Hand-held minimally invasive optical probe for three-dimensional visualization of intraocular anatomy and morphology

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a research program from the US Army Medical Research to develop a novel stereo-endoscopy approach that can be used for intraocular surgical guidance.

Intraocular surgery is usually performed under stereoscopic guidance using a surgical microscope. The surgeon is usually able to see intraocular structures through a clear cornea. However, when the optical clarity of the cornea is severely compromised, visualization of the retina and other intraocular structures is very difficult or impossible. Poor visualization of intraocular structures during surgery is associated with an increased risk for surgical complications and subsequent irreversible vision loss. Minimally-invasive needle-size endoscopic tools are currently used to aid intraocular surgeries. However, they lack a stereoscopic view, and, therefore, the manipulation of the surgical tools within the surgical field becomes very challenging. As a result, very few eye surgeons use these tools.

To address this problem, PSI is developing a novel stereo-endoscopy approach that can be used for intraocular surgical guidance. In addition to the stereoscopic view, an OCT channel is included to examine tissue morphology.

Successful completion of this program will lead to the development of a novel tool for surgery guidance in patients with severely compromised corneas. Intraocular surgery in such patients is very difficult and carries an increased risk of irreversible error when a regular surgical microscope is used.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Nicusor Iftimia
Area Manager, Biomedical Optics Technology

iftimia@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Telephone: (978) 689-0003