Abbott receives 510(k) clearance, makes deal with Zeiss

Chicago-Abbott recently announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for two new products used in laser cataract surgery, the Cataract Operating System 3 (cOS3) and the Liquid Optics Interface 12, both for the company’s Catalys Precision Laser System.

According to Abbott, the cOS3 software is a new interface designed to provide greater efficiency and ease-of-use for doctors, and the introduction of the Liquid Optics Interface 12 increases the number of people eligible for laser cataract surgery.

Comparing laser-assisted vs. conventional refractive cataract surgery

The Catalys Precision Laser System is indicated for use in people undergoing cataract surgery for removal of their natural lens. Most traditional cataract procedures are performed manually with the surgeon making incisions into the eye by hand. The Catalys Precision Laser System is designed to allow surgeons to replace some of the technically demanding manual steps in cataract surgery with precise, image-guided, femtosecond laser technology. People with cataracts who receive an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to replace their natural lens are then able to be more active and can return to their normal life routine after cataract surgery.

In related news, the company has made a deal with Carl Zeiss Meditec to sell its cataract surgery products alongside Abott’s own ocular surgery devices in the United States.

Under this agreement, Abbott will offer each company’s suite of cataract surgery products when developing clinical and contracting solutions with customers in the U.S. According to the company, this comprehensive offering includes:

• Synergistic diagnostics

• Visualization systems

• Lens extraction systems

• Intraocular lenses