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In Vivo Imaging of the Olfactory Epithelium Using Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy
Sponsor: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Summary
This research is being done to better characterize the part of the nose that helps people smell. Currently, the only ways to study smell loss mostly rely on how people report it, rather than being able to see the underlying structures directly. In this study, the team will use a special microscope (Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (CLE)), originally developed for brain tissue, to look at the part of the nose that helps to detects smell. The study team hopes to identify the tiny structures in that area and see how they might be different in people who have smell loss compared to those who do not.
Official title: In Vivo Imaging of Olfactory Epithelium in Humans With Olfactory Impairment Using Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
36
Start Date
2026-04-28
Completion Date
2027-07-31
Last Updated
2026-08-14
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
CONVIVO system
Approximately 2-5 minutes following administration of FNa in situ imaging will be performed by the participating surgeon ensuring proper technique. Prior to entering the surgical field, the probe will be covered in a disposable sterile sheath that is manufactured with quality assurance for this purpose. The probe will gently be held against the tissue interface while imaging occurs. Following image acquisition, a pathologist present in the operating room, will review and capture each image.
Fluorescein injection, USP 10%
Sodium fluorescein will be administered intravenously or topically (applied directly to nasal mucosa) at doses of 5-10 mg/kg (not exceeding 20 mg/kg cumulative). Administration will be performed by the anesthesia team in the operating room.
Locations (1)
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States