Abstract: A microscope having an objective for magnifying an image positioned at a focal plane of the objective. An elongate lens extends from a rear end adjacent the objective to a front end configured for penetrating the tissue of the living organism to position the lens adjacent cells inside the tissue. The lens is configured for transmitting light from a light source to the cells inside the tissue of the living organism adjacent the front end of the lens to illuminate the cells and for transmitting light from the cells back through the lens to the objective. A focusing mechanism moves the lens relative to the objective to position the lens so that the image plane of the lens corresponds with the focal plane of the objective thereby permitting the cells inside the tissue of the living organism to be viewed with the microscope. A microscope attachment which includes the lens and the focusing mechanism described above, and a method of viewing cells inside living tissue using such a microscope, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly for viewing cells inside tissue of a living organism. The assembly includes a confocal microscope having an objective for magnifying an image positioned at a focal plane of the objective and a light source adapted to direct light through the objective. The assembly also includes a rigid elongate tube extending from the objective to a tip sized and shaped for penetrating the tissue of the living organism. The tube has a hollow interior aligned with the objective. The interior of the tube is free of fiberoptic bundles and cover glasses. The assembly also includes a unitary cylindrical lens positioned in the hollow interior of the tube for transmitting light from the light source to the cells inside the tissue of the living organism adjacent the tip to illuminate the cells.