97th DOG Annual Meeting 1999

V416

FIRST CLINICAL RESULTS OF ERBIUM:YAG LASER VITRECTOMY

S. Kaskel, H. Höh


Summary We report our first results in pars plana vitrectomy with Erbium:YAG laser. Patients and Methods Since October 1998, an Erbium:YAG laser (MCL-29 by Aesculap-Meditec Co. Jena, Germany) has been used for pars plana vitrectomy. At the moment of writing this abstract, 22 patients have been treated with this technique. The laser is mostly used with a frequency of 70 - 100 Hz (technical range from 10 - 100 Hz) and a single pulse energy of 5 - 10 mJ. Corresponding to the cutting function of conservative vitrectomy handpieces, the laser can be controlled by a bi-directional foot pedal.

Results: the 22 patients who have been operated until now showed no laser typical complication. A lens "touch" and two postoperative retinal detach-ments were not caused by the laser treatment, but they were typical compli-cations of the surgical technique and could be treated by a phaco with anterior chamber lens and - in case of the retinal detachment - by means of a encircling band.

Conclusion: Erbium:YAG laser vitrectomy is a most promising new technique. The very good cutting quality of the laser in the vitreous may prove advantages in vitrectomy. For a quasi-continuous removal of the vitreous, this technique seems to be more appropriate than mechanically cutting systems. Presently, there are just technical problems in cutting and separating membranes. In future, new special handpieces shall make the pointed cutting of membranes possible.

Augenklinik im Klinikum Neubrandenburg, Pfaffenstraße 24, D-Neubrandenburg

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