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Title: |
Optical Coherence Tomography-Enhanced Microlaryngoscopy:
Preliminary Report of a Noncontact Optical Coherence
Tomography System Integrated With a Surgical Microscope |
| Authors: |
David E. Vokes, MBChB, FRACS; Ryan Jackson, MS; Shuguang Guo, PhD;
Jorge A. Perez, BS; Jianping Su, MS; James M. Ridgway, MD;
William B. Armstrong, MD; Zhongping Chen, PhD; Brian J. F. Wong, MD, PhD |
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Objectives: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new imaging modality that uses near-infrared light to produce
cross-sectional images of tissue with a resolution approaching that of light microscopy. We have previously reported use
of OCT imaging of the vocal folds (VFs) during direct laryngoscopy with a probe held in contact or near-contact with the
VFs. This aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a novel OCT system integrated with a surgical microscope to allow
hands-free OCT imaging of the VFs, which could be performed simultaneously with microscopic visualization.
Methods: We performed a prospective evaluation of a new method of acquiring OCT images of the VFs.
Results: An OCT system was successfully integrated with a surgical microscope to permit noncontact OCT imaging of
the VFs of 10 patients. With this novel device we were able to identify VF epithelium and lamina propria; however, the
resolution was reduced compared to that achieved with the standard contact or near-contact OCT.
Conclusions: Optical coherence tomography is able to produce high-resolution images of vocal fold mucosa to a maximum
depth of 1.6 mm. It may be used in the diagnosis of VF lesions, particularly early squamous cell carcinoma, in
which OCT can show disruption of the basement membrane. Mounting the OCT device directly onto the operating microscope
allows hands-free noncontact OCT imaging and simultaneous conventional microscopic visualization of the VFs.
However, the lateral resolution of the OCT microscope system is 50 μm, in contrast to the conventional handheld probe
system (10 μm). Although such images at this resolution are still useful clinically, improved resolution would enhance
the system‘s performance, potentially enabling real-time OCT-guided microsurgery of the larynx. (Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2008;117:538-547.) |
| Keywords: |
laryngeal imaging, laryngoscopy, larynx, optical coherence tomography, vocal cord, vocal fold |
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