Abbott Receives CE Mark for Healon EndoCoat Protective Gel for Cataract Surgery

SANTA ANA, California, August 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today that it has expanded its Healon® family of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) with the European CE Mark of Healon EndoCoat OVD.

The  clear, viscous, low molecular weight dispersive OVD is intended for use as a surgical aid in cataract extraction, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, corneal transplantation, and glaucoma filtration surgery.

Healon EndoCoat OVD's formula protects and coats the eye when injected during surgery, and is ideal for intraocular lens (IOL) lubrication and insertion. Additionally, Healon EndoCoat OVD can be used in combination with any other Healon products such as Healon OVD, Healon GV OVD or Healon5 OVD.

Dispersives such as Healon EndoCoat OVD are expected to account for 38 percent of the total OVD market in 2011, according to independent ophthalmic research firm Market Scope.

The Healon EndoCoat OVD delivery system includes a number of features for increased patient safety and ease of handling for the physician, including a smaller, 25-gauge cannula with guard and improved ergonomics of the device for a smooth and consistent delivery.

"Healon EndoCoat [OVD] plays an essential role in my cataract surgeries for overall endothelial cell preservation and patient safety," said Donald Nixon, M.D., surgical director, TriMed Eye Center, Barrie, Ontario, Canada. "Additionally, the mechanical properties of Healon EndoCoat [OVD] provide me with the stability I need throughout the entire cataract procedure for even the most challenging cases."

Healon EndoCoat OVD is available in Europe, Canada and New Zealand and is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Shipments to other geographies will follow once the company receives necessary regulatory approvals.  Customers who already receive regular shipments of Vitrax II OVD will be automatically transitioned to Healon EndoCoat OVD.

To learn more about Abbott's entire family of Healon OVDs, please visit http://www.abbottmedicaloptics.com.

About Abbott Medical Optics (AMO)

Abbott Medical Optics is focused on delivering life-improving vision technologies to people of all ages. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of cataract, refractive and eye care products. Products in the cataract line include monofocal and multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), phacoemulsification systems, viscoelastics, and related products used in ocular surgery.  Products in the refractive line include wavefront diagnostic devices, femtosecond lasers and associated patient interface devices; excimer laser vision correction systems and treatment cards.  Products in the eye care line include disinfecting solutions, enzymatic cleaners, lens rewetting drops and artificial tears.

For more information, please visit http://www.abbottmedicaloptics.com.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. 

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com.