Latest news with #UNITY®VitreoretinalCataractSystem
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alcon's Latest Breakthrough Surgical Technology, Unity VCS, receives Health Canada approval
Combined vitreoretinal-cataract system (VCS) is cleared for use in Canada New, proprietary technology is designed to deliver significant surgical and workflow efficiencies First innovation to be introduced from Alcon's cutting-edge Unity portfolio of surgical equipment TORONTO, July 08, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced that UNITY® Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) has received Health Canada approval. This innovation is the first to be introduced from Alcon's highly anticipated Unity portfolio. "Today marks an important day for Canadian ophthalmologists as we introduce the next generation of equipment solutions in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery, and we are grateful to those who helped us reach this milestone," said Franck Leveiller, Head of Global R&D and Chief Scientific Officer, Alcon. "We have a long legacy of engaging our customers throughout the research and development process to design bold innovations in ophthalmology. This approval is a significant milestone in delivering meaningful impact for Canadian Eye Care Professionals and patients." Unity VCS is Alcon's most advanced vitreoretinal and cataract surgical innovations combined together in one integrated platform. Unity VCS is designed to deliver enhanced workflow efficiencies over Alcon's current leading systems, CONSTELLATION® Vision System for vitreoretinal and combined procedures, and CENTURION® Vision System with ACTIVE SENTRY® for cataract surgery. "The first time I used Unity VCS in a wet lab environment, I had a real 'wow' reaction," said Dr. Rosa Braga-Mele, ophthalmologist and chair of Alcon's North America Cataract Core Advisory Board. "This is a proud moment to see the world-class innovation from Alcon receive approval in Canada. I'm particularly excited about the stability of the fluidics and cutting efficiency of the platform, which is quite remarkable and will create considerable surgical efficiencies." Unity VCS leverages a novel phacoemulsification modality to deliver up to two times faster nucleus removal^ with 40% less energy* into the eye1, and a first-of-its-kind phaco handpiece that estimates temperature at the incision site3. In vitreoretinal advancements, the new technology offers cutting speeds of up to 30,000 cuts per minute, the world's fastest vitrectomy probe#,2,3. The platform offers surgical stability and efficiency with a unique proprietary fluidics system3. "As a global market leader in cataract and retina surgical products4,5,6, Alcon recognizes that the increasing demand for these procedures7,8,9 necessitates enhanced workflow efficiencies and excellent patient outcomes," said Jeroen Bastemeijer, General Manager, Alcon Canada. "Unity VCS builds on Alcon's expertise in surgical equipment with pioneering innovations for vitreoretinal and cataract surgery—driving advancements from cutting speeds to fluidics management, to ergonomics and workflow. We are thrilled to bring this latest breakthrough technology, Unity VCS, to Canadian clinics in 2026." Alcon has tested Unity VCS during investigational advisory wet lab sessions with more than 200 highly experienced surgeons from 30+ countries. Commercial launch of Unity VCS is expected in early 2026. Unity VCS is the latest innovation from the Alcon Vision Suite—a portfolio of innovative products designed to help Eye Care Professionals increase clinic and OR efficiency, and deliver exceptional patient experiences. The Alcon Vision Suite will continue to grow with cutting-edge Unity products that are expected to be introduced over the coming years, adding to our market-leading legacy products, which will continue to be available and serviceable. Unity VCS will be supported by Alcon's training, product maintenance, and Services teams. About AlconAlcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at About UNITY VCSIndications / Intended Use3: The UNITY® VCS (Vitreoretinal Cataract System) console, when used with compatible devices, is indicated for use during anterior segment (i.e. phacoemulsification and removal of cataracts) and posterior segment (i.e. vitreoretinal) ophthalmic surgery. In addition, with the optional laser, this system is indicated for photocoagulation (i.e. vitreoretinal and macular pathologies), iridotomy and trabeculoplasty procedures. Please refer to the Directions for Use for the accessories/consumables and User Manual for a complete listing of indications, warnings, cautions and notes. ^2x faster nucleus removal than OZIL Torsional phaco*Based on N=10 HPs, Artificial cataract lens IOP 55 mmHg vacuum of 450 mmHg#Compared to Constellation HYPERVIT 20k vitrectomy probeOZIL - Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. References Alcon Data on File, 2024 - REF-24379. Alcon Data on File, 2024 - REF-24644. Unity VCS User Manual 2024 – REF-24980. Market Scope 2023 Retinal Surgical Device Market Report, 2023. Market Scope 2023 Cataract Surgical Equipment Market Report, 2023. Market Scope 2024 IOL Market Report, 2024. CNIB – Blindness in Canada, Accessed December 2, 2024 - REF-19527. The Prevalence of Canadian Vision Loss and Cataract Surgery, 2019 - REF-01661. Conference Board of Canada - Ophthalmology in Canada: Why Vision Loss Should Not Be Overlooked, 2020 - REF-10834. Connect with us onFacebook LinkedIn View source version on Contacts Media Relations Jane Lee Cheung+1 289 290 2393 (Canada)
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Alcon's Latest Breakthrough Surgical Technology, Unity VCS, receives Health Canada approval
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced that UNITY® Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) has received Health Canada approval. This innovation is the first to be introduced from Alcon's highly anticipated Unity portfolio. "This is a proud moment to see the world-class innovation from Alcon receive approval in Canada," said Dr. Rosa Braga-Mele, ophthalmologist and chair of Alcon's North America Cataract Core Advisory Board. Share 'Today marks an important day for Canadian ophthalmologists as we introduce the next generation of equipment solutions in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery, and we are grateful to those who helped us reach this milestone,' said Franck Leveiller, Head of Global R&D and Chief Scientific Officer, Alcon. 'We have a long legacy of engaging our customers throughout the research and development process to design bold innovations in ophthalmology. This approval is a significant milestone in delivering meaningful impact for Canadian Eye Care Professionals and patients.' Unity VCS is Alcon's most advanced vitreoretinal and cataract surgical innovations combined together in one integrated platform. Unity VCS is designed to deliver enhanced workflow efficiencies over Alcon's current leading systems, CONSTELLATION® Vision System for vitreoretinal and combined procedures, and CENTURION® Vision System with ACTIVE SENTRY® for cataract surgery. "The first time I used Unity VCS in a wet lab environment, I had a real 'wow' reaction," said Dr. Rosa Braga-Mele, ophthalmologist and chair of Alcon's North America Cataract Core Advisory Board. "This is a proud moment to see the world-class innovation from Alcon receive approval in Canada. I'm particularly excited about the stability of the fluidics and cutting efficiency of the platform, which is quite remarkable and will create considerable surgical efficiencies." Unity VCS leverages a novel phacoemulsification modality to deliver up to two times faster nucleus removal^ with 40% less energy* into the eye1, and a first-of-its-kind phaco handpiece that estimates temperature at the incision site3. In vitreoretinal advancements, the new technology offers cutting speeds of up to 30,000 cuts per minute, the world's fastest vitrectomy probe#,2,3. The platform offers surgical stability and efficiency with a unique proprietary fluidics system3. "As a global market leader in cataract and retina surgical products4,5,6, Alcon recognizes that the increasing demand for these procedures7,8,9 necessitates enhanced workflow efficiencies and excellent patient outcomes," said Jeroen Bastemeijer, General Manager, Alcon Canada. "Unity VCS builds on Alcon's expertise in surgical equipment with pioneering innovations for vitreoretinal and cataract surgery—driving advancements from cutting speeds to fluidics management, to ergonomics and workflow. We are thrilled to bring this latest breakthrough technology, Unity VCS, to Canadian clinics in 2026." Alcon has tested Unity VCS during investigational advisory wet lab sessions with more than 200 highly experienced surgeons from 30+ countries. Commercial launch of Unity VCS is expected in early 2026. Unity VCS is the latest innovation from the Alcon Vision Suite—a portfolio of innovative products designed to help Eye Care Professionals increase clinic and OR efficiency, and deliver exceptional patient experiences. The Alcon Vision Suite will continue to grow with cutting-edge Unity products that are expected to be introduced over the coming years, adding to our market-leading legacy products, which will continue to be available and serviceable. Unity VCS will be supported by Alcon's training, product maintenance, and Services teams. About Alcon Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at About UNITY VCS Indications / Intended Use3: The UNITY® VCS (Vitreoretinal Cataract System) console, when used with compatible devices, is indicated for use during anterior segment (i.e. phacoemulsification and removal of cataracts) and posterior segment (i.e. vitreoretinal) ophthalmic surgery. In addition, with the optional laser, this system is indicated for photocoagulation (i.e. vitreoretinal and macular pathologies), iridotomy and trabeculoplasty procedures. Please refer to the Directions for Use for the accessories/consumables and User Manual for a complete listing of indications, warnings, cautions and notes. ^2x faster nucleus removal than OZIL Torsional phaco *Based on N=10 HPs, Artificial cataract lens IOP 55 mmHg vacuum of 450 mmHg #Compared to Constellation HYPERVIT 20k vitrectomy probe OZIL - Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. References Alcon Data on File, 2024 - REF-24379. Alcon Data on File, 2024 - REF-24644. Unity VCS User Manual 2024 – REF-24980. Market Scope 2023 Retinal Surgical Device Market Report, 2023. Market Scope 2023 Cataract Surgical Equipment Market Report, 2023. Market Scope 2024 IOL Market Report, 2024. CNIB – Blindness in Canada, Accessed December 2, 2024 - REF-19527. The Prevalence of Canadian Vision Loss and Cataract Surgery, 2019 - REF-01661. Conference Board of Canada - Ophthalmology in Canada: Why Vision Loss Should Not Be Overlooked, 2020 - REF-10834. Connect with us on Facebook LinkedIn
Business Wire
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Alcon Elevates Vitreoretinal and Cataract Surgery for Superior Efficiency* with UNITY VCS and UNITY CS
GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced the launch of the UNITY ® Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) and UNITY ® Cataract System (CS). The new, versatile platform offers two configurations, a combined console (VCS) as well as a standalone cataract system (CS). This platform is designed to deliver superior efficiency for vitreoretinal and cataract surgery, while enabling exceptional outcomes for patients. 2,4-6,* The systems feature many first-to-market technologies designed to deliver transformative surgical innovation for cataract and vitreoretinal surgery, including UNITY 4D Phaco, HYPERVIT ® 30K and the advanced UNITY Intelligent Fluidics system. 1,4-7 With UNITY VCS/CS, surgeons can operate at more physiologic conditions without compromising efficiency. 1 Surgeons will have the opportunity for hands on experience with UNITY VCS/CS during the 2025 American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgeons annual meeting (ASCRS, Los Angeles, April 25-28) at the Alcon Booth (#1815). 'Alcon has a long legacy of advancing phaco and vitreoretinal technology for surgical ophthalmology. With UNITY VCS/CS, we are introducing more than a dozen innovations designed to transform surgical outcomes while delivering significant efficiencies for surgery centers across the globe,' said David Endicott, CEO of Alcon. 'This tremendous accomplishment could not have been achieved without those who participated in the development process, including the surgeons who have been evaluating the machines in their practices over the last year. We are excited to start shipping inventory next month so more practices can experience this extraordinary innovation.' The combination vitreoretinal and cataract system intelligently transforms vitreoretinal and cataract surgery with significant innovation. With the introduction of UNITY Intelligent Fluidics, a unique pressure and flow control technology with real-time sensing, surgeons can expect surgical stability and efficiency at each step of the procedure. 1 Significant advancements in instrumentation for vitreoretinal surgery include: UNITY 27 Gauge Portfolio: Instrumentation that through breakthrough design and the inclusion of the Dynamic Stiffener technology, surpasses the limitations of traditional 27-gauge tools, delivering the stiffness of a 25-gauge system or better, in a smaller gauge. 6 UNITY TetraSpot: A multi-spot illuminated laser probe that reduces laser application time by up to three times, enabling surgeons to deliver one, two, or four simultaneous laser spots for greater procedural versatility. 5,‡ UNITY Illumination: Reduces blue light exposure to the eye and includes customizable light profiles for excellent tissue visualization, while providing up to 10,000 hours of reliability. 1,8 'UNITY VCS has truly revolutionized the way I can perform during vitreoretinal surgeries,' said Maria H. Berrocal, MD, CEO, Drs. Berrocal & Associates. 'During my approximately 130 cases with this new technology, I saw efficiencies across surgery types. The unique fluidics control together with the faster cutting speeds have certainly been a game-changer, as well as the 27 gauge portfolio—taking the instrumentation to the next level with stiffness and performance similar to 25 gauge—all delivering stability and efficiency throughout the procedure.' The UNITY VCS/CS system is designed to allow cataract surgeons to operate with increased stability and efficiency at more physiologic conditions through its Intelligent Fluidics functionality. 1 This new technology maintains a consistent level of intraocular pressure (IOP) ∞ to help support patient comfort during surgery, while allowing for higher average vacuum during lens removal. 1 Other surgical performance enhancements include: UNITY Intelligent Sentry: Maintains anterior chamber stability while improving upon CENTURION ® Vision System with ACTIVE SENTRY ®, reducing post-occlusion surge volumes by 44%. 9,* UNITY Thermal Sentry: The first phacoemulsification handpiece that features a thermal sensor that works with a proprietary algorithm to estimate incision temperature in real-time and regulate ultrasound power. 1 'I perform thousands of cataract surgeries each year and UNITY VCS/CS has streamlined my surgical procedures while enabling us to consistently deliver exceptional patient outcomes,' said John Berdahl, MD. 'The UNITY 4D phaco technology in particular has been impressive—breaking up even large, dense cataracts efficiently, while maintaining more physiologic IOP throughout the surgery. Beyond the device performance, it expedites our surgical workflow and introduces significant usability improvements—which the entire team greatly appreciates.' UNITY VCS/CS is the first product to become available from Alcon's UNITY portfolio of next-generation surgical equipment solutions. UNITY VCS/CS users can benefit from Intelligent Services Solutions, including select remote service offerings and predictive service capabilities to minimize downtime. UNITY VCS has received CE Mark, and regulatory approvals in Australia, Japan and the U.S. Inventory will begin shipping to Australia, Europe, Japan and the U.S. from May onwards; and to other markets in third quarter of 2025 pending regulatory approvals. Surgeons attending the ASCRS annual meeting can demo the UNITY VCS/CS platform at Alcon Booth #1815. For more information, please visit or speak to your Alcon Sales Representative. About Alcon Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at About UNITY ® VCS/CS Indications / Intended Use: The UNITY ® VCS (Vitreoretinal Cataract System) console, when used with compatible devices, is indicated for use during anterior segment (i.e. phacoemulsification and removal of cataracts) and posterior segment (i.e. vitreoretinal) ophthalmic surgery. In addition, with the optional laser this system is indicated for photocoagulation (i.e. vitreoretinal and macular pathologies), iridotomy and trabeculoplasty procedures. The UNITY ® CS (Cataract System) console, when used with compatible devices, is indicated for use during anterior segment (i.e. phacoemulsification and removal of cataracts) ophthalmic surgery. Refer to the Directions for Use for the accessories/consumables and User Manual for a complete listing of indications, warnings, cautions and notes. * Based on bench data; reduction in surge is correlated to less change in anterior chamber depth. † Based on N=10 handpieces, Artificial cataract lens IOP 55mmhg vacuum of 450 mmHg. ‡ Multiple-spot laser probe (4) is 3 times faster than single-spot laser probe. ∞ Mean fluctuation at flow vs. setpoint of 2.36 ± 2.13, 4.19 ± 1.97, 1.84 ± 2.82, and 2.13 ± 2.86 mmHg during phacoemulsification, irrigation/aspiration (IA), vitrectomy, and extrusion/fragmentation, respectively. References UNITY™ VCS and CS User Manual. Alcon Data on File, 2024. [REF-24644] Irannejad A, Tambat S, Abulon DJK. Retropulsion and Mass flow of 27-gauge Vitrectomy Probes: Comparison of Dual-blade/flat-tipped probes and single-blade/beveled probes. 2021. Poster presentation. Alcon Data on File, 2024. [REF-24379] Alcon Data on File, 2024. [REF-24615] Alcon Data on File, 2024. [REF-24576] Unity Phaco Handpiece Directions for Use. Alcon Data on File, 2024. [REF-24760] Alcon Data on File, 2024. [REF-25562] Connect with us on Facebook LinkedIn
