Combined multi-channel Doppler optical coherence tomography imaging and therapeutic delivery system

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Both cancerous and non-cancerous conditions can vary dramatically from one patient to the next, limiting the overall success rates of treatments designed for the general population. If a biologically relevant feedback mechanism existed during these treatments, clinicians would be given a powerful tool to provide individualized patient care. One such solution includes the novel imaging modality of optical coherence tomography (OCT), which produces 2D and 3D tissue and microvascular images at the cellular level. Previous research by the applicant has demonstrated that this technology can in fact quantify treatments and predict therapeutic outcomes. However, the penetration depths of OCT images are limited (~1-3mm) to superficial anatomical locations, and existing single-channel systems can not image the large areas typically targeted as required for treatment. In addition, the matching of the treatment volume to the OCT data sets is of great importance for the accurate real-time quantification of therapies. Therefore, this proposal outlines an innovative approach to use simple cost-effective components to develop a multi-channel OCT system to image and monitor multiple anatomical areas at once. This research also details the creation of a next-generation OCT imaging catheter that permits light-based therapies (e.g., photodynamic therapy, laser thermal therapy) to be housed within the same OCT imaging fiber optic cable. New signal processing techniques will also be investigated to automate and quantify the structural and vascular response to therapy in an effort to predict treatment outcome. The engineering and scientific study presented in this proposal has the potential to greatly increase the ability to provide accurate treatment dosimetry derived directly from the microstructural and microvascular response to therapies. This new system design and imaging method has widespread clinical potential for predicting treatment response in a multitude of pathologic conditions and anatomical locations such as the brain, liver, prostate, breast, heart and gastrointestinal tract.