Pattern-Scanning (PASCAL) Retinal Laser

What is the PASCAL® Photocoagulator?

The PASCAL (Pattern Scan Laser) Photocoagulator is a fully integrated pattern scan laser photocoagulation system designed to treat diabetic retinopathy using a single shot or a predetermined pattern array of up to 25 spots.

This technology uses proprietary scanning patterns to permit rapid photocoagulation thus reducing burn session time, improving patient comfort as well as insuring excellent physician performance and efficiency.

What does PASCAL treat?

PASCAL Photocoagulation is used to treat a variety of retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vascular occlusive disease.

How does the PASCAL Photocoagulation Method work?

PASCAL technology deploys a proprietary semi-automated pattern generation method using short laser pulse durations of typically 20 ms (five times shorter than conventional systems).

These laser pulses are delivered in a rapid pre-determined sequence resulting in precise even burn patterns as well as improved safety, patient comfort, and a significant reduction in treatment time when compared to single-shot photocoagulation. For maximum treatment efficiency, PASCAL photocoagulation offers four physician-selected pattern types.

What is pattern scanning?

By both scanning the laser spot placement and controlling laser light emission, the PASCAL photocoagulation method delivers a predetermined physician-selected pattern.

The aiming beam displays the pattern, enabling the physician to place it in more precise, personalized, safe, and comfortable locations.

What are the benefits of PASCAL Method?

The PASCAL photocoagulation method is consistent with standard protocols. Based on clinical testing, it also seems to offer significant doctor and patient benefits

  • Performance: Improved physician speed and efficiency. Reduced treatment time.
  • Enhanced Patient Comfort: A substantially more comfortable therapeutic experience, potentially leading to improved patient compliance.
  • Advanced Precision: Macular Grid treatment provides an improved margin of safety and dosimetry control when compared with single shot treatments. Unlike the irregular pattern placement obtained in single shot photocoagulation, PASCAL delivers more even pattern burns.
  • Ease of use: Accelerated learning curve.
  • Reproducibility: Predictable burn size with consistent patterns leading to more precise treatment comparisons and adherence to specifics treatment protocols.

How does PASCAL reduce patient discomfort?

Since each burn is rapidly delivered, and of shorter duration, the PASCAL Method can minimize choroidal heating, allowing the patient to better tolerate each treatment.

PASCAL has demonstrated a reduction in the duration of a typical session for proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients. The total number of required treatment sessions may also be significantly reduced.

What are the clinical indications for PASCAL?

The PASCAL Retinal Photocoagulator is best used for treatment of ocular pathology and for use in the photocoagulation of both posterior and anterior segments including:

  • Retinal photocoagulation, pan retinal, focal and grid photocoagulation for vascular and structural abnormalities of the retina, and choroid including:
  • Proliferative and non proliferative diabetic retinopathy
  • Choroidal neovascularization
  • Branch and central retinal vein occlusion
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Lattice degeneration
  • Retinal tears and detachments
  • Iridotomy, iridectomy, and trabeculoplasty in angle closure and open angle glaucoma.

Is the PASCAL Photocoagulator approved by the FDA?

Yes, OptiMedica received FDA 510(k) approval for its PASCAL device in 2005.

Source from Optimedica