Ear infections are the most common conditions that pediatricians treat. Studies have found that patients who suffer from chronic ear infections may have a film of bacteria or other microorganisms that builds up behind the eardrum; finding and monitoring these so-called biofilms are important for successfully identifying and treating this condition. However, middle-ear biofilms are difficult to diagnose with a standard otoscope. A new device created by University of Illinois researchers can help find and monitor these biofilms as never before — with the help of optical coherence tomography (OCT), which uses beams of light to collect high-resolution, three-dimensional tissue images.
The single scan is performed in a fraction of a second, and images a few millimeters deep behind the eardrum. This allows doctors to see not only the presence of a biofilm, but also how thick it is and its position against the eardrum.
The researchers hope to make their device — currently a handheld prototype – even more compact, easy to use, and low-cost. The researchers will also work to apply OCT imaging to other areas commonly examined by primary-care physicians, such as the eyes, mouth, nose, or skin.
Click here for the full story.
Also: Learn about more emerging applications for advanced OCT imaging.
