Open AccessUltra-sensitive optical coherence elastography using a high-dynamic-range force loading scheme for cervical rigidity assessment
Author(s) -
Xinwen Yao,
Dawei Li,
Hyeon-Cheol Park,
Defu Chen,
Honghua Guan,
Mala Mahendroo,
Xingde Li
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
biomedical optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.362
H-Index - 86
ISSN - 2156-7085
DOI - 10.1364/boe.383720
Subject(s) - elastography , optical coherence tomography , materials science , elasticity (physics) , young's modulus , optics , modulus , dynamic range , biomedical engineering , elastic modulus , rigidity (electromagnetism) , acoustics , composite material , ultrasound , physics , medicine
An ultra-sensitive, wide-range force loading scheme is proposed for compression optical coherence elastography (OCE) that allows for the quantitative analysis of cervical tissue elasticity ex vivo . We designed a force loading apparatus featuring a water sink for minuscule incremental loading through a volume-controlled water droplet, from which the Young's modulus can be calculated by fitting the stress-strain curve. We validated the performance of the proposed OCE system on homogenous agar phantoms, showing the Young's modulus can be accurately estimated using this scheme. We then measured the Young's modulus of rodent cervical tissues acquired at different gestational ages, showing that the cervical rigidity of rodents was significantly dropped when entering the third trimester of pregnancy.