Today, building a better mousetrap doesn't just mean catching more mice. The increasing power and diminishing size of computers have made it possible not only to perfect the basic function of an instrument, but also to enhance its convenience, speed, versatility and ease of operation. At the same time, rapid technological change has made obsolescence an issue. (No one wants an expensive purchase to be outdated by the time the bill is paid.)

For all these reasons, creating a better ophthalmic operating microscope has become an issue of more than just high-quality optics. Making it easier to use, ensuring longevity and offering newer and more impressive options have become key considerations.

The new Möller Hi-R 900 ophthalmic operating microscope from Möller-Wedel (a division of Haag-Streit) continues this trend with new and redesigned features, compatibility with more current and future high-tech options, and increased modular adaptability.

What's in a name?

A spokesman for Haag-Streit explains that the "Hi-R" in the name of the new model refers to three aspects of the microscope that have been upgraded: optical resolution, red reflex, and the reaction of motorized functions (improvements in speed, precision and noise level).

Optical resolution. The engineers at Möller-Wedel have completely recalculated the optics for the new Hi-R 900. The result, according to the company, is even less reflected light, optimized depth of field and improved overall optical quality, especially at low magnifications.

The newly calculated optics are supported by other features that help maintain the surgeon's visual clarity:

• a 25-mm stereo base (according to Haag-Streit, the widest currently available, resulting in the best depth perception)
• apochromatic coatings (to remove the "colorized" edges around objects that lenses sometimes produce)
• residual aberration correction
• special hard coatings to help minimize light transmission losses and reflections
• manual zoom illumination (for individual setting of light intensity and field of illumination)
• two UV filters and a blue filter (for flourescein procedures). These meet upcoming ISO/ANSI standards.

Tunable high red reflex. A double-function knob allows you to turn the reflex on and off (for better depth perception during vitreoretinal surgery) and fine-tune the angle between -1° and -2°. The reflex is easily visible through both the main scope and the assistant's scope. According to Haag-Streit, the red reflex is very bright, even if the patient's pupil is small.

Quick -- and quiet -- motor response. The new zoom, focus and xy movement motors are designed to react almost instantly within a wide range of speeds, with less noise. Avery D. Alexander, M.D., of Appleton, Wis., says he definitely notices the difference. "The motor operation for focusing and zoom is very smooth. . . seamless. In other microscopes the motors seem coarser and noisier."

It's all in the delivery

Doctors who've tried the Hi-R 900 seem to be especially impressed with the adjunct features of the microscope when it's paired with the optional FS 3-21 floor stand:

Ease of movement. The FS 3-21 floor stand features a "free floating" mode that makes the arms of the microscope easy to move and reposition in response to the slightest touch from the surgeon. Dr. Alexander comments: "You simply depress a button and the machine glides in any direction you want to move it, effortlessly . . . like a feather."

Electronic position locking. Previously, assistants would have to lock every joint manually. The FS 3-21 features a single button that locks every axis electromagnetically, instantly.

Push-button balancing. No effort is required.

Personal settings memory. The instrument can remember your initial illumination setting, focus and zoom positions, and motor speed preference (auto or fixed).

An optional ceiling mount is also available, with the same high-tech features.

Other features and benefits

In addition to the high-tech electronic features listed above, the Hi-R offers:

An assistant scope. Both the surgeon and assistant have the same zero-degree viewing, stereo vision and red reflex. The assistant scope swivels laterally and includes an eyepiece that can be rotated or inclined for more comfortable viewing, an independent magnification changer (three or five step), and independent focus control.

Accessories. Options include:

• beam splitters (50/50 or 30/70)
• stereoscopic observer, short or long
• double eyepiece head
• eyepieces 0° and 45° fixed and 160° inclinable
• various front lenses 175 to 400 mm
• stereoscopic inverters from Oculus and AVI-Panoramic
• operating slit lamp
• keratoscope
• centering device
• integrated video module
• adapters for video and still cameras
• video adapter AVI-Panoramic
• non-contact ophthalmoscope.

Multiple price options. For fewer demands or restricted space, both wall units and a second floor stand with a smaller footprint and manual controls are available. A spokesman for Haag-Streit said that all options offer the same high-quality optics, no matter what your size or cost requirements.

Building the instrument you need

The modular design makes it easy to add a large variety of accessories and components to the basic model, so that you'll always be able to assemble the exact instrument that meets your needs. (Extra power outlets are available for future attachments and upgrades.) The modular design of the microscope also makes servicing easier.

Current and future options include:

• a motorized slit lamp (available soon)
• on-screen live video display on the side of the instrument
• digital cameras
• an eye tracking system (the ETS 900)
• a voice control system
• a wireless foot switch
• an image injection system for video display through the oculars (neurosurgeons use this feature to insert a map into their visual field to help guide them during surgery)
• coaxial/oblique illumination (this option should be available by the end of the year)
• Möller video cameras with image enhancement
• extra display units for digital data
• image capturing systems.

Ready for the future

The combination of first-rate optical quality and adaptability make the Hi-R 900 a good candidate to be around for the foreseeable future. As Dr. Alexander puts it, "All the microscopes on the market are good. But the Hi-R 900 is a state of the art scope, and it's upgradeable. It should retain its value for many years to come. And I think it's safe to say that no one will have better optics next year."

For more information about the Hi-R 900, contact Haag-Streit USA microsurgical division (located northeast of Cincinnati, Ohio): e-mail btrainor@haag-streit-usa.com or call (800) 440-9105. 

Are you aware of new products or technology that have made (or are likely to make) a significant difference in practice? Contact Christopher Kent at kentcx@boucher1.com to find out about possible coverage in a future issue.