Abstract
Purpose: :
To report the safety and incidence of adverse effects, during and after a successful photocoagulation for different pathologies using a Pattern Scan Laser (PASCAL) system and its modified settings.
Methods: :
We reviewed the clinical records of 1301 consecutive cases who were treated with laser; using PASCAL since November 2007 to July 2008. In case of any complication during the treatment or in the following two weeks; the type of complication, the eye involved, the affected retina quadrant, treatment and if it resolved in a satisfactory manner or presented long-term disabilities were recorded.
Results: :
Bleeding (presumably from Bruch's membrane ruptures) in 1.30% (17 cases) of the patients, being the supero-temporal cuadrant the most common location; Choroidal detachments were seen in 2 cases (0.15%). All complications resolved within two weeks without treatment.
Conclusions: :
The PASCAL system demonstrated to be safe in treating retinal conditions requiring laser photocoagulation. The complications were few and with no long term consequences.
Keywords: laser • retina • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications