Biomedical Physics Group
Group leader Prof. dr. Johannes de Boer
The long-term goal of the research is to develop the next generation optical techniques for the diagnosis, understanding, and treatment of disease.
In clinical medicine, significant progress in screening, diagnosis and treatment has been fuelled by the exact sciences and has for instance led to imaging techniques such as X-ray or Computed Tomography, positron emission tomography, ultrasound imaging and magnetic resonance imaging. Optical techniques have the advantages of using non-ionizing radiation, being non- or minimally invasive with unprecedented resolution (down to molecular level), and having the capability of spectroscopic analysis of tissue. In the Biomedical Optics group basic science experts and leading clinicians work together closely to develop and evaluate in clinical practice new instruments for (endoscopic) in vivo optical diagnosis (“The Optical Biopsy”). In vivo diagnosis provides the platform for immediate treatment with minimally invasive instrumentation, which leads tot improved care and cost reduction.
The key for successful clinical acceptance of new optical techniques is the quantification of (physiological) relevant parameters for disease characterization. Therefore, the determination of optical diagnostic criteria like the path-length that the light has traveled, scattering and absorption, fluorescence, birefringence and molecular vibrations in the tissue in combination with appropriate and novel spectroscopic techniques and localized treatments will be an important challenge.
These objectives are being realized by bringing together Sciences Departments and Medical Centers to create a multidisciplinary environment of MD’s and PhD’s promoting close collaboration and feedback.
Current collaborations include the Rotterdam Eye Hospital and the Rotterdam Ophthalmic Institute, the Neuroscience center and the departmant of pulmonology at the VUmc (Dr. T. Sutedja)
© Copyright VU University Amsterdam
In clinical medicine, significant progress in screening, diagnosis and treatment has been fuelled by the exact sciences and has for instance led to imaging techniques such as X-ray or Computed Tomography, positron emission tomography, ultrasound imaging and magnetic resonance imaging. Optical techniques have the advantages of using non-ionizing radiation, being non- or minimally invasive with unprecedented resolution (down to molecular level), and having the capability of spectroscopic analysis of tissue. In the Biomedical Optics group basic science experts and leading clinicians work together closely to develop and evaluate in clinical practice new instruments for (endoscopic) in vivo optical diagnosis (“The Optical Biopsy”). In vivo diagnosis provides the platform for immediate treatment with minimally invasive instrumentation, which leads tot improved care and cost reduction.
The key for successful clinical acceptance of new optical techniques is the quantification of (physiological) relevant parameters for disease characterization. Therefore, the determination of optical diagnostic criteria like the path-length that the light has traveled, scattering and absorption, fluorescence, birefringence and molecular vibrations in the tissue in combination with appropriate and novel spectroscopic techniques and localized treatments will be an important challenge.
These objectives are being realized by bringing together Sciences Departments and Medical Centers to create a multidisciplinary environment of MD’s and PhD’s promoting close collaboration and feedback.
Current collaborations include the Rotterdam Eye Hospital and the Rotterdam Ophthalmic Institute, the Neuroscience center and the departmant of pulmonology at the VUmc (Dr. T. Sutedja)
