UW Bioengineering professor Ruikang Wang has pioneered fine-resolution, non-invasive imaging technology called optical microangiography which allows visualization and analysis of small blood vessels.
This technology has potential for use in the cosmetic and plastic surgery field, and may be used to prevent accidents during procedures such as “liquid facelifts”. In this procedure cosmetic fillers may accidentally be injected into the bloodstream rather than into soft tissue, ultimately causing buildup in blood vessels. This blockage of the blood vessels, called ischemia, can cause tissue death and even blindness if the affected area is near the eyes. Physicians have trouble diagnosing this condition and preventing complications because it is difficult to see how injected fillers behave in facial tissue. With Dr. Wang’s new technology practitioners will be able to better pinpoint problems and treat the effect of vascular blockage by injecting an enzyme that dissolves the filler. Read more about Dr. Wang’s technology at UW News and Information