Gish Biomedical Gets FDA OK to Market New Laser

Gish Biomedical Inc., a Santa Ana-based supplier of surgical and critical-care medical equipment, has received approval from the federal Food and Drug Administration to market a new laser which allows opthamologists to provide in-office treatment to patients who have received a lens implant to correct cataracts.

Gish has been selling its MicroYAG laser in overseas markets for about 18 months. The laser retails for $35,000. Jack Brown, Gish’s chairman, says the new laser saves patients the added cost of a hospital visit for post-surgery treatment and avoids the potential for infection caused by previous methods of treatment.

“Medical suppliers need to design equipment today that will help reduce the overall cost of health care,” Brown said. “This product is a good example of that.”

Brown said the company had received 150 inquiries about the new product. Gish is telephoning each of those people, Brown said, to gauge their actual interest. He hopes to begin shipping the new lasers later this month.