Deep-tissue access with confocal fluorescence microendoscopy through hypodermic needles
- PMID: 21503033
- DOI: 10.1364/OE.19.007213
Deep-tissue access with confocal fluorescence microendoscopy through hypodermic needles
Abstract
We report on the design and implementation of a gradient-index microendoscope suitable for accessing tissues deep within the body using confocal fluorescence imaging. The 350-μm diameter microendoscope has a length of 27 mm, which enables it to be inserted through a 22-gauge hypodermic needle. A prototype imaging system is demonstrated to obtain images of tissue samples at depths of ~15 mm with a lateral resolution of ~700 nm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest resolution and imaging depth reported for a confocal probe of these dimensions. We employ a scanning arrangement using a lensed fiber that can conveniently control the input beam parameters without causing off-axis aberrations typically present in the optical relay lenses used in galvanometer-mirror scanning systems.
© 2011 Optical Society of America
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