Intraluminal three-dimensional optical coherence tomography – a tool for imaging of the Eustachian tube?

Schuon, Robert; Mrevlje, Blaž; Vollmar, Brigitte; Lenarz, Thomas; Paasche, Gerrit

doi:10.1017/s002221511800230x

Cited by 10 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…As this goes along with the smallest circumference it is taken as indicator for a small but permanently open lumen. The axial diagram of the course corresponds to the examination of the ET at rest in the OCT [ 30 ]. The large circumference is caused by the longitudinal mucosal folds [ 48 ] along the tube axis, which are predominantly posterior to the torus tubarius up to the transition area [ 14 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Tomographic multiplanar imaging is especially the subject of static and dynamic functional studies both from bony parts of the ear [ 25 ] and of the ET [ 11 , 25 – 29 ]. In addition, optical coherence tomography might present new possibilities for three dimensional imaging [ 30 ]. Also, three-dimensional modeling [ 25 , 31 , 32 ] and simulations such as finite element methods [ 7 , 33 , 34 ] have been applied.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Functional aspects of the Eustachian tube by means of 3D-modeling

et al. 2021

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The extent of dysfunction of the Eustachian tube (ET) is relevant in understanding the pathogenesis of secondary otological diseases such as acute or chronic otitis media. The underlying mechanism of ET dysfunction remains poorly understood except for an apparent genesis such as a nasopharyngeal tumor or cleft palate. To better describe the ET, its functional anatomy, and the biomechanical valve mechanism and subsequent development of diagnostic and interventional tools, a three-dimensional model based on thin-layer histology was created from an ET in this study. Blackface sheep was chosen as a donor. The 3-D model was generated by the coherent alignment of the sections. It was then compared with the cone-beam computed tomography dataset of the complete embedded specimen taken before slicing. The model shows the topographic relation of the individual components, such as the bone and cartilage, the muscles and connective tissue, as well as the lining epithelium with the lumen. It indicates a limited spiraling rotation of the cartilaginous tube over its length and relevant positional relationships of the tensor and levator veli palatine muscles.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Functional aspects of the Eustachian tube by means of 3D-modeling

et al. 2021

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“…Imaging techniques are the basis by which to investigate and better understand the mechanisms of ET. Until now, different techniques have been used to image the ET, such as radiography, computed tomography (CT) [ 9 , 10 ], cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) [ 11 , 12 ], magnetic resonance tomography (MRI) [ 13 , 14 ], endoscopy [ 2 , 15 ], optical coherence tomography (OCT) [ 16 , 17 , 18 ] and endoluminal sonography with transfer of Intravascular Ultrasonography (IVUS) used in cardiology [ 19 ]. Nevertheless, so far, there is still a lack of clinically suitable examination methods [ 20 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intravascular Ultrasonography (IVUS)—A Tool for Imaging the Eustachian Tube?

et al. 2022

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The Eustachian tube (ET) has a key role in the pathogenesis of otitis media. Until now, there has been a lack of meaningful imaging methods to investigate the ET and its surrounding tissue. The aim of the current study was to investigate the possibilities of imaging the ET using Intravascular Ultrasonography (IVUS). ETs from sheep were scanned ex vivo and in vivo with different IVUS probes. In addition to native ETs, water was also used to improve coupling. Scans were subsequently compared with histological sections and a 3D model of the ET. In addition, ETs with a stenosis induced by a hyaluronic acid depot, after stent insertion, and during lower jaw movement were examined. The IVUS catheter was inserted into the ET lumen without any problems or injuries in all cases. The surrounding structures of the ET were identified in the ultrasound image. In addition, a change in size of the ET lumen due to movement was observed, and the position of the stent and the depot of hyaluronic acid could be examined. With the use of IVUS, a non-invasive possibility to examine the ET over its course with the adjacent structures as well as after different treatments is presented.

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“…To overcome the diagnostic challenges of conventional otoscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been implemented in probe-based, portable systems for middle ear imaging [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Other form factors or beam-delivery systems, such as endoscope- and catheter-based OCT systems, have also been investigated for imaging the middle ear in vivo [ 15 , 16 ] and the Eustachian tube ex vivo [ 17 , 18 ]. OCT, first developed in 1991 [ 19 ], provides depth-resolved, cross-sectional images similar to ultrasound imaging, though employing near-infrared light instead of acoustic waves.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Handheld Briefcase Optical Coherence Tomography with Real-Time Machine Learning Classifier for Middle Ear Infections

et al. 2021

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A middle ear infection is a prevalent inflammatory disease most common in the pediatric population, and its financial burden remains substantial. Current diagnostic methods are highly subjective, relying on visual cues gathered by an otoscope. To address this shortcoming, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been integrated into a handheld imaging probe. This system can non-invasively and quantitatively assess middle ear effusions and identify the presence of bacterial biofilms in the middle ear cavity during ear infections. Furthermore, the complete OCT system is housed in a standard briefcase to maximize its portability as a diagnostic device. Nonetheless, interpreting OCT images of the middle ear more often requires expertise in OCT as well as middle ear infections, making it difficult for an untrained user to operate the system as an accurate stand-alone diagnostic tool in clinical settings. Here, we present a briefcase OCT system implemented with a real-time machine learning platform for middle ear infections. A random forest-based classifier can categorize images based on the presence of middle ear effusions and biofilms. This study demonstrates that our briefcase OCT system coupled with machine learning can provide user-invariant classification results of middle ear conditions, which may greatly improve the utility of this technology for the diagnosis and management of middle ear infections.

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Intraluminal three-dimensional optical coherence tomography – a tool for imaging of the Eustachian tube?

Cited by 10 publications

References 22 publications

Functional aspects of the Eustachian tube by means of 3D-modeling

Functional aspects of the Eustachian tube by means of 3D-modeling

Intravascular Ultrasonography (IVUS)—A Tool for Imaging the Eustachian Tube?

Handheld Briefcase Optical Coherence Tomography with Real-Time Machine Learning Classifier for Middle Ear Infections

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