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Endoscopy 2000; 32(10): 743-749
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-7711
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ·New York

In Vivo Endoscopic Optical Coherence Tomography of the Human Gastrointestinal Tract - Toward Optical Biopsy

S. Jäckle 1, 2 , N. Gladkova 3 , F. Feldchtein 4 , A. Terentieva 3 , B. Brand 1 , G. Gelikonov 4 , V. Gelikonov 4 , A. Sergeev 4 , A. Fritscher-Ravens 1 , J. Freund 1 , U. Seitz 1 , S. Schröder 5 , N. Soehendra 1
  • 1 Dept. of Interdisciplinary Endoscopy, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
  • 2 Dept. of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
  • 3 Nizhny Novgorod Medical Academy, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
  • 4 Institute of Applied Physics, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
  • 5 Laboratory Keeser/Arndt and Partners, Hamburg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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Background and Study Aims: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new technique for high-resolution cross-sectional imaging using infrared light. It has over 10 times the resolution of the currently available ultrasonography. Although in vitro studies have suggested its potential for gastrointestinal imaging, in vivo studies have not been possible so far on account of technical limitations.

Patients and Methods: We describe here the first clinical study of OCT during routine endoscopy obtaining high resolution images of the normal esophageal, gastric, and colonic mucosa. Portable OCT equipment and a fiberoptic-based flexible probe for endoscopic use have been developed by the authors.

Results: Differences in the optical properties of epithelium, lamina propria, muscularis mucosae, and submucosa enabled distinction of the mucosal architecture. Owing to the low penetration depth (1 mm) and high resolution (10 μm), OCT images may become comparable to mucosal histological findings. Image acquisition time was 1.5 seconds, and the entire procedure was completed within 5 minutes. Endoscopic OCT images of colonic adenoma and carcinoma were also studied and compared with the corresponding histology.

Conclusions: The newly developed portable OCT equipment and flexible fiberoptic probe makes OCT a promising method for endoscopic “optical biopsy”.

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S. Jäckle, M.D.

Dept. of Interdisciplinary Endoscopy University Hospital Eppendorf

Martinistrasse 52

20246 Hamburg

Germany

Fax: Fax:+ 49-40-428032410

Email: E-mail:jaeckle@uke.uni-hamburg.de

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