Medical optical imaging

Medical optical imaging is a non-invasive technique used in the medical field to visualize and monitor biological tissues. It uses light to assess the optical properties of tissues, and is a crucial tool in medical diagnostics, allowing for early detection of diseases such as cancer.

Overview

Medical optical imaging is a branch of medical imaging that uses light as an investigative tool for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. It is a non-invasive method that allows for the visualization of tissues and cells in the human body. This technique is used in a variety of medical fields, including oncology, neurology, and cardiology.

Techniques

There are several techniques used in medical optical imaging, including Optical coherence tomography (OCT), Photoacoustic imaging, Diffuse optical imaging (DOI), and Fluorescence-mediated tomography (FMT). Each of these techniques has its own advantages and limitations, and they are often used in combination to achieve the best results.

Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a technique that uses light to capture micrometer-resolution, three-dimensional images from within optical scattering media (e.g., biological tissue).

Photoacoustic Imaging

Photoacoustic imaging is a biomedical imaging modality based on the photoacoustic effect. It combines the advantages of optical absorption contrast with ultrasonic spatial resolution for deep imaging in (optical) diffusive or quasi-diffusive regime.

Diffuse Optical Imaging

Diffuse optical imaging (DOI) is a method of imaging using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) that is used to produce an image of a part of the body by detecting the light transmitted through it.

Fluorescence-Mediated Tomography

Fluorescence-mediated tomography (FMT) is a medical imaging technique that uses fluorescent probes to visualize and quantify biological processes in living organisms.

Applications

Medical optical imaging is used in a variety of applications, including the detection and treatment of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. It is also used in research to study the function and structure of biological tissues.

See Also

• Medical imaging
• Optical coherence tomography
• Photoacoustic imaging
• Diffuse optical imaging
• Fluorescence-mediated tomography