AMO launches new technology for phacoemulsification system

Advanced Medical Optics Inc. (AMO) introduced WhiteStar ICE technology for use with the Sovereign phacoemulsification system at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting in Chicago. The energy system/fluid management component allows surgeons to increase cutting power without increasing energy.

An initial "punch" at the beginning of each ICE pulse allows a gas-rich balanced salt solution to flow between the phaco tip and cataract material, acting as a transient cavitation accelerator, to improve cutting efficiency, according to the company.

Chamber Stabilization Environment (CASE) technology enables surgeons to optimize the use of fluidics during cataract removal while significantly reducing surge on occlusion break, AMO said in a prepared statement. Within milliseconds, the pre-programmed CASE settings proactively adjust vacuum before the occlusion breaks to reduce chamber shallowing significantly and maintain chamber stability, according to the company.

"The use of fluidics to complement ultrasound cataract extraction marks a paradigm shift that could allow surgeons to develop better techniques to improve patient outcomes," said Paul Rockley, AMO vice president, worldwide marketing, cataract equipment, Santa Ana, CA.