Innovative 4D Optical Method Maps Airway Wall Elasticity During Bronchoscopy

Scientists have introduced a rapid and precise technique to measure the elasticity of airway walls using optical coherence tomography (OCT), a method that could transform respiratory diagnostics. This new approach allows clinicians to assess how airway tissues deform during breathing, providing crucial insights into respiratory health conditions such as airway obstruction or injuries from burns.

Traditionally, measuring airway compliance with OCT required lengthy scans, limiting its practicality in clinical settings. The novel method employs a 'retrospective, respiratory-gated' 4D OCT scanning technique. Instead of sequentially imaging the entire airway, the catheter moves in a sawtooth pattern along a 50 mm segment, capturing data at various points across the breathing cycle—both at high and low pressure. Post-scan, the data is sorted by position and phase of respiration, enabling the calculation of compliance with a fine spatial resolution of 0.5 mm.

The researchers verified this approach in several models, including simulations, rigid and flexible phantoms, and live pigs. In a 3D-printed rigid model, measurements matched actual dimensions within 0.11 mm. Tests on silicone tubes demonstrated a compliance measurement variation of only about 4%, indicating high reproducibility. Additionally, structured balloon experiments mapped elasticity variations effectively, while live pig trials produced compliance values aligning with previous studies and revealed meaningful variations along the airway.

Remarkably, the entire 50 mm scan took less than 42 seconds, equating to about 0.42 seconds per measurement, making it suitable for routine use during bronchoscopy procedures. This technique shows promise for diagnosing and monitoring upper airway disorders, assessing injuries, and guiding treatment decisions, with minimal added time or risk.

This advancement was detailed in the Journal of Biomedical Optics, highlighting the potential for improved airway assessment and patient management. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-4d-optical-technique-airway-wall.html