Showing papers on "Optical coherence tomography published in 2012"

Split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography with optical coherence tomography

Abstract: Amplitude decorrelation measurement is sensitive to transverse flow and immune to phase noise in comparison to Doppler and other phase-based approaches. However, the high axial resolution of OCT makes it very sensitive to the pulsatile bulk motion noise in the axial direction. To overcome this limitation, we developed split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography (SSADA) to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of flow detection. The full OCT spectrum was split into several narrower bands. Inter-B-scan decorrelation was computed using the spectral bands separately and then averaged. The SSADA algorithm was tested on in vivo images of the human macula and optic nerve head. It significantly improved both SNR for flow detection and connectivity of microvascular network when compared to other amplitude-decorrelation algorithms.

Split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography with optical coherence tomography

Abstract: Amplitude decorrelation measurement is sensitive to transverse flow and immune to phase noise in comparison to Doppler and other phase-based approaches. However, the high axial resolution of OCT makes it very sensitive to the pulsatile bulk motion noise in the axial direction. To overcome this limitation, we developed split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography (SSADA) to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of flow detection. The full OCT spectrum was split into several narrower bands. Inter-B-scan decorrelation was computed using the spectral bands separately and then averaged. The SSADA algorithm was tested on in vivo images of the human macula and optic nerve head. It significantly improved both SNR for flow detection and connectivity of microvascular network when compared to other amplitude-decorrelation algorithms.

Motion correction in optical coherence tomography volumes on a per A-scan basis using orthogonal scan patterns

Abstract: High speed Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has made it possible to rapidly capture densely sampled 3D volume data. One key application is the acquisition of high quality in vivo volumetric data sets of the human retina. Since the volume is acquired in a few seconds, eye movement during the scan process leads to distortion, which limits the accuracy of quantitative measurements using 3D OCT data. In this paper, we present a novel software based method to correct motion artifacts in OCT raster scans. Motion compensation is performed retrospectively using image registration algorithms on the OCT data sets themselves. Multiple, successively acquired volume scans with orthogonal fast scan directions are registered retrospectively in order to estimate and correct eye motion. Registration is performed by optimizing a large scale numerical problem as given by a global objective function using one dense displacement field for each input volume and special regularization based on the time structure of the acquisition process. After optimization, each volume is undistorted and a single merged volume is constructed that has superior signal quality compared to the input volumes. Experiments were performed using 3D OCT data from the macula and optic nerve head acquired with a high-speed ultra-high resolution 850 nm spectral OCT as well as wide field data acquired with a 1050 nm swept source OCT instrument. Evaluation of registration performance and result stability as well as visual inspection shows that the algorithm can correct for motion in all three dimensions and on a per A-scan basis. Corrected volumes do not show visible motion artifacts. In addition, merging multiple motion corrected and registered volumes leads to improved signal quality. These results demonstrate that motion correction and merging improves image quality and should also improve morphometric measurement accuracy from volumetric OCT data.

Expert review document part 2: methodology, terminology and clinical applications of optical coherence tomography for the assessment of interventional procedures

Abstract: This document is complementary to an Expert Review Document on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for the study of coronary arteries and atherosclerosis.1 The goal of this companion manuscript is to provide a practical guide framework for the appropriate use and reporting of the novel frequency domain (FD) OCT imaging to guide interventional procedures, with a particular interest on the comparison with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).1–4 In the OCT Expert Review Document on Atherosclerosis, a comprehensive description of the physical principles for OCT imaging and time domain (TD) catheters (St Jude Medical, Westford, MA, USA) was provided.1 The main advantage of FD-OCT is that the technology enables rapid imaging of the coronary artery, using a non-occlusive acquisition modality. The FD-OCT catheter (DragonflyTM; St Jude Medical) employs a single-mode optical fibre, enclosed in a hollow metal torque wire that rotates at a speed of 100 r.p.s. It is compatible with a conventional 0.014″ angioplasty guide wire, inserted into a short monorail lumen at the tip. The frequency domain optical coherence tomography lateral resolution is improved in comparison with TD-OCT, while the axial resolution did not change. These features, together with reduced motion artefacts and an increased maximum field of view up to 11 mm, have significantly improved both the quality and ease of use of OCT in the catheterization laboratory.3,4 However, the imaging depth of the FD-OCT is still limited to 0.5–2.0 mm.5 The main obstacle to the adoption of TD-OCT imaging in clinical practice is that OCT cannot image through a blood field, and therefore requires clearing or flushing of blood from the lumen.1 The 6 Fr compatible DragonflyTM FD-OCT catheter is so far the only one in the market, as two other systems from Volcano and Terumo, which …

Retinal, anterior segment and full eye imaging using ultrahigh speed swept source OCT with vertical-cavity surface emitting lasers.

Abstract: We demonstrate swept source OCT utilizing vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) technology for in vivo high speed retinal, anterior segment and full eye imaging. The MEMS tunable VCSEL enables long coherence length, adjustable spectral sweep range and adjustable high sweeping rate (50-580 kHz axial scan rate). These features enable integration of multiple ophthalmic applications into one instrument. The operating modes of the device include: ultrahigh speed, high resolution retinal imaging (up to 580 kHz); high speed, long depth range anterior segment imaging (100 kHz) and ultralong range full eye imaging (50 kHz). High speed imaging enables wide-field retinal scanning, while increased light penetration at 1060 nm enables visualization of choroidal vasculature. Comprehensive volumetric data sets of the anterior segment from the cornea to posterior crystalline lens surface are also shown. The adjustable VCSEL sweep range and rate make it possible to achieve an extremely long imaging depth range of ~50 mm, and to demonstrate the first in vivo 3D OCT imaging spanning the entire eye for non-contact measurement of intraocular distances including axial eye length. Swept source OCT with VCSEL technology may be attractive for next generation integrated ophthalmic OCT instruments.

Cancer imaging by optical coherence tomography: preclinical progress and clinical potential

Abstract: The past decade has seen dramatic technological advances in the field of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. These advances have driven commercialization and clinical adoption in ophthalmology, cardiology and gastrointestinal cancer screening. Recently, an array of OCT-based imaging tools that have been developed for preclinical intravital cancer imaging applications has yielded exciting new capabilities to probe and to monitor cancer progression and response in vivo. Here, we review these results, forecast the future of OCT for preclinical cancer imaging and discuss its exciting potential to translate to the clinic as a tool for monitoring cancer therapy.

Sparsity based denoising of spectral domain optical coherence tomography images

Abstract: In this paper, we make contact with the field of compressive sensing and present a development and generalization of tools and results for reconstructing irregularly sampled tomographic data. In particular, we focus on denoising Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SDOCT) volumetric data. We take advantage of customized scanning patterns, in which, a selected number of B-scans are imaged at higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We learn a sparse representation dictionary for each of these high-SNR images, and utilize such dictionaries to denoise the low-SNR B-scans. We name this method multiscale sparsity based tomographic denoising (MSBTD). We show the qualitative and quantitative superiority of the MSBTD algorithm compared to popular denoising algorithms on images from normal and age-related macular degeneration eyes of a multi-center clinical trial. We have made the corresponding data set and software freely available online.

Determining elastic properties of skin by measuring surface waves from an impulse mechanical stimulus using phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography

Abstract: The mechanical properties of skin are important tissue parameters that are useful for understanding skin patho-physiology, which can aid disease diagnosis and treatment. This paper presents an innovative method that employs phase-sensitive spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (PhS-OCT) to characterize the biomechanical properties of skin by measuring surface waves induced by short impulses from a home-made shaker. Experiments are carried out on single and double-layer agar– agar phantoms, of different concentrations and thickness, and on in vivo human skin, at the forearm and the palm. For each experiment, the surface wave phase-velocity dispersion curves were calculated, from which the elasticity of each layer of the sample was determined. It is demonstrated that the experimental results agree well with previous work. This study provides a novel combination of PhS-OCT technology with a simple and an inexpensive mechanical impulse surface wave stimulation that can be used to non-invasively evaluate the mechanical properties of skin in vivo, and may offer potential use in clinical situations.

Ultrabroadband supercontinuum generation in a CMOS-compatible platform

Abstract: We demonstrate supercontinuum generation spanning 1.6 octaves in silicon nitride waveguides. Using a 4.3 cm-long waveguide, with an effective nonlinearity of γ=1.2 W−1 m−1, we generate a spectrum extending from 665 nm to 2025 nm (at −30 dB) with 160 pJ pulses. Our results offer potential for a robust, integrated, and low-cost supercontinuum source for applications including frequency metrology, optical coherence tomography, confocal microscopy, and optical communications.

First Serial Assessment at 6 Months and 2 Years of the Second Generation of Absorb Everolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold A Multi-Imaging Modality Study

Abstract: Background—Nonserial observations have shown this bioresorbable scaffold to have no signs of area reduction at 6 months and recovery of vasomotion at 1 year. Serial observations at 6 months and 2 years have to confirm the absence of late restenosis or unfavorable imaging outcomes. Methods and Results—The ABSORB trial is a multicenter single-arm trial assessing the safety and performance of an everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold. Forty-five patients underwent serial invasive imaging, such as quantitative coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound, and optical coherence tomography at 6 and 24 months of follow-up. From 6 to 24 months, late luminal loss increased from 0.16±0.18 to 0.27±0.20 mm on quantitative coronary angiography, with an increase in neointima of 0.68±0.43 mm2 on optical coherence tomography and 0.17±0.26 mm2 on intravascular ultrasound. Struts still recognizable on optical coherence tomography at 2 years showed 99% of neointimal coverage with optical and ultrasonic signs o...

Review of tissue simulating phantoms with controllable optical, mechanical and structural properties for use in optical coherence tomography

Abstract: We review the development of phantoms for optical coherence tomography (OCT) designed to replicate the optical, mechanical and structural properties of a range of tissues. Such phantoms are a key requirement for the continued development of OCT techniques and applications. We focus on phantoms based on silicone, fibrin and poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogels (PVA-C), as we believe these materials hold the most promise for durable and accurate replication of tissue properties.

Computational adaptive optics for broadband optical interferometric tomography of biological tissue

Abstract: Aberrations in optical microscopy reduce image resolution and contrast, and can limit imaging depth when focusing into biological samples. Static correction of aberrations may be achieved through appropriate lens design, but this approach does not offer the flexibility of simultaneously correcting aberrations for all imaging depths, nor the adaptability to correct for sample-specific aberrations for high-quality tomographic optical imaging. Incorporation of adaptive optics (AO) methods have demonstrated considerable improvement in optical image contrast and resolution in noninterferometric microscopy techniques, as well as in optical coherence tomography. Here we present a method to correct aberrations in a tomogram rather than the beam of a broadband optical interferometry system. Based on Fourier optics principles, we correct aberrations of a virtual pupil using Zernike polynomials. When used in conjunction with the computed imaging method interferometric synthetic aperture microscopy, this computational AO enables object reconstruction (within the single scattering limit) with ideal focal-plane resolution at all depths. Tomographic reconstructions of tissue phantoms containing subresolution titanium-dioxide particles and of ex vivo rat lung tissue demonstrate aberration correction in datasets acquired with a highly astigmatic illumination beam. These results also demonstrate that imaging with an aberrated astigmatic beam provides the advantage of a more uniform depth-dependent signal compared to imaging with a standard Gaussian beam. With further work, computational AO could enable the replacement of complicated and expensive optical hardware components with algorithms implemented on a standard desktop computer, making high-resolution 3D interferometric tomography accessible to a wider group of users and nonspecialists.

Optical coherence microscopy for deep tissue imaging of the cerebral cortex with intrinsic contrast

Abstract: In vivo optical microscopic imaging techniques have recently emerged as important tools for the study of neurobiological development and pathophysiology. In particular, two-photon microscopy has proved to be a robust and highly flexible method for in vivo imaging in highly scattering tissue. However, two-photon imaging typically requires extrinsic dyes or contrast agents, and imaging depths are limited to a few hundred microns. Here we demonstrate Optical Coherence Microscopy (OCM) for in vivo imaging of neuronal cell bodies and cortical myelination up to depths of ~1.3 mm in the rat neocortex. Imaging does not require the administration of exogenous dyes or contrast agents, and is achieved through intrinsic scattering contrast and image processing alone. Furthermore, using OCM we demonstrate in vivo, quantitative measurements of optical properties (index of refraction and attenuation coefficient) in the cortex, and correlate these properties with laminar cellular architecture determined from the images. Lastly, we show that OCM enables direct visualization of cellular changes during cell depolarization and may therefore provide novel optical markers of cell viability.

Efficient reduction of speckle noise in Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract: Speckle pattern, which is inherent in coherence imaging, influences significantly axial and transversal resolution of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) instruments. The well known speckle removal techniques are either sensitive to sample motion, require sophisticated and expensive sample tracking systems, or involve sophisticated numerical procedures. As a result, their applicability to in vivo real-time imaging is limited. In this work, we propose to average multiple A-scans collected in a fully controlled way to reduce the speckle contrast. This procedure involves non-coherent averaging of OCT A-scans acquired from adjacent locations on the sample. The technique exploits scanning protocol with fast beam deflection in the direction perpendicular to lateral dimension of the cross-sectional image. Such scanning protocol reduces the time interval between A-scans to be averaged to the repetition time of the acquisition system. Consequently, the averaging algorithm is immune to bulk motion of an investigated sample, does not require any sophisticated data processing to align cross-sectional images, and allows for precise control of lateral shift of the scanning beam on the object. The technique is tested with standard Spectral OCT system with an extra resonant scanner used for rapid beam deflection in the lateral direction. Ultrahigh speed CMOS camera serves as a detector and acquires 200,000 spectra per second. A dedicated A-scan generation algorithm allows for real-time display of images with reduced speckle contrast at 6 frames/second. This technique is applied to in vivo imaging of anterior and posterior segments of the human eye and human skin.

ACUTE MACULAR NEURORETINOPATHY: Long-Term Insights Revealed by Multimodal Imaging

Abstract: Purpose:To report the structural and functional changes in acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) and their long-term evolution. Multimodal retinal imaging was acquired, including Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), infrared (IR) reflectance, and near IR autofluorescence (NIA).Methods:I

Automated Segmentation of Intraretinal Cystoid Fluid in Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract: Cystoid macular edema (CME) is observed in a variety of ocular disorders and is strongly associated with vision loss. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides excellent visualization of cystoid fluid, and can assist clinicians in monitoring the progression of CME. Quantitative tools for assessing CME may lead to better metrics for choosing treatment protocols. To address this need, this paper presents a fully automated retinal cyst segmentation technique for OCT image stacks acquired from a commercial scanner. The proposed method includes a computationally fast bilateral filter for speckle denoising while maintaining CME boundaries. The proposed technique was evaluated in images from 16 patients with vitreoretinal disease and three controls. The average sensitivity and specificity for the classification of cystoid regions in CME patients were found to be 91% and 96%, respectively, and the retinal volume occupied by cystoid fluid obtained by the algorithm was found to be accurate within a mean and median volume fraction of 1.9% and 0.8%, respectively.

Quantifying optical microangiography images obtained from a spectral domain optical coherence tomography system

Abstract: The blood vessel morphology is known to correlate with several diseases, such as cancer, and is important for describing several tissue physiological processes, like angiogenesis. Therefore, a quantitative method for characterizing the angiography obtained from medical images would have several clinical applications. Optical microangiography (OMAG) is a method for obtaining three-dimensional images of blood vessels within a volume of tissue. In this study we propose to quantify OMAG images obtained with a spectral domain optical coherence tomography system. A technique for determining three measureable parameters (the fractal dimension, the vessel length fraction, and the vessel area density) is proposed and validated. Finally, the repeatability for acquiring OMAG images is determined, and a new method for analyzing small areas from these images is proposed.

Choroidal imaging using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

Abstract: Background:A structurally and functionally normal choroidal vasculature is essential for retinal function. Therefore, a precise clinical understanding of choroidal morphology should be important for understanding many retinal and choroidal diseases.Methods:PUBMED (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/e

Dynamic light scattering optical coherence tomography

Abstract: We introduce an integration of dynamic light scattering (DLS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for high-resolution 3D imaging of heterogeneous diffusion and flow. DLS analyzes fluctuations in light scattered by particles to measure diffusion or flow of the particles, and OCT uses coherence gating to collect light only scattered from a small volume for high-resolution structural imaging. Therefore, the integration of DLS and OCT enables high-resolution 3D imaging of diffusion and flow. We derived a theory under the assumption that static and moving particles are mixed within the OCT resolution volume and the moving particles can exhibit either diffusive or translational motion. Based on this theory, we developed a fitting algorithm to estimate dynamic parameters including the axial and transverse velocities and the diffusion coefficient. We validated DLS-OCT measurements of diffusion and flow through numerical simulations and phantom experiments. As an example application, we performed DLS-OCT imaging of the living animal brain, resulting in 3D maps of the absolute and axial velocities, the diffusion coefficient, and the coefficient of determination.

The Nature of Macular Damage in Glaucoma as Revealed by Averaging Optical Coherence Tomography Data

Abstract: Purpose To better understand the nature of glaucomatous damage, especially to the macula, the inner retinal thickness maps obtained with frequency domain optical coherence tomography (fdOCT) were averaged.

MEMS tunable VCSEL light source for ultrahigh speed 60kHz - 1MHz axial scan rate and long range centimeter class OCT imaging

Abstract: This paper demonstrates new wavelength swept light source technology, MEMS tunable VCSELs, for OCT imaging. The VCSEL achieves a combination of ultrahigh sweep speeds, wide spectral tuning range, flexibility in sweep trajectory, and extremely long coherence length, which cannot be simultaneously achieved with other technologies. A second generation prototype VCSEL is optically pumped at 980nm and a low mass electrostatically tunable mirror enables high speed wavelength tuning centered at ~1310nm with ~110nm of tunable bandwidth. Record coherence length >100mm enables extremely long imaging range. By changing the drive waveform, a single 1310nm VCSEL was driven to sweep at speeds from 100kHz to 1.2MHz axial scan rate with unidirectional and bidirectional high duty cycle sweeps. We demonstrate long range and high resolution 1310nm OCT imaging of the human anterior eye at 100kHz axial scan rate and imaging of biological samples at speeds of 60kHz - 1MHz. A first generation 1050nm device is shown to sweep over 100nm. The results of this study suggest that MEMS based VCSEL swept light source technology has unique performance characteristics and will be a critical technology for future ultrahigh speed and long depth range OCT imaging.

Choroidal observations in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease using high-penetration optical coherence tomography.

Abstract: Background The aim of this work was to investigate the choroidal morphologic changes of Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease in vivo using high-penetration optical coherence tomography (HP-OCT) with a long-wavelength light source (1,060 nm).

Swept source / Fourier domain polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography with a passive polarization delay unit

Abstract: Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is a functional imaging method that provides additional contrast using the light polarizing properties of a sample. This manuscript describes PS-OCT based on ultrahigh speed swept source / Fourier domain OCT operating at 1050nm at 100kHz axial scan rates using single mode fiber optics and a multiplexing approach. Unlike previously reported PS-OCT multiplexing schemes, the method uses a passive polarization delay unit and does not require active polarization modulating devices. This advance decreases system cost and avoids complex synchronization requirements. The polarization delay unit was implemented in the sample beam path in order to simultaneously illuminate the sample with two different polarization states. The orthogonal polarization components for the depth-multiplexed signals from the two input states were detected using dual balanced detection. PS-OCT images were computed using Jones calculus. 3D PS-OCT imaging was performed in the human and rat retina. In addition to standard OCT images, PS-OCT images were generated using contrast form birefringence and depolarization. Enhanced tissue discrimination as well as quantitative measurements of sample properties was demonstrated using the additional contrast and information contained in the PS-OCT images.

Retinal Thickness in People with Diabetes and Minimal or No Diabetic Retinopathy: Heidelberg Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract: Purpose. To evaluate macular thickness in people with diabetes but minimal or no retinopathy using Heidelberg Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Impact of Frequency-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Guidance for Optimal Coronary Stent Implantation in Comparison With Intravascular Ultrasound Guidance

Abstract: Background—Frequency-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) is a novel, high resolution intravascular imaging modality. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a widely used conventional imaging modality for achieving optimal stent deployment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of FD-OCT guidance for coronary stent implantation compared with IVUS guidance. Methods and Results—A total of 70 patients with de novo coronary artery lesions and either unstable or stable angina pectoris were enrolled in this randomized study (optical coherence tomography [OCT] group: n=35, IVUS group: n=35). In the OCT group, stent implantation was performed under FD-OCT guidance alone and final stent expansion was evaluated by IVUS. In the IVUS group, conventional IVUS guidance was used and final stent apposition was evaluated by FD-OCT. There were no significant differences regarding the procedural, fluoroscopy time, and contrast volume. Although device and clinical success rates also were similar, the visibilit...

Intra-Retinal Layer Segmentation of 3D Optical Coherence Tomography Using Coarse Grained Diffusion Map

Abstract: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a powerful and noninvasive method for retinal imaging. In this paper, we introduce a fast segmentation method based on a new variant of spectral graph theory named diffusion maps. The research is performed on spectral domain (SD) OCT images depicting macular and optic nerve head appearance. The presented approach does not require edge-based image information and relies on regional image texture. Consequently, the proposed method demonstrates robustness in situations of low image contrast or poor layer-to-layer image gradients. Diffusion mapping is applied to 2D and 3D OCT datasets composed of two steps, one for partitioning the data into important and less important sections, and another one for localization of internal this http URL the first step, the pixels/voxels are grouped in rectangular/cubic sets to form a graph node.The weights of a graph are calculated based on geometric distances between pixels/voxels and differences of their mean intensity.The first diffusion map clusters the data into three parts, the second of which is the area of interest. The other two sections are eliminated from the remaining calculations. In the second step, the remaining area is subjected to another diffusion map assessment and the internal layers are localized based on their textural similarities.The proposed method was tested on 23 datasets from two patient groups (glaucoma and normals). The mean unsigned border positioning errors(mean - SD) was 8.52 - 3.13 and 7.56 - 2.95 micrometer for the 2D and 3D methods, respectively.

Correlation between spectral-domain optical coherence tomography findings and visual outcome after primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair.

Abstract: Purpose:To correlate the postoperative visual outcome with the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings in the fovea after successful rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair. Cross-sectional, observational study.Methods:Thirty-five patients with preoperative macula-on rhegmato