SUCCESS STORY: OERTLI IN THE COURSE OF TIME
Since its foundation in 1955, Oertli has developed from a factory for manufacturing surgical instruments to a worldwide leading provider of surgical platforms and instruments for eye surgery. The story of Oertli thrives on innovations, highlights and scientific success.
In recent years, Oertli has largely contributed to the technical progress in eye surgery thanks to its numerous innovations, patented procedures and consistently high quality standards. The focus on our core competences and high interdisciplinary know-how are central aspects of our success. Today, we master the development, production and distribution of complex electronic control devices, highly precise micro-instruments and sterile surgical accessories. Over 300 employees work at our production location in Berneck in the St. Gall Rhine Valley – and ensure the continuation of our success story every day.
THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF OERTLI
Foundation of the company by Heinz A. Oertli
Pioneer work in vitrectomy in collaboration with Prof. Klöti
Invention: the first vitrectomy cutter
Invention: the first time bipolar diathermy is used in ophthalmology
Invention: the first surgical platform for vitreoretinal surgery
1955 - Foundation of the company by Heinz A. Oertli
In 1955, the company was founded by Heinz A. Oertli in St. Gallen, Switzerland. As result of its collaboration with the St. Gallen ophthalmologist Prof. Alfred Bangerter, the company began to focus on eye-surgical instruments already in the early years after its foundation.
1965 - Pioneer work in vitrectomy in collaboration with Prof. Klöti
Oertli achieved its international breakthrough in eye surgery with the support of the Zurich retinal pioneer Prof. Rudolf Klöti. In a retrospective, written by Heinz Oertli himself, he describes this thrilling collaboration.
1971 - Invention: the first vitrectomy cutter
For the first time, it was possible to remove the gel-like vitreous body and in this way enable surgery on the retina. In close collaboration with Prof. Klöti, Oertli succeeded in developing a cutting instrument that was powered by a razor motor that had been alienated from its intended purpose!
Find out more about the vitrectomy cutters by Oertli.
1972 - Invention: the first time bipolar diathermy is used in ophthalmology
The first diathermy device developed was intended for the coagulation of blood vessels in the vitreous body. The instruments were presented at the University Hospital in Zurich and during a live TV broadcast of a vitrectomy surgery.
Find out more about the diathermy devices by Oertli.
1974 - Invention: the first surgical platform for vitreoretinal surgery
The VitroCat microsurgical device used to control the aspiration of fluids and fragmented tissue and their replacement to ensure constant pressure. The cassette, which could be sterilized in an autoclave, was rapidly and easily operable.
Invention: the first contamination-free cassette concept
Invention: the first dual linear foot pedal control
Invention: capsulotomy by means of bipolar diathermy
Market launch: the Orbit surgical system
Purchase of the company by Andreas Bosshard
1980 - Invention: the first contamination-free cassette concept
Based on the experience gained with the aspiration - irrigation peristaltic pump, a cassette system was developed which simplified the operation considerably. A standard light brown housing was used.
1985 - Invention: the first dual linear foot pedal control
Since its invention in 1985, the dual linear pedal control has been steadily perfected. Dual linear control via the pedal provides the surgeon with numerous operational possibilities and a selection of settings to choose from.
Find out more about the dual linear pedal by Oertli.
1991 - Invention: capsulotomy by means of bipolar diathermy
By using high-frequency energy, the capsule bag can be melted easily – without the usual tearing with forceps or needle. Gliding gently over the tissue, and even under the iris, with the capsulotomy tip while delivering diathermy power is all that is required.
Find out more about capsulotomy.
1991 - Market launch: the Orbit surgical system
The Orbit was Oertli's first surgical system for phaco, I/A and diathermy.
1992 - Purchase of the company by Andreas Bosshard
Following long-term collaboration with Heinz Oertli, Andreas Bosshard took over the company in full and developed it to a thriving enterprise up to his merited retirement in 2010.
Market launch: the Quinto surgical system
Invention: the first Venturi / Peristaltic dual pump system
Market launch: the portable CataRhex phaco system
Invention: HFDS® (High Frequency Deep Sclerotomy) technology
Market launch: the OS 3 surgical system for cataract and vitreoretinal surgery
1994 - Market launch: the Quinto surgical system
The all-inclusive system for cutting-edge anterior segment surgery techniques was applied in the early 90s.
1996 - Invention: the first Venturi / Peristaltic dual pump system
The two pump systems – Peristaltic and Venturi – have become well established in ophthalmic surgery. Using the peristaltic pump, the vacuum can be generated mechanically. A rotating wheel milks a tube, allowing the surgeon to control the rotational speed. This passive vacuum, which is generated entirely under occlusion, cannot be modulated, but it provides the advantage that the flow can be very finely tuned, which creates a particularly positive effect during fine manoeuvres. Venturi pumps, on the other hand, generate the vacuum by means of an airflow. The vacuum builds up quickly and can be easily modulated, but the flow cannot be directly controlled. Thus, a Venturi pump ensures fast processing, but with restrictions for fine manoeuvres.
The two pump systems – Peristaltic and Venturi – have become well established in ophthalmic surgery. Using the peristaltic pump, the vacuum can be generated mechanically. A rotating wheel milks a tube, allowing the surgeon to control the rotational speed. This passive vacuum, which is generated entirely under occlusion, cannot be modulated, but it provides the advantage that the flow can be very finely tuned, which creates a particularly positive effect during fine manoeuvres. Venturi pumps, on the other hand, generate the vacuum by means of an airflow. The vacuum builds up quickly and can be easily modulated, but the flow cannot be directly controlled. Thus, a Venturi pump ensures fast processing, but with restrictions for fine manoeuvres.
1997 - Market launch: the portable CataRhex phaco system
The first generation of the CataRhex family has been a success right from the start. The portable phaco device boasts uncompromising achievements despite its compactness.
Find out more about the CataRhex 3.
2001 - Invention: HFDS® (High Frequency Deep Sclerotomy) technology
The High Frequency Deep Sclerotomy (HFDS) ab interno procedure establishes a direct access from the anterior chamber to the Schlemm’s canal, thus avoiding the outflow resistance of the trabecular meshwork. This ensures low complication rates and good long-term results particularly in view of the short intervention time.
2002 - Market launch: the OS 3 surgical system for cataract and vitreoretinal surgery
Thanks to the construction of the individual modules, the OS 3 has developed from a modern cataract surgery platform to an all-inclusive anterior and posterior segment system. In 2015, the OS 3 was successfully replaced by the amazing all-in-one platform OS 4.
Market launch: the CataRhex SwissTech high intelligence phaco system
Invention: the first vitrectomy cutter with pneumatic drive
Market launch: the titanium tips for CO-MICS 1.6 mm cataract surgery
Market launch: the Pars Plana micro-incision system
Market launch: the Goodlight metal halide light source
2004 - Market launch: the CataRhex SwissTech high intelligence phaco system
The second generation of the CataRhex family impresses again – with its great ease of use and outstanding performance. In 2013, the CataRhex SwissTech was replaced by the CataRhex 3.
2005 - Invention: the first vitrectomy cutter with pneumatic drive
The push-pull principle of the pneumatic cutter, originally developed by Oertli, enables smooth work in the posterior eye segment using high cutting rates. This reliable technology is also applied in the Continuous Flow Cutter.
Read more about the Continuous Flow Cutter.
2006 - Market launch: the titanium tips for CO-MICS 1.6 mm cataract surgery
With titanium tips CO-MICS you can operate without any problem with incisions of 1.6 mm. The benefits of real micro-incision surgery are considerable. The dramatic reduction of the wound surface is important and offers great potential advantages such as superb tightness of the wound, fast healing process, increased protection against infection, perfect deformation stability, no in-duced astigmatism. The smart design of the CO-MICS tip makes full use of these advantages.
Find out more about the titanium tips by Oertli.
2006 - Market launch: the Pars Plana micro-incision system
The lance-shaped needle of the pars plana micro-incision system is characterised by an exceptional driving and cutting force. The slim tunnel incision ensures excellent postoperative wound-tightness and thus fast healing of the wound. The trocar with its integrated lock membrane prevents the outflow of BSS, air and oil, which results in a constant IOP during the whole surgery.
2007 - Market launch: the Goodlight metal halide light source
Goodlight minimizes the risk of photorhetinitis for the surgeon and patient. Goodlight automatically absorbs all dangerous wavelengths below 435 nm. The pleasant colour of the light ensures best contrast vision. It enhances the effect of blue liquids and makes the membrane very clearly visible.
Read more about the Goodlight technology.
Invention: the first trocar system with self-sealing membrane
Invention: the easyPhaco® technology for 2.2 mm cataract surgery
Market launch: the Faros compact device for cataract and vitrectomy surgery
Oertli wins the SVC Entrepreneur Award Eastern Switzerland
Invention: the easyPhaco® technology for 2.8 mm cataract surgery
2008 - Invention: the first trocar system with self-sealing membrane
The internal sealing membrane prevents the escape of BSS, air or oil. A constant IOP is maintained during the entire surgery, also in critical procedures such as combined cataract and vitrectomy interventions. The surgeon can easily remove the sealing membrane with certain manoeuvres using the forceps. The steady and stable conditions result in decreased BSS consumption, which is an additional advantage.
2009- Invention: the easyPhaco® technology for 2.2 mm cataract surgery
easyPhaco – Fluidics based on physics
The easyPhaco technology has been developed for safe and efficient phacoemulsification. Thanks to Oertli's unique fluidic concept, easyPhaco allows a direct fragment followability and provides a strong fragment holdability. The occluded fragments absorb the U/S energy and are then aspirated efficiently without clogging. The seven times higher infusion capacity allows a constant intraocular pressure for a stable anterior chamber. easyPhaco is available for incisions from 1.6 mm to 2.8 mm.
Find out more about easyPhaco technology.
2009 - Market launch: the Faros compact device for cataract and vitrectomy surgery
The Faros is the compact device for cataract, glaucoma and vitrectomy surgery.
2010 - Oertli wins the SVC Entrepreneur Award Eastern Switzerland
Every other year, the Prix SVC (Swiss Venture Club) promotes Swiss entrepreneurship and awards the Prix SVC to exemplary companies. The prize highlights the importance of SMEs for the Swiss economy and encourages companies to reach beyond their company structures.
Andreas Bosshard at the presentation of the much coveted prize.
2010 - Invention: the easyPhaco® technology for 2.8 mm cataract surgery
easyPhaco – Fluidics based on physics
The easyPhaco technology has been developed for safe and efficient phacoemulsification. Thanks to Oertli's unique fluidic concept, easyPhaco allows a direct fragment followability and provides a strong fragment holdability. The occluded fragments absorb the U/S energy and are then aspirated efficiently without clogging. The seven times higher infusion capacity allows a constant intraocular pressure for a stable anterior chamber. easyPhaco is available for incisions from 1.6 mm to 2.8 mm.
Find out more about easyPhaco technology.
The change of management to the 2nd generation of the Bosshard family
Market launch: Autoseal trocar one step system
Market launch: the advanced Goodlight LED light source
Market launch: the Quick Tips with Safety Design for irrigation / aspiration
Market launch: the CataRhex 3, the third generation of the portable phaco system
2010 - The change of management to the 2nd generation of the Bosshard family
Andreas Bosshard handed over the management of the company to his two sons in 2010. From left to right: Thomas Bosshard, Andreas Bosshard, and Christoph Bosshard.
2011 - Market launch: Autoseal trocar one step system
In vitrectomy, the OS 4 Caliburn trocar system enables highly precise work with very sharp instruments. The lance-shaped needle of the pars plana micro-incision system is characterised by an exceptional driving and cutting force. The razor-sharp Caliburn blade reduces the strength required for penetration to a minimum and results in optimum cutting geometry in the sclera. The slim tunnel incision ensures excellent postoperative wound-tightness and thus fast healing of the wound.
Find out more about the trocar system.
2012 - Market launch: the advanced Goodlight LED light source
Goodlight minimizes the risk of photorhetinitis for the surgeon and patient. Goodlight automatically absorbs all dangerous wavelengths below 435 nm. The pleasant colour of the light allows for best contrast vision. It enhances the effect of blue liquids and makes the membrane very clearly visible.
2013 -Market launch: the Quick Tips with Safety Design for irrigation / aspiration
The Quick Tips with Safety Design have an extended shaft length to enable better sub-incisional access.
Find out more about the Quick Tips with Safety Design.
2013 - Market launch: the CataRhex 3, the third generation of the portable phaco system
With unbeatably compact dimensions and a lightweight of only five kilograms, the CataRhex 3 has been consistently geared towards mobility and portability – without making any compromising on performance. easyPhaco technology ensures safe and highly efficient emulsification.
Learn more about CataRhex 3.
Invention: the unique pump system CortexMode
Market launch: the 25G Caliburn trocar system
Invention: the revolutionary 3-pump system SPEEP pump
Invention: the Continuous Flow Cutter
Market launch: the OS 4 all-in-one surgical platform
2014 - Invention: the unique pump system CortexMode
In irrigation and aspiration, the innovative CortexMode in CataRhex 3 provides unrivalled precision and efficiency in cortex removal and capsule cleaning.
Read more about the CortexMode pump system.
2015 - Market launch: the 25G Caliburn trocar system
The lance-shaped blade of the Caliburn trocar system features exceptional piercing and cutting power. The razor-sharp Caliburn blade reduces the penetration force to a minimum and leads to a perfect cutting geometry in the sclera.
More about the Caliburn Trocar System.
2015 - Invention: the revolutionary 3-pump system SPEEP pump
The exceptional SPEEP pump unites the best of two worlds. It combines the advantages of the Peristaltic and Venturi pump and integrates them into one device, thus making a considerable contribution to safety.
Find out more about the SPEEP pump.
2015 - Invention: the Continuous Flow Cutter
The continuous flow cutting concept ensures continuous flow without any perceivable fluctuations. While with a standard cutter the flow is interrupted at each cycle, continuous flow ensures smooth and precise flow as well as rapid aspiration and ideal portioning of the vitreous body removal.
Read more about the Continuous Flow Cutter.
2015 - Market launch: the OS 4 all-in-one surgical platform
To render ophthalmic surgery even safer, simpler and more efficient, the OS 4 makes consistent use of the laws of physics and fluidics. The heart of the device is the three-pump system with vacuum and flow control as well as the innovative SPEEPMode for extremely precise manoeuvres. All instruments are perfectly integrated into the system.
Find out more about the OS 4 all-in-one surgical platform.
Oertli wins the Rheintaler Economy Prize
Market launch: 27G
Market launch: the new Faros for cataract, glaucoma and vitrectomy surgery
Market launch: new silicone application set
World novelty: ViPer illuminated scleral indentor
2016 - Oertli wins the Rheintaler Economy Prize
This regional prize is awarded annually by an expert jury to the most commendable company in the Rhine Valley region. Christoph Bosshard proudly accepted the award on behalf of the entire workforce.
2018 - Market launch: 27G
Minimally invasive interventions do not only promote postoperative wound healing. The whole product range around 27G offers the best conditions for this and a lot more.
Find out more about the 27G product range.
2018 - Market launch: the new Faros for cataract, glaucoma and vitrectomy surgery
The Faros surgical platform ensures opthalmic surgery of the highest level while always remaining comfortable and intuitive to use. The precise flow control makes the surgeon's work even easier and safer than before. The unique SPEEPMode controls both flow and vacuum, which results in superb fluidics.
2019 - Market launch: new silicone application set
The Oertli silicone application sets ensure exceptionally fast injection and extraction of silicone oil. Thanks to the trocar-based solution surgical time can be saved, as the valve remains in the trocar.
Find out more about the silicone application set by Oertli.
2020 - World novelty: ViPer illuminated scleral indentor
The ViPer (Visible Periphery) simplifies work in the periphery by ensuring simultaneous indenting and transscleral illumination in the posterior eye segment. The indentor boasts a semi-transparent design, making it free from glare and backscattered light.
Find out more about the new ViPer from Oertli.
Change in the board of directors presidency
The next generation of OS 4
Re-Launch: CataRhex 3 with SPEEP
Re-Launch: Faros with Power LED
Christoph and Thomas Bosshard as Co-CEOs
2022 - Christoph and Thomas Bosshard as Co-CEOs
Oertli Instrumente AG has developed very well over the past years. The consistent implementation of our strategy, a sustainable innovative strength and constant investments in our employees and infrastructure have made Oertli a world brand in ophthalmic surgery.
With continuous growth behind us and the consistent implementation of our long-term strategy, Christoph and Thomas Bosshard will manage the company as Co-CEOs in the future.
2021 - Re-Launch: Faros with Power LED
More brightness and homogeneity for even greater safety. Thanks to the integration of the Power LED module, the light output in the Faros has been increased by an additional 45 percent - for a perfect illumination and visualisation during all manoeuvres, extending to the periphery.
2021 - Re-Launch: CataRhex 3 with SPEEP
We have enhanced the CataRhex 3 with our unique pump technology. More efficiency and precision is from now on ensured by the addition of the SPEEP pump technology in the CataRhex 3. The unique SPEEP pump gives you precise control of flow and vacuum. This ensures more efficiency and precision in your cataract surgery.
2021 - The next generation of OS 4
Even more speed, even more precision, even more safety. The new OS 4 marks the beginning of the next generation of surgical platform in retina, glaucoma and cataract surgery. The sophisticated all-in-one platform has received numerous exciting features that ensure even more user comfort, precision and safety in the operating theater.
2020 - Change in the board of directors presidency
Andreas Bosshard, co-owner and former managing director, hands over the board of directors into new hands; into the capable hands of Andreas Schmidheini. At the past employee orientation the whole Oertli team and his family members bid farewell to an outstanding personality with a standing ovation.
We look back with a crying and laughing eye on the immense commitment Andreas Bosshard has shown for more than 30 years.
Oertli wins the Swiss Medtech Award
The next generation of OS 4
Re-Launch: CataRhex 3 with SPEEP
Re-Launch: Faros with Power LED
Christoph and Thomas Bosshard as Co-CEOs
2022 - Christoph and Thomas Bosshard as Co-CEOs
Oertli Instrumente AG has developed very well over the past years. The consistent implementation of our strategy, a sustainable innovative strength and constant investments in our employees and infrastructure have made Oertli a world brand in ophthalmic surgery.
With continuous growth behind us and the consistent implementation of our long-term strategy, Christoph and Thomas Bosshard will manage the company as Co-CEOs in the future.
2021 - Re-Launch: Faros with Power LED
More brightness and homogeneity for even greater safety. Thanks to the integration of the Power LED module, the light output in the Faros has been increased by an additional 45 percent - for a perfect illumination and visualisation during all manoeuvres, extending to the periphery.
2021 - Re-Launch: CataRhex 3 with SPEEP
We have enhanced the CataRhex 3 with our unique pump technology. More efficiency and precision is from now on ensured by the addition of the SPEEP pump technology in the CataRhex 3. The unique SPEEP pump gives you precise control of flow and vacuum. This ensures more efficiency and precision in your cataract surgery.
2021 - The next generation of OS 4
Even more speed, even more precision, even more safety. The new OS 4 marks the beginning of the next generation of surgical platform in retina, glaucoma and cataract surgery. The sophisticated all-in-one platform has received numerous exciting features that ensure even more user comfort, precision and safety in the operating theater.
2024 - Oertli wins the Swiss Medtech Award
We are the proud winner of the prestigious Swiss Medtech Award, worth CHF 75,000.
The Swiss Medtech Award, established in 2018, has become one of the most important awards in the Swiss medical technology sector. This prestigious innovation award recognizes outstanding achievements in the Swiss medical technology industry.
The jury, chaired by ETH Prof. Mirko Meboldt, evaluates the candidates based on the criteria of patient benefit, contribution to improving healthcare and technological pioneering spirit. We impressed the jury not only with the criteria mentioned, but also with our consistent Swiss quality mindset, focus on core processes and interdisciplinarity.
More about the award here.
| 1955 | Foundation by Heinz A. Oertli |
| 1965 | Pioneer work in vitrectomy with Professor Klöti |
| 1971 | Invention: First vitrectomy cutter "Klöti" |
| 1972 | Invention: First ophthalmological bipolar diathermy |
| 1974 | Invention: First surgical platform for vitrectomy |
| 1980 | Invention: First contamination-free cassette concept |
| 1985 | Invention: First dual linear foot pedal control |
| 1991 | Invention: First bipolar capsulotomy |
| 1991 | Market introduction: Orbit surgical system |
| 1992 | Purchase of the company by Andreas Bosshard |
| 1994 | Market introduction: Quinto surgical system |
| 1996 | Invention: First Venturi/peristaltic dual pump system |
| 1997 | Market introduction: CataRhex – the portable phaco system |
| 2001 | Invention: HFDS (High Frequency Deep Sclerotomy) |
| 2002 | Market introduction: OS3 surgical platform for cataract and vitreoretinal surgery |
| 2004 | Market introduction: CataRhex SwissTech High Intelligence phaco system |
| 2005 | Invention: First pneumatic vitrectomy cutter for 23G and 25G |
| 2006 | Market introduction: Tips for CO-MICS 1.6 mm cataract surgery |
| 2006 | Market introduction: Pars plana micro-incision system for 23G and 25G |
| 2007 | Market introduction: Goodlight metal halide light source |
| 2008 | Invention: First Autoseal trocar system |
| 2008 | Invention: easyPhaco technology for CO-MICS 1.8 mm |
| 2009 | Invention: easyPhaco technology for 2.2 mm |
| 2009 | Market introduction: Faros compact device for cataract and vitrectomy surgery |
| 2010 | Oertli wins the SVC regional award for Eastern Switzerland |
| 2010 | Invention: easyPhaco technology for 2.8 mm |
| 2010 | Change in business management from the first to the second generation of the Bosshard family |
| 2011 | Market introduction: Autoseal trocar one step system |
| 2012 | Market introduction: Advanced Goodlight LED light source |
| 2013 | Market introduction: Quick Tips with Safety Design for Irrigation/Aspiration |
| 2013 | Market introduction: CataRhex 3 third generation of the portable phaco system |
| 2013 | Invention: CortexMode pump system |
| 2014 | Market introduction: 25G Caliburn pars plana trocar system |
| 2015 | Market introduction: OS 4 All-in-one-surgical platform |
| 2015 | Invention: Continuous Flow Cutter |
| 2015 | Invention: SPEEPMode, the unique 3-pump system |
| 2016 | Oertli wins the Rhine Valley Economy Award |
| 2018 | Market introduction: new Faros |
| 2019 | Market introduction: Silicone oil application set |
| 2020 | World novelty: ViPer illuminated scleral indentor |
| 2020 | Change in the board of directors presidency |
| 2021 | Market introduction: OS 4 - the next generation |
| 2021 | Re-Launch: CataRhex 3 with SPEEP |
| 2021 | Re-Launch: Faros with Power LED |
| 2022 | Christoph and Thomas Bosshard as Co-CEOs |
| 2024 | Oertli wins the Swiss Medtech Award |