Dr. Alex Huang receives Heidelberg Engineering’s Research Award 2016

Heidelberg, Germany – Alex Huang, MD, PhD, is the winner of the Heidelberg Engineering Xtreme Research Award 2016 for his research on aqueous angiography and OCT structural analysis of outflow pathways. He received the award in a ceremony during ARVO’s Annual Meeting in Seattle.

Dr. Huang, who is a glaucoma clinician scientist at the Doheny Eye Institute and at the Department of Ophthalmology of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in Los Angeles, presented the highlights of his current research in an outstanding lecture titled “To See and Touch Aqueous Humor Outflow”.

With the annual Xtreme Research Award, Heidelberg Engineering intends to honor the most cutting-edge research for the advancement of ophthalmic care. This year, the award went to Dr. Huang in recognition for his latest research initiative on structure and function of the anterior segment consisting of a novel method referred to as “aqueous angiography”, which involves dye-based angiography of the anterior chamber and OCT imaging of the outflow pathways using a multimodal imaging platform.

Although still in its early stages, Dr. Huang’s research intends to improve glaucoma angle-based procedures by guiding its placement according to the individual anatomy of each eye. For example, stent location in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is believed to have an influence on the outcome of the procedure. If this hypothesis is proven true, customization of the stent’s position guided by the characteristics of each eye could lead to improved surgery outcomes.

“We are genuinely excited about future possibilities and potential clinical impact that structural and functional anterior segment imaging such as aqueous angiography may have on glaucoma and ophthalmology. With these tools, one day we may start tailoring glaucoma care to an individual patient’s anatomy or patterns of aqueous humor outflow. Thus, this is a real opportunity to learn new biology of the eye as well as push the efficacy of patient care forward”, said Dr. Huang.

“Looking ahead, we would like to provide a diagnostic imaging platform to perform dye-based angiography of the anterior segment pre- or intra-operatively and for this reason, we are enthusiastic about Dr. Huang’s research project. Such novel applications of anterior segment research could provide clinically valuable information about aqueous humor flow and flow patterns leading to more effective glaucoma treatment”, said Dr. Kester Nahen, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering.

With that purpose, Heidelberg Engineering’s development team supports Dr. Huang and other leading clinicians eager to improve glaucoma treatment outcomes by developing novel anterior segment analyses that combine both the structural and functional aspects using high-end diagnostic imaging equipment.

Dr. Alex Huang receives the Xtreme Research Award 2016 from Dr. Kester Nahen, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering.

Dr. Alex Huang receives the Xtreme Research Award 2016 from Dr. Kester Nahen, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering.

Aqueous angiography demonstrating aqueous humor outflow starting from peri-limbal structures (asterisk; trabecular meshwork, Schlemm’s Canal, and collector channels) to a distal episcleral veins (arrows). Segmental flow is seen in peri-limbal areas without outflow (arrowhead).

Aqueous angiography demonstrating aqueous humor outflow starting from peri-limbal structures (asterisk; trabecular meshwork, Schlemm’s Canal, and collector channels) to a distal episcleral veins (arrows). Segmental flow is seen in peri-limbal areas without outflow (arrowhead).

10,000th SPECTRALIS hits the market

Heidelberg, Germany – Heidelberg Engineering has reached an important corporate milestone with the 10,000th SPECTRALIS® diagnostic imaging platform, which has been delivered to a French retina specialist.

Dr. David Sayag, owner of the 10,000th SPECTRALIS
Dr. David Sayag, owner of the 10,000th SPECTRALIS

For the last 25 years Heidelberg Engineering has been providing diagnostic imaging technologies which have greatly influenced ophthalmic patient care. The business has evolved from a small to a medium sized company with an increasing international footprint and an approach that brings together scientific, clinical and technological expertise to provide clinicians with high-precision diagnostic devices and IT solutions.

Sanotek, Heidelberg Engineering’s distribution partner in France, has had the pleasure of delivering the 10,000th SPECTRALIS to Dr. David Sayag, a well-known retina specialist based in Paris.

“During my professional career I have been adopting different diagnostic devices created by Heidelberg Engineering, and it was a nice surprise to find out that I had purchased the 10,000th SPECTRALIS. However, even more exciting than that are the examination results I am able to obtain with the OCT2 Module and with a prototype version of the upcoming OCT Angiography Module*. The SPECTRALIS platform keeps moving with the times!” said Dr. David Sayag.

A typical customer journey

Dr. Sayag had his first contact with Heidelberg Engineering’s technologies back in 2000, when he observed the response of feeder vessels to photodynamic therapy with indocyanin green angiographies performed with the Heidelberg Retina Angiograph (HRA). Soon after, the Hospital of Créteil, which is located near Paris and is where Dr. Sayag became a fellow, made the digital cSLO angiography part of their clinical protocol. Once the SPECTRALIS HRA+OCT was born, the ophthalmology department fully embraced its multimodal concept.

In 2007 Dr. Sayag opened a private practice in Paris specializing in AMD. He chose the SPECTRALIS HRA+OCT technology to help diagnose and monitor the hundreds of patients that ophthalmologists continue to refer to him. Over the years, he has been upgrading the platform with new modules such as the Ultra-Widefield Angiography Module, which he uses for the management of peripheral diseases like diabetic retinopathy.

The latest addition to his practice has been this “milestone” SPECTRALIS, which is equipped with the OCT2 Module, combining a high scan rate of 85,000 Hz with TruTrack Active Eye Tracking to provide excellent image quality and reduce acquisition time by 50%.

Future developments

Dr. Sayag also belongs to a group of doctors working with a prototype OCT Angiography Module*, which has allowed him to experience a sample of what many retina specialists see as a tool with very promising diagnostic potential.

“We have just celebrated our 25th company anniversary and sold our 10,000th SPECTRALIS”, said Dr. Kester Nahen, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering. “These kinds of milestones provide a good opportunity to think about the present, past and future. Considering the current market trends and our robust development pipeline, we are excited about our prospects and are enjoying our work just as much now as we did in the early days.”

*Currently under development and not for sale yet.

Heidelberg Engineering Inc. Appoints New U.S. General Manager

Heidelberg, Germany – Following the company’s relocation of its U.S. headquarters to Franklin, MA, Heidelberg Engineering Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Ram Liebenthal as its new U.S. General Manager.

Ram is an experienced medical device executive with over 20 years of expertise in sales, marketing and innovative product commercialization with large companies such as GE Healthcare and other innovative ventures.

Ram Liebenthal, General Manager Heidelberg Engineering Inc.
Ram Liebenthal, General Manager Heidelberg Engineering Inc.

“Under Ram’s leadership we anticipate seeing further growth in the important U.S. market, both with the introduction of new modules for the SPECTRALIS multimodal imaging platform such as the OCT Angiography Module* and with future products such as the Cataract and Refractive Imaging Platform*, and the next generation HEYEX ophthalmic image management platform*. Ram is a customer-focused, technically and commercially savvy manager very well suited for this task,” said Christoph Schoess, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, parent company of Heidelberg Engineering Inc.

Ram has described enhancing the customer experience as one of his top priorities. In addition, he looks forward to developing close relationships with leading ophthalmic academic and research institutions in the Boston area, which will allow the company to continue innovating with clinically relevant diagnostic imaging solutions.

“Heidelberg Engineering’s strong tradition of product innovation and focus on long-term customer partnerships offer long-lasting value to customers. The HRT and the SPECTRALIS multimodal platforms are expandable, upgradable products built to last. That long-term focus paired with the ability to innovate with clinically relevant technologies make this company and its great team an organization I am proud and honored to lead,” said Ram Liebenthal, General Manager of Heidelberg Engineering Inc.

*Currently under development and not for sale yet.

Heidelberg Engineering presents its integrated diagnostic imaging solutions at the AAO Meeting

Heidelberg, Germany – Celebrating its 25th anniversary at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Meeting in Las Vegas, Heidelberg Engineering will present its latest diagnostic imaging technologies and services. For a quarter of a century, the company has been committed to delivering solutions to fundamental clinical needs in ophthalmology.

“Our focus is to offer integrated solutions that encompass state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging devices and image management solutions but also additional services such as patient and clinical education support”, said Dr. Kester Nahen, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering. “At the AAO we look forward to discussing with customers how established and new product platforms, IT technologies and services merge to facilitate their clinical decision making.”

Latest SPECTRALIS® modules

Heidelberg Engineering will be showcasing its state-of-the-art modules for the SPECTRALIS® Retina and Glaucoma Imaging Platform including the OCT Angiography Module*, the OCT2 Module with a high scan rate of 85,000 Hz. and the Widefield Imaging Module for simultaneous 55° fundus and OCT imaging.

New Cataract and Refractive Imaging Platform*

A new swept-source OCT-based Cataract and Refractive Imaging Platform* which was unveiled at the recent European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) meeting in Barcelona, will be exhibited for the first time in the United States. It allows comprehensive analyses, such as biometry for IOL calculation, corneal topography and tomography, anterior segment biometry, and anterior segment imaging. Based on an upgradable and modular design, it can be configured to meet the specific needs of the individual clinic.

Image management with HEYEX PACS*

The company’s HEYEX Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)* allows the seamless integration of large volumes of data and images from Heidelberg Engineering’s and other manufacturers’ devices; thus providing the ability to access, review, and compare ophthalmic diagnostic images in single as well as multi-site settings within one application.

Patient education materials and Ophthalmic Practice App

To support practitioners’ efforts to explain and promote the benefits of OCT examinations, the Heidelberg Engineering Academy will also be launching various patient education materials at the AAO, including flyers, the patient website www.know-the-eye.com and an Ophthalmic Practice App available from the iTunes App Store.

*Currently under development and not for sale yet.

Heidelberg Engineering – AAO 2015 Las Vegas, Sands Expo/Venetian, Level 2, Halls A, B & C, Booth 4215
Heidelberg Engineering – AAO 2015 Las Vegas,
Sands Expo/Venetian, Level 2, Halls A, B & C, Booth 4215

Valeant and Heidelberg Engineering to continue successful cooperation on femtosecond laser platform

Heidelberg, Germany – Heidelberg Engineering has signed a new agreement with Valeant to continue to supply the swept-source OCT module for the VICTUS® Femtosecond Laser Platform, commercialized under the Bausch + Lomb / Technolas brand.

The VICTUS® Femtosecond Laser Platform is used for cataract and corneal applications. Heidelberg Engineering delivers its advanced swept-source OCT module, which allows for real-time visualization during every step of the surgery, from docking through planning and treatment.

The swept-source OCT module features high quality images at video frame rate. It provides excellent imaging contrast and sensitivity for the auto-recognition of key landmarks (pupil, lens, anterior and posterior capsule), boosting surgeons’ confidence and control during surgical procedures.

“Our cooperation with Valeant to supply the OCT module for the VICTUS® Femtosecond Laser Platform started four years ago. We are very pleased about its continuation because it confirms that Valeant and the users of their platform are satisfied with the performance and functionalities of Heidelberg Engineering’s technology”, said Christoph Schoess, Managing Director at Heidelberg Engineering.

Heidelberg Engineering has recently entered into a patent license agreement granting global and exclusive rights to 77 basic patents and patent applications which relate to swept-source OCT technology and its application in ophthalmology.

During the congress of the ESCRS in September, Heidelberg Engineering unveiled a new swept-source OCT based cataract and refractive imaging platform*. The new platform is based on an upgradable, modular design and its main options will include: biometry for IOL calculation, corneal topography and tomography, anterior segment biometry and anterior segment imaging.

Intraoperative swept-source OCT image acquired with the VICTUS® Femtosecond Laser Platform
Intraoperative swept-source OCT image acquired with the VICTUS® Femtosecond Laser Platform

*Currently under development and not for sale yet.

New cataract and refractive imaging platform unveiled by Heidelberg Engineering at ESCRS

Heidelberg, Germany – Heidelberg Engineering will offer a preview of its cataract and refractive imaging platform* during this year’s Congress of the ESCRS in Barcelona. The platform is based on an upgradable, modular design, which allows to configure each product to the specific diagnostic workflow in a practice or clinic. Main options include: IOL biometry, corneal topography/tomography, anterior segment biometry and anterior segment imaging.

The new platform is based on swept-source OCT technology. An important characteristic of the new platform is the fact that all measurements and analysis are based on high-resolution diagnostic images. This mitigates the effects of confounding factors such as coexisting abnormalities, which often cannot unambiguously be identified without diagnostic imaging. The new approach increases ophthalmologists’ confidence in the measurements.

“You actually see what you measure and measure what you see”, summarizes Dr. Kester Nahen, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering. “We are presenting a single, user-friendly device with biometry, corneal topography and tomography as well as anterior imaging functions which is bound to enhance productivity. Productivity is one of the central challenges in today’s cataract and refractive world”, adds Dr. Nahen.

Since 25 years Heidelberg Engineering is a leader in diagnostic imaging solutions for the posterior segment. With the new cataract and refractive imaging platform the company intends to achieve the same with the anterior segment.

The cataract and refractive imaging platform fully integrates with the company’s HEYEX PACS*, the next generation Heidelberg Eye Explorer platform which provides centralized management of diagnostic images in ophthalmology.

* Under development and not for sale yet.

Biometry for IOL calculation
Biometry for IOL calculation
Corneal topography
Corneal topography

Swept-source OCT: Patent License Agreement between Massachusetts General Hospital and Heidelberg Engineering

Heidelberg, Germany – Heidelberg Engineering has entered into a patent license agreement with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston. The agreement grants global and exclusive rights to 77 basic patents and patent applications which relate to swept-source OCT technology and its application in ophthalmology.

Spectral domain OCT has become indispensable to eye care professionals worldwide to diagnose and follow-up patients with diseases of the posterior segment of the eye, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma.

Swept-source OCT technology has specific characteristics which are ideal to acquire comprehensive information about a wide variety of properties of the anterior part of the eye, especially of patients who have to undergo cataract or refractive surgery.

“Later this year we will introduce a new swept-source technology based platform product to examine the anterior segment of the eye” said Dr. Tilman Otto, Head of Research and Development of Heidelberg Engineering. “It integrates sophisticated imaging and measurement functions and will be the basis for a growing number of exciting analytical and imaging features in the future.”

Along with the patent license agreement MGH’s Wellman Center for Photomedicine and Heidelberg Engineering have established a long-term relationship on OCT research. Heidelberg Engineering is supporting this research which is led by one of the inventors of the swept-source OCT technology, Brett E. Bouma, PhD, Associate Physicist in the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital and professor at Harvard Medical School. The intent of both partners is to transfer future research results into clinically relevant concepts and products.

Heidelberg Engineering to relocate US Headquarters to the East Coast

Heidelberg, Germany – Heidelberg Engineering has announced to relocate its US headquarters from Carlsbad, California to Franklin, Massachusetts. The new location on the East Coast will integrate the technical support team currently operating out of Smithfield, Rhode Island and the commercial expertise within the company’s US organization. Heidelberg Engineering is committed to continuously provide best in class customer care throughout the transition of its US operations.

The new state of the art facility offers twice the size than the previous company locations together. It lays the foundation for the planned expansion of the company’s business.

“Having the entire in-house team under one roof will reinforce the growth path we are on as a global organization”, said Christoph Schoess, co-founder and Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering.

Over the past 25 years Heidelberg Engineering has grown into a leader in ophthalmic diagnostic imaging. The company got to this stage because of its long-term business approach to create clinically relevant diagnostic solutions by applying advanced technologies. The new central US headquarters will bolster the introduction of new device platforms, IT solutions and value added services Heidelberg Engineering plans for the coming years.

Heidelberg Engineering celebrates its 25th anniversary with move to new high-tech building

Heidelberg, Germany –

  • Heidelberg Engineering is moving to the SkyLabs tower, a new emblematic building in central Heidelberg.
  • The company has grown significantly in the last few years and more space is now needed for the 200 Heidelberg-based employees.

Heidelberg Engineering will be moving this week to its brand-new office and laboratory building in the Bahnstadt area right next to Heidelberg’s railway station. The Bahnstadt is a new development built on the grounds of a former freight depot that combines living and cultural spaces with commercial buildings to the highest sustainability standards.

The need for more space reflects Heidelberg Engineering’s constant growth in the past few years. Since early 2014, the number of employees has increased by over 40%. Most of these employees have been hired to work in research and development.

“The proximity to scientific and research activities is vital for our company and Heidelberg is an ideal place in that sense”, said Christoph Schoess, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering.

Some employees had already relocated to SkyLabs a year ago. From now on all headquarter employees will be reunited in the same building. Heidelberg Engineering also owns subsidiaries in the USA, UK, and Australia, totaling 100 employees.

For 25 years, Heidelberg Engineering has been providing solutions to the fundamental diagnostic challenges in ophthalmology. The company brings together clinical, scientific and technological expertise with the goal of raising standards in diagnostic imaging.

Heidelberg Engineering Skylabs office and laboratory building (Photo: BHP Agentur für Bild und Konzept GmbH)
Heidelberg Engineering Skylabs office and laboratory building (Photo: BHP Agentur für Bild und Konzept GmbH)

Easier detection of peripheral pathologies with the Widefield Imaging Module for SPECTRALIS: delivery has begun

Heidelberg, Germany – The delivery of the Widefield Imaging Module has begun for Heidelberg Engineering’s first customers. It provides the standard field of view of a mydriatic fundus camera for all SPECTRALIS® fundus and OCT imaging modalities, simplifying diagnostic protocols and facilitating the detection of peripheral pathology.

The Widefield Imaging Module provides a 55° field of view for all SPECTRALIS fundus imaging modalities including MultiColor, BluePeak, infrared reflectance, angiography, and also OCT. Covering the macula, the optic nerve head and areas beyond the vessel arcades in a single image, the Widefield Imaging Module facilitates comprehensive diagnostics. The high-resolution, high-contrast scanning laser images captured with this SPECTRALIS module offer diagnostic capabilities superior to conventional fundus photography.

Fundus imaging in combination with OCT have become indispensable technologies for eye care professionals, aiding in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with a variety of diseases including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy.

The Widefield Imaging Module is one of the latest additions to the SPECTRALIS system, an expandable diagnostic imaging platform which combines scanning laser fundus imaging with high-resolution OCT.

E-Learning available too

For doctors and other operators to get familiar with the Widefield Imaging Module, Heidelberg Engineering Academy has just launched a video tutorial. It is an interactive video that allows for flexible and individual learning even when a SPECTRALIS device is not readily available.
The tutorial can be downloaded on the Academy/Education section.

Left: OCT image acquired with SPECTRALIS Widefield Imaging Module by Heidelberg Engineering Right: MultiColor scanning laser fundus image acquired with SPECTRALIS Widefield Imaging Module by Heidelberg Engineering
Left: OCT image acquired with SPECTRALIS Widefield Imaging Module by Heidelberg Engineering
Right: MultiColor scanning laser fundus image acquired with SPECTRALIS Widefield Imaging Module by Heidelberg Engineering