Q-Las YAG Laser: Capsulotomy and Iridotomy Workstation

What the Q-Las is

Q-Las is a durable Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm with a 4 ns pulse. Energy is set from 0.5 to 10 mJ through an intuitive control concept, and Quick-Repetition allows up to 10 Hz. Focus shift options are 0, 150 and 300 µm posterior.

For the clinical background of the procedures, read our articles on YAG laser capsulotomy and YAG laser iridotomy; this page deals with the device.

The 4 ns pulse is typical of Q-switched systems, where energy is concentrated in a very short time. In practice the clinician chooses energy, burst and focus shift to suit each case, so a wide, easily adjusted range matters.

Aiming beam, bursts and optics

A dual-spot aiming beam, a coaxial laser beam and slit illumination, and integrated Clear-View filter technology support precise focusing. A burst mode of 1, 2 or 3 pulses can be changed at the touch of a button, which gives the surgeon control over how energy is delivered at each shot.

Like A.R.C.'s other ophthalmic lasers, the Q-Las uses µ-Chip technology. An optional head-up display keeps treatment parameters in view without looking away from the eyepieces.

The optional head-up display is worth testing in your own lighting, because it removes the need to look away from the eyepieces to confirm energy and burst. Ask whether it is available on both PCL5 slit-lamp versions you are considering.

• Wavelength 1064 nm, pulse length 4 ns.
• Pulse energy 0.5 to 10 mJ, up to 10 Hz.
• Burst mode: 1, 2 or 3 pulses.
• Dual-spot aiming beam and integrated Clear-View filter.

Nd:YAG laser, best choice: how to compare

Searching for the nd yag laser best for a clinic usually leads to the wrong question. Compare instead the stability of energy, clarity of aiming, ease of changing burst and energy settings, the quality of the slit lamp and the support you can obtain locally. Our ophthalmic laser buying guide lists additional criteria.

Also compare consumable and service arrangements, as well as the yag laser company's presence in the region, training options and spare-parts policy. Our note on YAG laser machine price explains what drives cost.

Create a short scoring sheet with the same criteria for every supplier and fill it in during live demonstrations. This keeps the decision about the laser rather than the sales presentation.

Configurations and weight

The Q-Las is offered with PCL5 ZL or PCL5 SHL slit lamps and in the VARIO combination system, which carries two A.R.C. lasers on one table. The laser built into a slit lamp weighs 12.6 kg, and 44 kg with the table, so plan the room layout accordingly.

Clinics that also treat glaucoma may prefer the COBRA workstation, which pairs the Q-Las with the CITO 532 SLT laser on a wheelchair-accessible motorised table. Details of the slit lamps are in our PCL5 article.

Safety, installation and next steps

Nd:YAG lasers deliver short, high-peak-power pulses at an invisible wavelength, so the aiming beam, filters and eyewear policy are essential. Define who is authorised to operate the laser and keep a log. Our medical laser safety guide outlines the main measures.

Beckfinity can arrange a Q-Las demonstration, prepare a quote for your ophthalmology clinic and coordinate installation and training. Contact our specialists and confirm device registration requirements with the relevant UAE authorities.