Introducing PRESS (Pressure Enhanced Sensing Surgery) – a groundbreaking method to image hypoxia in skin lesions. Chaotic, weak blood vessels in tumors cause microregional chronic and cycling hypoxia, and low-pressure blood flow. PRESS takes advantage of the FDA-approved drug aminolaevulinic acid, to imply the synthesis of Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in tissue. PpIX's delayed fluorescence (DF) serves as a unique indicator of local oxygen levels, particularly in mitochondria, making it ideal for tissue oxygen measurement. Enhanced signal resolution is achieved through palpation, capturing both chronic and pressure-induced transient hypoxia. In dermatology, PRESS shows great promise for assessing tissue types and malignancy margins, especially with the widespread use of ALA for skin lesion treatments. Preliminary results from the first clinical trial highlight its potential in dermatological applications.
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