Hand-held OCT probe for transcutaneous use to assess various pathologies in real-time

Abstract

Real-time assessment of tissue morphology and function is a pressing clinical need. We present a low cost OCT probe based on combined position sensor feedback, as well as a data processing algorithm that enables real-time display of tissue morphology and birefringence. The preliminary evaluation of this instrument on various biological specimens has demonstrated its capability for real-time diagnosis. Its preclinical assessment in vivo on animal models of cancer was performed at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Reliable assessment of tissue morphology and birefringence has been successfully demonstrated.