Abstract
Purpose :
Elbit’s ARVM is based on state of the art Head Wearable Display (HWD) and ultra-resolution imaging technologies that are currently in use for combat and commercial aviation pilots. During the clinical trials the ARVM was adjusted for vitreo-retinal surgeries. Our primary purpose was to test the ARVM imaging quality and its impact on surgery visualization. Our secondary purpose was to test intra-operative surgical assisting applications for improved surgery decision making.
Methods :
Candidates for extraction of silicone oil from the vitreous cavity (5 patients) were included in the primary part of the examination . The primary examination was carried out with the use of the ARVM for visualization and the existing vitrectomy system for the surgical procedure itself. During the operation, the system's key parameters were refined to enhance performance related to surgery visualization, ergonomic and setup time. Related patient OCT data was displayed to the surgeon in real time in correspondence to the retina visualization produced from the ARVM. Different approaches and methods of the OCT visualization during the surgery were tested and adjusted.
Results :
Very good visualization of the posterior chamber was achieved using the ARVM in the candidates for extraction of silicone oil. Digital image manipulation allowed control of image rotation, light parameters, digital zooming and image enhancement for optimal visualization of both the retina and vitreous cavity. The set-up time at the beginning of surgery was very short and the adjustment of the HWD was very easy. The HWD did not impose any fatigue or stress on the head, it felt very comfortable to all participants. Using the HWD created a significant visualization advantage due to the direct video projection to the surgeon eyes continuously during the entire procedure.
Conclusions :
Elbit's Augmented Reality Video Microscope generates high quality detailed visualization for vitreo-retinal surgery. The use of the unique and comfort HWD, the ultra-resolution stereoscopic cameras and computerized processing significantly improves the surgeon's imagery and enables intra-operative surgery supporting information visualization. The improved imaging visualization and efficient information visualization enhances surgical performance.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2017 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, MD, May 7-11, 2017.