A new way to chop cataracts
If your eye surgeons use the reverse nucleus technique for cataract surgery (the technique that involves splitting and removing a cataractous nucleus by positioning a chopper below the nuclear hemisphere), you may want to consider the Sung Reverse Nucleus Chopper. The device, produced by Rhein Medical, features a modified distal tip that has a sharp anterior surface and a ball-like posterior surface. The surgeon slides the chopper under the nucleus but above the posterior capsule and divides the nucleus from below. According to Rhein, the upward angle of the chopper also facilitates sweeping fragments toward the phaco tip during aspiration. Reusable and guaranteed for life, the reverse chopper is available in stainless steel ($295) or titanium ($305). Your surgeons can try the chopper for a 30-day surgical evaluation without obligation; a complimentary instructional video tape is available upon request. For more information, call (800) 637-4346 or circle 91.

Give 'em the brush off
Spectrum's new Stiff-Line brushes for cleaning instruments feature extra-stiff, medical-grade nylon bristles, and thick, rigid shafts to prevent bending, according to Spectrum. The shafts are easy-to-clean stainless steel. The brushes are 18 inches in length and available in 5-mm, 10-mm, or 15-mm diameters. Packages of three are $9.95. Call (800) 444-5644 or circle 92.

A safer way to discard sharps?
You may be able to remove and dispose of scalpel blades more easily and safely with Qlicksmart's single-handed scalpel blade removal system. The system is a flask with a special opening; when you place the blade into the opening, it disengages and falls into the flask. The system removes with a single action common blades from most No.3, No.4, No.5, No.7, and No.9 scalpel handles. An automatic shut-off prevents over-filling, and a built-in counter shows remaining capacity. When the flask is full, you red-bag it. One for evaluation is $28.50; quantity pricing is available. Call (800) 714-1304, e-mail at sales@qlicksmart.com, log onto www.qlicksmart.com or circle 93.

Reinvent yourself
A new web site, which you can reach with either of two URLs - www.mdinventor.com or www.healthcareinventions.com-offers healthcare professionals free information on developing their own products. For those more serious, the site offers reference books, "inventor kits," workbooks, and access to professional consultations with patent lawyers, medical-product and FDA experts. You can submit your idea to experts at the web site; if approved, one of the site's corporate sponsors will consider it for funding. Log on or circle 94.

Stainless steel: The surgeon's new best friend?
If your surgeons want to do clear corneal incisions but you don't want to get involved with diamond blades, you may be interested in AccuSharp, Accutome's new line of sterile, disposable metal blades. The company says the blades can make an incision 50 microns thinner than that of the standard metal keratome. The line includes the Straight, Crescent, Slit, and MVR models. For more information, call (800) 979-2020 in the U.S. and Canada; (610) 889-0200, fax (610) 889-3233, or circle 95.