A second generation device developed by SalutarisMD is seeking to improve treatment for those with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) through reducing the frequency of eye injections and/or increasing the length of time between treatments.  Wet macular degeneration is the form of AMD that can progress quickly and is associated with more severe vision loss. The most common form of treatment is regular intraocular injections to slow down the formation of new, leaky, fragile blood vessels under and around the macula known as choroidal vascularization. These injections can be given as frequently as every month or as needed, whichever is determined to be best for the patient by the retina specialist. Salutaris Medical Devices (SalutarisMD) is a medical device company with offices in Tucson, AZ and London whose goal is to develop minimally invasive technologies to benefit patient vision outcomes and to reduce treatment burdens.

The Salutaris MD system, also known as the episcleral brachytherapy applicator system, works by delivering a single, one-time, localized tissue irradiation. The procedure works  this way:

1. Using a local anesthetic the procedure is done in an outpatient setting
2. A therapeutic radioisotope is placed inside or next to the area needing treatment
3. A trained retina surgeon places the device over the globe and behind the eye
4. At the tip of the device is a fiber optic light which helps the retina surgeon position the device behind the eye
5. The light is placed over the lesion or targeted area
6. A targeted radiation dose is delivered directly to the area of choroidal neovascularization
7. The device is then removed

The total procedure time is approximately 15 minutes.  SalutarisMD has achieved several milestones towards bringing this device to commercialization in Europe and to clinical trials in the United States. One study performed at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London evaluated methods of calculating patient specific dosing and “dwell times”  through the use of three different imaging modalities.  The company has also received US regulatory approval in the use of the second generation device for an upcoming clinical trial.  “The study data are encouraging and bring us closer to offering this novel therapy which is precise and customized, to patients,” stated Laurence Marsteller, MD, CEO of SalutarisMD at the Ophthalmology Futures European Forum 2015. The SalutarisMD system is just one of many ways research is moving forward in improving treatment and visual outcomes for those who have been diagnosed with wet AMD.  To check out other current studies go to:

Wet Macular Degeneration Research and Clinical Trials

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

www.WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com