Optical coherence tomography: a novel modality for scrotal imaging

Ex vivo investigations on the potential of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a diagnostic tool for reproductive medicine in a bovine model

Routine infertility investigations in the male and female include imaging techniques such as ultrasonography and endoscopy (fertiloscopy). However, these techniques lack the resolution to localize vital sperm or to reveal detailed morphological analysis of the oviduct which is often the cause of infertility in females. Therefore we set out to evaluate the efficiency of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a diagnostic imaging tool for micron-scale visualization of the male and female genital tract. Using the bovine as a model, the optical features of the Telesto(TM) , Ganymede(TM) (both Thorlabs) and Niris(TM) (Imalux) OCT imaging systems were compared.

Optical coherence tomography diagnostics for onco-urology. Review of clinical perspectives

Introduction

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is being investigated widely for use in urologic pathology. The current imaging of urogenital cancers cannot be perfect, thus, routine methods demands new updates or inventions of alternative radiological scope. OCT presents so–called “live” optical biopsy. The authors aim to review this modality for uro–oncological purposes.

Matherial and methods

A series of 37 publications between 1989 and 2012 was selected and cited from GoogleScholar and PubMED/MEDLINE. The urogenital tract (bladder, ureter, scrotum organs and prostate) was imaged by OCT.

Results

The overall OCT sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative and positive predictive values ranged a lot on example of the urinary bladder's tumors screening. The data were 75–100%, 65–97.9%, 92%, 75%, 100%, respectively. Notwithstanding, a diagnostic importance of OCT may be comparable with urine cytology, cystoscopy, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Conclusions

OCT demonstrated its imaging potential, while till the present OCT plays role of an additional imaging. Future progress of OCT involvement in experimental and clinical once–urological diagnostics is needed under high evidence control.

Application of optical coherence tomography and high-frequency ultrasound imaging during noninvasive laser vasectomy

A noninvasive approach to vasectomy may eliminate male fear of complications related to surgery and increase its acceptance. Noninvasive laser thermal occlusion of the canine vas deferens has recently been reported. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) are compared for monitoring laser thermal coagulation of the vas in an acute canine model. Bilateral noninvasive laser coagulation of the vas was performed in six dogs (n=12 vasa) using a Ytterbium fiber laser wavelength of 1075 nm, incident power of 9.0 W, pulse duration of 500 ms, pulse rate of 1 Hz, and 3-mm-diameter spot. Cryogen spray cooling was used to prevent skin burns during the procedure. An OCT system with endoscopic probe and a HFUS system with 20-MHz transducer were used to image the vas immediately before and after the procedure. Vasa were then excised and processed for gross and histologic analysis for comparison with OCT and HFUS images. OCT provided high-resolution, superficial imaging of the compressed vas within the vas ring clamp, while HFUS provided deeper imaging of the vas held manually in the scrotal fold. Both OCT and high HFUS are promising imaging modalities for real-time confirmation of vas occlusion during noninvasive laser vasectomy.