Bausch + Lomb, Heidelberg Debut Digital Surgical Visualization Platform

Bausch + Lomb and Heidelberg Engineering have unveiled the SeeLuma Fully Digital Surgical Visualization Platform, which provides ophthalmic surgeons with a new level of visualization compared to optical, hybrid and retrofitted microscopes. Developed to facilitate even the most complex surgical procedures, SeeLuma is now available in the United States and Western Europe. 
 
“As part of our broader mission, Bausch + Lomb aims to provide ophthalmic surgeons around the world with visualization and intraoperative diagnostic technologies that enhance the surgical experience to ultimately help deliver better patient outcomes,” said Joe Gordon, president, Global Consumer, Surgical and Vision Care, Bausch + Lomb. “The launch of SeeLuma is an important milestone on this journey, as it will serve as one of the key foundations for our future image-guided surgical applications.”
 
SeeLuma features include a heads-up 3D monitor, multiple digital display options, and an intuitive interface that contribute to excellent visualization, ergonomics, smooth workflow, and an immersive educational experience.
 
“SeeLuma addresses several challenges that many surgeons often struggle with when using surgical microscopes that are currently available,” said Siegfried Priglinger, professor, director, and chairman, University Eye Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Germany. “Having access to a platform that offers cutting-edge visualization, efficient workflow and ergonomics, and educational features has the potential to really change the landscape and ultimately deliver tremendous benefits for current and future generations of surgeons, as well as their practices and patients.”
 
Premium Image Quality Enhances Visualization
SeeLuma offers high quality images as it relates to depth of field, color reproduction and contrast and resolution, helping surgeons tackle complicated surgical cases with confidence and ease. The platform also facilitates 3D heads-up surgery using next-generation 3D 55-inch and 31-inch 4K monitors, as well as unique digital binoculars. In addition, embedded functions allow the user to highlight and enhance anatomical landmarks to better distinguish anatomical features.
 
Multiple Digital Display Options Support Ergonomic Positioning
SeeLuma is the only microscope with multiple digital display options that enables surgeons to operate ergonomically. The C-shaped suspension arm enables surgeons to view the 55-inch or 31-inch 3D 4K monitor straight ahead of them. The digital binoculars are mounted onto a separate suspension arm and allow surgeons to take on an ergonomic posture and work with ease. Surgeons can maintain proper head and neck posture even while working with a tilted microscope camera head.
 
Intuitive Interface Facilitates Efficient Workflow
SeeLuma provides an intuitive interface with comprehensive settings. Key system functionality can be controlled either by nurses or directly by the operating surgeon using the on-screen menu via the foot switch. System parameters, such as zoom and focus speed, white balance, image inversion and foot control layouts, are automatically adapted to surgical steps. In addition, the user interface enables quick access to system functionality in an intuitive way similar to that of personal computers or mobile phones.
 
Interactive Platform Provides Immersive Educational Experience
SeeLuma helps ensure that all stakeholders, including those in and outside the operating room (OR), can participate in the procedure in an immersive way. Surgeons can connect multiple wireless displays simultaneously, allowing trainees and stakeholders to follow and anticipate surgical steps as they occur while in the OR and/or at a remote location. Surgeons can engage the platform’s Assist Mode to send and receive real-time support via touch screen interface and make annotations or notes on the surgical image, which helps enable collaboration and learning during live surgery events.
 
“For more than a decade, our Munich Surgical Imaging division, has been collaborating with physicians to develop surgeon-centered solutions that offer premium visualization and comfort to enhance their surgical experience,” said Kfir Azoulay, head of Corporate Strategy, Heidelberg Engineering, and managing director, Munich Surgical Imaging (MSI). “Utilizing MSI’s digital microscopy and image-guided applications expertise, coupled with Bausch + Lomb’s leadership and innovation in ophthalmology, the new SeeLuma platform will help address the increasing demand for innovative digital microscopy solutions by providing surgeons with outstanding imaging capabilities, ergonomics and digital tools to tackle even the most complex ophthalmic surgical cases.”
 
Heidelberg Engineering is global leader in diagnostic imaging and healthcare IT solutions for ophthalmology. Munich Surgical Imaging, a wholly owned subsidiary of Heidelberg Engineering, is a technological pioneer in digital microscopy and image-guided applications. MSI’s first surgical platform in ENT (ear, nose, and throat) has received accolades from surgeons on key parameters, such as outstanding natural 3D image quality and blending of 3D image with preoperative data. MSI’s state-of-the-art OCT technology is powered by Heidelberg Engineering. 
 
Bausch + Lomb’s portfolio of more than 400 products includes contact lenses, lens care products, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter products and ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Founded in 1853, Bausch + Lomb has a global research and development, manufacturing and commercial footprint with approximately 13,000 employees and a presence in nearly 100 countries. Bausch + Lomb is headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, with corporate offices in Bridgewater, N.J.