Selective targeting of the retinal pigment epithelium in rabbit eyes with a scanning laser beam

Framme, Carsten and Alt, Clemens and Schnell, Susanne and Sherwood, Margaret and Brinkmann, Ralf and Lin, Charles P. (2007) Selective targeting of the retinal pigment epithelium in rabbit eyes with a scanning laser beam. INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, 48 (4). pp. 1782-1792. ISSN 0146-0404, 1552-5783

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Abstract

PURPOSE. Selective targeting of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with repetitive laser pulses that minimize thermal damage to the adjacent photoreceptors is a promising new therapeutic modality for RPE-related retinal diseases. The selectivity of an alternative, more versatile scanning approach was examined in vivo by using a broad range of scanning parameters. METHODS. Acousto-optic deflectors repeatedly scanned the focus of a continuous wave (cw)-laser across the retina of Dutch belted rabbits, producing microsecond irradiation at each RPE cell. Two irradiation patterns forming separated lines (SEP) or interlaced lines (INT), different dwell times (2.5-75 mu s), and repetition numbers (10 and 100 scans with 100-Hz repetition rate) were tested. Thresholds were evaluated by fundus imaging and angiography. Histology was performed for selected parameters. RESULTS. Selective RPE cell damage was obtained with moderate laser power. The angiographic threshold power decreased with pulse duration, number of exposures, and applying the INT pattern. Ophthalmoscopic thresholds, indicating onset of thermal coagulation, were higher than twice the angiographic threshold for most tested parameters. Histology confirmed selective RPE cell damage for SEP irradiation with 7.5 and 15 mu s; slower scan speeds or closed lines caused photoreceptor damage. CONCLUSIONS. A cw-laser scanner can be set up as a highly compact and versatile device. Selective RPE damage is feasible with dwell times up to 15 mu s. Greatest selectivity is achieved with short exposure times and separated scan tines. Interlaced fines and long exposure times facilitate heat conduction into photoreceptors. A scanner is an attractive alternative for pulsed selective targeting, because both selective targeting and thermal photocoagulation can be realized.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: DIODE-LASER; TIME REGIMEN; PHOTOCOAGULATION; INJURY; RPE; THRESHOLD; DAMAGE; NANOSECOND; EXPOSURE; LESIONS;
Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medical sciences Medicine
Divisions: Medicine > Lehrstuhl für Augenheilkunde
Depositing User: Dr. Gernot Deinzer
Date Deposited: 16 Dec 2020 10:36
Last Modified: 16 Dec 2020 10:36
URI: https://pred.uni-regensburg.de/id/eprint/32957

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