Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method of flushing a lumen of interest having a first diameter and a lumen wall. The method can include the steps of selecting a flush solution such that the flush solution lowers a fluid removal rate of a plurality of terminating lumens, the terminating lumens branching from and in fluid communication with the lumen of interest, at least one of the terminating lumens having a second diameter, the second diameter smaller than the first diameter; flushing the lumen with the flush solution; and collecting optical tomography scan data relative to a portion of the lumen wall.

Abstract: A flush catheter is provided which is configured to be introduced into an orifice to create a flush zone therein. The flush catheter includes a catheter body having an inner cavity, the inner cavity being configured to communicate with a source of flush solution, one or more openings configured to expel therethrough flush solution, and a sheath at least partially covering the one or more openings, wherein when flush solution is expelled through the one or more openings, the flush solution is directed by the sheath to flow along an outer surface of the catheter body, thereby creating a flush zone along a length of the outer surface of the catheter body. The flush catheter may be used in combination with an image catheter/probe such as an image catheter/probe utilized in OCT imaging systems.

Abstract: A flush catheter is provided which is configured to be introduced into an orifice to create a flush zone therein. The flush catheter includes a catheter body having an inner cavity, the inner cavity being configured to communicate with a source of flush solution, one or more openings configured to expel therethrough flush solution, and a sheath at least partially covering the one or more openings, wherein when flush solution is expelled through the one or more openings, the flush solution is directed by the sheath to flow along an outer surface of the catheter body, thereby creating a flush zone along a length of the outer surface of the catheter body. The flush catheter may be used in combination with an image catheter/probe such as an image catheter/probe utilized in OCT imaging systems.

Abstract: Optical probes having a diameter less than substantially 500 ?m for use in scanning light from a long, highly flexible fiber to a sample. In one embodiment the probe includes a viscous damping fluid suitable to prevent non-uniform rotational distortion (NURD).

Abstract: A fiber optic probe and a balloon catheter used in conjunction with optical imaging systems, in particular with systems which deliver and collect a single spatial mode beam, such as a single photon, a multiphoton, confocal imaging and ranging systems, such as fluorescence imaging systems.

Abstract: A system for generating a source of broadband light includes, in one embodiment, a plurality of light sources such as SLEDs or edge-emitting luminescent diodes (ELEDs) whose outputs are combined in at least one combiner unit. The combiner unit combines light from a plurality of light sources into a single mode output beam. In one embodiment, the single mode output beam is the input beam to an interferometer for optical coherence tomography. In another embodiment, a time-gain compensation (TGC) unit is in communication with the plurality of light sources. The TGC unit controls the plurality of light sources independently and simultaneously. In one embodiment, control of the plurality of light sources by the TGC unit is in synchrony with the variation in optical delay in the reference arm of the interferometer. The TGC unit may feature, for example, a modulated current regulator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for performing optical imaging on a sample. The method and apparatuses continually adjust the path-length of a reference arm or data acquisition in a manner such that imaging information is obtained only from a longitudinal range that contains a selective portion of a sample from which imaging information is to be obtained. The apparatuses include a starting point adjustment device that determines a point with respect to a sample at which imaging information collection is to be started. A controller then controls a second scanning mechanism, in addition to a first scanning mechanism, such that imaging information is obtained only from a longitudinal range that contains a selective portion of a sample from which imaging information is to be obtained. In this way, the amount of data collected can be reduced to that within the area of interest.

Abstract: Ultra-small optical probes comprising a single-mode optical fiber and a lens which has substantially the same diameter as the optical fiber. The optical fiber and lens are positioned in a probe housing which is in the form of an insertional medical device such as a guidewire. Connector elements are provided to facilitate the attachment of the probe to an optical system and the quick disconnection of the probe from the optical system. The probe is used to obtain optical measurements in situ in the body of an organism and can be used to guide interventional procedures by a surgeon.

Abstract: An imaging system wherein an optical signal is transmitted to both a sample to be measured and a rotating element which is calibrated to the system. A return signal is detected by the system, and a scan analyzer and correction unit uses the system calibration information along with synchronization information to correct for return signal degradation or errors due to imperfections in the rotating element in real time. This allows for an accurate measurement of the sample. The system can also include a coarse path-length adjustment unit to allow the system to track a region of interest within a sample to further allow for accurate sample measurement.