Researchers have devised a method to perform optical coherence tomography (OCT) in difficult-to-reach body parts like joints. The development might make new surgical and medical uses possible for this high-resolution biomedical imaging method.
OCT is the best tool for detecting minute changes in tissue that could be signs of illness or damage because it can image structures with a resolution of just a few microns. It has been difficult to create a high-quality OCT instrument that is small enough to be used inside the eye, despite OCT is now the standard of care in ophthalmology.
Researchers have described how they delivered the infrared light required for optical coherence tomography using a rigid borescope, a thin tube of lenses. The borescope, which has a diameter of only 4 millimeters, allows the beam delivery part of the device to be extremely thin without compromising imaging quality.
According to the researcher, they observed a need for OCT image guidance in arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique that uses an endoscope to treat joint damage. They modified our previously created low-cost OCT imaging device to fit the needs of this application.
The research team has created OCT systems that are considerably less expensive than conventional models.
Related Content: Photodynamic Therapy – Safe Treatment For Chronic CSC