Imaging the human vocal folds in vivo with optical coherence tomography: a preliminary experience

Abstract

Objectives: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and polarization-sensitive OCT (PS-OCT) are promising noninvasive methods for in vivo, cross-sectional imaging of the microstructure of the vocal folds. Previous studies in other tissues have shown an axial resolution of less than 10 microm and a maximum imaging depth of about 2 mm. The objectives of this pilot study were to obtain images from the vocal folds of subjects who were being evaluated and/or treated for vocal fold disease and to evaluate how well normal and pathologic microstructure could be seen in these images.

Methods: Twenty-six vocal folds in 13 subjects were imaged with a flexible OCT probe. The images were successfully collected from subjects who were either topically anesthetized or under general anesthesia for microlaryngoscopic procedures.

Results: The thickness of the epithelium, the relative collagen content of the subepithelial connective tissue, and certain characteristic features of lesions (including cysts, scarring, and papilloma) were seen in the OCT and PS-OCT images.

Conclusions: "Live microscopy" of the human vocal folds is very promising for improved diagnosis, mapping, and treatment planning. To our knowledge, this study is the first application of PS-OCT for in vivo imaging of the human vocal folds.