Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy

Definition

An investigative technique that permits high-resolution assessment of the histology of an endoluminal surface at a cellular and sub-cellular level. The technique is based upon the principle of illuminating a tissue with a low-power laser and then detecting fluorescent light reflected from the tissue. The laser is focused at a specific depth and only light reflected back from that plane is refocused and able to pass through the pinhole confocal aperture, increasing spacial resolution.

Also known as CLE, Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy — per NCIT