American Society For Laser Medicine And Surgery Hosts Annual Scientific Conference In Grapevine, Texas, March 30 - April 3, 2011

The world's top laser experts will gather in Grapevine, Texas, to share innovations in lasers and emerging technologies at the 31st Annual Scientific Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). "LASER 2011" will be held on March 30 - April 3, 2011, at the Gaylord TexanTM Resort and Convention Center. Headlining the scientific program are recognized leaders in the field from around the globe who will present cutting-edge research and clinical studies in laser medicine, as well as preview future diagnostic and therapeutic tools that could aid in earlier detection, more precise targeting of diseased tissue, and improved cosmetic outcomes.


As the ASLMS Annual Conference is traditionally regarded as the premier forum for the introduction of the newest breakthroughs in laser diagnostics and technology, some of the research and techniques are only in the early stages of development. In addition to more than 1,500 laser specialists in cosmetic surgery, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, oncology, dermatology, photobiomodulation, urology, and nursing/allied health professionals, about 110 industry exhibitors will be on hand to showcase their latest products and services.


Scientific Highlights


This year's "hot topics" include the following featured presentations:


- Technology Tackles an Unspoken, But Embarrassing, Problem - Neurotoxins, such as Botox® and Dysport®, have been the go-to treatments for excessive sweating since this indication was approved in 2004. But findings indicate a novel technology using a new microwave device for axillary hyperhidrosis may provide another, longer-lasting solution to this embarrassing problem.


- Cold-Induced Modulation Gives Wrinkles a Chilly Reception - A new pilot study indicates that a burst of cold temperatures to the temporal branch of the frontal nerve delivered via a proprietary, needle-based technology can smooth forehead lines.


- Lasers Help Deliver Powerful Therapies to Reduce Scars: Fractionated Lasers, Shunt Drugs and Stem Cells for Better Results - Recent evidence suggests that fractional lasers, followed by a topical or injection of a corticosteroid, can help speed up the healing process, thereby reducing scars more quickly. An animal study finds that fractional laser devices also appear to carry potential for delivering stem cells to the skin.


- Treating Liver and Kidney Tumors with Precision: MR-Guided Laser Treatment Ablates Liver and Kidney Tumors without Open Surgery - To treat cancer, the first challenge is finding it. A new approach uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to "sense the heat" so surgeons can use a laser to precisely ablate kidney and liver tumors - avoiding the need for traumatic open surgery.















- Interstitial Laser Thermotherapy (ILT) Earns Praise for Treating Cancer and More - ILT involves a laser-mediated treatment that is controlled by temperature in a feedback regulation system. Promising new research shows that it gives a specific immunologic effect against the treated tumor and minimal residue disease, while preventing metastatic spread. Applications in neurosurgery, brain tumors and prostate cancer are under investigation.


Keynote Speaker


This year's keynote speaker is Neil R. Ogden, Chief, General Surgery Devices Branch, Orthopedic and Restorative Devices, Office of Device Evaluation, Food and Drug Administration. Mr. Ogden's lecture entitled "Light, Science, Medicine and the FDA" will be delivered on Friday, April 1.


Awards and Achievements


The ASLMS recognizes the outstanding achievement by its members with annual recognition awards for their significant contributions to laser medicine and surgery. This year's recipients include:


- Stephen G. Brown, MD, FRCP, will be bestowed the 2011 Leon Goldman Memorial Award.


- Dieter Manstein, MD, is this year's recipient of the Ellet H. Drake Memorial Award.


- Franz Hillenkamp, PhD, will receive the 2011 Caroline and William Mark Memorial Award.


- Faye M. Jenkins, RN, BSN, will be honored with the 2011 Nursing/Allied Health Excellence Award.


ASLMS Officers


The Society's 2011-2012 slate of officers will be inaugurated at the Business Meeting on April 2 with Brian D. Zelickson, MD, Minneapolis, Minn., installed as the new ASLMS President. George Hruza, MD, MBA, St. Louis, MO, serves as the President-Elect; and Jeffrey S. Dover, MD, Chestnut Hill, Mass., assumes the Vice Presidency. David M. Harris, PhD; Michael A. DellaVecchia, MD, PhD; Dale E. Koop, PhD; and Rebecca L. Sprague, RN; will be installed as new representatives to the Board of Directors.