instrument insider
Rhein's New Eco's Instruments
Reviewed by Roger Steinert, M.D.

Rhein Medical announces the launch of Rhein Eco's, high-quality stainless steel ophthalmic instruments that are packaged sterile, six per box, in double Tyvek pouches and ready for immediate use. These disposable instruments are the first of their kind to be offered in the U.S., says Rhein.

"Some people view single-use products as lower-quality, however, our single-use products are high-quality and made of stainless steel, so they are able to be reused," says John Bee, president of Rhein Medical. "We named them Eco's due to the economical pricing and the fact that they can be reused dependent on the operating venue. More and more surgical centers and hospitals are seeking disposables to reduce the possibility of cross contamination and endophthalmitis. Depending on where you perform surgery, an administrator or whoever is running the facility may elect to reuse these instruments. Though they are labeled single-use on the package and are supplied sterile, they are able to withstand at least 20 autoclave cycles."

"Even though they are labeled as single-use, I believe the main appeal of these instruments will be to privately owned ASCs who may elect to re-use them," says Dr. Steinert. "They will get a substantial amount of use out of the instrument before it needs to be discarded. The cost per case will be very minimal. This is a very attractive approach for ASCs."

Problems exist with microsurgical instruments in terms of instrument handling during the cleaning and sterilization process of multiple-use instruments. "All surgeons are frustrated by capsulorrhexis forceps that are getting dinged and knocked out of alignment and needle holders that don't hold needles anymore." says Dr. Steinert.

"This line of instruments is completely driven by economics," says Bee, "With the Eco's, instead of sending a reusable instrument out to get repaired, you can throw the instrument out and open a new one. They are an alternative for surgeons and staff who feel frustrated with instruments having a shortened life span because of accidental damage." Bee notes that instead of paying $400 for a reusable instrument, institutions may choose to use the Eco's in multiple iterations, bringing their cost down to dollars per use.

Rhein Eco's generally run at about 10% or less of the cost of a reusable instrument, depending upon the classification. The Eco's line includes capsulorrhexis, corneal, and tying forceps, needle holders, scissors, manipulators, choppers, dilators and rotators, and speculums. The instruments are rugged, and ready for all types of anterior segment surgery. Contact Rhein Medical at (813)-885-5050 for a complimentary catalog.

Dr. Steinert has no financial interest in Rhein or in these products.