Here are three pieces of surgical equipment that ophthalmologist Michael Sayegh, MD, of the Eastern Orange Ambulatory Surgery Center in Cornwall, N.Y., says are possible good investments for ASCs offering ophthalmology.
1. Yag laser - Traditionally, ophthalmologists say these $60,000- $100,000 lasers are found in doctor offices, not ASCs. Increasingly though, ASCs are purchasing these small lasers that hold multiple applications for the eye. "They have two main uses,” Dr. Sayegh says. "One use is for posterior capsulotomy, to break up the membrane that forms behind intraocular lenses after cataract surgery. The second use for the laser is an iridotomy procedure that takes care of a condition risk factor for glaucoma."
2. Alcon Infinity - This cataract machine is the latest incarnation of a phacoemulsification unit, which is a high frequency ultrasound, Dr. Sayegh says. "An ultrasonic needle liquefies the cataract. The emulsifier breaks up the cataract and the machine has an irrigation port to irrigate the eye with saline solution and an aspiration port that vacuums everything up. It’s a state of the art piece of equipment with multiple features to enhance safety and increase efficiency."
3. Zeiss and Leica microscopes - Dr. Sayegh says both offer excellent three-dimensional vision, depth perception and visibility, "allowing you to identify problems early and perform your work more efficiently. You can manipulate the light to give a better red reflex," which he says occurs when the light enters the pupil bounces out.
"Both Zeiss and Leica make great lenses and make the surgical steps easier and more efficient." He says the microscopes cost $30,000-$50,000.
Contact Mark Taylor at mark@beckersasc.com.