Integrated US-OCT-NIRF Tri-Modality Endoscopic Imaging System for Pancreaticobiliary Duct Imaging

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Oncology

Background:

• Pancreaticobiliary carcinomas are highly malignant gastrointestinal tumors.
• Progression from pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs) to invasive duct adenocarcinoma (IDAC) lacks a standard diagnostic approach.
• Early detection and prognosis are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel tri-modality imaging system for pancreaticobiliary duct imaging.
• To integrate ultrasound (US), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) for enhanced visualization.
• To assess the system's potential for diagnosing pancreaticobiliary carcinomas.

Main Methods:

• A tri-modality imaging system integrating US, OCT, and NIRF was developed.
• The system utilizes a 0.9 mm outer diameter endoscopy probe with back-to-back US transducer and fiber ball lens.
• In vivo (rat rectum) and ex vivo (human pancreatic duct) experiments were conducted, with image correlation to H&E histology.

Main Results:

• The system achieved real-time imaging (30 fps) for US, OCT, and NIRF.
• In vivo and ex vivo experiments demonstrated successful imaging of rat rectums and human pancreatic ducts.
• Tomography images correlated well with H&E histology, confirming measurement accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The integrated tri-modality imaging system shows significant clinical potential for pancreaticobiliary duct imaging.
• This technology can aid in mechanism studies, early diagnosis, and prognosis evaluation of pancreaticobiliary carcinomas.
• The system offers a promising tool for advancing the management of these malignancies.