Ten Things You Should Know about 3D Viewing System in Ophthalmology

Dr Aniruddha Maiti. MBBS, DO, DNB, MNAMS,FRVS, FICO, MRCSED(Ophth)
Dr Joydeep Majumdar,MBBS,DNB.
Published Online: April 1st, 2021 | Read Time: 16 minutes, 38 seconds

1. Evolution of this latest state of the art technology in ophthalmology:

Three-dimensional (3D) display systems were first developed for aircraft and military use. The term “heads-up surgery” derived from the so-called “head-up display”, a display system first used in aircraft flight decks that projects an image into the normal field of view. This display system allows visualization in a “heads-up” position. In this procedure, the operating surgeon does not perform by looking at the eyepieces of the microscope, but by viewing the microscopic image on a panel display sent from a 3D camera[1]. After the creation of the TrueVision 3D Visualization System for Microsurgery, this innovative, ground-breaking technological boon has entered the operating room.

2. Major types of 3D visualization technique:

Conventional 3D systems are classified as either active or passive systems.

  • In active systems, the 3D image is obtained by showing high-speed consecutive images for the right and left eyes alternatively, while a special pair of electronic glasses actively suppress the image in the other eye.
  • In passive 3D systems, the three-dimensional image is acquired by mixing two images horizontally and then passively separating them into polarized 3D glasses.

3. Active systems:

Head mounting systems (HMS) are active systems. There are many HMS are available like, -

  • Sony Head-Mounted System HMS-3000 MT device
  • Avegant Glyph retinal projection system (Avegant Corp., Belmont, CA, USA)
  • Clarity™ (Beyeonics Surgical, Haifa, Israel).

Ivan Sutherland first started working on HMS in 1960. Its main purpose was to be used in military, police, firefighting, and civilian-commercial use, namely in video gaming and sports. HMS has been used by authorities to display tactical information such as maps or thermal imaging data while viewing a real scene.

HMS was first adapted in the operating room by Sony in 2012. They developed HMS-3000MT [2], which is a personal viewing system that provides a 3D colour video display of images from 3D surgical camera systems. Not only for the operating surgeon, but this system can also connect to a second head-mounted monitor, giving other theatre staff a simultaneous 3D view.

Mechanism of action for HMS: HMS device requires different images for the left and right eyes for depth perception. It differs from the conventional 3D system by showing two simultaneous images, one for each eye, avoiding the ghosting image effect caused by cross-talk in active 3D systems. The system of dual video inputs using two independent organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) panels offers a complete separate video signal to each eye, which provides the maximum resolution for each image [2].

Dutra-Medeiros et al performed several ophthalmic surgeries using the Haag-Streit Surgical microscope HS Hi-R NEO 900 (Haag-Streit Surgical GmbH, Wedel, Germany) connected to the Sony Head-Mounted System HMS-3000 MT device. They have done pars plana vitrectomy, phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, subluxated IOL extraction, epiretinal membrane peeling, internal limiting membrane peeling, endolaser photocoagulation, and tamponade with silicone oil and sulphur hexafluoride gas [3].

4. Passive systems:

Different passive systems in ophthalmology are,

  • TrueVision 3D Visualization System
  • NGENUITY®3D Visualization System (Alcon, TX, USA)
  • Sony HD Medical Display system (Sony, Tokyo, Japan)
  • MKC 700 HD and CFA 3DL1 (Ikegami, Tokyo, Japan)
  • Panoramic RUV viewing system for vitreoretinal surgery (Leica, Wetzlar, Germany)
  • Artevo 800 by Zeiss

The TrueVision 3D Surgical System is a camera unit that attaches to standard surgical microscopes, sending stereoscopic images and video to a 3D, high-definition (HD), large-screen monitor positioned a few feet from the surgeon, providing visualization in real-time. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted clearance for the TrueVision Refractive Cataract Toolset, an application that provides 3D graphical overlays for image-guided cataract surgery. More recently, TrueVision has developed the TrueGuide and the TruePlan applications, which have been designed for intelligent surgical planning to aid in achieving targeted refractive outcomes, as in toric IOL.

The NGENUITY 3D Visualization System is an FDA-regulated platform for digitally assisted vitreoretinal surgery with a 3D display, comprising four key elements: a high-dynamic-range 3D digital camera that provides superb resolution, image depth, clarity and colour contrast; a high-speed graphics processing unit that processes and optimizes stereoscopic images of anatomy and pathology during microsurgery; a 55-inch immersive 3Ddisplay that renders real-time images with 4K organic light-emitting diode(OLED) ultra-HD technology; and passive, circularly polarised 3D glasses, with augmented reality capability.

The NGENUITY® 3D Visualization System provides improved visualization at high magnification compared to traditional analog microscopy.

  • Provides 19% greater magnification
  • Delivers 2.7 times better depth of field
  • Produces 19% finer depth resolution

Surgeon benefit:

  • Provides increased magnification of anatomical structures, instruments, implants, etc.
  • The need to refocus is less affected by typical patient movements
  • More anatomical structures, instruments, implants, etc. contained within voluminous surgical space remain in focus while performing surgical tasks
  • Improved delineation of anatomical structures such as ILM, ERM, detached retina, etc.

ARTEVO 800 was unveiled in 2019 at ASCRS. It produces a stereoscopic 3D image that is viewed using passive polarized glasses on a 55 inch 4K monitor, with 25% higher resolution and brightness. The field of vision is exceptional, no need to refocus the microscope; minor adjustments can be done with the foot pedal. Auto-Adjust technology anticipates workflow and change settings automatically when switched between the anterior and posterior segment providing a great depth of focus. Data, such as intraoperative OCT, cataract assistance functions, phaco vitrectomy values, patient information even operating room settings can be overlaid on to the screen without blocking the surgical view. The Hybrid technology allows the surgeon to use oculars at any point, a sterile knob can redirect a portion of the light to them while rest of the crew watches on screen, making it a powerful teaching tool.

5. Experience in cataract surgery:

Weinstock et al introduced a 3D viewing system in ophthalmology and first performed cataract surgery in 2010 with TrueVision. He reported a minimal time difference between the binocular microscope and 3D surgery. Interestingly, the rate of unplanned vitrectomy was three times higher in the standard microscope group compared with the TrueVision group. Hypothetically, superior depth perception, and higher magnification of the image may be factors associated with reduced risk of posterior capsular rupture and improved anterior vitrectomy[4,5].

In one study, Solomon J reported toric IOL implantation using TrueGuide® resulted in 83.3% of eyes were corrected to < 0.50 D of cylinder, and 100% were corrected to < 1.00 D cylinder. In addition, 80% of the eyes had final vision 20/20, 100% of the eyes achieved 20/25 or better [6,7]

6. Experience in cornea surgery:

In the year 2017 Mohamed et al first reported a non-Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (nDSAEK) for post-traumatic bullous keratopathy and reported great visual experience and ergonomics. However, the authors state that frequent adjustment of focus was needed for a clear stereoscopic view of the flap[8]. Galvis et al in 2017 performed DMEK. They reported good postoperative outcomes, easy learning curve, enhanced depth of field, colour contrast, and size/quality ratio compared to the traditional microscope, also Moutsouris’ sign was much more evident in the 3D screen[9].

7. Experience in strabismus surgery:

Hamasaki et al in 2019 published a small case series of strabismus surgery with NGENUITY®3D Visualization System. They opined Strabismus surgery could be performed without special illumination, the potential to reduce phototoxic injury but there is some degree of assistant’s discomfort [10].

8. Experience in vitreoretinal procedures:

In the year of 2011 Riemman[11] performed a pilot study in VR surgery. Subsequently, Eckardt C and Paulo EB (2016) used TrueVision and reported superior ergonomics, similar speed, and ease of use of instruments. Adam et al in 2017 performed the surgery at 10% luminance level and concluded reduced requirements of illumination power [12].

With the help of NGENUITY 3D system, Skinner et al (2018) performed VR surgery in severe kyphotic patients with good pain control[13]. Coppola et al in 2017 proved triamcinolone staining is not required in 3D HUD[14]. There are numerous studies that concluded the 3D heads-up display system is not inferior to conventional surgery and, despite there being an 80-ms latency time compared with the standard microscope, it is not noticeable during intraocular procedures. In addition, 3D systems may reduce copiopia and asthenopia [15,16].

9. Advantages of 3D viewing system:

Traditional microsurgery can lead surgeons to deleterious neck and back postures that cause musculoskeletal fatigue and injuries, which has been associated with reduced surgical longevity. The prevalence of neck, upper body, or lower back symptoms among ophthalmologists has been reported to be as high as 62%. Superior ergonomics and good posture during the 3D surgery can provide a solution to this age-old hazard.

The brightness of the surgical field can be superior to that of traditional surgery, without exposing the retina to additional light. Electronic amplification of the camera’s signal to increase brightness might be helpful in situations of vitreous hemorrhage, opaque media, or dark pigmented fundus. Furthermore, the digital enhancement of the image might allow for the lesser application of vital dyes during surgery, reducing potential toxic side effects of such products. In addition, the NGENUITY 3D allows the simultaneous display of OCT scans and fluorescein angiograms that might facilitate and shorten procedure times. The rapid learning curve of the NGENUITY system has been confirmed in a recent prospective study assessing the learning curve in macular hole surgery[17].

10. Pitfalls of 3D viewing system:

Although three-dimensional display systems are increasingly demonstrating good results in ophthalmology, there are some noteworthy pitfalls. Most notably assistant discomfort and operating theatre logistics, visual disturbance by media opacities, and surgeon headache and nausea after prolonged laser photocoagulation. Some HMS devices will require becoming wireless before being more widely adopted. In conclusion, the 3D viewing system is showing ever more promising results in the field of ophthalmology. Despite few minor drawbacks, it’s probably the next sensation in ocular microsurgery offering benefits to both experienced surgeons and trainees.

References:

  1. Eckardt C, Paulo EB. Heads-up surgery for vitreoretinal procedures: an experimental and clinical study. Retina 2016;36:137–147.
  2. Sony’s HMS-3000MT brochure, available at https://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/files/mkt/med/brochures/HMS-3000MT_brochure.pdf
  3. Dutra-MedeirosM ,Nascimento J,Henriques J,Barrão S,Fernandes-Fonseca A,Aguiar-Silva N,Moura-Coelho N,Ágoas V. THREE-DIMENSIONAL HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR OPHTHALMIC SURGICAL PROCEDURES Retina. 2017 Jan 16. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000001514.
  4. Weinstock RJ, Desai N. Heads up cataract surgery with the TrueVision 3D Display System. In: Garg A, Alio JL, eds. Surgical Techniques in Ophthalmology—Cataract Surgery. New Dehli, India: Jaypee Medical Publishers; 2010:124–127.
  5. Weinstock RJ. Operate with your head up. Cataract Refract Surg Today. 2011;8:66, 74
  6. TrueGuide brochure, available at http://www.truevisionsys.com/TVS_TrueGuideBrochureN032515.final.pdf
  7. Jonathan Solomon at ACOS/CXL Congress Deer Valley 2014 – information available in the TrueGuide brochure
  8. Mohamed YH, Uematsu M, Inoue D, Kitaoka T. First experienceof nDSAEK with heads-up surgery: a case report. Medicine(Baltimore). 2017;96:e6906.
  9. Galvis V, Berrospi RD, Arias JD, et al. Heads up Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty performed using a 3D visualization system. J Surg Case Rep. 2017;rjx231.
  10. Hamasaki I, Shibata K, Shimizu T, et al. Lights-out surgery for strabismus using a heads-up 3D vision system. Acta Med Okayama. 2019;73:229–33.
  11. Riemann CD. Machine vision and vitrectomy: three-dimensional high definition (3DHD) video for surgical visualization in vitreoretinal surgery. Proceedings of the SPIE Volume 7863. Stereoscopic Displays and Applications XXII. 25 January 2011, San Francisco, CA, USA.
  12. Adam MK, Thornton S, Regillo CD, et al. Minimal endoillumination levels and display luminous emittance during three-dimensional heads-up vitreoretinal surgery. Retina. 2017;37:1746–9.
  13. Skinner CC, Riemann CD. “Heads up” digitally assisted surgical viewing for retinal detachment repair in a patient with severe kyphosis. Retina Cases Brief Rep. 2018;12:257–9.
  14. Coppola M, La Spina C, Rabiolo A, et al. Heads-up 3D vision system for retinal detachment surgery. Int J Retin Vitr. 2017;3:46.
  15. Weinstock RJ, Diakonis VF, Schwartz AJ, Weinstock AJ. Heads-up cataract surgery: complication rates, surgical duration, and comparison with traditional microscopes. J Refract Surg. 2019;35:318–22.
  16. Palácios RM, de Carvalho ACM, Maia M, et al. An experimental and clinical study on the initial experiences of Brazilian vitreoretinal surgeons with heads-up surgery. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2019;257:473–83.
  17. Palácios RM, Maia A, Farah ME, Maia M. Learning curve of three-dimensional heads-up vitreoretinal surgery for treating macular holes: a prospective study. Int Ophthalmol. 2019; doi: 10.1007/s10792-019-01075-y
  18. Moura-Coelho, Nuno,l, José Henriques, Gama Pinto João Nascimento, et al. “Three-Dimensional Display Systems in Ophthalmic Surgery – A Review.” European Ophthalmic Review 13, no. 1 (2019): 31. https://doi.org/10.17925/EOR.2019.13.1.31.
Dr Aniruddha Maiti. MBBS, DO, DNB, MNAMS,FRVS, FICO, MRCSED(Ophth)
Senior Vitreo Retinal consultant in Susrut Eye Foundation & Research Centre
Dr Aniruddha Maiti is a senior Vitreo Retinal consultant in Susrut Eye Foundation & Research Centre in Kolkata. After MBBS from Calcutta National Medical College in 2000 completed Diploma in Ophthalmology from Regional Institute of Ophthalmology ,Kolkata. This was followed by DNB & long term vitreo retinal fellowship from Mumbai. He has multiple publications and presentations in International & National forums along with instruction courses in ASRS ,AIOS & OSWB Conferences. His list of awards includes Dr Anutosh Dutta Gold Medal, 2005 for DO, AIOS Quiz winner 2008, the Young Researchers Award in AIOS 2010, IJO Gold Award for best publication in Indian Journal of Ophthalmology 2012, Fellow of International Council of Ophthalmology(FICO),2012, Dr K P Roy Memorial Award and Dr B K Mitra Memorial Award for best paper presentation in State Annual Conference 2012 & 2013 and AIOS APOS K Vengala Rao Award for best paper in Comprehensive Ophthalmology in All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) Annual Conference, 2015, best poster in 2017 State annual conference. Recipient of HONOR Award & Senior HONOR Award from American Society of Retina Specialists in 2018 & 2019 for outstanding academic contribution in ASRS. Received International Ophthalmic Heroes of India given by AIOS in 2019& 2020. He was the PG Education Committee Chairman and Joint Secretary of Ophthalmic Society of West Bengal. Presently is the Scientific Committee Chairman of OSWB from 2019-2020.
Dr Joydeep Majumdar,MBBS,DNB.
Vitreoretina Fellow, Susrut Eye Foundation & Research Centre
Dr Joydeep Majumdar passed MBBS from Calcutta national Medical College in 2015, completed DNB from JPM rotary eye hospital cuttack in 2019, currently pursuing retina fellowship from Susrut Eye foundation and research center, Kolkata.
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