PROJECT
Microscope in a Needle
Cancer detection technology improving lives around the world
Each year, more than 100,000 breast cancer patients around the world choose to have breast-conserving surgery when removing cancer. Unfortunately, one in four of these patients will need to return for further surgery because not all the cancer was removed.
This is where the Microscope in a Needle project can help. The fibre optic technology is able to produce high-resolution images of tissue, so surgeons can pinpoint exactly where healthy and cancerous tissue lies. Through this tool, surgeons can remove all of the breast cancer the first time, meaning the patient will not have to return for further invasive operations.
The Microscope in the Needle technology can also be used for other applications, such as in brain surgery to assist in pinpointing where blood vessels are to avoid brain bleeds. Researchers from the Microscope in the Needle project have been working on the technology for more than 10 years, and in 2017 it was licensed for commercialisation through a partnership with Miniprobes.
Research Team Leader
Professor David Sampson
UWA's microscope-in-a-needle wins prestigious national award
A team of biomedical engineers and doctors, led by Associate Professor Robert McLaughlin and Professor David Sampson, from The University of Western Australia has won The Australian’s Innovation Challenge for developing the world’s smallest handheld microscope.
Read moreMicroscope-in-a-needle licensed for commercialisation
UWA’s award winning invention, a miniaturised optical imaging probe known as the microscope-in-a-needle, has been licensed to Miniprobes so it can be developed and commercialised for use by surgeons.
Read moreUWA's Microscope-in-a-needle wins national award
Prominent cancer surgeon inducted into WA Women's Hall of Fame
Internationally renowned breast cancer surgeon Professor Christobel Saunders from The University of Western Australia is one of 14 women who have been inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame today.
Read moreNeedle lights new era of microscopic surgery
Surgeons will now be able to see into disease areas contained deep inside the body, such as brain tumours and breast cancers, thanks to technology developed at UWA.
Read moreContact the project team
Research opportunities are available for students. Fill out our form or email [email protected]