Thermocol-based spacer for interventional dermoscopy

Feroze Kaliyadan¹ , Jayasree Puravoor²

¹ Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
² Department of Dermatology, Medical Trust Hospital, Cochin, Kerala, India

Correspondence Address:
Feroze Kaliyadan
Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982
Saudi Arabia

Problem

Recently, there have been reports dealing with the modification of standard dermoscopes for dermoscopy-guided procedures.^[1],[2] While these modifications are simple and effective, the limited field of work is one of the limitations. We suggest a simple modification for hand-held dermoscopes which will enable dermoscopy-guided procedures with a larger field available for the same.

Solution

We attached two thermocol pieces with height adjusted according to focusing distance of the dermoscope, with double-sided adhesive tape [Figure - 1]. The apparatus thus assembled can be used as such or with a camera attached to it [Figure - 2], [Figure - 3]. The arrangement leaves plenty of free space for marking biopsy areas or for procedures such as needling, comedone extraction and radiofrequency ablation. For radiofrequency ablation, it is important to ensure that the gaps are large enough so as to prevent contact of the cautery tip with the thermocol. Cutting the thermocol pieces and attaching them is also much easier as compared to cutting a syringe or custom-made acrylic spacers.

Figure 1: Thermocol spacers attached to the dermoscope

Figure 2: Assembly with camera attached

Figure 3: Use of the apparatus for dermoscopy-guided procedures

The advantage of using the thermocol spacer is that it can be used for most dermoscopes. We have tried the same for a larger one also—the Dermlite foto ii pro [Figure - 4]. However, because of the smaller diameter of the tip, moulding a thermocol spacer would be difficult for a USB dermoscope. The height of the spacer is equivalent to the original spacer that comes with the dermoscope and this ensures that there are no changes in magnification of field of vision, which can be a problem when distance of viewing is adjusted.^[3]

Figure 4: Spacer attached to Dermlite Foto ii pro

The main limitation at this stage would continue to be the limited vertical height, corresponding to the optimal focusing distance of the dermoscope. In addition, it is important not to apply too much pressure on the thermocol spacer, especially while using a heavier dermoscope, to prevent the spacer from parting away. The adhesiveness may also wear away with time and, hence, the spacer might need replacements after a few uses.

Declaration of patient consent

The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form, the patient/patients has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patient/patients understands/understand that his/her/their name/names and initial will not be published, and due efforts will be made to conceal his/her/their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.

Financial support and sponsorship

Deanship of Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, Grant/Award Number: 1811015.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

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