Three-Dimensional Imaging With An Endoscopic Optical Coherence Tomography System For Detection Of Airway Stenosis

The respiratory tract is an essential part of the respiratory system involved in the process of respiration. However, if stenosis occurs, it interferes with breathing and can even lead to death. Asthma is a typical example of a reversible cause of airway narrowing, and the number of patients suffering from acute exacerbation is steadily increasing. Therefore, it is important to detect airway narrowing early and prevent the patient's condition from worsening. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), which has high resolution, is suitable for observing the microstructure of tissues. In this study we developed an endoscopic OCT system. We combined a 1300-nm OCT system with a servo motor, which can rotate at a high speed. A catheter was pulled back using a linear stage while imaging with 360 degrees rotation by the motor. The motor was selected considering various requirements, such as torque, rotational speed, and gear ratio of pulleys. An ex vivo rabbit tracheal model was used as a sample, and the sample and catheter were immobilized by acrylic structures. The OCT images provided information about the structures of the mucosa and submucosa. The difference between normal and stenosed parts in the trachea was confirmed by OCT. Furthermore, through a three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction process, it was possible to identify and diagnose the stenosis in the 3-D image of the airway, as well as the cross-sectional image. This study would be useful not only for diagnosing airway stenosis, but also for realizing 3-D imaging.