Why ductoscopy? |
|
Early detection of breast cancer is of great importance. For example, carcinoma in the mammary ducts has increased from 4% to over 20%. |
|
(Bässler, Onkologie 4, 1998, 878-895) |
|
|
|
Conventional radiological procedures (mammography) or ultrasound (mammosonography) techniques are often inadequate for discovering damaged mammary ducts. The clinical symptoms and findings from mammograms result in a diagnosis for only 40% to 60% of patients. |
|
(Bässler, Onkologie 4, 1998, 878-895) |
|
|
|
The miniaturization of the endoscope with a diameter of 0.7 mm and the high quality of images were the prerequisites for the direct optical examination of the small mammary ducts. The controlled biopsy is equally important. |
|
(Hünerbein, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Klinische Publikationen) |
|
|
|
The micro endoscope with gradient index (grin) lenses offers a considerably higher optical resolution and better brightness output compared to fiber optic endoscopes. |
|
(Prof. Niederer, Dr.Rol, Institut für Biomedizinische Technik / ETH Zürich, Optical Engineering July, 1995 / Vol.34.No.7) |
|
|
|
The endoscopic examination of the mammary ducts, or what is known as ductoscopy, allows for tissue samples to be taken from the mammary ducts of the breast. |
|
(Hünerbein, optical biopsy instrument Pat.DE 10 258483.4-35. The invention forms the basis for providing a biopsy instrument that allows biopsy samples to be directly examined visually, even in the most narrow of cavities, particularly in the mammary ducts of the mamma.) |
|
|
|
Benefits for patients |
|
|
|
|
Award granted to Dr. PD. M. Hünerbein by the Susan Love Research Foundation. |
|
|
|
|
