Adamson, Robert B. A.1,2; MacDougall, Dan1; Farrell, Josh1; Jahns, Matthew1; Hubley, Drew3; Farrell, Matthew3; Morrison, Christine5; Morris, David4,5
1 School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada;
2 Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada;
3 Audioptics Medical Inc., Halifax, Canada;
4 Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada;
5 Division of Otolaryngology, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Canada.
Introduction:
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive, depth-resolved imaging modality that produces images similar to ultrasound but images with light instead of sound[1,2]. Here we describe Ossiview, the first fully integrated, turn-key endoscopic system for clinical 2D and 3D OCT-based middle ear imaging and velocimetry.
Methods:
Study design: Case report series. We collect real-time video-rate B-mode images of slices through the middle ear volume, real-time 3D volumetric images and spatially-resolved amplitude and phase of vibration of ear structures along an image line in response to sound in selected patients.
Setting: Tertiary care otology center.
Patients: Patients selected for imaging following clinical diagnosis.
Intervention: Diagnostic imaging.
Discussion:
Main outcome measures: OCT images are qualitatively compared against expected results given the diagnosis and against comparable images taken with computed tomography and surgical microscopy. Velocimetric data is compared to normative data obtained in healthy controls.
Results: OCT is capable of visualizing structural correlates of disease and is complementary to current structural and functional diagnostics provided by computed tomography and tympanometry. The ability to spatially resolve vibrometric response of middle ear structures offers increased sensitivity to ossicular fixation compared to conventional functional diagnostics[3].
Conclusion: As compared to other non-invasive diagnostic modalities, OCT has significant advantages in terms of imaging resolution, availability at point of care, lack of exposure to ionizing radiation, ease of use, low cost and real-time response. The velocimetric features of middle ear OCT offer new diagnostic possibilities not available with any current functional middle ear diagnostic technologies.