Handheld FLIM and reflectance confocal microscopy for in vivo imaging in the oral cavity

Dr. Kristen Maitland, Texas A&M University

Goergen Hall, Room 101

Abstract

Although the oral cavity is a relatively accessible organ, mortality of oral cancer remains regrettably high. Delayed diagnosis is believed to be one of the main causes for the low survival rate, compared to other cancers. Precancerous lesions can be diffuse, heterogeneous, and multifocal, complicating accurate diagnosis of pre-malignancy. In an effort to improve early detection and diagnostic yield of excisional biopsy, we have developed an optical imaging system with fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) to probe metabolic changes on the macro-scale and cellular changes on the micro-scale associated with development of neoplasia. A miniaturized objective lens, optical axial scanning using a tunable focus lens, a double-clad fiber coupler, and high speed fluorescence lifetime acquisition facilitate in vivo imaging in humans using handheld FLIM and RCM devices. Initial data from a pilot clinical study will be presented.

Bio

Dr. Kristen Maitland is an Associate Professor and the Associate Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University. She has been awarded the NSF CAREER Award, the TEES Select Young Faculty Award, and is a Senior Member of SPIE – the International Optical Engineering Society and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. Her research focuses on the development of optical imaging and sensing techniques for detection and diagnosis of disease, primarily cancer and bacterial infection. Dr. Maitland received her B.S. and M.S degrees in Electrical Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and Ph.D. degree in Biomedical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin as an NSF IGERT Research Fellow.

Location:Goergen 101

Refreshments will be served.