9th COMPAMED Spring Convention: excellent possibilities through light in medical technology

In collaboration with Messe Düsseldorf, IVAM Microtechnology Network held the 9^th  COMPAMED Spring Convention on May 7, 2015. Renowned experts in the field of medical technology provided interesting insights into the use of photonic methods for endoscopy, laser surgery, lab-on-a-chip, biomedical optosensors and further applications.
 
The speakers agreed that the use of light offers excellent opportunities in the field of medical technology. The use of light, for instance through direct laser application or through glass fiber, provides the possibility of regulating exactly the required amount of energy and applying it in the right place. Damages to healthy tissue can almost entirely be avoided. Thus, Dr. Alexander Krüger of Laser Zentrum Hannover was able to show impressively in which way lasers can change the glass-body during eye surgery without injuring the retina or any nerves. Tumors, for example on the vocal folds, can be removed precisely with light - the vocal cords themselves remain functioning. Dr. Jürgen Helfmann of Laser- and Medizin-Technologie GmbH in Berlin introduced procedures which make it possible to laterally decouple light out of glass fibre by diffusion in order to irradiate large areas. This allows determined energy mangement and simultaneously the treatment of large tissue  areas.
 
Diagnostics form a large area of application in optics. Imaging methods are becoming more and more accurate. Thorsten Jürgens of Olympus Surgical Technologies Europe showed in his keynote lecture the combination of optical diagnostics with laser surgery: these special instruments enable surgeons to identify tumors in the course of minimal invasive surgery and remove them precisely with the laser.

Optical microsensors as well are becoming more common. As an example, the in-ear-sensor of the CiS Forschungsinstitut für Mikrosensorik measures the pulse rate and the oxygen content in a noninvasive way and transmits the information to a recording device. Martin Kuchenbecker of Berliner Glas introduced interoral cameras that take 3D images of teeth. Therefore, the previously necessary dental impressions are no longer relevant because the data collected can be employed directly in order to manufacture dental implants.
 
Dr. Stefan Mohrdieck of CSEM gave more fascinating examples regarding the use of light. In his presentation “Hearing through light”, he explained in what way light pulses can stimulate auditory nerves which leads to the result that the patient regains the power to  hear sounds. Furthermore, Dr. Frank Fischer from Beiersdorf is able to analyze the impact of cosmetics on skin and hair with optical methods .
 
Although there is a multiplicity of advantages, the implementation pf photonic methods in medicine is slow. Mr. Jürgens indicated in his keynote that, as it often occurs with newly developed processes, the rules regarding the reimbursement provided by the health insurance have yet to be changed, which is going to be a tedious process. In particular implants, but also diagnostic procedures require  time-consuming and expensive clinical trials first. Nevertheless, all experts agreed on the fact that this technology does have great potential which will be used more and more in the near future.
 
The COMPAMED Spring Convention is the annual expert meeting place for developers, producers and users in the field of medical practice. During spring-time it already offers insight into COMPAMED, Europe’s largest fair for suppliers of medical manufacturin, which takes place in Düsseldorf every autumn.