Microsurgical Technology, Inc. (MST) and Vista Ophthalmics are kicking off a global partnership with the commercialization of two new products to the U.S. market: the Vista 1-Step and Vista IS.
Let’s start with these players.
First: MST.
The ophthalmic device manufacturer develops surgeon-designed products out of its Redmond, Washington headquarters.
Acquired by the United Kingdom-based Halma in 2012, the company’s portfolio extends to:
- Specialty devices
- Pupil expansionMicro-Instrumentation
- Capsular support
- Solution Packs
- Irrigation/Aspiration
- Phaco tips
- Goniotomy devices
- TrabEx
- TrabEx Pro
- Trabectome Pack
- Surgical supplies and instruments
- Disposable blades
Now Vista.
The Katy, Texas-based medical technology manufacturer encompasses a “collaboration of eye doctors and industry experts” that utilizes their collective clinical experience to develop ophthalmic products.
Speaking of those products … give me a rundown on them.
We’ll start with the Vista 1-Step.
What it is: A 27-gauge, 14.5 mm needle-point vitrector—with air supply tubing—designed to provide a “seamless introduction through the scleral without the need for (microvitreoretinal) MVR blades or torocars,” according to the company.
- Plus: Its dual blade cutter delivers up to 1,000 cuts per minute
And what is it used for?
Ideally, the 1-Step performs one anterior/posterior procedure.
Operating as a vitrectomy probe, it’s intended to be used to remove vitreous and dissects tissue within the eye by the following steps:
- Vitreous aspiration and cutting
- Membrane cutting aspiration
- Lens removal
- Dissection of tissue in the eye
So how does the Vista IS come into play?
The anterior chamber maintainer is designed with a 21 gauge cannula and 11-inch flexible tubing with a connector.
Its purpose: To complement the Vista 1-Step by amplifying infusion during vitreous removal via irrigation and balanced salt solution (BSS).
- BSS refresher: This sterile solution is often used as an irrigation solution during intraocular (IO) surgery and to to replace IO fluids
And the goal of Vista IS: To improve overall surgical efficiency.
Gotcha. So what will this partnership entail?
Per the companies, MST will introduce the Vista product line to the U.S. market during next month’s American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois.
Beyond the United States: An international launch is expected to follow the U.S. debut in the coming months.
Any financial details disclosed?
Nope, none so far.
Gotcha. What else to know?
As part of the partnership, Vista’s Don Knowles, partner and head of Sales and Product Development, will join MST as the companies advance the Vista 1-Step/Vista IS commercialization project and others in the near future.
Nice! Any comments from the companies?
In their announcement, MST Chief Business Development Officer Erik Bror Bonn noted that Vista’s product line design brings simplicity to the operating room as well as real potential for elevating patient care.
“The Vista line is a welcome addition to our complex anterior segment portfolio for its application in pars plana vitrectomy,” Bonn stated, “and we are optimistic about the potential for limited vitreous removal in emerging treatment applications.”
And MST?
President and CEO Yash Singh commented that the collaboration “enhances our portfolio with cutting-edge, surgeon-inspired products that we believe will significantly benefit our surgical community.”