First experience with a new high-frequency FLACS system

Take-home message: In this article, Dr Pajic presents an observational case series illustrating his initial experiences with the new Z8 laser system for cataract surgery in terms of both performance and safety. 

 

By Dr Bojan Pajic, MD, PhD, FEBO

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) provides excellent clinical outcomes and a low overall complication rate means it is generally regarded as a safe procedure. Indeed, FLACS has numerous proven advantages over manual capsulorhexis. For example, available data have demonstrated that femtosecond laser capsulotomies are more accurate in size than those created by manual continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, and that laser lens fragmentation is accompanied by significantly decreased phacoemulsification power.^1-5 Corneal laser-created incisions have also demonstrated superiority over conventional corneal incisions, in terms of tunnel morphology and tissue damage. Furthermore, they do not significantly increase postoperative high-order aberrations.^6-8

Enabling cataract and corneal-refractive surgery

The Femto LDV Z8 (Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG, Port, Switzerland) (Figure 1) is a new high-frequency femtosecond laser system. The system was designed to enable the whole spectrum of corneal-refractive surgery, in addition to cataract surgery.

5 pearls to manage white cataracts

The Femto LDV Z8’s powerful laser source permits resection of a larger target volume with adjustable pulse energy (nJ) according to cataract grade, and a very high repetition rate in the MHz range with overlapping spots which leads to a cut without tissue bridges. The system uses a new liquid-patient interface that prevents posterior corneal folds. Preventing such folds has the benefit of guaranteeing good laser beam transmission, with only minimal intraoperative intraocular pressure increase. Integrated high-definition optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows the surgeon to identify the precise location of the ocular surfaces during surgery. The system has received CE accreditation and is pending approval from the US Food and Drug Administration.  

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