FDA clears two new laser cataract surgery products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Abbott 510(k) clearance for two products intended for use with its Catalys Precision Laser System, the Cataract Operating System 3 (cOS3) and the Liquid Optics Interface 12.

The Cataract Operating System 3 is designed to update the surgeon during the procedure with incision confirmation and custom modification options. It also yields high-resolution video streaming images of the patient’s eye.

The Liquid Optics Interface 12 has a smaller suction ring diameter than the current Liquid Optics Interface, helping to increase the number of patients eligible for laser cataract surgery. The interface is also meant to simplify the laser docking process for the surgeon, according to the release.

The company also announced that it expanded its cataract surgery portfolio with a U.S. distribution and commercial collaboration agreement with Carl Zeiss Meditec. Abbott now offers each company’s suite of cataract surgery products when developing clinical and contracting solutions with customers in the United States.

Additionally, Abbott announced third-quarter worldwide net sales of $5.1 billion, marking a 6.7% increase on an operational basis and a 5.8% increase on a reported basis compared with the third quarter of 2013.

Cataract product sales, which account for almost 70% of the company’s sales, increased by double digits, according to the release. This was attributed to recently launched IOLs and continued market penetration of the Catalys Precision Laser System.