Comparison of 3D Digitally Assisted Visualization System with Current Standard Visualization for the Removal of Vitreous in a Preclinical Model

Purpose

Novel 3D digital display systems, such as NGENUITY 3D digitally assisted visualization system (DAVS), can provide enhanced illumination, depth of field, and digital filtering. This study compared vitreous removal using NGENUITY 3D DAVS with a standard surgical microscope.

Methods

This was an in vivo, 2-arm laboratory study in 15 Yorkshire pig eyes. The LuxOR LX3 microscope with NGENUITY 3D DAVS (arm 1) and the LuxOR LX3 microscope alone (arm 2) were used with 5× optical magnification and Oculus BIOM 200 mm optics. Standard core and peripheral vitrectomy without scleral depression was performed using the CONSTELLATION Vision System. Residual vitreous weight was assessed in enucleated eyes by a masked observer. Axial length and vitreous weight of contralateral eyes were compared from an additional 14 Yorkshire pigs to confirm that eyes from a single animal were essentially identical.

Results

After vitrectomy, mean ± SD residual vitreous was significantly smaller with NGENUITY versus standard microscope (0.143 ± 0.146 versus 0.580 ± 0.269 g, respectively; P < 0.0001). Based on a mean initial vitreous weight of 2.5 g, as determined by assessment in contralateral eyes from an additional 14 Yorkshire pigs, the mean percentage vitreous removal was 94% ± 6% versus 77% ± 11%, respectively. Further, vitreous weight and axial length for contralateral eyes from any single animal in these additional 14 animals were essentially identical, as mean differences were 0.046 ± 0.035 g and 0.11 ± 0.08 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

Vitrectomy with NGENUITY 3D DAVS resulted in significantly less residual vitreous in pig eyes compared with standard microscopy. NGENUITY may improve vitreous removal during vitreoretinal surgery by enhancing visualization.

A comparison of using digitally assisted vitreoretinal surgery during repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments to the conventional analog microscope: A prospective interventional study

BACKGROUND

To compare outcomes and complications of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) using a three-dimensional heads-up visualisation system (digitally assisted vitreoretinal system, DAVS) versus conventional analog microscope (CAM) in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

METHODS

This prospective interventional institutional study evaluated 60 eyes of 60 subjects with primary RRD undergoing PPV between September 2017 and February 2018. Subjects were randomly put into DAVS and CAM group and pre-operative ocular characteristics and final outcomes recorded at each visit. All subjects were followed up for a duration of 6 months. Main outcome measures recorded were post-operative retinal status, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and surgical complications.

RESULTS

Overall final retinal attachment at 6 months was 91.7% (90% in DAVS eyes and 93.3% in CAM eyes; p = 0.999). Final VA improved significantly from baseline in both groups (p < 0.001). Overall, VA improved to >  = 20/40 in 18.3% eyes (6 DAVS, 5 CAM). Median duration of silicone oil endotamponade was 3.5 months (3.5 months in DAVS, 3 months in CAM). Redetachment rate in the series was 25% (20% in DAVS, 30% in CAM). Post-operative proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade C and more was present in 15% of eyes (10% in DAVS, 20% in CAM). Average duration of surgery was 37 ± 6.2 min in DAVS group and 39.8 ± 6.6 min in CAM group (p = 0.09). All steps of vitrectomy could be performed with relative ease and comfort with the DAVS platform.

CONCLUSION

Anatomical and functional outcomes of RRD were favourable with DAVS and comparable to that with conventional microscope surgery.

3D Heads-Up Display vs. Standard Operating Microscope Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and outcomes of 23-gauge vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using a three-dimensional heads-up display (3D HUD) surgical platform as compared to a standard operating microscope (SOM) setting. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Participants: One hundred and forty consecutive eyes of 140 patients with primary retinal detachment. Methods: All eyes underwent 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for primary retinal detachment using either a 3D HUD (NGENUITY; Alcon Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, USA; n = 70 eyes) or a SOM setting (n = 70 eyes); in cases of significant cataract, additional phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was performed. Minimum follow-up was 2 months. Main Outcome Measures: Primary retinal reattachment rate, rate of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and duration of surgery. Results: There were 70 eyes each in the 3D HUD and the SOM group. Both groups did not differ concerning age (p = 0.70), extent of retinal detachment (p = 0.07), number of retinal tears (p = 0.40), macular involvement (p = 0.99), and preoperative BCVA (p = 0.99). Postoperatively, 3D HUD and SOM were comparable concerning the primary retinal reattachment rate (88.6 vs. 94.3%; p = 0.37), the development of postoperative PVR (12.9% vs. 7.1%; p = 0.40) and final BCVA (0.26 ± 0.40 vs. 0.21 ± 0.38 logMAR; p = 0.99). Duration of surgery was significantly longer in the 3D HUD group (66.2 ± 16.5 vs. 61.2 ± 17.1 min; p = 0.04), an effect which however vanished after a "learning curve" of the first 35 eyes (p = 0.49). Conclusions: On par results to a conventional operating microscope can be achieved with a 3D HUD setting when performing 23-gauge vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, including the primary retinal reattachment rate, the incidence of postoperative PVR and final BCVA. However, duration of surgery might initially be slightly longer with 3D HUD, suggesting the effect of a learning curve.

The Scope Of Three-Dimensional Digital Visualization Systems In Vitreoretinal Surgery

Introduction

Significant advances in three-dimensional (3D) imaging technology have allowed for the incorporation of 3D digital displays into medical and surgical devices. Despite initial adoption of the NGENUITY^® 3D Visualization System in vitreoretinal surgery, there are limited publications regarding its use. The generally accepted main benefits include improved ergonomics, enhanced surgical team communication and education, reduced retinal phototoxicity, increased depth of field, and display image manipulation. Despite these potential benefits, many retina specialists have questioned its universal applicability to a wide variety of vitreoretinal surgeries.

Objective

To report on the variety of indications and surgical efficacy of the NGENUITY^® 3D Visualization System in vitreoretinal surgery via a review of surgical experience at two vitreoretinal practices in both the academic and community settings.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of consecutive surgical cases performed on the NGENUITY^® 3D Visualization System at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Florida Retina Institute from June 1st, 2017 to November 1st, 2018. Age, presenting diagnosis, surgical procedure, and intraoperative details were recorded.

Results

272 vitreoretinal surgeries on the Alcon NGENUITY^® 3D Visualization System were identified between June 1st, 2017 and November 1st, 2018 at the participating institutions. A detailed breakdown of the indications for surgery and related procedures is reported. During all 272 cases on the 3D digital system, there were no complications attributed to the visualization system.

Conclusion

This series illustrates the diversity of vitreoretinal surgeries that can be performed on this system without compromising surgical viewing or increasing surgical complications. The Alcon NGENUITY^® 3D Visualization System possesses favorable ergonomics, illumination levels, depth of field, display filters, and trainee experience.