Nidek is soon to release new software for its range of OCTs. Version 1.40 promises new features, many of which will be demonstrated this month at SRC in Melbourne (1–3 June) and ODMA in Brisbane (July 5–7) when Designs for Vision showcases a pre-release version.
Nidek’s newest model – the RS-3000 Advance – will benefit most from the upgrade. The original RS-3000 and RS-3000 Lite models will benefit from some minor improvements as well.
For the RS-3000 Advance, the existing 9mm x 9mm maximum scan area increases to a wide 12mm x 9mm (Figures 1 and 2). Live eye tracking during the scan (currently available for Macula Line scans only) will be available for all scan patterns, which compensates for eye movements and blinks. It’s a major step forward and uses the live, high quality Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (SLO) image to track the retina. The result is a more comfortable scan process for the patient, and a beautiful, artifact-free scan.
The Advance will also be able to compensate for cyclotorsional eye movements with the new Torsion Eye Tracer (Figure 3). It will automatically rotate the whole scan pattern to match the original position – line for line –
which is particularly important in high resolution follow-up scans for comparison of fine detail.
Tracing HD Plus was a big hit when first released last year. This provided the ability to average a massive 120 passes for a Macula Line scan and produce virtually noiseless OCT images. This function will be expanded to all scans, including the 3D Macula Map and Disc Map, which traditionally had no averaging.
Other features on the Advance include: HD checker – an improved review screen immediately post-acquisition with greater information to help decide if a scan is worth keeping. There’s also a “Search and Re-Scan” mode. If part of a scan isn’t as clear as expected, this mode enables you to select the area, re-scan it and insert into the original scan. The Macula Cross and Macula Multi Cross scans will also be adjustable to an asymmetrical pattern, which will assist in the scanning lesions of irregular shape.
Customisable Reports
A useful upgrade that will apply to all Nidek OCT models is the ability to produce customisable one-page reports. For glaucoma, you will be able to select data from multiple scans such as the 3D RNFL thickness data from a Disc Map, a high resolution RNFL Circle Scan and Ganglion Cell Complex analysis from a Macula Map, then show it on a single page ‘Glaucoma Report’. For a Macula Report you can combine thickness and normative data from the 3D Macula Map scan with high resolution Macula Cross OCT scans on one page.
Follow-up reporting has also been improved, with the introduction of “Long Term Follow Up”. This allows comparison of a Baseline scan with up to five follow-up scans (Figure 4) and will include trend analyses for Macula thickness, Ganglion Cell thickness and RNFL thickness.
Nidek has added some very powerful and innovative features to Version 1.40 that will enhance its impressive stable of OCT models. With software links to Optomate and Sunix Vision practice management systems, this really is the perfect tool for improved diagnosis and patient care, as well as easy integration into your practice. The release date for Version 1.40 software has not been confirmed, but will be made available to all existing Nidek OCT users.
For more information on the range, contact Designs for Vision (AUS) 1800 225 307 or info@dfv.com.au.
Contact Details:
Designs For Vision
16/1 Hordern Place
Camperdown NSW 2050
T 1800 225 307
W www.dfv.com.au
Cameron Loveless
0439 897 967
E cameron@dfv-sr.com.au
