Michelson Diagnostics recently launched its upgraded VivoSight Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanner with a new software technology that provides additional features for dermatologists to investigate skin lesions such as non-melanoma skin cancer. The VivoSight OCT scanner enables the dermatologist to see vertical cross-sectional images of sub-surface skin tissue to depths of 1-1.5 mm in high definition, providing the clinician with important information about the type, depth, and lateral spread of the skin lesion that is not possible to determine from its surface visual appearance. The company says the technology allows clinicians to make more accurate, earlier diagnosis and treatment decisions than would otherwise be possible without taking a biopsy.

With the enhanced software Michelson Diagnostics has added the capability to simultaneously display horizontal ‘en-face' images at any desired depth in the imaged region, showing a ‘field of view' of 6 mm x 6 mm. This capability allows the lateral spread of skin lesions to be more easily mapped, improved the accuracy of OCT-aided diagnosis, aids differential diagnosis between malignancies and benign skin features, and, potentially, helps clinicians diagnose further types of skin condition (such as pigmented lesions) that could be developed.

Professor Julia Welzel, said: “The capability of VivoSight to provide en-face section as well as vertical section OCT images is very welcome because we will have more detailed insight into anatomical features like shape of the dermoepidermal junction and three-dimensional distribution of tumour nests. The vertical sections can be compared with histology, whereas the horizontal sections provide the third dimension for dermoscopy.”

Jon Holmes, CEO of Michelson Diagnostics, added: “At Michelson Diagnostics, we strive to provide clinicians with cutting edge technology to enable accurate diagnosis of skin conditions.  The additional functionality of this software places our VivoSight system at the forefront of dermatology diagnosis, reducing the need for biopsy and facilitating improved patient outcomes.”