To address the unmet need to study the microstructure changes in the cochlea that occur with sensorineural hearing loss, we have constructed a miniature flexible micro-OCT catheter that can be inserted into the human cochlea and acquire images with cellular-level resolution. The OCT catheter was designed, fabricated, and characterized. Crucial mechanical properties (flexibility, insertion force) were measured and found to be comparable to those of commercial cochlear implants. These early results suggest that this new device may provide a viable approach for diagnosing SNHL and selecting the most appropriate treatments on an individual patient basis.
KEYWORDS: Optical coherence tomography, Luminescence, Imaging systems, Tissues, Process control, Near infrared, Visualization, Standards development, Lens design, Control systems
We present our next generation clinical dual-modality OCT and near infrared autofluorescence/fluorescence (NIRAF/NIRF) imaging platform. This platform allows combined tissue microstructure visualization (OCT) and obtaining molecular information either by intrinsic tissue near infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) or by exogenous near infrared fluorescence contrast agents (NIRF). Components of this platform, OCT-NIRAF/NIRF imaging system, rotary junction and catheters, were developed using an industry standard design control processes to enable quality clinical translation. We have identified sources of image degradation in dual-modality catheter-based imaging (e.g. core-cladding crosstalk in OCT, background noise in fluorescence) and present methods to mitigate their effects. We also show catheter fabrication and validation, as well as automated fluorescence sensitivity and distance calibration methods that ensure robust and repeatable system performance.
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