activated by light of
specific wavelength.
- This wavelength determines how far the light can travel into the body.
- The selection of the appropriate PS and wavelength is imperative to
treat different areas of the body.
|
|
113
|
- PS is injected into the blood stream
and is absorbed by cells all over the body but stays in the
cancer cells longer than in the normal cells (24 to 72hrs retention
interval).
- When most of the PS left the normal cells but remains in the cancer
cells at higher concentration, the Tumor is exposed to light.
- The PS in the Tumor absorbs the light and produce active oxygen that
destroys nearby cancel cells.
- PDT also damage and the the blood
vessels in the tumor preventing the cancer from receiving nutrients and
the activation of immune system to attack the tumor cells.
|
|
114
|
- The light used for PDT can come from a laser or other sources of light
such as LED.
- Light can be directed with the use of fiber-optic cables to reach areas
inside the body through the use of endoscope to treat cancer in the
lungs and esophagus.
- Surface tumors such as skin cancer can be treated with the use of LED
light source.
- PDT is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, it can be repeated
and may be used with other therapies such as surgery, radiation therapy
or chemotherapy.
|
|
115
|
|
|
116
|
- US FDA approved PS called porfimer sodium of Photofrin (1996-1998) for
Treatment or relief of symptoms from Esophageal Cancer &
Non-Small-Cell-Lung Cancer.
- Verdoporfin (BPD) approved in 2000 for Macular degeneration of the
Retina associated with old-age.
- A variety of other PDT applications are in clinical trials for prostate
cancer, cervix, head & neck
cancer, skin cancer and resection bed treatment after brain tumor
surgical resection.
|
|
117
|
|
|
118
|
|
|
119
|
|
|
120
|
|
|
121
|
|
|
122
|
|
|
123
|
|
|
124
|
|
|
125
|
|
|
126
|
|
|
127
|
|
|
128
|
- Start clinical laser applications in
collaboration with Physicians in KFSH&RC on:
- Pain Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Diabetic Wound and Burn Healing
- Photodynamic Therapy with Dermatology, Urology, etc
- Training – Laser Surgery and Low Power Laser Therapy
- Dosimetry
- Laser Safety regulations with a) Surgical Lasers and b) Therapeutic
Lasers
|
|
129
|
|
|
130
|
- As each year passes, scientifically conducted in-vivo and in-vitro
research studies find increasing number of applications in which
LPLT/PDT is not only appropriate, but is more effective than
conventional methods of treatment.
- For over two decades, the Laser Medicine Research Section, Biological
and Medical Research Department, KFSH&RC had continuously
contributed to bridging the gap of knowledge in the field Low Power Laser Therapy for
Wound/Burn Healing and
Photodynamic Therapy.
- It is but proper and fitting that
the knowledge acquired through years of painstaking research be
transferred into mainstream clinical practice.
|
Notes
