Abstract: In a method for in vivo diagnostics of a biological tissue covered with epithelium an image of the biological tissue is acquired with the aid of a beam in the visible or near IR range directed towards a biological tissue by visualizing the intensity of optical radiation backscattered by the biological tissue. The basal membrane of said biological tissue, which separates the epithelium from an underlying stroma, is identified in the acquired image and diagnostics is performed on basis of the form of the basal membrane. For diagnostics of biological tissue lining the surface of cavities and internal organs of a patient a miniature optical fiber probe is inserted into the patient's cavity. The probe may be placed at a distal end of an endoscope instrumental channel.

Abstract: Remote-controllable, micro-scale, robotic device for use in diagnosing and/or treating abnormalities inside a human body in vivo. The device has a length from 0.1 mm to 10 mm and can be introduced into the body either from natural body openings or by injection into the blood stream. Once inside the body, the device can be guided to different locations in the body by an outside operator using radio controls and computer software. 2-dimensional image information and spectroscopic information (e.g., fluorescence, absorption, elastic scattering, Raman, etc.) gathered by the device inside the body are transmitted by video and radio signals to a computer located externally relative to the body. The transmitted information is processed, analyzed and displayed by the external computer for use by the outside operator. The outside operator can then make a diagnosis and, if applicable, instruct the device to render a treatment on the examined area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring and characterizing the localized electromagnetic wave absorption properties of biologic tissues in vivo, using incident electromagnetic waves to produce resultant acoustic waves. The tissue is exposed to modulating electromagnetic radiation, to produce modulating acoustic signals. The modulating acoustic signals are detected by an acoustic sensor which is primarily sensitive to acoustic radiation at a focal point distant from said sensor. Multiple measurements from multiple different focal points can then be combined into an image, or measurements at the same focal point at different excitation frequencies can be combined to produce an absorptivity spectrum for the tissue, either of which may be used for medical diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (10) includes a couch (54) for supporting a region of interest of a subject (44) being examined in an examination region. A main magnet for generating a substantially uniform temporally constant main magnetic field through the examination region includes a stationary pole piece (24), a movable pole piece (22), a ferrous flux return path (26), and a magnetic flux generator that selectively generates magnetic flux that flows between the pole pieces (22, 24) through the examination region and through the ferrous flux return path (26) which connects the pole pieces (22, 24). The stationary pole piece (24) is arranged adjacent a first side of the examination region.

Abstract: A system for externally locating a sensor in tissue, comprising an external probe including at least first and second electromagnetic output coils with non-parallel longitudinal axes; and output coil driver for alternately energizing the first and second output coils, for generating a time-varying magnetic field which penetrates the patient's skin; a sensor coil, having a longitudinal axis, for developing an induced electrical voltage in response to the time-varying magnetic field; a distance determinator, responsive to the induced voltage from the sensor coil, for determining from the induced voltage, the distance between the output coils and the sensor coil, independently of the relative angle, in a horizontal plane, between the sensor coil longitudinal axis, and the longitudinal axes of the output coils; and a direction determinator for determining and displaying the direction, in the horizontal plane, in which the sensor coil longitudinal axis is pointing.