Abstract
.Fiber-optic endomicroscopy is a minimally invasive method to image cellular morphology in vivo. Using a coherent fiber bundle as an image relay, it allows additional imaging optics to be placed at the distal end of the fiber outside the body. In this research, we use this approach to demonstrate a compact, low-cost line-scanning confocal fluorescence microendoscope that can be constructed for . Confocal imaging is enabled without the need for mechanical scanning by synchronizing a digital light projector with the rolling shutter of a CMOS camera. Its axial performance is characterized in comparison with a nonscanned high-resolution microendoscope. We validate the optical sectioning capability of the microendoscope by imaging a two-dimensional phantom and ex vivo mouse esophageal and colon tissues. Results show that optical sectioning using this approach improves visualization of nuclear morphometry and suggest that this low-cost line-scanning microendoscope can be used to evaluate various pathological conditions.
Highlights
Endomicroscopy in combination with molecular probes has provided clinicians with a powerful tool to visualize tissue architecture and cellular morphology to investigate disease progression
We present the first demonstration of a line-scanning confocal microendoscope based on a digital light projector (DLP) and a CMOS camera without the need for mechanical scanning
We report the development and ex vivo validation of a low-cost confocal microendoscope that integrates a digital light modulator and a CMOS sensor in a compact design
Summary
Endomicroscopy in combination with molecular probes has provided clinicians with a powerful tool to visualize tissue architecture and cellular morphology to investigate disease progression. In probe-based endomicroscopy, a coherent fiber bundle is used to enable microscopic imaging with subcellular resolution through the working channel of a standard endoscope. Due to its minimal invasiveness, it is widely applicable in the evaluation and management of many clinical conditions, such as early detection of neoplasia in the gastrointestinal tract,[1,2,3,4,5,6] cervix,[7] pancreas,[8] and lung.[9] Existing commercial and research platforms, such as the Cellvizio endomicroscopy system (Mauna Kea Technologies, Paris, France)[10] and the high-resolution microendoscope (HRME),[11] offer an opportunity to provide real-time histological information. The coherent fiber bundle used in probe-based endomicroscopy serves as an optical image relay that allows for external implementation of sophisticated opto-mechanical systems at its proximal end. When used with topical staining, optical sectioning has been shown to reduce out-of-focus light and improve image contrast; in applications that require the use of IV staining such as fluorescein, optical sectioning is critical for the rejection of high background signals.[14,17,18] It is desirable in imaging highly scattering tissues with crowded nuclei, such as in regions of precancer or cancer.[14,15] The enhanced ability to resolve individual nuclei can potentially facilitate development of automated algorithms to diagnose diseases based on cell
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
