Advanced, high-speed system represents state-of-the-art refractivetechnology

"Although it appears somewhat similar to the LADARVision 4000, the LADAR 6000 is essentially a totally dif- ferent system with 80% new components. Its multiple upgrades result in a platform that offers increased surgeon control, greater stability and dependability, and faster and more accurate treatments that will improve patient flow and quality of vision," said Dr. Brint, a private practitioner in New Orleans.

Faster treatment times

One of the key features of the new laser is its increased repetition rate, ~100 Hz, which makes it about 50% faster than the LADARVision 4000.

"With this high-speed laser, all procedures for MRSE corrections ranging from +4 to –10 D can be completed in less than 60 seconds. This shortened ablation time should improve treatment accuracy by minimizing any effect from intraoperative drying of the bed," Dr. Brint said.

The LADAR 6000 also has a new microscope with excellent optics and an enhanced illumination system that has several advantages, including a ring light array that simplifies patient fixation and advanced infrared illumination.

"The infrared illumination allows the surgeon to turn down the white light. That makes the patient more comfortable, enables better fixation, and allows crisp visibility of the eye for family members or the technician who are watching the procedure on the computer screen," Dr. Brint said.

Increasing efficiency and safety

Numerous features contribute to enhanced patient flow, treatment accuracy, and safety. The LADARWave wavefront image appears on the laser console in the upper left-hand corner, and therefore allows an extra measure of treatment verification while also providing assurance of alignment accuracy. In addition, the LADAR 6000 incorporates automatic registration technology based on scleral blood vessel recognition that will be used together with the current limbus-based method.

"In 2002, Alcon was the first to market with a registration system for the LADARWave 4000. The scleral blood vessel recognition system on which the LADAR 6000 is based reflects the manufacturer's philosophy that it is best to use a fixed reference point, and I would agree that registration using a stable landmark represents the best approach," Dr. Brint said.

Not only will the scleral blood vessel registration system increase treatment accuracy, but it allows the wavefront examination to be performed prior to the operative day and eliminates the need for marking the eye. Therefore, patient throughput on the day of surgery is significantly improved.

The LADAR 6000 is also more technician-friendly because it features new software prompting to direct technicians.

"This feature simplifies training, increases efficiency, and reduces variability if different technicians are assisting," Dr. Brint said.