SLT, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

More than 2500 Ellex-manufactured SLT systems are in use worldwide. Offering superior energy control, a sharp-edged aiming beam and the fastest firing rate at 3 shots per second, Ellex’s proprietary SLT technology allows you to visualize the trabecular meshwork (TM) in greater detail, and to perform procedures faster and with improved accuracy – delivering better patient outcomes. Ellex offers two SLT laser models:

Canaloplasty

Canaloplasty is a highly effective surgical technique for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. Minimally invasive, it uses breakthrough microcatheter technology to restore the function of the eye’s natural outflow system without the need for a filtering bleb – offering an unprecedented level of efficacy and safety in the surgical treatment of glaucoma. As an added benefit, Canaloplasty can be used in conjunction with existing drug based glaucoma treatments, after laser or other types of incisional surgery and does not preclude or affect the outcome of future surgery.

The latest evolution in Canaloplasty is ABiC™, a subtle but significant refinement of traditional (ab-externo) Canaloplasty. Like traditional Canaloplasty, ABiC™ addresses the trabecular meshwork, Schlemm’s canal, and collector channels. It also follows the same dilation principles of traditional Canaloplasty, where the controlled delivery of Healon/Healon GV during withdrawal of the iTrack™ microcatheter creates microperforations in the trabecular meshwork and separation of the compressed tissue planes within Schlemm’s canal. Furthermore, the procedure pulls any herniated inner wall and juxstacanalicular tissue out of the collector channels. Clinical evidence to date indicates that the procedure is safe and effective in mild-to-moderate POAG with similar IOP-lowering effects to tried and true traditional Canaloplasty. Importantly, ABiC™ enables physicians to apply a proven technique and technology earlier in the disease process, both in conjunction with cataract surgery as well as on pseudo-phakic patients. Unlike other MIGS procedures, ABiC™ ensures that all potential “blockages” in the ocular outflow pathway are addressed, including distal structures such as the collector channels. ABiC™ is fast to perform and, unlike other currently available MIGS procedures, preserves tissue and does not require permanent placement of an implant in the eye.

Vitreolysis

YAG laser vitreolysis offers a simple outpatient-based treatment for vitreous opacities and strands. Highly effective, it has a low complication rate and offers a high degree of patient satisfaction. It can also delay or obviate the need for surgery. Traditionally, YAG lasers have been designed for use in the anterior portion of the eye i.e. posterior capsulotomy and iridotomy treatments. As a result, they often provide a limited view of the vitreous, which can make it difficult to identify the targeted floaters and membranes. They also carry a high risk of damage to surrounding ocular tissue. In contrast, the new Ultra Q™ YAG laser with Reflex Technology™ has been designed to overcome these issues, featuring perfectly coaxial illumination and ultra-low energy optical breakdown – making it ideally suited for performing both anterior and posterior YAG treatments.

Capsulotomy and Iridotomy

The tough demands of today’s new-generation intraocular lenses (IOLs) require an ever-increasing level of accuracy during YAG surgery. For this reason, Ellex YAG lasers feature state-of-the-art technology designed to achieve precise optical breakdown at the lowest energy levels possible. Add to that exquisite focusing, and a fully integrated slit lamp/laser design, which provides more stable, reliable and consistent energy delivery, and you will experience higher accuracy, more control, and reduced potential for side effects.

Photocoagulation

Ellex solid-state photocoagulators provide safe, predictable and consistent energy delivery through a true, continuous-wave laser beam. Offering superior energy distribution from beginning to end of exposure, and across the full diameter of the treatment spot, each systems delivers consistently better performance in the treatment of retinal disease.

Pattern Scanning Photocoagulation

Unlike conventional photocoagulation, pattern scanning photocoagulation uses millisecond pulse durations. These millisecond pulses limit the potential for damage to surrounding tissue, dramatically reducing both vertical and horizontal thermal diffusion (especially to the choroid) of the laser energy. The result is targeted burns with minimal collateral damage to surrounding tissue, and a limited risk of macular edema.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is one of the most fundamental diagnostic tools in ophthalmology. Even in an era of high-tech OCT scanning and digital imaging, ultrasound is the only means to obtain a crucial view of the posterior segment when there is a dense cataract or vitreous hemorrhage in the eye.