Untethered portability of retina laser system allows for expanded treatment
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The portability of retina diagnostic and treatment tools, such as the recently approved Lion green laser system, allows surgeons to provide care for patients in nontraditional settings.
The Lion (Norlase), which combines the Keeler Vantage Plus diagnostic indirect ophthalmoscope with its compact laser technology, recently received a European CE mark and was approved by the FDA in October 2020.
Healio/OSN asked John W. Kitchens, MD, of Retina Associates of Kentucky, to discuss the importance of this portable technology.
Q: Why is portability of retina diagnostics and treatment tools important?
A: Portability of retinal treatment tools is critical to our practice in two major aspects. First, we travel to a variety of satellite offices. Being able to safely and easily bring our laser indirect with us to every single office as well as to the emergency room or operating room is essential. Second, the ability to utilize the indirect laser in any room within an office in a matter of 60 to 90 seconds gives us the opportunity to make any examination or workup room a laser suite.
Q: How do you integrate them into your practice?
A: The Lion by Norlase was easy to integrate and in many ways has made our traditional indirect laser feel obsolete. First and foremost, it can be carried in one hand, so it is ultimately portable. Setup is simple and takes only about as long as starting a tablet or iPad. The comfortable headset, high-quality laser and fiber-less design make it less burdensome to use. Finally, the fact that there is no long laser fiber means there is less chance of damaging the device, meaning less downtime and fewer expensive repairs. All in all, it does everything our traditional laser indirect does but in a better way.
Q: Has the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic made such tools more or less practical?
A: The pandemic has exemplified for us that lots of little things can add up to make a big difference. For the Lion, it is about being able to treat the patient in the exam room quickly and with great efficiency. Not having to move the patient to another laser-specific room reduces workflow, patient movement and inefficiency. In addition, it decreases potential patient exposures to other patients and other rooms in the office.
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