VAUGHAN, Ontario, May 7, 2026
Bausch + Lomb announced the European launch of its advanced Bi-Blade+™ dual-port vitrectomy cutter on the Stellaris Elite® Vision Enhancement System, expanding the company’s ophthalmic surgical technology portfolio with a next-generation retina surgery solution designed to improve surgical precision, fluidics control, and operating efficiency. The new device introduces a cutting speed of 25,000 cuts per minute, engineered to minimize retinal traction, increase vitreous flow, and reduce infusion pressure fluctuations during delicate vitrectomy procedures.
The launch highlights the growing importance of advanced ophthalmic surgical systems in retina care as healthcare providers continue seeking technologies capable of improving intraocular stability, surgeon confidence, and patient outcomes during complex retinal procedures. Industry experts say innovations in vitrectomy technology remain essential as demand rises for minimally invasive and highly controlled retinal surgery solutions.
Bi-Blade+ Enhances Vitrectomy Efficiency and Surgical Control
According to Bausch + Lomb, the new Bi-Blade+ cutter provides a 25% increase in average vitreous flow rate compared with the earlier Bi-Blade system, enabling more efficient vitreous removal during retinal surgery. The company also reported that the cutter demonstrated a 62% reduction in cutter vibration at maximum operating speed, helping surgeons maintain greater procedural stability and tactile control during surgery.
The Bi-Blade+ system is designed to work together with the company’s Adaptive Fluidics technology, which automatically adjusts fluid infusion in real time based on surgeon vacuum commands. This integration is intended to improve intraocular pressure stability throughout vitrectomy procedures while reducing fluctuations that could potentially affect delicate retinal tissues.
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Bausch + Lomb stated that when combined with Adaptive Fluidics, Bi-Blade+ achieved a 62% reduction in average infusion pressure compared with surgeries performed without Adaptive Fluidics support. The technology also demonstrated significant improvement in maintaining intraocular pressure within physiologic ranges of 10–20 mmHg even during high-vacuum operating conditions.
Retina specialists believe improved flow control and lower retinal traction may help reduce surgical complications while enabling safer manipulation near sensitive retinal tissue during vitreoretinal procedures.
Retina Surgeons Emphasize Importance of Fluidics Stability
Ophthalmic surgeons continue prioritizing technologies capable of improving stability and reducing turbulence during posterior segment surgery. Professor Marco Mura of the University of Ferrara stated that the increased cut rate offered by Bi-Blade+ may provide significant advantages during vitreous removal by allowing higher flow rates while maintaining a calm surgical environment near the retina.
The company noted that the system is indicated for vitreous cutting and removal during both anterior and posterior ocular surgeries, including conditions requiring anterior vitrectomy and vitreoretinal intervention. Bausch + Lomb also emphasized that the technology is compatible specifically with Stellaris Elite Vision Enhancement Systems configured for Bi-Blade+ procedure compatibility.
Researchers and device manufacturers are increasingly focusing on optimizing fluidics management, aspiration control, and vibration reduction in ophthalmic surgical systems to improve surgeon precision and enhance procedural outcomes in retinal disease management.
Ophthalmic Surgical Innovation Market Continues Growing
The European launch of Bi-Blade+ reflects continued global investment in ophthalmic surgical technologies as retinal disease prevalence rises worldwide due to aging populations and increasing rates of diabetes-related eye disease. Advanced vitrectomy systems are becoming central components of modern retina surgery, particularly in procedures involving retinal detachment, macular disorders, vitreous hemorrhage, and other complex retinal conditions.
Bausch + Lomb said the launch further strengthens its commitment to innovation in eye health and surgical technology. The company continues expanding its ophthalmology portfolio across surgical devices, contact lenses, prescription therapies, and over-the-counter eye care products as competition intensifies within the global ophthalmic device industry.
Source: Bausch + Lomb press release
