Abbott Laboratories (ABT) said it has expanded its Healon family of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices or OVDs with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of Healon EndoCoat OVD, a device intended for use as a surgical aid in cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. This clear, viscous, protective gel formula is injected into a patient's eye to protect and coat the eye during cataract surgery, reducing trauma to the inside layer of the cornea and other surrounding tissues.
According to the independent ophthalmic research firm Market Scope, with around 3 million patients undergoing cataract surgery each year in the U.S., dispersives such as Healon EndoCoat OVD are expected to account for nearly 50 percent of the total OVD market in 2012.
Healon EndoCoat OVD, which can be used in combination with any other Healon products such as Healon OVD, Healon GV OVD or Healon5 OVD, is also available in Europe, Canada and New Zealand. The product would begin shipping immediately in the U.S.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com