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 performing single-instrument internal retinotomy and retinectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 20-gauge endolaser probe was used to perform retinotomies on 10 anesthetized rabbits. Two protocols were examined: one using low power and long duration, and one using high power and short duration. Retinotomies were performed on attached and experimentally detached retinas. RESULTS: Retinotomies were performed in all eyes using both protocols. The edges had photocoagulative effects in all cases. The eyes treated with the longer duration, lower power protocol had scleral damage, whereas the eyes treated with shorter duration, higher power did not. CONCLUSION: Although the diode laser coagulator/cutter may be used for retinotomies, it should be studied further.