Office-based optical coherence tomographic imaging of human vocal cords

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an advanced noninvasive imaging technique.
• Current applications include imaging the larynx during surgical endoscopy.
• There is a need for improved laryngeal imaging in an office-based setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the design of an OCT sampling device for office-based laryngoscopy.
• To demonstrate in vivo OCT imaging of the human larynx.
• To explore the potential of OCT for laryngeal disease management.

Main Methods:

• Design and development of a specialized OCT sampling device.
• Addressing challenges related to patient and physician movement.
• In vivo imaging acquisition of the human larynx.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of in vivo OCT imaging of the human larynx.
• Distinction of the basement membrane despite limitations in lateral resolution due to long focal length.
• Validation of the OCT device for office-based procedures.

Conclusions:

• Office-based OCT is a feasible and promising imaging modality for the larynx.
• OCT has the potential to aid in surgical biopsies, therapy guidance, and disease monitoring.
• Further development could enhance laryngeal imaging and patient care.