Open AccessNoninvasive structural and microvascular anatomy of oral mucosae using handheld optical coherence tomography
Author(s) -
Meng-Tsan Tsai,
Ying-Dan Chen,
Cheng-Yu Lee,
BoHuei Huang,
Nguyen Hoang Trung,
Ya Ju Lee,
Yen Li Wang
Publication year - 2017
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.8.005001
Subject(s) - optical coherence tomography , biomedical engineering , lamina propria , preclinical imaging , materials science , optics , medicine , pathology , epithelium , in vivo , radiology , biology , physics , microbiology and biotechnology
In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of using a handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) for in vivo visualizations of the microstructural and microvascular features of various oral mucosal types. To scan arbitrary locations of the oral mucosa, a scanning probe was developed, composed of a probe body fabricated by a 3D printer, miniaturized two-axis galvanometer, relay lenses, and reflective prism. With a 3D printing technique, the probe weight and the system volume were greatly reduced, enabling the effective improvement of imaging artifacts from unconscious motion and system complexity. Additionally, in our design, the distal end of the probe can be switched to fit various oral conditions, and the optical parameters of the probe, such as the transverse resolution, working distance, and probe length can be easily varied. The results showed that the epithelium and lamina propria layers, as well as the fungiform papilla and salivary gland, were differentiated. Moreover, various microcirculation features at different mucosal sites were identified that are potentially effective indicators for the diagnosis of premalignant lesions. The demonstrated results indicate that the developed OCT system is a promising tool for noninvasive imaging of oral mucosae.