Ablation Profile Research Articles

Global 3D rocket launch and re-entry air pollutant and CO2 emissions at the onset of the megaconstellation era

Satellite megaconstellation (SMC) missions are spurring rapid growth in rocket launches and anthropogenic re-entries. These events inject pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) in all atmospheric layers, affecting climate and stratospheric ozone. Quantification of these and other environmental impacts requires reliable inventories of emissions. We present a global, hourly, 3D, multi-year inventory of air pollutant emissions and CO2 from rocket launches and object re-entries spanning the inception and growth of SMCs (2020–2022). We use multiple reliable sources to compile information needed to build the inventory and conduct rigorous and innovative cross-checks and validations against launch livestreams and past studies. Our inventory accounts for rocket plume afterburning effects, applies object-specific ablation profiles to re-entering objects, and quantifies unablated mass of objects returning to Earth. We also identify all launches and objects associated with SMC missions, accounting for 37–41% of emissions of black carbon particles, carbon monoxide, and CO2 by 2022. The data are provided in formats for ease-of-use in atmospheric chemistry and climate models to inform regulation and space sustainability policies.

Correction of Presbyopia by Monocular Bi-Aspheric Ablation Profile.

The study aims to evaluate visual acuity and objective visual quality before and after the monocular bi-aspheric ablation profile for correction of presbyopia surgery. This prospective self-control study included 20 cases and 38 eyes of patients who underwent monocular bi-aspheric ablation profile correction of myopia with presbyopia at the Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2023 to January 2024. These patients were selected for observation, and each patient's preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical aberration (SA) (within 6 mm), horizontal and vertical coma (within 6 mm), and corneal aspheric index (Q-value) (within 6 mm) were evaluated. Statistical data analysis was performed at different time points before and after the operation. There were statistically significant differences in UDVA between dominant and non-dominant eyes before and after surgery (Z = -3.784, p < 0.001; Z = -3.817, p < 0.001). Post-operatively, 90% of the non-dominant eyes achieved UNVA of J1 and above, and 95% of the bilateral eyes achieved UNVA of J1 and above. Significant differences were found in the SA of the dominant eyes, which showed a positive increase (Z= -3.784, p < 0.001); however, compared with the dominant eye, the SA of the non-dominant eye was negatively increased, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). There was a significant difference in the vertical coma of the dominant eye before and after the operation, but there was no significant difference in non-dominant eyes. There was no significant difference in the change of binocular horizontal coma before and after the operation. There were significant changes in the Q value of both eyes before and after the operation (Z = -3.923, p < 0.001; Z = -3.51, p < 0.001). After the monocular bi-aspheric ablation profile, the cornea of the non-dominant eye showed a prolate shape, negative SA increased, and the UDVA and UNVA improved after the operation.

Assessment of thermochromic phantoms for characterizing microwave ablation devices.

Thermochromic gel phantoms provide a controlled medium for visual assessment of thermal ablation device performance. However, there are limited studies reporting on the comparative assessment of ablation profiles assessed in thermochromic gel phantoms against those in ex vivo tissue. The objective of this study was to compare microwave ablation zones in a thermochromic tissue-mimicking gel phantom and ex vivo bovine liver and to report on measurements of the temperature-dependent dielectric and thermal properties of the phantom. Thermochromic polyacrylamide phantoms were fabricated following a previously reported protocol. Phantom samples were heated to temperatures in the range of 20°C-90°C in a temperature-controlled water bath, and colorimetric analysis of images of the phantom taken after heating was used to develop a calibration between color changes and the temperature to which the phantom was heated. Using a custom, 2.45GHz water-cooled microwave ablation antenna, ablations were performed in fresh ex vivo liver and phantoms using 65W applied for 5min or 10min (n=3 samples in each medium for each power/time combination). Broadband (500MHz-6GHz) temperature-dependent dielectric and thermal properties of the phantom were measured over the temperature range of 22°C-100°C. Colorimetric analysis showed that the sharp change in gel phantom color commences at a temperature of 57°C. Short and long axes of the ablation zone in the phantom (as assessed by the 57°C isotherm) for 65W, 5min ablations were aligned with the extents of the ablation zone observed in ex vivo bovine liver. However, for the 65W, 10min setting, ablations in the phantom were on average 23.7% smaller in the short axis and 7.4 % smaller in the long axis than those observed in ex vivo liver. Measurements of the temperature-dependent relative permittivity, thermal conductivity, and volumetric heat capacity of the phantom largely followed similar trends to published values for ex vivo liver tissue. Thermochromic tissue-mimicking phantoms provides a controlled, and reproducible medium for comparative assessment of microwave ablation devices and energy delivery settings. However, ablation zone size and shapes in the thermochromic phantom do not accurately represent ablation sizes and shapes observed in ex vivoliver tissue for high energy delivery treatments (65W, 10min). One cause for this limitation is the difference in temperature-dependent thermal and dielectric properties of the thermochromic phantom compared to ex vivobovine liver tissue, as reported in the present study.

Combined approach of high-power and very high-power, short-duration ablation in superior vena cava isolation.

The effectiveness and safety of 50 W, high-power, short-duration (HPSD) ablation in superior vena cava isolation (SVCI) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have been reported. However, the acute outcomes of SVCI combined with 90 W/4 s, very high-power, short-duration (vHPSD) ablation remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate a novel approach that combines 50 W-HPSD and 90 W/4 s-vHPSD ablation in SVCI and to elucidate the characteristics, outcomes, and safety of this approach by comparing SVCI with conventional ablation index (AI)-guided middle-power, middle-duration (MPMD) ablation. Overall, 126 patients who underwent AF ablation with SVCI using the QDOT MICROTM catheter were retrospectively reviewed; one group underwent SVCI with a combined approach of HPSD and vHPSD ablation (50 W/90 W group, n = 73) and another group underwent AI-guided MPMD ablation (30-40 W group, n = 53). This study compared the procedural details, radiofrequency (RF) ablation profiles, and complications. The RF settings used in the 50 W/90 W group were 50 W/7 s for the lateral segment close to the phrenic nerve and 90 W/4 s for the nonlateral segment. The 50 W/90 W group required a significantly shorter procedural time (3.2 vs. 5.9 min, p < .001), shorter RF duration (42.0 vs. 162.0 s, p < .001), and lower RF energy (2834 vs. 5480 J, p < .001) than the 30-40 W group. Procedural success, first-pass SVCI, number of RF applications, and SVC reconnection after isoproterenol loading were comparable between the groups. The maximum tip-electrode temperature of the multi-thermocouple system was significantly higher in the 50 W/90 W group than in the 30-40 W group (50.0°C vs. 47.0°C, p < .001). No complications, such as phrenic nerve injury or bleeding requiring transfusion, were observed in either group. The combined approach of 50 W/7 s-HPSD and 90 W/4 s-vHPSD ablation resulted in successful and safe SVCI with shorter procedural time, shorter RF duration, and lower RF energy.

High hyperopic LASIK with reduction of corneal prolateness to control-induced spherical aberration.

To evaluate visual outcomes of high hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), using corneal aspherization to control the induced spherical aberration. Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France. Prospective interventional case series. Prospective interventional study of consecutive high hyperopes (≥+3 diopters [D] of spherical equivalent [SE]) undergoing LASIK with the WaveLight FS200 femtosecond and EX500 excimer laser platform. An aspheric ablation profile (planned change in corneal asphericity ΔQ = +0.2) was delivered using the Custom-Q nomogram on an optical zone of ≥6.5 mm centered near the corneal vertex. Uncorrected corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity, as well as changes in SE, corneal asphericity (ΔQ), and higher-order aberrations, were analyzed preoperatively and on day 1, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. 117 eyes of 63 patients (mean age of 30.1 ± 5.6 years) were included. Preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively, the mean SE was 5.1 ± 1.1 D and 0.00 ± 0.7 D, respectively. 88% of eyes achieved 0 logMAR or better UDVA at 12 months. 1 month postoperatively, there was a statistically significant induction of positive spherical aberration decreasing progressively and significantly until the last visit (preop SA4 = 0.09 ± 0.11 μm, day 1 SA4 = 0.30 ± 0.32 μm, 12 months SA4 = 0.08 ± 0.21 μm, P = .056). 2 eyes needed enhancement at 12 months. LASIK for high levels of hyperopia showed good outcomes mainly due to aspheric-customized ablation profile with a change of ΔQ = +0.2 in corneal asphericity.

Assessment of thermochromic phantoms for characterizing microwave ablation devices.

Thermochromic gel phantoms provide a controlled medium for visual assessment of thermal ablation device performance. However, there are limited studies reporting on the comparative assessment of ablation profiles assessed in thermochromic gel phantoms against those in ex vivo tissue. The objective of this study was to compare microwave ablation zones in a thermochromic tissue mimicking gel phantom and ex vivo bovine liver, and to report on measurements of the temperature dependent dielectric and thermal properties of the phantom. Thermochromic polyacrylamide phantoms were fabricated following a previously reported protocol. Phantom samples were heated to temperatures in the range of 20 - 90 °C in a temperature-controlled water bath, and colorimetric analysis of images of the phantom taken after heating were used to develop a calibration between color changes and temperature to which the phantom was heated. Using a custom, 2.45 GHz water-cooled microwave ablation antenna, ablations were performed in fresh ex vivo liver and phantoms using 65 W applied for 5 min or 10 min ( n = 3 samples in each medium for each power/time combination). Broadband (500 MHz - 6 GHz) temperature-dependent dielectric and thermal properties of the phantom were measured over the temperature range 22 - 100 °C. Colorimetric analysis showed that the sharp change in gel phantom color commences at a temperature of 57 °C. Short and long axes of the ablation zone in the phantom (as assessed by the 57 °C isotherm) for 65 W, 5 min ablations were aligned with extents of the ablation zone observed in ex vivo bovine liver. However, for the 65 W, 10 min setting, ablations in the phantom were on average 23.7% smaller in short axis and 7.4 % smaller in long axis than those observed in ex vivo liver. Measurements of the temperature dependent relative permittivity, thermal conductivity, and volumetric heat capacity of the phantom largely followed similar trends to published values for ex vivo liver tissue. Thermochromic tissue mimicking phantoms provide a controlled, and reproducible medium for comparative assessment of microwave ablation devices and energy delivery settings, though ablation zone size and shapes may not accurately represent ablation sizes and shapes observed in ex vivo liver tissue under similar conditions.

Safety and Effectiveness of Laser in Situ Keratomileusis Using the Teneo 317 Model 2 for Correcting Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism: Results of the U.S. FDA Clinical Trial.

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new aspheric ablation profile for correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism. This prospective, multicenter study included patients who underwent laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using a new aspheric ablation profile of the Technolas Teneo 317 (Model 2) excimer laser (version 1.28 US SW) by Technolas Perfect Vision, Bausch+Lomb, Inc. No nomogram adjustments were made, and the patient's manifest refraction was entered into the laser (for treatment). Postoperative assessments included visual and refractive outcomes. Patients were asked to complete the Patient-Reported Outcomes With LASIK (PROWL) questionnaire preoperatively and postoperatively. A total of 333 eyes from 168 patients with a mean age of 33 ± 7 years were included. At postoperative 9 months, uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities of 20/25 or better were seen in 97.8% and 100% of eyes, respectively. None of the eyes lost two or more lines of corrected distance visual acuity. The mean manifest spherical refraction improved from -5.67 ± 2.52 diopters (D) preoperatively to -0.04 ± 0.32 D postoperatively, with 92.7% of eyes achieving residual refractive error within ±0.50 D. Residual refractive cylinder within ±0.50 and ±1.00 D was seen in 93% and 99.4% eyes, respectively. The refractive outcomes were stable throughout the follow-up of 9 months. The proportion of patients satisfied with their vision rose from 27.7% preoperatively to 98.1% postoperatively. LASIK performed using a new aspheric ablation profile of the Technolas Teneo 317 (Model 2) excimer laser is safe and effective for correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism, yielding excellent visual and refractive outcomes that were stable over 9 months. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(8):e544-e553.].

Outcomes of Corneal Compound Hyperopic Astigmatism With Presbyopia by Zeiss PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision LASIK Using Default Custom Refractive Software Master Target Refractions for Reduced Anisometropia.

To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and stability of a modified PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision protocol (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) for correcting hyperopic astigmatism and presbyopia, using Custom Refractive Software Master (CRSM) targeting over a 6-month period. A total of 636 eyes of 318 patients with a mean age of 51.05 ± 4.71 years (range: 40 to 60 years) met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients completed a 6-month follow-up. CRSM software was used to generate ablation profiles for the MEL90 excimer laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG). The target refraction was emmetropic for the dominant eyes and between -0.75 and -1.12 diopters (D) for the near eyes. Visual and refractive results were studied separately by the dominant and non-dominant eyes. The mean attempt to correct for spherical equivalent refraction was +2.17 ± 1.16 D (range: -1.00 to +5.37 D). The mean attempted cylinder was -0.60 ± 0.75 D (range: -4.00 to 0.00 D). All eyes monocularly achieved uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/25 or better after refractive treatment and 88% achieved 20/20. Binocularly all eyes achieved UDVA of 20/25 or better and 96.54% achieved 20/20. Ninety-eight percent of the patients maintained their corrected distance visual acuity before surgery and UDVA 6 months after surgery. This hyperopic micro-anisometropia protocol with PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision was an effective, safe, and well-tolerated refractive treatment. It was an effective procedure with excellent results for UDVA and uncorrected near visual acuity and demonstrates that binocular summation exists. [ J Refract Surg. 2024;40(7):e480-e489.].

BCLA CLEAR Presbyopia: Management with corneal techniques

Corneal techniques for enhancing near and intermediate vision to correct presbyopia include surgical and contact lens treatment modalities. Broad approaches used independently or in combination include correcting one eye for distant and the other for near or intermediate vision, (termed monovision or mini-monovision depending on the degree of anisometropia) and/or extending the eye’s depth of focus [1]. This report reviews the evidence for the treatment profile, safety, and efficacy of the current range of corneal techniques for managing presbyopia.The visual needs and expectations of the patient, their ocular characteristics, and prior history of surgery are critical considerations for patient selection and preoperative evaluation. Contraindications to refractive surgery include unstable refraction, corneal abnormalities, inadequate corneal thickness for the proposed ablation depth, ocular and systemic co-morbidities, uncontrolled mental health issues and unrealistic patient expectations.Laser refractive options for monovision include surface/stromal ablation techniques and keratorefractive lenticule extraction. Alteration of spherical aberration and multifocal ablation profiles are the primary means for increasing ocular depth of focus, using surface and non-surface laser refractive techniques. Corneal inlays use either small aperture optics to increase depth of field or modify the anterior corneal curvature to induce corneal multifocality. In presbyopia correction by conductive keratoplasty, radiofrequency energy is applied to the mid-peripheral corneal stroma, leading to mid-peripheral corneal shrinkage and central corneal steepening. Hyperopic orthokeratology lens fitting can induce spherical aberration and correct some level of presbyopia.Postoperative management, and consideration of potential complications, varies according to technique applied and the time to restore corneal stability, but a minimum of 3 months of follow-up is recommended after corneal refractive procedures. Ongoing follow-up is important in orthokeratology and longer-term follow-up may be required in the event of late complications following corneal inlay surgery.

Post-refractive Surgery Dry Eye: A Systematic Review Exploring Pathophysiology, Risk Factors, and Novel Management Strategies.

Dry eye disease frequently manifests following corneal refractive procedures, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. This review systematically synthesizes current evidence on the pathophysiological mechanisms, risk factors, and therapeutic interventions for post-refractive surgery dry eye. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review of literature published until August 2023 was conducted, focusing on post-refractive surgery dry eye. Eighteen relevant studies were identified through screening and eligibility assessment. A qualitative synthesis of outcomes was performed using narrative and thematic analysis methods. Surgically induced neurotrophic deficiency, stemming from nerve transection, triggers a cascade of events including apoptosis, inflammation, and lacrimal dysfunction, ultimately leading to tear film instability. Risk factors such as female gender, thyroid eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, higher ablation depths, and the use of LASIK over surface ablation exacerbate the condition. While conventional treatments like artificial tears provide temporary relief, emerging interventions such as nerve growth factors, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, serum eye drops, and specialized contact lenses show promise in promoting nerve regeneration and epithelial healing. Strategies such as customized ablation profiles, smaller optical zones, and nerve-sparing techniques like small incision lenticule extraction demonstrate potential advantages. A multifaceted therapeutic approach targeting neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and tear film stabilization is imperative for effectively managing post-refractive surgery dry eye. Future research should focus on evaluating prognostic biomarkers, exploring precision medicine approaches, and investigating neuroprotective adjuvants to further enhance treatment outcomes.

Structure of pellet cloud emission and relation with the local ablation rate

The experimental reproduction of the conditions of pellet injection expected in future large devices being not possible in present day machines, it is mandatory to validate as thoroughly as possible the available ablation models. Among the different points still under discussion, there is the relation between the spectroscopic measurement of the ablation clouds and the local ablation rate. This relation is investigated by coupling an emission model to the time-dependent simulation of ablation clouds with the HPI2 pellet ablation/deposition code. The simulated quantities are the time-evolution of the cloud visible spectrum (λ = 400–700 nm) and images in different wavelength domains (e.g. Hα,Hβ or the continuum centered at λ=576nm ). It is found that the cloud emission is anisotropic, this is particularly the case for H α and H β lines, and that the relation between the cloud emission and the ablation rate depends not only on the conditions of pellet injection, but also on the direction of observation. It follows that, in general, it is not possible to estimate the ablation profile from that of an emission line (Hα or Hβ) . The code predictions are compared with corresponding measurements for a welldocumented pellet injected in LHD, showing a good agreement for global values and main trends. The reasons for observed discrepancies are discussed.

Visual Quality Assessment After FS-LASIK Using Customized Aspheric Ablation Profile for Age-Related Accommodation Deficiency Compensation.

To evaluate clinical outcomes and visual quality 12 months after femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) performed with the Custom-Q algorithm for correction of myopia with or without astigmatism and compensate for age-related accommodation deficiency. Patients who had Custom-Q FS-LASIK for myopia and myopic astigmatism with age-related accommodation deficiency were included in this retrospective study. Distance, intermediate, and near visual acuities, objective and subjective refractions, Q-factor, corneal higher order aberrations (HOAs), accommodation function, defocus curve, contrast sensitivity, and a subjective questionnaire assessing visual quality were evaluated 12 months postoperatively. Clinical data of 43 cases were analyzed. The mean age was 42.02 ± 1.85 years (range: 40 to 48 years). At the 12-month follow-up visit, there were 43 (100%), 42 (97%), and 33 (77%) patients who achieved a binocular uncorrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuity, respectively, better than 20/20 separately. Defocus curves revealed better distance vision in the dominant eyes, and the nondominant eyes performed better at intermediate and near vergence (P < .001). The Q-value and corneal spherical aberration coefficient were more positive in the dominant eyes than those in the nondominant eyes (P < .001). The accommodative amplitude and relative accommodation improved binocularly (P < .001). The questionnaire demonstrated high patient satisfaction with near vision, and no one reported having severe visual disturbance. For myopic patients with age-related accommodation deficiency, the Custom-Q algorithm proved to be an effective way to achieve acceptable near vision without compromising distance vision. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(4):e245-e252.].

Difference in radiofrequency ablation profile between during sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation: Considerations in this era of high‐power short‐duration strategy

AbstractBackgroundThe concept of ablation index (AI) was introduced to evaluate radiofrequency (RF) ablation lesions. It is calculated from power, contact force (CF), and RF duration. However, other factors may also affect the quality of ablation lesions. To examine the difference in RF lesions made during sinus rhythm (SR) and atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsSixty patients underwent index pulmonary vein isolation during SR (n = 30, SR group) or AF (n = 30, AF group). All ablations were performed with a power of 50 W, a targeted CF of 5–15 g, and AI of 400–450 using Thermocool Smarttouch SF. The CF, AI, RF duration, temperature rise (Δtemp), impedance drop (Δimp), and the CF stability of each ablation point quantified as the standard deviation of the CF (CF‐SD) were compared between the two groups.ResultsA total of 3579 ablation points were analyzed, which included 1618 and 1961 points in the SR and the AF groups, respectively. Power, average CF, RF duration per point, and the resultant AI (389 ± 59 vs. 388 ± 57) were similar for the two rhythms. However, differences were seen in the CF‐SD (3.5 ± 2.2 vs. 3.8 ± 2.1 g, p &lt; .01), Δtemp (3.8 ± 1.3 vs. 4.0 ± 1.3°C, p &lt; .005), and Δimp (10.3 ± 5.8 vs. 9.4 ± 5.4 Ω, p &lt; .005).ConclusionsDespite similar AI, various RF parameters differed according to the underlying atrial rhythm. Ablation delivered during SR demonstrated less CF variability and temperature increase and greater impedance drop than during AF.

Simulation of deuterium pellet ablation and deposition in the EAST tokamak with HPI2 code

Pellet injection is a primary method for fueling the plasma in magnetic confinement devices. For that goal the knowledges of pellet ablation and deposition profiles are critical. In the present study, the pellet fueling code HPI2 was used to predict the ablation and deposition profiles of deuterium pellets injected into a typical H-mode discharge on the EAST tokamak. Pellet ablation and deposition profiles were evaluated for various pellet injection locations, with the aim at optimizing the pellet injection to obtain a deep fueling depth. In this study, we investigate the effect of the injection angle on the deposition depth of the pellet at different velocities and sizes. The ablation and deposition of the injected pellet are mainly studied at each injection position for three different injection angles: 0°, 45°, and 60°. The pellet injection on the high field side (HFS) can achieve a more ideal deposition depth than on the low field side (LFS). Among these angles, horizontal injection on the middle plane is relatively better on either the HFS or the LFS. When the injection location is 0.468 m below the middle plane on the HFS or 0.40 m above the middle plane of the LFS, it can achieve a similar deposition depth to the one of its corresponding side. When the pre-cooling effect is taken into account, the deposition depth is predicted to increase only slightly when the pellet is launched from the HFS. The findings of this study will serve as a reference for the update of pellet injection systems for the EAST tokamak.

Thermal ablation with configurable shapes: a comprehensive, automated model for bespoke tumor treatment

BackgroundMalignant tumors routinely present with irregular shapes and complex configurations. The lack of customization to individual tumor shapes and standardization of procedures limits the success and application of thermal ablation.MethodsWe introduced an automated treatment model consisting of (i) trajectory and ablation profile planning, (ii) ablation probe insertion, (iii) dynamic energy delivery (including robotically driven control of the energy source power and location over time, according to a treatment plan bespoke to the tumor shape), and (iv) quantitative ablation margin verification. We used a microwave ablation system and a liver phantom (acrylamide polymer with a thermochromic ink) to mimic coagulation and measure the ablation volume. We estimated the ablation width as a function of power and velocity following a probabilistic model. Four representative shapes of liver tumors < 5 cm were selected from two publicly available databases. The ablated specimens were cut along the ablation probe axis and photographed. The shape of the ablated volume was extracted using a color-based segmentation method.ResultsThe uncertainty (standard deviation) of the ablation width increased with increasing power by ± 0.03 mm (95% credible interval [0.02, 0.043]) per watt increase in power and by ± 0.85 mm (95% credible interval [0, 2.5]) per mm/s increase in velocity. Continuous ablation along a straight-line trajectory resulted in elongated rotationally symmetric ablation shapes. Simultaneous regulation of the power and/or translation velocity allowed to modulate the ablation width at specific locations.ConclusionsThis study offers the proof-of-principle of the dynamic energy delivery system using ablation shapes from clinical cases of malignant liver tumors.Relevance statementThe proposed automated treatment model could favor the customization and standardization of thermal ablation for complex tumor shapes.Key points• Current thermal ablation systems are limited to ellipsoidal or spherical shapes.• Dynamic energy delivery produces elongated rotationally symmetric ablation shapes with varying widths.• For complex tumor shapes, multiple customized ablation shapes could be combined.Graphical

Ray-tracing-guided myopic LASIK: real-world clinical outcomes.

To assess effectiveness of individualized ray-trace based laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correction of myopia in everyday clinical practice. Single-site private practice. Retrospective nonrandomised unmasked chart review. Consecutive, myopic eyes (range ≤-8.25 diopters [D] sphere; astigmatism 0 to -4.25 D) treated with ray-trace based LASIK were included. Patients underwent wavefront, tomography, and biometry assessment using the InnovEyes Sightmap diagnostic device. The ray-trace based algorithm (InnovEyes algorithm) then generated an individualized 3D eye model and calculated a customized LASIK ablation profile. Postoperative visual acuity, refractive error and whole eye higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were evaluated over 3 months. The procedure was performed on 400 eyes (200 patients). Mean preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent was -3.39 ± 1.58 D (right eye -3.84 ± 1.63 D, left eye -3.98 ± 1.75 D). At month 3, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was ≥20/20 in all eyes, ≥20/16 in 89% (right eye 90%, left eye 89%), ≥20/12 in 51% (54% right eye; 47% left eye), and 20/10 in 8% (right eye 8%; left eye 9%) of eyes respectively. UDVA was within 1 line of preoperative corrected distance visual acuity in 98% of eyes (right eye 98.5%; left eye 98%) and 39% of eyes (right eye 38%; left eye 39%) gained 1 line improvement. There was a statistically but not clinically significant increase in total HOAs (right eye 0.06 ± 0.133 μm; left eye 0.057 ± 0.125 μm; P < .001). The spherical aberration decreased (right eye -0.047 ± 0.095 μm, P < .001; left eye -0.051 ± 0.091 μm, P < .001). Ray-trace based LASIK was safe and effective for correction of myopia with and without astigmatism. Approximately, half the eyes achieved ≥20/12.5 UDVA and 8% achieved 20/10. There was no clinically significant increase in total whole eye HOAs.

Inferring odontocete life history traits in dentine using a multiproxy approach (δ15 N, δ44/42 Ca and trace elements).

Understanding the interactions between marine mammals and their environment is critical for ecological and conservation purposes. Odontocetes offer a continuous record of their life history from birth as recorded in annual increments of their tooth dentine. Because dentine is not remodeled and contains collagen, nitrogen stable isotope compositions (δ15 N) reflect nursing and weaning events, life history traits that would otherwise be impossible to retrieve in such elusive marine animals. Yet, capturing the magnitude and temporal changes in these events is constrained by tooth size and sampling resolution. Moreover, historical and fossil specimens undergo collagen decay, hence the need to develop the measurements of other proxies. Here, we present a multiproxy approach to investigate the use of Ca isotope compositions (δ44/42 Ca) in relation to δ15 N and laser ablation profiles for different trace metal (Ba, Mg, Sr, Zn) concentrations across the dentine of a single individual of the common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus. To help interpret the dentine data, we provide milk elemental compositions and δ44/42 Ca values for two odontocete individuals. We discuss the observed changes in δ44/42 Ca across the dentine as potential markers of birth, weaning interval, incidental ingestion of seawater, trophic level and physiology. Incidental ingestion of seawater during nursing induces a positive offset in δ44/42 Ca values recorded in the early formed dentine. Life history parameters of individual marine mammals are extremely difficult to retrieve due to limitations in observing specimens in the wild and the methodology presented here offers new ecological and paleoecological perspectives.

Long-term results of hyperopic ablations using alcohol-assisted PRK and FS-LASIK: comparative study.

To evaluate the long-term visual and refractive outcomes of hyperopic excimer ablation using alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK). American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. Retrospective, matched comparative study. Eyes that underwent alcohol-assisted PRK were compared to matched eyes that underwent FS-LASIK. All patients were followed up for at least 3 years after surgery. The refractive and visual outcomes of each group were compared at different postoperative time points. The main outcome measures were spherical equivalent deviation from target (SEDT), manifest refraction, and visual acuity. 83 eyes underwent alcohol-assisted PRK and 83 matched eyes underwent FS-LASIK. Preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent was 2.44 ± 1.18 diopters (D) and 2.20 ± 0.87 D ( P = .133) in the PRK and FS-LASIK groups, respectively. Preoperative manifest cylinder was -0.77 ± 0.89 D and -0.61 ± 0.59 D ( P = .175) for the PRK and LASIK groups, respectively. 3 years postoperatively, SEDT was 0.28 ± 0.66 D and 0.40 ± 0.56 D for the PRK and LASIK groups, respectively ( P = .222), whereas manifest cylinder was -0.55 ± 0.49 D and -0.30 ± 0.34 D for PRK and LASIK, respectively ( P < .001). The mean difference vector was 0.59 ± 0.46 for PRK and 0.38 ± 0.32 for LASIK ( P < .001). 13.3% of PRK eyes and 0% of LASIK eyes had >1 D of manifest cylinder ( P = .003). Both alcohol-assisted PRK and FS-LASIK are safe and effective for the treatment of hyperopia. PRK induces slightly more postoperative astigmatism than LASIK. Larger optical zones and recently introduced ablation profiles that lead to a smoother ablation surface might improve the clinical results of hyperopic PRK.

Thermal model for nanosecond laser ablation Al2O3 considering temperature dependence

This paper presented a thermal model based on heat-conduction and vaporization to predict the ablation profile by nanosecond pulsed laser in Al2O3. The temperature distribution is estimated by heat transfer in the laser irradiated zone, considering temperature dependence of material properties. The ablation profile was analyzed and predicted, which has considered the laser spatial and time-distribution and the effective number of laser pulses within the irradiated area. To validate the accuracy of thermal model proposed, micro-channel experiment has been performed. The morphology and profile of micro-channel was measured by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an 3D microscope. The difference in microstructure of SEM can be attributed to the laser-material interaction associated with the temperature distribution. Good agreement between calculated depth and width of microchannel and that of experimentally measured and its dependence on incident laser parameters validated theoretical model. Whereas, the degree of error marginally increases at high laser power fluences due to the model proposed ignored the optical properties. The errors of side-wall of micro-channel can be attributed to the effect of multi-reflection and plasma on the channel side-wall.

Pattern of increase in Spherical Aberration and Coma After Femtosecond Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis Using an Aspheric Ablation Profile

Purpose: To determine the contribution of spherical aberration and coma to the total ocular high order aberration before and after femto laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis using an aspheric ablation profile. Methods: This is a prospective interventional study that was conducted on 34 eyes of 17 patients in the interval between January 2021 and June 2021. Patients did a preoperative aberrometry and corneal tomography. They underwent FS-LASIK surgery using an aspheric ablation profile. The total ocular aberrometry and corneal tomography were repeated one month postoperatively. Results: The mean preoperative contribution of coma to total ocular HOA was 52.16 % with SD of ± 25.59% which declined to 49.48 % with SD of ± 22.53 % postoperatively. The mean preoperative contribution of SA to total ocular HOA was 38.91 % with SD of ± 15.35 % which increased significantly to 51.25 % with SD of ± 16.55 % postoperatively. Conclusion: Post-operative contribution of corneal spherical aberrations to total ocular HOA showed a statistically significant increase compared to pre-operative. However, there was no significant change in coma contribution.