Optical coherence tomography—current technology and applications in clinical and biomedical research

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique providing real-time twoand three-dimensional images of scattering samples with micrometer resolution. Mapping the local reflectivity, OCT visualizes the morphology of the sample. In addition, functional properties such as birefringence, motion or the distribution of certain substances can be detected with high spatial resolution. The main field of application is bio-medical imaging and diagnostics. In ophthalmology, OCT is accepted as a clinical standard for diagnosing and monitoring treatment of a number of retinal diseases, and OCT is becoming an important instrument for clinical cardiology. New applications are emerging in various medical fields, e. g. early-stage cancer detection, surgical guidance, and early diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases. OCT has also proven its value as a tool for developmental biology. The number of companies involved in manufacturing OCT systems has increased substantially during the last years-especially due to its success in opthalmology-and this technology can be expected to continue to spread into various fields of application.

Skin imaging in systemic sclerosis

“…techniques (e.g., confocal microscopy) and techniques with long penetration depth (e.g., US imaging) (40).…”

Use of OCT Imaging in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Age Related Macular Degeneration

“…One of the most recent innovations is the possibility to deliver simultaneously data offered by various examination methods: OCT, red-free photography, autofluorescence, angiography, SLO, Eye -Tracking systems, microperimetry (Marschall et al, 2011). The use of various wavelengths would create the possibility to penetrate deeper and examine the choroid.…”

Resolution characteristics of optical coherence tomography for dental use

“…1 High-resolution tomographic images are a speciality of OCT, and they enable observation of living objects in real time at micrometre levels. 2 This technology was recently introduced into the dental field and some prototype machines have been developed. Potentially useful applications of these machines have been reported such as in the assessment of caries, enamel cracks, periodontal gingiva status and material defects.…”