Press Release
27.02.2008
DAVID S. TURK, MD, WINS 2007 THIRLBY AWARD FOR FAST, PAIN-FREE LASER VAPORIZATION OF PROSTATE
28, 2008, East Longmeadow, MA. Dr. David S. Turk, lead innovator of laser vaporization of the prostate under local anesthesia in the office setting, and urologist with Southwest Urology, Inc., Middleburg Heights, Ohio, and Medina Hospital, Medina, Ohio, has received the 2007 Thirlby Award, presented by the North Central Section of the American Urology Association. The award was conferred on Dr. Turk for presentation of his innovative work with laser vaporization using the 100-watt, 980-nm laser as an alternative treatment option for patients with obstructive symptoms associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
Dr. Turk’s technique employs a newer selective light vaporization procedure that, unlike other medical lasers, uses the 100-watt biolitec urological 980-nm laser system that cuts and coagulates in a contact/non-contact mode while maintaining a controlled depth of tissue penetration and minimizing collateral tissue interaction. The procedure is safe and minimally invasive, considerably less expensive than in-hospital procedures, has fewer side effects and offers low incidence of pain and post-operative infection. The technique provides micro-surgical precision during the soft tissue vaporization and minimizes or eliminates the need for anesthesia.
Men suffering from symptoms of an enlarged prostate, which affect nearly 7 million men over age 50 nationwide, now have access to the in-office laser treatments, a procedure that offers patients an effective treatment for BPH, a non-cancerous form of prostate disease, without the side effects of drugs or the risks associated with traditional surgery. Patients experience a short, comfortable procedure in less than two hours, compared with hospital-based procedures requiring overnight or week-long stays.
First employed in June 2006 and since adopted more widely by other urologists, the procedure uses the Evolve SLV treatment from biolitec, Inc. of East Longmeadow, Mass. Office-based procedures require minimal anesthesia, cause very little discomfort and offer a significant cost savings to the patient, as they incur much lower out-of-pocket payments compared with similar in-hospital procedures.
Selective light vaporization (SLV) eliminates unwanted soft tissue using a specialized laser system and fiber optic probe. Selective light vaporization of soft tissue is less invasive than traditional surgery resulting in less pain, discomfort and faster recovery times. As one of the most advanced options available, patient risk and recovery time are greatly reduced.
Because soft tissue contains a high percentage of water, the surgical laser must be well absorbed in water to properly ablate tissue. The laser’s 980-nm wavelength provides the highest absorption of water and hemoglobin from the same wavelength, and considering absorption characteristics of both water and hemoglobin together, it is the ideal wavelength for both cutting and coagulating soft tissue.
The Thirlby Award is presented annually to a member urologist in private practice in the geographic area of the North Central Section of the American Urological Association, the national professional association for the advancement of urologic patient care.
Dr. Turk received his M.D. degree at the Medical College of Ohio, and served his urology residency at Case Western Reserve University.
About biolitec, Inc.:
Founded in 1986, biolitec, Inc. is a global leader in the development of medical lasers and fiber optics for medical, dental, and industrial markets in the OEM and direct-to-market arenas. For more than 17 years biolitec has manufactured medical-grade fiberoptics and fiberoptic delivery systems suitable for applications in general surgery, ophthalmology, dentistry, wound care, ENT, urology, vascular, OB/GYN, orthopedic, podiatry and veterinary fields. biolitec is an international organization with production facilities in five countries. The company’s East Longmeadow, Massachusetts facility adheres to strict GMP guidelines and is ISO 13485 certified. biolitec is a publicly traded company.
For more information or a free sample for evaluation, contact biolitec, Inc., 515 Shaker Rd., East Longmeadow, MA 01028; telephone: 800-934-2377; fax: 413-525-0611.
