Flex Module for the SPECTRALIS used in first human aqueous angiography study

Hemel Hempstead, UK – A pilot study, headed by Dr Alex Huang, Doheny Eye Institute, USA, has confirmed the efficacy of live aqueous angiography on human patients in need of cataract surgery. Using the Flex Module for SPECTRALIS, the study demonstrated the ability to safely perform such a procedure, allowing for refinement of the surgical techniques needed in order to develop a concrete protocol for the next phase of the trial. The results of this study further confirmed the outcomes of previous ex-vivo and in-vivo non-human primate studies.

SPECTRALIS Flex Module, with its movable stand and an adjustable arm, enables all SPECTRALIS examinations, using any imaging modality, to be performed on patients lying down in the supine position. “Minimally invasive trabecular bypass/ablation glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) have shown intraocular pressure reduction, but the magnitude is variable and unpredictable” explains Christopher Mody, Director of Clinical Services. “Now that we can examine individual patients with the SPECTRALIS Flex Module to understand the physiology of aqueous humor outflow pathways, it may be possible to enhance the magnitude of intraocular pressure lowering and its predictability.”

The next phases of Aqueous Angiography research will aim to determine outflow differences between glaucomatous eyes and those without glaucoma. Dr. Huang and his research team also intend to show whether Aqueous Angiography-guided MIGS placement is feasible and whether such a procedure reveals improvement in outflow pathways and potential enhancement in efficacy of MIGS.

The Flex Module will be available for delivery in June 2017. Find out more about other applications for the new Flex Module for the SPECTRALIS Imaging Platform by emailing info-UK@HeidelbergEngineering.com.