Optical coherence tomography scanning with a handheld vitreoretinal micromanipulator

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmic instrumentation
• Medical imaging
• Robotics in medicine

Background:

• Intraocular imaging presents challenges due to the delicate nature of eye structures.
• Existing micromanipulation techniques may lack the precision and automation required for in-situ OCT scanning.
• The need for high-resolution, in-situ imaging modalities for ophthalmic diagnostics and surgical guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present an active handheld micromanipulator for automated intraocular imaging.
• To integrate a Fourier-domain common-path intraocular optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe.
• To demonstrate the capability of acquiring B-mode and C-mode OCT scans within the eye.

Main Methods:

• Development of a handheld Gough-Stewart platform actuated by ultrasonic linear motors.
• Integration of a Fourier-domain common-path intraocular OCT probe designed to fit within a 25-gauge needle.
• Implementation of automated acquisition protocols for B-mode and C-mode OCT scans up to 4 mm wide.

Main Results:

• Successful development of an active handheld micromanipulator system.
• Demonstration of automated intraocular OCT scan acquisition.
• Presentation of preliminary B-mode and C-mode OCT scan results obtained in-situ.

Conclusions:

• The developed micromanipulator provides a novel platform for automated intraocular OCT imaging.
• The system's design allows for precise manipulation and high-quality scan acquisition within the eye.
• This technology holds potential for advancing ophthalmic diagnostics and surgical interventions.