The following products have recently been introduced by VISITEC
Two new Atkinson tip peribulbar needles for administering periocular anaesthesia are now available. Both needles are 22 mm in length. The 23 gauge 5144 Peribulbar Needle [Atkinsonl and the 27 gauge 5145 Peribulbar Needle [Atkinsonl have standard, blunt Atkinson tips (22° bevel, single facetted) which may help to reduce the possibility ofretrobulbar haemorrhage.
All VISITEC Anaesthesia Needles are encased in a sheath to protect the product from the time of manufacture until use. The needles are supplied double sterile packed in a box of ten.
The EdgeAhead microsurgical phaco-slit knives 1120, 1121, 1122 and 1123 have been designed to enlarge the initial stab incision in order to accommodate a phaco handpiece. The 1120 and 1121 bl ades are 3.5 mm wide and can also be used to enlarge incision for insertion of injectable lenses. The 1122 and 1123 2.65 mm knives are designed for smaller phaco tips. Each blade width is available straight or angled. The EdgeAhead knives were developed with a thin profile and super sharp edges for smoother penetration and less tissue distortion. The sides of the blade are parallel to eliminate the possibility of the knife catching the iris or tugging the sclera upon withdrawal.
The EdgeAhead microsurgical IOL slit knives 1124, 1125, 1126 and 1127 have been designed to enlarge a small incision for insertion of an IOL after the removal of the crystalline lens. The 1124 and 1125 blades are 5.7 mm wide and designed for the insertion of 5.5 mm lenses. The 1126 and 1127 blades are 4.1 mm and designed for foldable lenses. Each blade width is available straight or angled 40°. EdgeAhead IOL knives were developed with sharp sides and a blunt tip, to accommodate enlarging of the initial incision, without creating a new one. The blunt tip also helps avoid penetration ofthe iris or the capsular bag.
Each knife is placed in an instrument carrier to protect the blade and ensure sharpness for use and aseptic transfer in the operating room. Knives are packed three per box, and each box has a picture of the knife tip on the label for easy identification.
Two new cortical cleaving hydrodissectors Nos. 5157 and 5158 are now available. Cortical cleaving hydrodissection was developed to separate the cortex from the capsule so that all cortex is phacoemulsified with the nucleus, eliminating the VA step of surgery, which is where 90% of all capsular breaks occur. The 5157 (A) is angled 45° and has an open, rounded end, which can also be used for general irrigation. The 5158 (B) features a flattened end that injects balanced salt solution in a 'fan-like' manner which may facilitate hydrodissection. The flattened tip provides smooth insertion under the anterior capsule.
Two new cannulas to facilitate hydrodissection and hydrolineation have been introduced. The 5152 nucleus hydrodelineator/rotator (A) facilitates the separation ofnucleus layers and rotation of the nucleus during phacoemulsification. The 5152 features a pointed tip, bent 90° for easy access and penetration into the nucleus for hydrodelineation. The cannula is formed to conform to the convexity of the crystalline lens to prevent touching corneal endothelium. The 5155 nucleus hydrodissection (B) is a curved cannula with a flattened tip. The special tip is designed for easy insertion under the anterior capsular bag for a better cleavage plane when performing hydrodissection.
VISITEC Waterloo Industrial Estate Bidford on Avon BSO 4JH, UK Tel: (444) (0)789 490909 Fax: (444) (0)789 490511
New developments from Katena
A swivel fixation ring for clear cornea cataract incisions has been designed by I. Howard Fine, M.D. of Eugene, Oregon; it features an open ring with blunt teeth for atraumatic fixation of the globe, while a cutout in the ring allows the surgeon to precisely place the corneal incision. The swivel handle is attached to the ring at two points for stability. The swivel feature allows tlie surgeon to hold the handle at the most comfortable angle, even on patients with deep set eyes. Two ring sizes are offered: 13 mm dia. (K3-6161) and 16mm dia. (K3-6163).
A global fixation ring has been developed by James I. McNeill, M.D., Professor ofOphthalmology at Loma Linda University ofLoma Linda, CA. An improved version ofthe original McNeill-Goldman model, this double fixation ring features smaller lid retractors and wider open segments for better access to the surgical field without sacrificing global stability. This design has been carefully conceived to provide firm global fixation with only four strategically placed sutures. The ring is offered in three sizes: Small (Kl-7311), Medium (Kl-7312) and Large (Kl-7313).
