Innovative Ophthalmologist Takes DIY to New Extremes with i-PRO’s 4K Imaging
Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Corporation of America’s medical imaging division has a longstanding reputation for delivering Ultra HD micro-head cameras for today’s most sophisticated surgical robotics, scopes and diagnostic devices with outstanding results and reliability. A prime example of this would be the Sorgini Eye Institute’s use of the Panasonic i-PRO 4K Ultra HD Micro Camera for ocular surgery.
Located in the city of Greater Sudbury, the Sorgini Eye Institute is the only permanent excimer laser clinic in Northern Ontario. It is internationally known as one of the most advanced excimer laser-treatment facilities in the world. The Sorgini Eye Institute and Dr. Curtis J. Sorgini follows all the latest advancements in laser and imaging technology. The ophthalmologist uses a hands-on approach in implementing new techniques, equipment and procedures to improve patient outcomes.
The Sorgini Eye Institute’s state-of-the-art equipment includes a Bausch & Lomb Teneo excimer laser system and a Ziemer Z8 femtosecond laser. The excimer laser uses scanning technology for the treatment of myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia. It has an active eye tracker that monitors eye movements and adjusts the laser to compensate for movements significantly faster than the eye can move. During surgery, Dr. Sorgini maintains control of the eye tracker and the laser, which allows him to reshape a patient’s corneal tissue 1/4000th of a millimeter at a time while treating the largest possible corneal diameter and polishing its surface.
When Sorgini wanted to upgrade the camera used during ocular procedures, he came across i-PRO’s booth at an industry event. “They were displaying a small two-piece HD camera with 4K resolution that looked great, at a price point that was far less than what I had been looking at from other manufacturers,” Sorgini said.
The i-PRO 4K camera that Sorgini purchased was the GP-UH532 4K 3MOS Ultra HD Micro Camera with 1600TVL resolution. The two-piece camera system includes the GP-UH532HA camera head along with the CCU Unit GP-UH532CA. One of the smallest compact camera heads on the market, the GP-UH532HA features a 1/3-inch image sensor and employs a user interface designed for easy control of the system through an operation menu or a rotating knob. Six or more personal profiles can be stored on a USB memory. These configurations can be switched to suit a variety of applications. The camera system features antibacterial coating and complies with IEC 60601-1 (basic safety and essential performance of medical electrical equipment) and IEC 60601-1-2 (electromagnetic compatibility requirements for medical devices) in the U.S. This camera allows simultaneously display images on two monitors in the operating room, so staff members and spectators can watch the procedure.