At UC San Francisco in the 3-D imaging lab, researchers are developing virtual holography CT colonography as a possible alternative to traditional colonoscopies, Knowridge Science Report reports.
Here's what you should know.
1. Judy Yee, MD, professor and vice chair of the university's imaging department, created virtual holography. She has dedicated two decades of research to refining the colorectal cancer detection process.
2. Through the use of 3-D glasses and a laser stylus, Dr. Yee can explore within the colon and manipulate it to identify polyps.
3. Dr. Yee said the added dimension allows physicians to manipulate the colon "so that you improve what you do want to see … With the added dimension, you can see flat, more dangerous lesions better."
4. Dr. Yee hopes to convince the American Cancer Society to endorse CTC screenings on a decade long basis. She also has to convince CMS as Medicare doesn't currently cover the option, despite it being cheaper than traditional colonoscopy.