Search

Capillary-driven flow (CD-flow) in microchannels plays an important role in many microfluidic devices. These devices, the most popular being those based in lateral flow, are becoming increasingly used in health care and diagnostic applications. CD-flow can passively pump biological fluids as blood, serum or plasma, in microchannels and it can enhance the wall mass transfer by exploiting the convective effects of the flow behind the meniscus. The flow behind the meniscus has not been experimentally identified up to now because of the lack of high-resolution, non-invasive, cross-sectional imaging means. In this study, spectral-domain Doppler optical coherence tomography is used to visualize and measure the flow behind the meniscus in CD-flows of water and blood. Microchannels of polydimethylsiloxane and glass with different cross-sections are considered. The predictions of the flow behind the meniscus of numerical simulations using the power-law model for non-Newtonian fluids are in reasonable agreement with the measurements using blood as working fluid. The extension of the Lucas-Washburn equation to non-Newtonian power-law fluids predicts well the velocity of the meniscus of the experiments using blood.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a nondestructive imaging technique offering high temporal and spatial resolution, which makes it a natural choice for assessing tissue mechanical properties. We have developed methods to mechanically analyze the compliance of the rabbit trachea in vivo using tissue deformations induced by tidal breathing, offering a unique tool to assess the behavior of the airways during their normal function. Four-hundred images were acquired during tidal breathing with a custom-built endoscopic OCT system. The surface of the tissue was extracted from a set of these images via image processing algorithms, filtered with a bandpass filter set at respiration frequency to remove cardiac and probe motion, and compared to ventilatory pressure to calculate wall compliance. These algorithms were tested on elastic phantoms to establish reliability and reproducibility. The mean tracheal wall compliance (in five animals) was 1.3±0.3×10(-5) (mm Pa)(-1). Unlike previous work evaluating airway mechanics, this new method is applicable in vivo, noncontact, and loads the trachea in a physiological manner. The technique may have applications in assessing airway mechanics in diseases such as asthma that are characterized by significant airway remodeling.

Early detection of cancer remains the best way to ensure patient survival and quality of life. Squamous cell carcinoma is usually preceded by dysplasia presenting as white, red, or mixed red and white epithelial lesions on the oral mucosa (leukoplakia, erythroplakia). Dysplastic lesions in the form of erythroplakia can carry a risk for malignant conversion of 90%. A noninvasive diagnostic modality would enable monitoring of these lesions at regular intervals and detection of treatment needs at a very early, relatively harmless stage. The specific aim of this work was to test a multimodality approach [three-dimensional optical coherence tomography (OCT) and polarimetry] to noninvasive diagnosis of oral premalignancy and malignancy using the hamster cheek pouch model (nine hamsters). The results were compared to tissue histopathology. During carcinogenesis, epithelial down grow, eventual loss of basement membrane integrity, and subepithelial invasion were clearly visible with OCT. Polarimetry techniques identified a four to five times increased retardance in sites with squamous cell carcinoma, and two to three times greater retardance in dysplastic sites than in normal tissues. These techniques were particularly useful for mapping areas of field cancerization with multiple lesions, as well as lesion margins.

We present a calibration protocol to obtain the alignment factors of a custom-made spectrometer and the nonlinear fitting function between the measured CCD pixel domain and the wavelength domain to apply to the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) using fiber Bragg gratings. We have used five gratings with different center wavelengths covering the broadband source spectral range. All have a narrow spectral bandwidth (0.05 nm) and the same reflectivity (92%) to calibrate and align the custom-made spectrometer. The implemented SD-OCT system following the proposed protocol showed the alignment factors as 44.37 deg incident angle, 53.11 deg diffraction angle, and 70.0-mm focal length. The spectral resolution of 0.187 nm was recalculated from the alignment factors.

Obtaining sufficient contrast is an indispensable requirement for detecting early stage cancer using optical coherence tomography (OCT), an emerging diagnostic tool that detects abnormal lesions with micrometer resolutions in real time. PEGylated gold nanoparticles (Au NPs; 87 nm in diameter) were formulated in aqueous dissolvable microneedles (dMNs; 200 μm height) for efficient, precisely controlled, and convenient delivery of Au NPs into hamster oral tissue in vivo. The Au NPs were then further briefly dissipated by ultrasound (US). The results showed 33% and 20% increase in average optical scattering intensity (contrast level) in dysplastic and normal tissues, respectively, and pinpointed pathological structures of early stage oral cancer were also identified by the highly convenient and efficient administration of Au NPs in a novel delivery platform.

Objectives/hypothesisRecurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) of the central airways requires removal to potentially reduce recurrence and risk for malignant transformation. Analogous to the principles of treatment for early lung cancer, a precise determination of the extent of cartilage invasion could help guide therapeutic decisions and monitor response to treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a bronchoscopy platform comprised of white light bronchoscopy (WLB), endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) could identify layered microstructure of RRP and underlying cartilage.Study designCase study.MethodsA bronchoscopy platform consisting of commercially available WLB, EBUS using a 7.5 MHz convex probe (BF-UC 160F; Olympus Optical Co. Ltd, Tokyo, Japan), and a time-domain OCT with front imaging and inside actuation (Niris Imaging System; Imalux Corp., Cleveland, OH) was used in a patient with tracheal stenosis from RRP. Findings are compared with results of histology and the characteristics of imaging modalities are discussed.ResultsWLB revealed tracheal pedunculated lesions. EBUS showed a 1-cm hypoechogenic density corresponding to the papilloma, visualized above a hyperechogenic density corresponding to tracheal cartilage. There was no sonographic evidence of cartilage disruption or adjacent lymphadenopathy. OCT revealed a layer of heterogeneous light backscattering suggesting the mucosal papilloma, and a layer of high-degree scattering, corresponding to the central fibrovascular core noted on histology.ConclusionsLayered microstructures of RRP and underlying airway cartilage can be identified using a combination of acoustic and optical bronchoscopic imaging modalities with different resolution and depth of penetration characteristics.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive and promising imaging modality with high resolution that is an order of magnitude higher than current diagnostic techniques. However, its use in detecting early-stage cancer is limited due to insufficient contrast level in biological tissue, which can be enhanced by harnessing contrast agents [e.g., gold nanoparticles (Au NPs)]. Enhanced penetration by creating micropassages and distribution by ultrasonic force (multimodal topical delivery) was proven to overcome two major barriers (stratum corneum and epithelial barriers) in topically administering Au NPs using an in vivo oral dysplasia hamster model (overall 150% enhanced OCT contrast). Expanded progress on a highly efficient and versatile Au NP-releasing polymer microneedle platform showed a promising next generation multi-modal delivery of Au NPs. © 2010 Copyright SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering.

We have developed high-speed and high-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography at 1.3 µm using an InGaAs line-scan camera and a broadband light source with the bandwidth of 170 nm that produces a theoretical axial resolution of 4.4 µm in air. We compared axial resolutions from point spread functions (PSFs) and depth ranges while changing the full spectral bandwidth detected by the camera and describing the optimization process for the axial resolution, the depth range, and the sensitivity for SD-OCT system. We found that SD-OCT at 1.3 µm cannot satisfy the conditions both below the axial resolution of 5 µm and above the depth range of 2 mm because of the restricted pixel number of the line-scan camera. To scan a large depth range, the axial resolution has to be sacrificed. In addition, the sensitivity rolls off slowly as a function of the depth if a large depth range is scanned. On the other hand, if the axial resolution needs to be close to the theoretical one, the depth range becomes limited and the sensitivity decays quickly. Since we have to maintain a reasonable depth range of 2.0 mm, we chose the spectrum full bandwidth of 214 nm captured by the detector to balance the axial resolution of 8.2 µm. In this setting, the sensitivity of our OCT system was measured at 107.1 dB. Theoretical and experimental results are compared and presented in this paper.

An abnormal level of red blood cell (RBC) aggregation is a clinical condition associated with many pathologies. Our purpose is to investigate the feasibility of spectral domain phase-resolved optical Doppler tomography incorporated with Doppler variance imaging to characterize RBC aggregation in flowing blood. Variance/standard deviation (SD) of the Doppler frequency spectrum of porcine blood flowing through a glass tube (diameter 300 microm) at 4.7 mms is measured. For nonaggregating RBCs with hematocrits of 20, 40, and 60%, the mean centerline SD values were 34.2+/-1.2, 47.8+/-1.0, and 47.2+/-0.5, respectively. After dextran 500 induction, the SD value decreased significantly to 29.9+/-0.7, 37.9+/-3.0, and 40.1+/-0.6 (P

Results of a commercial optical coherence tomography system used as part of a multimodality diagnostic bronchoscopy platform are presented for a 61-year-old patient with central airway obstruction from tracheopathica osteochondroplastica. Comparison to results of white-light bronchoscopy, histology, and endobronchial ultrasound examination are accompanied by a discussion of resolution, penetration depth, contrast, and field of view of these imaging modalities. White-light bronchoscopy revealed irregularly shaped, firm submucosal nodules along cartilaginous structures of the anterior and lateral walls of the trachea, sparing the muscular posterior membrane. Endobronchial ultrasound showed a hyperechoic density of 0.4 cm thickness. optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed using a commercially available, compact time-domain OCT system (Niris System, Imalux Corp., Cleveland, Ohio) with a magnetically actuating probe (two-dimensional, front imaging, and inside actuation). Images showed epithelium, upper submucosa, and osseous submucosal nodule layers corresponding with histopathology. To our knowledge, this is the first time these commercially available systems are used as part of a multimodality bronchoscopy platform to study diagnostic imaging of a benign disease causing central airway obstruction. Further studies are needed to optimize these systems for pulmonary applications and to determine how new-generation imaging modalities will be integrated into a multimodality bronchoscopy platform.

Contrast in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images can be enhanced by utilizing surface plasmon resonant gold nanoparticles. To improve the poor in vivo transport of gold nanoparticles through biological barriers, an efficient delivery strategy is needed. In this study, the improved penetration and distribution of gold nanoparticles were achieved by microneedle and ultrasound, respectively, and it was demonstrated that this multimodal delivery of antibody-conjugated PEGylated gold nanoparticles enhanced the contrast in in vivo OCT images of oral dysplasia in a hamster model.

A multiphoton endoscopy system has been developed using a two-axis microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) mirror and double-cladding photonic crystal fiber (DCPCF). The MEMS mirror has a 2-mm-diam, 20-deg optical scanning angle, and 1.26-kHz and 780-Hz resonance frequencies on the x and y axes. The maximum number of resolvable focal spots of the MEMS scanner is 720 x 720 on the x and y axes, which indicates that the MEMS scanner can potentially support high-resolution multiphoton imaging. The DCPCF is compared with standard single-mode fiber and hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber on the basis of dispersion, attenuation, and coupling efficiency properties. The DCPCF has high collection efficiency, and its dispersion can be compensated by grating pairs. Three configurations of probe design are investigated, and their imaging quality and field of view are compared. A two-lens configuration with a collimation and a focusing lens provides the optimum imaging performance and packaging flexibility. The endoscope is applied to image fluorescent microspheres and bovine knee joint cartilage.

Results of a commercial optical coherence tomography system used as part of a multimodality diagnostic bronchoscopy platform are presented for a 61-year-old patient with central airway obstruction from tracheopathica osteochondroplastica. Comparison to results of white-light bronchoscopy, histology, and endobronchial ultrasound examination are accompanied by a discussion of resolution, penetration depth, contrast, and field of view of these imaging modalities. White-light bronchoscopy revealed irregularly shaped, firm submucosal nodules along cartilaginous structures of the anterior and lateral walls of the trachea, sparing the muscular posterior membrane. Endobronchial ultrasound showed a hyperechoic density of 0.4 cm thickness. optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed using a commercially available, compact time-domain OCT system (Niris System, Imalux Corp., Cleveland, Ohio) with a magnetically actuating probe (two-dimensional, front imaging, and inside actuation). Images showed epithelium, upper submucosa, and osseous submucosal nodule layers corresponding with histopathology. To our knowledge, this is the first time these commercially available systems are used as part of a multimodality bronchoscopy platform to study diagnostic imaging of a benign disease causing central airway obstruction. Further studies are needed to optimize these systems for pulmonary applications and to determine how new-generation imaging modalities will be integrated into a multimodality bronchoscopy platform.

A factor that limits the use of multiphoton microscopy (MPM) in clinical and preclinical studies is the lack of a compact and flexible probe. We report on a miniaturized MPM probe employing a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror and a double-clad photonic crystal fiber (DCPCF). The use of a MEMS mirror and a DCPCF provides many advantages, such as size reduction, rapid and precise scanning, efficient delivery of short pulses, and high collection efficiency of fluorescent signals. The completed probe was 1 cm in outer diameter and 14 cm in length. The developed probe was integrated into an MPM system and used to image fluorescent beads, paper, and biological specimens.

We demonstrate the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a non-destructive diagnostic tool for evaluating laser-processing performance by imaging the features of a pit and a rim. A pit formed on a material at different laser-processing conditions is imaged using both a conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM) and OCT. Then using corresponding images, the geometrical characteristics of the pit are analyzed and compared. From the results, we could verify the feasibility and the potential of the application of OCT to the monitoring of the laser-processing performance.

Passive pumping for lab-on-a-chip using surface tension only is the most effective method because the effect of surface tension on flow is significant in microscale. The movement of the triple point at a meniscus is driven by surface tension, resisted by viscous stress, and balanced by inertial force. In previous studies, the meniscus motion has been predicted theoretically with a one-dimensional model. However, three-dimensional flow field around the meniscus and the effect of cross-sectional shapes on the flow have not yet been assessed. Here, we visualized and analyzed the surface-tension-driven blood flow using spectral-domain Doppler optical coherence tomography.

A biopsy is a well-known medical test used to evaluate tissue abnormality. Biopsy specimens are invasively taken from part of a lesion and visualized by microscope after chemical treatment. However, diagnosis by means of biopsy is not only variable due to depth and location of specimen but may also damage the specimen. In addition, only a limited number of specimens can be obtained, thus, the entire tissue morphology cannot be observed. We introduce a three-dimensional (3-D) endoscopic optical biopsy via optical coherence tomography employing a dual-axis microelectromechanical system scanning mirror. Since this technique provides high-resolution, noninvasive, direct, and multiple visualization of tissue, it could function as a clinical biopsy with advanced performance. The device was integrated with a conventional endoscope and utilized to generate in vivo 3-D clinical images in humans and animals.

Multiangle, fiber-based, spectral-domain Doppler optical coherence tomography with a phase-resolved algorithm is presented to measure three components of an arbitrary velocity vector. A beam divider that divides a probe beam to have five independent viewpoints and path length delays was designed. The divider was inserted into the sampling arm of a Doppler optical coherence tomography system between the collimator and the first galvo mirror of a two-axis galvo scanner. The divider produced five independent D k's (the average difference between the wave vectors of incoming and outgoing beams) after passing through the focusing lens while keeping two-axis scanning capability. After calibration, an unknown velocity vector field inside a microtube was quantified by solving a three-dimensional minimization problem.

In recent studies, the measurement of total kidney volume, a primary indicator for the diagnosis and treatment of renal diseases, has been advanced through artificial-intelligence-driven automated segmentation. However, the limited quantity of medical data remains a persistent challenge, with its scarcity negatively impacting the outcomes of machine learning algorithms. In this study, we have enhanced the accuracy of machine learning for disease diagnosis by employing various MRI sequences commonly used during renal imaging. We created a model for kidney segmentation using U-Net and performed single training, joint training, and transfer learning using MRI images from two sequences based on SSFP and SSFSE. Ultimately, during transfer learning, we achieved the highest accuracy with a Dice coefficient of 0.951 and a mean difference of 2.05% (−3.47%, 7.57%) in Bland–Altman analysis for SSFP. Similarly, for SSFSE, we obtained a Dice coefficient of 0.952 and a mean difference of 4.33% (−7.05%, 15.71%) through Bland–Altman analysis. This demonstrates our ability to enhance prediction accuracy for each sequence by leveraging different sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: An early mesothelial reaction of the pleura, leading to fibrosis, has been reported in animals after chemical or heavy metal exposure. However, the visual monitoring of early time-sequential mesothelial reaction-associated cryoinjury has not been fully investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and visualize the early mesothelial reactions seen following cryoinjury using rabbit pleura. (2) Methods: We monitored the early mesothelial reaction in rabbit pleurae after cryoinjury using optical coherence tomography (OCT), in real-time, which was then compared with pathological images. Due to the penetration limit of OCT, we made a thoracic window to image the parietal and visceral pleurae in vivo. We also used an innovative technique for capturing the microstructure in vivo, employing a computer-controlled intermittent iso-pressure breath hold to reduce respiratory motion, increasing the resolution of OCT. We organized three sample groups: the normal group, the sham group with just a thoracic window, and the experimental group with a thoracic window and cryotherapy. In the experimental group, localized cryoinjury was performed. The mesothelial cells at the level of pleura of the cryotherapy-injured site were visualized by OCT within the first 30 min and then again after 2 days at the same site. (3) Results: In the experimental group, focal thickening of the parietal pleura was observed at the site of cryoinjury using OCT after the first injury, and it was then confirmed pathologically as focal mesothelial cell proliferation. Two days after cryoinjury, diffuse mesothelial cell proliferation in the parietal pleura was noted on the reverse side around the cryoinjured site in the same rabbit. In the sham group, no pleural reaction was found. The OCT and pathological examinations revealed different patterns of mesothelial cell reactions between the parietal and visceral pleurae: the focal proliferation of mesothelial cells was found in the parietal pleura, while only a morphological change from flat cells to cuboidal cells and a thickened monolayer without proliferation of mesothelial cells were found in the visceral pleural. (4) Conclusions: An early mesothelial reaction occurs following cryoinjury to the parietal and visceral pleurae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]