Multimodal Endoscopy

Obtaining real-time information about tissue health is essential to effectively diagnose and treat disease. The Multimodal Endoscopy Core investigates imaging of tissue structure, composition and physiology with high speed, contrast, sensitivity and spatial resolution.  Researchers develop multiple imaging technologies, such as fiber-based micro-endoscopic Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Multiphoton Microscopy (MPM) and Coherent Anti-stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) as clinical tools. These optical techniques are useful on their own, and when used in combination, they can vastly improve the diagnosis and management of complex diseases.  

UCI Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic has played a prominent role in the development of fiber-based microendoscopic technologies and translated these technologies for imaging. Although each optical probing technique provides important diagnostic parameters, integration using several methods is necessary to effectively diagnosis and manage complex diseases.  An example is cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, where diagnosis relies on interpreting information about tissue structure, chemical compositions and tissue mechanical properties. Another example is for the diagnosis of cancer where multiple parameters are important for early diagnosis.