Proposed Methodology Assigns Abbreviations for Device Names

A task force convened by the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery has proposed a common system of abbreviations for medical devices that may avoid the appearance of bias. The task force developed criteria for assigning abbreviations for medical devices. Members decided that the abbreviations should be based on a standardized approach, transparent to the casual reader, different than the commercial names, and also brief. They assigned three-letter all-caps abbreviations to all devices, as well as approved neurotoxins and fillers. The authors noted that the proposed system may not only remove the appearance of bias when referring to commercial devices but may also ensure more effective communication. They also noted that the proposed system may be expanded to name other devices, and the ensuing abbreviations may be suitable for journal articles, continuing medical education lectures, or other academic or clinical purposes.

—Dermatol Surg. 2013 Apr;39(4): 548-50.

Fractional Ablative and Non-ablative Combination Treatment Associated with Reduced Side Effects

Facial rejuvenation using a combination treatment of fractional ablative 2,940 and non-ablative 1,440 lasers provides improvement in wrinkles and pigment similar to conservative purely ablative approaches, according to a new study. Patients were split into two groups: the first in which researchers compared a combined procedure using a fractional non-ablative 1,440-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser and a fractional ablative 2,940- nm erbium (Er)-doped YAG laser on one side of the face, and a combined confluent/fractional ablative Er:YAG laser on the other. In the second group, the researchers compared the same 1,440/2,940 treatment as the first group on one side of the face, and a fractional ablative CO2 laser on the other. They followed patients for three months, finding improvement in wrinkles and pigment with all techniques in both groups. Results were equivalent; however, areas treated with combined fractional non-ablative and ablative technique demonstrated fewer immediate side effects. The author concluded that the reduced side effects make the combined procedure an attractive option for facial rejuvenation.

—J Drugs Dermatol. 2013 Feb;12(2): 175-8.