Bausch + Lomb (B+L) teamed up with Munich Surgical Imaging, a wholly owned subsidiary of Heidelberg Engineering, to design a 3D heads-up digital surgical visualization platform that provides ophthalmic surgeons with a new level of visualization compared to optical, hybrid, and retrofitted microscopes. Named SeeLuma, the platform connects with B+L’s existing product portfolio and delivers a more streamlined surgical experience.
“The partnership was a natural fit because Heidelberg Engineering’s technology met all of the needs identified by early adopters of existing platforms, and also delivered features that the ophthalmic community would significantly benefit from,” says Anthony Wallace, vice president and general manager of North America Surgical at B+L.
The digital platform doesn’t have an optical pathway or lenses. Instead, SeeLuma uses cameras and software to deliver images to a 3D monitor or B+L’s unique digital oculars. According to Mark R. Barakat, MD, director of research and a retinal physician at Retina Macula Institute of Arizona in Scottsdale, who was an early adopter of SeeLuma, the platform works well for both posterior and anterior work.
Ergonomics
Most digital visualization systems available today are hybrid digital systems built on an analog platform, which Wallace says can present ergonomic challenges. Dr. Barakat says SeeLuma’s operative setup allows the surgeon to maintain natural posture. An articulating C-arm allows surgeons to look straight forward to view the monitor, which is not only an ergonomic benefit but also useful in adapting to new technology. The digital binoculars, an alternative to the platform’s heads-up display, are on a separate suspension arm from the microscope camera and allow for a free range of camera positioning, Dr. Barakat adds.
Wallace says the fully digital system allows surgeons to seamlessly integrate multiple features and provides a broad range of customization to meet their needs. Although the SeeLuma platform differs from other visualization platforms, the primary user interface — the foot pedal — mimics the design of existing foot pedals on the market to provide users with a familiar experience.
Imaging and Workflow
SeeLuma was designed to provide vivid depth of field, color reproduction, and contrast resolution with minimal latency, Wallace says. For example, unlike a hybrid optical (analog) microscope, SeeLuma provides enough depth to keep the entire length of the eye in focus.
“The combination of Munich Surgical Imaging’s image expertise with B+L’s long-standing leadership and innovation in ophthalmology allowed us to build outstanding imaging capabilities into this platform to help surgeons tackle some of the most complex ophthalmic surgical cases,” Wallace says.
Optimizing workflow is another perk. “SeeLuma improves system control by giving all stakeholders an intuitive interface with comprehensive settings,” Wallace says.
Adds Dr. Barakat, “The visualization of the heads-up display allows the whole team to anticipate next surgical steps and necessary instrumentation.”
Teaching Tool
SeeLuma was also designed with teaching in mind. SeeLuma has a unique assist mode, Wallace says. “The mode features a touchscreen interface that allows users to collaborate during live surgery with annotations or notes on a surgical image.”
Dr. Barakat notes that everyone in the operating room has the same vantage point as the primary surgeon. “The orientation of the view does not depend on where the observer sits at the scope, nor is there a difference in the quality of the view,” he says. A supervising surgeon can point out nuances in anatomy or the surgical approach. SeeLuma takes teaching a step further by allowing live annotations as an illustrative teaching aid. RP
