University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Non-invasive assessment of biofilm growth in the middle ear using a portable low-coherence interferometry system

Nguyen, Cac T.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/16178

Description

Title
Non-invasive assessment of biofilm growth in the middle ear using a portable low-coherence interferometry system
Author(s)
Nguyen, Cac T.
Issue Date
2010-05-19T18:39:54Z
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Boppart, Stephen A.
Department of Study
Electrical & Computer Eng
Discipline
Electrical & Computer Engr
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
  • Biofilms
  • Otitis media
  • Otoscope
  • Low-coherence interferometry
  • Rat model
Abstract
Otitis media (OM) is the most common illness in children in the United States. Three-fourths of children under the age of three have OM at least once. Children with chronic OM, including OM with effusion and recurrent OM, will often have conductive hearing loss and communication difficulties, and will need surgical treatment. Recent clinical studies state that almost all chronic OM cases are accompanied by a bacterial biofilm behind the tympanic membrane (eardrum). Biofilms are typically very thin, making them difficult to be recognized using a regular otoscope. However, lowcoherence interferometry (LCI) is capable of detecting and quantifying this microstructure. The goal of this research was to design a portable system integrating LCI with a standard video otoscope to detect the presence of biofilms and provide quantitative information about the middle ear to assist physicians in diagnosing middle ear infections. In the future, it is expected such quantitative information will direct and monitor treatment protocols. The system uses a super-luminescent diode centered at 940 nm with a bandwidth of 60 nm and the axial resolution of ~ 4.5 um in tissue. Axial scans are acquired in vivo at the rate of 2 kHz and using a custom automated algorithm classified according to microstructural features to provide statistical determination for OM status. Preliminary results are described in a rat OM model and in humans.
Graduation Semester
2010-5
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/16178
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2010 Cac T. Nguyen

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