Modification of an ophthalmic laser for use in sedated, reclining children.

The headrest of a neodymium-YAG ophthalmic laser was modified to accept a reclining patient. Laser procedures were then performed on children who were resting in a lateral decubitus position on a stretcher before the laser. Very little manipulation or stimulation of the children was required, and so the procedures could be done using intravenous sedation or ketamine hydrochloride without endotracheal intubation. The modified headrest can increase the indications for laser surgery in uncooperative children by making the procedure less troublesome.