title: Argon laser treatment in supine position.
abstract: When using an argon laser photocoagulator it is often advantageous and sometimes indispensable to treat the patient in a supine position. Stabilization of the laser beam requires the use of a microscope equipped with a beam manipulator (joystick) that maintains the orientation of the laser beam wherever it is placed, without the operator having to hold the joystick. A low-vacuum contact lens or a three-mirror lens, and a microscope suspended from a floor stand are used. The patient is placed in the supine position on a stretcher of adjustable height with his head in a foam rubber conformer. Local anesthesia may not be necessary, but if indicated, the patient should not be treated in an upright position. A lid block is rarely required. General anesthesia is used with patients who cannot cooperate. There are 4 main indications for treatment in the supine position: (1) cases in which great accuracy is needed, such as treatment near the macula; (2) all cases in which retrobulbar anesthesia is necessary, with or without a lid block; (3) cases in which the patient is unable to cooperate; and (4) cases that require prolonged photocoagulation.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000758:Anesthesia; D001128:Argon; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011187:Posture; D012166:Retinal Hemorrhage / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D001128:Argon