Ultra-High-Resolution (UHR) Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in the Upper Airways: Aspect of Combined High-Speed Films and UHR OCT in the Larynx

Aim: The present position paper discusses the possibilities of comparing the new ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography with high-speed films in order to optimize diagnosis of the phonating larynx. Method and Results: Till now setups of OCT have had too low frequencies for evaluating the phonating larynx in the clinic. This gives artefacts on the vocal folds movements. Ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography is therefore discussed, possibly combined with high speed films of 2000 frames per second of the vocal folds (Richard Wolf GmbH). The UHR OCT setup is based on a supercontinuum source from NKT Photonics. The system imaging depth and maximum fields of view are 2mm and 8mm respectively with a inhouse constructed probe. The software Glottal analysis tools (GAT, Erlangen Germany) is used for many interesting results with highspeed films. Discussion and Conclusion: Still OCT analyses have too low frequencies to give the real picture of the vocal fold movements to be combined with highspeed films. Till now a probe for mouth mucosa has been constructed. In the future a handhold probe for larynx combined with highspeed films has been planned.