High-resolution imaging of the middle ear with optical coherence tomography: a feasibility study.
BACKGROUND
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new medical imaging technology that generates cross-sectional images of tissue microstructure with micron-scale resolution. Optical coherence tomography is analogous to ultrasound, measuring the intensity of infrared light rather than acoustical waves.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the feasibility of using OCT for ultra-high-resolution imaging of the middle ear via ex vivo imaging studies of human tissue.


METHODS
Images of the tympanic membrane and middle ear were acquired ex vivo, through the ear canal, without perforating the tympanic membrane.


METHODS
Four excised intact temporal bones and the auditory apparatus were harvested from cadavers and imaged fresh, without previous fixation.


RESULTS
The resulting images were compared with the gross sample and verified the ability of OCT to delineate relevant structures, such as the tympanic membrane and its sublayers, and the middle ear ossicles, nerves, and tendons at higher resolutions than possible with standard clinical imaging technologies.


CONCLUSIONS
The ability of OCT to produce high-resolution images of tissue structure, without contact and in real time, as well as its ability to be integrated with endoscopes, suggests that this technology could become a useful modality for the diagnosis and management of a range of clinical middle ear abnormalities.
Pitris
C
C
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 50 Vassar St, Room 36-345, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Saunders
K T
KT
Fujimoto
J G
JG
Brezinski
M E
ME
D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000473:pathology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000473:pathology; D014054:Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000473:pathology