Intraoperative OCT imaging
The application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to the operating room has experienced significant advances over the last few years. The early development of portable OCT systems represented a major shift forward in the ability to provide image-guided feedback during vitreoretinal surgery. Additional advances in integrative technology resulted in microscope-integrated OCT systems. Integration into the optical path of the microscope allowed for true real-time intraoperative OCT with the ability to visualize instrument-tissue interactions. Additional advances are in development; these include OCT-compatible instrumentation, automated aiming, and new platforms for surgeon feedback. Several studies have demonstrated the capabilities of intraoperative OCT to visualize various vitreoretinal conditions during surgery, to identify the effects of surgical maneuvers on underlying tissues, and to alter surgical decision-making. Additional research and technologic advances continue to inform the field of image-guided surgery, resulting in novel surgical visualization platforms that are transforming conventional approaches to vitreoretinal surgery.
