Capsulorhexis through all incision sizes
A classic needle holder with a new twist
The Troutman needle holder is just one of many instruments designed by Dr. Richard C. Troutman to advance microsurgical techniques. This classic needle holder, a favourite among corneal surgeons internationally, 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 The Carlson-Troutman Needle Holder 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 needle driver might allow you to get away with this for a single pass, but will end up eventually bending the needle. ” To add the Carlson-Troutman needle holder to your corneal set, call customer services on (01908) 318107.
