Telemedicine Used As Alternative To Bedside Exam

Apr. 24 - KGO (KGO) -- With an increase in the number of premature babies being born there has been a corresponding increase in a type of eye disease that affects preemies. Now a retina specialist from Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is turning to tele-medicine as a way to detect the potentially blinding problem early.

Olivia Cabrera is almost four-months-old, but she was born 15 weeks early, putting her at risk for ROP -- Retinopathy of Prematurity that can lead to blindness. She's about to have another eye exam.

Traditionally, a retina specialist would be at Olivia's side drawing what he sees. But now neo-natal intensive care nurses at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center are using a special eye camera to capture digital images of the baby's retina.

A small speculum is used to hold the eyelids open so the nurse can take several detailed images.

Seven weeks ago, Olivia had laser surgery to stop the abnormal growth of blood vessels threatening her eyesight.

Dr. Darius Moshfeghi performed the surgery, but he'd been keeping close watch on his patient for weeks without needing to see her in person.

Darius Moshfeghi, M.D., Packard Ped. Retina Specialist: "Actually I feel it's better than bedside because I can go back and look at the images. I can convince myself, that 'hey this is clearly getting worse.' I cannot do that with a drawing."

The technology allows Dr. Moshfeghi to view the technology anyplace, anytime -- from his office, to his home office or any place in the world -- any place there's an Internet connection.

Dr. Darius Moshfeghi: "There's no interruption in service if I'm not around. When I was in China, I screened. When I was in the Virgin Islands, I screened."

Considering there are only about two dozen pediatric retina specialists practicing full time in the northern hemisphere, making the most of Dr. Moshfeghi's expertise is critical. By forming a telemedicine network with the four neo-natal ICU's affiliated with Packard Children's Hospital, Dr. Moshfeghi is now able to screen many more babies with far less travel.

Dr. Darius Moshfeghi: "I go to image number four. It's a little dark. I'll change the contrast, maybe increase the brightness a little bit, bring up a little more detail."

These are the images taken this morning at Valley Medical Center. Little Olivia is progressing nicely.

Lori Christofferson, R.N., Santa Clara Valley Medical Center: "It's nice to know that I can do this. The doctor trusts me and that I can get these babies early intervention for their eyes and save their eyesight.

Olivia's ROP was caught early and corrected, thanks to teamwork and telemedicine.

To learn more about this unique treatment, read The Back Story.

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