Microscope-integrated Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography for Anterior Segment Surgical Maneuvers

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Anterior segment surgery requires high precision for optimal patient outcomes.
• Real-time intraoperative feedback can potentially improve surgical accuracy and training.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers high-resolution cross-sectional imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (MI-OCT) in anterior segment surgical maneuvers.
• To assess the impact of real-time MI-OCT feedback on surgical accuracy and resident training.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four ophthalmology residents performed four anterior segment surgical maneuvers on porcine eyes.
• Participants were divided into two groups: one with real-time MI-OCT feedback (Group B) and one without (Group A).
• Maneuvers included corneal tunnel, scleral tunnel, simple corneal suture, and corneal laceration repair, with re-evaluation without MI-OCT.

Main Results:

• Group B demonstrated significantly better accuracy in corneal and scleral tunnel length/depth compared to Group A.
• No significant difference was observed in the depth of simple corneal sutures or corneal laceration repairs between groups.
• Post-intervention, Group B maintained superior accuracy in tunnel creation even without MI-OCT feedback.

Conclusions:

• Real-time MI-OCT imaging is valuable for improving accuracy in specific anterior segment surgical maneuvers.
• MI-OCT systems enhance decision-making during surgery and show significant potential as a surgical training tool.
• The technology can improve precision in tunnel creation, contributing to better surgical outcomes.