High resolution imaging of endometriosis and ovarian carcinoma with optical coherence tomography: feasibility for laparoscopic-based imaging.

High resolution imaging of gynaecological tissue offers the potential for identifying pathological changes at early stages when interventions are more effective. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high resolution high speed optical imaging technology which is analogous to ultrasound B-mode imaging except reflections of light are detected rather than sound. The OCT technology is capable of being integrated with laparoscopy for real-time subsurface imaging. In this report, the feasibility of OCT for differentiating normal and pathologic laparoscopically-accessible gynaecologic tissue is demonstrated. Differentiation is based on architectural changes of in vitro tissue morphology. OCT has the potential to improve conventional laparoscopy by enabling subsurface imaging near the level of histopathology.

High resolution imaging of normal and osteoarthritic cartilage with optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVE: We describe optical coherence tomography (OCT), a high resolution micron scale imaging technology, for assessment of osteoarthritic articular cartilage microstructure. OCT is analogous to ultrasound, measuring the intensity of backreflected infrared light rather than acoustical waves. METHODS: OCT imaging was performed on over 100 sites on 20 normal and osteoarthritic cartilage specimens in vitro. RESULTS: Microstructures that were identified included fibrillations, fibrosis, cartilage thickness, and new bone growth at resolutions between 5 and 15 microm. In addition, the polarization sensitivity of imaging suggested a diagnostic role of polarization spectroscopy. CONCLUSION: OCT represents an attractive new technology for intraarticular imaging due to its high resolution (greater than any available clinical technology), ability to be integrated into small arthroscopes, compact portable design, and relatively low cost.

High resolution imaging of transitional cell carcinoma with optical coherence tomography: feasibility for the evaluation of bladder pathology.

Significant challenges regarding patient morbidity and mortality remain in the management of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Among the most important of these challenges is the inability to identify early neoplastic changes and to assess the degree of tumour invasion into the bladder wall in vivo. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been recently developed to provide in situ, high resolution, catheter/endoscope based imaging. This study explored the feasibility of OCT for the evaluation of bladder pathology. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were performed. In vitro imaging of pathological human bladder was performed and compared with normal specimens and histopathology. In vivo imaging of normal rabbit bladder was also performed with our current catheter/endoscope based systems. In the in vitro studies, OCT was able to delineate normal microstructure of the bladder, such as the mucosa, submucosa and muscularis layers. This was in contrast to specimens of invasive carcinoma, where a disruption of the normal bladder wall architecture was seen. The in vivo experiment demonstrated current limitations of the catheter/endoscope based systems and provided valuable information for developing an improved system for bladder imaging. The ability of OCT to delineate microstructure of the bladder wall suggests feasibility for endoscopic based imaging. In particular, there is a potential role envisioned for OCT in the management of TCC, identifying pre-malignant states and the depth of tumour invasion.