Switzerland-based Medicel AG introduced a new sustainable product line of single-use surgical instruments during the 2024 European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) Congress in Barcelona, Spain, earlier this month.
First, let’s get the rundown on this company.
Headquartered in Altenrhein, Switzerland, Medicel is a global manufacturer of intraocular lens (IOL) injectors and advanced injection systems.
While the company was originally founded in 1996, it has been part of Halma Group—a global group of lifesaving technology companies—since 2011.
And its products?
The company’s inventory includes a portfolio of 62 IOL injectors as well as 41 ophthalmic surgical instruments spread across four categories:
Now this new product range.
The terralution product family consists of single-use IOL injectors and I/A handpiece surgical instruments:
- DUALCEL terralution
- BICEL terralution
Dive into each of these.
DUALCEL terralution is a sustainable injector alternative that features a smaller product design and is intended to operate with the same performance features as a standard injector.
Its features: Medicel highlighted that the injector offers a surgeon the “freedom of use” due to the combination of “push and screw” as well as the following features for maximum flexibility and safety:
- Multiple loading methods
- Wide range of cartridges
- Required incision sizes
And BICEL terralution?
This is a sustainable bimanual I/A that combines properties of the currently available Medicel product family in one sustainable product, according to the company.
About the I/A product line: Designed to provide a user with an expansive range of micro-incision, Medicel’s coaxial and bimanual solutions include a textured hand grip surface for more comfortable handling and user control.
Other features include:
- Aeroplane-shaped cannulas
- Compatibility with common luer connectors
- Preassembled handpiece with sleeve
- No sterilization needed
- Available in different color coding; sizes 23G and 12G
And how is terralution environmentally-sustainable?
The “climate-conscious”marketed range was developed via a process centered around a consistent eco-design using bio-based materials and resource-saving production technologies and energy sources.
- Case in point: Medicel noted that such sustainable production energy sources include the use of electricity from local hydropower stations in Switzerland (where the range is manufactured).
- Plus: The recyclable box in which he range is packaged in is composed of green paper.
Overall: “The minimized product and packaging volume saves raw materials, prevents waste, and lowers transport emissions,” according to the company.
So how does it stack up against other reusable systems?
Medicel noted that the terralution range’s carbon footprint is up to 51% smaller than that of comparable reusable systems.
Additionally: Such compact dimensions are designed to minimize space in clinical settings, leading to reduced storage and disposal costs.
So in a nutshell?
CEO Mauro Bühler stated that, by designing a considerably smaller product that reuses less material leads to smaller packaging, less packaging material (25% lighter) is used and there is less waste after use.
“When you look at reusable products, they’re made out of titanium metal,” he said. “Our injection and I/A systems are made out of high-tech, bio-based materials.”
Watch below for more comparisons.
Lastly … is this available in the United States?
At the moment, it doesn’t appear so … however, contact the company to learn more.