Abstract
In this paper, we describe a technique capable of visualizing mechanical properties at the cellular scale deep in living tissue, by incorporating a gradient-index (GRIN)-lens micro-endoscope into an ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence elastography system. The optical system, after the endoscope, has a lateral resolution of 1.6 µm and an axial resolution of 2.2 µm. Bessel beam illumination and Gaussian mode detection are used to provide an extended depth-of-field of 80 µm, which is a 4-fold improvement over a fully Gaussian beam case with the same lateral resolution. Using this system, we demonstrate quantitative elasticity imaging of a soft silicone phantom containing a stiff inclusion and a freshly excised malignant murine pancreatic tumor. We also demonstrate qualitative strain imaging below the tissue surface on in situ murine muscle. The approach we introduce here can provide high-quality extended-focus images through a micro-endoscope with potential to measure cellular-scale mechanics deep in tissue. We believe this tool is promising for studying biological processes and disease progression in vivo.
Highlights
From the macroscopic to the microscopic scale, mechanical properties of tissue play an important role in the onset and progression of disease
We present the first demonstration of endoscopic ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence elastography (UHROCE) with a triplet GRIN lens micro-endoscope
We demonstrate UHROCE through the micro-endoscope on a silicone phantom with a rigid inclusion and on tissue excised from a murine model of pancreatic cancer
Summary
From the macroscopic to the microscopic scale, mechanical properties of tissue play an important role in the onset and progression of disease. To improve understanding of disease processes and to provide advanced diagnostic capabilities, over the last 30 years, a collection of imaging techniques, known as elastography, have been developed to image the mechanical properties of tissue [2]. These techniques were initially based on ultrasound (US) [3] and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [4], and are mainly applied to clinical diagnosis on a macroscopic scale. Optical coherence elastography (OCE) [10,11,12], in particular, holds promise for in vivo imaging of tissue mechanics due to its combination of high resolution, rapid imaging speed and compatibility with compact imaging probes [13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
