January 26, 2006
IntraLase Announces First Use of FS Laser for Advanced
Corneal Transplant Surgery; Precise Femtosecond Laser Technology
Allows Surgeons to Create Optimally Shaped Incisions for Biomechanical
Advantage
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 26, 2006--IntraLase Corp.
(Nasdaq:ILSE) today announced the first corneal transplant cases
using the IntraLase(R) FS laser have been successfully performed
in patients, marking the first major technology advancement in
corneal transplant surgery in more than five years. The use of
IntraLase's ultra-fast laser to create a contoured, full-thickness
corneal resection in preparation for corneal transplant has the
potential to make corneal transplantation a safer, more precise
procedure as the all-laser approach gains favor among transplant
surgeons. Full global launch of this new therapeutic application
is expected in Fall 2006.
Three of the country's leading ophthalmic institutes, Bascom Palmer
Eye Institute at the University of Miami, Corneal Research Foundation
of America of Indianapolis and the University of California Irvine,
Department of Ophthalmology, are among the first in the country
to adopt all-laser corneal transplant surgery. They've affirmed
IntraLase's ability to improve the surgery, considered the last
resort for patients facing blindness resulting from severe corneal
disease.
The IntraLase FS laser is the first femtosecond laser cleared
for use in a variety of refractive and corneal surgeries including
LASIK, and intrastromal incisions used with ring implants, lamellar
keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty, and for the preparation
of the donor tissue used in corneal transplants. The IntraLase
FS laser has demonstrated its superior capability in creating
corneal incisions with micron-level accuracy unmatched by hand-held
or mechanical blades.
"The natural progression of our laser technology is to provide
corneal surgeons with the ability to shape the full-thickness
resection used in corneal transplants," said Robert J. Palmisano,
president and CEO of IntraLase. "With minor enhancements,
our laser is capable of creating optimal incisional patterns for
corneal transplants. Instead of the straight vertical cut performed
in traditional full-thickness keratoplasty, the FS laser is programmed
to create a stepped-edged incision that may enhance the sealing
and stability of the transplanted tissue and allow for faster
healing."
"The early results are excellent," noted Francis Price,
M.D., director of the Corneal Research Foundation of America and
Price Vision Group and first to perform corneal transplant surgery
with the IntraLase laser. "One of the patients had traditional
full-thickness corneal transplant surgery three years ago on one
eye. The day after her laser-assisted transplant surgery, she
reported seeing better in the laser-treated eye. While the long-term
outcome remains to be seen, the early results are very encouraging."
In 2003, a scalpel was used to create modified-shaped tissue,
resembling a top hat, during penetrating keratoplasty surgery.
"The shaped top hat configuration never achieved widespread
success because of the difficulty in manually creating the incision.
The precision and safety of the IntraLase laser inspires the surgeon
to perform the top hat incision with confidence," said William
Culbertson, M.D., professor of ophthalmology and corneal surgeon
at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. "The overlapping wound edge
seals better biomechanically requiring less suture tension than
a traditional straight-edged incision. The potential result would
be enhanced wound strength, less astigmatism and accelerated recovery
of vision. We feel this is a huge step forward in the rehabilitation
of vision for these patients."
Latest findings on this and all other FS laser indications will
be presented at this year's American Society of Cataract and Refractive
Surgery (ASCRS) held March 18-22, 2006 in San Francisco.
About IntraLase Corp.
IntraLase designs, develops, and manufactures an ultra-fast laser
that is revolutionizing refractive and corneal surgery by creating
safe and more precise corneal incisions. Delivering on the promise
of ophthalmic laser technology, the IntraLase FS laser, related
software, and disposable devices replace the hand-held microkeratome
blade used during LASIK surgery. The unsurpassed accuracy of IntraLase's
computer-controlled femtosecond laser has been shown to improve
safety profiles and visual outcomes when used during LASIK. Additionally,
the IntraLase FS laser creates precision-designed intracorneal
incisions that when combined can be used during lamellar and penetrating
keratoplasties and intrastromal ring implantation. IntraLase is
presently in the process of commercializing applications of its
technology in the treatment of corneal diseases that require corneal
transplant surgery. The company's proprietary laser and disposable
patient interfaces are presently marketed throughout the United
States and 26 other countries. IntraLase is headquartered and
manufactures its products in Irvine, California. For additional
information, visit the company's web site: www.intralase.com.
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