Spotlight ON TECHNOLOGY & TECHNIQUE

Ziemer Launches Three Femto Lasers

The company's new “Z” models span a range of capabilities.

By Bill Kekevian, Associate Editor

Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems has introduced a new trio of femtosecond lasers named the FEMTO LDV Z models. There are three different models available in the line; the Z2, Z4, and Z6. They are modular, upgradable systems, each with a multitude of uses. The three current models feature staggered increases in capabilities with a fourth on the way.

Ziemer's lasers feature a hand-piece with a sophisticated optical system.

The Ziemer LDV Z2 can be used to create a LASIK flap and offers flexibility for flap thickness.

The custom-made microscope lenses of these models have high numerical aperture and are designed to ensure high precision in cutting depth. This should result in few gas bubbles and better tissue preservation.

The Z2 is the most basic of the three, but still has a variety of features. It can be used to create a LASIK flap and offers flexibility for flap thickness. It is similar to Ziemer's Crystal Line, but has newer software and a platform that is upgradable. In other words, should a surgeon decide they're ready to try out some of the features of the Z4 or the Z6, they don't have to drag their Z2 to the curb. The company offers on-site upgrades.

The Z4 has all the capabilities of the Z2, plus it provides the means to implant Intrastromal corneal rings to treat keratoconus and intrastromal pockets to house presbyopia-correcting devices. With the Z4, a surgeon can create oval or circular flaps and customize edge configuration on a per-case basis. LASIK surgery can be completed in about six minutes for both eyes.

The high-end model, the Z6, can do all that and allow the advanced corneal surgeon to perform penetrating and lamellar keratoplasty procedures.

“There is a lot of interest in the Z6,” says Graham Hodge, Ziemer's managing director. “More than I would have thought.”

The Ziemer femtosecond technology is unique in that it utilizes what Mr. Hodge calls “small spot technology.” It delivers pulses at a very high rate, over 5 megahertz. The laser spots overlap, providing complete resection of the tissue. In comparison, Mr. Hodge says other technologies that do not overlap the laser spots can leave tissue bridges that make flap lifting more difficult.

The Ziemer LDV Z4 adds the means to implant Intrastromal corneal rings to treat keratoconus and Intrastromal pockets to house presbyopia-correcting devices.

“The other nice thing about that is, because we're using small laser spots at lower energy levels, the laser energy is more evenly distributed within the tissue causing less corneal insult,” he says. As a result, patients are regaining visual acuity within only a few hours.

The Ziemer LDV Z6 is the high-end model. It can perform advanced procedures such as penetrating and lamellar keratoplasty.

Any of the Z models will be upgradable to handle the company's future plans to add cataract capabilities. “A doctor could buy the device now and upgrade once that's developed,” Mr. Hodge says. The company is aiming to have that on the market by the end of 2013.

The Z Models received FDA approval in March. OM