Augmented reality imaging supports clinical decision-making for vascular neurosurgeons

Leica Microsystems showcases another first in fluorescence imaging: the pioneering GLOW AR Platform at CNS, Boston

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Oct 09, 2017, 05:00 ET

BOSTON, and WETZLAR, Germany, Oct. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Annual Meeting 2017, Boston, USA, Leica Microsystems will showcase its new groundbreaking GLOW augmented reality (AR) platform featuring the latest innovation in vascular fluorescence imaging: GLOW800 AR fluorescence. Visitors to the booth will also be able to experience FL560 fluorescence, the first FDA 510(k) cleared microscope filter for vascular fluorescence with fluorescein, and FL400, the first blue light fluorescence available as a FDA Class I device.

GLOW800 augmented reality fluorescence integrated with a M530 OH6 neurosurgical microscope. Photo courtesy of Cleopatra Charalampaki, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Cologne Medical Center, Germany.

GLOW800 AR fluorescence allows neurosurgeons to observe both the naturally-colored cerebral anatomy and highlighted vascular blood flow in one single augmented, real-time view with full depth perception. The surgeon thus has a complete view of anatomy and physiology to support crucial decisions and actions during vascular neurosurgery.

"For the past decade Leica Microsystems has been pioneering new fluorescence imaging technologies in partnership with surgeons to advance surgical practices," says Markus Lusser, President of Leica Microsystems. "GLOW800 and future modalities based on the GLOW AR platform will allow surgeons to perform life-changing neurosurgical interventions with the confidence that they have the best possible visual information right in the field of view."

Until now, viewing blood flow with Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescent agent meant pausing surgery to watch a separate near infrared (NIR) black and white video. The surgeon then needed to recall and reconcile this with the anatomical microscope view. GLOW800 AR overcomes this challenge by combining blood flow information into the natural image. It is the first of many imaging modalities that will be based on the GLOW AR platform.

"Leica Microsystems is a company that works closely with neurosurgeons to bring new technologies to the market that really respond to our needs," says Cleopatra Charalampaki, Professor of Neurosurgery, Cologne Medical Center, Germany. "GLOW800 AR is an exciting new approach which provides a totally new view during vascular neurosurgery. I have excellent spatial orientation and I am impressed with the crisp delineation of vessels. I believe GLOW800 AR fluorescence will have a significant impact on surgical outcomes in the future."

The Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Annual Meeting 2017, takes place in Boston, USA from October 9 to October 11. Visitors to booth #211 will be among the first to view all of Leica's surgical fluorescence solutions fully integrated into the M530 OH6 surgical microscope platform.

*GLOW800 is not yet cleared for use.

About Leica Microsystems
Leica Microsystems develops and manufactures microscopes and scientific instruments for the analysis of microstructures and nanostructures. Ever since the company started as a family business in the nineteenth century, its instruments have been widely recognized for their optical precision and innovative technology. It is one of the market leaders in compound and stereo microscopy, digital microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy with related imaging systems, electron microscopy sample preparation, and surgical microscopes.

Leica Microsystems has seven major plants and product development sites around the world. The company is represented in over 100 countries, has sales and service organizations in 20 countries, and an international network of distribution partners. Its headquarters are located in Wetzlar, Germany.

SOURCE Leica Microsystems