Abstract
Californian company OptiMedica Corp. has announced that one member of its global Medical Advisory Board has become the first ophthalmic surgeon in Europe to treat patients with its Catalys Precision Laser System for cataract surgery.
“I have been pleasantly surprised by how the lens softening patterns have resulted in such a significant reduction in the amount of ultrasound energy needed to remove even hard lenses.”
The Catalys system
The Catalys System, CE marked in September of this year, combines a femtosecond laser, integrated Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging and OptiMedica’s breakthrough pattern scanning technology in an ergonomic, easy-to-use system that brings new levels of precision and accuracy to the cataract procedure. The system is not yet FDA approved so is not available in the United States.
Background
Prof. Burkhard Dick, chairman and head of the University Eye Clinic Bochum in Germany, is a new member of OptiMedica’s global Medical Advisory Board, a group of cataract experts who have worked closely with the company to develop Catalys and continue to work on advances in cataract surgery. He brings to the team his deep knowledge and experience as a leading international ophthalmic surgeon as well as a strategic scientific relationship with the Ruhr University Bochum, where he will collaborate with OptiMedica on further cataract research.
Prof. Dick has been using Catalys to perform laser capsulotomy and lens fragmentation on patients. Findings published in the peer-reviewed publications Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery and Science Translational Medicine have demonstrated the system’s ability to deliver industry-leading improvement in precision and accuracy across these steps.
Company comments
“We are thrilled that patients in Europe are now being treated with Catalys,” said Mark J. Forchette, OptiMedica president and chief executive officer. “We welcome Prof. Dick’s collaboration and are proud to know that his patients are now benefiting from the unparalleled precision that Catalys provides.”
Clinician comments
“I have been very impressed with how quickly patients have embraced Catalys, and how easily and rapidly I’ve been able to integrate the technology into my practice,” said Prof. Dick. “The precision and accuracy are obvious, and patients are clearly benefitting from the enhanced performance that the system provides. I also have been pleasantly surprised by how the lens softening patterns have resulted in such a significant reduction in the amount of ultrasound energy needed to remove even hard lenses. I am convinced that Catalys laser treatment is the new standard in cataract surgery.”
Source: OptiMedica, medlatest staff
published: December 15, 2011 in: Launches / Withdrawals, Ophthalmics, Technology