Tiny rotating probe delivers 360-degree optical coherence tomography scans inside brain arteries
Researchers have developed a tiny optical imaging probe designed for optical coherence tomography (OCT) inside blood vessels in the brain. With further development, the tiny probe—which is about the width of a pencil lead and the length of a grain of rice—could be used to acquire detailed information about vascular disease and devices such as stents implanted in the brain.
Researchers at Nanjing University have developed a minuscule optical imaging probe for conducting 360-degree optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans within brain arteries. The probe, measuring just 0.55 mm in diameter and 4 mm in length, could potentially provide detailed insights into vascular diseases and stents implanted in the brain.
Its design enables it to navigate through the intricate pathways of brain arteries without causing rotational distortion, which is often a problem with existing systems that use external motors. The probe employs a piezoelectric actuator to rotate an optical lens directly at the catheter tip, allowing for an unobstructed 360-degree scan.
In experiments, the probe successfully imaged a range of materials and structures, including vascular stents, blood vessel networks, and human atherosclerotic plaque tissue, consistently yielding results comparable to traditional histological examination. Further advancements are needed to enhance the probe's resolution, stability, and speed before it can be employed in clinical settings.
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