Abstract: A quantitative method for determining tissue characteristics includes the steps of generating data for a dynamic optical curve over a period of time based on an optical property of a tissue, or portion thereof, that has been exposed to a biomarker and, based on the data, determining a value of a dynamic optical parameter. The value of the dynamic optical parameter is compared with at least one reference value of the dynamic optical parameter known to be linked to a structural or functional characteristic and/or the pathological status of the tissue. Based on the comparison, a structural or functional characteristic and/or the pathological status of the tissue, or portion thereof is determined. Data for dynamic optical curves may be generated for a plurality of tissue locations corresponding to a plurality of spatial image locations. The plurality of dynamic optical curves may be used to determine values of a dynamic optical parameter and a related tissue characteristic at a plurality of tissue locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for the in vivo, non-invasive, early detection of alterations and mapping of the grade of these alterations, caused in the biochemical and/or in the functional characteristics of epithelial tissues during the development of tissue atypias, dysplasias, neoplasias and cancers. The method is based, at least in part, on the simultaneous measurement of the spatial, temporal and spectral alterations in the characteristics of the light that is re-emitted from the tissue under examination, as a result of a combined tissue excitation with light and special chemical agents. The topical or systematic administration of these agents result in an evanescent contrast enhancement between normal and abnormal areas of tissue. The apparatus enables the capturing of temporally successive imaging in one or more spectral bands simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the in vivo, non-invasive, early detection of alterations and mapping of the grade of these alterations, causing in the biochemical and/or in the functional characteristics of the epithelial tissues during the development of tissue atypias, dysplasias, neoplasias and cancers is presented. The method is based, at least in part, on the simultaneous measurement of the spatial, temporal and spectral alterations in the characteristics of the light that is re-emitted from the tissue under examination, as a result of a combined tissue excitation with light and special chemical agents. The topical or systematic administration of these agents result in an evanescent contrast enhancement between normal and abnormal areas of tissue. The apparatus enables the capturing of temporally successive imaging in one or more spectral bands simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaginal speculum embodying an applicator for the uniform delivery of a standardized dose of a liquid diagnostic marker onto the woman's lower genital tract. The applicator can comprises of a marker container and a mechanism for transferring a desirable quantity of its content to an injection probe for dispensing the marker onto the tissue surface. The cross section of the injection probe is substantially smaller than the rear opening of the speculum, so that the monitoring of the optical effects provoked to the tissue by the marker and the insertion of treatment tools is not obstructed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for the in vivo, non-invasive, early detection of alterations and mapping of the grade of these alterations, caused in the biochemical and/or in the functional characteristics of epithelial tissues during the development of tissue atypias, dysplasias, neoplasias and cancers. The method is based, at least in part, on the simultaneous measurement of the spatial, temporal and spectral alterations in the characteristics of the light that is re-emitted from the tissue under examination, as a result of a combined tissue excitation with light and special chemical agents. The topical or systematic administration of these agents result in an evanescent contrast enhancement between normal and abnormal areas of tissue. The apparatus enables the capturing of temporally successive imaging in one or more spectral bands simultaneously.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide an imaging workstation with improved ergonomics, and a method for improving, objectifying and documenting in vivo examinations of the uterus. The imaging workstation may include an imaging head and a display, and may include mechanical supporting structures that allow the imaging head, display, and examination area to be simultaneously placed in an examiner's field of view. The imaging workstation may include means for the uniform application of a diagnostic marker. The method may involve acquiring a reference image of a tissue surface, applying a diagnostic marker and initiating image acquisition, acquiring tissue images in time sequence, aligning the captured images, and calculating dynamic optical curves and dynamic optical parameters from the images. The curves and parameters may be used to create a pseudocolor map representing different functional or structural features represented in the images, or different pathologies.

Abstract: A quantitative method for determining tissue characteristics includes the steps of generating data for a dynamic optical curve over a period of time based on an optical property of a tissue, or portion thereof, that has been exposed to a biomarker and, based on the data, determining a value of a dynamic optical parameter. The value of the dynamic optical parameter is compared with at least one reference value of the dynamic optical parameter known to be linked to a structural or functional characteristic and/or the pathological status of the tissue. Based on the comparison, a structural or functional characteristic and/or the pathological status of the tissue, or portion thereof is determined. Data for dynamic optical curves may be generated for a plurality of tissue locations corresponding to a plurality of spatial image locations. The plurality of dynamic optical curves may be used to determine values of a dynamic optical parameter and a related tissue characteristic at a plurality of tissue locations.