Abstract: A combined optical coherent tomography (OCT) pressure sensor system includes an optical cable comprising a single-mode core and a multi-mode core. An OCT optical imaging sensor near a distal end of the optical cable can be inserted into a lumen of a living being. First light exiting a distal end of the single-mode core illuminates an interior of the lumen. The OCT optical imaging sensor acquires image information about the interior of the lumen and transmits an optical signal carrying the image information into the distal end of the single-mode core, toward a proximal end of the single-mode core. An optical pressure sensor attached near the OCT optical imaging sensor receives second light from the distal end of the optical cable, senses ambient pressure within the lumen and transmits an optical signal indicative of the ambient pressure into a distal end of the multi-mode core, toward a proximal end of the multi-mode core.

Abstract: The invention relates to catheters and apparatuses for combined imaging and obtaining pressure measurement in a vessel having a stenosis. The imaging can be an optical imaging technology or ultrasound imaging. The apparatus can include a combined probe comprising an imaging channel and a pressure measurement channel, and a signal processor in communication with the imaging channel and the pressure measurement channel.