Design• Through our design we are able to image one A-line, which

shows successful implementation of imaging modality.• We were also able to generate elasticity maps using OCE

system which allowed for analysis of tissue mimicking phantoms to determine changes in elastic properties within the sample.

• This theoretically allows for diagnosis of ACF as ACF alters the elastic properties within tissues.

• Benefits of our design alterations include a cheaper, more cost effective device, a device of a more manageable size and structure, and an overall safer system for use on living organisms.

Future Work• Beam scanning was not possible due to failure of a key

instrument. However, a cheaper, safer alternative was instead utilized.

• In vivo OCE has not yet been incorporated due to limitations of the piezoelectric actuator. However, safer and more effective alternatives are currently being evaluated for testing, and will eventually be implemented in our next prototype.

• Alternatives to our forward scanning probe design is also being considered as next step. A side scanning probe will have greater application in vivo.

• Real-time video rate 3d endoscopy can be performed through the use of a FDML laser that we are able to access. Such an innovation would be a major step forward in future clinical application.

Conclusions• This design provides a proof of concept showing the

implementation of OCT as well as OCE. • The implementation of OCT is fully functional, capable of

capturing one A-Line at a time.

Acknowledgments Dr. Kirill Larin and the members of the Biomedical Optics Laboratory at the University of Houston; this project would not have been possible without their support.

Objectives• Develop a probe capable of Optical Coherence Elastography

for in vivo diagnostics.• Diagnose Aberrant Crypt Foci using imaging techniques for

earliest detection of colorectal cancers.

Background• Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed

among both men and women and is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

• Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are the earliest known lesion associated with colon cancer, and may be able to bypass the colon polyps stage and advance directly to colorectal cancers, highlighting the importance of ACF detection.

Figure 1. Diagram showing the progression of growth to carcinoma. Image courtesy of the American Cancer Society.• Elastography is a technique used to analyze the biomechanical

properties of tissues by applying an external load and measuring the resulting deformation in tissue.

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique wherein backscattered light is combined with light reflected from a mirror to form an image at great depth (Figure 2).

• Optical Coherence Elastography (OCE) is a technique that uses OCT to detect deformation in a sample to measure mechanical contrast; an endoscopic probe would be able to perform tests in vivo, eliminating the need for biopsy (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Comparison data obtained from OCT and elastography technology. Image courtesy of Nature Publishing Group.

ACF detection using Optical Coherence ElastographyAchuth Nair, Julianne Stutz, Shezaan Noorani, Tanmay GandhiDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204

Methods• Our design attempts to integrate imaging and mechanical

contrast detection in order to perform in vivo analysis of a sample. This integration allows us to perform biomechanical testing for sample diagnosis without the need for biopsy.

• Imaging is executed through the use of a complex lens system that includes a GRIN lens that collimates light transmitted by the optical fiber toward a plano-convex lens. This setup allows for high depth resolution imaging.

• Our design sought to induce elastic wave propagation through the Acoustic Radiation Force (ARF) provided by a piezoelectric actuator. The actuator oscillates at high frequency with the application of an electric potential.

• The housing of the probe is constructed using 3D printed acrylic parts.

Figure 3. Probe imaging test set up

Figure 4. OCE imaging on tissue mimicking agar phantoms