Lumenis laser delivery system gets regulatory clearance

15 Nov 2013

US and Japanese bodies approve shorter-pulse scanner designed to speed up procedures and improve patient experience.

Laser delivery device

Israel-based medical laser system specialist Lumenis says that its new multi-spot scanner, designed to greatly expand a range of optical beam characteristics for ophthalmic applications, has been cleared for use by regulatory authorities in Japan and the US.

The “Array LaserLink” is a pattern scanning device. Aimed at multi-spot laser photocoagulation applications, it is said to provide greater predictability in retinal treatments, and is expected to benefit both patients and physicians with reduced treatment times.

In addition, Lumemis claims that the shorter pulse duration of the laser used in the new system will reduce patient discomfort.

According to the company, the system effectively adapts an examination slit lamp for use as a therapeutic laser delivery device. When attached to a compatible Lumenis photocoagulation laser, it offers a variety of features that expand the capabilities of the system.

Switching wavelengths
For example, the control interface allows the doctor to maintain visualization of the patient's retina through the slit lamp while changing beam characteristics such as spot size, spacing, number of spots in the pattern, pattern rotation and laser power.

In conjunction with the laser, the delivery device is indicated for a variety of ophthalmic uses, including diabetic retinopathy, choroidal neovascularization, branch retinal vein occlusion, retinal tears and detachments.

Using it, physicians will be able to select from a range of laser patterns, as well as switch between different laser wavelengths during a treatment, if that is required. The array can deliver 532 nm and 577 nm wavelengths in scanning mode and 532 nm, 577 nm and 659 nm in single-spot mode.

Laser spot size can also be controlled from 50 to 1000 µm for customized treatment, while the distance between spots in a scanning pattern can be set at up to three times the diameter of the spot, meaning that the pattern can be adjusted to suit the retinal condition.

• Lumenis will be showing off the LaserLink device on its booth at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting that runs November 16-19 in New Orleans, Louisiana.