New device uses lasers to diagnose, treat diseases without cutting skin

Researchers have developed a new way of diagnosing and treating diseases without even the need of cutting skin: through lasers.

Scientists from University of British Columbia have created a specialized microscope that is ability to diagnose diseases such as skin cancer and even carry out extremely precise surgery, all without even the need of cutting the skin.

“Our technology allows us to scan tissue quickly, and when we see a suspicious or abnormal cell structure, we can perform ultra-precise surgery and selectively treat the unwanted or diseased structure within the tissue - without cutting into the skin,” said co-lead author Yimei Huang.

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The device is a specialized kind of multiphoton excitation microscope that lets imaging of living tissue up to around 1mm in depth with the help of an ultrafast infrared laser beam. The microscope is not only capable of digitally scanning living tissue, but also treat it by intensifying the heat produced by the laser, reported Science Daily.

When applied to treating skin diseases, the microscope lets professionals to pinpoint the exact location of the abnormality, diagnose it and treat it instantly. The laser microscope can be used to treat any structure of the body that is reached by light and requires incredibly precise treatment, including nerves or blood vessels in the skin, eye, brain or other important structures, without even affecting the surrounding vessels.

“We can alter the pathway of blood vessels without impacting any of the surrounding vessels or tissues,” said study co-author Harvey Lui. “For diagnosing and scanning diseases like skin cancer, this could be revolutionary.”

Moreover, the team now wants to develop a miniature version of the tech that could be used to carry out microscopic examinations and treatment during endoscopy.