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. Since the last report we improved OCT resolution by applying spectroscopic and microscopy techniques to enhance tissue contrast. These improvements allowed better visualization of microstructural 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
- May 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA442942
Entities
People
- James L. Connolly
Organizations
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center