Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, is introducing new phacoemulsification (phaco) technology that is part of the CENTURION^®Vision System, including the ACTIVE SENTRY^®Handpiece and INTREPID^®Hybrid Tip, at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2019 annual meeting taking place May 3-7 in San Diego, Calif. These new products, which are designed to improve safety, consistency and control during cataract surgery, will also be featured in data presented at the meeting that highlight their potential clinical benefits.^1-3

ACTIVE SENTRY® Handpiece is the first and only phaco handpiece with a built-in fluidics pressure sensor that detects pressure in real time and communicates with the CENTURION® Vision System.³ ACTIVE SENTRY® Handpiece alerts Active Fluidics™ Technology as fluctuation occurs in the anterior chamber, triggering immediate adjustments designed to stabilize the anterior chamber and ensure consistency.³

The INTREPID® Hybrid Tip is an update to the very popular INTREPID® BALANCED Tip, and includes a rounded polymer edge designed to reduce the risk of capsular tears and improve patient safety in the OR.² It has cutting performance suitable for cataract densities up to 3+ and has Fluidics performance and configuration identical to the INTREPID® BALANCED Tip.

“We are constantly looking to develop new innovations that will offer a differentiated and measurable benefit to both surgeons and patients,” said Jim Di Filippo, Vice President and General Manager, US Surgical, Alcon. “We are excited to launch these important innovations to our leading phaco system, as part of our continuous efforts to improve cataract surgery and help deliver consistent and controlled outcomes.” 

At ASCRS, Dr. Kevin M. Miller will present findings from a study demonstrating that the CENTURION^®Vision System with ACTIVE SENTRY^®upgrades produced the lowest occlusion break surge volumes compared to two previous generation units. The data will appear in a paper presentation on Monday, May 6 from 3:40 – 3:45 p.m. in the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC), Upper Level, Room 1B. Additionally, Drs. Nick Mamalis, Liliana Werner and Caleb L. Shumway (presenter) will present data demonstrating how the INTREPID^®Hybrid Tip may be an effective means to help mitigate complications such as posterior capsular rupture, which could occur during phacoemulsification, and might be useful for both experienced surgeons and those in training. The data will appear in a paper presentation on Tuesday, May 7 from 10:07 – 10:12 a.m., SDCC, Upper Level, Room 1A.

“The results of this study showed that the INTREPID^®Hybrid Tip may help surgeons during cataract surgery by adding another layer of protection for the patient,” said Nick Mamalis, MD, John Moran Eye Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. “As surgeons, we know there is always the risk for potential posterior capsule tears, so the Hybrid Tip is a welcomed advancement to help us perform and deliver optimal results for our patients.” 

The commercial launch for both of these products will be in June. Additional important information about the CENTURION^®Vision System and these innovations will be available at the Alcon booth #921.

All educational content of the ASCRS•ASOA Annual Meeting is planned by its program committee, and ASCRS•ASOA does not endorse, promote, approve, or recommend the use of any products, devices, or services.

Important Information About the CENTURION^®Vision System

The CENTURION^® Vision system is indicated for emulsification, separation, irrigation, and aspiration of cataracts, residual cortical material and lens epithelial cells, vitreous aspiration and cutting associated with anterior vitrectomy, bipolar coagulation, and intraocular lens injection. Appropriate use of CENTURION^®Vision System parameters and accessories is important for successful procedures. Please refer to the ORA SYSTEM^®Operator’s Manual for a complete description of proper use and maintenance, as well as a complete list of contraindications, warnings and precautions.

References

1. Sharif-Kashani P, Fanney D, Injev V. Comparison of occlusion break responses and vacuum rise times of phacoemulsification systems. BMC Ophthalmol. 2014;14:96.
2. Alcon Data on File.
3. Nicoli CM, Dimalanta R, Miller K. Experimental anterior chamber maintenance in active versus passive phacoemulsification fluidics systems. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2016;42(1):157-162.