Target Tissue Hydration Control

The LAHayeSIK™ Surgical System provides an exceptional method of removing excessive beam masking surface fluid by way of laminar oxygen aeration through four ports designed in the handpiece. Selective use of the micro-filtered O2 feature cools and uniformly evaporates surface laser-masking fluid without causing dehydration. There is no need to touch the target stroma with sponges or instruments and the filtered oxygen may provide additional benefits.

HYDRATION VARIABILITY – Stromal bed hydration variations occur during LASIK as a consequence of direct introduction of fluid into the interface during the keratotomy and during reflecting the flap. In addition, direct release of water from cells ablated by the laser, along with precipitation of plume water vapor onto the stromal surface contributes to surface fluid accumulation. This surface fluid alters the effectiveness of the laser beam. The masking of the laser energy causes variable etching resulting in “islands”, higher order aberrations and outcome variability.

Researchers’ findings support the need for surgeons to develop a reproducible (standardized) technique for performing laser vision correction surgery that allows for equal stromal dehydration from patient to patient.

Conventional LASIK - In conventional LASIK, a variety of techniques, methods, and devices are utilized to actively modify and adjust for the dynamic changes relative to the changing hydration status of target stromal tissue that occur during laser pulse delivery. Traditionally, surgeons use sponges or instruments to wipe away that fluid. These traditional methods are difficult to standardize, can cause excessive and non-uniform areas of stromal dryness, roughness, leaving the stromal surface visibly graining and can even result in small micro-abrasions leading to further possible complications. (Illustration 15)

The use of airflow to evaporate excessive moisture from the stromal bed prior to and during ablation can minimize the uneven hydration factor, prevent central islands, and standardize and minimize stromal hydration changes. Some surgeons use airflow (which may or may not be filtered or sterile) from improvised devices such as a compressed air cylinder connected to tubing that the surgical assistant or the physician must introduce into the surgical field. (Illustration 16)

LAHayeSIK™ - The surgeon’s utilization of LAHayeSIK™ provides an exceptional method of removing excessive beam masking surface fluid by way of laminar oxygen aeration delivered through four ports designed right in the handpiece. Selective use of the micro-filtered O2 feature cools and uniformly evaporates surface laser-masking fluid without causing dehydration. There is no need to touch the target stroma with sponges or instruments and the filtered oxygen may provide additional benefits. (Illustration 17)

The synergistic functions provided to the surgeon with the LAHayeSIK™ technology including secure control of eye movement, proximal plume evacuation and the “no-touch” oxygen aeration method of target tissue hydration management helps to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of the laser treatment.

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