Optical coherence tomography in gastroenterology: a review and future outlook

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique optically analogous to ultrasound that can generate depth-resolved images with micrometer-scale resolution. Advances in fiber optics and miniaturized actuation technologies allow OCT imaging of the human body and further expand OCT utilization in applications including but not limited to cardiology and gastroenterology. This review article provides an overview of current OCT development and its clinical utility in the gastrointestinal tract, including disease detection/differentiation and endoscopic therapy guidance, as well as a discussion of its future applications.

Keywords: Barrett’s esophagus; endoscopic imaging; gastroenterology; inflammatory bowel disease; optical biopsy; optical coherence tomography; volumetric laser endomicroscopy.