Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems offers compact, mobile femtosecond laser

Chicago-Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG announces the debut of its Da Vinci femtosecond surgical laser. The laser incorporates a design concept that seamlessly integrates with LASIK and corneal surgery procedures.

The second-generation femtosecond surgical laser system is so small and compact that it can be used in any combination with any of the current excimer laser systems, thus obviating the need for moving the patient from one laser to another intraoperatively.

As the system’s laser energy is deployed from a handheld laser head, which is placed on the patient’s eye and guided by the surgeon, a procedure results that resembles the operation of a traditional microkeratome. Held in place by a vacuum suction ring, the bimanual handpiece gives the surgeon superior tactile and visual control of the procedure through the excimer laser microscope. For fixation, the handpiece incorporates a vacuum suction ring. The delivers a precisely controlled vacuum generated by a computer-controlled vacuum system.

Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems will be accepting purchase orders for the Da Vinci unit at Booth 1835. Shipments will commence in the second quarter of 2006. The laser is not currently available for sale in the United States, pending 510(k) clearance.