Surgeons choose from 7 reusable options for different grasping needs.

A new line of retinal forceps has married durability with affordability for retinal surgeons. Moria, Inc. has utilized an innovative and cost-effective material to create the handles of its retinal composite forceps. The highly durable material, called polyether ether ketone (PEEK), is a biocompatible polymer that retains its mechanical and chemical properties even when exposed to high temperatures and challenging organic or aqueous environments.

DURABILITY

“Because of its robustness, PEEK is used to manufacture items for demanding applications in the medical and aerospace industries,” says Doug Cubic, national sales manager, Moria, Inc. “The forceps will last a very long time, because PEEK is a strong material with a boiling point of 662° Fahrenheit — making it very durable during the sterilization process. The tips and shafts are made from stainless steel. If properly cared for, the forceps will last just as long as metal forceps.”

AFFORDABILITY

The cost of Moria’s forceps is a fraction of that of other forceps. “With advancements in Moria’s composite retinal forceps, ambulatory surgical centers and hospitals can save on the cost of metal and disposable retinal forceps,” Cubic says.

A tip protector helps to prevent damage and extends the forceps’ life. The protector should be kept on at all times, other than during use, including when being flushed. “From experience, we know that many instruments are damaged during sterilization,” Cubic says. “If surgeons use the sterilizable tip protector and clean the forceps well, they will get a lot of uses out of them.”

CONVENIENCE

Vincent Reppucci, MD, an ophthalmologist with Vitreoretinal Surgeons, LLC, in Danbury, Connecticut, says Moria’s forceps are a welcome departure from today’s disposable forceps, which are typically constructed of material that will not consistently stand up to thermal or chemical sterilization. “They are lightweight, yet have a good grip and substantial feel,” he says. “They have excellent quality construction, and can be flushed, cleaned, and then resterilized by steam autoclave.”

Dr. Reppucci uses the forceps for surgeries involving macular holes and puckers, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and diabetic proliferative retinopathy. “The ability to resterilize and reuse these forceps makes them an economical alternative, especially in a high-volume outpatient ASC,” he says.

Any surgeon who performs vitreoretinal procedures can use Moria’s composite retinal forceps, says Cubic. “No learning curve is involved,” he says.

Dr. Reppucci points out that the forceps feature a squeeze-type handle; the tips are not independently rotatable. “Surgeons accustomed to a ‘cage-type’ handle may need to slightly adjust their technique to make a full rotational orientation of the forceps’ tips,” he says.

MULTIPLE DESIGNS

Moria offers a comprehensive range of 7 styles of retinal forceps, designed to grasp fine or heavy membranes. Tips do not retract, enabling surgeons to precisely grasp membranes.

All of the forceps are available in 23 g and 25 g sizes, and the sizes are clearly marked on the forceps. “Surgeons can have access to a full variety of forceps types,” Dr. Reppucci says. The 7 designs and their uses are described below.

1. Internal limiting membrane (ILM). These have thin tips for precise grasping and removing fine membranes including ILM. The design is especially adapted to peeling membrane on the macula.
2. Fine ILM. These have thinner tips for a better visualization during grasping and precise removal of fine membranes including ILM. The design is especially adapted to peeling membrane on the macula.
3. Eckardt. These are multipurpose forceps for ILM (especially around the macula hole) and epiretinal membrane peel.
4. End grasping. These are asymmetrical forceps designed for ILM peeling. The asymmetric jaws allow for visualization along the tip. The larger platforms enable precise and firm gripping.
5. Tano. These multipurpose asymmetrical forceps are designed for peeling a variety of membranes, for example, ILM, fine epiretinal membranes, and diabetic or proliferative vitreoretinopathy membranes. The asymmetric jaws allow visualization along the entire tip length.
6. Serrated. The serrated jaws on these forceps facilitate secure grasping fibrous or strongly attached membranes.
7. Microserrated. The microserrations on the jaws of these forceps allow for secure grasping fibrous or strongly attached membranes.

Dr. Reppucci concludes, “The forceps function at a level equivalent to, or superior to, any of the forceps presently available, disposable or otherwise.” RP