The simplicity and ease-of-use of a vitrectomy system contributes to the overall positive atmosphere in the OR. According to Brian C. Joondeph, MD, Denver, nowhere are these synergies more important than in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), particularly one that is not dedicated solely to retina or even ophthalmic surgeries.
“I operate at several multispecialty ASCs, and I don’t always have the same staff assisting me,” Dr. Joondeph says. “In fact, the nurses and technicians who assist with colonoscopies and total joint replacements are the same people who assist with my retina cases. Having an intuitive vitrectomy system, such as the EVA, which has a user-friendly interface that is easy to set up and navigate, is a must.”
Asheesh Tewari, MD, operates at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI, another setting where OR staff must be able to shift gears for vastly different surgeries.
“Retina surgery is quite different from any other surgery, including cataract surgery,” he says. “Our equipment has many moving pieces that must be set up exactly to specifications for it to work properly. We rotate a staff of five scrub technicians in the OR, and they have commented to me that the EVA machine is exceptionally user-friendly, with its touch screen and large color multi-function display.
“Even though there are many connections, tubing, and so on, the manufacturer has simplified it nicely, combining it with a touch screen that guides you through all of the installation steps and the different modes. The staff adapted to the machine quickly.”
When staff members are comfortable with the OR equipment, the surgeon’s stress level is reduced, Dr. Tewari says. “I know that if I need them to adjust machine settings, for example, they are right on top of it.”
Company Support
In terms of set-up, training, and trouble-shooting, Dr. Joondeph says Dutch Ophthalmic provides excellent customer support. “Being able to reach somebody who will help if something is not working properly or if we get an error message and we are not sure what to do is a big plus,” he says. “That is good and proper customer service. With any complex machine, nothing works perfectly all of the time, so to be able to reach a company representative in a timely manner is very important.”
Dr. Tewari has had a similar experience. “From a service perspective, the company has performed very well,” he says. “The hospital is quite satisfied and also uses many of the peripheral components, including forceps and microscissors.”
An Unexpected Benefit
Having made a commitment to retina by bringing in an EVA surgical system, administrators at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital are finding that this technology is helping to grow the business. “The hospital has been at the forefront and very supportive,” Dr. Tewari says. “As a result, it is becoming a retina hub, with other retina surgeons from the community bringing surgical cases to the hospital because of the EVA.” ■