Four-dimensional microscope- integrated optical coherence tomography to enhance visualization in glaucoma surgeries

Methods for real-time feature-guided image fusion of intrasurgical volumetric optical coherence tomography with digital microscopy

4D-microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (4D-MIOCT) is an emergent multimodal imaging technology in which live volumetric OCT (4D-OCT) is implemented in tandem with standard stereo color microscopy. 4D-OCT provides ophthalmic surgeons with many useful visual cues not available in standard microscopy; however it is challenging for the surgeon to effectively integrate cues from simultaneous-but-separate imaging in real-time. In this work, we demonstrate progress towards solving this challenge via the fusion of data from each modality guided by segmented 3D features. In this way, a more readily interpretable visualization that combines and registers important cues from both modalities is presented to the surgeon.

Feasibility of microscope-integrated swept-source optical coherence tomography in canaloplasty

Background

Several researchers have used commercial microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems in glaucoma surgery, including ab interno trabeculectomy and canaloplasty. However, the 840 nm wavelength light source of the OCT systems is not ideal for imaging the anterior chamber angle structures because of its limited penetration. We evaluated the potential value of a microscope-integrated swept-source OCT system with a 1,310 nm center-wavelength light in canaloplasty for glaucoma.

Methods

Sixteen porcine eyes were used to simulate canaloplasty. The critical surgical steps were monitored using a prototype microscope-integrated OCT system with a 1,310 nm light source and a high axial scan rate of 100 kHz. The images from swept-source OCT and three-dimensional images from the microscope were projected simultaneously onto a liquid crystal display three-dimensional monitor (LMD-4251TD, Sony, Japan). The changes in the collector vessel (aqueous drainage structure in the porcine eye, similar to Schlemm’s canal in humans) were measured using Image J software. Histological sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin were used to assess surgical efficacy.

Results

High-resolution real-time images of the anterior segment were acquired during canaloplasty using the microscope-integrated OCT system. With the real-time OCT images, the position of the collector vessel was identified and the scleral flap could be created at the ideal location. The expansion of the collector vessel after viscoelastic injection was also visualized in real time. Compared with baseline, there was a significant increase in the cross-sectional area (from 14,502.98±9,242.55 to 59,499.04±20,506.41 µm², P<0.001) of the collector vessel.

Conclusions

Using the microscope-integrated OCT system, real-time images of the anterior segment were successfully acquired during the operation. The microscope-integrated OCT system might be useful in future anti-glaucoma surgery.

Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography Guided Ocular Surgeries: Critical Analysis of Clinical Role and Future Perspectives

Intraoperative imaging of ocular tissues for diagnostic and therapeutic applications has gained immense admiration in recent years. The real time cross-sectional imaging, as well as three and four dimensional reconstruction abilities of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT), has enhanced our knowledge on many fronts in surgical maneuvers. In this review, we discuss the iOCT discovered constructive knowledge in the cornea, cataract, refractive, glaucoma, pediatric ocular, and various retinal conditions. The practical utility with decision modifying aspects along the specified ocular tissues and with respect to specific ocular entities have been narrated. Moreover, limitations and future directions have also been emphasized to make ophthalmic care more comprehensive in the future.

Intra-operative optical coherence tomography in glaucoma surgery-a systematic review

The application of the OCT in clinical ophthalmology has expanded significantly since its introduction more than 20 years ago. There has been recent growing interest in the application of intra-operative optical coherence tomography (iOCT). The iOCT's ability to enhance visualisation and depth appreciation has the potential to be further exploited in glaucoma surgery, especially with the emergence of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)-to facilitate targeted device placement and fine surgical manoeuvres in the angles, the sub-conjunctival layer and the suprachoroidal space. Hence, this study aims to appraise the current literature on the applications of iOCT in glaucoma surgery. A total of 79 studies were identified following a literature search adhering to PRISMA guidelines. After full text evaluation, 10 studies discussing iOCT use in glaucoma surgery were included. Traditional glaucoma filtering procedures reviewed included trabeculectomy surgery, goniosynechiolysis, bleb needling and glaucoma drainage device implantation. MIGS procedures reviewed included canaloplasty, trabecular aspiration, ab-interno trabectome and the XEN45 gel stent. iOCT use in ophthalmic surgery is becoming increasingly prevalent and has already been applied in various surgeries and procedures in the field of glaucoma. With the greater adoption of MIGS, iOCT may further contribute in facilitating surgical techniques and improving outcomes. While iOCT offers many advantages, there are still limitations to be overcome-iOCT technology continues to evolve to optimise imaging quality and user-experience.

Review of intraoperative optical coherence tomography: technology and applications [Invited]

During microsurgery, en face imaging of the surgical field through the operating microscope limits the surgeon's depth perception and visualization of instruments and sub-surface anatomy. Surgical procedures outside microsurgery, such as breast tumor resections, may also benefit from visualization of the sub-surface tissue structures. The widespread clinical adoption of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in ophthalmology and its growing prominence in other fields, such as cancer imaging, has motivated the development of intraoperative OCT for real-time tomographic visualization of surgical interventions. This article reviews key technological developments in intraoperative OCT and their applications in human surgery. We focus on handheld OCT probes, microscope-integrated OCT systems, and OCT-guided laser treatment platforms designed for intraoperative use. Moreover, we discuss intraoperative OCT adjuncts and processing techniques currently under development to optimize the surgical feedback derivable from OCT data. Lastly, we survey salient clinical studies of intraoperative OCT for human surgery.