Imaging needle for optical coherence tomography

We describe a miniature optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging needle t hat can be inserted into solid tissues and organs to permit interstitial im aging of their internal microstructures with micrometer scale resolution an d minimal trauma. A novel rotational coupler with a glass capillary tube is also presented that couples light from a rotating single-mode fiber to a s tationary one. A prototype needle with a 27-gauge (similar to 410-mu m) out er diameter has been developed and is demonstrated for in vivo imaging. The OCT needle can be integrated with standard excisional biopsy devices and u sed for OCT-guided biopsy. Society of America OCIS codes: 170.4500, 170.388 0, 170.3890, 170.8930, 170.7050.