High-resolution miniprobe-based confocal microscopy in combination with video mosaicing (with video)

BackgroundA new portable confocal laser microscopy system has recently been developed.ObjectiveOur purpose was to evaluate the feasibility of performing real-time microscopic imaging with a prototype of a new high-resolution miniprobe in conjunction with a video mosaicing algorithm.DesignFeasibility study.SettingTertiary referral center at a large university hospital.PatientsSeven patients referred for endoscopy for various indications.Main Outcome MeasurementsHigh-resolution laser microscopy of the upper and lower GI tract was performed with standard endoscopes. Seven to 10 mL of 1% fluorescein was injected intravenously a few seconds before the procedure. No additional preparation was required. The prototype used has a lateral resolution of 1.2 μm and an axial resolution of 3 μm with a total field of 240 × 200 μm. From all stored video sequences a video mosaicing algorithm was used to combine the successive individual images, cancel motion artifacts, and reconstitute panoramas of the tissues.ResultsCell-to-cell borders, single cell structures, and mucosal inflammation was readily detectable. By the use of the mosaicing algorithm, the image area could be increased 2- to 4-fold, and image definition could be further enhanced to allow finer detail visualization.LimitationsLow number of patients, early feasibility study.ConclusionsOur preliminary data show that high-resolution miniprobe-based confocal fluorescence microscopy in conjunction with video mosaicing has the potential to provide images similar to standard histopathologic studies. Dynamic images with a smaller field of view can be combined to reconstruct still images of high resolution covering a fairly large area.