iThera Medical Earns CE Mark for Imaging System

Munich-based iThera Medical received the CE Mark for its multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) imaging system that allows radiation- and contrast-agent-free imaging of soft tissue.

The system combines laser excitation and ultrasound detection for the analysis of hemoglobin, lipids, collagen and other chromophores in tissue.

MSOT makes use of the photoacoustic effect in which absorbed light results in the emission of acoustic signals. By tuning the wavelength of the  laser, it can identify compounds by their color.

MSOT allows the study of disease processes on a molecular level. Exploratory clinical trials have already been completed for inflammatory bowel disease, various soft tissue cancers, systemic sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and cardiovascular diseases.