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Mobile FS laser similar to mechanical microkeratome
New femtosecond laser features hand-held laser delivery system.
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CHICAGO — A new mobile femtosecond surgical laser offers the speed and mobility of mechanical microkeratomes with an all-laser approach to LASIK, according to one of the device’s designers.
Werner Bernau, MD, said the new device reduces surgical time and alleviates the complexities of previous femtosecond lasers.
“We thought it would be perfect if all the advantages of a mechanical microkeratome could be used … so this was our development goal, but replace the blade with a femtosecond laser,” Dr. Bernau told Ocular Surgery News.
The Da Vinci femtosecond surgical laser, distributed by Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems and engineered by SIE Surgical Instrument Engineering AG, was shown for the first time at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in Chicago.
The machine’s base unit measures 3 feet by 5 feet, allowing it to be placed alongside an excimer laser, and it features a hand-held laser head attached to a maneuverable arm, obviating the need for the patient to move between the steps of flap creation and ablation.
“You don’t need to change anything from your procedure as you have done it before with any mechanical microkeratomes, and especially if you have used an Amadeus,” Dr. Bernau said, referring to the Advanced Medical Optics microkeratome.
Easy flap creation
The hand-held laser head is designed for quick flap creation not only through its ease of mobility, but also because the laser suction ring is mounted on the handpiece, allowing the surgeon to perform the cut in one quick step, according to Dr. Bernau.
He explained that in other laser microkeratomes, the laser is assembled on the eye.
“We have it preassembled, therefore as soon as you are centered, you apply the vacuum and then you start cutting,” he said.
For Your Information:
- Werner Bernau, PhD, is the CEO of SIE Surgical Instrument Engineering. He can be reached at Allmendstrasse 11, CH-2562 Port, Switzerland; +41-32-332-7090; fax: +41-32-332-7071.
- Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG, makers of the Da Vinci femtosecond surgical laser, can be reached at Allmendstrasse 11 CH-2562 Port, Switzerland; Web site: www.davinci-femtolaser.com.
- David W. Mullin is Managing Editor of the OSN Europe/Asia-Pacific Edition.
- Jared Schultz is an OSN Staff Writer who covers all aspects of ophthalmology. He focuses geographically on Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.