CERVIMAGE™
CervImage™ is the world’s first portable colposcope able to produce high-resolution 3D images to assist in early-stage detection and analysis of pre-cancer cervical lesions.
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For our first application we created a cost effective, portable, universal multi-functional device with innovative hardware and software. This device offers capabilities to both replace and improve upon traditional colposcopy for the detection and treatment of pre-cancers of the cervix. Using techniques previously implemented for the operation of NASA instruments outside of Earth, we have achieved a device with one-click, all-focus, 3D imaging using only a single perspective; minimal training is required by the user. This technology fulfills the multiple strategies of the World Health Organization (WHO) for preventing and treating cervical cancer in a wide variety of conditions around the world
Both software and hardware capabilities are well-suited to telemedicine and remote robotic operation, borrowing from mission control strategies previously used for driving NASA’s rovers on Mars. A tool module on the novel device allows for single-visit patient treatment and/or sample collection for follow-up laboratory analysis. We presently have two versions of the device: (1) a liquid lens-based endoscope, compact enough to operate within the vaginal canal, and (2) a next-generation, fiber-based, micro endoscope, compact enough to operate in extremely confined spaces of the human body, such as within the cervical opening. Our long-term goal is to enable screening of cervical pre-cancers both inside the cervical opening as well as on the outside surface. ​​​​​
CervImage™ is favorable over existing colposcopes for accuracy, ease of use, comfort, and cost
Optical colposcopes have been the standard for decades, despite the equipment being expensive (>$15,000), difficult to maneuver and operate during a lengthy, invasive exam, and limited with image capture workflow and quality
Digital colposcopy represents a major step forward in portability, exam times, and seamless integration with EMR. However, they are still expensive (~$10,000), and their small form factor and positioning outside the body, limits the imaging quality and ability to incorporate 3D imaging
CervImage™ is the world’s first portable colposcope capable of producing 3D images and measurements of the cervix (images taken 1-2cm from the cervix compared to 20-40cm with existing methods), which could offer improved characterizations of early-stage cancers, more precise guides for treatment, and reduced frequency of unnecessary biopsies, all at competitive pricing, making it an attractive choice for doctors and clinics. The reduced cost could open new vaginal exam applications where colposcopes are not traditionally used
Better all-in-focus 2D imaging, as well as 3D imaging, will enhance the ability to display and measure changes in shape and volume, including in areas not visible in a standard 2D images
Ease of use (including automatic virtual navigation for optimal placement) allows usability for clinicians with limited expertise
Software with access to image viewing and analysis, EMR integration, and telemedicine capabilities; future possibility to include AI detection algorithms
Could be coupled with a therapeutic agent administered at the time of diagnosis for a screen-and-treat approach
A focus on the patient by striving to reduce exam duration, pain and discomfort, and by allowing review of the images with the physician
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Affordable and accessible to women around the world that otherwise would not have access to cervical cancer screening
