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

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2010

Author dc:creator

• Nguyen, Cac T.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Boppart, Stephen A.

• Biofilms
• Otitis media
• Otoscope
• Low-coherence interferometry
• Rat model

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2010 Cac T. Nguyen

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

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

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/16178