APX – Ophthalmology
- Category: Medical Devices
- Investment Status: Advanced
- Medical Field: Ophthalmology
- Patent Status: National
- Development Status: Clinical
- Medical Center: Meir
Inventors: Prof. Ehud Assia, Elie Eliachar
Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS), a complication that may occur during cataract extraction in patients using alpha adrenergic blockers, is characterized by a flaccid iris which billows in response to intraocular fluid currents, a propensity for the floppy iris to prolapse towards the surgical incisions during surgery, and progressive intraoperative pupil constriction. The common technique of pupil stretching is contraindicated in patients with IFIS as it can lead to even more problems with iris prolapse. Pharmacological mydriatics are also ineffective. Cataract surgery in patients with small pupils poses an increased risk of complications such as iris trauma, anterior capsular tear, posterior capsular rupture and vitreous loss. Three main techniques commonly used to manage small pupils are pupil stretching, iris hooks, and various rings such as the Malyugin ring. Currently available devices slow down surgery due to complicated and time-consuming insertion and removal. In many cases the surgical field is impeded due to the device’s mechanical structure and this may result in physiological disturbances.
APX has developed two unique iris retractors to provide surgeons with greater comfort and performance when dealing with complicated cataract procedures. One retractor is made of stainless steel and the other, plastic The design of the APX retractors has resolved the major drawbacks of complicated cataract surgery.
- Positioning and removal are simple and fast, saving valuable procedure time
- No manipulation using intraocular instruments required
- The surgical field remains unimpeded
- Requires only two lateral 19G (~1 mm) incisions
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