Iridex debuts next generation of PASCAL Laser with MicroPulse in U.S. market

(Image Credit: AdobeStock/Lukas Gojda)

Iridex Corp. today announced the full market launch of the next generation Iridex PASCAL, a platform first offered in limited release beginning late in 2022 that provides a technology package combining pattern scanning capabilities, endpoint management technology, pattern scanning laser trabeculoplasty, and McroPulse technology in a smaller, ergonomically-optimized integrated laser platform. 

“Our full U.S. launch of the next generation PASCAL platform brings a new standard to the scanning laser market, with its premium performance, throughput-focused user interface and expanded treatment capabilities delivered in about half the space,“ David I. Bruce, president and CEO of Iridex, said in a news release. “By integrating the traditional electronics box into the treatment table and adding our clinically proven MicroPulse technology, we now offer physicians a broader choice of premium treatment modalities in a compact, ergonomic system to address a wide array of patient needs.”

The Iridex PASCAL offers 3 tissue-sparing technology options:

• MicroPulse Mode chops a continuous-wave laser beam into sequences of short, repetitive, low-energy pulses separated by longer rest periods which allows the tissue to cool between laser pulses. An extensive bibliography of clinical research demonstrates its safety and efficacy for the treatment of retinal diseases and glaucoma.
• Endpoint Management (EpM) is a pattern subthreshold retinal laser therapy that uses an algorithm to control laser power and pulse duration.
• Pattern scanning laser trabeculoplasty provides a computer-guided treatment that applies a sequence of patterns onto the trabecular meshwork to reduce intraocular pressure.

“Having all three of these advanced treatment modalities in one platform widens my clinical reach while freeing up valuable practice space,” said Victor H Gonzalez, MD, of Gulf Coast Eye Institute in McAllen, Texas. “High-performance, compact solutions like these broaden the resources at our disposal, allowing us to deliver outstanding, individualized care to more patients with glaucoma and retinal disease.”

The company noted the laser offers a smaller physical footprint, intuitive touchscreen controls, and ADA-compliant wheelchair accessibility. The product line continues to efficiently deliver large laser patterns reducing treatment time and patient discomfort during treatment.

According to the news release, the four-fiber beam design improves depth of focus during treatment, ensuring consistent energy delivery across multiple tissue elevations and in the far periphery of the retina. Intuitive user interface provides easy access to a wide variety of pattern variations, and the auto advance feature delivers sequential patterns without taking physician’s eyes away from oculars.

The Iridex PASCAL is currently available in 577 nm (yellow) or 532 nm (green) models.