Miniaturized magnetic-driven scanning probe for endoscopic optical coherence tomography

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Optical Imaging
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) requires compact scanning probes for in vivo imaging.
• Current endoscopic OCT probes face challenges in miniaturization and cost-effective manufacturing.
• 360-degree circumferential scanning is crucial for comprehensive tissue visualization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a novel magnetic-driven scanning (MDS) probe for endoscopic OCT.
• To achieve miniaturization and cost reduction in endoscopic OCT probe development.
• To demonstrate the imaging capability of the MDS probe in biological tissues.

Main Methods:

• A magnetic-driven scanning mechanism was employed, utilizing an external magnet for probe actuation.
• A prototype probe with a 1.4 mm outer diameter was fabricated.
• Spectrometer-based Fourier-domain OCT system was used for image acquisition.
• Ex vivo pigeon trachea and artery samples were imaged to validate the probe's performance.

Main Results:

• The MDS probe achieved unobstructed 360-degree circumferential scanning.
• The prototype probe demonstrated successful OCT imaging of biological samples.
• System sensitivity reached 91 dB with 850 μW illumination and 1 ms A-scan exposure.
• Axial and lateral resolutions were measured at 6.5 μm and 8.1 μm, respectively.

Conclusions:

• The developed MDS probe offers a simplified, miniaturized, and cost-effective solution for endoscopic OCT.
• The probe's design facilitates easy integration and enables high-resolution, 360-degree imaging.
• This technology holds promise for advancing minimally invasive diagnostic imaging in various medical fields.