Prof. Paulo E. Stanga

Prof. Paulo E. Stanga shares opinions and experience using PASCAL and Endpoint Management technology

Dr. Pravin Dugel, MD

Dr. Pravin Dugel shares opinions and experience using PASCAL and Endpoint Management technology

What is PASCAL®?
PASCAL (PAttern SCAnning Laser) technology is designed to treat retinal diseases using a single spot or a predetermined pattern array using a laser photocoagulator. With the PASCAL Method of photocoagulation, less heat is diffused to the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and the Choroid. With over a decade of innovation, PASCAL is the original and most trusted pattern scanning laser on the market.

How is PASCAL technology different from other procedures that treat retinal diseases?
PASCAL treatment involves no injections and little to no downtime for the patient. Unlike similar technologies, PASCAL’s proprietary short pulse technology, precise and consistent 4-fiber beam delivery, high-speed galvanometers and innovative pattern schemes enable safe, effective and rapid treatment with increased patient comfort. PASCAL is the only laser to offer Endpoint Management, a feature that provides controlled, therapeutically effective, sub-visible treatment options.

What is Endpoint Management™ (EpM)?
Endpoint Management is a proprietary PASCAL laser treatment that uses a unique mathematical model to precisely control power and duration in order to optimize the therapeutic effect of the laser at sub-visible levels (photo-thermal stimulation). Using Endpoint Management, physicians can precisely adjust the treatment level from barely visible down to various degrees of less damaging* levels. Levels range from visible only with OCT or FA or auto-fluorescence and even down to completely non-detectable levels, while still maintaining clinical efficacy. Unlike other sub-visible laser therapies, Endpoint Management allows for precise titration of energy and has a “Landmark” feature that allows visible tracking of the sub-visible treatment areas.
*Treatment is less damaging based on set parameters of Endpoint Management

How does the PASCAL treatment work?
At its core, the PASCAL treatment works on the same basic principle of retinal laser therapy using visible and near-infrared wavelengths. Light is absorbed primarily by melanin in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and in pigmented choroid. Energy deposition by light absorption results in tissue heating, with the maximum temperature in the RPE layer. Generated heat diffuses into the surrounding tissues, including the transparent neural retina, and the depth of the retinal damage is governed by the laser power and pulse duration. However, PASCAL goes many steps further to treat retinal conditions. Using multiple-spot patterns and shorter pulses which limit heat diffusion and minimize inner retinal damage and pain, PASCAL technology has enabled the adoption of less damaging treatment endpoints which improves the retinal structure and function over time with reduced scarring.

What conditions does PASCAL treat?
The PASCAL Ophthalmic Scanning Laser System is intended for use in the treatment of ocular pathology in both the posterior and anterior segments. Intended for use in the posterior segment to perform retinal photocoagulation, panretinal photocoagulation. Focal photocoagulation and grid photocoagulation for vascular and structural abnormalities of the retina and choroid including: proliferative and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, choroidal neovascularization associated with wet age-related macular degeneration, age-related macular degeneration, lattice degeneration and retinal tears and detachments.