Abstract: A system for determining a condition of a tissue of a patient body is described. The tissue is illuminated with an illumination wavelength by a light source. In response to the illumination, the tissue emits light. This emitted light is received at a detector that includes multiple diode sensors. The diode sensors detect intensities of associated wavelengths of the emitted light. A spectral analysis is performed with the detected intensities. The spectral analysis includes initial coefficients. A composite function associated with the initial coefficients is minimized so as to determine wavelength coefficients. The wavelength coefficients are used to compute a score. Based on the score, the condition of the tissue is determined. Related methods, techniques, apparatus, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A biopsy forceps device is provided for obtaining tissue samples, or removing tissue for therapeutic reasons, at a site within a body, while maintaining access to the site through an access lumen of the biopsy forceps. The device includes an elongate tubular body for introduction into the body and navigation to an area of interest. An inner tubular member having a lumen, or a plurality of lumens, extends through or adjacent the outer tubular member, from the proximal end to the distal end, where cutting jaws are provided. The cutting jaws are rotatably mounted at the distal end of the device and are controlled by movement of the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member is coupled with a handle portion allowing control of the cutting jaws at the proximal end. Access to the lumen of the inner tubular member is gained at the proximal end, where a luer fitting is provided.

Abstract: A system characterizes tissue using fluorescence spectroscopy, such as light-induced fluorescence. Native fluorescence (“autofluorescence”) from endogenous tissue without requiring fluorescence-enhancing agents is used to distinguish between normal tissue, hyperplastic tissue, adenomatous tissue, and adenocarcinomas. The system provides endoscopic image enhancement for easy location of a tissue site for optical biopsy tissue characterization. The system allows the use of an integrated endoscopic diagnosis and treatment device for immediate diagnosis and treatment without interchanging equipment and relocating the tissue site. The system is also integrated with existing endoscopy equipment for initiating and displaying the diagnosis. The system provides an adjunctive tool to histopathological tissue classification or, alternatively, further treatment is based on the optical biopsy system diagnosis itself.

Abstract: An integrated optical biopsy forceps device and a method for tissue identification by optical analysis and biopsy sampling at a site within the body. The device includes an elongated catheter body for introduction into the body and navigation to an area of interest. An optical fiber extends through the device, from the proximal end, where it may be connected to electro-optical spectral analysis equipment, to a distal tip for illuminating and receiving light energy from tissue at the location of the tip. The distal end of the device has a pair of cutting jaws pivotally mounted at the distal end of the catheter body and controlled by control wires extending through the catheter body to a control handle at the proximal end, or by the optical fiber. The device may be spectroscopically guided to a site of interest within the body.

Abstract: A biopsy forceps device is provided for obtaining tissue samples at a site within the body, while maintaining access to the site through an access lumen of the biopsy forceps. The device includes an elongate tubular body for introduction into the body and navigation to an area of interest. An inner tubular member having a lumen, or a plurality of lumens, extends through or adjacent the outer tubular member, from the proximal end to the distal end, where cutting jaws are provided. The cutting jaws are rotatably mounted at the distal end of the device and are controlled by movement of the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member is coupled with a handle portion allowing control of the cutting jaws at the proximal end. Access to the lumen of the inner tubular member is gained at the proximal end, where a luer fitting is provided.

Abstract: An integrated optical biopsy forceps device and a method for tissue identification by optical analysis and biopsy sampling at a site within the body. The device includes an elongated catheter body for introduction into the body and navigation to an area of interest. An optical fiber extends through the device, from the proximal end, where it may be connected to electro-optical spectral analysis equipment, to a distal tip for illuminating and receiving light energy from tissue at the location of the tip. The distal end of the device has a pair of cutting jaws pivotally mounted at the distal end of the catheter body and controlled by control wires extending through the catheter body to a control handle at the proximal end, or by the optical fiber. The device may be spectroscopically guided to a site of interest within the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guidewire which incorporates an optical fiber and associated diagnostic apparatus for diagnosing tissue in vivo. Use of the present invention provides for diagnosis of tissue and tailoring of the therapeutic portion of the procedure to the tissue or condition identified by the guidewire and associated diagnostic apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guidewire which incorporates an optical fiber and associated diagnostic apparatus for diagnosing tissue in vivo. Use of the present invention provides for diagnosis of tissue and tailoring of the therapeutic portion of the procedure to the tissue or condition identified by the guidewire and associated diagnostic apparatus.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a unitary guidewire and single mode optical fiber is used to illuminate human body channels, such as a tissue mass within a blood vessel, for purposes of diagnosis. A low coherent light source illuminates the tissue and provides a reference beam. Illumination that is reflected from the tissue is combined with the reference beam in an interferometer process. The path length of the reference beam is changed in a known manner in order to provide a known reference to the distance inside of the tissue from which reflected radiation is being received, thus providing information as to both the nature and the geometry of the tissue. A high signal to noise ratio is provided.