David D. Sampson

A study of the effects of supine position and fluid intake on normal airway geometry using anatomical optical coherence tomography (Conference Presentation)

Airway inhalation injuries are present in up to a third of all major burns patients and are the leading cause of mortality among this population. Understanding the mechanism of injury could minimise oedema (swelling) and airway damage. In this study, we present an anatomical OCT (aOCT) imaging system, based on a 1300-nm wavelength, high-speed, long-range MEMS-VCSEL swept laser source, for real-time volumetric imaging and assessment of inhalation injuries in airways up to 3 cm in diameter. A custom fibre-optic probe with GRIN lens and micro prism is inserted though the nasal passage. Airway cross-sectional images acquired are used to assess airway diameter and lumen area, as well as to visualize the airway in three dimensions. Preliminary scans of healthy human subjects are presented. The effect of the supine position and fluid intake on airway geometry is quantified to better understand how these factors may contribute to the treatment outcomes of burns patients.