We are pleased to introduce Morgana Fontana, a medical PhD student, whose research focuses on advancing diagnostic and monitoring techniques in Reconstructive Surgery. She is investigating the application of cutting-edge imaging technologies, hyperspectral imaging (HSI), laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and photoacoustic imaging (PAI), to improve the understanding of tissue perfusion and oxygenation in the context of skin cancer and reconstructive procedures.
Her work focuses on enhancing both intraoperative and preoperative planning. By using these non-invasive imaging techniques, Morgana seeks to better monitor blood flow and tissue oxygenation in skin grafts and flaps, which rely heavily on adequate blood supply for survival. She also aims to apply these techniques to improve excision planning for skin cancer surgeries, allowing for more precise removal of affected tissue. This approach could reduce the unnecessary removal of healthy tissue, leading to more targeted excisions, improved surgical outcomes, and ultimately better clinical results for patients undergoing reconstructive surgery and skin cancer treatment.