Dual-mode endoscopic probe for optical coherence tomography and plasma ablation

We present a novel dual-mode endoscopic probe that integrates optical coherence tomography with low-temperature plasma ablation. A key challenge in endoscopic therapy is achieving precise tissue removal without damaging adjacent healthy layers, which requires both minimizing thermal damage and real-time monitoring of tissue changes. In this study, low-temperature plasma ablation was employed to achieve tissue removal with minimal thermal damage. A dual-mode configuration was realized by integrating the plasma electrode with OCT for ablation and monitoring. This integrated design can help reduce procedure-related complications. The probe measured 5[Formula: see text]mm in diameter with a 40[Formula: see text]mm rigid length and achieved 20 [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]m lateral resolution at a 5[Formula: see text]mm working distance in air. A piezoelectric bender driven at 278.5[Formula: see text]Hz induced a single-mode fiber resonance for a 1.88[Formula: see text]mm lateral scanning range. A coaxial needle-shaped plasma ablation electrode, validated through both simulations and experiments, ensured stable plasma generation with a low ablation temperature at a peak voltage of 120[Formula: see text]V. Functional validation on ex vivo porcine large and small intestine tissues demonstrated precise monitoring of ablation progression with minimal thermal damage, highlighting its potential for minimally invasive therapies.