Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Study shows nanoparticles may shorten kidney stone laser surgeries, reduce recurrence

A team of researchers in the US has developed a nanoparticle-based technique that could make laser surgeries for <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/kidney-stones">kidney stones</a></span> faster, safer, and potentially reduce the chances of recurrence. 

Engineers from the University of Chicago and doctors from Duke University added dark nanoparticles to a common saline solution used in kidney stone laser surgeries. Their method also promised less recurrence of disease. 

The research focused on laser lithotripsy, a widely used surgical method in which lasers are used to break kidney or <span>urinary tract stones</span> into tiny fragments that can then be removed by suctioning or pass naturally. 

<h2>How Nanofluid Boosts Lasery Surgery</h2>

Traditionally, surgeons use a small video-guided laser to fragment the stones. However, achieving effective fragmentation often requires higher laser power, which generates additional heat and causes damage to the surrounding tissues. 

Thus the new method “is a way to better utilize the laser energy that is already being employed,” said Po-Chun Hsu, assistant professor at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME). 

Hsu noted that their nanoparticle-based “nanofluid” also has the potential to enhance the performance of lasers without increasing power levels. This will effectively fragment the stones and remove the dust particles. 

The study, published in the journal Advanced Science, describes an innovative saline solution that enhances the performance of existing laser systems without requiring modifications to the equipment. 

By adding dark nanoparticles that absorb laser wavelengths, the solution ensures that more of the laser energy is directed at the kidney stone rather than being reflected or dispersed. 

“This improves the amount of laser energy that is transmitted to and absorbed by the stones,” said corresponding author Pei Zhong, a professor of engineering at Duke University. 

“Nanofluid introduces a new dimension that can influence this complex physical process, independent of the stone composition or the laser being used,” Zhong said.

<h2>Kidney Stone <span rel="noindex">Laser Surgery</span> In 10 Minutes</h2>

Laboratory tests using artificial kidney stones showed that the nanofluid increased stone ablation efficiency by between 38 and 727 percent in spot treatments and by 26 to 75 percent in scanning treatments.

The researchers also tested the <span>nanoparticle</span> solution on living cells for up to 24 hours and found it to be non-toxic and safe. 

In clinical settings, however, exposure would be much shorter. Laser lithotripsy is typically an outpatient procedure lasting about 30 minutes. The researchers believe that improved laser absorption could reduce the procedure time to around 10 minutes. 

“If surgeries take too long, waste heat from the laser can accumulate and cause more harm than the stone removal itself,” Hsu said.

<h2>Kidney Stones: Symptoms And Prevention</h2>

Kidney stones are hard mineral or acid salt deposits formed in the kidneys. It occurs due to concentrated urine, and causes intense, radiating back/side pain, nausea, and blood in urine. 

<ul><li>dehydration, </li><li>diet, </li><li>obesity, </li><li>family history</li><li>metabolic issues</li></ul>Kidney stones can be prevented by:

<ul><li>staying well-hydrated </li><li>reducing sodium levels</li><li>eating fewer oxalate-rich foods</li><li>consuming sufficient calcium-rich foods</li><li>increasing citrus intake.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Kidney Stones

laser surgery

nanoparticle

Chronic kidney disease

urinary tract stones

Amy Carr, Former England Youth Player Dies At 35

Lauren Macpherson Brushed Off Her Symptoms as ADHD, Turns Out She Had Terminal Brain Cancer

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

A team of researchers in the US has developed a nanoparticle-based technique that could make laser surgeries for kidney stones faster, safer, and potentially reduce the chances of recurrence. Engineers from the University of Chicago and doctors from Duke University added dark nanoparticles to a common saline solution used in kidney stone laser surgeries. Their method also promised less recurrence of disease. The research focused on laser lithotripsy, a widely used surgical method in which lasers are used to break kidney or urinary tract stones into tiny fragments that can then be removed by suctioning or pass naturally. How Nanofluid Boosts Lasery SurgeryTraditionally, surgeons use a small video-guided laser to fragment the stones. However, achieving effective fragmentation often requires higher laser power, which generates additional heat and causes damage to the surrounding tissues. Thus the new method “is a way to better utilize the laser energy that is already being employed,” said Po-Chun Hsu, assistant professor at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME). Hsu noted that their nanoparticle-based “nanofluid” also has the potential to enhance the performance of lasers without increasing power levels. This will effectively fragment the stones and remove the dust particles. The study, published in the journal Advanced Science, describes an innovative saline solution that enhances the performance of existing laser systems without requiring modifications to the equipment. By adding dark nanoparticles that absorb laser wavelengths, the solution ensures that more of the laser energy is directed at the kidney stone rather than being reflected or dispersed. “This improves the amount of laser energy that is transmitted to and absorbed by the stones,” said corresponding author Pei Zhong, a professor of engineering at Duke University. “Nanofluid introduces a new dimension that can influence this complex physical process, independent of the stone composition or the laser being used,” Zhong said.Kidney Stone Laser Surgery In 10 MinutesLaboratory tests using artificial kidney stones showed that the nanofluid increased stone ablation efficiency by between 38 and 727 percent in spot treatments and by 26 to 75 percent in scanning treatments. The researchers also tested the nanoparticle solution on living cells for up to 24 hours and found it to be non-toxic and safe. In clinical settings, however, exposure would be much shorter. Laser lithotripsy is typically an outpatient procedure lasting about 30 minutes. The researchers believe that improved laser absorption could reduce the procedure time to around 10 minutes. “If surgeries take too long, waste heat from the laser can accumulate and cause more harm than the stone removal itself,” Hsu said.Kidney Stones: Symptoms And PreventionKidney stones are hard mineral or acid salt deposits formed in the kidneys. It occurs due to concentrated urine, and causes intense, radiating back/side pain, nausea, and blood in urine. Common causes include dehydration, diet, obesity, family historymetabolic issuesKidney stones can be prevented by:staying well-hydrated reducing sodium levelseating fewer oxalate-rich foodsconsuming sufficient calcium-rich foodsincreasing citrus intake.