Skin cancer diagnosis depends not only on histopathological examination but also on visual inspec... more Skin cancer diagnosis depends not only on histopathological examination but also on visual inspection before and after the excision of suspected lesion. Neoplasm is accompanied with changes in birefringence of collagen, pleomorphicity, and hyperchromatic state of epithelial nuclei. These phenomena can be measured by spectral and polarization changes of light backscattered by the examined tissue. A new differential spectropolarimetric system is proposed using liquid crystal devices, one as a tunable filter and the other as a polarization rotator, both operating at wide spectral ranges from the visible to the near-infrared. Since collagen's fibrils texture orientation depends on its location in the skin and since it is not well organized, our system scans the bipolarization states by continuously rotating the linearly polarized light incident on a skin lesion, and collecting differential contrasts between sequenced images when simultaneously averaging the statistical readout of a video camera. This noninvasive method emphasizes areas on skin where the neoplasm, or tumor, minimizes the statistical polarization change of the scattered light from the lesion. The module can be considered as an assistant tool for epiluminescence microscopy. Images of skin tumors were captured in vivo before the patients having their surgery and compared to histopathological results. C 2011 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).
[Description of differential optical spectropolarimetric imaging system (DOSI) for non-invasive detection of skin tumors]
Harefuah, Dec 1, 2011
Most physicians diagnose skin malignancy using theoretical criteria and clinical experience. Apar... more Most physicians diagnose skin malignancy using theoretical criteria and clinical experience. Apart from dermatoscopy, noninvasive means for skin tumors' diagnosis are highly expensive and are not in daily use. We developed a simple, handy and relatively inexpensive tool for non-invasive diagnosis of skin tumors. The Differential Optical Spectropolarimetric Imaging system (DOSI) is based on collecting information from the surface and depth of skin tumors, using the advantage of liquid crystal devices (LCDs]. DOSI feasibility study in order to diagnose skin tumors non-invasively. Skin tumor optical data was collected in order to create image indicators for specific skin tumors. Spectral images of skin tumors are captured before the lesion that was scheduled for removal was surgically excised. Repeating features of images of each tumor type (which was histologically diagnosed) that characterize the specific tumor and show distinction from the features of other tumors are recorded. The feasibility of DOSI has been demonstrated for research, but it is not yet mature for clinical use. Specific images, indicating specific skin tumors could not yet be reliably concluded. One relatively obvious characteristic for malignancy seems to be crescent-like and finger-like growth patterns. In the non-malignant lesions: crescent and finger-like structures are of less pronounced orders of magnitude. Crescents are more open and radius of curvature are of larger orders of magnitude than in malignant specimen. The advantage of using LCD is the ability to manipulate light electronically, without any movable components. LCDs are the building blocks of optical filters and polarization controllers. Using optical filters and polarization controllers, we are able to electronically manipulate the polarization and wavelength of our light source without any movable components. The light source emits different wavelengths (colors) that penetrate the tissue at different depths. The camera (CCD) captures the diffused reflected light from a skin lesion as a sequence of images for each polarization stage. By applying our novel method for each polarization stage we are able to overcome the noise of the diffused reflection and emphasize the scattering areas. Emphasizing the scattering areas provided images that may indicate malignancy. The feasibility of DOSI has been demonstrated. In order to obtain reliable diagnostic image indicators for specific skin tumors, more clinical tests are necessary.
... Eyal Gur, MD, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Cen... more ... Eyal Gur, MD, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizman Street, Tel-Aviv 64239, Israel, [email protected]. ... R., and Braunstein, GD Gynecomastia: Pathomechanisms and treatment strategies. Horm. Res. 48: 95, 1997. ...
Over the ages, the use of leeches in medicine has evolved from haphazard bloodletting to a well-u... more Over the ages, the use of leeches in medicine has evolved from haphazard bloodletting to a well-understood physiologic process with defined, rational applications. The authors describe the current role of leech therapy in cutaneous surgery and medicine. Case series and review of the literature. Leech saliva contains anticoagulative, anti-aggregative and vasodilatory components. Combined with the annelid's mechanical ability to extract blood, leeches can contribute to patients' health with minimal risks. Leeches should be considered as novel therapies for disorders of coagulation and venous congestion. Implementation of leech treatment should be tempered with the potential adverse effects, including Aeromonas infection and a drop in hematocrit that might require a blood transfusion.
Most physicians diagnose skin malignancy using theoretical criteria and clinical experience. Apar... more Most physicians diagnose skin malignancy using theoretical criteria and clinical experience. Apart from dermatoscopy, noninvasive means for skin tumors' diagnosis are highly expensive and are not in daily use. We developed a simple, handy and relatively inexpensive tool for non-invasive diagnosis of skin tumors. The Differential Optical Spectropolarimetric Imaging system (DOSI) is based on collecting information from the surface and depth of skin tumors, using the advantage of liquid crystal devices (LCDs]. DOSI feasibility study in order to diagnose skin tumors non-invasively. Skin tumor optical data was collected in order to create image indicators for specific skin tumors. Spectral images of skin tumors are captured before the lesion that was scheduled for removal was surgically excised. Repeating features of images of each tumor type (which was histologically diagnosed) that characterize the specific tumor and show distinction from the features of other tumors are recorded. ...
Cording, an unusual form of superficial thrombophlebitis, is a variant of the disease first descr... more Cording, an unusual form of superficial thrombophlebitis, is a variant of the disease first described by Fage in 1870 and subsequently characterized by Henry Mondor in 1939 as sclerosing thrombophlebitis of the subcutaneous veins of the anterior chest wall. Similar lesions have also been found in the penis, groin, abdomen, arm, and axilla and have been reported under a variety of names. In the axilla the condition is termed axillary web syndrome (AWS) and is seen after axillary lymph node dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy. A recent report suggests that pathophysiology of AWS is lymphatic in origin rather than venous. We report a unique case of unilateral AWS after excision of an axillary accessory breast and discuss the pathophysiology.
Basal cell carcinoma arising in a patient with vitiligo
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 2008
Patients with vitiligo are predisposed to solar damage, often suffering from actinic keratoses (A... more Patients with vitiligo are predisposed to solar damage, often suffering from actinic keratoses (AK) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, never have these patients been noted to have an increased risk for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). In fact, no case reports of these 2 diseases occurring together exist in the literature. Here, the authors report a case of basal cell carcinoma arising in a patient with vitiligo. This rare occurrence gives question to the nature of these tumors and their pathogenesis.
Lower extremity positioning to relieve tension during surgical reconstruction
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 2008
Surgical wounds on the lower extremity often suffer from prolonged and poor healing secondary to ... more Surgical wounds on the lower extremity often suffer from prolonged and poor healing secondary to decreased blood flow, the effects of gravity, and excessive tension placed on the wound. Ensuring perfect apposition of wound edges free of tension during the surgical repair can augment this healing process. The authors detail a simple and effective technique for improving repairs and outcomes when operating on the lower limb by relieving tension on the wound through leg positioning.
Over the ages, the use of leeches in medicine has evolved from haphazard bloodletting to a well-u... more Over the ages, the use of leeches in medicine has evolved from haphazard bloodletting to a well-understood physiologic process with defined, rational applications. The authors describe the current role of leech therapy in cutaneous surgery and medicine. Case series and review of the literature. Leech saliva contains anticoagulative, anti-aggregative and vasodilatory components. Combined with the annelid's mechanical ability to extract blood, leeches can contribute to patients' health with minimal risks. Leeches should be considered as novel therapies for disorders of coagulation and venous congestion. Implementation of leech treatment should be tempered with the potential adverse effects, including Aeromonas infection and a drop in hematocrit that might require a blood transfusion.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a tissue-sparing technique that allows for excision of cutaneous tum... more Mohs micrographic surgery is a tissue-sparing technique that allows for excision of cutaneous tumors under complete microscopic margins control. Mohs surgery boasts high cure rates and maximum tissue conservation. We introduce the double-blade scalpel in Mohs surgery as a timesaving and easy way to harvest tissue strips of uniform width and therefore increase the intraoperative efficiency of the procedure.
Occupational pseudogynecomastia: a new etiology for unilateral gynecomastia
Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 2005
... Eyal Gur, MD, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Cen... more ... Eyal Gur, MD, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizman Street, Tel-Aviv 64239, Israel, [email protected]. ... R., and Braunstein, GD Gynecomastia: Pathomechanisms and treatment strategies. Horm. Res. 48: 95, 1997. ...
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010
Background: Pain characteristics and analgesia in patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery h... more Background: Pain characteristics and analgesia in patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery have not been systematically studied. It is important to know about pain after Mohs micrographic surgery to better serve patient needs.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010
Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DTE) is an uncommon adnexal tumor usually found on the face of yo... more Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DTE) is an uncommon adnexal tumor usually found on the face of young women. We sought to describe the clinical and histologic characteristics of DTE and discuss management strategies for these tumors. We conducted a retrospective case series and review of the literature. A series of 17 cases of DTE is reported. Of our patients, 82% were female and half of all these cases occurred on the cheek. Unlike previous reports, the patients in our study were slightly older, with 53% older than 51 years and 71% between the ages of 31 and 60 years at the time of surgery (mean age 49 years, median age 52 years, range 14-81 years). Approximately 38% of the tumors had been present for 1 to 2 years before presentation. The average size of the tumors at the time of surgery was 0.8 x 0.6 cm. All cases were treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. To date, none of the tumors have recurred. This is a small case series. The referral patterns of our predominantly Mohs micrographic surgery clinic might further bias this study. DTE is a benign tumor that has a predilection for the face. With its rapid growth, aggressive histologic features that may be confused with basal cell carcinoma, and tendency to arise in cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas, these tumors should be removed in a manner that assures clear surgical margins, such as Mohs micrographic surgery.
Spectropolarimetric skin imaging is becoming an attractive technique for early detection of skin ... more Spectropolarimetric skin imaging is becoming an attractive technique for early detection of skin cancer. Using two liquid crystal retarders in combination with a dual-band passive spectral filter and two linear polarizers, we demonstrate the spectral and polarimetric imaging of skin tissue in the near infrared. Based on this concept, a compact prototype module has been built and is being used for clinical evaluation.
Skin cancer diagnosis depends not only on histopathological examination but also on visual inspec... more Skin cancer diagnosis depends not only on histopathological examination but also on visual inspection before and after the excision of suspected lesion. Neoplasm is accompanied with changes in birefringence of collagen, pleomorphicity, and hyperchromatic state of epithelial nuclei. These phenomena can be measured by spectral and polarization changes of light backscattered by the examined tissue. A new differential spectropolarimetric system is proposed using liquid crystal devices, one as a tunable filter and the other as a polarization rotator, both operating at wide spectral ranges from the visible to the near-infrared. Since collagen's fibrils texture orientation depends on its location in the skin and since it is not well organized, our system scans the bipolarization states by continuously rotating the linearly polarized light incident on a skin lesion, and collecting differential contrasts between sequenced images when simultaneously averaging the statistical readout of a video camera. This noninvasive method emphasizes areas on skin where the neoplasm, or tumor, minimizes the statistical polarization change of the scattered light from the lesion. The module can be considered as an assistant tool for epiluminescence microscopy. Images of skin tumors were captured in vivo before the patients having their surgery and compared to histopathological results. C 2011 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).
BACKGROUND: Debridement of the burn eschar is a cornerstone of burn wound care. Rapid enzymatic d... more BACKGROUND: Debridement of the burn eschar is a cornerstone of burn wound care. Rapid enzymatic debridement with a bromelain-based agent (Debriding Gel Dressing-DGD) has recently been investigated. The current study was designed to further investigate the selectivity of DGD to burned eschar in a larger number and more varied types of wounds. METHODS: A systematic animal experiment was conducted to determine the effects of DGD on normal, non-injured skin, burns, exposed dermis of donor sites, and skin punch biopsy wells. Partial thickness dermal burns and partial thickness skin graft donor sites were created on a pig and treated with a 4-h application of DGD or its control hydrating vehicle that does not have any activity except hydration. Punch biopsy samples were taken before and after treatment and microscopically assessed for evidence of tissue viability and its respective components thickness. RESULTS: Rapid dissolution of the burn eschar was noted in all DGD but not vehicle treated burns. There was no apparent damage to the underlying sub eschar dermis, donor sites, normal skin or punch biopsy wells after exposure to DGD. While the thickness of the treated tissues slightly increased due to edema, the increase in dermal thickness was similar after treatment with DGD or its vehicle. The increase in the cross section surface area of the treated punch biopsy wells was similar after treatment with DGD and its control vehicle. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of the burn eschar to DGD results in its rapid dissolution. Exposure of normal skin or non-burned dermis to DGD has no effects demonstrating its selectivity to eschar.
Skin cancer diagnosis depends not only on histopathological examination but also on visual inspec... more Skin cancer diagnosis depends not only on histopathological examination but also on visual inspection before and after the excision of suspected lesion. Neoplasm is accompanied with changes in birefringence of collagen, pleomorphicity, and hyperchromatic state of epithelial nuclei. These phenomena can be measured by spectral and polarization changes of light backscattered by the examined tissue. A new differential spectropolarimetric system is proposed using liquid crystal devices, one as a tunable filter and the other as a polarization rotator, both operating at wide spectral ranges from the visible to the near-infrared. Since collagen's fibrils texture orientation depends on its location in the skin and since it is not well organized, our system scans the bipolarization states by continuously rotating the linearly polarized light incident on a skin lesion, and collecting differential contrasts between sequenced images when simultaneously averaging the statistical readout of a video camera. This noninvasive method emphasizes areas on skin where the neoplasm, or tumor, minimizes the statistical polarization change of the scattered light from the lesion. The module can be considered as an assistant tool for epiluminescence microscopy. Images of skin tumors were captured in vivo before the patients having their surgery and compared to histopathological results. C 2011 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).
[Description of differential optical spectropolarimetric imaging system (DOSI) for non-invasive detection of skin tumors]
Harefuah, Dec 1, 2011
Most physicians diagnose skin malignancy using theoretical criteria and clinical experience. Apar... more Most physicians diagnose skin malignancy using theoretical criteria and clinical experience. Apart from dermatoscopy, noninvasive means for skin tumors' diagnosis are highly expensive and are not in daily use. We developed a simple, handy and relatively inexpensive tool for non-invasive diagnosis of skin tumors. The Differential Optical Spectropolarimetric Imaging system (DOSI) is based on collecting information from the surface and depth of skin tumors, using the advantage of liquid crystal devices (LCDs]. DOSI feasibility study in order to diagnose skin tumors non-invasively. Skin tumor optical data was collected in order to create image indicators for specific skin tumors. Spectral images of skin tumors are captured before the lesion that was scheduled for removal was surgically excised. Repeating features of images of each tumor type (which was histologically diagnosed) that characterize the specific tumor and show distinction from the features of other tumors are recorded. The feasibility of DOSI has been demonstrated for research, but it is not yet mature for clinical use. Specific images, indicating specific skin tumors could not yet be reliably concluded. One relatively obvious characteristic for malignancy seems to be crescent-like and finger-like growth patterns. In the non-malignant lesions: crescent and finger-like structures are of less pronounced orders of magnitude. Crescents are more open and radius of curvature are of larger orders of magnitude than in malignant specimen. The advantage of using LCD is the ability to manipulate light electronically, without any movable components. LCDs are the building blocks of optical filters and polarization controllers. Using optical filters and polarization controllers, we are able to electronically manipulate the polarization and wavelength of our light source without any movable components. The light source emits different wavelengths (colors) that penetrate the tissue at different depths. The camera (CCD) captures the diffused reflected light from a skin lesion as a sequence of images for each polarization stage. By applying our novel method for each polarization stage we are able to overcome the noise of the diffused reflection and emphasize the scattering areas. Emphasizing the scattering areas provided images that may indicate malignancy. The feasibility of DOSI has been demonstrated. In order to obtain reliable diagnostic image indicators for specific skin tumors, more clinical tests are necessary.
... Eyal Gur, MD, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Cen... more ... Eyal Gur, MD, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizman Street, Tel-Aviv 64239, Israel, [email protected]. ... R., and Braunstein, GD Gynecomastia: Pathomechanisms and treatment strategies. Horm. Res. 48: 95, 1997. ...
Over the ages, the use of leeches in medicine has evolved from haphazard bloodletting to a well-u... more Over the ages, the use of leeches in medicine has evolved from haphazard bloodletting to a well-understood physiologic process with defined, rational applications. The authors describe the current role of leech therapy in cutaneous surgery and medicine. Case series and review of the literature. Leech saliva contains anticoagulative, anti-aggregative and vasodilatory components. Combined with the annelid's mechanical ability to extract blood, leeches can contribute to patients' health with minimal risks. Leeches should be considered as novel therapies for disorders of coagulation and venous congestion. Implementation of leech treatment should be tempered with the potential adverse effects, including Aeromonas infection and a drop in hematocrit that might require a blood transfusion.
Most physicians diagnose skin malignancy using theoretical criteria and clinical experience. Apar... more Most physicians diagnose skin malignancy using theoretical criteria and clinical experience. Apart from dermatoscopy, noninvasive means for skin tumors' diagnosis are highly expensive and are not in daily use. We developed a simple, handy and relatively inexpensive tool for non-invasive diagnosis of skin tumors. The Differential Optical Spectropolarimetric Imaging system (DOSI) is based on collecting information from the surface and depth of skin tumors, using the advantage of liquid crystal devices (LCDs]. DOSI feasibility study in order to diagnose skin tumors non-invasively. Skin tumor optical data was collected in order to create image indicators for specific skin tumors. Spectral images of skin tumors are captured before the lesion that was scheduled for removal was surgically excised. Repeating features of images of each tumor type (which was histologically diagnosed) that characterize the specific tumor and show distinction from the features of other tumors are recorded. ...
Cording, an unusual form of superficial thrombophlebitis, is a variant of the disease first descr... more Cording, an unusual form of superficial thrombophlebitis, is a variant of the disease first described by Fage in 1870 and subsequently characterized by Henry Mondor in 1939 as sclerosing thrombophlebitis of the subcutaneous veins of the anterior chest wall. Similar lesions have also been found in the penis, groin, abdomen, arm, and axilla and have been reported under a variety of names. In the axilla the condition is termed axillary web syndrome (AWS) and is seen after axillary lymph node dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy. A recent report suggests that pathophysiology of AWS is lymphatic in origin rather than venous. We report a unique case of unilateral AWS after excision of an axillary accessory breast and discuss the pathophysiology.
Basal cell carcinoma arising in a patient with vitiligo
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 2008
Patients with vitiligo are predisposed to solar damage, often suffering from actinic keratoses (A... more Patients with vitiligo are predisposed to solar damage, often suffering from actinic keratoses (AK) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, never have these patients been noted to have an increased risk for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). In fact, no case reports of these 2 diseases occurring together exist in the literature. Here, the authors report a case of basal cell carcinoma arising in a patient with vitiligo. This rare occurrence gives question to the nature of these tumors and their pathogenesis.
Lower extremity positioning to relieve tension during surgical reconstruction
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 2008
Surgical wounds on the lower extremity often suffer from prolonged and poor healing secondary to ... more Surgical wounds on the lower extremity often suffer from prolonged and poor healing secondary to decreased blood flow, the effects of gravity, and excessive tension placed on the wound. Ensuring perfect apposition of wound edges free of tension during the surgical repair can augment this healing process. The authors detail a simple and effective technique for improving repairs and outcomes when operating on the lower limb by relieving tension on the wound through leg positioning.
Over the ages, the use of leeches in medicine has evolved from haphazard bloodletting to a well-u... more Over the ages, the use of leeches in medicine has evolved from haphazard bloodletting to a well-understood physiologic process with defined, rational applications. The authors describe the current role of leech therapy in cutaneous surgery and medicine. Case series and review of the literature. Leech saliva contains anticoagulative, anti-aggregative and vasodilatory components. Combined with the annelid's mechanical ability to extract blood, leeches can contribute to patients' health with minimal risks. Leeches should be considered as novel therapies for disorders of coagulation and venous congestion. Implementation of leech treatment should be tempered with the potential adverse effects, including Aeromonas infection and a drop in hematocrit that might require a blood transfusion.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a tissue-sparing technique that allows for excision of cutaneous tum... more Mohs micrographic surgery is a tissue-sparing technique that allows for excision of cutaneous tumors under complete microscopic margins control. Mohs surgery boasts high cure rates and maximum tissue conservation. We introduce the double-blade scalpel in Mohs surgery as a timesaving and easy way to harvest tissue strips of uniform width and therefore increase the intraoperative efficiency of the procedure.
Occupational pseudogynecomastia: a new etiology for unilateral gynecomastia
Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 2005
... Eyal Gur, MD, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Cen... more ... Eyal Gur, MD, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizman Street, Tel-Aviv 64239, Israel, [email protected]. ... R., and Braunstein, GD Gynecomastia: Pathomechanisms and treatment strategies. Horm. Res. 48: 95, 1997. ...
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010
Background: Pain characteristics and analgesia in patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery h... more Background: Pain characteristics and analgesia in patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery have not been systematically studied. It is important to know about pain after Mohs micrographic surgery to better serve patient needs.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010
Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DTE) is an uncommon adnexal tumor usually found on the face of yo... more Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DTE) is an uncommon adnexal tumor usually found on the face of young women. We sought to describe the clinical and histologic characteristics of DTE and discuss management strategies for these tumors. We conducted a retrospective case series and review of the literature. A series of 17 cases of DTE is reported. Of our patients, 82% were female and half of all these cases occurred on the cheek. Unlike previous reports, the patients in our study were slightly older, with 53% older than 51 years and 71% between the ages of 31 and 60 years at the time of surgery (mean age 49 years, median age 52 years, range 14-81 years). Approximately 38% of the tumors had been present for 1 to 2 years before presentation. The average size of the tumors at the time of surgery was 0.8 x 0.6 cm. All cases were treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. To date, none of the tumors have recurred. This is a small case series. The referral patterns of our predominantly Mohs micrographic surgery clinic might further bias this study. DTE is a benign tumor that has a predilection for the face. With its rapid growth, aggressive histologic features that may be confused with basal cell carcinoma, and tendency to arise in cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas, these tumors should be removed in a manner that assures clear surgical margins, such as Mohs micrographic surgery.
Spectropolarimetric skin imaging is becoming an attractive technique for early detection of skin ... more Spectropolarimetric skin imaging is becoming an attractive technique for early detection of skin cancer. Using two liquid crystal retarders in combination with a dual-band passive spectral filter and two linear polarizers, we demonstrate the spectral and polarimetric imaging of skin tissue in the near infrared. Based on this concept, a compact prototype module has been built and is being used for clinical evaluation.
Skin cancer diagnosis depends not only on histopathological examination but also on visual inspec... more Skin cancer diagnosis depends not only on histopathological examination but also on visual inspection before and after the excision of suspected lesion. Neoplasm is accompanied with changes in birefringence of collagen, pleomorphicity, and hyperchromatic state of epithelial nuclei. These phenomena can be measured by spectral and polarization changes of light backscattered by the examined tissue. A new differential spectropolarimetric system is proposed using liquid crystal devices, one as a tunable filter and the other as a polarization rotator, both operating at wide spectral ranges from the visible to the near-infrared. Since collagen's fibrils texture orientation depends on its location in the skin and since it is not well organized, our system scans the bipolarization states by continuously rotating the linearly polarized light incident on a skin lesion, and collecting differential contrasts between sequenced images when simultaneously averaging the statistical readout of a video camera. This noninvasive method emphasizes areas on skin where the neoplasm, or tumor, minimizes the statistical polarization change of the scattered light from the lesion. The module can be considered as an assistant tool for epiluminescence microscopy. Images of skin tumors were captured in vivo before the patients having their surgery and compared to histopathological results. C 2011 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).
BACKGROUND: Debridement of the burn eschar is a cornerstone of burn wound care. Rapid enzymatic d... more BACKGROUND: Debridement of the burn eschar is a cornerstone of burn wound care. Rapid enzymatic debridement with a bromelain-based agent (Debriding Gel Dressing-DGD) has recently been investigated. The current study was designed to further investigate the selectivity of DGD to burned eschar in a larger number and more varied types of wounds. METHODS: A systematic animal experiment was conducted to determine the effects of DGD on normal, non-injured skin, burns, exposed dermis of donor sites, and skin punch biopsy wells. Partial thickness dermal burns and partial thickness skin graft donor sites were created on a pig and treated with a 4-h application of DGD or its control hydrating vehicle that does not have any activity except hydration. Punch biopsy samples were taken before and after treatment and microscopically assessed for evidence of tissue viability and its respective components thickness. RESULTS: Rapid dissolution of the burn eschar was noted in all DGD but not vehicle treated burns. There was no apparent damage to the underlying sub eschar dermis, donor sites, normal skin or punch biopsy wells after exposure to DGD. While the thickness of the treated tissues slightly increased due to edema, the increase in dermal thickness was similar after treatment with DGD or its vehicle. The increase in the cross section surface area of the treated punch biopsy wells was similar after treatment with DGD and its control vehicle. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of the burn eschar to DGD results in its rapid dissolution. Exposure of normal skin or non-burned dermis to DGD has no effects demonstrating its selectivity to eschar.
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