High speed miniature motorized endoscopic probe for optical frequency domain imaging

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Optical Imaging
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Existing endoscopic probes for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) often require drive shafts, limiting miniaturization and maneuverability.
• High-speed rotational imaging is crucial for efficient tissue characterization in minimally invasive procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel, miniature motorized endoscopic probe for high-speed OCT.
• To evaluate the probe's performance, including rotational stability and imaging capabilities, for potential bronchoscopic applications.

Main Methods:

• Designed and fabricated a 1.65 mm outer diameter motorized endoscopic OCT probe with a distal end motor.
• Integrated the probe into a 1310 nm high-speed Optical Frequency Domain Imaging (OFDI) system.
• Assessed probe's rotational speed (3,000-12,500 rpm), focal characteristics (9.6 µm FWHM), working distance (0.47 mm), and rotational distortion (1.87°).

Main Results:

• The developed probe is the smallest known motorized high-speed OCT probe.
• Achieved high-speed rotation without a drive shaft or fiber rotary junction, simplifying the design.
• Demonstrated minimal non-uniform rotation distortion, indicating stable performance.
• Successfully acquired images of ex vivo pig lung tissue via a human bronchoscope working channel.

Conclusions:

• The miniature motorized endoscopic OCT probe offers a significant advancement for minimally invasive imaging.
• Its compact size, high speed, and stable rotation are advantageous for applications like bronchoscopy.
• This technology has the potential to enhance diagnostic capabilities in various endoscopic procedures.