Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography: Technological development and applications in brain science

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Brain diseases represent a significant global health burden, causing widespread disability and mortality.
• Early diagnosis is crucial for timely intervention and improved patient prognoses.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) provide high-resolution, in vivo 3D microvessel imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) for living brain imaging.
• To discuss the applications of OCT/OCTA in various neurological conditions.
• To identify current challenges and future directions in the field.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on OCT and OCTA techniques for brain imaging.
• Analysis of OCT/OCTA applications in stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and brain cancer.
• Discussion of technological modalities and theoretical approaches.

Main Results:

• OCT/OCTA enables non-invasive, high-resolution, 3D microvessel imaging of the brain in vivo.
• These techniques have shown promise in the study and diagnosis of stroke, TBI, and brain tumors.
• Current limitations exist, but ongoing technological developments are notable.

Conclusions:

• OCT/OCTA are valuable tools for in vivo brain imaging, offering capillary-level resolution.
• Continued advancements, particularly in laser technology and artificial intelligence, are expected to enhance diagnostic capabilities.
• Future applications may include precise detection of deep cerebral hemodynamics and intraoperative guidance for tumor resection.