Fresno Surgical Hospital (FSH) today announced it has acquired the VERIONTM Image Guided System and LenSx® Laser surgical technology. The hospital is the only area hospital to offer this ophthalmology surgical equipment.
Both the VERION and the LenSx are used during refractive cataract surgeries. These technologies improve accuracy and reduce the chance of errors, therefore, optimizing surgical outcomes.
"Patients in the Central Valley are extremely fortunate to have access to such advanced surgical technology," says Andrew Maxwell, M.D. "This technology, combined with Fresno Surgical Hospital's dedication to an enhanced patient experience, truly optimizes surgical outcomes."
The VERION Image Guided System allows surgeons to capture key diagnostic measurements of a patient's eye prior to surgery. The VERION Reference Unit creates high-resolution images which are unique to each eye like "fingerprints". Surgeons use these "fingerprints" to plan their surgery, including lens selection and incision placement. These images and measurements are also visualized during surgery within the operating room on computer monitors and through the operating microscope allowing the surgeon to see all incisions and alignments in real-time.
The LenSx Laser is a femtosecond laser. It was the first such laser approved for use in cataract surgery. Today, LenSx seamlessly integrates with the VERION Digital Marker allowing for more streamlined and accurate procedures.
"This technology significantly enhances the surgical process – before, during and after the procedure," says Carolyn Sakauye, M.D. "It benefits both the surgeon and the patient."
In January the hospital launched its ophthalmology surgery service line, investing $1.3 million in new technology. FSH, a physician-owned hospital, partnered with six board-certified ophthalmologists: Daniel Prescott, M.D., George Bertolucci, M.D., Mehdi Ghajar, M.D., Andrew Maxwell, M.D., Richard Mendoza, M.D., and Carolyn Sakauye, M.D.
"Because we focus solely on surgery, one of our goals is to provide the best tools for our surgeons," says Kristine Kassahn, Chief Executive Officer of Fresno Surgical Hospital. "The VERION and LenSx allow our surgeons to deliver advanced care right here in the Central Valley."
By the end of 2014, the hospital will have completed approximately 2106 eye surgeries.