Tony Durkin Mailing List

Thursday, November 19, 2009

JNL: Multiphoton Laser Scanning Microscopy—A Novel Diagnostic Method for Superficial Skin Cancers

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B75K6-4X9NKFX-9&_user=10&_coverDate=09%2F30%2F2009&_rdoc=9&_fmt=high&_orig=browse&_srch=doc-info%28%23toc%2313170%232009%23999719996%231516166%23FLA%23display%23Volume%29&_cdi=13170&_sort=d&_docanchor=&_ct=11&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=3b8a6e1bdee11276e75cbb3bc769f71d

Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
Volume 28, Issue 3, September 2009, Pages 190-195
DERMOSCOPY AND RECENTLY DEVELOPED IMAGING TECHNIQUES

Multiphoton Laser Scanning Microscopy—A Novel Diagnostic Method for Superficial Skin Cancers

John Paoli MD, PhD^,, Maria Smedh MSc, PhD^† and Marica B. Ericson MSc, PhD^†
^†Department of Physics, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
Dermatology and Venereology Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

Available online 25 September 2009.

The increasing incidence of skin cancer and the importance of early diagnosis is a challenge, which requires the development of reliable, cost-effective, noninvasive, diagnostic techniques. Several such methods based on optical imaging techniques are available and currently being investigated. A novel method in this field is multiphoton laser scanning microscopy (MPLSM). This technique is based on the nonlinear process of 2-photon excitation of endogenous fluorophores, which can be used to acquire horizontal optical sectioning of intact biological tissue samples. When studying human skin, MPLSM provides high-resolution fluorescence imaging, allowing visualization of cellular and subcellular structures of the epidermis and upper dermis. This review covers the application of MPLSM as a diagnostic tool for superficial skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, and melanomas. MPLSM has also been applied in other research areas related to skin, which will be mentioned briefly. The morphologic features observed in MPLSM images of skin tumors are comparable to traditional histopathology. Safety issues, limitations, and further improvements are discussed. Although further investigations are required to make MPLSM a mainstream clinical diagnostic tool, MPLSM has the potential of becoming a noninvasive, bedside, histopathologic technique for the diagnosis of superficial skin cancers.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

NEWS: Basic science: Nanomaterials can damage DNA without crossing barriers

http://ahcpub.com/hot_topics/?htid=1&httid=2008

Basic science: Nanomaterials can damage DNA without crossing barriers


From Medical Device Daily \| November 2009

By LYNN YOFFEE Medical Device Daily Staff Writer UK researchers have uncovered a cell signaling phenomenon that they admittedly don't understand, but have extrapolated that it could have implications for the use of nanomaterials as well as some of the metals currently used in artificial joints. In short, they've discovered that nanoparticles can damage the DNA of cells without crossing cellular barriers in the body. "To our great surprise, not only could we see damage on the other side of the barrier, but we saw as much damage as if we had no barrier at all and put materials in direct contact with the cells underneath," said Patrick Case, MD, consultant senior lecturer in Orthopaedic Surgery and Pathology, Bristol Implant Research Centre, Southmead Hospital (Bristol, UK). "We don't understand it at all. Some sort of signal is going on from the top cell to middle and bottom cells. At the bottom, that cell is then responding and sending out some message and causing this DNA damage without significant cell death to the cells beneath." Case and his colleagues set up an experiment to address the growing concerns about nanoparticles' ability to infiltrate past barriers. But they discovered that those particles don't actually have to go through a barrier to inflict damage. They used ultra-high concentrations of metals on cells grown in culture, those typically used in orthopedic implants. But in addition to raising concerns over nanomaterials' abilities to cross barriers – or in this case affect cells without crossing – their discovery opens a Pandora's box of opportunities to deliver novel therapies across barriers without having to cross them. Medication could exert influence without having to cross something like the blood brain barrier. "We were not trying to make a model of the human body. And we're not trying to say this is going to happen in a human body," Case said during a press conference in London on Thursday. "We've just asked a question: Is the barrier a barrier? Our basic message is that there is something strange going on. There is this signaling process that's jolly exciting across a barrier." Case's team grew a multi-layer of human cells in the lab to mimic a specialized protective barrier which was used to study the indirect effects of cobalt-chromium nanoparticles – which are typically generated from wear and tear of bone implants – on the cells that were lying behind this barrier. "Here, we show that cobalt-chromium nanoparticles (29.5±6.3 nm in diameter) can damage human fibroblast cells across an intact cellular barrier without having to cross the barrier," Case and team wrote in a Nature Nanotechnology article. Another co-author of the study, Gevdeep Bhabra, MD, also of the University of Bristol, explained how the experiment worked. "We measured DNA damage after exposure to the alloy particles," Bhabra said. "We looked at levels of damage after indirect exposure and direct exposure and found the levels of damage are comparable. One of the obvious questions: Is the metal passing through the barrier? We measured levels of metal and found there was no increase. So we don't think metal was passing through the cells. We also found the barrier didn't become more leaky. We know that cells in close contact, like in the barrier, exhibit cell communication. We used a variety of compounds to block it. We found that DNA damage does occur through indirect exposure to cobalt-chromium and this is dependent on intercellular signaling rather than the passage of metal through the barrier." To lend some perspective to the findings, Case pointed out that "we all have DNA damage, but it's not necessarily significant." The team concluded by suggesting that, going forward, as scientists evaluate nanoparticle safety, they should not be focused entirely on whether or not nanoparticles penetrate, but rather the "genotoxic potential for both direct and indirect effects to avoid any potential risks to targets on the distal side of cellular barriers," they wrote.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Post-Doc Position at NIH; Diffuse Optical Tomography + Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine

Attached is the link for the position. We are looking for a solid instrumental post-doc for building a Diffuse Optical Tomography system, who has a strong interest in becoming involved further in the theoretical side of

DOT as well. I have copied the text from my original email for full details, and below it include the link to the job website for applicants. If you could advertise this on your blog and pass it to anyone you think might be interested I would be extremely grateful,

I am writing to you regarding a post-doctoral position we have available at the NIH. I work in Dr Gandjbakhches Laboratory here at the NIH and we are establishing a Brain Imaging Project. We currently have available funds for a post-doctoral fellow in this project. Amir suggested that you might be able to help in regards of suggesting someone suitable, or may have contacts with asuitable candidate.

The position will largely focus on being an experimentalist (instrumental design and fabrication), but the ideal candidate will also be able to participate in the numerical aspects of the project. Our objective is to assemble a team who are all equally comfortable with instrumental design and with handling numerics. The position is available ‘immediately’ subject to the release of funds based on an agreement between the funding body and NIH. The project is based on Diffuse Optical Imaging and currently we are planning to use a CW system, but are entirely open to change as the project evolves. The ideal candidate then would have an enthusiastic desire to progress the project with their own input as to how to handle some of the problems faced with functional NIR brain imaging.

We would be very grateful for any suggestions you could make on suitable candidates. Please feel free to pass on the information to any colleagues who might have a suitable finished(ing) PhD who would be interested in the position.

LINK to NIH position: http://www.hjf.org/careers/search.html

The search criteria is:

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow

Job ID: 204831

Job Description Job Title: CNRM Postdoctoral Fellow Job ID: 204976 Location: Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Regular

Return to Previous Page


	Responsibilities
	The Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to support the Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. HJF provides administrative and management support to CNRM. The Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM) is a collaborative intramural federal program involving the US Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health and was developed to bring together the expertise of clinicians and scientists across disciplines to catalyze innovative approaches to Traumatic Brain Injury research. Responsibilities: 1. Assists in designing, developing, executing, and implementing scientific research and/or development. 2. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories to potential inventions and products. 3. Performs specialized laboratory research utilizing experimental protocols which will involve specialized procedures such as DNA cloning and sequencing, molecular analysis of specific RNA transcripts by quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting, animal surgeries, dissections, sectioning and immunohistochemistry. 4. Collects and handles samples and keeps detailed records of experiments. 5. Assists with the preparation of data for presentations at scientific meetings and for publication in journals. 6. Assists with training laboratory staff as needed. 7. Maintains cleanliness of laboratory areas. 8. Performs other duties as assigned. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of appropriate scientific area; ability to analyze and interpret data Minimum Education/Training Requirements: PhD in a related scientific discipline Physical Capabilities: Long periods of standing and sitting; intricate work with hands; carrying of light and moderately heavy laboratory equipment Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: May provide guidance to laboratory staff Work Environment: Laboratory environment; may involve working with biohazardous materials; may require working evenings and weekends Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Director of Human Resources

NEWS: LenSar: New Laser Cure for Cataracts

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS118070+05-Nov-2009+PRN20091105

Thu Nov 5, 2009 6:01am EST

Is there a real laser that will soon be used to treat cataracts?

NEW YORK, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A new laser therapy that can

potentially remove cataracts from people's eyes more efficiently and with

greater precision was presented on October 24, 2009 at the American Academy of

Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting. The technology, currently undergoing

clinical trials outside the USA, was developed by LenSar, a start-up company

which is in a head-to-head competition with two other players to be the first

to commercialize the technology. LenSar plans to start treating patients if

the FDA will consider the results of the remaining trials to be both safe and

effective.

Although the new device will cost more than existing technologies, the speed

of surgery may compensate for that by allowing more procedures to be performed

in less time. The new LenSar laser cataract device is designed to be safer and

easier to use, and it is believed that most cataract surgeons can learn to use

it to perform surgeries with less complications. The laser will allow for the

use of "premium" implants which set up bifocal vision as well as provide a

better way to treat astigmatism.

Cataracts are presently treated with a devise known as a Phacoemulsifier,

which uses ultrasound waves to break up the contents of the cataract and was

nicknamed in the mid-seventies a "laser". This 35 years old device is

generally very safe, however results are largely dependent on the individual

surgeon's skills. LenSar suggests that their laser will make cataract surgery

easier to perform, perhaps transforming average eye surgeons into surgeons

equipped with safer and better technology, benefitting the three million

patients who undergo cataract surgery annually in the U.S.

LenSar's CEO, Randy Frey, Ph.D., a well-acclaimed scientist known best for the

Lasik laser he developed, formed LenSar in 2004 which has had about 100

operations performed outside of the U.S. with promising results. Although his

cataract laser concept has spurred competing companies, Frey claims that he

holds important patent applications which allow the company to focus on R&D

and pay less attention to competitors. It is his belief that LenSar's patents

will prevail and will have a legal claim on any such devices, regardless of

their maker.

The real financial benefit for LenSar is not in the sale of the laser but in

the "royalty-like" fee that is paid to the company each time the laser is

used. Laser eye surgery devices by companies such as Alcon, Bausch and Lomb,

and AMO have generated billions in revenue using this "click fee" strategy.

SOURCE  LenSar

Joseph Dello Russo, +1-201-538-3842, joedellorussomd@aol.com

NEWS: Avo Photonics and Case Western Reserve University Are Pleased to Announce the Completion of a Design and Development Contract for an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Forward Imaging Catheter

HORSHAM, Pa., Nov 05, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nearly 4 million people nationwide suffer from cardiac arrhythmias each year, according to the 2006 U.S. Cardiac Rhythm Management Market report by Frost and Sullivan. About 2.5 million of these cases cannot be treated or controlled through medication alone. Since pharmacological therapies have limited effectiveness, radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation has emerged as the prominent approach for treating a broad range of arrhythmias. However, during the procedure physicians have no direct visualization of intra-cardiac structures, nor do they have a means to measure successful lesions.

Recognizing this problem, researchers at Case Western Reserve University began a research program in 2008 to build an imaging catheter that would allow surgeons to monitor treatment and visualize intra-cardiac structures. The researchers selected Avo Photonics, Inc., of Horsham, PA, for a Phase 1 design contract. The contract was awarded in September 2008. Avo's rapid design effort provided a pathway for a subsequent October 2008 award for the development of prototype opto-mechanical systems. At the contract conclusion, Avo delivered eight forward imaging catheters to the university.

The forward imaging catheters (FIC) built by Avo will be used as monitors during RF cardiac arrhythmia therapy. These OCT catheters will lead to imaging techniques that will improve the insertion and accuracy of RF catheters, thus leading to better patient results and an expansion of approved FDA procedures for cardiac arrhythmia therapy.

Case Western Reserve University's lead investigator on the project is Dr. Andrew Rollins, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Christine Fleming, a graduate research assistant under the advisement of Rollins, was instrumental in the design and development.

As a specialized opto-electronic engineering and manufacturing company, Avo provided critical resources and experience to the program. The Avo team was led by Program Manager Todd Rixman and Senior Optical Engineer Dr. David Demmer. "Our extensive experience in fiber optic and medical products blended to create reliable and elegant optical assemblies. We are pleased to be able to offer these service to Case Western Reserve", stated Rixman.

In May of 2009, Case Western Reserve imaged heart tissue through the Avo produced catheters, thus confirming Avo's design and manufacturing expertise. Both Dr. Rollins and Ms. Fleming expressed their gratitude to Avo Photonics. "Avo provided excellent resources as the development process proceeded" commented Dr. Rollins. "Avo's attention to detail and resourcefulness allowed us to move quite rapidly from concept to design to prototyping. We are looking forward to continuing with the development efforts and providing the medical community with this and other enhanced tools" continued Dr. Rollins.

This work was funded by under the Coulter-Case Translational Research Partnership.

About Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University is among the nation's leading research institutions. Founded in 1826 and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University, Case Western Reserve is distinguished by its strengths in education, research, service and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland, Case Western Reserve offers nationally recognized programs in the arts and sciences, dental medicine, engineering, law, management, medicine, nursing and social sciences.

About Avo Photonics

Avo Photonics provides custom design and contract manufacturing services to customers in the military, aerospace, medical, communications, and commercial markets. Its unique pure service model assures Avo is focused on its customer's products. From fundamental optical physics analysis, through mechanical, electrical, thermal, and materials design for packaging/manufacturing, into crafted prototypes and high volume production, Avo Photonics is a one-stop shop for photonic packaging services.

For a complete overview of Avo Photonics' service offerings, visit www.avophotonics.comor call 215-441-0107.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6088914&lang=en

SOURCE: Avo Photonics

Avo Photonics, Inc.

Neal Stoker, 215-441-0107 x109

marketing@avophotonics.com

Thursday, November 5, 2009

NEWS: Lumenis® Announces the Initiation of a Clinical Study into the Efficacy of Selective Retina Therapy (SRT) in Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/11/prweb3166174.htm

Lumenis® Ltd. a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of laser, light-based and radiofrequency devices for ophthalmic, surgical and aesthetic applications, announced today the initiation of a clinical study into the efficacy of Selective Retina Therapy (SRT) in Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). The study will take place at the Tel Aviv Medical Center in Israel, under the leadership of Prof. Anat Loewenstein MD.

Valley Lee, MD (PRWEB) November 5, 2009 -- Lumenis® Ltd. a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of laser, light-based and radiofrequency devices for ophthalmic, surgical and aesthetic applications, announced today the initiation of a clinical study into the efficacy of Selective Retina Therapy (SRT) in Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). The study will take place at the Tel Aviv Medical Center in Israel, under the leadership of Prof. Anat Loewenstein MD.
Dov Ofer, Lumenis’ President and Chief Executive Officer stated: “We are proud to be yet again at the forefront of ophthalmic laser innovation with the clinical evaluation of Selective Retina Therapy (SRT). That is, after all, only one of the privileges reserved for the company that pioneered the very first Argon Laser photocoagulator in ophthalmology, along with a history of innovations that literally have transformed the way ophthalmologists practice medicine worldwide.” Mr. Ofer continued and added that “we are also very proud to be collaborating with Prof. Loewenstein who is internationally recognized and respected for her efforts as a leading retina specialist with a long-list of medical accomplishments.”
In a statement on SRT, Prof. Anat Loewenstein commented: “Ophthalmic lasers have been playing a key role in the treatment & management of various retinal pathologies for many years now – however, not without negative side-effects. In the case of standard lasers, treatments usually result in deleterious thermal damage to neurosensory retinal tissue that is integral to healthy vision. As a retina surgeon, I think Lumenis SRT technology represents significant potential over conventional lasers, as it selectively targets the RPE layer without damaging the highly-sensitive neurosensory retina layer; thereby avoiding scotomata (blind spots) in the treated areas. However, what excites me the most is the potential benefits this primarily represents to our patients; a pain-free treatment that does not further impair vision and that may potentially improve conditions that rob the eyesight of tens of millions of people worldwide. Based on the data we have seen, Lumenis SRT technology appears to have the potential to become that treatment and this is what we are going to investigate”, concluded Prof. Loewenstein.
“The Lumenis SRT technology holds significant potential into the treatment of various retinal pathologies. Our most current knowledge shows that the retinal pigment epithelium plays a key role in several ocular conditions that negatively impact the vision of millions of patients worldwide. Being able to selectively target that layer of cells, without causing any thermal damage to adjacent tissues, induces a certain biological response that may one day give hope to these patients,“ stated Dr. Pazit Pianka MD, an ophthalmologist and the Lumenis Vision Medical Director.
“With this new investigation into the clinical efficacy of Lumenis SRT technology, Lumenis once again reaffirms its decades-long commitment to excellence and innovation in ophthalmic laser technology,” said Mr. Lloyd Diamond, Senior VP & General Manager of Lumenis Vision, the Ophthalmic Business Unit of Lumenis Ltd. “Approximately 10 years ago our company launched Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) based on the novel concept of selective photo-thermolysis. During that time we have witnessed our technology transform into a leading, clinically-proven, first-line therapy for POAG and a viable alternative to eye drops. We believe SRT has the potential to revolutionize retina therapy, similar to the way SLT revolutionized glaucoma management. This new study will help us ascertain that fact” concluded Mr. Diamond.
About the Clinical Trial:
The clinical trial will be conducted under the direction of Prof. Anat Loewenstein MD, who is an associate Professor of Ophthalmology & the Vice-Dean of the Sackler Faculty of Medicine at the Tel Aviv University, and the Director of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Tel Aviv Medical Center in Israel. The prospective study, which includes 102 patients (102 eyes), was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Lumenis Selective Retina Therapy (SRT) treatment in diabetic macular edema. The duration of the study is two years with patient follow up at 4, 8, and 12 months post-op.
All patients will receive treatments with the Lumenis SRT laser that was developed by Lumenis Ltd., in collaboration with its research partner MLL (Medizinisches Laserzentrum Lübeck) in Lübeck, Germany. Lumenis holds propriety rights for this technology.
About Selective Retina Therapy (SRT):
Selective Retina Therapy (SRT) is a relatively new laser technique which selectively targets the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) while sparing the neural retina. Several macular diseases are thought to be caused and/or significantly exacerbated due to reduced function of the RPE cells. In light of that, a method for the selective destruction of the underperforming RPE cells without causing adverse effects to the choroid and neurosensory retina (especially to the photoreceptors layers) is hypothesized to halt the progression of those diseases and/or reverse some of its deleterious effects.
The selective effect on RPE cells, which absorb about 50% of the incident light due to their high melanosome content, has been previously demonstrated using the Lumenis SRT laser. By irradiating the fundus with a train of 1.7 micro-second laser pulses it is possible to achieve high peak temperatures around the melanosomes, which leads to a destruction of the RPE, with only a low sub-lethal temperature increase in adjacent tissue structures. This process leads to the multiplication and migration of healthy RPE cells from the periphery which, in turn, help metabolize and improve the overall retina tissue health.
The Lumenis SRT laser was specifically designed to perform selective RPE targeting. This is accomplished by a green (frequency doubled Nd:YLF, 527nm) laser that emits 1.7 microsecond (¼s) pulses at a repetition rate of 100 Hertz (Hz). This low average power, delivered in a train of pulses, confines the laser treatment to the cells containing the target pigment or chromophores, in this case the melanin granules in the RPE cells, thereby achieving selective damage to these particular cells.
About Lumenis:
Lumenis, the world’s largest medical laser company, is a global developer, manufacturer and distributor of laser, light-based and radiofrequency devices for surgical, aesthetic and ophthalmic applications, with more than 800 employees worldwide. Lumenis has over 250 patents, over 75 FDA clearances, an installed base of over 80,000 systems and presence in over 100 countries. Lumenis endeavors to bring the finest state of the art technology products to the market, fulfilling the highest standards of excellence, quality and reliability. Consequently we are able to deliver premium value and service to our customers. Lumenis’ name is derived from Latin meaning “Light of Life”, highlighting the light which is the basis of our technologies used to enhance life. For more information about Lumenis and its products, please go to: www.lumenis.com.
For further information contact:
Michelle Maydan
Director of Corporate Communications
1-866-569-0597
+972-4-959-9004
e-mail: mmaydan (at) lumenis.com
Lumenis, its logo, VersaPulse , SlimLine and Slimline GI are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Lumenis Group of Companies.
Certain statements and information in this press release may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our objectives, plans and strategies, statements that contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition and all statements (other than statements of historical facts) that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “believe,” “should,” “intend,” “project” or other similar words, but are not the only way these statements are identified. We have based these forward-looking statements on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements may be found in our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F, including the section therein entitled “Risk Factors”, as well in our reports on Form 6-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission

NEWS: University of Chicago Physicians Find Mini Microscope Can Improve Disease Detection, Diagnosis and Treatment

http://chicagopressrelease.com/press-releases/university-of-chicago-physicians-find-mini-microscope-can-improve-disease-detection-diagnosis-and-treatment

Released November 05, 2009

New imaging technology using one of the world’s smallest flexible microscopes enables physicians to look–at the cellular level–at living, moving tissue in the lungs and gastrointestinal tract so they can make a rapid diagnosis or carefully select tissue for biopsy.
With the probe-based, confocal, laser-endomicroscopy system known as Cellvizio®, which is used through a standard endoscope or bronchoscope, University of Chicago physicians can examine tissue in the gastrointestinal tract or look deep into the lungs to examine and assess early stages of disease.
With magnification 500 to 1,000 times that of a standard scope and 10 to 50 times that of a magnifying scope, the Cellvizio system, one of about 40 in the United States, can help doctors distinguish between normal and cancerous tissue without taking samples.
If they do need samples, the probe helps them collect exactly the tissue they need for a biopsy rather than extracting multiple samples from the general vicinity of suspected disease.
“Until now, if we found suspicious tissue during a diagnostic procedure, we had to take out tissue almost randomly and send it to a laboratory for analysis,” said Irving Waxman, MD, professor of medicine and surgery at the University of Chicago, the first center in Illinois to use the system.
“This meant that cancerous tissue could be missed.”
“With this scope,” said Waxman, “we can pinpoint abnormal tissue during the initial diagnostic exam, remove it, and then go back to be certain that we got what we needed.”
The tiny microscope, produced by Mauna Kea Technologies of Paris, France, (known as Cellvizio in the U.S.) is approved by the Food & Drug Administration for use in the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. It consists of a laser light system coupled with a miniprobe made of tens of thousands of individual optical fibers capped by microlenses.
The scope is only 2.5 mm in diameter, small enough to pass through accessory channels on most standard GI or pulmonary scopes. Specialists worldwide have used the device for more than 3,000 procedures to date.
The tiny flexible device is inserted through a channel in a standard scope. The tip is placed on the tissue to be examined. It sends back 12 high-resolution video images per second.
By adjusting the focus, the probe can also provide clear, detailed images of tissue slightly beneath the surface.
Recent studies have demonstrated the value of the technology in multiple areas. “We currently use it to identify precancerous areas in Barrett’s esophagus (the major risk factor for esophageal cancer) for improved detection and targeting of minimally invasive endoscopic therapy,” said Vani Konda, MD, instructor of medicine at the University of Chicago.
“The technology can also be applied in the colon, bile duct and pancreas to try to differentiate cancer from inflammatory (benign) disorders.”
The microscope does a good job of catching early cancers and diagnosing them immediately, without having to wait for a pathology report, according to Mauna Kea Chief Executive Sacha Loiseau. “It’s especially useful in getting into tiny bile ducts,” he adds.
“Detailed microscopic images of the esophagus or the bile ducts can help us reduce the risk of biopsy-related complications,” said Waxman. “By identifying in vivo the area of interest we can move right then to follow with a therapeutic application.”
“The tiny miniprobe can also be inserted through the bronchoscope and extended well into the lungs, even to the smaller branches of the bronchial tree,” said pulmonologist Kyle Hogarth, MD, FCCP, assistant professor of medicine and director of bronchoscopy at the University of Chicago.
“Better visualization could help us perform fewer, more-targeted biopsies,” he said. “It lets us examine and sample tissues that were previously inaccessible without surgery.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
John Easton, 773-702-6241
john.easton@uchospitals.edu