Abstract
Purpose: :
Pascal® (Pattern Scan Laser) is a new semi-automated photocoagulator which delivers multiple burns in a rapid predetermined sequence in the form of a pattern array with each single foot pedal depression. In order to achieve this the pulse duration of each burn is reduced to 10 or 20 milliseconds (ms). The aim of this study is to discuss our early clinical experience with this system.
Methods: :
We carried out a retrospective observational study of 75 procedures done in 60 patients divided into four groups - group A - patients undergoing panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) (Figure 1 - Sector PRP for branch retinal vein occlusion), group B - patients undergoing focal macular laser, group C - patients undergoing macular grid, and group D - patients undergoing retinopexy for retinal breaks/degenerations.
Results: :
Successful outcomes were noted in 30/34 procedures in group A, 24/26 procedures in group B, 5/7 procedures in group C and in all 8 patients in group D. Significantly higher powers were required with the Pascal® than with the conventional laser (p<0.001)in patients who had undergone PRP and focal macular laser treatment for the same indication initially with the conventional and then with the Pascal® system. The mean number of burns for PRP with the Pascal® treatment (1116) was significantly greater than the mean number of burns with conventional laser treatment (738) (p=0.004). Single session PRP was successfully performed with no complications in 5 patients with the Pascal photocoagulator using a mean number of 1498 burns. Five patients were successfully treated with no complications with a 56 spot macular grid using the Pascal® pattern.