Abstract
Early detection of ovarian cancer is only achieved in around 20% of women due to lack of effective screening. We propose a method for surveillance of high risk women based on a microendoscope introduced transvaginally to image the fallopian tubes and ovaries. This requires extreme miniaturization of the optics and catheter sheath. We describe the design of a falloposcope that combines optical coherence tomography (OCT) and wide field imaging into a sub-1 mm diameter package. We characterize the systems and show that they provide contrast on ex-vivo samples of ovary and fallopian tube. In addition, we show the mechanical performance of the endoscope in an anatomically correct model of the female reproductive tract.
Highlights
Ovarian cancer poses a particular challenge for optical imaging due to its deep anatomical location and relative lack of knowledge about its origin and natural history
Detection of ovarian cancer is only achieved in around 20% of women due to lack of effective screening
We describe the design of a falloposcope that combines optical coherence tomography (OCT) and wide field imaging into a sub-1 mm diameter package
Summary
Ovarian cancer poses a particular challenge for optical imaging due to its deep anatomical location and relative lack of knowledge about its origin and natural history. For cases originating in the fallopian tube, a method that could interrogate the lumen of the fallopian tubes and ovaries at a cellular level, while tumors were less than 0.5 cm, could improve early detection [2,3]. Existing screening methods such as the CA-125 blood test, palpation, and transvaginal ultrasound lack the necessary sensitivity, specificity, and resolution for early diagnosis and may result in false positives [7,8]. Optical fiber-based methods provide the needed flexibility to access a deep site like the ovaries and may provide the same confirmation of diagnosis as laparoscopy while minimizing the use of potentially unnecessary invasive procedures for women with increased risk of developing ovarian cancer
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