Imaging of needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy in rabbit models / 中华消化内镜杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (nCLE) for imaging of intra-abdominal tissues and organs in rabbit models in vivo. Methods The nCLE miniprobe was inserted through the 19-gauge needle into various intra-abdominal tissues and organs[omentum majus, liver, pancreas and psoas major (skeletal muscle)]. The nCLE images were acquired and real-time sequences of respective locations were recorded. Finally, nCLE image characteristics were compared with histopathologic findings. Results nCLE was successfully performed in intra-abdominal tissues and organs of five rabbit models. The microscopic structures of cells, glands and microvessels in the omentum majus, liver, pancreas and psoas major ( skeletal muscle) were visualized clearly, respectively. Characteristics of various intra-abdominal tissues and organs were displayed on nCLE images, which were correlated well with histological findings. Conclusion Imaging of intra-abdominal tissues and organs with nCLE in vivo is feasible in future clinical practice.