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Image stitching for probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy via a motion consistency constraint
Zhengyi Hao1, Yuyang Wan2,3, Tingting Lu1
1MOE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China.
Biomedical Optics Express
|June 18, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a new method for stitching images from probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE). The technique improves stitching accuracy, enabling clearer visualization of larger tissue areas for better lesion detection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Optical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) offers cellular resolution for in vivo optical biopsies.
- Limited field of view in pCLE necessitates image stitching for large-area tissue analysis.
- Variable probe motion causes distortions, complicating stable image registration and stitching.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an advanced pCLE image stitching framework for improved large-area tissue visualization.
- To address challenges in non-rigid registration and deformation estimation caused by clinical probe motion.
- To enhance the clinical utility of pCLE by enabling stable, globally consistent field-of-view extension.
Main Methods:
- Proposed an incremental pCLE image stitching framework.
- Introduced a novel non-rigid registration method: probe motion space-based mismatch rejection (PMS-MR).
- Utilized a motion consistency constraint and mapped feature correspondences into the probe motion space (PMS) for robust mismatch rejection and deformation estimation.
Main Results:
- Achieved competitive pairwise registration and more reliable stitching compared to state-of-the-art methods.
- Maintained cumulative error within 4 pixels on a standard target.
- Successfully performed large-area mosaic reconstruction over 400 frames, clearly visualizing lesion boundaries.
Conclusions:
- The proposed PMS-MR method enables stable and globally consistent stitching of pCLE images.
- Facilitates improved field-of-view extension, aiding in more flexible probe manipulation during clinical procedures.
- Enhances visualization of tissue structures and lesion boundaries for improved diagnostic capabilities.
