PAC: Femtosecond Laser vs Fugo Plasma Blade

The video presents the Plasma Ablation Capsulotomy (PAC), which is the future of cataract surgery. We can distinguish 2 types of PAC: femtosecond laser capsulotomy and Fugo Plasma Blade Capsulotomy. Precise and strong opening in the anterior capsule is provided by both techniques. Femtosecond laser creates a smooth rim whereas the Fugo Blade produces a unique postage stamp capsulotomy. The issue was discussed in the article by Apple et al in the Orange Journal (Vol 30) 2004. Postage stamp capsulotomy is considered by Apple as a highly desirable capsulotomy which he failed to create with other technologies. Postage stamp capsulotomy is created automatically by Fugo blade. The device also allows the operator to revise the capsulotomy and repair tears in the capsule in seconds. It also enables the surgeon to perform the capsulotomy under the iris without surgeon visualization. Costs should also be considered, since the femtosecond laser is extremely expensive. In addition, until now the Fugo Plasma Blade has had 10 years of utilization in the USA. The safety record reamins impeccable. To summarize: there are several advantages of the femtosecond laser including its ability to create incisions in the cornea, but the safety and cost of this method still have to be determined.