spotlight on technology & technique
Blending Ultrasound and Pachymetry
The pocket-sized PalmScan AP2000 can carry out axial length and corneal central thickness measurements.
By John Parkinson, Associate Editor

Obtaining diagnostic measurements is a key responsibility ophthalmologists must carry out in order to maintain a better understanding of their patients' conditions and treat them. Micro Medical Devices has developed the PalmScan AP2000 to help doctors with axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and corneal thickness measurements. The hand-held PalmScan has a wireless connection and doctors use a touch screen to control functions.    

	The PalmScan AP 2000 allows doctors to not only easily take measurements but keep patient records as well. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MICRO MEDICAL DEVICES

Device Operation

The PalmScan supports applanation and immersion biometry. The immersion values are at zero, but can be changed manually. For applanation users, calibration is performed by comparing a known distance against a newly measured distance. The known distance is measured using the Phantom, a device that is included with the PalmScan. IOL calculations can also be achieved using the SK II, SK/T, HFRQ or HGS formulas.

The PalmScan can secure an adjusted IOP (AIOP) reading, if the IOP has already been measured by a tonometer. The PalmScan calculates an adjustment value by subtracting the value from the IOP the user enters and displays an AIOP.

Integrated Desktop

The device's integrated desktop allows doctors to manage patient records and generate reports that can be printed or e-mailed. Micro Medical is also proposing an initiative entitled, "Open Source IOL Network" that can be utilized through its desktop feature. The company says this is a community-based initiative to promote higher standards in IOL equation formulations based on the participation of surgeons to compile a database of pre- and postoperative patient data.

After IOL data are compiled, they are made available to members so newer and more accurate IOL equations can be formulated.

Corneal Waveforms

Another feature of the PalmScan is its ability to capture corneal waveforms. This is possible due to the pachymeter's high sampling rate of 264 MHz, according to Rafi Israel, M.D., medical director of Micro Medical. He uses the PalmScan to monitor LASIK patients pre-, intra- and postoperatively for endothelial ingrowths and flap problems.

Portability

Joseph Gravlee Jr., M.D., of Fairhope Ala., likes the portability of the PalmScan and that patients do not need to be moved to specific rooms to get measurements. John Lyon, M.D., concurs about the device's portability and transports the device between his Laurel, Miss., office and his satellite office. There is another feature that makes the PalmScan affable to Dr. Lyon. "It not only portable, but it's a great price for what you get," he says.

Interested Parties

To learn more about the PalmScan, call the company at (818) 874-0000 or e-mail them at info@micromedinc.com.