Bausch + Lomb unveils updates for vision enhancement system

Bausch + Lomb Corp. today announced the first in a series of efficiency-enhancing upgrades for the Stellaris Elite vision enhancement system. The upgrades include an increase to the maximum vacuum setting from 600 to 660mmHg and an enhancement to the removable valve caps in the trocar/cannula system.

“Bausch + Lomb is continuously innovating with the twin goals of delivering new technologies and strengthening our existing portfolio,” Anthony Wallace, vice president and general manager, U.S. Surgical, Bausch + Lomb, said in a statement. “These upgrades represent the first in a series of multiple enhancements planned for the Stellaris Elite platform, all of which will focus on key tenets of vitreoretinal surgery – vitreous and tissue removal, visualization and fluidics.”

The company noted in a news release that the maximum vacuum increase enables a 10% boost in vacuum capabilities and up to an 8% increase in vitreous removal efficiency. The changes made to the removable valve caps in the trocar/cannula system deliver a 33% increase in the central thickness of the valve and a 27% reduction in each segment of the familiar tri-slit profile.

Moreover, the company added that these changes are designed to provide improved fluidic stability during vitrectomy surgery. Both the vacuum increase and the changes to the trocar/cannula system will be made available to Stellaris Elite users beginning this month.

“As a Stellaris Elite user since its inception, I have come to rely on its fluidic predictability and excellent precision and efficiency in the operating room,” said Rahul K. Reddy, MD, an ophthalmologist and retinal specialist, Associated Retina Consultants, Phoenix, Arizona. “These upgrades will further enhance this extremely stable platform and allow delicate maneuvers to continue to be performed. I look forward to the additional enhancements to come in the near future.”

Bausch + Lomb noted in its news release that completing this first round of enhancements will be an increase in light pipe rigidity. In 2020, the design of all of the company’s 25-gauge endoilluminators were altered to increase rigidity by 146%. Later this year, the 25-gauge endoilluminators will see a further 74% increase in rigidity for additional support in manipulating the globe.