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 mm in diameter with a 40-mm rigid length and achieved 20-μm lateral resolution at a 5-mm working distance in air. A piezoelectric bender driven at 278.5 Hz induced a single-mode fiber resonance for a 1.88 mm lateral scanning range. A coaxial needle-shaped plasma electrode, validated through both simulations and experiments, ensured stable plasma generation with a low ablation temperature at a peak voltage of 120 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.
Chen et al. (2026) studied this question.