REAL-TIME ‘BIOPSIES’

MediSCAPE is a high-speed 3D microscope capable of capturing images of tissue structures that could guide surgeons to navigate tumours and their boundaries without needing to remove tissue through biopsies.

“Such a technology could give a doctor real-time feedback about what type of tissue they are looking at,” says Professor Elizabeth Hillman of Columbia University. Hillman and her team developed technology that could replace conventional biopsies with this real-time imaging within the living body.

“This instant answer would let them make informed decisions about how best to cut out a tumour and ensure there is none left behind.” The team is currently working on FDA approval and commercialisation.