HelpMeSee, a not-for-profit global campaign to end cataract blindness, has introduced an Eye Surgery Simulator, representing a landmark achievement in medical simulation training.
Equipped with sensory touch feedback and realistic virtual graphics, the HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulator, incorporated within the HelpMeSee Training Program, supports the training of cataract specialists on the Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) procedure, a solution that could help end the global cataract blindness crisis.
Saro Jahani, HelpMeSee President and CEO, commented: “The HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulator overcomes the traditional restraints of cataract surgery training with unlimited virtual practice opportunities. It also offers the benefits of remote simulation-based training during the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting the risks of exposure to coronavirus infection.”
The HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulator encompasses an adaptation of an actual virtual microscope used in surgery, two haptic handpieces, a virtual syringe, the patient head and hand rest, and a touchscreen user interface, powerful visuals and simulation software, and everything required to simulate an MSICS surgery. The two handpieces and syringe represent the complete set of surgical instruments needed to perform an MSICS procedure. Programmed lessons with onscreen guides and error messages assist the student in mastering the MSICS technique and the instructor in providing objective feedback.
More than 60 million people across the world are blind or severely visually impaired simply because they cannot access cataract surgery, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). The HelpMeSee Simulator and training program along with partners can develop a significant number of cataract specialists that public health experts say are needed to address the developing world ophthalmologist shortage, a factor behind the cataract surgery backlog.
The simulator was the innovative vision of Flight Safety International Founder Albert L. Ueltschi and his son, James "Jim" Tyler Ueltschi. In 2010, they founded HelpMeSee to end the backlog of cataract and visual impairment cases caused by the lack of access to high-quality, affordable cataract surgery.
Jim Ueltschi, Co-Founder and Chairman of HelpMeSee, said: “This achievement will truly change the world of ophthalmology. Every specialist we train on the Eye Surgery Simulator will treat thousands of people each year. Over time, millions will have their vision restored through the cataract surgery skills honed on the HelpMeSee Simulator.”

• For more information, visit: HelpMeSee.org

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Canon Medical Systems USA recently launched SOLTUS 500 Mobile Digital X-ray, giving facilities access to a portable X-ray system that is equipped with enhancements that can streamline bedside exams to help improve workflow and productivity. This will help facilities that require rapid imaging exams performed in a variety of complex situations, often at the patient’s bedside.
The FDA-cleared SOLTUS 500 has a compact design with advanced features that promote efficiency and patient safety, without compromising image quality. Features include:

• Enhanced ease-of-use with intuitive tubehead controls, including an 8.4-inch (21 cm) touchscreen display and dual collimator controls for increased access and accuracy.
• Increased detector wireless range and productivity with Canon Medical patented technologies. The Distributed Antenna System optimizes detector wireless range, and the Enhanced Workflow Package supports the exam from start to finish at point of care.
• Exceptional safety and security features for patient, clinician and facility, including anti-collision technologies, pressure sensitive steering, improved manoeuvrability and smart ID card log-in for secure accessibility.
• Simplified detector charging and storage capacity allows space and functionality for detector charging, storage and accommodating accessories such as disinfecting wipes and protective bags.

For more information, visit: us.medical.canon
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Sony has introduced the LMD-X3200MD 32-inch medical grade LCD monitor with 4K HDR colour imaging. Its sleek design is optimized for hospital operating rooms, surgical centres and clinics.
It is designed to minimize reflected glare in brightly lit ORs, and the panel structure achieves clear, high-contrast images by controlling reflection and minimizing light dispersion in the LCD panel. This allows application of the monitor under various lighting conditions and avoids the need for ongoing adjustment of the monitor in the OR to remove potentially distracting reflections from surgical lights.
The LMD-X3200MD LCD panel and signal processing technology provide a wide colour gamut that complies with the ITU-R Recommendation BT.2020. Offering a wider colour gamut than the BT.709, colour reproduction is significantly improved with realistic visualisation. HDR technology also allows images to be produced with a wider range of brightness level, greater contrast, and rich colours. When receiving HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) signals from an HLG-compatible imaging system, users can simply select HLG in monitor gamma setting mode to display HDR images.
“We understand the critical importance in providing a surgeon with the highest quality image that enables greater depiction of finer anatomical structures through a simplified application,” explained Claire Bregeon, Product Marketing Manager for Healthcare at Sony Professional Solutions Europe. ‘‘With 4K resolution combined with HDR, you can see more detail in a dark body cavity and in bright areas with light reflections on membrane surfaces. If the surgeon sees better – they can perform better.”
The LMD-X3200MD also benefits from Sony’s unique A.I.M.E. (Advanced Image Multiple Enhancer) that allows you to adjust the view to enhance structure and colour for more comfortable viewing. This technology has been recently improved with new features including shadow enhancement and noise reduction. Parameters can also be set directly via the button on the front panel.
For more information, visit: www.sony.net
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GE Healthcare says its Serena Bright is now available in the United States following U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance. Serena Bright is the industry’s first contrast-enhanced guided biopsy solution allowing clinicians to conduct breast biopsy exams with contrast guidance using the same mammography equipment as that used for screening or diagnostic mammography.
Typically, for lesions found with contrastenhanced mammography and not seen on ultrasound, clinicians will use other imaging guidance, such as MRI, for biopsy procedures. Following an abnormal mammogram, it can take several weeks to get an MRI biopsy.
As the backlog of cancer screenings caused by Covid-19 persists, delays in diagnosis will likely lead to presentation at more advanced stages and poorer clinical outcomes, with one study pointing to a potential increase of 33,890 excessive cancer deaths in the U.S. alone.
Serena Bright may help decrease these delays, allowing follow-up biopsy procedures to be done in a matter of days, rather than several weeks for MRI biopsy. When compared to MRI-biopsy guided therapy, the potential benefits of Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) biopsy include shortened procedure time and improved overall patient experience.
Key to this technology’s application is GE Healthcare’s SenoBright HD CESM, a diagnostic breast exam with iodine-based contrast that provides high sensitivity for more accurate breast cancer diagnosis.
By highlighting areas of unusual blood flow to localize lesions that need to be biopsied, CESM biopsy – Serena Bright – provides excellent image quality to help improve clinical confidence.
For more information, visit: www.gehealthcare.com/products/ mammography/serena-bright
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Masimo has received FDA clearance of the Rad-G Pulse Oximeter, a rugged handheld device that provides clinically proven SET pulse oximetry, respiration rate from the pleth (RRp), and other vital parameters for both spot-checking and continuous monitoring. With its long-lasting rechargeable battery, robust rubber casing, light weight, and a convenient new direct-connect sensor capable of monitoring both adults and children, Rad-G makes it easier for clinicians to quickly assess patients and make informed decisions anywhere pulse oximetry or vital signs checking is needed. Providing the ultimate in handheld versatility, Rad-G can be used in a variety of settings, including but not limited to physicians’ offices, outpatient services, long-term care facilities, wellness clinics, first-response scenarios, and limited-resource environments.
Launching alongside the device, the new multipurpose, direct-connect Rad-G Sensor is indicated for monitoring both adult and paediatric patients. By eliminating the need to stock and carry multiple sensor types, the Rad-G Sensor further increases Rad-G’s versatility and ease of use, especially in more challenging field environments. In addition to this innovative new sensor, Rad-G is compatible with the vast portfolio of Masimo reusable and single-patient-use sensors, maximizing its flexibility and offering clinicians the ability to customize the solution based on the unique needs of each care setting.
The high-resolution screen displays a continuous pleth waveform and its fully configurable, audible alarms help alert clinicians to changes in patient status that may require their intervention.
In addition to Masimo SET oxygen saturation (SpO2), pulse rate (PR), perfusion index (Pi), and pleth variability index (PVi), Rad-G is also notable for its ability to use the same sensor to monitor respiration rate from the plethysmograph, with RRp. SpO2 and PR monitoring on Rad-G is provided using clinically proven Masimo SET Measure-through Motion and Low Perfusion pulse oximetry.
For more information, visit: www.masimo.com
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