News & Media
Prof. Julia Welzel hosts 1st International Optical Coherence Tomography User Meeting
Thursday, 17thth November 2011
Optical Coherence Tomography, a non-invasive, real-time optical imaging modality, is an emergent in-vivo technique that allows high-resolution, 2- or 3-dimensional, cross-sectional visualisation of microstructural morphology of tissues. Based on near infrared interferometry, OCT provides depth-resolved images of tissues with resolution up to a few micrometers and depth up to several millimetres depending on tissue type 1.Recent advances in OCT technology have meant this promising technique is now emerging as an imaging tool for general clinical use. Newer OCT systems, built and cleared specifically for clinical use, have overcome many of the constraints of preceding research systems. Improvements to resolution, contrast and image depth enable the trained user to quickly identify clinically important structural changes at depths of >1 mm.
The 1st International Optical Coherence Tomography User Meeting was held during the EADV Congress in Lisbon and chaired by Prof Julia Welzel, Dept of Dermatology, Augsburg, Germany. Hosted by Michelson Diagnostics, the meeting brought together a group of leading clinicians from Dermatology and Rheumatology to share their recent clinical experience using OCT.
Prof Welzel introduced the meeting, showing the audience how OCT imaging technology had advanced in recent years to the point where it is today.
Attendees from Europe and the US discussed a range of topics including:
● Histological correlates of skin cancer using OCT. Dr Katie Lacy, Dr Andy Coleman, Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, London, UK.
● New indications of OCT in Dermatology. Prof. Joachim Fluhr, Monica Kuck, Prof. Juergen Lademann, Charité Hospital, Berlin, Germany.
● OCT Used for Monitoring of PDT Treatment of Superficial BCC. Prof. Gregor Jemec, Dr Mette Mogensen, Christina Banzhaf, Roskilde, Denmark.
● OCT imaging of nails and bullous diseases. Dr Mette Mogensen, Prof. Gregor Jemec, Christina Banzhaf, Roskilde, Denmark.
● OCT in psoriasis and inflammatory arthritis. Dr Zoe Ash, Prof Dennis McGonagle, University of Leeds, UK.
The user group agreed on the importance of future clinical work and collaboration in moving OCT from a research device to an imaging tool for routine clinical use in Dermatology.
For more information about or to join the International Optical Coherence Tomography User Group, or to obtain copies of presentations please contact:
Prof Julia Welzel: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it-- or --
Dr Gordon McKenzie: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at Michelson Diagnostics Ltd. www.michelsondiagnostics.com
Ref:
1. T. Gambichler, V. Jaedicke & S. Terras (2011) "Optical coherence tomography in dermatology: technical and clinical aspects" Arch Dermatol Res, 303(7), pp. 457-73.