American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Hosts Annual Scientific Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, April 3-5, 2009.

Educational Program Offers Monumental Sharing of Laser Innovation

WAUSAU, Wis. -- The world's top laser experts will gather in National Harbor, Maryland, to share innovations in lasers and emerging technologies at the 29(th) Annual Scientific Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). "LASER 2009" will be held April 3-5, 2009, at the Gaylord National(TM) Resort and Convention Center. Headlining the scientific program are acknowledged leaders in the field who will unveil the latest research developments and clinical studies in laser medicine, as well as present promising devices poised to enhance disease detection and management.

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 nearly 1,500 laser specialists in aesthetic surgery, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, oncology, dermatology, photobiomodulation and urology, about 130 industry exhibitors will be on hand to showcase their latest products.

Scientific Highlights

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

* Pilot Study Finds Low-Level Laser Irradiation Significantly Reduces Cholesterol and Triglyceride Serum Levels - Recent studies of the ability of laser irradiation to alter the function of certain transcription (i.e., communication) factors involved in the expression of specific genes prompted researchers to evaluate the efficacy of laser therapy in the reduction of cholesterol and triglyceride serum levels. Early findings of a non-controlled, non-randomized pilot study showed that 75 percent of study participants experienced an overall reduction in cholesterol serum levels.

* A Light-Activated, Sutureless Technology For Bonding Corneal Tissue Transplants Offers Superior Wound Healing - Results of randomized testing of two techniques for repair of corneal defects in rabbits - one invasive using traditional sutures; the other using a newly developed laser-activated, sutureless technology called photochemical tissue bonding (PTB) that uses photochemical reactions to create a tight seal will be presented.

* Innovations in Laser Surgery Enhance Treatment of Benign and Malignant Laryngeal Disease - Recent advances in fiber-based laser and endoscopic technologies are moving laryngeal surgeries from the operating room to the doctor's office using local anesthesia. Researchers expect this style of minimally invasive laser surgery will likely lead to enhanced treatment of a number of benign and malignant laryngeal diseases thanks to the clinical benefits of earlier surgical intervention, better conservation of normal tissue, and improved vocal function for patients.

* First Human Study of Non-Invasive Cryolipolysis Yields Promising Results in Patients with Love Handles and Back Fat - Findings from the first multi-center study of non-invasive cryolipolysis, a breakthrough technology that is based on the natural biologic vulnerability of fat cells to the effects of cold via controlled energy extraction, confirmed that the procedure is safe and provides fat layer reductions when performed in routine clinical settings. Data based on interim results from evaluations of 32 male and female study subjects will be presented.

* New In Vitro Research Shows Laser Therapy Increases Efficiency of Certain Nanoparticles to Target Cancer Cells - Researchers investigating new applications of nanoparticles known as single walled carbon nanohorns (SWNHs) found that when they are exposed to infrared radiation, they have the capability to conduct heat and create local chemical reactions - resulting in enhanced tumor destruction. Laboratory results demonstrating the anti-cancer efficiency of nanoparticles will be discussed.

Keynote Speaker

This year's keynote speaker is Thomas Gunderson, a managing director and senior research analyst at Piper Jaffray, who follows medical technology companies. Mr. Gunderson's lecture entitled "Aesthetic Technology and Wall Street: Looking Good in Tough Times" will be delivered on Saturday, April 4th.

Awards and Achievements

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

* Christopher B. Zachary, MD, FRCP, will be bestowed the 2009 Leon Goldman Memorial Award.

* Suzanne L. Kilmer, MD, is this year's recipient of the Ellet H. Drake Lectureship Award.

* J. Stuart Nelson, MD, PhD, will receive the 2009 Caroline and William Mark Memorial Award.

* Sue Terry, RN, CMLSO, will be honored with the 2009 Nursing/Allied Health Excellence Award.

* Kristen M. Kelly, MD, is the recipient of the 2009 Dr. Horace Furumoto Innovations Professional Development Award.

ASLMS Officers

The Society's 2009-2010 slate of officers will be inaugurated at the Business Meeting on April 4th with R. Rox Anderson, MD, from Boston, Mass., installed as the new ASLMS President. E. Duco Jansen, PhD, Nashville, Tenn., serves as the President-Elect; and Brian D. Zelickson, MD, Minneapolis, Minn., assumes the Vice Presidency. Jason N. Pozner, MD, Elizabeth L. Tanzi, MD, and Robert A. Weiss, MD, will be installed as representatives to the Board of Directors.

About the ASLMS

The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) is the world's preeminent resource for laser research, safety, education, and clinical knowledge. Founded in 1980, ASLMS promotes excellence in patient care by advancing clinical application of lasers and related technologies. For more information and physician referrals, please log on to the Society's website: www.aslms.org.

For more information regarding press registration or to schedule interviews with Society experts, please contact Nadine Tosk at 847.920.9858; [e-mail] or Karen Sideris at 219.922.7537; [e-mail].