Portable surgical platform

CataRhex 3: Small in size, great in surgery.

The portable platform weighs only 5 kg, is ready for operation in seconds, and features a 2-pump system as well as an integrated air compressor for anterior vitrectomy.

Device features

Powerful performance
in cataract surgery

Phacoemulsification

Phacoemulsification: The easyPhaco technology is developed for safe and efficient phacoemulsification. It is characterised by direct fragment followability, strong holdability and a stable anterior chamber⁴.

Learn more about easyPhaco

2-pump system

2-pump system: With Peristaltic and SPEEP, the CataRhex 3 combines two pump systems in one device. The unique SPEEP pump adds independent control of flow and vacuum, providing full aspiration control in free-flow and under occlusion^*.

Discover the fluidic system

Glaucoma solution

Glaucoma solution: With High Frequency Deep Sclerotomy (HFDS), the CataRhex 3 optionally offers an implant-free, ab interno procedure for micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

Explore the HFDS procedure

Unique capsulotomy

Capsulotomy: High-frequency energy opens the capsular bag without the use of forceps or needles. It is sufficient to gently slide the capsulotomy tip over the tissue, even under the iris, while applying the diathermy energy^*.

Linear pedal

Pedal: The linear foot pedal is the central control unit of the CataRhex 3. Made from durable metal, it responds precisely to the surgeon’s commands and facilitates efficient working.

More about the pedal

Integrated air compressor

Integrated air compressor: Thanks to its built-in air compressor, the CataRhex 3 is instantly ready for anterior vitrectomy. No external air supply is required. The pneumatcally driven Continuous Flow Cutter enables efficient work with up to 2400 cpm.

ophthalmologist in action with the instrument easyphaco handpiece

Transparent single-use tubing system component

Cross sectional illustration of eye during HFDS procedure, showing instrument access and fluid flow along Schlemm’s canal with targeted outflow enhancement

Ophthalmic surgical illustration of a capsulotomy instrument in the eye

ophthalmologist with the continuous flow cutter

Oertli community

Why the CataRhex 3 is
my go-to device

Spotlight: Aaron Waite MD - How to work with the CataRhex 3 | Interview

Spotlight: Why I use the CataRhex 3 for the most difficult cataract cases | Interview | Jeff Pettey

Selected highlights

The power of the
CataRhex 3

Controlled cortex removal
The Quick Tips with Safety Design feature a long shaft for subincisional access. The small aspiration port enables rapid occludability for a stable anterior chamber, while its strategic position prevents unintended grasping of the capsular bag.
2-pump system: Your surgery, your choice
For a long time, choosing a pump system meant choosing between precision and speed. But what if you didn’t have to choose anymore? The CataRhex 3 combines two pump systems in one platform.
easyPhaco: Fluidics based on physics
The easyPhaco technology is developed for safe and efficient phacoemulsification. It is characterised by magnet-like attraction of lens fragments, strong holdability and a stable anterior chamber⁴.

Surgical workflow

Smart usability in every detail

Fast system boot-up

Fast system boot-up: After switching on, the CataRhex 3 is ready for operation in just a few seconds.

Clearly structured control panel

Clearly structured control panel: The pivotable display concisely shows current operating parameters. Via the user-friendly control panel, you can activate preset functions directly at the touch of a button.

Instrument connections

Instrument connections: The instrument connections are conveniently accessible from the front, making surgical preparation simple and efficient. Clear colour coding ensures quick orientation for instrument connection.

Optional infusion pole

Optional infusion pole: The optional infusion pole offers a simple way to mount the CataRhex 3 using a rod clamp, allowing it to be moved easily around the operating theatre.

Animated view of the Oertli CataRhex 3 during system boot-up and power connection setup

Close-up of the front control panel of the CataRhex 3 with illuminated control buttons and function indicators

Close-up of instrument connections on the CataRhex 3

Front view of the CataRhex 3 machine for cataract surgery

Phaco deep dive

Phacoemulsification
on hard cataracts

Learn how to manage challenging cases effectively. In this surgical video, Dr Fernando Aguilera from the Instituto de Ojos in Mexico demonstrates his technique for handling hard cataracts, utilising the easyPhaco technology.

Get answers

Questions about the CataRhex 3?

Submit your questions about the CataRhex 3 for cataract and glaucoma surgery. Our team is here to support you and connect you with the right expert.

Oertli community

5,000 cases later: Why I
trust the CataRhex 3

«After using the CataRhex 3 for more than 5000 cataract cases, my opinion is: the anterior chamber is really stable, can be used for any grade of cataract, safe for cornea endothelial, faster visual recovery, and ideal for the World Vision 2020 program. Moreover, the consumables and maintenance of the machine are economical. It’s a truly mobile phaco machine.» ^D1

Dr Rezaldi Pratama
Ichsan Medical Centre Hospital Bintaro, Indonesia

Ophthalmic surgeon performing cataract surgery with CataRhex 3and operating microscope at Ichsan Medical Centre Hospital, Indonesia

The portable solution

Cataract surgery,
even far from the OR

Not every procedure takes place under optimal conditions. Whether at changing locations, in outreach projects, or while traveling: there is a demand for compact surgical systems that are mobile and provide high surgical precision. The CataRhex 3 also fulfills these requirements. The compact, portable system fits into a pilot case and provides access to modern cataract surgery, even outside of traditional OR environments.

Explore our CataRhex 3 stories

Ophthalmic surgical team performing cataract procedures in a charity operating room with CataRhex 3 by fundación elena barraquer

Expert insights

Get your white papers

Showcase: Discover the Magic of CataRhex 3

Installation

How to install the
CataRhex 3

Efficiency and reliability in the OR begin with a seamless setup. The CataRhex 3 is renowned for its compact design and intuitive handling. These qualities are highlighted in this comprehensive installation guide.

Watch the full playlist here

Instructional Video: Setting up the CataRhex 3

Surgical platform

Small in size. Great in surgery.

CataRhex 3 side view with movable screen positions

Portable CataRhex 3 machine with foot pedal and pilot case

FAQ

In a nutshell about the
CataRhex 3

CataRhex 3 is a compact ophthalmic surgical machine from Oertli for cataract surgery with an optional available solution for open angle treatment in glaucoma surgery.

CataRhex 3 is designed for cataract and glaucoma surgery. In cataract surgery, it supports phacoemulsification, I/A, HF capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy. For glaucoma surgery, CataRhex 3 includes the optional available HFDS technology.

CataRhex 3 is controlled with a compact linear pedal. The pedal communicates with the phaco machine through a reliable cable connection.

The best phaco machine depends on the surgeon’s workflow, personal preferences, clinical requirements and surgical environment. The CataRhex 3 offers a variety of innovations in a compact design for cataract surgery and can be evaluated according to the individual needs of the practice, clinic, or surgical team. When selecting a phaco system, factors such as fluidics, performance, handling, mobility and service support are important.

CataRhex 3: Small in size, great in surgery.

Powerful performance
in cataract surgery

Why the CataRhex 3 is
my go-to device

The power of the
CataRhex 3

Controlled cortex removal

2-pump system: Your surgery, your choice

easyPhaco: Fluidics based on physics

Smart usability in every detail

Phacoemulsification
on hard cataracts

Questions about the CataRhex 3?

5,000 cases later: Why I
trust the CataRhex 3

Cataract surgery,
even far from the OR

Get your white papers

How to install the
CataRhex 3

Small in size. Great in surgery.

In a nutshell about the
CataRhex 3

What is CataRhex 3?

For which applications can CataRhex 3 be used?

How is CataRhex 3 controlled during surgery?

Is CataRhex 3 the best phaco machine for cataract surgery?

Find your best match

Why the CataRhex 3 is
my go-to device

The power of the
CataRhex 3

Controlled cortex removal

2-pump system: Your surgery, your choice

easyPhaco: Fluidics based on physics

Smart usability in every detail

Phacoemulsification
on hard cataracts

Questions about the CataRhex 3?

5,000 cases later: Why I
trust the CataRhex 3

Cataract surgery,
even far from the OR

Get your white papers

How to install the
CataRhex 3

Small in size. Great in surgery.

In a nutshell about the
CataRhex 3

What is CataRhex 3?

For which applications can CataRhex 3 be used?

How is CataRhex 3 controlled during surgery?

Is CataRhex 3 the best phaco machine for cataract surgery?

Find your best match

CataRhex 3: Small in size, great in surgery.

Powerful performancein cataract surgery

Why the CataRhex 3 ismy go-to device

The power of the CataRhex 3

Controlled cortex removal

2-pump system: Your surgery, your choice

easyPhaco: Fluidics based on physics

Smart usability in every detail

Phacoemulsificationon hard cataracts

Questions about the CataRhex 3?

5,000 cases later: Why I trust the CataRhex 3

Cataract surgery,even far from the OR

Get your white papers

How to install the CataRhex 3

Small in size. Great in surgery.

In a nutshell about theCataRhex 3

What is CataRhex 3?

For which applications can CataRhex 3 be used?

How is CataRhex 3 controlled during surgery?

Is CataRhex 3 the best phaco machine for cataract surgery?

Find your best match

Why the CataRhex 3 ismy go-to device

The power of the CataRhex 3

Controlled cortex removal

2-pump system: Your surgery, your choice

easyPhaco: Fluidics based on physics

Smart usability in every detail

Phacoemulsificationon hard cataracts

Questions about the CataRhex 3?

5,000 cases later: Why I trust the CataRhex 3

Cataract surgery,even far from the OR

Get your white papers

How to install the CataRhex 3

Small in size. Great in surgery.

In a nutshell about theCataRhex 3

What is CataRhex 3?

For which applications can CataRhex 3 be used?

How is CataRhex 3 controlled during surgery?

Is CataRhex 3 the best phaco machine for cataract surgery?

Find your best match

Powerful performance
in cataract surgery

Why the CataRhex 3 is
my go-to device

The power of the
CataRhex 3

Phacoemulsification
on hard cataracts

5,000 cases later: Why I
trust the CataRhex 3

Cataract surgery,
even far from the OR

How to install the
CataRhex 3

In a nutshell about the
CataRhex 3

Why the CataRhex 3 is
my go-to device

The power of the
CataRhex 3

Phacoemulsification
on hard cataracts

5,000 cases later: Why I
trust the CataRhex 3

Cataract surgery,
even far from the OR

How to install the
CataRhex 3

In a nutshell about the
CataRhex 3