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BD Medical, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a global medical technology company that pioneered safety-engineered devices, today unveiled BD Visitec™ Disposable Instruments, a line of single-use stainless steel instruments to meet the growing challenges of ophthalmic surgery. Building on a more than 109-year tradition of innovation, safety and unparalleled quality, BD continues its deep commitment to the safety of healthcare workers who use its devices and to the patients who rely on them.

BD Visitec™ Disposable Instruments

It has been reported that some cases of toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) have been associated with the cleaning and sterilization of reused ophthalmic surgical instruments. Even using proper sterilization techniques, it is possible for residue to remain on the instruments, such as endotoxin, that has been implicated in the development of sterile inflammation of the anterior segment. Several healthcare facilities across the country are now requiring their ophthalmic surgical teams to use only disposable instrumentation in an effort to prevent infection from cross contamination.

“There is no doubt that prevention is key in minimizing or even eliminating, the risk of a TASS infection,” says Randall Olson, MD, Chairman of the John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah. “Ophthalmic surgeons may want to use disposable instruments in order to avoid cross- contamination.” BD Visitec Disposable Instruments include four kinds of forceps, an eye speculum, needle holder, Vannas scissors, Buratto’s Hook and Straight Micro-Manipulator.

BD Beaver™ Safety Cataract Knife System

To meet new surgical techniques, BD develops new medical devices that reflect the evolving needs of the ophthalmic surgeon. The new BD Beaver Safety 2.2mm Slit Knife was specifically designed in response to advances in phaco surgery for lens extraction. “Coaxial microincision phacoemulsion is now being performed with a 2.2mm incision,” said Robert Osher, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology at the College of Medicine of the University of Cincinnati and the Medical Director Emeritus of the Cincinnati Eye Institute. The new BD Beaver Safety Knife with a 2.2 mm blade fits the newest phaco tips.

A recent industry survey of cataract surgeons revealed that, of those who reported using an alternative approach to conventional phaco, coaxial micro-incision phaco was the most popular. The extensive BD Beaver™ Safety Cataract Knife System line of products has an integrated retractable shield specifically designed to protect healthcare workers from accidental sharps injuries during use or disposal. The shield also protects the quality and consistency of the blade from possible damage.

BD has been at the forefront in the development of disposable medical devices and sharps injury prevention for healthcare workers who are the front line of defense against the threat of cross- contamination and blood-borne diseases. BD continues to develop advanced technology safety solutions and disposable devices to meet the challenge of emerging infections and transmissible diseases in ophthalmic surgery.

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