New image resolution technology from Ellex ELX

Ellex Medical Lasers Limited (ASX:ELX), an ophthalmic laser and ultrasound technology company, today announced that it will introduce a new diagnostic ultrasound mode for its leading Eye Cubed™ system at the upcoming meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons Meeting.

The Eye Cubed™ is renowned for its unparalleled sensitivity and exceptional image resolution. With the introduction of the Eye Cubed’s new 40MHz Ultrasound Biological Microscope (UBM) mode practitioners will now be able view various types of pathology at a much higher level of resolution, expanding their anterior diagnostic capabilities when using the system pre-operatively for premium intraocular lens (IOL) sizing.

The high frequency of the 40MHz UBM mode offers a number of benefits, including improved image resolution. This is of particular importance when imaging detailed anterior structures such as the cornea, iris and the crystalline/intraocular lens. It also enables the visualization of accommodative IOLs and their movement.

“Our new 40MHz UBM mode achieves the optimal level of sensitivity required for viewing the anterior segment of the eye. The unique transducer design of the probe, combined with the system’s industry-leading signal-to-noise ratio, minimises noise and thereby enables the detection of echoes from some of the smallest anomalies in the eye. As a result, the Eye Cubed is able to generate highly detailed images, offering a number of benefits for a range of pathologies and procedures,” said Ellex CEO, Simon Luscombe.
The new 40MHz UBM mode will enable existing Eye Cubed™ customers to augment their diagnostic capabilities. It will also offer Ellex the opportunity further strengthen its position in the ultrasound market and gain additional market share.

The Eye Cubed™ is one of the Company’s best-selling products, with thousands of systems installed worldwide. Since acquiring ophthalmic ultrasound pioneers Innovative Imaging Inc. in 2006, Ellex has expanded the Eye Cubed’s market reach to include Europe and Asia, contributing to increased market share worldwide.

According to US-based Director of Clinical Applications at Ellex, Gus Kohn: “Despite the introduction of many new ocular imaging techniques over the past decade, ultrasound remains one of the most essential imaging technologies available. It offers both qualitative and quantitative analysis, and is the only imaging technique which can be performed in the presence of opaque as well as clear media – critical for many ocular pathologies.”

Ellex will preview the new 40MHz UBM mode for the Eye Cubed™ at the Ellex exhibit #2207 during the ASCRS in San Diego from 26 March 2011, with release into all major markets to follow over the coming months.