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VELscope’s
fluorescence technology aids in the early visualization
of mucosal diseases and enhances effective oral
mucosal screening
VELscope® is a revolutionary hand-held device
that provides dentists and hygienists with an easy-to-use
adjunctive mucosal examination system for the early
detection of abnormal tissue. The patented VELscope
technology platform was developed in collaboration
with the British Columbia Cancer Agency and MD Anderson
Cancer Center, with funding provided in part by
the NIH. It is based on the direct visualization
of tissue fluorescence and the changes in fluorescence
that occur when abnormalities are present.
The
VELscope Handpiece emits a safe blue light into
the oral cavity, which excites the tissue from the
surface of the epithelium through to the basement
membrane (where premalignant changes typically start)
and into the stroma beneath, causing it to fluoresce.
The clinician is then able to immediately view the
different fluorescence responses to help differentiate
between normal and abnormal tissue. In fact, VELscope
is the only non-invasive adjunctive device clinically
proven to help discover occult oral disease.
Typically,
healthy tissue appears as a bright apple-green glow
while suspicious regions are identified by a loss
of fluorescence, which thus appear dark.
VELscope
provides a more effective oral cancer screening
protocol with immediate benefits for the patient,
clinician and practice
When used as an adjunctive aid in combination with
traditional oral cancer examination procedures,
VELscope facilitates the early discovery and visualization
of mucosal abnormalities prior to surface exposure
that may be, or may lead to oral cancer. In one
or two minutes, with no rinses or stains required,
a VELscope examination helps oral healthcare professionals
assure their patients that the standard of care
for oral mucosal screening has been utilized. Through
the CDT code D0431, an increasing number of insurance
companies are recognizing VELscope as an adjunctive
screening device. VELscope combines minimal per-patient
costs with more effective screening.
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