Thanks to Alcon, the global leader in eye care, ophthalmic surgeons now have a new tool that will revolutionize the way they operate: Introducing the NGENUITY 3D Visualization System with DATAFUSION.
The NGENUITY system’s high definition screen provides retinal surgeons unprecedented 3-D visualization of the back of the eye, with greater depth and detail during surgery than with traditional microscopes. Plus, with the DATAFUSION software, NGENUITY is now combined with the CONSTELLATION Vision System – the leading technology platform for vitreoretinal surgery. All of these revolutionary systems are linked together, which allows surgeons to track real-time data feedback on one screen during procedures.
In addition, when compared with traditional analog microscopes, NGENUITY delivers up to 19 percent increased magnification, up to 2.7 times extended depth of field, and up to 19 percent increased depth resolution. These increases are much-needed by surgeons to see finer details during intricate surgeries.
“The high magnification is a real boon and a great advantage because you can look at the peripheral retina and look for tiny breaks which are often missed in the preoperative examination,” said Dr. Atul Kumar, a CONSTELLATION and NGENUITY user. The extended depth of field also helps surgeons like Dr. Kumar know how far away the membrane is from the retina.
In the past, Dr. Kumar says it was difficult to operate using traditional visualization – without 3-D visualization he couldn’t get the magnification he wanted: “I couldn’t see those semi-visible membranes or nearly invisible membranes on the retinal surface as well as I see them now,” he explained. And for many surgeons, when you can see better, you can treat better.
“I can treat a pathology much better intraoperatively, and the results seem to be much better using NGENUITY,” Dr. Kumar added. In addition, the high magnification is useful for many surgeries, including diabetic vitreous surgery. This is a benefit to Dr. Kumar as advanced diabetic eye diseases are common in India due to the high number of diabetic patients.
Dr. Kumar also says that the system has a short learning curve: “I picked it up very quickly… it took two weeks, and then I wanted to purchase the machine. We got the first unit in India,” shared Dr. Kumar.
The system is also beneficial for his students and residents as they can see exactly what he is doing on the big screen. “Before the advent of NGENUITY, we used to just look at thetiny screen on the wall. That was a big handicap. Now we have a huge screen and they get to see what I’m doing. It is a very useful educational device. The younger generation will really benefit from NGENUITY,” said Dr. Kumar.
One of the other surprising benefits of NGENUITY for surgeons is that it’s a pleasure to use – many surgeons feel almost like they are watching a movie from the comfort of their own home.
“It is making me enjoy my surgery, otherwise it can become drab and boring … you don’t move forward,” he added. “I love watching the screen now. I can’t go back to looking through the microscope. I feel that without the screen, I will be handicapped.”
The DATAFUSION software seamlessly integrates the CONSTELLATION Vision System and the NGENUITY 3D Visualization System, allowing surgeons to track key data parameters on one screen in real-time, such as intraocular pressure, flow rates, infusion pressure and laser power. Dr. Atul Kumar is one of the many surgeons in India excitedly looking forward to the DATAFUSION software upgrade in their existing systems.
“I can alter my parameters accordingly based on the surgery and what is happening. It is going to be more helpful for the surgeon,” said Dr Kumar. He says surgeons will not want to go back to analog after trying NGENUITY: “Even if I leave this hospital and go into private practice I will still need NGENUITY. Now, I don’t want to operate without it,” he said.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Atul Kumar is chief and professor of ophthalmology at the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Center for Ophthalmic Sciences (RPC-AIIMS), the National Apex Ophthalmic Centre at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi. He also heads the Vitreo-Retinal, Uvea and ROP services at RPC-AIIMS.
