FEMTEC working principleThe result of a single FEMTEC femtosecond laser pulse is a microscopic bubble. A myriad of these pulses can create macroscopic effects, e.g. a laser generated LASIK flap or other cuts.
The real time software precisely arranges the laser pulses in predefined patterns, selectable in the FEMTEC software according to desired treatment procedures. To generate a LASIK flap for example, the laser spot is moved inside the cornea in a spiral pattern, creating a bladeless cut following stromal lamellae at the pre-programmed depth. Once the flapbed is formed, the beam is moved in arc-shaped patterns along the circumference of the flap, while the focal depth is gradually reduced. A perfectly defined edge of the flap is created, leaving a hinge at its user-defined position.
Due to the unique spherical design of the FEMTEC Patient Interface, a flattening of the cornea is not required during FEMTEC procedures. The cornea is only slightly adapted to the patient interface's curvature, not applanated.
The differences between an eye fixation using an anatomically correct shaped eye fixation and an applanating (flattening) eye fixation can bee seen with OCT Images (here using the same pig eye for demonstration purposes).

Normal eye shape (pig eye)

Eye fixation using FEMTEC's anatomically shaped spherical interface

Eye fixation using an applanation approach
FDA 510(k) clearance for the
use in creation of a corneal flap in patients undergoing LASIK surgery
or other treatment requiring initial lamellar resection of the cornea.