After facing challenges in recent years, RUCK (Eschweiler, Germany), the maker of the QUBEⓇ surgical system, regained its independence with renewed vigor in April 2023. In an exclusive interview with Media MICE CEO Matt Young, Andreas Kühnel, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at RUCK, discusses the company’s resurgence.
Few names in ophthalmic surgery devices are as storied as RUCK. Founded in 1981 by Fritz Ruck, the company emerged as a pioneering force in phacoemulsification technology. Their innovation began with the PentaSys®—a device that quickly earned a reputation for its high performance and reliability. Even today, the tried-and-true PentaSys is still highly regarded among vitreoretinal surgeons worldwide. According to Andreas, one dedicated doctor in southwest Germany cherished his 10-year-old PentaSys so much that he purchased a second unit, solely for spare parts. This loyalty speaks volumes about RUCK’s early impact.
As the years progressed, Fritz’s vision was carried forward by his son, Michael Ruck. Under Michael’s leadership, RUCK continued its tradition of innovation, culminating in the launch of the QUBE. This next-generation phacoemulsifier, designed for both cataract and vitrectomy surgeries, marked a significant leap forward. With its new software and intuitive graphical interface, the QUBE packed all the capabilities of larger machines into a sleek, compact form. It’s a testament to RUCK’s engineering prowess— offering a cost-effective, reliable solution that balances performance and affordability.
Following the acquisition of RUCK by Hoya in 2019, Michael once again took over the company’s reins in April 2023, steering RUCK’s full attention back to its long tradition of developing and selling surgical systems.
Determined to bring his company back to life, Michael reached out to Andreas, co-founder of Vitreq, and asked him to join the RUCK team. “Michael got in touch with me and said, ‘Why don’t we relaunch the company?’” Andreas recalls. “We saw the potential to not only bring back the products but to expand our reach.”
A renewed vision
As RUCK steps back into the limelight, the company is not just reviving its past but also charting an ambitious path for the future. With the ophthalmic industry on the cusp of exciting advancements, RUCK is poised to lead with a renewed vision that embraces both innovation and global expansion.
Looking ahead, RUCK plans to grow its portfolio with cutting-edge products and technologies. One such advancement is the introduction of a day cassette for its QUBE system. This new feature allows surgeons to leave the cassette in the machine for up to 16 hours. Not only will it reduce the cost per case but also streamline operations, offering a significant advantage over competing systems that require entire cassette and tubing replacements for each procedure. “We’re focusing on developing solutions that are both cost-effective and efficient,” Andreas explains.
In the coming decade, the demand for cataract and vitrectomy systems is expected to grow globally, and RUCK is preparing to meet this demand head-on. “We want to develop state-of-the-art phaco systems for the future,” Andreas notes. “We need to validate with our engineers what is feasible and realistic at what price,” emphasizing RUCK’s continued commitment to cost-effective innovation and quality.
The trend towards miniaturization is also a focal point. “Incision sizes in vitrectomy have evolved from 20 gauge to 23, 25 and now 27 gauge,” notes Andreas. In addition to the movement towards smaller incisions, he is optimistic about emerging new methods in cataract surgery. “We will see more ways to achieve safer procedures with better control over IOP and chamber stability,” Andreas predicts, perhaps hinting at RUCK’s future endeavors.
The company is also considering the acquisition of distribution companies to broaden their reach. “We are establishing a distributor system covering international markets,” says Andreas, noting RUCK’s focus on global expansion.
As RUCK ramps up its operations, with plans to significantly expand its small yet talented team by the end of the year, there is a palpable sense of momentum. “I believe in this company. I believe in the people, the technology and the know how,” Andreas shares with conviction. “Everybody thought, ‘RUCK is gone.’ RUCK is not gone. I am confident we will be even more powerful five years from now.”
With a history spanning over three decades and a bold new vision, RUCK is ready to not only sustain its legacy but also to set new benchmarks in the ophthalmic industry. As they move forward, the QUBE and future offerings promise to uphold the tradition of excellence that began with Fritz Ruck and continues, against the odds, to thrive today.
