Compact Touch UBM

Quantel Medical officials announce the launch of its Compact Touch Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM) system in the United States. This portable diagnostic ultrasound system allows physicians to diagnose and obtain measurements of the eye's anterior segment. UBM technology is the only method available to visualize structures behind the iris and pigmented tissues, allowing for the clinician to determine not only the severity of the conditions, but often the underlying cause. Clinical applications include, among many others, artifact free measurement of the anterior chamber angle in glaucoma, plateau iris, differentiation of tumors and cysts, and lens/IOL anatomy.

"The release of the Compact Touch represents a first step for Quantel into the optometric market. We have had strong interest over the past four years with our other ultrasound systems, and have now developed a platform that specifically meets the needs of Optometrists that are managing glaucoma," notes Jean-Marc Gendre, CEO of Quantel Medical. "The Compact Touch UBM system provides Quantel's high-quality, 50MHz linear scanning technology on a small, portable platform." 

Quantel Medical's proprietary linear scanning technology utilizes an electromagnetic linear motor, which optimizes image acquisition, and resolution in a lightweight design. The Compact Touch UBM was designed for use with the Clearscan sterile probe cover, which simplifies the UBM exam for both the doctor and patient.

"With Quantel's UBM technology, I am able to obtain angle measurements as well as visualize the pathology causing the angle-closure in my glaucoma patients," comments J. James Thimons, OD, of Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut. "With optical technologies such as OCT you are not able to see anatomy posterior to the iris. I perform a UBM exam on glaucoma patients that are at risk for narrow angle to obtain a true assessment of the anatomy of the anterior chamber." 

About Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM)
UBM allows imaging of anatomy and pathology involving the anterior segment, including regions obscured by overlying optically opaque anatomic or pathologic structures. UBM provides diagnostically significant information in conditions such as glaucoma, cysts and neoplasms, trauma and foreign bodies. UBM also can provide crucial biometric information regarding anterior segment structures, including the cornea and its constituent layers and the anterior and posterior chambers. Although UBM has now been in use for over 15 years, new technologies, including transducer arrays, pulse encoding and combination of ultrasound with light, offer the potential for significant advances in high-resolution diagnostic imaging of the eye.¹ 

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2796569/