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Two- and three-dimensional high-resolution imaging of the human oviduct with optical coherence tomography
J M Herrmann1, M E Brezinski, B E Bouma
1Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, USA.
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of optical coherence tomography, a new method of micron-scale imaging, for high-resolution assessment of the oviduct. Optical coherence tomography is analogous to ultrasound except that it measures the backreflection of infrared light rather than acoustical waves.
Design:
The ampulla of a human fallopian tube was imaged in vitro using optical coherence tomography. Images were generated in 2 and 3 dimensions.
Setting:
University.
Patient(S):
Samples were obtained from women who had undergone hysterectomy for leiomyomatosis.
Intervention(S):
None
Main Outcome Measure(S):
The ability to perform imaging on a micron scale, which is a level of resolution higher than that of any currently available clinical technology.
Result(S):
Two- and three-dimensional data sets of the reflectance of a human fallopian tube were acquired. A volume of 5 x 5 x 2.5 mm (length x width x depth) was scanned. The axial resolution was 11 microm, and the lateral resolution at the focus was 20 microm. The data sets showed detailed structures of the fallopian tube.
Conclusion(S):
Our ability to obtain micron-scale two- and three-dimensional images of an in vitro oviduct suggests that it may be possible to identify and surgically treat tubal causes of infertility.