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Dr. Kasper de Roon Hertoge (ophthalmologist) studied Medicine at Erasmus University Rotterdam and completed his Ophthalmology training in the Ophthalmology Department of Erasmus University Medical Center. In 2011, he founded the now highly successful Oogartsenpraktijk Delfland in Delft, the Netherlands. From the start, he chose to install a SurgiCube to ensure optimal safety and sterility in his practice.

The daily team consists of four specialized consultants and several trained assistants. Dr. de Roon Hertoge explains how the SurgiCube continues to meet the needs of this relatively small, independent clinic.

A relatively new concept

“When we started the practice in mid-2011, we needed facilities to perform surgical procedures. We explored several options for building a complete operating room. However, the costs were beyond our budget at that time. That is when we came across the SurgiCube and visited clinics that were already using the system. At that time, the SurgiCube was still a relatively new concept; there were only a few practices in the Netherlands working with it. It quickly became clear that the SurgiCube would be the best option for our new practice.”

Safe and sterile

With a well-equipped outpatient clinic, Oogartsenpraktijk Delfland is an independent clinic providing a wide range of high-quality ophthalmic care. In addition to treatments for cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye conditions, the clinic specializes in eyelid surgery, orthoptics and pediatric ophthalmology. Dr. de Roon Hertoge was particularly impressed by the level of sterility achievable with the SurgiCube.

Convenient

By choosing a three-meter-wide SurgiCube, Oogartsenpraktijk Delfland can perform procedures in a highly safe environment without the need for major technical modifications. “The installation of the SurgiCube went smoothly. It worked exactly as I expected,” says Dr. de Roon Hertoge. “It is easy to use, always ready to start, and does not require a large team to operate or maintain. One of the major advantages is that I can perform surgery whenever I choose. No complex planning is required for preparation or use. On top of that, the unit can be moved to any location if needed.”

“The size of our SurgiCube is more than sufficient for standard ophthalmic surgeries, eyelid corrections and injections. We have a small operating room with the SurgiCube at its center. Sterilization takes place in the room next to it. It is a very compact and efficient arrangement. We work all day with only four people. With the SurgiCube, you don’t need a large team to perform safe and effective surgery,” Dr. de Roon Hertoge continues. “Before starting my own clinic, I worked in hospitals with traditional, spacious operating theaters, but as a surgeon your focus is ultimately on the patient’s eye.”

Training and maintenance

Oogartsenpraktijk Delfland works closely with the Ophthalmology Department of Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam and has also used the system for training purposes. “We have trained several junior ophthalmologists and ophthalmic assistants using the SurgiCube,” says Dr. de Roon Hertoge. “This has been very effective, although for teaching it is of course convenient to have more space, as in a large operating theater.”

Annual maintenance of the SurgiCube is carried out by the manufacturer. Staff at the clinic therefore do not need to perform this work themselves.

Positive contribution

Oogartsenpraktijk Delfland has built a strong reputation among both patients and healthcare professionals. Dr. de Roon Hertoge believes that the SurgiCube has played an important role in delivering the high-quality ophthalmic care and efficiency the clinic is known for. “We have had very positive experiences with the system,” he says. “I am simply surprised that the SurgiCube is not yet used more widely in the Netherlands.”

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