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' --------------------------------------------