Medical Devices

Diffuse Optical Tomography

Diffuse Optical Tomography (" DOT ") was specifically designed to image hemoglobin distribution within the breast using lasers, patented technology and algorithms. The DOT is imaging modality in which tissue is illuminated by near-infrared lasers, the scattered light waves which emerges is measured with an array of defectors, and then an algorithm is used to create 3D image.


DOT does not require radiation, compression or injected contrast.


Essentially, DOT creates images through measuring laser light absorption by naturally occurring hemoglobin within the breast. The laser is tuned to the NIR wavelength at which oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin can be identified and displayed via conventional radiographic imagine techniques.


DOT images show both normal breast vascularity and more importantly abnormal breast vascularity (areas of angiogenesis). The presence of angiogenesis or abnormal hemoglobin distribution is a major indicator for breast lesions/tumors (both benign and malignant). Unlike conventional mammography which is negatively affected by increasing breast density, DOT technology is least effected by breast density and has been reported to have a statistically significant improvement in breast cancer detection when imaging dense breast.


40%-60% of women worldwide have dense breast which will be benefit by imaged with DOT technology.


The Device

The Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) CT-like scanner. Its energy source is a laser beam and not ionizing x-radiation such as is used in conventional x-ray mammography or CT scanners. DOT is a new imaging modality offering the potential of functional molecular imaging, which can visualize the process of angiogenesis, which may be used to distinguish between benign and malignant tissue.


Diffuse Optical Tomography device benefits:
  • The scanning procedure is comfortable for the patient as she lies in a prone position on the padded scanning bed with one breast suspended in the scanning chamber.
  • The scanning procedure does not require the breast to be compressed, which is painful to the patient. In fact, nothing comes into contact with the breast during the procedure.
  • A typical bilateral breast exam, meaning both breasts, can be performed by the clinician in less than 15 minutes.
  • The patient is not subjected to non-ionizing radiation during the scanning procedure as the data is acquired using laser technology.
  • The healthcare provider is not require to customize a special in which to house the DOT as all that is required is privacy for the patient, a dimly lit area and a 220 volt outlet.
  • The images taken from the scanning procedure dissect the breast into multiple slices, which can be viewed individually or as a combined whole in a rotating three-dimensional view.
  • The DOT scanner enable a full 360 degree view of the breast from the nipple to the chest wall.
  • The image output is available immediately and is easily interpreted by the clinician.
  • The DOT scanner is easy to operate by the clinician and inexpensive to operate and maintained by the healthcare provider.
  • Clinical efficacy is not diminished by scanning breasts with either an abundance of fibro glandular tissue or prosthetic implants.
  • Due to the scanning methodology and imaging technology, the DOT is safe for all women.