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Pars plana transvitreal carbon dioxide laser photocautery: A new surgical technique
Author(s) -
Miller James B.,
Smith Michael R.,
Boyer David S.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.1920010304
Subject(s) - medicine , carbon dioxide laser , vitrectomy , pars plana , carbon dioxide , ophthalmology , laser , retinal tear , surgery , visual acuity , laser surgery , optics , ecology , physics , biology
Intraocular carbon dioxide laser photocautery has been used experimentally as well as clinically to surround and seal retinal tears and to treat fibrovascular fronds and blood vessels at the time of vitrectomy. All biologic tissue will absorb the 10.6‐μm infrared wavelength; thus the tissue does not have to be pigmented in order to absorb infrared energy. This technique involves no electrical hazard to the patient or surgeon. We have followed patients treated with the carbon dioxide laser, and they have retained improved vision for over 18 months. lntraocular carbon dioxide laser photocautery appears to be a safe, reliable, and effective means of performing intraocular photocautery at the time of vitrectomy.