Navigated Pattern Laser System versus Single-Spot Laser System for Postoperative 360-Degree Laser Retinopexy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a condition requiring prompt surgical intervention.
• 360° laser retinopexy (LRP) is a common treatment to seal retinal tears and prevent progression of RRD.
• Evaluating different LRP delivery methods is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and procedural efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and patient experience of three 360° LRP techniques.
• To assess procedure duration, pain levels, technical challenges, and goal achievement across different LRP methods.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized study involving 86 patients with RRD.
• Comparison of three LRP groups: navigated pattern laser (Navilas®), single-spot slit-lamp (SL), and single-spot indirect ophthalmoscope (IO).
• Data collected included procedure time, pain scores (4-point VRS), number of laser burns, and surgical goal attainment.

Main Results:

• The navigated pattern LRP group demonstrated statistically significant reductions in procedure time and pain scores.
• The navigated pattern LRP group required a higher number of laser burns compared to SL-LRP and IO-LRP.
• Surgical goals were achieved in 77.8% of the navigated pattern LRP group, 60.7% of the SL-LRP group, and 59.1% of the IO-LRP group (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The navigated pattern LRP approach improves treatment time and reduces postoperative pain.
• 360° pattern LRP using the Navilas® system is as effective as conventional single-spot methods for achieving surgical goals in RRD treatment.