New LIGHTMED LightLas SLT

• Superior Crystal-Q Switch Laser Cavity
• Slitlamp Integrated System
• 5 Step Magnification Changer
• ± 500 µm YAG posterior/anterior offset
• Wide Field Optics
• Auto Calibration Mode
• YAG Laser Mode Upgradeability

SLT HIGHLIGHTS

The LightLas SLT is an SLT laser that enables the doctor to treat open-angle glaucoma with the latest and most cutting-edge technology available. SLT stands for Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, and is beginning to take its place as an effective and first-line treatment option for management of open-angle glaucoma .

SLT uses short pulses of low energy 532 nm light to target and enrich melanin-rich cells in the trabecular meshwork. The laser pulses affect only the melanin-rich cells, and the surrounding structure of the trabecular meshwork is unaffected. The result is that the body uses microphages to clear the affected cells and to rebuild the meshwork so that it again functions effectively, thus reducing intraocular pressure (IOP).

The SLT technique is far less traumatic than the Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT), which is still the most widely used laser treatment for elevated IOP. ALT does not prevent the open-angle glaucoma from recurring, and re-treatment is often required. Unfortunately the photocoagulative effects of ALT treatment leaves permanent scarring to the trabecular meshwork that prohibits such re- treatment.

SLT retains the therapeutic benefit of laser treatment without the collateral damage to non-melanin containing cells and to the trabecular meshwork structure. It has been shown that SLT is as effective as ALT in lowering IOP, and has the additional benefit of enabling re-treatment if required. SLT has also been successfully used on patients who have already undergone ALT without the expected results.

DUAL-LASER SYSTEM UPGRADEABILITY

The LightLas SLT can easily integrate with other LightMed Lasers such as the LightLas Yellow577, Green532 and Diode810 Laser Photocagulators making the LightLas SLT a complete work station, complementing their needs to succesfully manage ocular diseases, and broaden their practice dynamics and possibilities in a simple and cost effective way.

FULLY INTEGRATED SYSTEM

The LightLas SLT has an integrated slit lamp, which is combined with the laser head and contains all the laser modules. The high quality slit lamp can also be operated as a normal examination slit lamp, providing the doctor with a diagnostic and treatment system in one package.

BEAM SPLITTER FREE INTEGRATED DESIGN

The LightLas SLT does not have a beam splitter between the objective lens and the focal plane — thanks to its integrated slit lamp delivery system design. A beam splitter introduces astigmatism and color distortion of the image, resulting in optical aberrations that reduce the quality of view. The LightLas SLT’s integrated design allows the beam splitter optic to be eliminated, thereby increasing the working distance between the laser aperture and the patient. This extra working distance gives the doctor more room to manage the patient’s position and to hold the lens. This is truly good news for the doctor. In addition, the LightLas SLT’s quality European optics offer the best performing laser slit lamp system on the market.

PRECISION OPTICS

The LightLas SLT features a specially integrated slit lamp with precision optics specifically designed for laser application. The system is fully compatible with observer tube, video, or 35 mm camera accessories.

DOCTOR AND PATIENT COMFORT AND ACCESSIBILITY

For the physician, the LightLas SLT features dual handed controls, and a large working distance between the objective lens and the patients eye. A small working distance from their eye pieces reduces the strain on the back when operating.The large format, easy to read displays, and controls within convenient reach, make the LightLas SLT the most user-friendly laser system available.

COLOR-BALANCED SAFETY FILTER

The color-balanced safety filter is fixed to the laser path to provide safe operation for the doctor and to eliminate any obtrusive noise and potential mechanical or electrical failure.The clear optics provide an excellent view and very low color distortion, especially when the LightLas SLT’s is used for photodisruption and normal slit lamp examinations.

SUPERIOR ERGONOMICS

The ergonomic and slimline design of the system combined with the integrated slit lamp make the LightLas SLT the most comfortable system to operate in the market, far ahead of the competitors. There are minimum restrictions to movement for doctor and patient, and no awkward/limiting working distance or obtrusive mechanical noise. The dual handed controls make operation easy and the backlit large-format display and silicone keypad provide easy view of the parameters and buttons without need to move the head too far out of the binoculars making operation in a dark room easy.

MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

The LightLas SLT has been cleverly designed based on modular construction. This philosophy increases reliability, and simplifies service and maintenance. The benefits to the customers include long and reliable operation and minimum system down time, due to ease of periodical maintenance and diagnosis.

NO EXTERNAL CABLES

Unlike most Clip-on SLT designs, the laser head connecting cable is hidden from the doctor. This avoids any unnecessary ‘clutter’ on the work surface and prevents accidental cable damage during operation.

INTEGRATED FIVE-POSITION MAGNIFICATION CHANGER

The system is supplied with an integrated five-position magnification changer that provides great flexibility for diagnostic and treatment. This clever and ergonomic design allows optimal view of fine structures and wide field view of the retina. The magnification changer is easily removed if the doctor prefers not to use it

OPTIONAL TONOMETER MOUNT

With the use of the Tonometer Mount accessory, the LightLas SLT slit lamp can accommodate the use of a Haag-Streit Goldmann Applanation Tonometer for the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) for glaucoma patients. This feature enhances the diagnostic capability the LightLas SLTas a great diagnostic and treatment workstation.

CONVENIENCE AND QUALITY AT UNBEATABLE PRICE

Yes, it is not always the case that quality and piece of mind can be acquired at competitive rates. However , LightMed’s traditional fair business model offering ‘the industry’s best value for money lasers’ has been manifested in the LightLas SLT.

SLT FUNDAMENTALS

SLT is derived from selective photothermolysis, which is based on three principles:

• Absorption of intracellular targets must be greater than that of the surrounding tissues (For visible wavelengths, melanin is an abundant chromophore in the trabecular meshwork.)
• A short pulse is required to generate and confine heat to the pigmented targets, and the wavelength must match the absorption wavelength of the target (The absorption of melanin is significant over a large spectrum.)
• The pulse duration must be less than the thermal relaxation time of the target.

When all of these parameters are achieved, target specificity is independent of focusing. Typical SLT parameters are:

• 3 nanoseconds pulse width
• Q-switched, frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser (532nm)
• Power = 0.5 – 1.0 mJ (average)
• 400 micron spot size

MECHANISM AND EFFICACY OF SLT

The natural restoration process of the Trabecular Meshwork cells is inteligently triggered through a number of steps, and is achievable only by an SLT laser. This mechanism consists of the following steps:

• Macrophage recruitment takes place to remove damaged cells.
• Trabecular meshwork cells divide to replace the lost cells.
• Release of growth factors (cytokines, MMP’s) which regulate the structure of the TM beams.
• A healthier, more porous trabecular meshwork restores balanced aqueous outflow.
• This process occurs differently from person to person but typically takes about a week.
• Effective in approx 75% of patients, 25% reduction in pressure.