Next-generation laser system features shorter treatment times, expanded application spectrum

San Francisco-Through an increase in the pulse repetition rate, a new femtosecond laser system (VisuMax, Carl Zeiss Meditec) enhances the precision of therapy, shortens treatment times, and further improves patient comfort, said the manufacturer in a prepared statement.

In addition, the system can be used for corneal transplantation (keratoplasty). This opens up a new clinical application of the system as a therapy laser and expands its possible field of use outside the context of refractive surgery, according to the company.

“With the development of the new [laser system], we have fulfilled the pledge we have made to doctors to further expand the major potential of femtosecond technology and place this at their disposal in an innovative system for ophthalmology in a very short time,” said Michael Kaschke, PhD, president and chief executive officer of Carl Zeiss Meditec.

With about 120,000 procedures a year around the globe, keratoplasty is the most frequently performed organ transplantation, according to the company. Penetrating keratoplasty is not currently available with this femtosecond laser in the United States. This new indication is the subject of a pending 510(k) and will require additional or modified software that is not currently available for sale in the United States.