Experience with the Pascal<sup>®</sup> photocoagulator: An analysis of over 1200 laser procedures with regard to parameter refinement
<b>Aim:</b> To systematically refine and recommend parameter settings of spot size, power, and treatment duration using the Pascal<sup>®</sup> photocoagulator, a multi-spot, semi-automated, short-duration laser system. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A retr...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2011-01-01
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| Series: | Indian Journal of Ophthalmology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.ijo.in/article.asp?issn=0301-4738;year=2011;volume=59;issue=2;spage=87;epage=91;aulast=Sheth |
| Summary: | <b>Aim:</b> To systematically refine and recommend parameter settings of spot size, power, and treatment duration using the Pascal<sup>®</sup> photocoagulator, a multi-spot, semi-automated, short-duration laser system. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A retrospective consecutive series with 752 Caucasian eyes and 1242 laser procedures over two years were grouped into, (1) 374 macular focal / grid photocoagulation (FP), (2), 666 panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), and (3) 202 barrage photocoagulation (BP). Parameters for power, duration, spot number, and spot size were recorded for every group. <b>Results:</b> Power parameters for all groups showed a non-gaussian distribution; FP group, median 190 mW, range 100 - 950 mW, and PRP group, median 800 mW, range 100 - 2000 mW. On subgroup comparison, for similar spot size, as treatment duration decreased, the power required increased, albeit in a much lesser proportion than that given by energy = power x time. Most frequently used patterns were single spot (89% of cases) in FP, 5 Χ 5 box (72%) in PRP, and 2 Χ 2 box (78%) in BP. Spot diameters as high as ≈ 700 μm on retina were given in the PRP group. Single session PRP was attempted in six eyes with a median spot count of 3500. <b>Conclusion:</b> Overall, due to the small duration of its pulse, the Pascal<sup>®</sup> photocoagulator tends to use higher powers, although much lower cumulative energies, than those used in a conventional laser. The consequent lesser heat dissipation, especially lateral, can allow one to use relatively larger spot sizes and give more closely spaced burns, without incurring significant side effects. |
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| ISSN: | 0301-4738 1998-3689 |