Hair we go – superthin endoscope’s a medical marvel

AN endoscope as thin as a human hair has been created by Scottish scientists and could revolutionise healthcare.

The device, developed at Glasgow University, is the first of its kind.

Unlike current endoscopes, which use thousands of optical fibres and are around 5mm thick, the 3D video imaging technology uses just a single fibre. If licensed, it could allow doctors to look inside parts of the body currently only visible using ultrasound and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, including delicate organs and tumours.

The ultra-thin endoscope is the latest hi-tech device to be created at the university’s Centre for Quantum Technology. Other inventions include a camera that can show methane gas, and a gravitational sensor the size of a golf ball that can provide advance warning of volcanic eruptions.

Professor Miles Padgett, the centre’s director, said: ‘Our endoscope is just one tenth of a millimetre, the width of a human hair.

‘We believe the technology could benefit a number of sectors, including medicine and engineering.

‘It has the potential for doctors to reach parts of the body that cannot currently be filmed from inside and allow them to measure the size or depth of a growth in real time.

‘The camera also allows engineers to look for cracks or other issues inside engines or turbines without taking them apart. We have met with experts in both fields to discuss how best the technology could be used.’

He added: ‘Glasgow is now a photonic centre of excellence, which is of great importance to the Scottish economy. The centre aims to develop new commercial partnerships, translate research into new products, and attract and retain the best researchers and students.’