The device is a safe and durable alternative to removing camera during surgery

Kingsport, Tenn., USA - Nov. 11, 2015 - To eliminate the need to remove a laparoscope from a patient during surgery, Cipher Surgical has introduced an updated version of OpClear® that allows a surgeon to clean the lens while the device is being used. During surgery, laparoscopes collect liquid, fatty residue and other contaminants on the lens inside the patient, blocking the surgeon's view. OpClear, now made with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, uses patented technology for directing a short, controlled jet of carbon dioxide and saline across the laparoscope's lens, clearing it. Tritan allows the OpClear attachment to have superior clarity, durability and to be free of bisphenol A (BPA).

'When we first launched OpClear in 2013, the concept was a success, but it was made with nylon, which lacked absolute clarity and reacted poorly to certain cleaning chemicals inhibiting the product's full potential,' said Justin Buch, operations director, Cipher Surgical. 'We turned to Eastman Tritan™ copolyester because it possesses all of the qualities we wanted to revamp our product - clarity, medical grade approval and durability to withstand sterilization before use.'

OpClear is designed to be controlled by a surgeon who decides when buildup needs to be removed from the lens because of impaired vision. With a footswitch, the surgeon sends bursts of carbon dioxide and saline down the laparoscope and across the lens to wash away matter for a consistent, clear image. To improve the original OpClear, Cipher Surgical worked closely with molding company Ci Medical Technologies and material provider Eastman Chemical Company to update properties for a successful new development. Having previously collaborated with Eastman, Ci Medical Technologies knew the characteristics of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester would be a good fit for Cipher Surgical's nylon replacement. The material allows OpClear's attachment to securely clip to a laparoscope without breaking. In addition, Tritan provides toughness, clarity and flexibility that is not impacted by sterilization processes. The collaboration between Cipher Surgical, Ci Medical Technologies and Eastman ensured each company's expertise was used to optimize the molding process with Tritan.

'We were confident in Eastman from the start. The material experts assisted us with a sample run to help optimize the process,' said Buch. 'They even took the samples to check for quality and produced a mold flow analysis to ensure we were on the right path. The support the Eastman team showed was first rate and a great relationship was established.'

Cipher Surgical also relied on Eastman for OpClear's packing. Eastar™ copolyester 6763 is a clear material that provides superior long-term impact resistance, with toughness and clarity that is not impacted by sterilization, giving exceptional sterile protection and functionality in processing for thermoformed rigid medical packaging.

'OpClear from Cipher Surgical aids in keeping patients safe during surgery, such an important piece of the medical industry,' said Ferdi Faas, market development manager, Eastman Chemical Company. 'OpClear has been a successful component to the surgical process not only because of the attributes Eastman Tritan™ copolyester offers the device, but also because of the contributions of all three companies involved - OpClear's innovative concept, Eastman's technical material knowledge and Ci Medical Technologies' molding.'

For more information on OpClear, visit www.ciphersurgical.com, or its LinkedIn and Twitter pages. For more information on Eastman, visit www.eastman.com.

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