Laser manufacturer Sciton has entered into a strategic partnership with Michelson Diagnostics, Ltd. (MDL), maker of the VivoSight OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), to develop OCT image-guided laser applications for its devices.
Several physicians are excited about the potential of OTC in ablative laser treatments. “OCT will be the greatest addition to the laser clinician's armamentarium against scars since fractional ablative lasers,” said Jill Waibel, MD, medical director of the Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute. “The depth of the scar can be accurately visualized and treatment can be tailored accordingly. As OCT also clearly images blood vessel size and location, stubborn vascular lesions are characterized better for better clearance results.”
“You cannot take this device away from me anymore,” said Jason Pozner, MD, a plastic surgeon from Boca Raton, Florida. “VivoSight’s real time, intraoperative diagnosis helps me to manage risk and uncertainty. As I routinely use the Sciton Contour Er:YAG laser for deep perioral resurfacing, often beyond 600 - 700 microns, with VivoSight I know on the spot whether I can go even further in case of stubborn pathology. This allows me to offer more assertive personalized treatments, and the patient is willing to pay more for this enhanced treatment. The scans also allow me to communicate more effectively with patients.”
Sciton and MDL note that while the use of OCT is well established in ophthalmology, its impact for aesthetic and dermatologic surgery and skin cancer applications is nascent. “We’re just starting to scratch the surface and are excited about the opportunity which may also lead to many off-face applications,” said Dan Negus, president of Sciton. “More automation, standardization and control will help lower the learning curve for new practitioners while experts explore new frontiers…Better data will inevitably lead to better personalized results.”
Image: Vivosight OTC
