The photodynamic "PDD" diagnostic system has developed into a genuine alternative for early identification of bladder carcinoma during the past few years. This procedure is based on an interaction between light of suitable wavelength with tumor selectively enriched substances. These substances generate fluorescence contrasts during the PDD.

Fluorescence refers to the ability of bodies or substances to convert the light absorbed by them into light of a different wavelength. A photosensitive marker,
e.g. "ALA®", "HEXVIX®" is required in order to perform the "PDD" Photodynamic Diagnostic Procedure. This kind of marker is instilled into the bladder at a point in time defined by the manufacturer. The bladder surface then takes up the solution and converts it into a dye specific to the body. This dye is deposited selectively in the tumor and there generates a fluorescence in the red to pink range following excitation with blue-violet light.

The extreme luminous intensity of this system means that an enhanced level of the light power necessary for fluorescence excitation is achieved. This increases the information yielded by the procedure.

Telescopes
New special PDD telescopes can be used as standard telescopes and as PDD telescopes with white light. The view through the telescope
shows a continuously clear unrestricted image without yellow cast or other discoloration.