In vivo imaging of ovarian tissue using a novel confocal microlaparoscope

OBJECTIVE:The objective of the study was to develop a clinical confocal microlaparoscope for imaging ovary epithelium in vivo with the long-term objective of diagnosing cancer in vivo. STUDY DESIGN:A confocal microlaparoscope was developed and used to image the ovaries of 21 patients in vivo using fluorescein sodium and acridine orange as the fluorescent contrast agents. RESULTS:The device was tested in vivo and demonstrated to be safe and function as designed. Real-time cellular visualization of ovary epithelium was demonstrated. CONCLUSION:The confocal microlaparoscope represents a new type of in vivo imaging device. With its ability to image cellular details in real time, it has the potential to aid in the early diagnosis of cancer. Initially the device may be used to locate unusual regions for guided biopsies. In the long term, the device may be able to supplant traditional biopsies and allow the surgeon to identify early-stage ovarian cancer.