Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for passing optical radiation into and out of a body lumen. In particular, the invention is directed to a rotatable ferrule for use in an optical guidewire and methods for using a rotatable ferrule. The rotatable ferrule may be either rotatably captured by and free to rotate within a guidewire, or may rotate upon release from a releasable, mechanically stable friction-fit engagement with a guidewire. The invention is further directed to sterile interfaces for readily connecting and disconnecting an optical guidewire with and from other optical instrumentation while maintaining the sterility of the guidewire, and methods for using a sterile interface device. The invention is also directed to interface devices that provide either direct or indirect optical and mechanical connection between an optical guidewire and peripheral instrumentation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for passing optical radiation into and out of a body lumen may include a rotatable ferrule for use in an optical guidewire and methods for using a rotatable ferrule. The rotatable ferrule may be either rotatably captured by and free to rotate within a guidewire, or may rotate upon release from a releasable, mechanically stable friction-fit engagement with a guidewire. Sterile interfaces for readily connecting and disconnecting an optical guidewire with and from other optical instrumentation while maintaining the sterility of the guidewire, and methods for using a sterile interface device are disclosed. Interface devices can be used to provide either direct or indirect optical and mechanical connection between an optical guidewire and peripheral instrumentation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for passing optical radiation into and out of a body lumen which can include a rotatable ferrule for use in an optical guidewire and methods for using a rotation ferrule. The rotatable ferrule may be either rotatably captured by and free to rotate within a guidewire, or may rotate upon release from a releasable, mechanically stable friction-fit engagement with a guidewire. Sterile interfaces for readily connecting and disconnecting an optical guidewire with and from other optical instrumentation while maintaining the sterility of the guidewire are provided as well as methods for using a sterile interface device. Interface devices can provide either direct or indirect optical and mechanical connection between an optical guidewire and peripheral instrumentation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for passing optical radiation into and out of a body lumen. In particular, the invention is directed to a rotatable ferrule for use in an optical guidewire and methods for using a rotatable ferrule. The rotatable ferrule may be either rotatably captured by and free to rotate within a guidewire, or may rotate upon release from a releasable, mechanically stable friction-fit engagement with a guidewire. The invention is further directed to sterile interfaces for readily connecting and disconnecting an optical guidewire with and from other optical instrumentation while maintaining the sterility of the guidewire, and methods for using a sterile interface device. The invention is also directed to interface devices that provide either direct or indirect optical and mechanical connection between an optical guidewire and peripheral instrumentation.

Abstract: Optical windows for intracorporeal devices, intracorporeal devices comprising a window and a method for forming a window for an intracorporeal device are provided. The method comprises placing within a mold an assembly comprising a mandrel located within a pair of parts separated by a collar of window material, heating the window preform effective to cause the window material to soften, and applying force to urge together the pair of parts to deform the window material so as to form a window. The intracorporeal devices, such as imaging devices, include guidewires, catheters, endoscopes. In addition, the method is suitable for joining plastic parts to other parts, such as metal and ceramic parts.