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Heidelberg Engineering Launches HRT3 to Facilitate Early Glaucoma Diagnosis; New Device Is Portable, Easy to Use and Can Analyze Glaucoma Progression
DOSSENHEIM, Germany --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 1, 2005 -- Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, the leading developer of laser diagnostics for ophthalmic applications, today announced the introduction of the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph 3 (HRT3), a newly enhanced version of its flagship product for the assessment, diagnosis and management of glaucoma.
Like its predecessor, the HRT3 uses laser technology to produce a topographical image of a patient's optic nerve, providing an objective analysis of the structure's cup, rim and retinal nerve fiber layer. Optic disc topography has been found to be predictive of visual field loss according to a long-term study published in the April 2005 issue of the Journal of Glaucoma.
Heidelberg Engineering has incorporated several new features in the HRT3 in direct response to customer feedback. These include the FastCheck(TM) Glaucoma Probability Score(TM), which is generated using an advanced form of artificial intelligence called a relevance vector machine. This sophisticated analysis provides a statistical probability of glaucoma using ethnic-specific databases. In addition, the software eliminates the need to draw contour lines or use reference planes and provides real-time feedback to assist the operator in acquiring a high-quality image.
"Optic disc assessment is more important than visual field loss as the earliest indicator of glaucoma," said Dr. Gerhard Zinser, managing director and head of R&D for Heidelberg Engineering. "For more than 10 years, optometrists and ophthalmologists have been using the HRT to analyze optic discs, producing a wealth of longitudinal data. This data is confirming the role of our technology in early glaucoma detection."
The HRT3 monitors the patient's condition over time, comparing baseline images with follow-up examinations and highlighting areas of statistically significant progression. Monitoring progression is important in determining the course of treatment. The HRT3 is a portable, laptop-based system that can be placed in a compact carrying case. Heidelberg Engineering expects to begin shipping the new product in the last quarter of the year.
About Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
Headquartered near Heidelberg, Germany, this privately held company is the leader in light-based diagnostics for ophthalmic applications and has the world's largest installed base of laser imaging equipment. The company designs, manufactures and markets a variety of diagnostic instruments for application in retina, glaucoma and cornea diseases.
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