A novel application of Optical Coherence Tomography

The problem

Currently after surgery samples of remaining tissue are sent to histology for analysis to ensure all diseased tissue has been removed.  If the results show that there is still some cancer remaining this can mean an increase in the amount of post-operative treatment required or a return to surgery for the patient.

The solution

This technique uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology to obtain sub-surface images of lung tissue at more than five times the resolution of state-of-the-art ultrasound systems.  It allows diseased tissue to be distinguished from normal tissue and will have applicability to everyday clinical settings, such as during an operation.  It will enable surgeons to determine exactly which tissue needs to be removed, whilst preserving healthy lung tissue, thus reducing the number of cases where the histology analysis shows that cancerous tissue remains.  Clinical interpretation of the OCT images is based on extensive comparisons of OCT and corresponding histology images.

How MidTECH has helped

The innovation was first brought to MidTECH’s attention when Professor Spiteri entered it into its 2005 regional innovation awards.  MidTECH then ensured that the Trust’s intellectual property was protected by filing a patent and has also protected subsequent improvements made in conjunction with Keele University.  MidTECH has assisted in forming a company specifically to enable the Trust and university to develop and commercialise the technology, acting as an advisor throughout.