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Good Things Come in Small Packages

Vitrectomy system provides creative solutions to yield operational efficiency and financial solvency.

KAREN APPOLD, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sometimes bigger isn’t better. And while bells and whistles may seem impressive at first, simplicity rules supreme when operating a device.

With these concepts in mind, Synergetics USA Inc. (O’Fallon, MO) designed the VersaVIT 2.0 system, which builds upon the company’s first-generation model and is based on surgeon feedback and leading ophthalmic surgical technologies.

VersaVIT 2.0 provides high-speed cutting up to 6,000 cpm in combination with active duty cycle control. Combined, these features provide surgeons with a more efficient way to remove vitreous while simultaneously increasing safety by decreasing traction on retinal tissues when shaving along the base of the retina. According to Synergetics, each cut is measured and adjusted within the machine to maximize the efficiency of the vitrector.

Michael Borne, MD, an ophthalmologis with Mississippi Retina Associates in Jackson, says, “The cutter is very advanced, and machine use has been flawless.”

After using the original VersaVIT, Sunil Srivastava, MD, an ophthalmologist in Cleveland, OH, was enticed to buy the VersaVIT 2.0 due to improvements in the cut rate and duty cycle control. “I recognized the utility of its design — it is very modular, allowing me to open only the parts we needed for a vitrectomy,” he says.

PORTABLE AND EASY TO USE

Just a little larger than a toaster and weighing in at only 25 pounds, the VersaVIT 2.0 can easily be moved. It has a built-in handle and the ability to be battery or wall powered. These factors played a role in Dr. Borne’s purchasing decision.

“We needed a vitrectomy machine for a second retina room that personnel who were not full-time retina trained could easily set up,” he says. “All of the manipulations of the settings can be done from the foot pedal and it’s portable enough to use in any room in our ambulatory surgery center.”

Dr. Srivastava had similar sentiments. “The compact design and relative ease of set up made it an easy decision,” he says. “It only takes my surgical scrub a few minutes to set up.”

The VersaVIT 2.0

SMART AND EFFICIENT

VersaVIT 2.0 was designed to provide a high level of sophistication in a non-complicated, intuitive way. The system’s simplicity is easy for staff to learn and operate. All operations can be achieved through the simple push of a button.

Several key features help drive operational efficiencies in the operating room. Boot-up takes approximately 10 seconds, and there are no touchscreens or menus to navigate when setting up, reducing overall setup time. Dual long-life LED lights (rated at 25,000 hours), reduced air consumption, and a backup battery save both time and money.

Accessories enhance the product’s capabilities. Dr. Srivastava uses the VersaVIT 2.0 with the Synergetics’ photon light source, which provides great illumination. In addition, because Dr. Srinastava performs a fair number of vitreous biopsies, “The availability of the VersaVit biopsy pack was important,” he says. “I have used it for a number of difficult cases, including retinal detachment and tractional retinal detachment, and have found the fluidics reliable and duty cycle control useful.”

The small, simple device comes with a price tag to match. “Its low entry cost and competitive cost per case made it a welcome addition,” Dr. Srivastava concludes.

Adds Dr. Borne, “The economics of medicine are changing rapidly; it is nice to have an option for straightforward cases that allows savings without sacrificing quality or outcomes.” RP