INDIAN DOCTOR IMPROVES TECHNIQUE OF FLOURESCIEN ANGIOGRAPHY BY
INTRODUCING "DIGITAL CAMERA INNOVATIO
INDIAN DOCTOR IMPROVES TECHNIQUE OF FLOURESCIEN ANGIOGRAPHY BY
INTRODUCING "DIGITAL CAMERA INNOVATION"
----------------------------------------------------------------
Retina is the only part of the human body where the blood
vessels are directly visible. Flourescien Angiography is a
technique where a dye is injected into the vein and the inside
of the eye is photographed with a special camera. Angiograms
elucidate the finer details of the blood vessels and the
dynamics of circulations to clinch diagnoses of retinal
disorders. The conventional angiography system involves
photographic films. Developing and printing takes time before
the report can be given to the patient. This invariably delays
the diagnosis and treatment.
Recently some proprietary digital imaging systems have been
introduced which use video camera to capture the images. These
are priced exorbitantly. Despite the high price, the resolution
offered by the equipment is not very good. It is not possible
for every organisation to opt for the equipment. They have to
depend upon the traditional, time-consuming means of diagnosis.
Besides, a lot of foreign exchange goes out of country for
purchase of the costly equipment.
Dr.S.P.S.Grewal, CEO, GREWAL EYE INSTITUTE (GEI), who has the
distinction of winning the prestigious national ‘Col.
RANGACHARI AWARD' for excellence in photography in the year
1988, and who is a seasoned computer programmer himself, has
managed to improve the quality of the photographs with his own
research. Dr. Grewal came up with the idea of installing a very
high resolution digital camera instead of video camera with the
basic angiography equipment for accurate and speedy results. The
manufacturing company "Carl Zeiss" initially opined that it was
not possible to attach a different camera, which was not
compatible with the software of the original equipment. Here,
Dr. Grewal's computer programming skills helped him to bail out
of the situation. His sincere efforts and long deliberations
with the engineers of the company finally made the innovation
possible. Special software developed by Dr. S.P.S.Grewal
captures, stores and print images. The system offers 5.4 million
pixels at the industry highest resolutions of 3800 x 2008
pixels. The proprietary camera, on the other hand, has two
variants having resolutions of 640 x 480 and 1024 x 860 pixels.
Because of the software developed by Dr. Grewal at GREWAL EYE
INSTITUTE (www.lasikgei.com), the clarity of the image is, now,
much higher. Nowhere fundus photographs have so far been taken
at such high resolution as have been possible with the
photographs at GEI. This has enhanced diagnostic capability of
the system and enabled the doctors to detect even finer changes
in the blood vessels. Now correct diagnosis can be achieved in
higher percentage of cases in a short period of time and the
treatment is initiated without delay. One more important aspect
of this software is that the photographs can be stored, and
retrieved at each visit of the patient for sequential follow ups.
The system also facilitates the networking within the
organisation, where the faculty members can think together in
difficult cases and reach at a final conclusion. The new
technique is of immense value to patients with diabetes,
hypertension, inflammation in retina, retinal degeneration (AMD)
and uveitis.
There are around 20 digital image systems installed all over the
country, but with this ‘Digital Camera Innovation', the
one installed at GEI is the ONLY equipment in India to give the
high quality resolution of imaging. The innovation ensures
speedy and accurate treatment.
THIS IS NOT ALL.
The ‘Digital Camera Innovation' has made it possible for
smaller eye hospitals to opt for it as there has been
significant reduction in the cost of the improved equipment as
compared to the exhorbitant cost of the original equipment.
Besides, a lot of precious foreign exchange will be saved on the
import of the improved equipment on account of its lower price.
About GEI :: Grewal Eye Institute is a premier Comprehensive
Eye-Care Institute based at Chandigarh and is equipped with
finest equipments to deliver goods. State-of-the-Art Technology
is used to treat the patients through specialty trained
doctors and surgeons. Grewal Eye Institute was started by
Dr.S.P.S. Grewal way back in 1993. A team of leading and eminent
specialty surgeons provides eye care services in the fields
squint Clinic, Uveitis Clinic, Anaesthesiologist, Cornea Clinic
& Eye Bank.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ‘DIGITAL CAMERA INNOVATION'
--------------------------------------------