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Novel scope in development to improve imaging in colonoscopy
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The National Science Foundation awarded $500,000 to an engineering professor from the University of Arkansas to continue his work on developing a new endoscopic probe intended to improve imaging of living tissue.
The device could improve colorectal cancer screening and advance knowledge regarding the relationship between abnormal cell progression and blood and oxygen delivery in primary tumors of the colon, according to a press release.
The NSF gave its CAREER award to Tim Muldoon, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Arkansas, for his work on a tomographic endoscope.
The device uses a fiber optic bundle comprising thousands of small-caliber fibers to illuminate the gastrointestinal tract and produce high-resolution images in real time.
Physicians could potentially use the tissue maps created by the scope to quantify hemoglobin concentrations and detect any abnormal blood vessels, both signs of abnormal amounts of blood and oxygen in the tissue, according to the press release.
The CAREER award is given by the NSF to support junior faculty who “exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research and education and integration of both within the context of their institution’s mission.”
Disclosures: Healio Gastroenterology and Liver Disease was unable to confirm Muldoon’s relevant financial disclosures at the time of publication.