Optical Coherence Tomography of the Breast: A Feasibility Study
Abstract
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an emerging high-resolution imaging technology that can perform high resolution, real-time cross-sectional imaging of tissue. OCT can be used as a type of "optical biopsy" to perform minimally-invasive imaging up to a depth of 2-3 mm with transverse resolutions as high as 10 um in commercially available systems. OCT uses near-infrared light which can be used in fiber optic devices such as catheter probes and imaging needles. This novel imaging technology has the potential to improve cancer detection and diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of applying OCT imaging to normal and pathologic human breast tissue, as well as other human tissues. OCT was used to image samples of breast tissue from core biopsy and surgical specimens. Architectural changes such as stromal hyperplasia and fat necrosis were detected with OCT. Normal lactiferous ducts were visible. However, normal glandular and ductal structure as well as pre-malignant and neoplastic epithelial changes did not have sufficient contrast to be consistently visible. We are currently improving OCT resolution and applying spectroscopic and microscopy techniques to enhance tissue contrast. These improvements should allow better visualization of micro structural features in normal and pathologic breast tissue. Studies were performed imaging other tissues with better defined architectural morphology including thyroid and lower GI tissues, and good correlation of OCT images and histology was obtained.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA423017
Entities
People
- James L. Connolly
- Liron Pantanowitz
- Paul Herz
- Pei-lin Hsiung
- Sughra Raze
Organizations
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center