Microscope integrated MHz optical coherence tomography system for neurosurgery: development and clinical in-vivo...

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Biomedical Imaging
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Neurosurgical procedures require precise differentiation between healthy and malignant brain tissue to minimize iatrogenic damage.
• Current visualization methods may lack the resolution or contrast needed for optimal surgical guidance.
• Developing advanced imaging techniques is crucial for improving patient outcomes in brain surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and integrate a high-speed optical coherence tomography (OCT) system into a surgical microscope.
• To enhance the visual contrast and separation of malignant brain tissue during neurosurgical interventions.
• To provide real-time, high-resolution volumetric imaging during surgery.

Main Methods:

• Modification of a commercial surgical microscope with adaptive optics.
• Design and implementation of a specialized scanner optics and beam delivery system for OCT integration.
• Acquisition of in-vivo volumetric OCT C-scans with dense sample spacing during surgical procedures.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of a MHz-speed OCT system into a surgical microscope.
• Demonstration of high-quality, volumetric OCT C-scans acquired in seconds during surgery.
• Real-time imaging capability enabling immediate post-processing and surgical guidance.

Conclusions:

• The developed OCT system provides a new contrast channel for improved visualization of brain tumors.
• This technological advancement aids in minimizing damage to healthy tissue during neurosurgery.
• The system offers immediate, high-resolution intraoperative imaging, enhancing surgical precision and safety.