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All-in-one Pattern Scanning Laser/Slit Lamp Does It All With Ease

Photocoagulator sets a new benchmark in ergonomics and efficiency for the diagnosis and treatment of retinal disease.

BY KAREN APPOLD, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In recent years, pattern scanning photocoagulation has emerged as a quicker and easier way to perform retinal photocoagulation. Ellex’s new Integre Pro Scan system has taken this focus on speed and efficiency one step further by packaging the functionality of a pattern scanning photocoagulator into an integrated laser/slit lamp design, which provides better ergonomics, more consistent treatment performance, improved safety, and greater reliability.

Designed with input from retinal experts specialized in pattern scanning technology, the Integre Pro Scan is ideal for patients with diabetes, retinal vein occlusions, and retinal tears.

“The first thing you notice when looking at the Integre Pro Scan is its Zen-like simplicity, with no additional wired controllers or bulky scanning modules,” says Associate Professor Dimitri Yellachich, MD, vitreoretinal surgeon, and head of department, Fremantle Eye Clinic, Fremantle, Australia.

“Our existing pattern scanning laser had significant limitations in terms of maneuverability with certain patients,” Dr. Yellachich says. The improved ergonomics of the Integre Pro Scan’s physician interface, together with its ease of maneuverability, enables even the most difficult situation to be managed—such as a wheelchair-bound patient.

ADVANTAGES FOR BOTH CLINICIANS AND PATIENTS

A track pad and joystick make it possible for the surgeon to not have to look away from the ocular in order to adjust key parameters, i.e., pattern selection, size, or position. “You can control almost all of the parameters without having to take your hands off the joystick,” Dr. Yellachich says. This vastly improves safety, efficiency, and speed. Laser power can also be controlled with a foot pedal.

The Integre Pro Scan’s compact, fully integrated system is immediately intuitive to use. It incorporates conventional dial controls for power and spot size, in addition to a touch-screen tablet. The touch-screen displays all key parameters, including shot count, total energy, and fluence for each spot in the chosen pattern.

For patients, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) procedures are more tolerable. “Pattern scanning systems allow for not only shorter treatment sessions, but also less discomfort for the patient,” Dr. Yellachich says. “Greater patient comfort results in better compliance and in turn better outcomes, which is a major benefit to the clinician.”

SPOT-ON ACCURACY

Taking a closer look at the Integre Pro Scan’s capabilities, the system provides a full array of pattern combinations: shape, size, and rotation are all fully adjustable in order to adapt to the pathology. Having a pattern for every pathology is ideal because the surgeon can adapt treatment in order to ensure optimal treatment results. For PRP and diabetic macular edema treatments, this is particularly important.

The Integre Pro Scan can deliver patterns of up to 16 spots sequentially, as well as single spots. The number of spots and the pattern can be controlled depending on the particular indication for photocoagulation.

The Integre Pro Scan incorporates a custom-built optical system that is optimized for use in the posterior segment. Surgeons can use the system to both diagnose and treat retinal disease. Most photocoagulator systems (both scanning and non-scanning) on the market today must adapt to a slit lamp via an external dichroic or fixed mirror. In contrast, the system’s unique, all-in-one laser/slit lamp design channels the laser directly through the slit lamp optics, delivering better visualization and optimal illumination. This integrated design minimizes system downtime, because there are no exposed fiber optic or electrical cables. Furthermore, its optical system features extra-low dispersion glass material to ensure aberrations are kept to a minimum, thereby achieving the highest clarity. Most photocoagulator systems use standard glass materials.

The Integre Pro Scan also offers clinical versatility, providing a choice of wavelengths, including two dual-wavelength configurations. This includes a high-power yellow and red configuration that delivers the full treatment spectrum of a traditional three-color multicolor photocoagulator.

Ellex taps expansive engineering and manufacturing expertise to ensure that the highest-grade materials and processes are used. This results in longer cavity life and more accurate laser beam delivery.

“The advent of the pattern scanning laser changed forever how retinal photocoagulation was undertaken,” Dr. Yellachich concludes. “The process of actually delivering the treatment, however, didn’t change. This machine significantly improves the process of laser treatment delivery.” RP