Chromophores in operative surgery: Current practice and rationalized development

BackgroundChromophore-containing molecules feature extensively in surgical practice, with synthetic dyes gaining popularity over endogenous optical adjuncts. New applications for chromophores in diagnostics and operative treatment exploit unique chemical structures suited for illuminating target tissues beyond the visual spectrum, ranging from ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared (NIR). This review outlines the rationale for surgical chromophore application, the weaknesses and risks in each class of these compounds, and areas of foreseeable potential for employment of specialized contrast agents.MethodAn English-language literature search applied the following Boolean Search String: “dye OR Lake OR Stain OR chromophore” AND “tox$OR terato* OR carcino$ OR Allerg$OR surg$ OR clinic” using EMBASE, PUBMED, PUBMED central and OVIDSp, with back-referencing through Web of Knowledge™.ResultsBased on the primary literature, this study proposes a surgically relevant classification system of chromophores in current use, which facilitates risk/benefit consideration for the surgeon who employs them, and which facilitates clinically oriented development.ConclusionsThe next stage of development for optically active surgical adjuncts must address practical constraints whilst minimizing risks of adverse effects. Exploiting the technology's full potential also requires improvements in the usefulness of imagery equipment

Terahertz Spectroscopy for Medical Instrumentation Development

ITC/USA 2009 Conference Proceedings / The Forty-Fifth Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition / October 26-29, 2009 / Riviera Hotel & Convention Center, Las Vegas, NevadaRecent development of sources and detectors in the THz regime (300 GHz to 3 THz) has enabled the precise measurement of material properties, including complex refractive indexes and loss tangents. Using our developed THz spectrometer, new data, in particular, of biological tissues has been used to develop potential THz medical imaging applications. In this paper, an overview of a 0.1-3 THz, with sub-GHz resolution spectroscopy system is presented that has been designed in particular to measure biological samples and provide data that will used to determine initial viability of THz medical imaging applications.International Foundation for TelemeteringProceedings from the International Telemetering Conference are made available by the International Foundation for Telemetering and the University of Arizona Libraries. Visit http://www.telemetry.org/index.php/contact-us if you have questions about items in this collection

Sensing with Terahertz Radiation: Applications and Challenges

ITC/USA 2009 Conference Proceedings / The Forty-Fifth Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition / October 26-29, 2009 / Riviera Hotel & Convention Center, Las Vegas, NevadaThe field of Terahertz (THz) radiation, electromagnetic energy, between 0.3 to 3 THz, has seen intense interest recently, because it combines some of the best properties of IR along with those of RF. For example, THz radiation can penetrate fabrics with less attenuation than IR, while its short wavelength maintains comparable imaging capabilities. We discuss major challenges in the field: designing systems and applications which fully exploit the unique properties of THz radiation. To illustrate, we present our reflective, radar-inspired THz imaging system and results, centered on biomedical burn imaging and skin hydration, and discuss challenges and ongoing research.International Foundation for TelemeteringProceedings from the International Telemetering Conference are made available by the International Foundation for Telemetering and the University of Arizona Libraries. Visit http://www.telemetry.org/index.php/contact-us if you have questions about items in this collection