Our Summary

This research paper talks about a new system that uses light to examine tissue in the liver during a specific type of biopsy (a test where a small amount of tissue is taken from the body to study it). The system uses a small probe that can be used during this type of biopsy. The researchers have tested this system in lab mice and in patients with liver tumors.

The system uses a technique called Monte Carlo simulations, which help to work out how much tissue can be diagnosed and how deep the probe can sense. It also uses two types of measurements: fluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. These monitor changes in the tissue. The system also checks how much oxygen is in the tissue using a new method involving ’neural networks’ (systems that mimic the human brain’s ability to learn and solve problems).

The results are then analyzed using a tool called a ‘Support Vector Machine Classification’ to identify whether the liver tissue is healthy or cancerous. The results show that this method is highly sensitive and specific. This means it’s good at accurately identifying whether tissue is healthy or cancerous. The advantage of this system is that it can give information before a tissue sample is taken, which could reduce the number of inaccurate biopsies.

FAQs

  1. What is the optical biopsy system developed for in vivo tissue classification?
  2. How does the proposed multimodal method increase the accuracy of liver biopsies?
  3. What kind of measurements were utilized to monitor metabolic and morphological changes in tissues during the biopsy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about liver biopsy is to follow any pre-procedure instructions provided, such as fasting or avoiding certain medications. It is also important to inform the doctor about any allergies or medical conditions before the procedure. After the biopsy, it is important to follow post-procedure care instructions, such as rest and avoiding strenuous activities. If there are any signs of infection or excessive bleeding, it is important to contact the doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for liver biopsy include those with:

  • Abnormal liver function tests, such as elevated liver enzymes
  • Suspected liver diseases or conditions, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease
  • Liver tumors or masses that need to be evaluated for diagnosis or staging
  • Monitoring the progression of liver disease or the effectiveness of treatment
  • Suspected liver infections, such as hepatitis B or C

It is important to note that liver biopsy is a invasive procedure and should be performed only when necessary and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Timeline

  • Before liver biopsy:
  1. Patient undergoes a physical examination and medical history review
  2. Blood tests are conducted to assess liver function and risk of bleeding
  3. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be performed to locate the liver tumor
  4. Patient may be instructed to fast for a certain period before the procedure
  5. Patient may receive sedation or anesthesia before the biopsy
  • During liver biopsy:
  1. Patient is positioned on their back or side on an exam table
  2. Skin over the biopsy site is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic
  3. A needle is inserted through the skin and into the liver to collect a tissue sample
  4. Patient may feel pressure or a brief sharp pain during the procedure
  5. Tissue sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis
  • After liver biopsy:
  1. Patient is monitored for a few hours to check for any complications such as bleeding or infection
  2. Patient may experience some pain or discomfort at the biopsy site
  3. Results of the biopsy are usually available within a few days to a week
  4. Patient may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days after the biopsy
  5. Patient follows up with their healthcare provider to discuss the biopsy results and plan for further treatment if needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of the liver biopsy and what information will it provide about my condition?
  2. How will the biopsy be performed and what can I expect during the procedure?
  3. What are the potential risks or complications associated with a liver biopsy?
  4. Will I need to make any special preparations before the biopsy, such as fasting or stopping certain medications?
  5. How long will it take to get the results of the biopsy and how will they be communicated to me?
  6. What follow-up care or monitoring will be needed after the biopsy?
  7. Are there any specific instructions or restrictions I should follow after the biopsy?
  8. What are the possible outcomes of the biopsy and what treatment options may be recommended based on the results?
  9. Are there any alternative tests or procedures that could provide similar information without the need for a biopsy?
  10. Is there anything else I should know or consider before undergoing a liver biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Dremin V, Potapova E, Zherebtsov E, Kandurova K, Shupletsov V, Alekseyev A, Mamoshin A, Dunaev A. Journal: Sci Rep. 2020 Aug 26;10(1):14200. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-71089-5. PMID: 32848190