Pattern scan laser photocoagulation: safety and complications, experience after 1301 consecutive cases.
OBJECTIVE
The pattern scan laser photocoagulator (PASCAL) is a novel laser device that uses 10-30 ms pulse duration for retina photocoagulation. The aim of this study was to analyse the safety profile of this approach.


METHODS
This was a retrospective study. We reviewed the clinical records of all laser sessions performed with PASCAL from November 2007 to July 2008. Where there were any complications, we recorded the laser parameters, type, affected retina region, postoperative interval and treatment if required.


RESULTS
There were 1301 consecutive cases. Complications included 17 cases of retinal bleeding (1.3%), two cases of choroidal detachment (0.15%) and one case of exudative retinal detachment (0.07%). There was no statistical difference between the laser parameters used in patients with or without complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The laser parameters for PASCAL are safe. The complications and adverse effects encountered in this series are similar to those reported in other studies.
Retina Department, Asociación para Evitar la Ceguera en México IAP, México DF. rvelezmx@yahoo.com
Raul
R
Velez-Montoya
José Luis
JL
Guerrero-Naranjo
Carmen Cecilia
CC
Gonzalez-Mijares
Jans
J
Fromow-Guerra
George R
GR
Marcellino
Hugo
H
Quiroz-Mercado
Virgilio
V
Morales-Cantón
D000368:Aged; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000209:etiology; D012166:Retinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000379:methods