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Results for “Tomography, Optical”

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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1997

Image reconstruction in optical tomography.

Optical tomography is a new medical imaging modality that is at the threshold of realization. A large amount of clinical work has shown the very real benefits that such a method could provide. At the same time a considerable effort has been put into theoretical studies of its probable success. At present there exist gaps between these two realms. In this paper we review some general approaches to inverse problems to set the context for optical tomography, defining both the terms forward problem and inverse problem. An essential requirement is to treat the problem in a nonlinear fashion, by using an iterative method. This in turn requires a convenient method of evaluating the forward problem, and its derivatives and variance. Photon transport models are described for obtaining analytical and numerical solutions for the most commonly used ones are reviewed. The inverse problem is approached by classical gradient-based solution methods. In order to develop practical implementations of these methods, we discuss the important topic of photon measurement density functions, which represent the derivative of the forward problem. We show some results that represent the most complex and realistic simulations of optical tomography yet developed. We suggest, in particular, that both time-resolved, and intensity-modulated systems can reconstruct variations in both optical absorption and scattering, but that unmodulated, non-time-resolved systems are prone to severe artefact. We believe that optical tomography reconstruction methods can now be reliably applied to a wide variety of real clinical data. The expected resolution of the method is poor, meaning that it is unlikely that the type of high-resolution images seen in computed tomography or medical resonance imaging can ever be obtained. Nevertheless we strongly expect the functional nature of these images to have a high degree of clinical significance.

Image Processing, Computer-Assisted↗

PubMed2002

Volume image reconstruction for diffuse optical tomography.

Optical tomography is a potential diagnostic method for visualizing optical properties of tissues in vivo. We present an optical tomography method that has been designed for imaging of the human testes, particularly for spectroscopic tumor differentiation. In this application we need to compute three-dimensional distributions of the optical contrast (absorption coefficient) in the tissue in real time. Thus we have given special care to elaborate an efficient inverse algorithm that takes the limitations of spatial resolution and data space point density into account. Our inverse solution is based on a linearization approach and a dedicated object space discretization. Furthermore, we introduce the concept of fuzzy voxels, which enables a reconstruction-inherent image smoothing.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2004

Parallel programming of gradient-based iterative image reconstruction schemes for optical tomography.

Optical tomography (OT) is a fast developing novel imaging modality that uses near-infrared (NIR) light to obtain cross-sectional views of optical properties inside the human body. A major challenge remains the time-consuming, computational-intensive image reconstruction problem that converts NIR transmission measurements into cross-sectional images. To increase the speed of iterative image reconstruction schemes that are commonly applied for OT, we have developed and implemented several parallel algorithms on a cluster of workstations. Static process distribution as well as dynamic load balancing schemes suitable for heterogeneous clusters and varying machine performances are introduced and tested. The resulting algorithms are shown to accelerate the reconstruction process to various degrees, substantially reducing the computation times for clinically relevant problems.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2002

Near-infrared diffuse optical tomography.

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is emerging as a viable new biomedical imaging modality. Using near-infrared (NIR) light, this technique probes absorption as well as scattering properties of biological tissues. First commercial instruments are now available that allow users to obtain cross-sectional and volumetric views of various body parts. Currently, the main applications are brain, breast, limb, joint, and fluorescence/bioluminescence imaging. Although the spatial resolution is limited when compared with other imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-ray computerized tomography (CT), DOT provides access to a variety of physiological parameters that otherwise are not accessible, including sub-second imaging of hemodynamics and other fast-changing processes. Furthermore, DOT can be realized in compact, portable instrumentation that allows for bedside monitoring at relatively low cost. In this paper, we present an overview of current state-of-the -art technology, including hardware and image-reconstruction algorithms, and focus on applications in brain and joint imaging. In addition, we present recent results of work on optical tomographic imaging in small animals.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1995

Initial assessment of a simple system for frequency domain diffuse optical tomography.

Diffuse optical tomography is an imaging technique whereby spatial maps of absorption and scattering coefficients are derived from the characteristics of multiply scattered light transmitted through the object. The system described here used four intensity-modulated light sources and measurements of the intensity and phase (relative to each source) at 16 or 20 detectors on the surface of a 10 cm diameter cylinder. An iterative Newton-Raphson algorithm was used to estimate the absorption and scattering coefficients at each pixel in a 17 x 17 array minimizing the difference between measured and calculated values of the intensity and phase at the measurement sites. Forward calculations of the intensity and phase were based on a multigrid finite-difference solution of the frequency domain diffusion equation. Numerical simulations were used to examine the resolution, contrast, and accuracy of the reconstructions as well as the effects of measurement noise, systematic uncertainties in source-detector location, and accuracy of the initial estimates for the optical properties. Experimental tests also confirmed that the system could identify and locate both scattering and absorbing inhomogeneities in a tissue-simulating phantom.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2003

Optode positional calibration in diffuse optical tomography.

Although diffuse optical tomography is a highly promising technique used to noninvasively image blood volume and oxygenation, the reconstructed data are sensitive to systemic difference between the forward model and the actual experimental conditions. In particular, small changes in optode location or in the optode-tissue coupling coefficient significantly degrade the quality of the reconstruction images. Accurate system calibration therefore is an essential part of any experimental protocol. We present a technique for simultaneously calibrating optode positions and reconstructing images that significantly improves image quality, as we demonstrate with simulations and phantom experiments.

Calibration↗

PubMed2003

Noncontact optical tomography of turbid media.

Optical tomography of turbid media has so far been limited by systems that require fixed geometries or measurements employing fibers. We present a system that records noncontact optical measurements from diffuse media of arbitrary shapes and retrieves the three-dimensional surface information of the diffuse medium. We further present a novel method of combining this composite data set and obtain accurate fluorescence reconstructions. This approach offers significant experimental simplicity and yields high-information-content datasets. The performance of this novel tomographic approach is demonstrated with experimental reconstructions of phantoms.

Models, Theoretical↗

PubMed2002

Imaging of spatiotemporal coincident states by DC optical tomography.

The utility of optical tomography as a practical imaging modality has, thus far, been limited by its intrinsically low spatial resolution and quantitative accuracy. Recently, we have argued that a broad range of physiological phenomena might be accurately studied by adopting this technology to investigate dynamic states (Schmitz et al., 2000; Barbour et al., 2000; Graber et al., 2000; Barbour et aL, 2001; and Barbour et aL, 1999). One such phenomenon holding considerable significance is the dynamics of the vasculature, which has been well characterized as being both spatially and temporally heterogeneous. In this paper, we have modeled such heterogeneity in the limiting case of spatiotemporal coincident behavior involving optical contrast features, in an effort to define the expected limits with which dynamic states can be characterized using two newly described reconstruction methods that evaluate normalized detector data: the normalized difference method (NDM) and the normalized constraint method (NCM). Influencing the design of these studies is the expectation that spatially coincident temporal variations in both the absorption and scattering properties of tissue can occur in vivo. We have also chosen to model dc illumination techniques, in recognition of their favorable performance and cost for practical systems. This choice was made with full knowledge of theoretical findings arguing that separation of the optical absorption and scattering coefficients under these conditions is not possible. Results obtained show that the NDM algorithm provides for good spatial resolution and excellent characterization of the temporal behavior of optical properties but is subject to interparameter crosstalk. The NCM algorithm, while also providing excellent characterization of temporal behavior, provides for improved spatial resolution, as well as for improved separation of absorption and scattering coefficients. A discussion is provided to reconcile these findings with theoretical expectations.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2001

Use of penalty terms in gradient-based iterative reconstruction schemes for optical tomography.

It is well known that the reconstruction problem in optical tomography is ill-posed. In other words, many different spatial distributions of optical properties inside the medium can lead to the same detector readings on the surface of the medium under consideration. Therefore, the choice of an appropriate method to overcome this problem is of crucial importance for any successful optical tomographic image reconstruction algorithm. In this work we approach the problem within a gradient-based iterative image reconstruction scheme. The image reconstruction is considered to be a minimization of an appropriately defined objective function. The objective function can be separated into a least-square-error term, which compares predicted and actual detector readings, and additional penalty terms that may contain a priori information about the system. For the efficient minimization of this objective function the gradient with respect to the spatial distribution of optical properties is calculated. Besides presenting the underlying concepts in our approach to overcome ill-posedness in optical tomography, we will show numerical results that demonstrate how prior knowledge, represented as penalty terms, can improve the reconstruction results.

Humans↗

PubMed2003

Volumetric diffuse optical tomography of brain activity.

We present three-dimensional diffuse optical tomography of the hemodynamic response to somatosensory stimulation in a rat. These images show the feasibility of volumetrically imaging the functional response to brain activity with diffuse light. A combination of positional optode calibration and contrast-to-noise ratio weighting was found to improve imaging performance.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2002

Three-dimensional fluorescence enhanced optical tomography using referenced frequency-domain photon migration measurements at emission and excitation wavelengths.

The ultimate success of near-infrared optical tomography rests on the precise measurement of light propagation within tissues or random media, the accurate prediction of these measurements from a light propagation model, and an efficient three-dimensional solution of the inverse imaging problem. To date, optical tomography algorithms have focused on frequency-domain photon migration (FDPM) measurements of phase-delay and amplitude attenuation, which are reported relative to the incident light, even though phase-delay and amplitude of incident light are nearly impossible to measure directly. In this contribution, we examine referenced, fluorescence-enhanced frequency-domain photon migration measured at excitation and/or emission wavelengths and report on a measurement strategy to minimize measurement and calibration error for efficient coupling of data to a distorted Born iterative imaging algorithm. We examine three referencing approaches and develop associated inversion algorithms for (1) normalizing detected emission FDPM data to the predicted emission wave arising from a homogeneous medium, (2) referencing detected emission FDPM data to that detected at a reference point, and (3) referencing detected emission FDPM data to detected excitation FDPM data detected at a reference point. Our results show the latter approach to be practical while reducing the nonlinearity of the inverse problem. Finally, in light of our results, we demonstrate the method for eliminating the influence of source strength and instrument functions for effective fluorescence-enhanced optical tomography using FDPM.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2004

Reconstructing chromosphere concentration images directly by continuous-wave diffuse optical tomography.

We present an algorithm to reconstruct chromosphere concentration images directly rather than following the traditional two-step process of reconstructing wavelength-dependent absorption coefficient images and then calculating chromosphere concentration images. This procedure imposes prior spectral information into the image reconstruction that results in a dramatic improvement in the image contrast-to-noise ratio of better than 100%. We demonstrate this improvement with simulations and a dynamic blood phantom experiment.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2004

Differentiation of cysts from solid tumors in the breast with diffuse optical tomography.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Near-infrared diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is an emerging imaging technology that has the potential to offer enhanced contrast resolution over the existing technologies for detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Thus far, the clinical evaluation of DOT has been largely limited to solid tumors. A pilot clinical study focused on DOT imaging of breasts with cysts is presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six cases were studied using the recently developed compact, parallel-detection DOT system. Images characterizing the tissue absorption and scattering were obtained with a finite element-based reconstruction algorithm. The optical images were compared with the mammograms and sonograms. In one case, in vitro measurements of optical properties were conducted for the fluid obtained from needle aspiration. RESULTS: Substantial contrast between cyst and adjacent parenchyma is observed. For the six cases evaluated, the locations and sizes of cysts imaged optically are accurate and consistent with the mammographic and sonographic findings. For the case that aspiration was performed, the absorption and scattering coefficients imaged in the cyst region are quantitatively accurate compared with that measured in vitro from the fluid aspirated. CONCLUSION: This pilot study shows that cysts ranging from 1-4 cm in diameter can be quantitatively imaged. They can be differentiated from solid breast tumors because cysts generally demonstrate lower absorption and scattering coefficients compared with the surrounding normal tissue, whereas solid tumors show concurrent higher absorption and scattering related to the normal tissue.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Uniqueness and wavelength optimization in continuous-wave multispectral diffuse optical tomography.

We derive conditions for the unique and simultaneous recovery of chromophore concentrations and scattering coefficients in multispectral continuous-wave diffuse optical tomography. These conditions depend strongly on measurement wavelengths. We introduce and demonstrate a general methodology for choosing those wavelengths, which yields superior separation of scattering from absorption and superior separation of one chromophore from another. Application of these concepts should significantly improve the fidelity of continuous-wave diffuse near-infrared optical tomography in tissues.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed1999

Gradient-based iterative image reconstruction scheme for time-resolved optical tomography.

Currently available tomographic image reconstruction schemes for optical tomography (OT) are mostly based on the limiting assumptions of small perturbations and a priori knowledge of the optical properties of a reference medium. Furthermore, these algorithms usually require the inversion of large, full, ill-conditioned Jacobian matrixes. In this work a gradient-based iterative image reconstruction (GIIR) method is presented that promises to overcome current limitations. The code consists of three major parts: 1) A finite-difference, time-resolved, diffusion forward model is used to predict detector readings based on the spatial distribution of optical properties; 2) An objective function that describes the difference between predicted and measured data; 3) An updating method that uses the gradient of the objective function in a line minimization scheme to provide subsequent guesses of the spatial distribution of the optical properties for the forward model. The reconstruction of these properties is completed, once a minimum of this objective function is found. After a presentation of the mathematical background, two- and three-dimensional reconstruction of simple heterogeneous media as well as the clinically relevant example of ventricular bleeding in the brain are discussed. Numerical studies suggest that intraventricular hemorrhages can be detected using the GIIR technique, even in the presence of a heterogeneous background.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2001

Three-dimensional time-resolved optical tomography of a conical breast phantom.

A 32-channel time-resolved imaging device for medical optical tomography has been employed to evaluate a scheme for imaging the human female breast. The fully automated instrument and the reconstruction procedure have been tested on a conical phantom with tissue-equivalent optical properties. The imaging protocol has been designed to obviate compression of the breast and the need for coupling fluids. Images are generated from experimental data with an iterative reconstruction algorithm that employs a three-dimensional (3D) finite-element diffusion-based forward model. Embedded regions with twice the background optical properties are revealed in separate 3D absorption and scattering images of the phantom. The implications for 3D time-resolved optical tomography of the breast are discussed.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2003

Transmission- and side-detection configurations in ultrasound-modulated optical tomography of thick biological tissues.

Ultrasound-modulated optical tomography of thick biological tissues was studied based on speckle-contrast detection. Speckle decorrelation was investigated with biological tissue samples of various thicknesses. Images of optically absorbing objects buried in biological tissue samples with thicknesses up to 50 mm were obtained in a transmission-detection configuration. The image contrast was more than 30%, and the spatial resolution was approximately 2 mm. In addition, a side-detection scheme along with two specific configurations were examined, and the advantages were demonstrated. Experimental results implied feasibility of applying the ultrasound-modulation technique to characterize optical properties in inhomogeneous biological tissues.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Measurement and imaging of birefringent properties of the human cornea with phase-resolved, polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging technology for high-resolution, noncontact imaging of transparent and scattering media. Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is a functional extension of OCT that can image birefringent properties of a biological sample. PS-OCT was used to measure and image retardation and birefringent axis orientation of in vitro human cornea. We used a two-channel PS-OCT system employing a phase-sensitive recording of the interferometric signals in two orthogonal polarization channels. Using an algorithm based on a Hilbert transform, it is possible to calculate the retardation and the slow axis orientation of the sample with only a single A-scan per transversal measurement location. While the retardation information is encoded in the amplitude ratio of the two interferometric signals, the axis orientation is encoded entirely in their phase difference. We present maps of retardation and the distribution of slow axis orientation of the human cornea in longitudinal cross-sections and en face images obtained at the back surface of the cornea. The retardation increases in a radial direction and with depth; the slow axis varies in the transversal direction. Knowledge of the retardation and the slow axis distribution of the cornea might improve nerve fiber polarimetry for glaucoma diagnostics and could be useful for diagnosing different types of pathologies of the cornea.

Birefringence↗