New Optical Imaging Technology Aids Biopsies

Human studies are beginning on a new optical imaging technology called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for detecting pre-cancerous tissues in patients with Barrett's esophagus, using a special tool called Optical Biopsy Forceps. The first study is being conducted by researchers at Duke University (Durham, NC, USA).

Currently, tissue changes that are precursors of cancer can be made only through biopsies and subsequent histologic review under a microscope. Using only a single fiber optic strand 0.006 inches in diameter, the Optical Biopsy Forceps enables clinicians to obtain images of the Barrett's segment at resolutions much higher than any conventional imaging technology available.

The OCT platform uses advanced photonics and signal-processing techniques to bring microscopic imaging into the body. OCT is based on principles similar to conventional ultrasound to create images, using infrared light instead of sound waves. The much higher bandwidth of light enables the OCT platform to achieve image resolutions 8-25 times greater than any currently available imaging modality. This allows doctors for the first time to examine anatomical structures in vivo on a microscopic scale to diagnose disease and direct therapies. OCT was developed by LightLab Imaging, LLC (Westford, MA, USA).

"Our objective is to eliminate the randomness of the current biopsy protocol by permitting the direct visualization and targeting of biopsies through OCT,” said Dr. Paul Magnin, president and CEO of LightLab Imaging. "The ultimate goal, however, is to replace the excisional biopsy altogether.”




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