title: Real-time microscopic visualization of tissue response to laser thermal therapy.
abstract: We present methods for visualizing the dynamic response of biological samples to laser-induced heating. Our approach utilizes optical frequency-domain imaging to detect, spatially localize, and monitor unique dynamic signatures that arise within zones of active tissue denaturation. Since this information is precisely registered with high-resolution ( approximately 10 microm) cross sectional images, regions of thermally destroyed tissue can be mapped in relation to pre-existing morphology. Using porcine esophageal specimens ex vivo, we demonstrate that the extent and evolution of laser thermal damage can be assessed in real time.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Wellman Center for Photomedicine, 55 Fruit Street, BAR 703, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. bvakoc@partners.org
authors.forename: Benjamin J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Vakoc
authors.forename: Guillermo J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Tearney
authors.forename: Brett E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Bouma
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003199:Computer Systems; D004947:Esophagus / Q000166:cytology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000379:methods*; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000379:methods*