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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A new radiography system, Multix Fusion enables small and medium-size hospitals to deploy proven high-end technology without overtaxing investment budgets. The system supports the full spectrum of clinical applications, but is much more affordable than comparable predecessor models. It features components that until now were offered only in the upper price segments, such as the heightadjustable, 300 kilogram capacity examination table. Thanks to its high reliability and attractive service contracts, the system’s operating costs are also comparatively low. The system’s key components, such as the ceiling-mounted X-ray tube and Bucky wall stand, were adopted from Siemens’high-end Ysio system to provide a system that is most suitable for small to medium-size hospitals and private practices that don’t want to compromise on quality, but require a very good price-performance ratio. The system needs less than 20 square meters of installation space. Thanks to a special service contract that is configured for individual customer requirements, operating costs are further reduced. The system’s X-ray tube synchronises itself automatically when the detector is adjusted, enabling examinations to be performed quickly and simply. A 1.8 meter long telescopic column allows the tube to be pulled down directly above the floor even in high-ceilinged rooms, so that patients no longer have to climb onto a stool or pedestal for foot images, for example. The ergonomic, height-adjustable examination table makes it easier to position patients. Post-processing functions, such as DiamondView Plus, boost image contrast, resulting in very good image quality. In addition customers can choose among several system variants, depending on their requirements. Options range from the simplest version with ceiling-mounted tube and mobile detector, to the complete X-ray system, including table and Bucky wall stand.
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Offering accurate, reproducible quantification in molecular imaging, for results that redefine clinical decision-making, the Biograph mCT is a PET-CT system that provides precise measurement of metabolic and data quantification, including the assessment of neurological disease and cancerous tissue as well as cardiac blood flow. Technological innovations and intelligent software solutions within the PET-CT result in quantitative assessments that are accurate and consistent.
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