Insights into the fiber architecture of the human tympanic membrane by visualizing the depth-resolved optic axis orientation

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/ReportConference contributionContributedpeer-review

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been demonstrated as a promising, non-invasive tool in the field of middle ear diagnostics serving for volumetric imaging and phase-sensitive vibrometry. The evaluation of polarization changes induced by birefringent tissue provides an additional contrast, which leads to insights into the sample's microstructure that are indiscernible in the conventional OCT signal. In this study, the morphology of the human tympanic membrane was investigated by polarization-sensitive OCT (PS-OCT) measurements on temporal bone specimens. A differential approach was introduced to determine the depth-resolved optic axis orientation. This revealed the three-dimensional fiber organization of the lamina propria for the first time. Hence, applying PS-OCT for diagnostic purposes of pathological alterations might improve the assessment of the eardrum and, potentially, the middle ear in the future.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationImaging, Therapeutics, and Advanced Technology in Head and Neck Surgery and Otolaryngology 2025
EditorsBrian J. F. Wong, Justus F. Ilgner
PublisherSPIE - The international society for optics and photonics
ISBN (electronic)9781510683365
Publication statusPublished - 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

SeriesProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume13294
ISSN1605-7422

Conference

TitleImaging, Therapeutics, and Advanced Technology in Head and Neck Surgery and Otolaryngology 2025
Duration25 - 26 January 2025
CitySan Francisco
CountryUnited States of America

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-8160-3000/work/186183998
ORCID /0000-0003-0554-2178/work/186184005
ORCID /0009-0002-1419-8698/work/186184108
ORCID /0009-0008-7642-8608/work/186184148

Keywords

Keywords

  • birefringence, middle ear, polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography, polarized light microscopy