SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global ophthalmic company OptiMedica Corp. has announced the launch of its Catalys Precision Laser System in the United States, with the first patient cases performed by Drs. Mike and Paul Mann at the Mann Eye Institute in Houston. Catalys is a next generation laser cataract surgery system that brings unequaled precision and accuracy and a markedly streamlined workflow to the laser cataract procedure. The system was cleared for market by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in late December 2011.
“The U.S. launch of Catalys is a very exciting and rewarding milestone for OptiMedica, as we are now able to deliver the system’s precision and accuracy benefits to a vastly growing number of surgeons and patients around the world,” said Mark J. Forchette, OptiMedica president and chief executive officer. “We are thrilled to begin this new phase of our global rollout with the esteemed surgeons at Mann Eye Institute, a cutting edge practice located in a geography known for being progressive in laser ophthalmic technology.”
Mann Eye Institute chose Catalys as its laser cataract surgery platform after a rigorous and lengthy selection process during which both Dr. Mike Mann and Dr. Paul Mann traveled extensively to compare different laser cataract technologies. As part of this process, they observed and performed Catalys cases at commercial sites in both the Dominican Republic and Germany. The surgeons say the precision and overall performance of Catalys exceeded their expectations and was a key factor in their purchase decision.
“We’ve been anxious and excited to get into laser cataract surgery since the technology first became available, but after considering all of the available competing systems, it became very clear we had to wait for Catalys,” said Dr. Mike Mann. “Catalys represents the state of the art in laser cataract surgery and is the type of innovation Mann Eye patients have come to expect.”
Drs. Mann are now using Catalys to perform laser capsulotomy (a circular incision in the lens capsule) and lens fragmentation (softening and segmenting of the cataract-affected lens) during cataract surgery. 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, with incision accuracy results measured in tens of microns.1,2 (For visual reference, the average width of a human hair is 85 microns.) Laser lens fragmentation with Catalys has also been shown to greatly improve the ease and gentleness of lens disassembly, reducing cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) during ultrasound phacoemulsification by approximately 40 percent.2
“We chose Catalys because it allows us to provide an ultra-premium experience for cataract patients,” said Dr. Paul Mann. “In addition to its efficiency, safety and comfort benefits, we believe the precision Catalys delivers will truly enable advanced intraocular lens technology. I have traveled to Europe, the Caribbean and the United States to investigate and experience laser cataract technology, and I am convinced that we are going to offer our patients the most precise visual outcomes available with Catalys.”
About the Catalys Precision Laser System
Catalys combines a femtosecond laser, integrated 3D Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging and OptiMedica’s breakthrough pattern scanning technology in an ergonomic, easy-to-use system that delivers a precise, customized procedure for patients. Distinguishing features include a Liquid Optics™ Interface that ensures stable system-patient attachment and optimizes the optical path to the patient’s eye, and a proprietary Integral Guidance™ system that ensures the femtosecond laser pulses are delivered safely and precisely to the intended location. In addition, Catalys features an easy-to-use and elegant graphical user interface designed to simplify the planning process and minimize the time the patient is under the dock.
About OptiMedica
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., OptiMedica Corp. is a Silicon Valley-based global ophthalmic device company dedicated to developing performance-driven technologies that improve patient outcomes. Exclusively focused in the cataract therapeutic area, the company has developed the Catalys Precision Laser System to deliver unparalleled precision in cataract surgery through image-guided pre-operative lens conditioning. Catalys is U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) market cleared and CE mark approved for performing capsulotomy and/or lens fragmentation during cataract procedures.
OptiMedica’s legacy of innovation in ophthalmology also includes the development and commercialization of the PASCAL® Method of retinal photocoagulation, which was acquired by Topcon Corp. in August 2010. The company is funded by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Alloy Ventures, DAG Ventures, BlackRock Private Equity Partners and Bio*One Capital. For more information, please visit www.optimedica.com.
References
1 Friedman, NJ, et al., “Femtosecond
Laser Capsulotomy,” Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery,
2011 July; 37(7): 1189-1198
2 Palanker, D., et al., “Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery with Integrated Optical Coherence Tomography,” Science Translational Medicine, Vol 2 Issue 58: 1-9 (2010)
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