• Journal of the Optical Society of Korea
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.309-313
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• 2008

We studied the sapphire and germanium fibers to determine which optical fiber best transmits Erbium:YAG laser for intracorporeal lithotripsy. Human calculi were ablated with an Erbium:YAG laser in contact mode using two fibers. Optical outputs at the distal end of fibers were measured before and after laser lithotripsy. Upon the irradiation on the calculus with the 50 mJ and 100 mJ pulse energy, the output energy at the distal end of germanium fiber declined to approximately 50% of the input energy. For the sapphire fiber, the output energy at the distal end remained unchanged with 100 mJ input energy; however the output energy had dropped to 50% for 200 mJ input energy. In order to examine how the types of target tissue affect the fiber damage, the sapphire fiber was tested for the irradiation on soft tissue and water as well. No energy decline was observed during soft tissue and water irradiation. We also characterized ablation craters with both optical fibers. Both fibers produced similar craters on calculi in terms of depth and diameter. Sapphire fibers are better suited than germanium fibers for Erbium:YAG lithotripsy in terms of the fiber damage.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.114-118
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• 2009

Sialolithiasis is the formation of calcific concretions within the ductal system of major or minor salivary glands. The submandibular gland is most involved because of its high viscosity of the saliva and the long, curved duct. It may occur at any age but, it is most common in middle-aged adults and rare in childhood. Clinical symptoms in sialolithiasis are variable but, swelling is the most common, followed by the pain. Clinical examination and radiographic examination(panoramic and mandibular occlusal radiographs, sialography, intraoral-, extraoral- ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and sialoendoscopy) can help to confirm a diagnosis and localize a stone. The treatment is surgical intervention, either removal of the sialolith or sialoadenectomy. However, non-invasive techniques including shock-wave lithotripsy, $CO_2$ laser and endoscopic treatment used in selected cases. A 5-Year-old girl referred from private practice for evaluation of a yellowish mass on the floor of the mouth. She complained that it had became three times bigger than four months ago when it was found for the first time and she had some pain on submandibular gland area occasionally. On physical examination, a firm and yellowish mass could be seen at the orifice of the submandibular duct. Diagnosis is the submandibular sialolithiasis in the anterior Wharton`s duct. Under local anesthesia, stone was removed.