Assessment of Blood Clot Composition by Spectral Optical Coherence Tomography: An In-Vitro Study

Purpose: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has the potential for <i>in vivo</i> clot composition characterization in difficult mechanical embolectomy cases. We performed an <i>in vitro</i> study to determine the OCT characteristics of red blood cells (RBCs) and fibrin rich clots.Materials and Methods: Analogues of 5 compositions of clots (5% to 95% RBCs from Group A to E) were created from human blood. The blood mixture was injected into the bifurcation of a 3D printed bifurcated silicone tube. The OPTISTM Integrated System (St. Jude Medical Inc.) was used to identify the magnitude of OCT signals from different compositions of clots. Martius Scarlett Blue trichrome (MSB) staining was performed to confirm the composition of RBCs and fibrin in each clot.Results: Group A and B showed less signal attenuation (less than 30%) from its surface to the inside, which indicated high penetration (low-back scattering). Group C indicated intermediate signal attenuation (60%) from its surface to inside the clots, in which signals were found even at the periphery of the clot. Group D and E were superficially signal rich with more signal attenuation (more than 80%) from its surface to the inside indicating low penetration (high-back scattering). Signal-free shadowing was shown in 3 clots in Group E. MSB staining indicated color change (from red in fibrin-rich clots to yellow in RBC-rich clots).Conclusion: Different compositions of clots can be assessed using OCT. Fibrin-rich clots have homogeneous signals with high penetration, while RBC-rich clots can be recognized as superficially signal rich with low penetration.

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Dental optical coherence tomography: a comparison of two in vitro systems

Dentomaxillofacial Radiology ◽

10.1038/sj.dmfr.4600507 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 85-89 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

L L Otis ◽

B W Colston ◽

M J Everett ◽

H Nathel

Keyword(s):

Optical Coherence Tomography ◽

Optical Coherence ◽

In Vitro Systems

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Optimization of X-ray Investigations in Dentistry Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21134554 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (13) ◽

pp. 4554

Author(s):

Ralph-Alexandru Erdelyi ◽

Virgil-Florin Duma ◽

Cosmin Sinescu ◽

George Mihai Dobre ◽

Adrian Bradu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Optical Coherence Tomography ◽

Radiation Dose ◽

Imaging Techniques ◽

Image Resolution ◽

Optical Coherence ◽

X Rays ◽

High Quality ◽

X Ray

The most common imaging technique for dental diagnoses and treatment monitoring is X-ray imaging, which evolved from the first intraoral radiographs to high-quality three-dimensional (3D) Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Other imaging techniques have shown potential, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). We have recently reported on the boundaries of these two types of techniques, regarding. the dental fields where each one is more appropriate or where they should be both used. The aim of the present study is to explore the unique capabilities of the OCT technique to optimize X-ray units imaging (i.e., in terms of image resolution, radiation dose, or contrast). Two types of commercially available and widely used X-ray units are considered. To adjust their parameters, a protocol is developed to employ OCT images of dental conditions that are documented on high (i.e., less than 10 μm) resolution OCT images (both B-scans/cross sections and 3D reconstructions) but are hardly identified on the 200 to 75 μm resolution panoramic or CBCT radiographs. The optimized calibration of the X-ray unit includes choosing appropriate values for the anode voltage and current intensity of the X-ray tube, as well as the patient’s positioning, in order to reach the highest possible X-rays resolution at a radiation dose that is safe for the patient. The optimization protocol is developed in vitro on OCT images of extracted teeth and is further applied in vivo for each type of dental investigation. Optimized radiographic results are compared with un-optimized previously performed radiographs. Also, we show that OCT can permit a rigorous comparison between two (types of) X-ray units. In conclusion, high-quality dental images are possible using low radiation doses if an optimized protocol, developed using OCT, is applied for each type of dental investigation. Also, there are situations when the X-ray technology has drawbacks for dental diagnosis or treatment assessment. In such situations, OCT proves capable to provide qualitative images.

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