Precise quantitative assessments of tissue structures can be achieved using current optical imaging technologies. Recently, advancement in optical imaging techniques is leading to new wave of business potentials.
Analysis from Frost & Sullivan titled ‘Emerging Trends in Optical Imaging Techniques for Drug Discovery, Clinical Diagnostics and Molecular Imaging research’ represents that optical imaging at microscopic as well as macroscopic levels will provide clinicians with diagnosis and treatment-specific applications. Innovative development in image processing software, optics, and data acquisition methods fosters the advancement of optical imaging technologies that facilitate high resolution and contrast imaging of tissues and other biological areas.
Over the past years, OCT (Optical coherence tomography) has become a multidisciplinary research interest. Based on this non-invasive optical imaging technique, cross-sectional in-situ imaging of microstructures in biological tissues can be carried out effectively. The growing advancement in OCT technology may result in the development of several commercial devices that can foster a wide range of clinical applications. It may achieve market entry in another four to five years.
However, the optical imaging technologies will have limited research-specific applications due to low end-user awareness and limited availability of tested imaging parameters. The potential for alternative techniques such as hybrid imaging, digital radiography, and nuclear imaging techniques may discourage manufacturers from making substantial investment in creating novel optical imaging methods.
Regardless of those challenges, optical imaging principles-based multi-modality imaging is promoting the development of novel therapeutics and revolutionizing the method of patient management in incapacitating disease care.
Source: http://www.frost.com/