@article{Hoerauf,
    title        = {[Retinal photoablation with the Erbium:YAG laser. Initial experimental results for traction-free removal of tissue]},
    author       = {Hoerauf, H. and Brix, A. and Scholz, C. and Winkler, J. and Droge, G. and Birngruber, R. and Vogel, A. and Laqua, H.},
    year         = {2003},
    month        = {Feb},
    journal      = {Ophthalmologe},
    volume       = 100,
    number       = 2,
    pages        = {115--21},
    url          = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s00347-002-0722-x},
    note         = {0941-293X (Print) Comparative Study English Abstract Journal Article},
    abstract     = {BACKGROUND: To investigate the potential of an Er:YAG laser for precise and traction-free removal of retinal layers in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retinal ablation in porcine retinal explants was performed using a free running Er:YAG laser focused either into a low-OH quartz fiber or a sapphire fiber. The explants were treated under air or perfluorodecaline (PFD). The ablation depth was evaluated by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histology sections. RESULTS: A radiant exposure of 5.0 J/cm(2) under air and PFD resulted in complete transsection of the neurosensory retina.Between 3.5 and 2.0 J/cm(2) the ablation depth and the defect patterns varied markedly and adjacent thermal zones areas were seen. Below 2.0 J/cm(2) no defects could be created in air, whereas under PFD the ablation extended into the ganglion cell layer. Ablations using a sapphire fiber and 2.0 J/cm(2) showed a significantly higher reproducibility of ablation depth, and homogeneous defect patterns limited to the nerve fiber layer could be produced without thermal damage. CONCLUSIONS: The Er:YAG laser system with a low-OH quartz fiber allowed ablation of inner retinal layers in vitro, but revealed a variable ablation depth and low reproducibility.However, a sapphire fiber showed markedly improved results. Therefore its use during vitreoretinal surgery seems possible not only as a cutting device but also as a tool for the ablation of fine retinal structures.},
    keywords     = {Animals Erbium Fluorocarbons Laser Surgery/*methods *Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures Retina/anatomy & histology/*surgery Swine}
}

@article{Brix2002,
   author = {Brix, A and Vogel, A and Winkler, J and Dröge, G and Birngruber, R and Laqua, H and Hoerauf, H},
   title = {Photoablation innerer Netzhautschichten mit dem Erbium: YAG-Laser in vitro},
   journal = {Focus Mul / Medizinische Universität <Lübeck>},
   volume = {19},
   number = {1},
   pages = {35},
   ISSN = {0940-9998},
   url = {http://www.zbmed.de/ccmedimages/2002/24278.pdf},
   year = {2002},
   type = {Journal Article}
}

@article{Brinkmann1998,
   author = {Brinkmann, R. and Knipper, A. and Dröge, G. and Schroer, F. and Gromoll, B. and Birngruber, R.},
   title = {Fundamental Studies of Fiber-Guided Soft Tissue Cutting by Means of Pulsed Midinfrared IR lasers and their Application in Ureterotomy},
   journal = {J Biomed Opt},
   volume = {3},
   number = {1},
   pages = {85-95},
   year = { 1998}
}

@article{Brinkmann1997,
   author = {Brinkmann, R and Dröge, G and Schroer, F and Scheu, M and Birngruber, R},
   title = {Ablation Dynamics in Laser Sclerostomy Ab Externo by means of Pulsed Lasers in the Mid-Infrared Spectral Range},
   journal = {Ophth Surg Las},
   volume = {28},
   number = {10},
   pages = {853-865},
   year = {1997},
   type = {Journal Article}
}

@article{Schmidt-Erfurth1997,
   author = {SchmidtErfurth, U. and Wetzel, W. and Droge, G. and Birngruber, R.},
   title = {Mitomycin-C in laser sclerostomy: Benefit and complications},
   journal = {Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers},
   volume = {28},
   number = {1},
   pages = {14-20},
   note = {Wf713
Times Cited:6
Cited References Count:27},
   abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The authors studied the effect of topical mitomycin-C administration on the maintenance of filter function and intraocular pressure (IOP) following laser sclerostomy.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with a presumed high risk of episcleral scarring were treated intraoperatively with topical mitomycin-C (0.5 mg/ml) for 3 to 5 minutes. Their IOPs were monitored for at least 2 years. The IOP data of these patients were compared with the results for 46 patients who underwent the identical procedure without antimetabolite.
RESULTS: IOPs below 23 mm Hg were achieved in 70% of the mitomycin-C-treated patients. Compared with the non-mitomycin-C group, the rate and duration of early postoperative hypotony was significantly increased in the mitomycin-C-treated group.
CONCLUSION: Mitomycin-C is useful for maintaining successful filter function in patients with unfavorable prognoses. However, severe and persistent hypotony may occur.},
   keywords = {topical antiglaucoma medication
open-angle glaucoma
filtration surgery
thermal sclerostomy
trabeculectomy
abexterno
rabbits},
   ISSN = {0022-023X},
   url = {<Go to ISI>://WOS:A1997WF71300003},
   year = {1997},
   type = {Journal Article}
}

@article{Gerling1996,
   author = {Gerling, G. and Vogel, A. and ElHifnawi, E. and Koop, N. and Droge, G. and Birngruber, R. and Brinkmann, R.},
   title = {Morphological and biomorphometrical observations on laser thermal keratoplasty - Histological and biomorphometrical examination of the relationship between refractive change and the volume of laser thermal keratoplasty lesions following Cr:Tm:Ho:YAG laser treatment},
   journal = {German Journal of Ophthalmology},
   volume = {5},
   number = {2},
   pages = {84-91},
   note = {Vf915
Times Cited:4
Cited References Count:21},
   abstract = {Laser thermal keratoplasty (LTK) is currently under clinical trial for the correction of hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism by means of collagen coagulation in the peripheral cornea. The purpose of our study was to optimize the ratio between the volume of damaged corneal stroma and the refractive effect so as to minimize potential side effects such as endothelial damage or induction of glare phenomena. We therefore performed histological and morphometrical examinations of enucleated pig eyes to determine the relationship between the coagulated stromal volume and the refractive change after LTK using a pulsed Cr: Tm: Ho: YAG laser (wavelength 2.12 mu m) on enucleated pig eyes. The refractive change was documented with a Littman ophthalmometer. Morphometrical analysis was performed using polarized light microscopy of sirius red-stained specimens. This special stain separated the thermally changed stroma into a dark, nonbirefringent center and a birefringent peripheral zone. The volume of both zones was positively correlated with the refractive change induced. The volume was in turn influenced by the choice of laser parameters, From the ratio of the volume to the refractive change it was found that pulse energies above 30 mJ led to an enlargement of the coagulation volume without increasing the refractive change effectively. The use of high pulse energies did not improve the effect of LTK but only increased the risk of unwanted side effects. However, an increase in the laser repetition rate at a constant pulse number per spot led to refractive changes with a minimal coagulation volume. The highest relative refractive change was achieved with a dark central zone and a birefringent zone, each having a volume of about 50 - 80 x 10(-3) mm(3).},
   keywords = {laser thermal keratoplasty
hyperopic correction
biomorphometry
sirius red stain
polarization microscopy
organization
microscopy
collagen},
   ISSN = {0941-2921},
   url = {<Go to ISI>://WOS:A1996VF91500004},
   year = {1996},
   type = {Journal Article}
}

@article{Birngruber1996,
   author = {Birngruber, R. and Indorf, L. and Soultanopoulos, D. and Droge, G. and Eggers, H. and SchmidtErfurth, U.},
   title = {Photodynamic occlusion of ocular neovascularization: Preclinical evaluation of liposomal zinc phthalocyanine},
   journal = {Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science},
   volume = {37},
   number = {3},
   pages = {4214-4214},
   note = {Tx397
Times Cited:0
Cited References Count:0},
   ISSN = {0146-0404},
   url = {<Go to ISI>://WOS:A1996TX39704208},
   year = {1996},
   type = {Journal Article}
}

@article{Roider1996,
   author = {Roider, J. and Lindemann, C. and Droge, G. and ElHifnawi, E. and Birngruber, R.},
   title = {Selective RPE-photocoagulation with repetitive 200 ns subthreshold laser pulses},
   journal = {Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science},
   volume = {37},
   number = {3},
   pages = {3585-3585},
   note = {Tx397
Times Cited:0
Cited References Count:0},
   ISSN = {0146-0404},
   url = {<Go to ISI>://WOS:A1996TX39703579},
   year = {1996},
   type = {Journal Article}
}

@article{Brinkmann1996-3,
   author = {Brinkmann, R and Knipper, A and Dröge, G and Gafumbegete, D and Miller, A and Gromoll, B and Birngruber, R},
   title = {Ureterotomy with a pulsed Holmium Laser},
   journal = {Proc LASER '95, Springer Verlag},
   pages = {16-19},
   year = { 1996},
url = { https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-80264-5_3},
   type = {Journal Article}
}

@article{Brinkmann1995,
   author = {Brinkmann, R. and Schroer, F. and Mohrenstecher, D. and Droge, G. and Birngruber, R.},
   title = {Ablation Dynamics in Laser Sclerostomy Ab-Externo},
   journal = {Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science},
   volume = {36},
   number = {4},
   pages = {S558-S558},
   note = {Qm915
Times Cited:1
Cited References Count:0},
   ISSN = {0146-0404},
   url = {<Go to ISI>://WOS:A1995QM91502583},
   year = {1995},
   type = {Journal Article}
}

@article{Schirner1995,
   author = {Schirner, G. and Brinkmann, R. and Droge, G. and Koop, N. and Elhifnawi, E. S. and Birngruber, R.},
   title = {Experimental Studies to Optimize Laser-Thermokeratoplasty Using Pulsed and Cw-Laser-Sources},
   journal = {Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science},
   volume = {36},
   number = {4},
   pages = {S716-S716},
   note = {Qm915
Times Cited:3
Cited References Count:0},
   ISSN = {0146-0404},
   url = {<Go to ISI>://WOS:A1995QM91503294},
   year = {1995},
   type = {Journal Article}
}

@article{Wetzel1995,
   author = {Wetzel, W. and Schmidt-Erfurth, U. and Haring, G. and Roider, J. and Droge, G. and Birngruber, R.},
   title = {Laser sclerostomy ab externo using two different infrared lasers: a clinical comparison},
   journal = {Ger J Ophthalmol},
   volume = {4},
   number = {1},
   pages = {1-6},
   note = {0941-2921 (Print)
Comparative Study
Journal Article},
   abstract = {This study was designed to compare the clinical results of an ab externo approach to laser sclerostomy using two different laser sources under identical conditions. A pulsed (200 microseconds) erbium-YAG laser (lambda = 2940 nm) and a pulsed (200 microseconds) holmium:YAG laser (lambda = 2120 nm) were used. The energy of each laser was transmitted via a fiber (300 microns in diameter) and applied near the limbus, with the fiber tip remaining in steady contact with the sclera. According to the higher tissue absorption coefficient, a shorter penetration depth and, therefore, fewer complications were expected for the Er:YAG laser. A total of 26 patients with advanced open-angle glaucoma were treated and followed for up to 6 months. In all cases a functioning fistula with a prominent filtering bleb and a marked reduction in the intraocular pressure (from up to 35 mm Hg to < 10 mm Hg) could be achieved primarily. The total energy required was about 4 times lower for erbium:YAG laser was compared with holmium:YAG laser sclerostomies. No complication occurred intraoperatively. Postoperatively, reversible adherence of the iris to the internal ostium was more frequently observed in Ho:YAG laser sclerostomies (60%) and small hyphemas were more often seen in Er:YAG laser sclerostomies (30%). After 6 months of follow-up, about 40% of the fistula remained patent in both groups. In principle, both lasers are suited to serve as energy sources for the described approach. Under the conditions of the present study, different levels of thermal effects did not cause any significant difference in the clinical success rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)},
   keywords = {Adult
Chronic Disease
Follow-Up Studies
Glaucoma, Open-Angle/*surgery
Humans
Intraocular Pressure
Laser Surgery/*methods
Middle Aged
Ostomy
Postoperative Complications
Prognosis
Sclera/surgery
*Sclerostomy},
   url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=7728103},
   year = {1995},
   type = {Journal Article}
}

@article{Schirner1994,
   author = {Schirner, G. and Huber, A. and Wordemann, A. and Droge, G. and el-Hifnawi, E. and Birngruber, R. and Brinkmann, R.},
   title = {[Experimental studies on the effect of the Er:glass and Cr:Tm:Ho:YAG laser in thermokeratoplasty]},
   journal = {Ophthalmologe},
   volume = {91},
   number = {5},
   pages = {638-45},
   note = {0941-293X (Print)
English Abstract
Journal Article},
   abstract = {So far the dose-effect ratio of the Holmium laser (wavelength 2.12 microns) and the erbium laser (1.54 microns) for laser thermokeratoplasty (LTK) are not defined in detail. Our study was designed not only to compare the erbium contact and the holmium non-contact applications but also to throw light on the influence of different geometrical application patterns, pulse energies, pulses per coagulation site and repetition rates under experimental conditions. Enucleated sheep and pig eyes were used 2-6 h post mortem, pressurized to 25 mmHg and moisturized with saline solution. Before and after LTK, pachymetry and keratometry were performed. Some specimens were prepared for light and scanning microscopy. The coagulation threshold for the erbium laser in a contact mode with a 200-microns fibre was 25 J/cm2 (ca. 8 mJ/pulse) and for the holmium laser 8 J/cm2 (ca. 2.5 mJ/pulse). The erbium laser was used in a single shot per spot mode, the holmium laser in repeated pulse per spot mode. With the single shot per spot mode, we were able to induce a promising hyperopic shift of up to -3.47 +/- 0.61 D, while myopic changes could only be induced up to +1.89 +/- 0.74 D. Higher changes of up to +8.27 +/- 1.3 D could be achieved by means of repeated pulses per spot (20 pulses, 45 mJ, 10 Hz). Our experiments showed an obvious increase of dioptric changes when using a higher repetition rate while pulse energy and number were kept constant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)},
   keywords = {Animals
Cornea/pathology
Corneal Transplantation/*instrumentation/pathology
Laser Coagulation/*instrumentation
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Myopia/pathology/surgery
Refraction, Ocular
Sheep
Swine},
   url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=7812097},
   year = {1994},
   type = {Journal Article}
}

@article{Binkmann1994,
   author = {Brinkmann, R. and Dröge, G. and Koop, N. and Wördemann, A. and Schirner, G. and Birngruber, R.},
   title = {Investigations on laser thermokeratoplasty},
   journal = {Lasers Light Ophthalmol},
   volume = {6},
   number = {4},
   pages = {259 - 270},
   year = {1994},
   type = {Journal Article}
}