At the recent ASCRS meeting in San Francisco, Alcon, Inc. (Fort Worth, TX) unveiled what it calls the newest technology in cataract removal devices. The system offers surgeons three methods by which to remove a cataract: (1) advanced ultrasound phacoemulsification, (2) a combination of ultrasound and oscillation via a NeoSoniX handpiece, and (3) the new AquaLase liquefaction device (this device uses pulses of surgical solution to break up and remove the natural lens). Additional features include a novel interface and improved ergonomics, as well as a “rigid,” closed Fluidic Management System that offers unique, actively monitored pressure-sensing abilities for vacuum and irrigation.
Price: N/ACompany: Alcon, Inc.
Phone: (800) 757-9195
Web: www.alconlabs.com
Key Features
• Tri-modal energy delivery options
• Redefined fluidic control
• Novel clinical interface
• Improved ergonomics
SofPort Insertion System
Bausch & Lomb Surgical, Inc. (San Dimas, CA) introduced its new single-use IOL insertion system at the ASCRS meeting held this April in San Francisco. Described by the company as “the first and only integrated, single-use, single-handed planar delivery IOL insertion system,” the SofPort System enables 3-piece IOLs to be inserted through sub– 3.0-mm incisions. The system's sterile, disposable inserter is designed to eliminate cross-contamination in the ocular field by eliminating the risk of residual particles becoming trapped within it. According to the company's press release, the SofPort's proprietary planar delivery method better controls the insertion process by employing a unique method to unfold the inserted lens. The system is scheduled for launch in May 2003 in the US, with launches in select world markets to follow.
Company: Bausch & Lomb Surgical, Inc.
Phone: (800) 338-2020
Web: www.bausch.com
Key Features
• First and only single-use IOL insertion system
• Inserts 3-piece IOLs through sub–3.0-mm incisions
• Eliminates ocular cross-contamination
• Unique unfolding method
VIGAMOX Ophthalmic Solution
VIGAMOX (moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.5%), the new antibiotic by Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (Fort Worth, TX), received FDA approval this April after a 6-month review. The agent is approved for treating bacterial conjunctivitis at a dosing rate of t.i.d. for 7 days, which is less frequent than that of any other available fluoroquinolone solution. According to the company, VIGAMOX is highly soluble and shows enhanced coverage against gram-positive bacteria, including Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. It also features a near-neutral pH of 6.8, which offers greater comfort to patients.
VIGAMOX is the only fourth-generation fluoroquinolone eye drop formulated at 0.5%, providing higher drug concentration throughout the relevant ocular structures. Another key advancement of the drug is that it is robust enough to not only meet, but exceed all United States Pharmacopoeia tests without the need for benzalkonium chloride. This capability directly results from the inherent antibacterial and antifungal activity of VIGAMOX's moxifloxacin formulation.
Company: Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
Phone: (800) 757-9195
Web: www.alconlabs.com
Key Features
• Moxifloxacin 0.5%
• 7-day t.i.d. dosing regimen
• Enhanced gram-positive coverage
• No added preservatives (BAK-free)
Centurion SES Microkeratome
CIBA Vision Corporation (Atlanta, GA) is introducing a new microkeratome, the Centurion SES, to the US market. CIBA Vision was granted marketing and distribution rights from the maker of the device, BioVision AG (Hannover, Switzerland). The Centurion SES features a proprietary cutting system that integrates the blade and cartridge into one component. A unique bar applanator flattens only the area of the cornea directly in front of the blade. This technique creates a feathered cut and smoother edges on the corneal flaps. The smoother flap edge may promote faster healing. Soon, the device will also enable surgeons to mechanically separate epithelial flaps via the sub-epithelial separator that will debut later this year in some markets. The Centurion SES microkeratome is 510 (k) approved in the US, and CE Mark approval is pending.
Company: CIBA Vision Corporation
Phone: (678) 415-3937
Web: www.cibavision.com
Key Features
• Integrated design
• Unique bar applanator
• Mechanical sub-epithelial separator (to come)
