Novel device for scotopic electroretinography (ERG)
Novel device for scotopic electroretinography (ERG)
During scotopic electroretinography, patients need to remain in absolute darkness for 20 minutes. In case of anesthesia darkening of the operating room and monitoring screens is not feasible because of safety issues. With the newly developed light shielding box, ERG measurement can be performed under safe conditions and in accordance with the guidelines of the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology.
Situation before
Electroretinography (ERG) is an ophthalmologic diagnostic technique in which flash induced retinal responses are measured. The patient needs to remain in absolute darkness for 20 minutes before the ERG can be performed. For some young patients, the discomfort of being in the dark is high and in practice these patients are anesthetized in an operating room. Darkening the operating room and monitoring screens is not feasible because of safety issues. Therefore patients are covered with a light shielding material to block out as much light as possible. Complete darkness is, however, never obtained and the procedure is therefore not in accordance with the guidelines of the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology.
Technology
To overcome the problems related to the current way of working, a novel light shielding box has been developed. This box shields only the eyes, allowing the patient to remain in the dark without having to darken the whole operating room. At the same time, the ophthalmologist and anesthetist are not hindered by darkness when performing the ERG. For the comfort of the patient and control of the anesthetic procedure, the mouth and nose remain free. The box provides ample room for the ophthalmologist to perform the ERG with maximum efficiency and correctness of the diagnosis. Via an infrared camera within the box connected to an external screen, the ophthalmologist can assure the correct manipulation and positioning of the equipment.
Partners we search for
The device has been tested and optimized by physicians in the hospital. We are now offering this technology to other hospitals, with UZA as a reference for this new diagnostic.
About the researchers - research group
The mission of the Product Development research group of the University of Antwerp is to enhance scientific knowledge that empowers the creation of innovative products to improve human well-being. The research group aims at interdisciplinary knowledge that combines human, technological, and economic insights, with design methods and demonstrators as outcomes. This to drive the development of innovative products and product services with a focus towards human centred design.
The ophthalmology department of the Antwerp University Hospital offers high quality diagnostic and therapeutic treatments in the domain of anterior segment, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics/orbit, oncology, pediatric ophthalmology, retina and vitreous.
More information
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