Heidelberg Engineering Launches New SPECTRALIS OCT Glaucoma Module Premium Edition at AAO Meeting
At the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Meeting in Chicago from October 15th to 18th, Heidelberg Engineering invites attendees to discover the future of personalized glaucoma management.
Heidelberg, Germany – Heidelberg Engineering is pleased to announce the launch of the recently FDA cleared SPECTRALIS OCT Glaucoma Module Premium Edition during the 2016 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Meeting in Chicago, IL.
The SPECTRALIS OCT Glaucoma Module Premium Edition provides a comprehensive analysis of the optic nerve head, retinal nerve fiber layer, and ganglion cell layer by precisely matching unique scan patterns to the fine anatomic structures relevant in glaucoma diagnostics.
The proprietary Anatomic Positioning System (APS) creates an anatomic map of each patient’s eye using two fixed, structural landmarks: the center of the fovea and the center of Bruch’s membrane opening. With APS, all scan protocols are automatically oriented to the patient‘s anatomic map. This enables precise examination of relevant structures and ensures accurate comparisons with reference data, allowing for a highly sensitive assessment of structural change.
“We are excited to be able to share this technology with the U.S. market,” said Ram Liebenthal, U.S. General Manager of Heidelberg Engineering. “We believe the Glaucoma Module Premium Edition offers an important new piece of the puzzle in evaluating patients for glaucomatous change, and we hope everyone will join us at AAO to learn more and celebrate the future of personalized glaucoma management.”
Educational Session
Heidelberg Engineering will host an educational session about the new glaucoma module entitled “Enhanced Detection and Clinical Assessment in Glaucoma Management” on Sunday, October 16th, at 3:30 PM in the Technology Pavilion on the exhibit floor. The presentation will include guest lectures from Chris Girkin, MD, University of Alabama – Birmingham, Donald Hood, PhD, Columbia University, and Felipe Medeiros, MD, PhD, University of California – San Diego.
Launch Party Reception
The dialogue will continue Sunday evening from 6:30-9:30 PM at the top of the AON building, where the company will hold a launch party reception. The guest lecturers from the educational session will be on hand to answer questions and discuss how to optimize glaucoma detection and progression assessment with the SPECTRALIS OCT. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to register for the event at https://bit.ly/GMPELaunchParty.
Please note that the events listed in this press release are not affiliated with the official 2016 AAO Program.
Analysis of the optic nerve head with Heidelberg Engineering’s SPECTRALIS® Glaucoma Module Premium Edition
Heidelberg Engineering receives FDA clearance to market SPECTRALIS® OCT Glaucoma Module Premium Edition
Heidelberg, Germany – The Glaucoma Module Premium Edition adds diagnostic capabilities to Heidelberg Engineering’s SPECTRALIS® OCT imaging platform. The module provides clinicians with several objective and automated measurement parameters to deliver increased diagnostic accuracy.
The Glaucoma Module Premium Edition for SPECTRALIS provides a comprehensive analysis of the optic nerve head, retinal nerve fiber layer, and ganglion cell layer by precisely matching unique scan patterns to the fine anatomic structures relevant in glaucoma diagnostics.
By means of a new proprietary technology called the Anatomic Positioning System, the module creates an anatomic map unique to each patient’s eye using two fixed, structural landmarks: the center of the fovea and the center of Bruch’s membrane opening. All subsequent scan protocols are automatically oriented according to each eye’s unique anatomic map, enabling a precise examination of relevant structures over time.
Furthermore, the Glaucoma Module Premium Edition compares patients’ eyes to an age- and disc size-adjusted reference database of healthy eyes representing the racial and ethnic mix of the US population, flagging small deviations that may be clinically relevant. This allows for a highly sensitive assessment of structural damage characteristic of glaucoma and a close monitoring of structural changes indicative of glaucomatous progression.
The physiological and technical premise of the Glaucoma Module Premium Edition is based on research collaborations between two groups led by Balwantray C. Chauhan, Ph.D., Dalhousie University in Halifax (Canada), and Claude F. Burgoyne, M.D., Devers Eye Institute in Portland, OR (USA) performed with the SPECTRALIS imaging platform1,2,3,4,5,6. Their work revealed the importance of making an anatomically and geometrically accurate neuroretinal rim measurement using Bruch’s membrane opening, the anatomical outer border of the rim.
“The measurements are more accurate because they are based on an identifiable anatomical border of the rim and take into account its varying geometry at the point of measurement”, said Dr. Burgoyne. Dr. Chauhan added: “We have already been able to demonstrate that the use of this new measurement method translates into significantly enhanced diagnostic accuracy.”
“The 510(k) clearance of this product is great news for our company and also for glaucoma patients in the U.S. The Glaucoma Module Premium Edition is an excellent tool to assess glaucomatous damage based on a novel objective examination of the optic nerve head anatomy”, summarizes Dr. Gerhard Zinser, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering.
Analysis of the optic nerve head with Heidelberg Engineering’s SPECTRALIS® Glaucoma Module Premium Edition
References:
Chauhan B.C. et al., Ophthalmology, 2013;120:535–543.
Chauhan B.C. and Burgoyne C.F., Am J Ophthalmol. 2013;156:218-227.
Chauhan B.C. et al.,Ophthalmology, 2015;122:1786-1794.
He L. et al., PLoS One, 2014;9:e92225.
Reis A.S.et al., Ophthalmology, 2012;119:738–747.
Reis A.S. et al., Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., 2012;53:1852–1860.
Smart Multimodal Imaging with Heidelberg Engineering at EURETINA and ESCRS 2016
Heidelberg, Germany — At the meetings of the European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA) and European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) in Copenhagen from September 9th to 13th Heidelberg Engineering seeks to engage in a dialog about smart multimodal imaging.
Heidelberg Engineering’s presence at ESCRS and EURETINA focuses on the advantages of smart multimodal imaging. In addition to lunch symposia, Heidelberg Engineering will offer short, interactive in-booth presentations about both novel and established diagnostic tools designed to support clinical decision-making.
Among the innovation highlights this year are the latest SPECTRALIS® modules, the new Cataract and Refractive Imaging Platform* and the next generation HEYEX* for ophthalmic image management and device integration. ESCRS/EURETINA is also the occasion chosen for the international launch of the Heidelberg Engineering Business Lounge, an exclusive portal for ophthalmology professionals.
“Clinical practice keeps proving the importance of multimodal imaging in comprehensive diagnostics. In this context we would like to take the discussion further to the concept of smart multimodality imaging: Which imaging modalities make the most sense for specific patients and pathologies? How can they be integrated into a solid and convenient IT infrastructure? We are looking forward to discussing these topics with customers”, said Dr. Kester Nahen, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering.
Heidelberg Engineering Flex Module
Retina
The Flex Module* for the SPECTRALIS imaging platform will be shown in Copenhagen for the very first time. With its movable stand and an adjustable, flexible arm, the Flex Module enables all SPECTRALIS examinations to be performed on patients lying down in the supine position.
While the Flex Module offers a solution for a very specific clinical set-up, the new OCT2 Module can benefit every SPECTRALIS user. With its high scan rate of 85,000 Hz, this module cuts acquisition time by half and delivers excellent image quality. Additionally, the OCT2 Module provides an ideal platform for future advanced applications such as the OCT Angiography Module*.
For easier detection of peripheral pathologies, the Widefield Imaging Module with its simultaneous 55° fundus and OCT imaging is a very useful tool for retina specialists and general ophthalmologists. The high-resolution, high-contrast scanning laser images captured with this SPECTRALIS module offer diagnostic capabilities beyond those of conventional fundus photography.
Glaucoma
The Glaucoma Module Premium Edition provides a comprehensive analysis of the optic nerve head, retinal nerve fiber layer, and ganglion cell layer by precisely matching unique scan patterns to the fine anatomic structures relevant in glaucoma diagnostics. This glaucoma module compares patients’ eyes to a reference database of normal eyes, noting even very small deviations. The precision of the SPECTRALIS AutoRescan function allows confident identification and monitoring of structural changes from visit to visit.
The speed achieved with the SPECTRALIS OCT2 Module is a great enhancement to the Glaucoma Module Premium Edition. Images are acquired twice as fast as in the past and their quality is also better than with the previous OCT engine due to a high scan rate of 85,000 Hz combined with the TruTrack Active Eye Tracking developed exclusively by Heidelberg Engineering.
Cataract and refractive
The Cataract and Refractive Imaging Platform* utilizes high-resolution, swept-source OCT images to combine the most important examinations for anterior segment diagnostics in one modular, upgradeable system: Topography, tomography, anterior segment biometry and axial length in one workflow-efficient device.
Its key benefits are:
All measurements based on high-resolution swept-source OCT images,
Modular and upgradeable platform to suit different workflow needs,
Supported by the next generation HEYEX* for effective image management and IT integration.
Ophthalmic image management and device integration with the new HEYEX*
As the next generation ophthalmic image management and device integration software module from Heidelberg Engineering, HEYEX is an integral part of all Heidelberg Engineering products. The HEYEX module networks all devices and makes it possible to review examination results simultaneously and interactively. It interfaces with electronic medical record (EMR) systems and third-party devices to allow the secure exchange, storage, and dynamic review of images in a single, centralized IT solution even across different sites.
Launch of the Heidelberg Engineering Business Lounge
With the international launch of this new customer portal, Heidelberg Engineering brings premium digital ophthalmology content by experts for experts. Following a quick registration process, users have access to a wealth of detailed product information and support materials such as e-learning materials, case studies or e-books. Live demonstrations will be provided at the booth during EURETINA/ESCR. For more information please visit: www.he-lounge.com
Symposia and in-booth presentations
Heidelberg Engineering will host a lunch symposium at EURETINA and another one at ESCRS as well as a variety of in-booth presentations:
Lunch symposium at EURETINA:
“Multimodal Imaging of Geographic Atrophy”
Friday, Sept 9 (13:00 – 14:00)
Auditorium A3
Speakers: Giovanni Staurenghi (Italy), Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg (Germany), SriniVas R. Sadda (USA)
Lunch symposium at ESCRS
“Smart Multimodality Imaging & Quiz”
Sunday, Sept 11 (13:00 – 14:00)
Room B10
Speakers: Yit Yang (United Kingdom) – OCT Angiography – Reality Update; Marco Pellegrini (Italy) – Smart Multimodality Imaging
Topics and schedule of 20-minute in-booth presentations:
Update on OCT angiography
Bruch’s Membrane Opening (BMO) and Optic Nerve Head (ONH) anatomy
Interpretation of MultiColor images
OCT interpretation in glaucoma
Fundus autofluorescence imaging in geographic atrophy (GA)
*Currently under development. Not available for sale.
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.
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
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 Liebenthal General Manager Heidelberg Engineering Inc.
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.
“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.
Valeant and Heidelberg Engineering to continue successful cooperation on femtosecond laser platform
Intraoperative swept-source OCT image acquired with the VICTUS® 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.
*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
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.
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