Alcon Unveils SMARTCataract DX and Ngenuity 1.5 at ESCRS
Alcon is introducing new technologies at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) annual meeting aimed at improving efficiency and outcomes in cataract surgery. Among the announcements are the unveiling of the SMARTCataract DX digital planning solution and the upgraded Ngenuity 1.5, both of which have received CE Mark.
The new innovations will be part of Alcon's Vision Suite ecosystem, designed to address increasing demand for cataract surgeries driven by a global aging population. SMARTCataract DX and Ngenuity 1.5 integrate with Alcon’s ARGOS Biometer and other diagnostic technologies to streamline workflows and improve precision.
“As the demand for cataract surgeries grows, so does the need for efficient and precise solutions,” Seba Leoni, President, International Surgical at Alcon, said in a company news release. “SMARTCataract DX is a testament to our commitment to creating an integrated ecosystem that offers surgeons and practices connected, streamlined care. Paired with the latest enhancements to Ngenuity 1.5, we are delivering on the promise of 3D image-guided cataract surgery, empowering ophthalmologists to enhance patient outcomes and surgical precision.”
Tackling Growing Surgical Demands with Innovation
The global increase in cataract surgeries, along with staff shortages in ophthalmic practices, has amplified the need for technologies that reduce manual processes and minimize human error. The Alcon Vision Suite aims to address these challenges by offering a fully integrated ecosystem, including advanced devices like the ARGOS Biometer, LuxOR® Revalia Microscope, LenSx Femtosecond Laser, and more.
SMARTCataract DX, now available with CE Mark, is designed to deliver a seamless clinic-to-operating room connectivity, eliminating manual transcription errors and improving workflow efficiency. With the ability to integrate Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), SMARTCataract DX centralizes data, allowing surgeons to access crucial patient information in real-time and streamline surgical planning.
“Since the pandemic, the demand for cataract surgeries has surged, and we’re eager to experience the workflow efficiencies powered by SMARTCataract DX,” Dr. Kjell Gunnar Gundersen said in the news release. “Ngenuity 1.5’s new visualization modes provide unprecedented levels of detail during surgery, and I believe 3D heads-up displays are the future of cataract surgery.”
Ngenuity 1.5: Enhanced Visualization for Precision Surgery
The latest version of Alcon’s Ngenuity 3D Visualization System—Ngenuity 1.5—introduces significant upgrades, including a 48% increase in magnification and 42% improved depth resolution. Surgeons can now view intricate details with new modes like Tissue Detail Mode, Blue Boost Mode for better capsule visualization, and MIGS Mode for enhanced precision during minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
Additionally, Ngenuity 1.5 integrates with the ARGOS Biometer to enable image-guided cataract surgery, where biometry data can be overlaid with surgical images, optimizing precision for procedures like IOL centration and toric alignment.
Looking Ahead
Ngenuity 1.5 and SMARTCataract DX are expected to roll out across Europe following their CE Mark approvals. Attendees of the ESCRS 2024 can experience these innovations at Alcon’s Vision Suite exhibit.