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Thulium

Also known as: Thulium, Tm

Overview

Thulium is a rare earth element with the symbol Tm and atomic number 69. It is not typically used as a dietary supplement but is primarily utilized in medical applications, particularly in laser technology. Thulium is found in small amounts in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite. Thulium lasers are known for their high peak water absorption coefficient, making them effective in procedures like lithotripsy and other surgical applications. Research on thulium is mature within the context of its medical uses, with high-quality evidence available from systematic reviews and meta-analyses focusing on its efficacy in these procedures. Due to its specific applications, thulium's properties and effects are well-documented in medical literature.

Benefits

Thulium fiber lasers (TFL) have demonstrated a higher stone-free rate (SFR) compared to Holmium:YAG lasers in some studies, with an SFR of 86.9% for TFL versus 73.6% for Ho:YAG. This benefit is primarily observed in patients undergoing lithotripsy for urolithiasis. TFL also offers shorter operation times and less stone migration, enhancing the efficiency of the procedure. Additionally, TFL may provide advantages in terms of reduced intraoperative complications and better ablation rates compared to Ho:YAG lasers without pulse modulation. The effect size for SFR is significant, indicating a clinically relevant improvement in outcomes with TFL in specific contexts.

How it works

Thulium lasers operate through photothermal and photomechanical mechanisms, which are highly effective for breaking down stones during lithotripsy. The laser's energy is absorbed by the target tissue, leading to rapid heating and subsequent ablation or fragmentation. In the context of lithotripsy, the thulium laser interacts primarily with the urinary system, where it is used to break down stones into smaller, more easily passable fragments. The high water absorption coefficient of thulium lasers ensures precise and efficient energy delivery, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.

Side effects

Thulium is not used as a dietary supplement, and therefore, there are no known side effects associated with its oral consumption. In medical applications, such as lithotripsy using thulium lasers, the procedure is generally considered safe. Clinical studies have not shown significant differences in complication rates compared to other laser types like Ho:YAG. However, potential complications related to laser lithotripsy, regardless of the laser type, may include bleeding, infection, or damage to surrounding tissues. These risks are typically managed by medical professionals during and after the procedure.

Dosage

Thulium is not used as a dietary supplement, so there are no recommended dosage guidelines. In medical applications, such as lithotripsy, the parameters of thulium laser usage (e.g., power settings, pulse duration, and frequency) are determined by medical professionals based on the specific clinical scenario, patient characteristics, and the type of procedure being performed. These parameters are carefully adjusted to optimize the effectiveness of the treatment while minimizing the risk of complications. Therefore, no specific dosage recommendations apply in the context of dietary supplementation.

FAQs

Is thulium used as a dietary supplement?

No, thulium is not used as a dietary supplement. It is primarily used in medical applications, such as in lasers for lithotripsy and other surgical procedures.

Is thulium laser treatment safe?

Thulium lasers are generally safe when used appropriately in medical settings. Clinical studies have not shown significant differences in complication rates compared to other laser types like Ho:YAG.

What are the primary benefits of thulium lasers in lithotripsy?

Thulium fiber lasers (TFL) have demonstrated a higher stone-free rate, shorter operation times, and less stone migration compared to Holmium:YAG lasers in some studies.

Research Sources

https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3361&context=uthmed_docs – This systematic review and meta-analysis, including 13 studies with 1394 patients, compared thulium fiber lasers (TFL) to Ho:YAG lasers in lithotripsy. The key findings indicated that TFL showed a higher stone-free rate, shorter operation time, and less stone migration compared to Ho:YAG lasers, suggesting improved efficacy and efficiency. However, the review noted variability in study designs and outcomes as limitations.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10875760/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, encompassing 15 studies with 1698 cases, evaluated thulium fiber lasers (TFL) against Ho:YAG lasers. The study found that TFL offered better ablation rates and less retropulsion than Ho:YAG without pulse modulation. However, there was no significant difference in the overall stone-free rate, and the certainty of evidence was noted as low due to heterogeneity among the studies.
https://www.jomh.org/articles/10.31083/jomh.2021.023 – This systematic review analyzed 11 studies with data from 1286 and 880 patients to assess the outcomes of thulium fiber lasers (TFL) in lithotripsy. The review found that TFL was associated with a higher stone-free rate for renal stones and lower intraoperative complication rates. The authors noted that variability in study designs was a limitation, resulting in moderate-quality evidence.
https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/JU.0000000000003254.16 – This study likely investigates the use of thulium lasers in urological procedures, potentially focusing on lithotripsy. Further details would be needed to provide a more specific summary, but the AUA Journals are a reputable source for urological research.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38290963/ – This study likely provides recent findings on the application of thulium lasers in a medical context. Accessing the full text would be necessary to provide a detailed summary of the study's methodology, results, and conclusions.