In vivo imaging of ovarian tissue using a novel confocal microlaparoscope.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to develop a clinical confocal microlaparoscope for imaging ovary epithelium in vivo with the long-term objective of diagnosing cancer in vivo.


METHODS
A confocal microlaparoscope was developed and used to image the ovaries of 21 patients in vivo using fluorescein sodium and acridine orange as the fluorescent contrast agents.


RESULTS
The device was tested in vivo and demonstrated to be safe and function as designed. Real-time cellular visualization of ovary epithelium was demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
The confocal microlaparoscope represents a new type of in vivo imaging device. With its ability to image cellular details in real time, it has the potential to aid in the early diagnosis of cancer. Initially the device may be used to locate unusual regions for guided biopsies. In the long term, the device may be able to supplant traditional biopsies and allow the surgeon to identify early-stage ovarian cancer.
Department of Radiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, USA.
Anthony A
AA
Tanbakuchi
Joshua A
JA
Udovich
Andrew R
AR
Rouse
Kenneth D
KD
Hatch
Arthur F
AF
Gmitro
D000165:Acridine Orange; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D019793:Fluorescein; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D010053:Ovary; D010865:Pilot Projects
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D000165:Acridine Orange; D019793:Fluorescein