Multi-parametric optical coherence elastography for improved identification of tumor margins in breast-conserving surgery

By mapping tissue elasticity on the micro-scale, optical coherence elastography (OCE) can improve the identification of breast cancer. Whilst OCE shows promise in intraoperative margin assessment, the mechanical models used assume uniaxial stress throughout the sample. Tissue is heterogeneous and exhibits compressible and anisotropic features. This invalidates the underlying assumption and reduces the accuracy of OCE. Here, we enhance the OCE contrast by utilizing tissue heterogeneity, termed the Euler angle of principal compression, removing the assumption of uniaxial deformation. We demonstrate multi-parametric OCE by mapping this new mechanical contrast, in addition to optical coherence tomography and elasticity, on ex vivo human breast tissue.