Time and motion studies demonstrate workflow efficiencies of Alcon’s Unity VCS in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery

(Image Credit: AdobeStock/adragan)

Alcon has released results from time and motion studies of the Unity Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) for vitreoretinal and cataract surgery compared to the Constellation Vision System and the Centurion Vision System with active sentry.

The first study was a prospective, observational, controlled, multi-site time and motion study that looked at 179 surgical cases. It used objective, videography-based measurements to directly compare Unity VCS (n=92) against the Constellation Vision System (n=87) in vitreoretinal surgery. The duration of console setup, intraoperative time, and tear-down time of 25-gauge (Ga) vitrectomy surgeries were assessed.

Results showed Unity VCS provides a 16% efficiency gain in overall workflow and also provides statistically significant efficiencies in console setup (33%) and tear-down (38%).

The second study was an observational, pre-post, multi-site time and motion analysis that evaluated console setup and full procedure turnover for cataract surgeries of 303 patients. It analyzed Unity VCS with either the Intelligent Sentry handpiece or the Active Sentry handpiece (n=142), compared to the Centurion Vision System with the Active Sentry handpiece (n=161).

Results from the second study showed Unity VCS reduces cataract surgery turnover time by 6%, with additional reductions in total energy into the eye (35%) and ultrasound time (8%).

John Kitchens, MD, lead investigator of the first trial, and Lawrence Woodard, MD, lead investigator of the second, commented on their respective trials in a press release from Alcon.

"Our data demonstrates that the UNITY VCS streamlined platform and integrated controls result in clearly measurable time savings in the overall workflow. These efficiencies are not just helpful; they are critical for managing OR throughput and maintaining a high standard of care across a demanding surgical schedule,” said Kitchens.

“An efficient OR setup has a cascading effect; it enables my staff to stay focused on what truly matters: delivering the best surgical care to our patients without compromising quality. Our study demonstrates that UNITY VCS can support efficiency, directly impacting my high-volume practice,” said Woodard.

The Unity VCS console, when used with compatible devices, is indicated for use during anterior segment (phacoemulsification and removal of cataracts) and posterior segment (vitreoretinal) ophthalmic surgery and is currently available in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, India, Japan, and the US.

References:

1. Alcon announces new time and motion study results supporting superior efficiency for cataract and vitreoretinal surgery with UNITY VCS. Published September 16, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250915516765/en/Alcon-Announces-New-Time-and-Motion-Study-Results-Supporting-Superior-Efficiency-for-Cataract-and-Vitreoretinal-Surgery-with-UNITY-VCS