Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses of low-coherence enhanced backscattering spectroscopy are described within this application. One embodiment includes providing incident light comprising at least one spectral component having low coherence, wherein the incident light is to be illuminated on a target object in vivo. An intensity of one or more of at least one spectral component and at least one angular component of backscattering angle of backscattered light is recorded, wherein the backscattered light is to be backscattered from illumination of the incident light on the target object and wherein the backscattering angle is an angle between incident light propagation direction and backscattered light propagation direction. The intensity of the at least one spectral component and the at least one backscattering angle of backscattered light is analyzed, to obtain one or more optical markers of the backscattered light, toward evaluating said properties.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a shaft with a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis by user manipulation of the proximal end. A tissue retainer is positioned at the distal end and is rotatable with the shaft. The retainer has a curved portion that extends around a retainer axis, a tissue holding space within the curved portion, and an entry opening into the holding space. The retainer is configured to be received over and at least partly circumvent a target structure of a surgical field received in the holding space via the entry opening. A surgical component is positioned on a portion of the retainer laterally offset from both the retainer axis and the holding space, is rotatable with rotation of the shaft and retainer and is selectively energizeable to dissect selected tissue.