RetiMINER-P All-in-One Visual Electrophysiology System
The ENOCHTEC RetiMINER-P is an all-in-one visual electrophysiology system for ISCEV-standard pattern VEP, flash VEP, pattern ERG, flash ERG and EOG. The DC amplifier, flash stimulator, pattern stimulator and EOG indicators are built into a single host, so the whole system needs only one power cord and one monitor cable and the subject stays in the same test position for every test.
What Does Visual Electrophysiology Measure?
- VEP depends on the functional integrity of central vision at every level of the visual pathway: eye, retina, optic nerve, optic radiations and occipital cortex.
- ERG and flash ERG mainly reflect the function of rods, cones and the connected bipolar cells; the rod and cone systems can be isolated by dark and light adaptation.
- Pattern ERG represents the function of the ganglion cells when the photoreceptors and bipolar cells work normally.
- EOG tests the function of the outer retina and the retinal pigment epithelium.
Integrated Design
Conventional systems consist of a separate computer, pattern stimulator, amplifier and flash stimulator joined by cables, which occupy a lot of room and are hard to move. The RetiMINER-P integrates all of them. A knob on top rotates a visor with a diffuse reflective surface over the pattern stimulator and turns the unit into a complete Ganzfeld dome for flash stimuli. The visor carries a built-in fixation LED and two EOG LEDs, so EOG testing is supported without extra equipment.
ISCEV Programs and Fixation Monitoring
The software includes all standard ISCEV programs. An infrared camera shows the subject’s face during pattern, flash and EOG tests, so the operator can check whether the electrodes work properly, whether unexpected eye movement occurs, whether the other eye is covered (for VEP) and whether the subject is becoming fatigued. A motorized chin support is controlled from the software.
Stimulators and Amplifier
The flash stimulator provides white, red, green and blue light and their combinations, with a 30 cd·s/m² broad-band white flash in under 4 ms, single, double and string flashes, and a background of 0–500 cd/m². The pattern stimulator offers checkerboard, horizontal and vertical stripes and rectangle patterns with adjustable element angle, up to 250 cd/m² luminance and more than 98% contrast, and a wide choice of stimulus fields. The DC amplifier has a 24-bit A/D converter, an optically isolated USB 2.0 connection and full real-time digital filters.
Offline Averaging and Digital Signal Processing
The amplifier records the bio-signal over the full frequency band and the software filters it digitally. After the test, the operator can manually reject sweeps contaminated by eye or muscle movement, which is useful for infant examinations and medico-legal records, and can define new filters and run spectral analysis on the recorded signal. Dark-toned software and a dark-red illumination and screen mode suit work in a darkroom.
Embedded Computer and Reports
The system uses a card-sized embedded computer with open-source Linux, with no hard disk, graphics card or memory sticks, which keeps the system simple and avoids common PC viruses. The multi-language interface is developed in-house. Reports can be exported as PDF or JPG and shared over the network; DICOM connection to a PACS or HIS (fetching patient data and exam instructions, uploading reports) is available as an option.
RetiMINER Models
| RetiMINER-P | RetiMINER-C | RetiMINER Animal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intended use | Clinical ERG, VEP and EOG | Clinical and research ERG, VEP and EOG | Animal ERG and VEP research |
| Design | All-in-one host | Separate stimulators on a movable motorized table | Animal platform with 90° cantilever flash stimulator |
| Flash stimulator | Built-in, 30 cd·s/m² | LightBurst, 100 cd·s/m² | LightBurst, 100 cd·s/m² |
| Pattern stimulator | Built-in | LCD | Optional |
| Test position | Single fixed position | Seated, lying or infant subjects; bedside use possible | Animal on the platform |
| Animal testing | — | Optional add-on | Dedicated system |
What Should Buyers Confirm Before Ordering?
Confirm the tests required (pattern VEP, flash VEP, pattern ERG, flash ERG, EOG), the optional DICOM connection, the interface and report language, the electrode sets and consumables, and the installation space. The final supply configuration is confirmed in the written quotation. Request a quotation for the RetiMINER-P.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tests does the RetiMINER-P perform?
Pattern VEP, flash VEP, pattern ERG, flash ERG and EOG, covering all standard ISCEV programs.
Does it need a separate computer or amplifier?
No. The amplifier, flash and pattern stimulators and the embedded computer are in one host; only a power cord and a monitor cable are connected.
Can the subject stay in one position?
Yes. Flash, pattern and EOG stimulation are all in the same host, so the subject does not need to be moved between stimulators and the amplifier does not need to move with the patient.
Can it connect to a PACS or HIS?
Yes, as an option. DICOM connection can fetch patient files and exam instructions from the HIS and upload reports; reports can also be exported as PDF or JPG.
See the Visual Electrophysiology range for related systems. Interpretation of results remains the responsibility of the examining clinician.