■ Norlase announced FDA 510(k) clearance and CE Mark approval for its portable Echo Green Pattern Laser photocoagulator that uses microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The laser and scanner are integrated into a single delivery device that attaches to compatible slit lamps. The platform has no external fiber, a wireless user interface, a microsecond mode for tissue-sparing treatment, and voice control of patterns and parameters, according to a news release. The company believes that the Echo’s affordability will make pattern scanning technology accessible to more doctors worldwide.

“The Echo laser is easy to use, intuitive and efficient,” said Firas Rahhal, MD, of Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group in Los Angeles, in a news release. “It provides excellent power and good uptake, even when used at lower power settings. The visualization on the slit lamp delivery is excellent, and in one of the cases I performed, this was true despite the presence of significant cataract. Due to these characteristics, along with others like the easy-to-use screen and controls, the Echo is currently the best available slit lamp pattern laser that I’ve used.”