Spectral-domain low coherence interferometry/optical coherence tomography system for fine needle breast biopsy...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Instrumentation

Background:

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is crucial for breast cancer diagnosis.
• Improving the accuracy and diagnostic yield of FNA procedures remains a clinical challenge.
• Nondiagnostic aspirates can lead to repeat procedures and delayed diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel spectral-domain low coherence interferometry (SD-LCI) based technology for FNA breast biopsy guidance.
• To evaluate the performance of the SD-LCI system and an associated tissue classification algorithm.
• To assess the potential of SD-LCI to improve FNA biopsy precision and diagnostic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel instrumentation system utilizing spectral-domain low coherence interferometry (SD-LCI).
• Implementation and preliminary testing of an advanced tissue classification algorithm on breast tissue specimens and a mouse cancer model.
• In vitro and in vivo validation of the SD-LCI method and apparatus for guiding FNA biopsies.

Main Results:

• The SD-LCI technology demonstrated over 80% sensitivity and specificity in differentiating various tissue types.
• An accuracy of 93% was achieved in distinguishing fatty tissue from fibrous or tumor tissue.
• Preliminary results confirm the viability of the SD-LCI method and apparatus for FNA guidance.

Conclusions:

• SD-LCI offers a promising approach for enhancing precision in FNA breast biopsy needle placement.
• This technology has the potential to significantly decrease the rate of nondiagnostic aspirates.
• SD-LCI may substantially improve the overall sensitivity and specificity of FNA procedures for breast cancer diagnosis.