Real-Time Volumetric Imaging of Vitreoretinal Surgery with a Prototype Microscope-Integrated Swept-Source OCT Device

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Intraoperative imaging is crucial for guiding complex ophthalmic surgeries.
• Near-real-time visualization of surgical maneuvers can improve outcomes in vitreoretinal procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility and image quality of intraoperative near-real-time volumetric swept-source (SS) OCT during macular surgery.
• To assess the ability of SS-OCT to visualize surgical instruments and tissue deformation during vitreoretinal procedures.

Main Methods:

• A prospective translational study involving 41 adult patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery.
• A novel microscope-integrated SS-OCT prototype captured volumetric images in near-real-time.
• Images were displayed to the surgeon via a heads-up display and formally analyzed postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Volumetric SS-OCT images were deemed acceptable in 92% of patients.
• Successful volumetric imaging of scraping and peeling procedures was achieved in 75% and 78% of cases, respectively.
• The system provided near-real-time volumetric visualization of instruments, retinal surface, and deformation.

Conclusions:

• The microscope-integrated SS-OCT prototype offers high-detail, near-real-time volumetric imaging capabilities.
• This technology shows promise for enhancing surgical precision during delicate macular procedures.