Laser Therapy

Our range of services

In close cooperation with medical institutions, Fraunhofer ILT researches laser-based methods for fixing wound dressings and connecting small blood vessels microsurgically. To do this, it uses protein adhesives, which can be crosslinked thermally and allow a dense connection. The thermal coagulation is carried out using laser sources whose wavelengths are changeable so that optical penetration depths can be adapted to the absorption properties of the tissue.

During surgery, thermocameras and sensors can measure the temperature during the procedure and regulate it by adjusting the laser power. Fraunhofer ILT develops corresponding systems with handpieces with integrated sensors or optical fibers for recording the temperature radiation or other optical signals. Process signals such as temperature, backscattered or fluorescent light then allow surgeons to draw reliable conclusions about the condition of the tissue. In addition, the institute is focusing its research and development on fiber-based irradiation systems with adapted beam shapes and integrated sensors. Microstructured glass fibers allow, for example, the linear irradiation and isolation of certain tissue areas for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.

Ultra-short pulse lasers (UKP) are particularly suitable for removing hard dental tissue or ceramic replacement materials due to the low heat load. In addition to the prospect of replacing the dentist's drill with a laser, Fraunhofer ILT is investigating and improving the preparation of adhesive surfaces on ceramic inlays and veneers. Laser microstructuring of the adhesive surfaces can already be performed during the manufacture of the dental prosthesis in the dental laboratory.

The services offered include contract research for the development of beam guiding components and handpieces for laser therapy, as well as studies on the optimization of processes and signal acquisition for process monitoring.

Experimental handpiece to test laser coagulation for fixing wound dressings.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Experimental handpiece to test laser coagulation for fixing wound dressings.
Radiation characteristic of a fiber bundle for laser therapy with optical diagnostics.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Radiation characteristic of a fiber bundle for laser therapy with optical diagnostics.
Roughening a ceramic surface with a cross lattice structure for better bonding for dental prosthetics.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Roughening a ceramic surface with a cross lattice structure for better bonding for dental prosthetics.

Thermo-Coagulation 

  • Laser-mediated wound closure and tissue bonding
  • Handheld device for temperature-controlled coagulation
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) for real-time determination of tissue morphology

Laser Endoscopes and Applicators for Intensive Care

  • Laser endoscopes for neurosurgery
  • Laser fibers with specific irradiation patterns
  • Balloons with micro-pores for drug delivery

Ablation of Hard Tissue with Ultrafast Lasers

  • Drilling of teeth by ps and fs lasers under temperature control
  • Ablation of cranial bone, vertebral body and spinal disc under OCT control

Markets

Laser technology can solve demanding tasks in many different industries. Whether as a tool in automotive production, as measuring equipment in the environmental sector, as a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in medical technology or as a communication medium in space technology, the laser provides multiple uses with high productivity and high efficiency.

Read up about the innovations of the Fraunhofer ILT in a few selected industries and convince yourself!

 

Research with us!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about general topics! Our contact persons are happy to get in touch with you.

Publications

Bello-Silva, . S., Wehner, M., de Paula Eduardo, C., Lampert, F., Poprawe, R., Hermans, M., Esteves-Oliveira, M.:
Precise ablation of dental hard tissues with ultra-short pulsed lasers
Lasers in Medical Science, 14 S. (2012)

Bürgermeister, L., Mikalauskaite, R., Vossen, G., Schulz, W.:
Antimikrobielle Photodynamische Therapie - Analyse des Ablaufs der chemischen Prozesse 
In: Automatisierungstechnische Verfahren für die Medizin.
10. Workshop 29./30. März 2012, pp.13-14, (2012)

Jaschinski, E., Wehner, M.:
CdSe-ZnS quantum dots as temperature sensors during thermal coagulation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) solder 
Appl. Phys. A Online first, 6 S. (2012)

Höges, S.:
Wirtschaftliche Herstellung individueller Implantate
MM MASCHINENMARKT Nr 26, 20-23, (2010)

Poprawe, R.:
Laseranwendung in der Medizin
In: Innovationen in Medizin und Gesundheitswesen.
Hrsg.: V. Schumpelick, B. Vogel. Beitr. d. Symposiums
vom 24. bis 26. 9. 2009 in Cadenabbia.
Freiburg, Basel, Wien: Herder, pp. 241-252, (2010)

Steinstraesser, L., Wehner, M., Trust, G., Sorkin, M., Bao, D., Hirsch, T., Sudhoff, H., Daigeler, A., Stricker, I., Steinau, H.-U., Jacobsen, F.:
Laser-mediated fixation of collagen-based scaffolds to dermal wounds
Lasers Surg. Med. 42, 141-149, (2010)

Mir, M., Gutknecht, N., Poprawe, R., Vanweersch, L., Lampert, F.:
Visualising the procedures in the influence of water on the ablation of dental hard tissue with erbium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet and erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser pulses
Lasers Med. Sci. 24, 365-374, (2009)

Krombach, G. A., Wehner, M., Perez-Bouza, A., Kaimann, L., Kinzel, Plum, S., Schibur, D., Friebe, M., Günther, R. W., Hohl, C.:
Magnetic resonance-guided angioplasty with delivery of contrast-media doped solutions to the vessel wall: an experimental study in swine
Invest. Radiol. 43, 530-537, (2008)

Wehner, M., Mans, T., Meiners, W., Lenenbach, A., Wessling, C., Poprawe, R.:
Lasertechnik für die Zahnmedizin
Laserzahnheilkunde 3, 191-198, (2007)

Ilgner, J., Wehner, M., Lorenzen, J., Bovi, M., Westhofen, M.:
Morphological effects of nanosecond- and femtosecond-pulsed laser ablation on human middle ear ossicles
Journal of Biomedical Optics 11, 41-47, (2006)

Ilgner, J., Wehner, M., Donner, A., Düwel, P., Poprawe, R., Westhofen, M.:
200µm glass fibres for minimally invasive laser procedures in paranasal sinus surgery
Medical Laser Application 21, 45-51, (2006)

Our services cover a wide range of topics. Related topics to laser therapy and further research and development focuses can be found under the following links.