Optical Coherence Tomography: High-Resolution Balloon Catheter Imaging, Dispersion Management, and Lateral-Priority Real-Time Imaging and Focus Tracking
Introduction Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique that uses light to acquire three-dimensional images of biological tissue. This non-invasive technique generates highquality images in real time and easily integrates with existing endoscope technologies. It is commonly used to image intravascular and intraluminal spaces. Technology Description Professor Li at the University of Washington has developed an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device that incorporates a balloon catheter while maintaining highresolution capabilities. A balloon catheter can assist in stabilizing the OCT in relation to its substrate to avoid motion artifacts and, in the case of gastrointestinal imaging, in flattening the natural folds of the luminal wall to improve imaging quality. However, this ballooning process typically repositions the lens farther away from the substrate, increasing its working distance and reducing its resolving power. Professor Li has solved this problem with a device that increases the resolving power of OCT technology no matter the working distance required. In addition, Professor Li has developed the technologies to both improve compensation of dispersion mismatch for more ideal axial resolution and improve focus-tracking and realtime imaging by instituting a lateral-priority image acquisition scheme. Business Opportunity This technology is applicable to the imaging of any tissue accessible by endoscopy. It could prove useful in the early detection of a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, such as Barrett’s esophagus, or vascular disorders. Stage of Development Professor Li has developed a working prototype of this device. Intellectual Property Position The UW has patents pending on this technology.Type of Offer: Licensing
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