New Corneal Surgery Instruments a Testament to Precision Craftsmanship

John Weiss proudly announces the introduction of the Carlson Troutman needleholder, as well as the addition of Polack forceps to its extensive Titanium collection.

The Troutman needle holder is just one of many instruments designed by Dr. Richard C. Troutman to advance microsurgical techniques. This classic needleholder, a favourite among corneal surgeons, has become the inspiration for a latest addition to the John Weiss collection, the Carlson-Troutman needle holder.

Designed by Dr. Alan N. Carlson, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology at Duke University School of Medicine in North Carolina, USA, this innovative instrument combines the Troutman needle holder jaw with an ingenious handle and spring mechanism that reduces the length of the handle by eliminating the fishtail.

A precision needle holder with a tying platform saves the need to pass off one instrument for another, improving efficiency and reducing cost. This also frees up a scrub nurse to perform other surgical duties.

Size makes this needle holder particularly useful in challenging positions such as the deep set orbit, working nasally in a patient with a nose that is anatomically challenging, or during a transplant (PK or DALK) where the 3 and 9 o’clock sutures become awkward.

The fine jaw forces the surgeon to follow the methods taught by Troutman himself, as it is less forgiving of a casual technique. “Grasping the needle on the round rather than the square segment with this needle holder will often torque during the passage,” explains Dr. Carlson. “A heavy needledriver might allow you to get away with this for a single pass, but will end up eventually bending the needle.”

The new Polack corneal forceps are a true testament to John Weiss precision craftsmanship. The beauty and accuracy of these new toothed forceps can only be truly appreciated under magnification. The perfect approximation of four sets of teeth can only be achieved by the most talented instrument makers. Designed specifically for the delicate fixation of the donor cornea, this is a masterpiece in the hands of skilled surgeons.

To add these two new products to your set of corneal instruments, please call customer services on (01908) 318017 or follow the link below to our online catalogue.