Needle guidance with Doppler-tracked polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Navigation

Background:

• Accurate layer identification is crucial for minimally invasive procedures.
• Existing imaging techniques have limitations in deep tissue visualization.
• Needle-based imaging requires high precision and minimal invasiveness.

Approach:

• Developed a simple, unscanned polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) needle probe.
• Utilized broadband light (1310 nm) delivered via an embedded fiber.
• Analyzed polarization state of returning light with Doppler tracking for phase retardation and optic axis orientation.

Key Points:

• Demonstrated phase retardation mapping in Atlantic salmon tissue.
• Showcased optic axis orientation mapping in white shrimp tissue.
• Successfully identified skin, subcutaneous tissue, and ligament layers during ex vivo porcine spine mock epidural procedures.

Conclusions:

• PS-OCT needle probe enables effective layer identification in biological tissues.
• The technology allows for accurate navigation to deeper tissue locations, including the epidural space.
• Integration of PS-OCT into needle probes enhances surgical guidance and safety.