Design and development of a benchtop ophthalmic device for the treatment of vitreous floaters.

PulseMedica is developing a medical device platform to treat vitreoretinal eye diseases that affect over 500 million people worldwide. Our device consists of a state-of-the-art 3D imaging and surgical platform that allows for comprehensive patient treatment including machine learning based disease detection, surgical planning, surgical treatment, and post-surgery evaluation.

This device uses multiple laser-based imaging modalities to provide real-time 3D data about the posterior chamber of the eye. The imaging systems are then used to precisely guide light from a treatment laser to a target location. Both imaging systems, as well as the treatment laser delivery system are complex optical systems that take much time, effort, and expertise to design and build.

PulseMedica has decided to pursue vitreous floaters as its beachhead market. Vitreous floaters is a widespread eye condition that has a large unmet clinical need. Approximately 76% of the adult population has vitreous floaters and for 5% of people, vitreous floaters cause severe impairment. What makes this clinical indication a lucrative market opportunity is that, currently, there aren’t any widely accepted treatment options.

Faculty Supervisor:

Lindsey Westover

Student:

Partner:

PulseMedica

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Alberta

Program: