Remote optical coherence tomography probe shows promise

A system that combines a handheld, swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) probe with a web-based user interface (WebUI) is promising technology for improving diagnosis of ocular pathology in acute care settings and through telemedicine, according to its developers at Duke Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA. The handheld probe allows for rapid switching between anterior and posterior imaging modes, while the WebUI enables multiple users to simultaneously visualise and control the same OCT imaging session from any readily available client device, such as a mobile phone, laptop computer, or tablet. “Portable OCT systems with handheld probes are a familiar platform for emergency room providers, and on-board displays and controls are helpful for users. Previous studies have reported on LCD touchscreens developed for the latter purpose, but they are applicable to the one device only. Our system allows platform-neutral displays and control and could be applicable to various OCT hardware systems. Furthermore, by providing the ability to easily control the imaging session over the Internet, it has great potential for use in telemedicine,” said Rajvi Mehta BS, who introduced the technology at the 2016 annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) in Seattle, USA. Development of the handheld probe was funded by the US Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, and so it was also designed for use in rugged environments. The WebUI was designed by David Zielinski and a team led by Drs Joseph Izatt and Anthony Kuo, to allow system interactions using open-source software tools and communication protocols and to minimise latency from remote interaction.

DISPLAY AND CONTROL FEATURES

Results of a clinical study presented by Ms Mehta showed the latter goal was achieved. Latency to image display on the OCT system desktop monitor was measured during posterior segment imaging using the handheld probe. Mean measured latency time was 124ms without the WebUI and increased by only 72ms with its use, which had no impact on operator usage. Views available with the WebUI include camera, B-scan, and summed voxel projection. Graphical icon control “buttons” include a B-scan slider, “toggle retina” for switching between anterior and posterior segment imaging, and “start capture” for image capture. “The current features were chosen based on operator feedback. However, the platform-neutral and flexible nature of a WebUI offers tremendous potential for customising user interface displays and controls for a variety of OCT hardware systems, applications, and end users,” Ms Mehta said.

Tags: ocular pathology, optical coherence tomography