VivoSight: the scanner for dermatologists that reveals the hidden depths of skin

The VivoSight OCT scanner helps dermatologists and clinicians to quickly, confidently and non-invasively diagnose skin conditions such as nonmelanoma skin cancer, by providing real-time, high definition images of the layers of the skin and subsurface features, allowing the dermatologist to make accurate, evidence based decisions on how and where to treat.

How it is used

The scanning probe is simply placed on to the lesion. In just a few seconds the laser probe scans a 6mm x 6mm region, producing a set of high-definition images that are displayed on screen and also stored for reference. Multiple lesions and larger lesions can be quickly scanned. It’s an efficient, painless and safe process.

Typically, the dermatologist will discuss the VivoSight OCT image with the patient, to help them understand their condition, what the treatment options are and which they recommend.

How it works

OCT stands for ‘Optical Coherence Tomography’. This is a medical imaging technology just like X-ray, Ultrasound or MRI, but has much higher resolution and provides far more detailed images, although with penetration of just 1-2 mm. OCT was invented in 1991 at MIT in Boston, USA, and was first applied successfully in ophthalmology, where it is widely used.

OCT works like this: a laser beam is directed into the tissue. The layers and skin features reflect some of this laser light. But most of the reflected light is ‘scattered’ multiple times as it returns to the surface, creating a blurry, diffuse impression of what lies beneath of no use to a doctor. However, a small proportion of the light isn’t scattered, giving a precise, clear under-surface view, and this is detected by the OCT system and displayed on-screen.

The key benefit of OCT is that it can show much smaller features than other medical imaging technologies, such as the tiny ‘nests’ of cancer cells that form in the commonest types of skin cancer.

What is special about VivoSight OCT?

VivoSight uses multi-beam OCT, a patented technique unique to Michelson Diagnostics. By using four laser beams instead of just one, the image resolution is doubled, resulting in clear, crisper images of the skin. This image clarity is critical to making the right clinical decision!

VivoSight indications for use

VivoSight is a Multi-Beam Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system indicated for use in the two-dimensional, cross-sectional, real-time imaging of external tissues of the human body. This indicated use allows imaging of tissue microstructure, including skin, to aid trained and competent clinicians in their assessment of a patient’s clinical conditions.