Three-dimensional side-view endomicroscope for tracking individual cells in vivo

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Optical Imaging
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Endomicroscopy is crucial for in vivo visualization of microscopic structures.
• Existing endomicroscopes face limitations in maneuverability and field of view.
• Minimally invasive imaging requires compact and precise instrumentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel side-view endomicroscope with a monolithic 3-axis scanner.
• To achieve high maneuverability and accurate in vivo positioning.
• To enable high-resolution imaging of colonic epithelium.

Main Methods:

• A monolithic 3-axis scanner was integrated in the post-objective position.
• The scanner performed tilt and piston motions for optical scanning and vertical displacement.
• In vivo optical sections were acquired from mouse colonic epithelium at 10 Hz.

Main Results:

• The endomicroscope achieved optical scan angles >10° and vertical displacements of 200 μm.
• Imaging covered areas of 700 × 600 μm² horizontally and depths up to 200 μm.
• Resolution reached 1.19 μm (horizontal) and 3.46 μm (oblique planes).

Conclusions:

• The developed side-view endomicroscope offers a compact solution for in vivo imaging.
• The novel scanner design enhances maneuverability and positioning accuracy.
• This technology facilitates cellular-level visualization of dysplastic colonic epithelium.