A Spectrum of New Surgical Tools
If you're in the market for new surgical scissors, consider the Microgrind scissors from Spectrum Surgical. They're available in four sizes - 4 1/2" Baby Metzenbaum, 5 1/2" Metzenbaum, 7" Metzenbaum, and 6 3/4" Mayo - and are suitable for a full range of outpatient procedures, from plastics to general surgery, according to the manufacturer. The scissors have one blade sharpened like a razor and the other blade flattened and serrated, enabling a lancing effect. The Microgrind series comes with a lifetime warranty that includes free sharpening for life. The list prices range from $45 to $70.

The company's bipolar forceps come with precision-aligned distal tips.

The company also offers a new line of reusable and disposable bipolar forceps. Both kinds are available in either insulated or non-insulated formats. They range in length from four to 10 inches; each one comes with precision aligned distal tips ranging from 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm. You can use them in eye surgery, plastics, and reconstructive hand surgery, Spectrum says. For more information, call (800) 444-5644, visit www.spectrumsurgical.com, or circle 91.

Disinfection goes digital
If you are looking for a faster, safer low temperature sterilization and disinfection system, consider the Steris System 1 with enhanced control. Now available with new information management capabilities, the Steris System 1 improves staff efficiency, the manufacturer claims. The new features include a dual-line digital display that prompts the operator throughout the cycle, alerts the user of canceled cycles, and provides a cycle countdown. A built-in printer provides a comprehensive permanent record. An optional bar code scanner enables the user to input cycle-specific information including operator ID, device ID, physician ID, and procedure ID. Also, the instrument's communication capabilities include real time diagnostics, comprehensive data entry, and internal/external information exchange via the Internet. Contact Steris Corporation at 800-JIT-4-USE, visit www.steris.com, or circle #90.

With the MK QuickRinse, hyou can use bursts of air, water, and cleanser in any combination to clean your microkeratome.

A New Way to Clean Your Microkeratome
You may be able to clean your microkeratome more quickly with the MK QuickRinse from American Optisurgical. The system includes two color-coded pressurized 1000-ml fluid containers. The green-capped bottle contains an OSHA-approved, 8-cc pre-measured cleanser/lubricant ampule. The blue-capped bottle contains sterile or distilled water. The containers connect to a rinsing gun that allows you to blast the microkeratome with air, water, or solution. The price is $3,495; call (800) 576-1266, visit www.optisurgical.com, or circle 94.

An Economical Way to do Clear Cornea Incisions...
If you use acrylic IOL's, the Accutome Clear Cornea Incision Set may significantly reduce your costs per instrument. All the products in the set are offered at a discounted rate. The set includes: one 2.5/3.5 mm Black Diamond Trapezoid Keratome for both the initial incision for phaco and for IOL insertion, one Pre-set Diamond Groover Knife available in 300, 400, or 500 µm depth for initial groove outline, one grooved Atraumatic Fixation Ring to minimize fixation trauma and globe movement, and one sterilization case. Call Accutome at 800-979-2020, visit www.accutome.com, or circle 92.

Rhein's Lehner II Loader & Inserter minimized the potential for damage to the central optic when inserting an acrylic IOL.

...and an Easy Way to Fold Acrylic IOLs

The new Lehner II Loader & Inserter from Rhein Medical may make inserting acrylic foldable lenses easier. The titanium inserter is compatible with both 5.5-mm and 6-mm acrylic foldable lenses. After folding the lens into a taco shape, the company says, the loader's crescent-shaped blades grasp the lens around the outer periphery, keeping it clear of the center optical zone and minimizing the potential for damage to the central optic. The instrument is reusable and autoclaveable. It is available for a 30-day surgical trial. Call Rhein Medical at (800) 637-4346, visit www.rheinmedical.com, or circle 93.