For being just a poor 'ol farmer, you asking questions that are better suited for an expert to answer. I am not an expert. It might be wise for you to E-mail your questions to Dr. Shui Lai who is an expert and knows this machine well. I will provide you with what is general knowledge on my part.
1. It appears that the beam utilized by Novatec is a Collimated Beam which allows for an infinitely distant virtual image thus making ablation characteristics not dependent on a patient's cornea height position. The collimated surgical beam maintains a precise rate of tissue removal and does not require exact focusing of the surface of the patient's eye. The computer displays operative parameters again for confirmation and informs the surgeon about the tissue ablation depth. and the ablation time for the procedure. Once the surgeon accepts the operative parameters with an affirmative answer, the laser is ready for the ablation. Ablation depth per pulse? Similar to excimer laser, 0.25 microns / pulse. Pulse repetition rate? Over 200 pulses, compared to only 5 to 10 pulses per second of a excimer laser. A calibration test is recommended once a day. The operator will be asked to place a factory supplied PMMA plate at the normal location of the cornea, and initiate the ablation. A plano layer of the PMMA is removed, and the depth is measured by the operator. If the measured depth is more than 5% from the intended depth, the actual measured depth is entered into a query and the computer has implemented the modification value. The second calibration measurement usually produces an accuracy to within 2% of the intended value. As for healing response rates, I do not know. However, I would suspect they are on par if not better than excimer lasers. This would be better answered by Dr. Shui Lai or Novatec's Public Relations. You can e-mail him at: ShuiLai@Novatec-Laser.com or to obtain a list of contact people, visit this site:
novatec-laser.com
2. From what I've read, the equipment is very easy to utilized so IMO, virtually any doctor could successfully learn to use the machine.
3. Be advised that some of the clinical data at the web site has not been updated and I believe Novatec is much farther along in its clinical trials than what is being indicated at the web site. For updated web site info, contact: PeterHerz@Novatec-Laser.com
4. Implantable contact lens do not appeal to me. I've watched news reports and IMO, it will not garner a large following and will have a finite affect on ablative lasers.
5. Since the Light-Blade 2 is a Modular Design System, upgrades for new indications and surgical procedures can be added with software.
However, I would suspect that there is an updated model evolving that may incorporate software as a standard in order to perform hyperopia and other current indications (I know the Light Blade 2 is a very flexible machine). Costs? Better answered by the company. However, IMO, the costs will be much less then excimer lasers simply because the Light-Blade 2 workstation is less cumbersome and complex in nature.
Questions 6 and 7 again would be better answered by the company than myself.
Not to mention the quality of the procedures the Light-Blade 2 can perform, some of the other reasons I believe this system will become the system of choice by the ophthalmology community are:
The physical dimensions of the current system are relatively compact, and further size reduction is anticipated in the near future. The system has a foot print of two feet by four and a half feet. The system is on four rollers and can be moved freely from room to room. The entire system with patient's chair and instrument tray can fit into a twelve by twelve foot room, although a fifteen foot by fifteen foot room is recommended.
Since no toxic medium is in the system, there is no requirement of a special ventilation system, liquid nitrogen, nor a large windows in the room for emergency evacuation.
Advanced Solid State Technology insures reliable, low maintenance cost, no toxic gases. Solid State reliability minimizes workstation downtime and service. The solid state technology also eliminates the hazards and costs associated with gas handling and the necessity for a skilled technician. Additionally, the Novatec remote maintenance module connects the laser to a service center across town or across oceans. No doubts in my mind, it's a hell of a machine.
P.S. Due diligence and I know you're not an ol' farmer. |
