Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the human cochlea has potential to reveal pathophysiological details of hearing disorders and cochlear function via vibrometry and angiography. However, the ability of 1.3μm OCT to image the detailed microanatomy inside the cochlea is limited by light scattering in the tympanic membrane and otic capsule. Since light scattering in biological tissues is reduced at longer wavelengths, we investigated the use of a 1.7μm swept-source laser for OCT imaging of an ex-vivo human cochlea to compare with 1.3μm OCT imaging. We found that 1.7μm OCT could provide sharper details and greater contrast inside the cochlea compared to 1.3μm OCT due to reduced multiple scattering from the bony otic capsule. These results support the continued development of 1.7μm OCT for cochlear imaging.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and x-ray Computed Tomography have limitations when applied to diseases of the human inner ear due to insufficient resolution. Key morphological features of the inner ear are below the resolving power of both modalities; thus, they are unable to measure functional aspects of the microstructures in the cochlea. Furthermore, general access to the cochlea is a challenge due to its location in the inner ear and its bony encapsulation. These limitations cause clinicians to rely on clinical history when diagnosing and managing hearing loss in patients, which is not ideal. This paper explores the application of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) as a diagnostic tool for inner ear diseases. OCT’s high spatial and temporal resolution allows for detailed imaging of inner ear structures and their function. To address the challenge of accessing the cochlea in humans, a hand-held endoscopic OCT device has been developed that can image through the round window membrane. The technology has been tested in cadaver temporal bone, enabling functional and morphological imaging of the cochlea when navigated to the round window. Alongside the device, we are developing an algorithm to perform subsequent stitching of volumes to overcome limitations with a small field of view. Applying this algorithm on cadaver tissue serves as a preliminary step before advancing to live human cochlear imaging. By utilizing our hand-held OCT endoscope, clinicians will have the ability to record changes in morphological and functional information, thereby improving the approach to diagnosing and treating patients with inner ear diseases.
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