Combined OCT distance and FBG force sensing cannulation needle for retinal vein cannulation: in vivo animal validation.

PURPOSE: Retinal vein cannulation is an experimental procedure during which a clot-dissolving drug is injected into an obstructed retinal vein. However, due to the fragility and minute size of retinal veins, such procedure is considered too risky to perform manually. With the aid of surgical robots, key limiting factors such as: unwanted eye rotations, hand tremor and instrument immobilization can be tackled. However, local instrument anatomy distance and force estimation remain unresolved issues. A reliable, real-time local interaction estimation between instrument tip and the retina could be a solution. This paper reports on the development of a combined force and distance sensing cannulation needle, and its experimental validation during in vivo animal trials. METHODS: Two prototypes are reported, relying on force and distance measurements based on FBG and OCT A-scan fibres, respectively. Both instruments provide an 80 [Formula: see text] needle tip and have outer shaft diameters of 0.6 and 2.3 mm, respectively. RESULTS: Both prototypes were characterized and experimentally validated ex vivo. Then, paired with a previously developed surgical robot, in vivo experimental validation was performed. The first prototype successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using a combined force and distance sensing instrument in an in vivo setting. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the feasibility of deploying a combined sensing instrument in an in vivo setting. The performed study provides a foundation for further work on real-time local modelling of the surgical scene. This paper provides initial insights; however, additional processing remains necessary.

Precursor B lymphoblastic lymphoma of the orbit in a child: an unusual presentation of a non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

OBJECTIVE: The majority of ocular adnexal lymphomas are marginal zone lymphomas, which occur rarely in children. This case report describes a 6 years old child with a precursor B lymphoblastic lymphoma presenting in the ocular adnexa. The combination of multi-agent chemotherapy with adjuvant radiotherapy seems to be necessary in order to achieve a complete remission of this subtype of lymphoma's in ocular adnexa. DESIGN: Retrospective case study. METHOD: A review of the clinical, pathological, radiological findings and follow-up in a patient from the files available at our center, which were reviewed between the years 1974 and 2004.