Forward scanning vitrectomy OCT microprobe

Summary

The practical employment of OCT probes in surgeries of solid organs or internal cavities has been limited by the lack of miniature forward-scanning probes. Dr. David Huang and colleagues have developed a small forward-scanning OCT vitrectomy probe that would allow for the incorporation of OCT into probe-guided procedures for a variety of organs.

Technology Overview

Most current OCT probes are side scanning, but forward imaging probes are needed in situations where the OCT image itself is used to guide the advance and positioning of the probe in a solid organ (i.e. brain, breast) or where the target of imaging is ahead of the probe rather than on the side. Current forward scanning OCT probes are bulky and complex, and miniaturized high-speed versions will be needed for wider adoption of OCT-guided surgical procedures.  Oregon Health & Science University researchers have developed a OCT vitrectomy probe with the following traits:

• Two-dimensional scanning with autofocusing adjustment.
• Forward and side-scanning capabilities for versatility in medical procedures.
• Small size to minimize tissue disruption.
• Utility for OCT-guided probe placement in a variety of procedures including reoretinal imaging, deep brain electrode insertion, spinal and subdural anesthesia catheter insertion and needle biospies.

Licensing Opportunity

This technology is available for licensing and co-development.