Demonstration of an ophthalmic ultrasound horizontal actuator for 3D imaging with any ultrasound probe

Abstract

Purpose : The clinical potential of 3-dimensional (3D) ophthalmic ultrasound (US) on human eyes in vivo remains largely under-explored. 3D ocular US has the potential to rapidly provide unique views of intraocular and extraocular structures in the clinical setting. Here, we demonstrate a novel 3D ocular US device using three different US probes for imaging phantoms and human subjects.

Methods : Our 3D ocular US system is mounted onto a slit lamp and accommodates multiple US probes in customized 3D printed sleeves. The motorized instrument moves a US probe horizontally to obtain standardized US videos. Images were extracted and reconstructed into 3D models. For phantom imaging, a 3D printed resin structure embedded in gelatin was scanned with three probes: ABSolu 20 MHz, Accutome B-Scan Plus, and Butterfly iQ. Healthy human subjects and subjects with disease were also imaged with each probe, and subjects with staphyloma and vitreous silicone oil droplets and a glaucoma drainage implant were scanned with the Accutome B-Scan Plus. A subject with moderate myopia was scanned using the ABSolu 20 MHz probe.

Results : 3D renderings of the resin US phantom were generated (Figure 1a). 3D reconstructions of in vivo human eyes were also generated (Figure 1b and 1c) to provide widefield visualization of globe contour abnormalities.

Conclusions : We demonstrated a novel 3D ocular US device with three probes for phantom and in vivo human imaging. A universal motorized actuator can manipulate clinical US probes to produce clinically informative models of the posterior globe contour. These models highlight the device's potential in visualizing intraocular topography and pathologies. Preliminary findings justify instrument refinement and automation of 3D imaging using existing ophthalmic US systems. Further investigation is needed to determine the clinical utility of 3D ocular US.

This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.

 

Figure 1: A) 3D reconstructions of the resin US phantom. B) 3D rendering of a healthy volunteer’s eye with the ABSolu 20 MHz probe. C) 3D model of a subject with myopic staphyloma scanned with the Accutome.