Bio-Tissue Inc. announced the introduction of two next-generation Prokera Biologic Corneal Bandage devices.
“We are very pleased to introduce these new Prokera products and expand the therapeutic options in ocular surface regeneration, across the full spectrum of severity, available to ophthalmologists and their patients,” said Tom Daniells, chief commercial officer of Bio-Tissue. “The growing Prokera family is the culmination of 15 years of clinical experience in more than 150,000 successful human transplantations, backed by 25 years of government-funded research and over 300 peer-reviewed publications.”

Prokera is the only Food and Drug Administration-cleared therapeutic device that reduces inflammation and promotes scar-less healing. New Prokera Slim with Comfort Ring Technology was designed with a slim profile that contours to the ocular surface, moves with the eye and maximizes amniotic membrane contact with the cornea, limbus and limbal stem cells, providing clinical benefits and maximizing patient comfort.

“Prokera Slim is ideal for mild-to-moderate ocular surface conditions,” said Preeya K. Gupta, MD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at Duke Eye Center. “This new design facilitates our ability to deliver the benefits of amniotic tissue-mediated active healing to patients with microbial or HSV keratitis, recurrent corneal erosions or corneal abrasions, with a quick, in-office application.”

New Prokera Plus incorporates multiple layers of amniotic membrane that make it suitable for therapeutic applications requiring longer biologic action and durability on the ocular surface. It is recommended for use in severe indications such as chemical burns, Stevens Johnson Syndrome and severe corneal ulcers.

Original Prokera is recommended for patients with moderate to severe indications such as neuropathic PED, severe infectious keratitis and post-DSEK for bullous keratopathy.

“Prokera products allow you to match the right therapy to the right patient,” said Neel R. Desai, MD, director of cornea and refractive surgery at the Eye Institute of West Florida. “These new additions to the Prokera line are truly innovative technology that provides superior therapeutic outcomes and a more optimal patient experience.”

For information, visit biotissue.com.

New CPT Code for Ex-Press Device Levels Payment Rates
Alcon has announced a new Category I Current Procedural Terminology Code to be used with the Ex-Press Glaucoma Filtration Device for dates of service on or after January 1, 2014.

The American Medical Association assigned the Category I CPT Code 66183 with the descriptor, “insertion of anterior segment aqueous drainage device, without extraocular reservoir; external approach.” It will replace the Category III CPT Code, 0192T, previously used to report implantation of the Ex-Press Glaucoma Filtration Device.

Procedures with Category III CPT Codes are subject to physician payment rates that are assigned individually and at the discretion of each Medicare contractor across the United States. The assignment of the Category I CPT code and the inclusion of 66183 in the national physician fee schedule will provide uniformity to the physician payment rate for the Ex-Press device procedure. At present, the 2014 physician fee schedule is being addressed by Congress and the final Medicare physician payment amount for each CPT was expected to be set by early January.

The Ex-Press Glaucoma Filtration Device is an alternative to conventional trabeculectomy surgery to alleviate intraocular pressure due to glaucoma, while allowing for a quicker recovery. For information, visit alconsurgical.com.  REVIEW