Oertli CataRhex 3 Surgical Platform

The unique pump innovation from Oertli. The SPEEP pump uses the same principle as a peristaltic pump to control the flow. With SPEEP the vacuum can also be controlled using the foot pedal. This enables precise control of the holding force generated right at the instrument opening.

How does the SPEEP pump work?

SPEEP combines the advantages of a flow-controlled peristaltic pump with the responsiveness of a vacuum-controlled venturi pump.

The SPEEP pump allows both the flow and vacuum to be controlled independently of each other. The foot pedal not only allows aspiration and release but also gives the surgeon complete control when holding and manipulating fragments and tissue. SPEEP continues to control the vacuum even under occlusion.

What are the benefits of the SPEEP pump?

With challenging cases such as floppy iris syndrome or zonular weakness, precise control of the fluidics is essential. Thanks to the independent settings for flow and vacuum, SPEEP generates dosable holdability at the instrument opening — giving surgeons complete control.

The easyPhaco technology has been developed for safe and efficient phacoemulsification. Thanks to Oertli's unique fluidic concept, easyPhaco allows a direct fragment followability and provides a strong fragment holdability. The occluded fragments absorb the U/S energy and are then aspirated efficiently without clogging. The seven times higher infusion capacity allows a constant intraocular pressure for a stable anterior chamber. easyPhaco is available for incisions from 1.6 mm to 2.8 mm.

The CataRhex 3 provides an option for surgical treatment of glaucoma in micro‑invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). High-Frequency Deep Sclerotomy (HFDS) creates a direct access between the anterior chamber and the Schlemm canal that bypasses the outflow resistance of the trabecular meshwork. The HFDS glaucoma tip is inserted through a 1.2‑mm paracentesis and six small sclerotomy pockets are formed in the iridocorneal angle to improve the outflow of the aqueous fluid.

The linear foot pedal is the multifunctional control unit of the CataRhex 3. Manufactured from robust metal with a high-quality finish, the pedal responds precisely to the surgeon’s commands with no delay. Simple foot movements efficiently control the CataRhex 3. There are four movement areas available for fine linear control, accessing saved data, and switching functions on and off.

The pedal is waterproof*, takes up little space and is light enough to move with your foot. To ensure reliable data transfer, the pedal of the CataRhex 3 works with a classic cable connection.

*As per standard, IPX6

The I/A instruments and tips with Safety Design have a long shaft to allow sub-incisional access. The small aspiration opening support occludability and anterior chamber stability. The well-thought-out positioning of the aspiration opening is designed to prevent unintentional grasping of the capsular bag. Especially together with the SPEEP pump, which allows control of flow and vacuum, the Safety Design of the I/A instruments is an ideal combination. The reusable I/A instrument set is also available with roughened tips for capsule polishing.

Since its launch in 1991, high-frequency capsulotomy has proven to be the ideal method for opening the lens capsule in uncountable cases. The use of high-frequency energy melts the capsular bag – entirely without the usual tearing by forceps or needles. It is sufficient to gently slide the capsulotomy tip over tissues, even under the iris, while dosing the diathermy energy. The resulting capsular edge conforms to the current standard – both during surgery and over the long term.

HF capsulotomy is suited for indications such as no fundus reflex, hyper mature cataract, traumatic cataract, intumescent cataract and juvenile cataract. Even with narrow pupils, out-of-control rhexis or rhexis phimosis, HF capsulotomy delivers reliable outcomes.

As a multifunctional surgical platform for advanced cataract and glaucoma surgery, the CataRhex 3 is a masterpiece of surgical technology that is as powerful as it is compact. The display is clearly laid out, the device is easy to use, everything is streamlined. The surgical platform is also quick to start up: the system is ready to use just a few seconds after being switched on.

Connections

Even prior to the surgery, the CataRhex 3 reveals its user-friendly side. All connections can be accessed from the front of the device at the same operating height. All instruments are connected at the front using clear colour coding. The tubing system is suspended sterile on the front of the platform.

Control Panel

The bright displays on the control panel are easy to read and give you precise information about surgical values and settings. The control buttons are arranged logically and always have the same function that is activated without delay when a button is pressed. The pivotable display panel gives surgeon and assistant an unimpeded view. Up to 20 surgeons can be programmed to use the device.

Infusion pole and instrument table

The optional infusion pole and easy‑to‑assemble instrument trays turn the CataRhex 3 into a flexible surgical station.

Pedal

The robust multifunctional pedal of the CataRhex 3 enables reliable control of the system with simple foot movements. The pedal is waterproof*, extremely compact and weighs just 2.6 kilograms.

*As per standard, IPX6