Hybrid endoscope for esophageal in vivo histology and histochemistry

Introduction

ESOHISTO proposes a radically new scientific concept to revolutionize disease research, diagnosis, and treatment by real-time imaging of 3D organization of diseased cells, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and their biochemical events in large living human tissue/organs. This transformative vision of 'in vivo histology and histochemistry' is not yet feasible for most human organs.

Unique Tissue Focus

However, the GI mucosa, the shallow lining of the GI tract where many GI cancers originate, is a unique tissue to implement the ambitious vision of ESOHISTO. The project aims to develop disruptive endoscopic technologies to provide a long-awaited solution to the insufficient diagnosis and early detection of GI cancers.

Key Innovations

The landscape-changing ability of ESOHISTO is attributed to its key invention of:

1. Volumetric-projection confocal laser endomicroscopy (VP-CLE)
2. A multimodal approach to complement VP-CLE with advanced imaging methods including:
   • Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
   • Optoacoustic mesoscopy (OPAM)

The novel volumetric projection method allows VP-CLE to provide 3D cellular features and molecular profiles at high speed and without any mechanical parts in the distal endoscope.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

OCT and OPAM deliver 3D morphology and pathophysiology of the GI mucosa with an imaging depth far exceeding microscopy. The combination of VP-CLE, OCT, and OPAM in a miniaturized endoscope heralds a paradigm-shifting GI cancer diagnosis scheme by:

• Replacing insensitive white light endoscopy and biopsy
• Utilizing comprehensive 3D OCT/OPAM inspection to identify subtle lesions
• Following with 'zoom-in' cellular/molecular vision through VP-CLE to complete in vivo diagnosis

Conclusion

With its prospect of unprecedented 'in vivo histology and histochemistry' for GI cancer diagnosis and early detection, ESOHISTO is able to leverage European investment and know-how. This initiative aims to strengthen EU citizens' well-being and economic growth by leading the market position in future GI endoscopic imaging.