This week’s featured 3D print is part of a senior design project in bioengineering that aims to simplify retinal imaging using a handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) device. The StablEyes system includes a stabilization mount and machine learning-based software that aids in the diagnosis of retinal images. It’s a fantastic example of how 3D printing and scanning technologies can be used in innovative ways to create critical components that help improve patient care. Keep reading to learn more about this impressive project.

The StablEyes system involves a stabilization mount (printed at the Bollinger Digital Fabrication Lab) and machine learning-based software that aids in the diagnosis of retinal images. The mount enables sub-millimeter, motorized control of the OCT via Bluetooth from a physician’s smartphone and includes a distance sensor to measure the height of the OCT for repeatable experimental conditions and a pressure sensor to ensure safe contact with the patient.

The StablEyes system also includes a novel algorithm that employs random forest machine learning to identify critical retinal features and compute macular thickness, thereby enabling differentiation between healthy and diseased retinal images. The system is particularly effective in identifying macular degeneration and choroidal neovascularization. The team plans to conduct an IRB-approved clinical study at Penn Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to evaluate the efficacy of the StablEyes system in improving image reproducibility and aiding in disease progression tracking.

“The 3D printing service at the Bollinger Digital Fabrication Lab in the Holman Biotech Commons was essential to build critical components of the stabilization mount, such as the OCT holder and the z-direction railing. We also utilized the 3D scanning services at the Fisher Fine Arts Library. A team from Fisher came to CHOP to scan an OCT device so our team could 3D print a model replica at the Holman Biotech Commons. Having a 3D printed replica enabled us to design the holder to perfectly fit the imaging device. Additionally, we would like to acknowledge the Stephenson Foundation Bioengineering Laboratory & Bio-MakerSpace and the help and support of our BE 4960 instructors Dr. Erin Berlew, Sevile Mannickarottu, and Dr. Dave Meaney and project manager Erin Anderson.”

-StablEyes

The StablEyes team was recognized as finalists at this year’s Johns Hopkins Healthcare Design Competition, M&T Summit, and Northeast Bioengineering Conference. They also received the Bioengineering Senior Design Award and the Albert Giandomenico Award, which recognizes outstanding teamwork, leadership, creativity, and knowledge applied to discovery-based learning. The team is set to compete in the Penn Engineering Senior Design Competition on Friday, April 28th. 

Learn more about laser cutting at the Holman Biotech Commons. The Bollinger Digital Fabrication Lab is proud to provide complimentary objects and 3D design consultations contributing to innovation in teaching, learning, research, and clinical care at the University of Pennsylvania.