French DAMAE MEDICAL prepares LC-OCT Skin System

Two-years old startup DAMAE MEDICAL (Paris,France) is already an award-winning young company. Under the leadership of a charismatic female CEO, Anais Barut (who proudly posts her pictures with former president Francois Hollande...), the company readies to launch an innovative LC-OCT hand-held skin inspection system, called OLIV.

To our desapointment, LC-OCT does not stand for Low Cost OCT! But we are really excited about the quality of the LC-OCT images produced as the optical method is strategically placed between scanning OCT and Confocal microscopy. Offering a X-Y, and Z resolution of ~1micron, even at 800 micron depth, the technique offers Z-slicing or virtual biopsie and can rebuild X-Y "en face" virtual biopsies.

Real-time imaging seems to be compatible with usual motion artifacts due to patient upper limb movement during exams, which is a good news.

Target markets include dermatology virtual-biopsy tissue/skin assesment for the triage (and hopefully soon diagnostic) of both melanoma and  carcinoma.The product is not approved by FDA , nor commercialized in the US, but the team is looking for clinical partners in the US to get on-board ( "Contact" on their webpage).

In the meantime, the usual "non-regulated" markets could be a nice way to start.We are thinking about Research only Use for Skin-condition drug development, cosmeceuticals (obviously) and Tissue / biopsy quality control.

So in short:very cool. Cannot wait to see the face of the current players when the product hits the US market. If anyone wnats to join me to invest in the company.... let me know.

Complexion Imaging: the 7th Generation

This is not like the "7th Generation" of the Star Wars Series. We are talking about the sophisticated  VISIA Complexion Analysis from CANFIELD, who are now in its 7th product iteration.

The renowned company is making a complicated and tricky process (believe it or not, a robust face and complexion image is very tricky to do) into a very user-friendly system.

Standardized images required a very sophisticated imaging methodology, which includes standardized lighting (yes... including polarization and frequencies !!!) and image capture parameters. This is particularly critical when post-imaging image analysis is part of the package. Otherwise...how is is the comparison relevant.

Some of the multiple image post-analysis features offered by the company are very nice, and are relevant in practice. Other are really borderline.... like the "eyelash" analysis. Seriously?? who is ready to pay for this.

Well, we really like the product.
Is this only for cute white caucasian ladies as featured on their website. I would suggest a more diverse view of the market and marketing positioning (or is the product not capable to work on dark or asian skins ?). Hmmmm ?

DermaCompare: "designed to revolutionize the process of diagnosing melanoma" (...Really ?)

Out of Israel, DermaCompare, a market-centric spin off from Esmeral Medical, is promoting a Cloud-based sophisticated image processing technology fro skin imaging. The skin lesions detection software solution is designed to revolutionize the process of diagnosing  melanoma, the major cause of skin cancer related mortality. 

DermaCompare supports early stage diagnosis of skin cancer by providing constant monitoring of suspicious skin lesions using various  imaging methods, thereby significantly increasing the chances of treating the condition, as well as lowering the cost and complexity of treatment.


The product is not FDA approved and detailed information / case studies / performance of the system is not very accessible. We would love to know more ( leave a comment).

Their YouTube clip provides some fuzzy screen captures, some insights on the technology platform ( " we use aerial defense technology to save 420 million people from skin cancer") but does not discuss clinical efficacy nor business models. 

Announcing the 2014 and Third Edition of The International Dermatology Institute (IDI) Technology Forum on June 10th 2014

DermaNest, and TRI/Princeton jointly announce the 2014 and Third Edition of the  International Dermatology Institute Technical Forum on Tuesday June 10^th 2014, 3 – 6 pm, on the TRI/Princeton Campus

The Technical Forums at the International Dermatology Institute offer Technology-based companies an unique opportunity to showcase their latest solution to a selected panel of industry leaders seeking for new technologies in the field (e.g. R&D Department leaders, Product Portfolio Managers, Innovation scouts of large international companies)

Participants will have the opportunity to present their solutions (45 mins presentation and product demonstration) during a highly interactive and intimate format. The three-hour event will only be offered to a limited number of companies and followed by a networking reception and product demonstration. Company representatives will have the opportunity of making quality contact with companies such as P&G , Johnson and Johnson, Ashland, Colgate…

The International Dermatology Institute (IDI) offers dermatology focused start-up companies from around the world the opportunity to effectively advance their business, especially in the US.   By leveraging the services of DermaNest and the TRI Center for Skin Science and Applied Dermatology, small companies can locate themselves within and receive services from IDI on the Princeton, NJ based TRI Campus. The Princeton area is the heart of the largest pharmaceutical, biotech, drug discovery and life-sciences ecosystem in the world, and also includes the headquarters and laboratories of many world class skin care, cosmeticeutical and wound-care companies.

TRI and DermaNest share the common mission of aiding organizations in the development of personalized dermatology and cosmetics by providing technical solutions that include predictive diagnostics, imaging devices and therapeutic methods for the advanced dermatological, cosmetic, and wound care markets. To learn more about the IDI Model, please visit TRI’s website.

TRI Princeton is a non-profit research Institute dedicated to Research, Education and Service in advanced industries for more than 80 years and is a recognized authority in cosmetic science.  TRI provides technical innovation, research and claim support to the cosmetic and dermatology industries in addition to hosting various educational forums for professional scientists, including annual international conferences.  TRI’s Center for Skin Science and Advanced Dermatology specializes in the study of skin’s structure, behavior and variability with the goal of a more personalized approach to skin protection and repair based on genetic predisposition and variations occurring from age, disease and environmental impact. 

DermaNest develops the business of International Personalized Cosmetics and Skin-Care Solutions and Services for the US Markets. Personalized Solutions include Predictive Diagnostics, Therapies and Companion Diagnostics, for the Cosmetic, Cosmeceuticals and Wound Care markets. DermaNest's business model and highly experienced team empower early stage companies to play in high growth market segments, at a fraction of the cost of alternative solutions.

Dermanest's 2013 Skin Imaging Industry Report:

Today Dermanest releases its 2013 Skin Imaging Industry Report.  The full report contains 42 pages (see table of content below) and is available on request (complimentary copies) at info@dermanest.com

 The goal of this work, developed in collaboration with DermaNest's partner TRI-Princeton, is to track the emergence of new imaging technologies that can be applied to skin and wound imaging. 

Since our last report in August 2012, we have added 17 new products to our survey (almost doubled), and included deep vein / vascularization imaging in addition to skin and wound.

Skin imaging has begun to move towards smartphone or tablet enabled technologies. The field of mobile imaging systems contains areas including smartphone accessories and enhanced software, allowing for improved mobile images an increasingly sophisticated analysis of the photos, which is performed either on the tablets ( with limited performance and questionable outcomes) or on the cloud with virtually unlimited capabilities for image management and data processing, including Artificial Intelligence based-algorithms that could offset the limited optical capabilities ( … for now) of Smart Phones. Interesting compromises are proposed by manufacturer who offer smart phone accessories coupled to Downloadable apps.

We expect an enormous development in the Smartphone optics in 2013-14. The ready-to launch iPhone 5S already brings a much more on-board camera, and there are many enhancing accessories hitting the market. In addition, several academic institutions and focusing their capabilities to innovate in the Mobile Microscopy field, which will be of very high relevance to applied skin care.

Table of Contents and List of Products

1)      Introduction  5

2)      Technologies Stratification  5

i)      In the USA  10

1.          Canfield Imaging Systems  12

2.          Enhanced Image Technologies  15

3.          DermLite  15

4.          Moritex and BrighTex Bio-Photonics  17

5.          Mobile solutions by BrighTex Bio-Photonics  17

6.          Profect Medical Technologies  18

7.          Caliber ( ex-Lucid) 18

8.          Christie Medical 19

9.          AccuVein  19

10.       VasaMed  20

11.       Wound Zoom   21

12.       Wound Matrix  21

13.       Emage  22

14.       TRUE-see Systems  22

15.       MyOwn  23

16.       SkinVision : Your Lifetime Skin Companion  24

ii)     In Europe, Australia, and Canada  25

17.       Courage + Khazaka electronic GmbH   27

18.       FotoFinder  28

19.       BME  29

20.       Astron Clinica  30

21.       Michelson Diagnostics  31

22.       Eykona Wound Measurement System   32

23.       Silhouette by Aranz  32

24.       SIMSYS  33

25.       MOWA  33

26.       Dr. Mole  34

27.       AVEAL  34

28.       Skinlabs  35

iii)         SmartPhone Optics Enhancing Devices. 36

29.       CellScope and iPadScope  36

3)      Discussion and observations  37

4)      References  40

Wound Matrix: a web-based Mobile Wound measurement App

Purpose of device:  Smartphone enabled camera to measure wound size.

Main application: Personal Use

Price range: Unknown

“WoundMatrix offers an easy to use Enterprise Web-Based Mobile Wound Management solution available in the Verizon-Terremark Health Enabled Cloud. The solution combines secure Smartphone digital image capture/transfer technology with digital wound measurement tools that yield significant healthcare savings. The system precisely measures the surface area of wounds to eliminate measurement variability and to provide standardized measurements.”

Dermatoscope DermLite DL100

Dermatoscope DermLite DL100, The Ultimate Versatile Powerhouse for depth dependent dermatoscopy The versatile DermLite, or sometimes called ''DermaLite'' (with the ''a''), has a multitude of applications: Viewing pigmented lesions, varicose veins, hair transplants, skin irritations, or skin lesions is just the beginning. 

Together with the DermLite's compact size and lightweight design (only 3.5 oz/99g), the possibilities are virtually infinite. DermLite is the original choice for oil-free pocket epiluminescence microscopy. DermLite DL100 speeds up the early detection of melanoma with enhanced visualization of pigmented skin lesions - without the use of oil.

By incorporating diode lighting technology for bright-white, natural illumination, a 10x Hastings Triplet lens and advanced cross-polarization technology, DermLite allows for a clear and deep view into pigmented lesions for early detection of melanoma and dysplastic nevi in a matter of seconds

Price: ~$700.00

Diagnostic DYADERM Fluorescence Diagnosis

Biocam Diagnostic DYADERM Fluorescence Diagnosis, for early detection of malignancies by fluorescence imaging, supporting the physician for the diagnosis of malignant melanoma as well as basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, squamous cell disease, Morbus Bowen and other inflammatory diseases of the skin. 

The product, sold in the EU, does not seem to be FDA cleared.





Key features include:

• Real-time display of fluorescence and clinical in special overlay mode. 
• Usability under ambient light. Up to 3 live images (full screen, split screen).
• Fluorescence- guided biopsy and diagnosis (investigator-independent). 
• Detection of clinical invisible (incipient) lesions. 
• Monitoring of therapeutic success, e.g. following surgery, cryotherapy, PDT. Professional data base for documentation. Flexible arm for easy positioning of camera and light source. 
• Image spot size: typical 10 cm x 10 cm Filming speed: 33 Hz

Price: ~ $50,000

Derma Spectrometer DSM II ColorMeter

DermaSpectrometer, provides a new and innovative approach to color measurement read-out of the erythema and melanin indices based on the absorbance characteristics of the human skin. 

It is fully handheld, battery powered and microprocessor controlled to provide fast, easy and safe operation. Its fully handheld and lightweight design takes advantage of the latest development in color sensing technology, and the cable connected color sensing probe offers the highest degree of freedom and flexibility in operation.

Further, a special lens arrangement focuses on the target area and highly reduces the influence of ambient light. The instrument provides easy selection of different color systems, and calibration by using the supplied calibrator is done in seconds.

Price: ~ 7,000US Dollars

Light-CT™ Computed Tomography provides 2D and 3D digital images of tissue microstructure without modifying tissue

LLTech’s Light-CT™ Computed Tomography provides 2D and 3D digital images of tissue microstructure without modifying tissue.

Light-CT™ uses white light to scan beneath the surface of tissue. It does not require any tissue preparation, modification, or staining of any kind. Images are provided within minutes thanks to a non-destructive process, whereas histology (the current Gold Standard) takes several hours or days, and requires an actual slicing of the sample. The images offer a cellular resolution of 1 µm in all 3 dimensions. 3D views can be reconstructed and displayed using a standard DICOM viewer.

Light-CT™ technology produces high quality images that are comparable to histology.

The Light-CT™ scanner is an automated system. Image acquisition and calibration are automatic. Light-CT™ captures “en face” images directly using a megapixel camera and a pair of microscope objectives. Light-CT™ derives from low coherence interference microscopy. The interferometer can be displaced to step the focal plane through different depths beneath the surface to create a 3D tomographic image. “En face” capture allows Light-CT™ to operate with high lateral resolution (typically ~1µm) using medium or large aperture microscope objectives. An incoherent light source illuminates the whole field of the microscope objectives. Due to the low temporal coherence of the source, interference occurs only when the optical path lengths of the two arms of the interferometer are identical within 1µm. When a biological sample is placed under the microscope objective in the sample arm, the light reflected by the reference mirror interferes with the light reflected or backscattered by the sample structures contained in a limited volume. Real time signal processing is applied during depth exploration of the sample. The image stack is thereby optimized to allow 3D imaging.

Purpose of device: digital imaging of tissue microstructure including the border between the stratum corneum and the epidermis

Main application: medical practices

Price range: $120-$150,000

LUCID's “mole-mapping” that goes far beyond correlating one image with another

Taking dermoscopy to a whole new level, Lucid’s innovative complete imaging platform allows you to combine the power of Total Body Photography, Dermoscopy and Reflectance Confocal Microscopy to create “mole-mapping” that goes far beyond correlating one image with another.

In a single place, with data management capabilities that make it easy to find the right record, all of the images captured for a given patient are stored, archived and accessed. Lucid’s graphical interface for the patient’s imaging chart allows simple, intuitive and easy-to-access records of these critical images.

The VivaScope® 3000 is the world's first handheld reflectance confocal microscope designed specifically for clinical imaging of the skin. The VivaScope 3000’s compact configuration and flexible, handheld positioning makes it easy for the physician to acquire images of skin around the nose and ear. The small, light VivaScope 3000 is ideally suited for routine handheld use in clinical procedures. Its primary features include megapixel resolution; real-time video rate imaging; and on-instrument controls for laser power, imaging depth, image capture, and VivaStack capture.

Purpose of device: imaging of skin lesions on any body surface

Main application: medical practices

Price range: unknown

Skin Analysis on your Mobile Phone

BrighTex Bio-Photonics brings a portable device to Analyze Acne, Fine line Wrinkles, Deep line Wrinkles, Redness, Age Spots and more on all a mobile phone or with the web cam.

Your Client will be a click away for the product recommendations personalized to their skin analysis results, and experience an enhanced "Point of Sales" experience

DermLine Dl3 with Phone

The extremely compact DermLite FOTO integrates 3Gen's state-of-the-art cross-polarization system, 24 bright-white light emitting diodes (LEDs) for natural illumination, and a high quality four-element compound lens to create an epiluminescence microscopy imaging system capable of capturing skin lesion images with superb clarity and detail. You can combine it with any digital camera, video camcorder or commercially available SLR camera. DermLite FOTO is entirely portable.” It can be used to analyze redness, veins, wrinkles, pores sun and vascular skin damage

Purpose of device: imaging of skin lesions on any body surface

Main application: medical practices

Price range: $1150