What is optical coherence tomography? What are its advantages?

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is relatively new optical imaging modality that allows high resolution, cross sectional imaging of tissue microstructure.
• OCT can image c an axial resolution of 1-15 mm and has an imaging depth of 2-3 mm in non transparent tissue.

ADVANTAGES OF OCT: The following are its advantages

• OCT imaging can be performed in situ and non destructively enabling the imaging of tissue for which biopsy should be avoided or is impossible.
• OTC images are 10-100 times that of conventional MRI or USG
• Imaging can be performed in real time without the need to process a specimen.
• OCT is fiber optically based and thus can be interfaced to a wide range of instrument including
  • Catheters
  • endoscopes
  • laproscopes
  • Surgical probes
• OCT system can be engineered to be compact portable and low cost depending on the desire system specifications.