Interoperative images may help in the treatment of cancer
Researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Georgia State University have developed an interoperative imaging system called the FLARE (fluorescence-assisted resection and exploration), which could help surgeons to pinpoint the location of cancerous tissue. This means they wouldn't have to inadvertently damage surrounding tissue and structures such as nerves and blood vessels. Imaging is extremely important in the diagnosis and also during the treatment of cancerous growths.
The device has a dual channel and the key technology used here is the Near Infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging system which helps in lighting up cancerous tissue in real time to help the surgeons locate them during a surgery. The device also has no moving parts, and LEDs are used to excite the device. This is a non-invasive technique, which enables oncologists to perform image-guided surgeries. In future this technology may help in highlighting nerves and blood vessels in one color and the cancerous cells in a different color.
Via Optics
