C12701 Novel Ultrahigh Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography Endoscopy Probe
Invention Novelty: This invention is a novel optical coherence tomography (OCT) system that improves the image resolution of endoscopy probes in a cost-effective manner.
Value Proposition: OCT is a relatively new diagnostic modality that allows a physician to view micrometer resolution images of tissue, and is therefore used widely in ophthalmology, cardiology, endoscopy and oncology. A growing application for OCT systems is in guidance biopsy systems which facilitate noninvasive biopsies of tissue. However existing systems have an inherent disruption of the axial and lateral resolution of the image (or chromatic aberration) which significantly reduces image quality. This invention includes a novel method of implementing a diffraction element that counters the effects of chromatic aberration, drastically improving the image quality. Other advantages of this system include:
- A cost-effective and easy-to-implement method to correct chromatic aberration that can be applied to disposable endoscopy devices
- Components of the system can be applied to miniature fiber-optic endoscopy probes with small diameters
- Compatible with broadband OCT light sources with a wide spectral bandwidth for superior image quality
Technical Details: Johns Hopkins researchers have created a ultra-high resolution single fiber imaging probe that includes a diffraction mask aimed at reducing chromatic aberration and improving axial and lateral resolution. The diffractive element changes the beam path for each wavelength, and with a proper orientation, this beam path change can be opposite to the changes caused by chromatic aberration, which minimizes the effect. This method ensures that different colors from a broadband light source will be focused on nearly the same spot to achieve high lateral resolution. In addition, distortion to the back reflected spectral is also minimized at a given depth; this improves the axial resolution to the optimal axial resolution of the light source.
Looking for Partners: To develop and commercialize the technology as a cost-effective endoscopic imaging tool for guidance biopsies, cancer diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring
Stage of Development: Pre-Clinical
Data Availability: With a broadband 800nm light source and a miniature compound lens, the constructed endoscope had a 3.75µm axial and 6.15 µm lateral resolution.
Patent Status: Pending
Publication(s)/Associated Cases: Not at this time
Categories: Imaging, Diagnostics
Keywords: Endoscopy, Optical Coherence Tomography. Chromatic Aberration, Biopsy, miniature fiber-optic probe
