THE IN-VIVO EFFECTS OF A PROTOTYPE DIODE-LASER COAGULATOR VAPORIZING ENDOPROBE USED TO PERFORM RETINECTOMY AND RETINOTOMY IN RABBITS/

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the use of a prototype intraocular carbon-coated diode laser probe for per forming single-instrument internal retinotomy and retinectomy. MATERIA LS AND METHODS: A 20-gauge endolaser probe was used to perform retinot omies on 10 anesthetized rabbits. Two protocols were examined: one usi ng low power and long duration, and one using high power and short dur ation. Retinotomies were performed on attached and experimentally deta ched retinas. RESULTS: Retinotomies were performed in all eyes using b oth protocols. The edges had photocoagulative effects in all cases. Th e eyes treated with the longer duration, lower power protocol had scle ral damage, whereas the eyes treated with shorter duration, higher pow er did not. CONCLUSION: Although the diode laser coagulator/cutter may be used for retinotomies, it should be studied further.