Karl Storz Endoscopy-America has launched the IMAGE1 S Rubina multimode visualisation system that combines state-of-the-art 4K resolution with enhanced fluorescence-guided imaging using near-infrared light and indocyanine green dye (NIR/ICG). The system uses unique and proprietary dual-4K sensors and dual-LED light technology to toggle seamlessly between white-light and fluorescence modes, without the lag or mismatched frames that are common with alternative technologies. As the IMAGE1 S is a modular system, existing 4K customers can upgrade to this technology for half the cost of competing technologies, the company revealed.
“The clinical benefits of NIR/ICG are well established. But Rubina takes it to a new level. This will of course be a great advantage in common procedures, such as the lap-chole,” said Dr Helmuth Billy, a bariatric surgeon in Ventura, CA. “But more importantly, this may allow us to perform less-invasive surgeries that would’ve been thought impractical before now.”
According to the company, the IMAGE1 S Rubina allows physicians to switch among several viewing modes to suit different surgical needs:
4K Overlay – ideal for bile duct identification and visualization of other critical structures; 4K white light is combined with a 4K NIR/ICG overlay image
Monochromatic – ideal for perfusion; the NIR/ICG signal is presented in white on a black background, providing the clearest demarcation (used widely in a second assessment of perfusion)
Intensity Map – identifies intensity of the NIR/ICG signal and assigns colors based on relative response.
In addition, the new and improved Rubina telescopes now offer one scope for every procedure, be it white light or NIR/ICG. The new design uses a proprietary glass technology that delivers edge-to-edge clarity and eliminates the need for refocusing when switching between white light and NIR modes. Exceptional image quality, improved workflow, and standardization lead to clinical, operational, and financial advantages, the company claims.
“Our design philosophy is absolutely unique in that we offer our customers the ability to evolve and advance technologically by adding capability as their patient care demands it,” said Monica Ambrose, Executive Director, Surgical Marketing. Customers can acquire what they need, when they need it, whether it’s 4K ICG, 3D, flexible videoscope compatibility, etc. This is at the core of how we strive to partner, delivering the most advanced technology at the lowest cost of ownership.”