Compact Ultrasound Biomicroscopy System Developed for Optometric Market

A new portable diagnostic ultrasound system allows physicians to diagnose and gather measurements of the eye’s anterior segment.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) technology is the only current way to visualize structures behind the iris and pigmented tissues, allowing for the clinician to determine not only the severity of the disorders, but in addition frequently the underlying cause. Clinical applications include, among many others, artifact-free measurement of the anterior chamber angle in glaucoma, differentiation of tumors and cysts, plateau iris, and lens/intraocular lens (IOL) anatomy.

Quantel Medical (Clermont-Ferrand, France) announced the launch of its Compact Touch UBM system in the United States. “The release of the Compact Touch represents a first step for Quantel into the optometric market. We have had strong interest over the past four years with our other ultrasound systems, and have now developed a platform that specifically meets the needs of Optometrists that are managing glaucoma,” noted Jean-Marc Gendre, CEO of Quantel Medical. “The Compact Touch UBM system provides Quantel’s high-quality, 50 MHz linear scanning technology on a small, portable platform.”

Quantel Medical’s proprietary linear scanning technology utilizes an electromagnetic linear motor, which optimizes image acquisition, and resolution in a lightweight design. The Compact Touch UBM was designed for use with the Clearscan sterile probe cover, which simplifies the UBM exam for both the doctor and patient.

“With Quantel’s UBM technology, I am able to obtain angle measurements as well as visualize the pathology causing the angle-closure in my glaucoma patients,” commented J. James Thimons, OD, of Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut (Fairfield, CT, USA). “With optical technologies such as OCT you are not able to see anatomy posterior to the iris. I perform a UBM exam on glaucoma patients that are at risk for narrow angle to obtain a true assessment of the anatomy of the anterior chamber.”

UBM allows imaging of anatomy and pathology involving the anterior segment, including areas hidden by overlying optically opaque anatomic or pathologic structures. UBM provides diagnostically significant information in conditions such as cysts, glaucoma, and neoplasms, trauma, and foreign bodies. UBM also can provide key biometric data regarding anterior segment structures, including the cornea and its constituent layers and the anterior and posterior chambers. Although UBM has now been in use for over 15 years, new technologies, including transducer arrays, pulse encoding, and combination of ultrasound with light, offer the potential for substantial developments in high-resolution diagnostic imaging of the eye.
Quantel Medical is a global ophthalmic medical device company dedicated to developing leading technologies to improve the treatment of ocular diseases. Quantel Medical has a strong emphasis in research and development, resulting in many first-to-market product introductions, and a product range of diagnostic ultrasound and surgical lasers for ophthalmologists.

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