Sterile Surgical Field Irrigation

Irrigation using sterile fluids must be used multiple times during the LASIK operation.

Irrigation is used to:
1. Wet and lubricate the cornea before the keratotomy
2. Hydrate the tissues
3. Wash micro-debris (generated by the laser pulses and keratome) from the surgical site prior to repositioning the flap
4. Re-floating the flap back into the original position

Conventional LASIK - Various methods and surgical instruments are available and utilized to “manually” deliver the irrigation to the surgical field by the surgical assistant and the physician using a squeeze bottle connected to a cannula. (Illustration 22)

Typically, irrigation during conventional LASIK collects to form a “lake” or “pool” in the nasal or temporal canthal triangle. (Illustration 23)

This excessive fluid mixes with the conjunctiva, lids, and fornix areas, which may be contributing sources of contamination (infectious and non-infectious) even after washing with betadine, antibiotic solutions, and fluids. The collection and pooling of irrigation fluid can back wash into the surgically opened tissues (stromal bed and flap) increasing the risk of infectious/ inflammatory complications. The exposed corneal stroma of both flap and bed absorb fluid readily, like a sponge--and you know how difficult it is to remove soap from a sponge, even with repeated rinsing and squeezing. (Illustration 24)

LAHayeSIK™ Surgical System - LAHayeSIK™ is designed to provide the physician with linear controlled, automated (hands free), laminar (non-turbulent) sterile irrigation to the micro-sized and contained surgical field along with simultaneous aspiration (removal) of fluids utilizing a foot control pedal. (Illustration 25)

Many LASIK physicians routinely apply several drops of antibiotics to the flap and flap bed prior to or after the flap has been repositioned. It is believed that doing so may provide an additional level of protection against potential bacterial infections. With LAHayeSIK™ Surgical System the flap will have the opportunity to slightly dehydrate as it rests on the LAHayeSIK™ platform during Stage II. It is the opinion of some LASIK physicians that this dehydration provides an opportunity to re-hydrate the flap with a solution of sterile balanced saline containing antibiotics prior to repositioning thereby maximizing the added benefit from the addition of antibiotics.

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