Diffractive Tethered OCT Capsule Endoscope for Ultrahigh-resolution Imaging

Unmet Need:
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive, high-resolution optical imaging technology capable of real-time imaging of tissue microanatomy.  OCT essentially functions as a form of “optical biopsy”, capable of assessing tissue microanatomy and function with a resolution similar to standard histology but without the need for tissue removal.  Miniature OCT endoscopes enable translational applications for imaging internal luminal organs such as the gastrointestinal tract or airways. There is an increasing need to develop an ultrahigh-resolution OCT endoscope for resolving fine structures such as airway smooth muscle or structural changes associated with early stage diseases.
 
Technical Overview:
JHU researchers have designed and developed an ultrahigh-resolution tethered OCT capsule. The capsule can is swallowable by an awake patient without the need for sedation for imaging the esophagus. The capsule utilizes diffractive optics for collimating and focusing of the imaging beam, and for managing/minimizing the chromatic aberration over a broad wavelength range. Beam scanning can be performed either by a micromotor placed at the distal end of the endoscope, or by a rotary joint placed at the proximal end of the endoscope through a torque coil. 3D imaging can be performed when the capsule is swallowed down the esophagus with the help of natural peristaltic force, or when the capsule is mechanically pulled backward via the tether.
 
Stage of Development:
Prototype
 
Publication(s)/Related Techs:
Related to JHU Ref. C12701
 
 

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