Page 2 - Clinical Connections - Autumn 2020

RVC RESEARCH STUDY VETERINARY SERVICES
The new system will significantly improve the team’s ability to perform precise, accurate and atraumatic surgery and will help to extend the spectrum of surgical procedures offered to small animal referral patients. Its integrated keratometry is
an evaluation tool for guided corneal suture placement subsequent to tissue transplantation or any other surgery
which involves corneal suturing, for example cataract surgery. Postoperative astigmatism is reduced and, consequently, visual outcome can be improved.
The inverted tubes and the non-contact fundus viewing system attachment equip the microscope for vitreoretinal procedures, which are currently only offered in very
few centres in Europe. For example,
the system enables the procedure of re-attaching retinas, which can save and restore the vision of animals with acute detached retinas.
Training, teaching and research benefits
The HD camera facilitates video screening of procedures and the digital video capture system and intraoperative photography facilitates high quality training of ophthalmology specialists and future veterinary surgeons. In an era of social distancing, the technology allows safe access to procedures for numerous students and residents, which would be impossible to observe directly. The system also facilitates the involvement of multiple surgeons and promotes effective surgeon- to-assistant communication for the benefit of patients.
RVC.AC.UK
Figure 1. Cat having undergone a grafting procedure after the removal of a painful condition (corneal sequestrum) under the operating microscope.
Being able to follow the surgical
steps with explanations by the surgeon maximises student engagement and retention of knowledge. The images provided have an excellent contrast, colour and resolution so that the students can see every detail and develop a clear understanding of the procedure.
Video recording and intraoperative photography offers the opportunity to review and analyse critical steps of surgical procedures. This helps the surgeons
to reflect on the surgical techniques, highlighting areas for optimisation. Videos and intraoperative photographs can also be incorporated into lectures for future
veterinary surgeons and specialists-in- training and used in CPD training. The system will also facilitate the development of research projects in the area of corneal surgery, enabling specialists to develop new procedures.
Equine ophthalmology enhanced
Patients referred to RVC Equine will
also be beneficiaries of the development within the small animal referral service
as the former ophthalmic microscope
used at the QMHA, which was previously moved across for some cases, can be permanently located at the Equine Referral Hospital. The presence of the Zeiss Opmi Visu 200 will benefit routine and emergent equine care by enabling timely intervention and improved outcomes by enabling surgeons to perform precise, accurate
and atraumatic surgery. This expands the services available to equine clients.
The permanent presence of the Zeiss Opmi Visu 200 in the equine hospital
will allow the ophthalmology surgeons to perform immediate surgical intervention required for most corneal diseases and injuries, such as deep stromal, melting and ruptured corneal ulcers and corneal lacerations. For cases that are refractory or deteriorating under medical treatment, the team will no longer have to consider referral to other hospitals, enucleation or even euthanasia in extreme cases.
For small animal referrals, please call: 01707 666399
Email: qmhreception@rvc.ac.uk
Figure 2. Dog’s eye with a single corneal suture on its eye after the removal of a thorn under the operating microscope.
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2 Autumn 2020