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Dilara Long, biomedical engineering doctoral student and MD/PhD candidate at the U of A College of Medicine – Tucson, assists with the diagnostic use of the falloposcope and is exploring additional applications for the device.
A research team led by Jennifer Barton, Thomas R. Brown Distinguished Chair of Biomedical Engineering, is advancing two pilot trials of her falloposcope, an endoscope intended to image and collect cells from fallopian tubes.
Barton, also a professor of optical sciences and a member of the BIO5 Institute, invented the falloposcope to save lives with early detection and help high-risk patients avoid unnecessary removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
The device, which is smaller than 1 mm in diameter, navigates tiny and twisty fallopian tubes to collect high-resolution data.
“It’s a challenge, but it’s absolutely possible with modern technology,” Barton said.
Her falloposcope will be tested on 200 patients, leading to further refinement and improvement of the final design. The trials are estimated to end in 2027. Next, Barton will find an industry partner to license the invention, conduct additional studies and obtain Food and Drug Administration approval.
“I’m proud to work on these devices and techniques that will solve problems."