Catalys Precision Laser System (Abbott): Description of the Device and Procedure

Recently (July 2013) Catalys Precision Laser System (OPTIMEDICA) was acquired by Abbott Laboratories Inc. In 2007, the initial Patient-Interface of Catalys Precision Laser System (Fig. 1) was made up of an applanation curved lens of equal size for all eyes. This caused frequent micro subconjunctival perilimbal bleeding due to the suction and sometimes the image quality was distorted by corneal folds. Maintaining the docking position was not always easy. The “Liquid OpticsTM Interface” was then created and it allows a no contact multipiece docking with a diameter of 22.3 mm (Figs 2 and 3). The Liquid OpticsTM Interface is formed by the lens and a suction ring of 13.5 mm diameter, filled with liquid so that no applanation and contact with lens is needed. The real-time optical coherence tomography (OCT) images can be guided through a continuous optical system that does not induce excessive increase of eye pressure or distortion. The discomfort of the patient is thus reduced, and there are no more corneal alterations.1,2 Fine adjustments can be made after the docking. The system allows less suction time, which is important for patients with glaucoma or retinal diseases and in elderly patients with vascular diseases (diabetes, hypertension, etc.). The reduction of the intraocular pressure (IOP) is five times less compared to the first interface model. It was measured with the Schiotz tonometer before, during and after the suction; there was a maximum increase between 10 and 16 mm Hg.3 The OptiMedica has optimized treatment in order to make it very fast (around 2 minutes of suction in total including docking, OCT image visualization, customization and treatment) (Fig. 4).