High-resolution imaging of the middle ear with optical coherence tomography - A feasibility study

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new medical imaging tec hnology that generates cross-sectional images of tissue microstructure with micron-scale resolution. Optical coherence tomography is analogous to ultr asound, measuring the intensity of infrared light rather than acoustical wa ves. Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility of using OCT for ultra-high-resol ution imaging of the middle ear via ex vivo imaging studies of human tissue . Design: Images of the tympanic membrane and middle ear were acquired ex viv o, through the ear canal, without perforating the tympanic membrane. Materials: Four excised intact temporal bones and the auditory apparatus we re harvested from cadavers and imaged fresh, without previous fixation. Results: The resulting images were compared with the gross sample and verif ied the ability of OCT to delineate relevant structures, such as the tympan ic membrane and its sublayers, and the middle ear ossicles, nerves, and ten dons at higher resolutions than possible with standard clinical imaging tec hnologies. Conclusion: The ability of OCT to produce high-resolution images of tissue structure, without contact and in real time, as well as its ability to be i ntegrated with endoscopes, suggests that this technology could become a use ful modality for the diagnosis and management of a range of clinical middle ear abnormalities.