ABSTRACT
The recent transition from a relatively big, cartbased confocal imaging system (VivaScope 1500) to a small, handheld device (VivaScope 3000) has improved the clinical utility of confocal microscopy. However, further miniaturization of confocal microscopy devices may greatly impact a range of dermatology applications: A miniature confocal device may facilitate the imaging of hard-to-access skin lesions and enable direct imaging of surgical wounds during surgery. We may contemplate a handheld confocal device that automatically images the entire skin lesion by translating a compact confocal imaging head with miniature motors.
