Why OCTAX Laser shot^TM systems?
Unique features of OCTAX

1. Low power laser system of proven safety in clinical application

OCTAX^TM (the advanced version of Fertilase^R) is absolutely unmatched with regard to its scientific background and the safety testing for clinical application. There are more than 70 original papers published on the use of Fertilase^R / OCTAX^TM. Almost all scientific papers describing the use of a 1.48 µm laser are based on either Fertilase^R or OCTAX^TM and, as a matter of fact, based on a laser with low power in focus of 90 to 130 mW.

Our system is the only laser on which basic safety studies have been done. All fundamental safety studies regarding the use of a 1.48 µm laser in ART are based on Fertilase^R laser. OCTAX^TM is the digital version of Fertilase^R, manufactured and developed by the same scientists as Fertilase^R. Competitors are using higher laser power (300 – 400 mW) and different techniques. They do not clearly indicate the power in focus which is the only relevant parameter for clinical application, because the power of the laser diode will be modified according to the objective used, the type of plastic dishes, the volume of culture media etc.. It is too simple to conclude that basic test results with Fertilase^R / OCTAX^TM technology are valid for other laser systems which have been continuously increasing laser power.

The only published follow-up study is based on Fertilase^R laser technology: Kanyó K., Konc J. (2001) Follow-up study after non-contact laser hatching. IFFS Melbourne, Abstract Book, p. 49 (poster presentation). Infertility Center of Buda, St. János Hospital, 1. Diösärok, Budapest, Hungary, 1125.

There are thousands of babies born after application of Fertilase^R / OCTAX^TM without any adverse effect being documented. So why take any risk if you could be on the safe side with the well-established market leader using a system of proven safety?

2. Reliability

Fertilase^R / OCTAX^TM Laser shot systems are the most used and best known systems worldwide. During the last 10 years, almost 300 systems have been installed worldwide without any problems occurring. Many leading IVF centers, researchers and pioneers in IVF are working with our system. Just a few examples:

· Free University of Brussels, Belgium (Prof. Van Steirteghem, Prof. Devroy)

· Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Bonn, Germany (Dr. M. Montag, Prof. van der Ven)

· Centro IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain (Prof. Antonio Pellicer Martínez)

· The Egyptian IVF-ET Centre, Cairo, Egypt (Prof. Aboulghar, Prof. Mansour)

· Reproductive Biology Associates, Atlanta, USA (Z.P. Nagy, MD, PhD),

· Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Chongquing, China (Dr. Huang)

· Kato Ladies Clinic, Tokyo, Japan

OCTAX^TM laser shot system is a maintenance free system. There are no parts to be replaced in specific intervals nor movable parts prone to disturbances. Cleaning of optical components can be done by our local distributors as well as by technicians of microscope manufacturers. System updates will be provided within short response times by technicians from MTG Medical Technology Vertriebs-GmbH, Germany.

3. Unmatched image quality

OCTAX Laser Shot^TM is using the latest imaging and computer technologies. The system excels through outstanding image quality (see our brochures; all images taken with OCTAX USB camera on a Nikon TE2000 inverted microscope). Only OCTAX is offering two high quality laser objectives (25 x, 40 x) fitting any demands. The objectives support Hoffman´s Modulation Contrast as well as Zeiss PlasDIC for high quality images and live video.

4. Advanced software features of the OCTAX “all in one” system

OCTAX^TM uses one computer for both controlling the laser shot system and the image processing software. There is no additional controller needed.

OCTAX Eyeware^TM is the only system coming with a microsurgical laser which offers in one system

· online Web access to patient database, images and video files

· unlimited number of images stored in patient database

· multilanguage software editions: English, German, Chinese, Japanese (additional languages in preparation)

· digital video recording without any limit in duration / file size

· image capturing from any video source (analogue and digital)

· energy guard^TM safety system for laser application

5. OCTAX^TM has the experience and know-how – through pioneering work

Ø first birth after laser assisted hatching (1.48 µm)

Ø first birth after laser assisted blastomere biopsy and PGD

Ø first birth after laser assisted polar body biopsy

Ø first birth after laser assisted immobilization of spermatozoa (an application to avoid the use of PVP with ICSI)

Ø first pregnancy after laser assisted zona drilling for ICSI

Ø first ongoing pregnancy after laser assisted removal of necrotic blastomeres from frozen-thawed embryos

In summary, the OCTAX Laser shot system^TM for ART was developed by the leading scientists in this field, based on the longest experience with microsurgical laser technology. It was introduced into clinical routine and tested to guarantee optimal safety in close cooperation with embryologists all over the world. A network of disciplines complementing each other enables OCTAX to continuously improve the laser shot system and convert trend-setting ideas into practical application. Fertilase^R and its successor OCTAX laser shot system^TM is the original and the gold standard in ART laser technology.