Multi-modal endoscopic probes for in situ tissue inspection

Optical biopsy, in situ diagnosis of tissue pathology through endoscopic imaging, is the ultimate goal for minimally invasive endoscopic diagnosis. The main challenge on the way to optical biopsy is the integration of multiple imaging technologies in small endoscopic tools that fit through the working channel of medical endoscopes. This thesis covers the development of a new platform for the implementation of multi-modal endoscopic probes for in situ tissue inspection. The new platform is based on a micro-structuring process for glass to implement complex optical systems with diameters below 4 mm. In contrast to other multi-modal approaches, the glass micro-structuring of glass allows for unprecedented design flexibility and the combination of optical imaging methods with competing requirements in highly miniaturized endoscopic probes. To demonstrate the functionality and the potential of the new method, two endoscopic probes were developed. A three-dimensional Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) probe that utilizes a new piezoelectric scanner concept for en face imaging and an unprecedented bi-modal chip-on-the-tip wide-field microscopy (WFM) and 3D OCT probe. Extensive characterization of the developed probes documents the functionality of the chosen approach. The presented design strategy will build the basis for the development of a new generation of multi-modal probes that will pave the way to in situ diagnosis based on optical biopsy. ; Die optische Biopsie ist ein endoskopisches Prinzip, das mittels optischer Bildgebung Informationen über Gewebe sammeln kann und die konventionelle, endoskopbasierte Biopsie bei der Krebsdiagnose ersetzen soll. Um dieses zu ermöglichen müssen verschiedene bildgebende Verfahren in kleinen Messköpfen vereint werden, die durch den Arbeitskanal medizinischer Endoskope in den Körper eingeführt werden können. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wird die Entwicklung einer neuen technischen Plattform zur Herstellung multi-modaler Messköpfe für die endoskopische in situ Diagnostik vorgestellt. ...