Figure 1.

Schematic of the VLE-guided biopsy system and balloon-centering catheter. The interchangeable balloon catheter is inserted into the esophagus at the gastroesophageal junction and inflated. The balloon catheter is connected to the imaging system via an optical rotary junction. The rotary junction spins a driveshaft that encloses an optical fiber. The optical fiber is terminated by focusing optics at the distal end that spin with the driveshaft. The driveshaft is pulled back while spinning to effectuate a helical OCT scan of the esophagus. A foot pedal is used to initiate laser marking. The entire procedure is monitored by real-time visualization of the displayed, cross-sectional OCT image. VLE, volumetric laser endomicroscopy; OCT, optical coherence tomography. (Figure used with permission) (29).