The surgical systems “Qube” and “Qube pro” are the technical assistants of choice for eye surgeons during cataract operations (grey star) and retina surgery. During initial start-up, BYTEC service specialists program each and every instrument together with the eye surgeons, taking their individual working methods into consideration. Additional functions, including safety functions, can be activated via eight foot pedals. This makes it easy and convenient for the surgeons to use the highly precise cutting and suction instruments that are controlled by the QUBE pro. Piezo technology allows the pressure in the system to be precisely regulated while fast-switching valves increase the cutting rates.

Lightweight, silent and precise

During cataract surgery, the opacified lens is broken up by an ultrasound probe. A high-precision suction/rinsing device, which is actuated by proportional valve MPYE from Festo, removes the lens fragments. During this procedure, the required infusion pressure is controlled by piezo
valve VEAB from Festo. After the residual tissue has been rinsed and removed, the surgeon inserts the new, artificial and clear lens. High-precision pressure regulation is also used during surgery on the anterior segment of the eye (vitrectomy).

“Safety has top priority in our development goals. When developing the components and systems, we go to the limits of what is technically feasible so that we can obtain certifications from approval organisations like the FDA,” reports Dipl.-Ing. Paul Willi Coenen, Managing Director of BYTEC. Redundant valves are therefore included for each valve function.

The technical basis for most functions is a complete pneumatic control unit consisting of solenoid valves and piezo valves. It drives the surgical tools, the vacuumassisted suction removal and the delivery of liquids. Positive characteristics of piezo valves: they are lightweight, quiet and accurate with minimal heat generation and practically wear-free.