1,721,037 research outputs found
Demonstration of Triband Multi-Focal Imaging with Optical Coherence Tomography
No full textWe demonstrate an extended depth of focus optical coherence tomography (OCT) system based on the use of chromatic aberration to create displaced focal planes in the sample. The system uses a wavelength-swept source tuning over three spectral bands and three separate interferometers, each of which interfaces to a single illumination/collection fiber. The resulting three imaged volumes are merged in post-processing to generate an image with a larger depth of focus than is obtained from each band individually. The improvements are demonstrated in structural imaging of a porous phantom and a lipid-cleared murine brain, and by angiographic imaging of human skin. By using a coaxial approach with Gaussian beams, this approach enables an extended focus with relatively simple microscope optics and data-merging algorithms. Keywords: optical coherence tomography; multi-focal imaging; chromatic focal shiftNational Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant R01CA163528)United States. Department of Energy (Grant FA9550-11-1-0331
Challenges on the frontier of intracoronary imaging: atherosclerotic plaque macrophage measurement by optical coherence tomography
No full textCellularity of the fibrous caps of coronary atheromas, manifested by the infiltration of macrophages (average size, 20 to 30 [micrometer]), is thought to weaken the structural integrity of the cap and predispose plaques to rupture. Therefore, an imaging technology capable of identifying macrophages within fibroatheroma caps in patients could provide valuable information for assessing plaque rupture risk. Recently, intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT), a high-resolution coronary imaging modality, with an axial resolution of ~10 [micrometer], has been introduced into the clinical setting. OCT images of the microstructure of the coronary artery wall enable accurate plaque-type characterization, supported by histopathological comparison data. Because of its high resolution, OCT may also be used to identify macrophages in vivo. In this paper we review recent developments in OCT for measuring macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques
Extended Coherence Length and Depth Ranging Using a Fourier-Domain Mode-Locked Frequency Comb and Circular Interferometric Ranging
No full textFourier-domain mode locking has been a popular laser design for high-speed optical-frequency-domain imaging (OFDI), but achieving long coherence lengths, and therefore imaging range, has been challenging. The narrow linewidth of a Fourier-domain mode-locked (FDML) frequency-comb (FC) laser could provide an attractive platform for high-speed as well as long-range OFDI. Unfortunately, aliasing artifacts arising from signals beyond the principal measurement depth of the free spectral range have prohibited the use of an FDML FC laser for imaging so far. To make the increased coherence length of an FDML FC laser available, methods to manage such artifacts are required. Recently, coherent circular ranging that uses frequency combs for imaging in much-reduced rf bandwidths has been demonstrated. Here we revisit circular ranging as a tool for making the long coherence length of an FDML FC laser and its use for tissue imaging accessible. Using an acousto-optic frequency shifter (AOFS), we describe an active method to mitigate signal aliasing that is both stable and wavelength independent. We show that an FDML FC laser increases the coherence length by an order of magnitude compared with traditional FDML-laser designs without requiring precise dispersion engineering. We discuss design parameters of a frequency-stepping laser resonator as well as aliasing from a frequency comb and AOFS in OFDI with numerical simulations. The use of circular ranging additionally reduces acquisition bandwidths 15-fold compared with traditional OFDI methods. The FDML FC–AOFS design offers a convenient platform for long-range and high-speed imaging as well as for exploring signal- and image-processing methods in circular ranging.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant P41EB-015903
Validation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional measurements of subpleural alveolar size parameters by optical coherence tomography
Get PDFOptical coherence tomography (OCT) has been increasingly used for imaging pulmonary alveoli. Only a few studies, however, have quantified individual alveolar areas, and the validity of alveolar volumes represented within OCT images has not been shown. To validate quantitative measurements of alveoli from OCT images, we compared the cross-sectional area, perimeter, volume, and surface area of matched subpleural alveoli from microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and OCT images of fixed air-filled swine samples. The relative change in size between different alveoli was extremely well correlated (r > 0.9, P < 0.0001), but OCT images underestimated absolute sizes compared to micro-CT by 27% (area), 7% (perimeter), 46% (volume), and 25% (surface area) on average. We hypothesized that the differences resulted from refraction at the tissue–air interfaces and developed a ray-tracing model that approximates the reconstructed alveolar size within OCT images. Using this model and OCT measurements of the refractive index for lung tissue (1.41 for fresh, 1.53 for fixed), we derived equations to obtain absolute size measurements of superellipse and circular alveoli with the use of predictive correction factors. These methods and results should enable the quantification of alveolar sizes from OCT images in vivo
Deep tissue volume imaging of birefringence through fibre-optic needle probes for the delineation of breast tumour
No full textIdentifying tumour margins during breast-conserving surgeries is a persistent challenge. We have previously developed miniature needle probes that could enable intraoperative volume imaging with optical coherence tomography. In many situations, however, scattering contrast alone is insufficient to clearly identify and delineate malignant regions. Additional polarization-sensitive measurements provide the means to assess birefringence, which is elevated in oriented collagen fibres and may offer an intrinsic biomarker to differentiate tumour from benign tissue. Here, we performed polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography through miniature imaging needles and developed an algorithm to efficiently reconstruct images of the depth-resolved tissue birefringence free of artefacts. First ex vivo imaging of breast tumour samples revealed excellent contrast between lowly birefringent malignant regions, and stromal tissue, which is rich in oriented collagen and exhibits higher birefringence, as confirmed with co-located histology. The ability to clearly differentiate between tumour and uninvolved stroma based on intrinsic contrast could prove decisive for the intraoperative assessment of tumour margins.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grants P41 EB015903
Automated algorithm for differentiation of human breast tissue using low coherence interferometry for fine needle aspiration biopsy guidance
No full textFine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a rapid and cost-effective method for obtaining a first-line diagnosis of a palpable mass of the breast. However, because it can be difficult to manually discriminate between adipose tissue and the fibroglandular tissue more likely to harbor disease, this technique is plagued by a high number of nondiagnostic tissue draws. We have developed a portable, low coherence interferometry (LCI) instrument for FNAB guidance to combat this problem. The device contains an optical fiber probe inserted within the bore of the fine gauge needle and is capable of obtaining tissue structural information with a spatial resolution of 10 μm over a depth of approximately 1.0 mm. For such a device to be effective clinically, algorithms that use the LCI data must be developed for classifying different tissue types. We present an automated algorithm for differentiating adipose tissue from fibroglandular human breast tissue based on three parameters computed from the LCI signal (slope, standard deviation, spatial frequency content). A total of 260 breast tissue samples from 58 patients were collected from excised surgical specimens. A training set (N = 72) was used to extract parameters for each tissue type and the parameters were fit to a multivariate normal density. The model was applied to a validation set (N = 86) using likelihood ratios to classify groups. The overall accuracy of the model was 91.9% (84.0 to 96.7) with 98.1% (89.7 to 99.9) sensitivity and 82.4% (65.5 to 93.2) specificity where the numbers in parentheses represent the 95% confidence intervals. These results suggest that LCI can be used to determine tissue type and guide FNAB of the breast.Medical Free Electron Laser program (Grant No. FA9550-04-1-0079)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Ruth L. Kirschstein individual fellowship Grant No. 1 F31 EB005141–01A2
Optimizing flushing parameters in intracoronary optical coherence tomography: an in vivo swine study
Get PDFIntracoronary optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI), requires the displacement of blood for clear visualization of the artery wall. Radiographic contrast agents are highly effective at displacing blood however, may increase the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. Flushing media viscosity, flow rate, and flush duration influence the efficiency of blood displacement necessary for obtaining diagnostic quality OFDI images. The aim of this work was to determine the optimal flushing parameters necessary to reliably perform intracoronary OFDI while reducing the volume of administered radiographic contrast, and assess the influence of flushing media choice on vessel wall measurements. 144 OFDI pullbacks were acquired together with synchronized EKG and intracoronary pressure wire recordings in three swine. OFDI images were graded on diagnostic quality and quantitative comparisons of flushing efficiency and intracoronary cross-sectional area with and without precise refractive index calibration were performed. Flushing media with higher viscosities resulted in rapid and efficient blood displacement. Media with lower viscosities resulted in increased blood-media transition zones, reducing the pullback length of diagnostic quality images obtained. Flushing efficiency was found to increase with increases in flow rate and duration. Calculations of lumen area using different flushing media were significantly different, varying up to 23 % (p < 0.0001). This error was eliminated with careful refractive index calibration. Flushing media viscosity, flow rate, and flush duration influence the efficiency of blood displacement necessary for obtaining diagnostic quality OFDI images. For patients with sensitivity to contrast, to reduce the risk of contrast induced nephrotoxicity we recommend that intracoronary OFDI be conducted with flushing solutions containing little or no radiographic contrast. In addition, our findings show that careful refractive index compensation should be performed, taking into account the specific contrast agent used, in order to obtain accurate intravascular OFDI measurements.Merck & Co., Inc.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant Numbers R00CA134920, R01HL076398, R01HL093717
Atherosclerotic tissue characterization in vivo by optical coherence tomography attenuation imaging
No full textOptical coherence tomography (OCT) is rapidly becoming the method of choice for assessing arterial wall pathology in vivo. Atherosclerotic plaques can be diagnosed with high accuracy, including measurement of the thickness of fibrous caps, enabling an assessment of the risk of rupture. While the OCT image presents morphological information in highly resolved detail, it relies on interpretation of the images by trained readers for the identification of vessel wall components and tissue type. We present a framework to enable systematic and automatic classification of atherosclerotic plaque constituents, based on the optical attenuation coefficient µt of the tissue. OCT images of 65 coronary artery segments in vitro, obtained from 14 vessels harvested at autopsy, are analyzed and correlated with histology. Vessel wall components can be distinguished based on their optical properties: necrotic core and macrophage infiltration exhibit strong attenuation, µt>=10 mm−1, while calcific and fibrous tissue have a lower µt[approximate]2−5mm−1. The algorithm is successfully applied to OCT patient data, demonstrating that the analysis can be used in a clinical setting and assist diagnostics of vessel wall pathology
projection imaging of the human choroidal layers with tracking SLO and swept source OCT angiography methods
Get PDFWe tested and compared the capability of multiple optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography methods: phase variance, amplitude decorrelation and speckle variance, with application of the split spectrum technique, to image the choroiretinal complex of the human eye. To test the possibility of OCT imaging stability improvement we utilized a real-time tracking scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (TSLO) system combined with a swept source OCT setup. In addition, we implemented a post- processing volume averaging method for improved angiographic image quality and reduction of motion artifacts. The OCT system operated at the central wavelength of 1040nm to enable sufficient depth penetration into the choroid. Imaging was performed in the eyes of healthy volunteers and patients diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration
- …
