Fiber optics, commonly associated with internet and cable TV, have extensive applications in medicine. Their small size, resistance to electromagnetic interference, high durability, and non-toxic properties make them vital tools.
They are prominently utilized in minimally invasive surgery, endoscopes for internal imaging, and biomedical sensors for measurements like body temperature and heart rate.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) employs fiber optics for 3-D imaging inside the body, aiding diagnoses like coronary artery disease. Notably, Harvard Medical School scientists are leveraging fiber optics to enhance tumor treatment and wound healing through photochemical tissue bonding.
These versatile fibers offer safer surgeries, quicker recoveries, and more comprehensive medical procedures.