SPOTLIGHT ON TECHNOLOGY & TECHNIQUE

Lumenis laser grows surgical repertoire

The SLT technology is changing how surgeons lower IOP.

By Bill Kekevian, Senior Associate Editor

Lumenis calls its Selecta line its flagship multi-modailty technology. The Lumenis Selecta Duet is designed for SLT capabilities and features a YAG photodisruptor in an integrated slit-lamp microscope platform. The upgradable platform hosts a variety of capabilities. It automatically runs internal tests to ensure each pulse of the laser meets specific power requirements. The YAG mode employs a Super Gaussian beam profile to limit energy levels and achieve efficient tissue cutting. This feature enhances the safety profile of the device and allows surgeons to perform capsulotomies on all types of IOLs with lowered risk of lens pitting or other potential complications, according to Lumenis.

PATIENT RESULTS

For Paul Krawitz, MD, of Huntington Eye Care Associates in Long Island, N.Y., the true power of the Lumenis Selecta isn’t under its hood, but in how the technology has helped him grow his practice. “I believe in this technology,” he says.

He wasn’t always a believer. Dr. Krawitz saw multiple studies showing SLT and ALT had similar results. However, Dr. Krawitz says he underestimated how often his practice would rely on the Selecta and its SLT capabilities. He has since come to prefer it over the ALT. What drove this change? Primarily, when he introduced SLT, he saw better results with his patients. He estimates 90% of his patients are getting a meaningful lowering of IOP after the SLT procedure.

The practice has benefited too. Dr. Krawitz performs approximately six SLTs each week. He says before he implemented SLT, the practice performed only three ALTs a month.

SLT OVER EYEDROPS

Patients were opting for eyedrops over ALT because of concerns over possible complications, such as damage to the trabecular meshwork, he says. However, he says his patients now opt for the SLT procedure over drops.

Though they are effective, eyedrops can be problematic because of patient non-compliance, inconvenience, discomfort, on-going costs in addition to potential side effects. “Why would I want that when I could have a one-minute solution to this problem?” Dr. Krawitz asks.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

The Selecta table itself features an ergonomic design for both doctors and patients and includes full wheelchair accessibility. Table height can adjust electronically. Storage spaces for lenses and other accessories are built in. The joystick includes an integrated “laser fire” switch. The slit lamp function includes a six-step magnification changer knob.

“The Lumenis has far exceeded our expectations,” Dr. Krawitz says. Besides patients embracing the procedure, IOP control has also improved beyond what he anticipated. “It’s an outstanding piece of technology,” he says “and a well-made piece of equipment.” OM