title: Flexible, high-resolution micro-optical coherence tomography endobronchial probe toward in vivo imaging of cilia.
abstract: We report the design and fabrication of a flexible, longitudinally scanning high-resolution micro-optical coherence tomography (μOCT) endobronchial probe, optimized for micro-anatomical imaging in airways. The 2.4 mm diameter and flexibility of the probe allows it to be inserted into the instrument channel of a standard bronchoscope, enabling real-time video guidance of probe placement. To generate a depth-of-focus enhancing annular beam, we utilized a new fabrication method, whereby a hollow glass ferrule was angle-polished and gold-coated to produce an elongated annular reflector. We present validation data that verifies the preservation of linear scanning, despite the use of flexible materials. When utilized on excised, cultured mouse trachea, the probe acquired images of comparable quality to those obtained by a benchtop μOCT system.
authors.forename: Dongyao
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.forename: Kengyeh K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Biwei
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yin
authors.forename: Timothy N
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.forename: Chulho
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hyun
authors.forename: Hui Min
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: Joseph A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Gardecki
authors.forename: George M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Solomon
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Birket
authors.forename: Linbo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Steven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Rowe
authors.forename: Guillermo J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Tearney
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000166:cytology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002923:Cilia / Q000378:metabolism; D004867:Equipment Design; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D051379:Mice; D059629:Signal-To-Noise Ratio; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014132:Trachea / Q000166:cytology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging