Scientists
have developed a camera (pictured) that sees through the human body: Scientists
develop a camera that sees through the human body to avoid expensive X-rays
PRESS ASSOCIATION/ MAILONLINE
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The device has been designed to help doctors
track medical tools, known as endoscopes, during internal examinations.
Until now, medics have had to rely on expensive
scans, such as X-rays, to trace their progress. The new camera works by detecting light sources
inside the body, such as the illuminated tip of the endoscope's long flexible
tube.
Prof Kev Dhaliwal, of the University of
Edinburgh, said: "It has immense potential for diverse applications, such
as the one described in this work.
"The ability to see a device's location is
crucial for many applications in healthcare, as we move forwards with minimally
invasive approaches to treating disease."
'Tissues and organs'
Early tests have shown the prototype device can
track a point light source through 20cm of tissue under normal conditions.
The device has been designed to help doctors
track medical tools known as endoscopes within the body GETTY IMAGES
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Beams from the endoscope can pass through the
body, but usually scatter or bounce off tissues and organs rather than
travelling straight through.
That makes it problematic to get a clear picture
of where the tool is.
The new camera can detect individual particles,
called photons, and is so sensitive it can catch tiny traces of light passing
through tissue. It can also record the time taken for light to
pass through the body, meaning the device is able to work out exactly where the
endoscope is. Researchers have developed the new camera so it
can be used at the patient's bedside.
The project - led by the University of Edinburgh
and Heriot-Watt University - is part of the Proteus Interdisciplinary Research
Collaboration, which is developing a range of new technologies for diagnosing
and treating lung diseases.
Dr Michael Tanner, of Heriot-Watt University,
said: "My favourite element of this work was the ability to work with
clinicians to understand a practical healthcare challenge, then tailor advanced
technologies and principles that would not normally make it out of a physics
lab to solve real problems. I hope we can continue this interdisciplinary approach to make a real difference in healthcare technology."
Originally published on BBC and MAILONLINE
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