Cataract Outsourcing’s Noteworthy Products for 2009

It is always so interesting to focus on new products each month for our posts.  We as bloggers get the unique opportunity to research products that have very widespread application in the medical arena.  Below is a short list of the noteworthy products of 2009.   I hope you enjoy reading them as much as we enjoyed putting these articles together over 2009.  Be sure to visit these articles in their entirety in the “Featured Products” section.  On behalf of myself and Cataract Outsourcing thank you for your dedicated readership, Happy Holiday, and Best Wishes for 2010!!

ILLUMIN-i System

The ILLUMIN-I  System a significant advancement in Ophthalmic illumination.  The patent-pending ILLUMIN-i module is integrated with a new microscope from Endure Medical and is also available as an upgrade to older optics.

The ILLUMIN-I creates a homogeneous, brilliant red reflex and tremendous detail perception.  The ILLUMIN-i offers triaxial, collimated illumination and multiple angles of delivery that enhance the optical view for surgeons.  This new technology results in a constant, “glowing” red reflex while maintaining contrast and depth of field.  The surgeon perceives fine details and clarity like never before.  www.enduremed.com

Acrysof IQ Toric IOL-Aspheric Excellence

Intraocular lens (IOL) technology is constantly evolving and striving for better performance and outcomes for both surgeons and most importantly the patients they serve.  One of the advancement in IOLs has been the introduction of the Toric lens.  The Toric IOL is designed to correct astigmatism and was first brought into the US market by Starr Surgical in 1998.  Alcon, Inc followed up in 2005 and received FDA approval for their version, the Acrysof Toric IOL, which quickly became the leading Toric IOL in the market.  In March of 2009, Alcon launched the recently FDA approved Acrysof Toric IQ IOL at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting in San Francisco, California.  This Toric IOL is unique. It offers a special aspheric optic which is a new innovation in the world of Toric IOLs.

The Acrysof IQ Toric IOL offers a precise astigmatism correction. The aspheric design component of the lens improves both image quality and contrast sensitivity.  This combination creates patients the best opportunity for distance vision without the assistance of glasses.  It was shown in studies that the Acrysof IQ Toric IOL improved functional vision significantly.  Alcon tested their IOL versus a control lens in low visibility environments (such as night driving).  They showed that the Acrysof IQ Toric IOL performed better in 34 of the 36 conditions that were tested.  Significant advantages were found in the ability of the patients to identify pedestrians and warning signs under conditions conducive to both fog and glare.

The Alcon Acrysof Toric IQ IOL aspheric characteristics brings new dimension to the Toric IOL marketplace.  The innovation of this lens creates high quality outcomes for the surgeons and patients alike.  Its ease of use and the Acrysof Toric IOL Calculator that was created by Alcon makes the IOL a very desirable and easy choice for many surgeons implanting Toric IOLs.  www.alcon.com

Acrysof IOL injector-Crestpoint Management

The new injector, the DK7797-2, is a front loading injector designed to accommodate the Alcon “D” IOL cartridge as well as the “B” and “C”.  It is a smooth, single handed delivery, ergonomically designed to fit any sized hand.  The injector can be pre-loaded.  It also comes completely apart for proper cleaning.  Surgeons contacted Crestpoint and asked for a different injector with a smooth mechanism.  Crestpoint (then Duckworth and Kent USA) took the design to Alcon.  Surgeons truly enjoy the efficient and smooth one handed delivery. www.crestpointmgt.com

I.V. House

For many years, Lisa Vallino, RN, had observed other pediatric nurses, as well as constructed herself, makeshift IV covers to help protect and provide comfort for the patients they were dedicated to care for.  These IV covers were created from plastic specimen cups cut in half and secured to the patient with tape.  In 1991, Lisa Vallino and Betty Rozier (Lisa’s business partner and mother) took a leap of faith, applied for a patent and approached a plastics manufacturer to help develop the concept and their dreams.  From this brave step, a plastic u-shaped domed cup was created and I.V. House was born.

The benefits of this product in the healthcare industry are plentiful.  First and foremost, I.V. House promotes patient safety.  By simply protecting the IV site, patient safety and comfort levels are secured.  I.V. House also extends dwell times and eliminates exposed looping issues. This is not only a safety benefit but it will also save on medical costs by preventing unnecessary IV restarts that may create complications and extend the amount of time the patient spends in the hospital.  I.V. House is a single use device and free of latex and DEHP; another effort to avoid complications and promote patient safety.  The I.V. House also allows hospital staff easy access and the ability to monitor the IV site by having a vented and transparent design.  The design also allows for minimum use of tape and in some models no tape at all.  Some of the I.V. House products have an ergonomic designed UltraDressing that fits the patient more like a glove instead of appearing as an uncomfortable medical device.

I.V. House has an extensive line of products.  They have developed a full range of sizes that will correspond to the individual needs of the patients.  There are also varying degrees of how the domes are padded and are designed for the area of the body where the IV site will be located. The I.V. House also has the specialized UltraDressing configurations to be completely free of the usage of tape.  I.V. House has a product that will fit and protect, no matter the needs of the patient.  www.ivhouse.com

Vision Blue

Although capsular staining had been being performed worldwide for a number years, it wasn’t until late 2004 before DORC International received FDA approval in the United States for their product Vision Blue.  This approval allowed US surgeons to finally have a resource that could help with performing a capsulorhexis in less than ideal conditions.  Before the use of Vision Blue, a surgeon may have experienced the inability to adequately visualize the anterior capsule which can result in an incomplete capsulorhexis.  With Vision Blue, the risk of radial capsule tears and other complications are greatly diminished.

With the introduction of Vision Blue into the US market, surgeons have gotten to enjoy the ability to get a much needed assist when performing procedures in which the anterior capsule is associated with a mature cataract or small pupil.  Capsular staining makes the capsulorhexis an easier and safer task when dealt   with such situations.  Ultimately, Vision Blue allows for a much safer procedure and high quality outcomes for the patient which is a win-win scenario for all involved. www.dorc.nl/

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