[Retinal laser coagulation with the pattern scanning laser--report of first clinical experience].

Background: The PASCAL pattern scanning laser can be applied to induce multiple lesions in retinal laser coagulation. First clinical experience is evaluated. PATIENTS/MATERIALS UND METHODS: The PASCAL pattern scanning laser is a frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). Exposition times are 10-30 msec and power is up to 2000 mW per single lesion. Clinical experience was gained in 33 patients and the subjective perception of pain was compared in 27 patients. The pain of 14 patients in group 1 (pattern) and the pain of 13 patients in group 2 (single lesion) were compared to the pain of previous conventional single spot laser coagulation.
Results: No complications occurred. In group 1 (pattern), 10 patients had less severe pain than in conventional laser coagulation, 4 patients had similar pain. In group 2 (single lesion), 6 patients had less severe pain, 7 patients had similar pain. Differences were not significant in Fisher's exact test (p = 0.17).
Conclusions: In the pattern technique, pain also occurs. Time saving seems to be possible. A wide understanding of the interaction between laser and tissue is necessary to avoid over-coagulation. For macular grid laser coagulation, the single spot technique seems to be safer.