3/6/2002 6:32:00 AM
BOTHELL, Wash., Mar 6, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) —
Scientific Exhibit at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons illustrates advantages of augmented vision
Microvision (Nasdaq:MVIS) today
announced that researchers from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), The Western
Pennsylvania Hospital and CASurgica, Inc., recently demonstrated the advantages
of an augmented vision system featuring Microvision’s Nomad Personal Display, to
aid surgeons in knee reconstruction, especially for the repair of the anterior
cruciate ligament (ACL).
The group demonstrated the results of a feasibility study conducted in
Pittsburgh, PA, at a scientific exhibit during the American Academy of
Orthopedic Surgeons Convention.
The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a novel surgical tool that
combines CMU’s “KneeNav-ACL” system; an intuitive and flexible image guided
surgical navigation system for ACL reconstruction, with Microvision’s Nomad
personal display. The Nomad(TM) Display enabled surgeons to view real-time
videoscopic images combined with computer-generated anatomic and guidance images
overlaid directly into the surgical view, to create an effect referred to as
“augmented reality”.
“Surgeons that saw this exhibit were excited about the potential of performing
this procedure while viewing navigation information overlaid directly on the
knee,” stated David Ormerod, Microvision’s medical marketing manager.
“Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most
common procedures performed in the area of sports medicine today. Along with
other knee procedures, millions of patients are being treated annually in the
U.S. alone. The Nomad Personal Display System has the potential to provide many
surgeons with a completely new visual interface that can improve upon current
orthopedic procedures.”
Although ACL reconstruction is a routine procedure, accurate graft placement and
tensioning remain challenging goals for surgeons, according to Ormerod. Current
ACL reconstruction utilizes arthroscopic techniques requiring surgeons to divide
attention between the patient’s knee and a monitor generally located some
distance away. Surgeons wearing the lightweight, see-through Nomad display
integrated into the surgical navigation system realize a distinct advantage in
that the surgeon can make the most effective use of the real-time guidance
information without distraction from the point of task. Several
computer-assisted navigation systems have been developed attempting to address
efficacy and precision in graft placement. However, these systems introduce
additional displays and complex user interfaces into the surgical environment.
Based on Microvision’s patented retinal scanning technology, the recently
introduced Nomad display system is a high-resolution head worn display that
presents images and information to the user in a see-through or “head-up” mode.
The Nomad system provides new forms of visualization that will prove to be a
central part of computer-assisted surgical suites and medical environments in
the future. These techniques will involve new display modalities coupled to both
existing and new techniques for scene registration, image acquisition and
enhancement in order to support analysis and decisions at the point of care.
This unique personal display will enable head-up, hands-free access to such
information as arthroscopic images, ultrasound images, and guidance views for
image-guided surgery. The Nomad system features full daylight-readability,
allowing medical personnel to view high contrast images in even the most
challenging ambient lighting conditions. High quality, Super VGA resolution
makes the Nomad immediately compatible with a broad range of existing medical
applications and content.
Study researchers: Anthony M DiGioia III, MD, James Moody, MS, Frederic Picard,
MD, Constantinos Nikou, MS, Carles Reverte, BS, Richard S LaBarca, MS, Branislav
Jaramaz, PhD (Carnegie Mellon University, The Western Pennsylvania Hospital;
CASurgica, Inc., Pittsburgh PA).
About Microvision: www.mvis.com
Headquartered in Bothell, Wash., Microvision Inc. is the developer of the
patented retinal scanning display technology and a world leader in micro
miniature optical scanning technology for display and imaging applications. The
company’s technology has applications in a broad range of military, medical,
industrial, professional and consumer information products. Nomad is a trademark
of Microvision, Inc.
Forward Looking Statement
The information set forth in this release includes “forward-looking statements”
within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. Certain
factors that realistically could cause results to differ materially from those
projected in the company’s forward-looking statements are set forth in the
company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT:
Microvision
(media)
Matt Nichols, 425/415-6852
or
(investors)
Brian Heagler, 425/415-6794
URL:
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