3D printed micro-optics for astigmatism correction in catheter-based endoscopic imaging

We have previously demonstrated a miniaturized transnasal introduction tube (TNIT) for transnasal endomicroscopy (TNEM) with optical coherence tomography (OCT) for clinical imaging of the small intestine of infants and adults in vivo. Although the TNIT is a convenient and effective way to implement TNEM, OCT probes for imaging through the TNIT had long manufacturing times and low yields, and its multiple cylindrical surfaces caused severe optical aberrations, degrading OCT image quality. Here we introduce a new optical design for 3D-printed microoptics that correct TNIT-induced astigmatism. Preliminary results show that the lens improves resolution and can be reliably manufactured.