We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Optical Device Offers Less Painful Colonoscopy

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 09 May 2011
Print article
Image: Quantum dots lighting up with the EFOST (Photo courtesy of Tufts University).
Image: Quantum dots lighting up with the EFOST (Photo courtesy of Tufts University).
A colonoscopy device under development could help reduce patient discomfort while still ensuring the accuracy of the exam procedure.

Researchers at Tufts University (Medford, MA, USA) developed endoscopic fiber optic shape tracker (EFOST) technology as a possible solution to the problem that occurs when the endoscope is inserted into the colon during a routine screening. As the endoscope is navigated through the bends and turns in the colon, its tip can impinge against the colon wall. When this happens, the tip turns stationary; if the physician applies more pressure, a loop can form in the length of scope behind the tip. Since the traditional endoscope provides only a frontal view during the procedure, the doctor cannot see the loop, nor easily maneuver the scope to remove it. As a result, looping can be a major source of pain during a colonoscopy.

The researchers developed a prototype to overcome this problem, by embedding quantum dots--nano-sized crystals of semiconductor material--circumferentially at intervals along the length of an optical fiber. They then stretched the fiber around a metal cylinder to create a bending effect, and injected a laser light beam into the fiber's inner core from one end; the fiber's core released light as it is bent, activating the quantum dots. Instantly, the dots reemitted light signals of varying intensity to a spectrometer; using this data, the researchers were able to measure the degree of curvature in the fiber. And from the position of the activated dots, the researchers were also able to calculate the direction of the bend.

"Doctors will have a way to see in real-time how the scope is moving inside the body. If the scope begins to loop, they will see it instantaneously and then be able to make adjustments to straighten it out,” said lead researcher associate professor of mechanical engineering Caroline Cao, PhD. "Physicians can use the image on the monitor to guide them. They'll know exactly where the end of the point is, as well as the shape of the scope inside the colon.”

Colonoscopy is the examination of the colon and the distal part of the small bowel with a video camera or a fiber optic camera on a flexible endoscope passed through the anus. It may provide a visual diagnosis (e.g., ulceration, polyps) and grants the opportunity for biopsy or removal of suspected lesions. Virtual colonoscopy, which uses imagery reconstructed from computed tomography (CT) scans or from nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) scans, is also possible, as a totally noninvasive medical test, although it is not standard and still under investigation regarding its diagnostic abilities.

Related Links:

Tufts University


Gold Member
Solid State Kv/Dose Multi-Sensor
AGMS-DM+
Gold Member
POC Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile Prime Plus
Silver Member
Wireless Mobile ECG Recorder
NR-1207-3/NR-1207-E
New
Needlefree Closed System Transfer Device
ChemoClave

Print article

Channels

Critical Care

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed an advanced shear-thinning hydrogel for aneurysm repair (Photo courtesy of TIBI)

New Hydrogel Features Enhanced Capabilities for Treating Aneurysms and Halting Progression

Aneurysms can develop in blood vessels in different body areas, often as a result of atherosclerosis, infections, inflammatory diseases, and other risk factors. These conditions lead to chronic inflammation,... Read more

Patient Care

view channel
Image: The newly-launched solution can transform operating room scheduling and boost utilization rates (Photo courtesy of Fujitsu)

Surgical Capacity Optimization Solution Helps Hospitals Boost OR Utilization

An innovative solution has the capability to transform surgical capacity utilization by targeting the root cause of surgical block time inefficiencies. Fujitsu Limited’s (Tokyo, Japan) Surgical Capacity... Read more

Health IT

view channel
Image: First ever institution-specific model provides significant performance advantage over current population-derived models (Photo courtesy of Mount Sinai)

Machine Learning Model Improves Mortality Risk Prediction for Cardiac Surgery Patients

Machine learning algorithms have been deployed to create predictive models in various medical fields, with some demonstrating improved outcomes compared to their standard-of-care counterparts.... Read more

Point of Care

view channel
Image: The new eye-safe laser technology can diagnose traumatic brain injury (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Diagnostic Hand-Held Device Detects Known Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury

The growing need for prompt and efficient diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of mortality globally, has spurred the development of innovative diagnostic technologies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.