Laparoscopic optical coherence tomography system for 3D bladder tumor detection

Early and accurate detection of neoplastic changes remains a critical challenge in bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment. Using existing cystoscopy guided techniques, direct visualization of the tumor is limited to the surface of the bladder. Assessment of sub-surface three-dimensional (3D) tumor extension and sub-surface tumor margin is a challenge. In our study, we developed a laparoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging platform based on a rigid Gradient Index (GRIN) lenses (diameter ~ 4.5 mm) for imaging subsurface bladder tissues. Bladder tissues from UPII-SV40T mice models were imaged by this system ex vivo and algorithm was developed to quantify sub-surface tumor extension.