Optical detection of middle ear infection using spectroscopic techniques: phantom experiments

Abstract

A noninvasive optical technique, which is based on a combination of reflectance spectroscopy and gas in scattering media absorption spectroscopy, is demonstrated. It has the potential to improve diagnostics of middle ear infections. An ear phantom prepared with a tissue cavity, which was covered with scattering material, was used for spectroscopic measurements. Diffuse reflectance spectra of the phantom eardrum were measured with a reflectance probe. The presence of oxygen and water vapor as well as gas exchange in the phantom cavity were studied with a specially designed fiber-optic probe for backscattering detection geometry. The results suggest that this method can be developed for improved clinical detection of middle ear infection.

Towards an optical diagnostic system for otitis media using a combination of otoscopy and spectroscopy

“…The two characteristic hemoglobin absorption peaks at 540 and 580 nm, as well as the increasing absorption towards the main absorption Soret band of hemoglobin, peaking close to 405 nm, are clearly seen. An inflamed eardrum would in contrast show much more pronounced absorption peaks—the drum appears more red to the human eye .…”

“…It has the potential to non‐invasively measure the concentration of oxygen also behind the eardrum, where oxygen relates to ventilation and possibly to bacterial/viral origin of infection. We have performed exploratory studies along these lines on a human ear phantom . The present paper represents a further step towards realizing a fully clinically relevant diagnostic tool.…”

“…In our earlier work , an ear phantom based on a fish swimming bladder was constructed to explore the potential of GASMAS, also combined with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for the detection of middle ear infection. The experimental results obtained from the phantom measurements showed that the GASMAS technique has a potential to study the gas content in cavities, such as the human middle‐ear cavity.…”

Development of a 3‐dimensional tissue lung phantom of a preterm infant for optical measurements of oxygen—Laser‐detector position considerations

“…The technique has proven to be valuable in a number of medical applications by detecting gas embedded in the human sinus cavities and the mastoid bone . Model experiments for measurements of GASMAS signals through the ear drum have also been carried out . Our research group has been able to detect both oxygen and water vapor in a feasibility in vitro study of the GASMAS technique used on lung phantoms from wild boar lungs .…”

Detection of free oxygen and water vapor in fertilized and unfertilized eggs by diode laser spectroscopy—Exploration of diagnostics possibilities

“…The GASMAS technique has previously been used for characterizing materials, packed foods, and for medical diagnostics .…”