Quantel Medical Announces Addition Of Two New Disposable Products To Portfolio

LONDON, Sept. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantel Medical today announced the introduction of two new disposable product ranges. The latest additions to their portfolio will be showcased at the annual congresses of the European Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

The launches include Vitra™ Probes, a next-generation range of laser probes, compatible with Quantel Supra and Vitra™ laser systems. The laser probes are used in conjunction with photocoagulation lasers for the treatment of retinal diseases. The extended range features two new, unique designs, including a flexible tip laser probe and a steerable laser probe.

The new steerable probe allows unparalleled access to the retina with its steerable concept and 360 degrees rotatable handle. The flexible curved probe's exclusive design features a flexible needle with a memory shape effect. Each probe in the line offers operator comfort of use with its optimized features.

The introduction of Quantel's new, single use diagnostic and treatment lenses brings improved optical quality and safety, not previously available in the market. The new, advanced design of the single use lenses feature larger, flatter mirrors resulting in a wider, improved field of view. In addition to the optical improvement, the lenses provide a solution to many of the concerns that are often associated the risk of infection from improper disinfection of traditional, reusable lenses.

The single use lenses, packaged in a sterile pouch and discarded after one-time use, offer infection control compliance, and eliminate costly, time-consuming disinfection and sterilization processes. Studies have shown that hundreds of eye infections are linked to ophthalmology clinics, validating that eye care facilities need strict adherence to infection control measures.^{1, 2,3,4,5}

While aging reusable lenses may compromise image quality and limit therapeutic treatment, Quantel single use lenses provide a pristine view for diagnosis and treatment, and ideal laser transmission every time.

"The two new product introductions reflect Quantel's commitment to bring innovative new technologies to market that address the needs of our customers and their patients," commented Jean-Marc Gendre, Chief Executive Officer of Quantel Medical. "We are excited to bring these new product breakthroughs to the eye care community on a global level."

About Quantel Medical

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Quantel Medical is a global ophthalmic medical device company dedicated to developing leading technologies to improve the treatment of ocular diseases. Quantel Medical has a strong emphasis in research and development, resulting in many first-to-market product introductions and a comprehensive product portfolio of diagnostic ultrasound and surgical lasers for ophthalmologists. These products are available through direct sales operations in the U.S. and France, and through independent distributors in over 80 countries.

Quantel Medical is a division of Quantel (QUA:EN), a worldwide leader in the development of solid-state lasers for scientific and industrial applications. For more information, please visit www.quantel-medical.com.

References

1. Segal W.A., Pimazar J.R., Arens M., Pepose J.S. (2001). Disinfection of Goldmann tonometers after contamination with hepatitis virus. Am J Ophthalmol, 131(2), 184-7.
2. Koo D., Bouvier B., Wesley M., Courtright P., Reingold A. (1989). Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis in a university medical center ophthalmology clinic; need for re-evaluation of the design and disinfection of instruments. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol, 10(12), 547-52.
3. Nagington J., Sutehall G.M., Whipp P. (1983). Tonometer disinfection and viruses. Br J Ophthalmol, 67(10), 674-6.
4. Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (2008). Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/Disinfection_Sterilization/3_1deLaparoArthro.html
5. Hundreds of Eye Infections Linked With Ophthalmology Clinics (2013). JAMA, 310(14), 1439.

SOURCE Quantel Medical