Optical coherence tomography needle probe for real-time visualization of temperature-induced phase changes within...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Aesthetic Medicine

Background:

• Selective cryolipolysis cools subcutaneous fat to induce cell death, but lacks real-time monitoring for safety and efficacy.
• Existing imaging methods struggle with penetration depth and resolution for subcutaneous tissue dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the use of an optical coherence tomography (OCT) needle probe for real-time observation of temperature-induced changes in subcutaneous fatty tissue.
• To explore OCT's potential in enhancing cryolipolysis assessment and optimization.

Main Methods:

• Developed a side-viewing OCT needle probe (2mm diameter) with a biocompatible catheter and piezoelectric scanning.
• Achieved lateral resolution of 3.5µm and working distance of 1.5mm.
• Performed OCT imaging on porcine skin during controlled heating and cooling cycles.

Main Results:

• OCT imaging showed increased optical scattering in subcutaneous fat during cooling, indicating lipid crystallization (liquid to solid phase transition).
• This crystallization effect was reversible upon warming, demonstrating real-time monitoring capability.
• Observed variations in transition temperatures, likely due to differing lipid compositions.

Conclusions:

• OCT-based needle imaging provides high-resolution visualization of adipocyte crystallization during cryolipolysis.
• This technology offers a potential tool for optimizing selective cryolipolysis treatments by providing real-time feedback.
• It can improve treatment safety and efficacy by enhancing understanding of cooling-induced fat reduction.