Miniature side-view dual axes confocal endomicroscope for repetitive in vivo imaging

A side-view dual axes confocal endomicroscope is demonstrated that can be inserted repetitively in hollow organs of genetically engineered mice for in vivo real-time imaging in horizontal and vertical planes. Near infrared (NIR) excitation at & lambda;ex = 785 nm was used. A monolithic 3-axis parametric resonance scan mirror was fabricated using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to perform post-objective scanning in the distal end of a 4.19 mm diameter instrument. Torsional and serpentine springs were designed to switch the mode of imaging between vertical and horizontal planes by tuning the actuation frequency. This system demonstrated real-time in-vivo images in horizontal and vertical planes with 310 & mu;m depth and 1.75 and 7.5 & mu;m lateral and axial resolution. Individual cells and discrete mucosal structures could be identified.

Automated summary

We demonstrate a side-view dual axes confocal endomicroscope that can be repetitively inserted in hollow organs of genetically engineered mice for in vivo real-time imaging in both horizontal and vertical planes. Near infrared (NIR) excitation at λex = 785 nm was used, and a monolithic 3-axis parametric resonance scan mirror fabricated using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology enabled post-objective scanning in the distal end of a 4.19 mm diameter instrument. Torsional and serpentine springs were designed to switch the mode of imaging between vertical and horizontal planes by tuning the actuation frequency. This system achieved real-time in-vivo images with a depth of 310 μm and lateral and axial resolution of 1.75 and 7.5 μm, respectively, in both horizontal and vertical planes, allowing identification of individual cells and discrete mucosal structures.