Zeiss MICOR 700

The field of cataract extraction surgery continues to advance, with much of the focus being on new lens desigtn. But the hand-held Zeiss MICOR 700 has hit medical headlines because it offers cataract surgeons a new take on the actual process of removing the eye lens.

The traditional process of phacoemulsification uses ultrasound waves to break down the diseased lens. But this new Zeiss product replaces this with a novel process known as NULEX (non-ultrasound lens extraction), which is enabled through a patented oscillating, asymmetric cutter head.

The greatest advantage of this is that it generates less heat and friction within the ocular spaces, reducing the risk of thermal damage to the surrounding tissues. This is innovational in itself, but the benefits of the Zeiss MICOR 700 also include:

• A minimal footprint: No console or foot pedal required, meaning it takes up far less room in the operating room.
• Hand-held operation: And maneuvered through intuitive fingertip control.
• Plug-n-play: The device is in two parts. The back end is reusable and each single-use front end part is sterile and immediately ready for use after removal from the blister pack. Simply plug it into the console and it’s ready to use.

In practice, this shaves precious minutes off the time of each cataract procedure as well as taking up less space in the OR. 

Safety & Efficiency: The Future of Lens Extraction 

While the phacoemulsification technique currently in use is absolutely safe and efficient, research and design continues to find new ways to innovate and improve.

The patented design of the Zeiss MICRO 700 tip further increases the operative safety margins. It has a blunt and rounded tip design that’s gentler on the eye tissue and generates less heat and energy from the point of lens extraction to the rest of the eye. This potentially leads to faster healing. Surgeons also benefit from having a broadened intraocular working space, allowing easier manipulation of the capsular bag.

Such a tool provides ophthalmologists with an additional approach to surgery. This could be advantageous in many situations, especially when operating on patients with more challenging internal eye geography.