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The Portable Dynamic Fundus Instrument: Uses in telemedicine and researchFor years ophthalmic photographs have been used to track the progression of many ocular diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma as well as the ocular manifestations of diabetes, hypertension, and hypoxia. In 1987 a project was initiated at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) to develop a means of monitoring retinal vascular caliber and intracranial pressure during space flight. To conduct telemedicine during space flight operations, retinal images would require real-time transmissions from space. Film-based images would not be useful during in-flight operations. Video technology is beneficial in flight because the images may be acquired, recorded, and transmitted to the ground for rapid computer digital image processing and analysis. The computer analysis techniques developed for this project detected vessel caliber changes as small as 3 percent. In the field of telemedicine, the Portable Dynamic Fundus Instrument demonstrates the concept and utility of a small, self-contained video funduscope. It was used to record retinal images during the Gulf War and to transmit retinal images from the Space Shuttle Columbia during STS-50. There are plans to utilize this device to provide a mobile ophthalmic screening service in rural Texas. In the fall of 1993 a medical team in Boulder, Colorado, will transmit real-time images of the retina during remote consultation and diagnosis. The research applications of this device include the capability of operating in remote locations or small, confined test areas. There has been interest shown utilizing retinal imaging during high-G centrifuge tests, high-altitude chamber tests, and aircraft flight tests. A new design plan has been developed to incorporate the video instrumentation into face-mounted goggle. This design would eliminate head restraint devices, thus allowing full maneuverability to the subjects. Further development of software programs will broaden the application of the Portable Dynamic Fundus Instrument in telemedicine and medical research.
Document ID
19940029141
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hunter, Norwood
(Krug Life Sciences, Inc. Houston, TX., United States)
Caputo, Michael
(Krug Life Sciences, Inc. Houston, TX., United States)
Billica, Roger
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Taylor, Gerald
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Gibson, C. Robert
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Manuel, F. Keith
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Mader, Thomas
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Meehan, Richard
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Seventh Annual Workshop on Space Operations Applications and Research (SOAR 1993), Volume 2
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Accession Number
94N33647
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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