Abstract: A spectroscope for detecting vulnerable plaque within a lumen defined by an intraluminal wall includes a probe through which an optical fiber extends. An coupler in optical communication with the fiber is configured to atraumatically contact the intraluminal wall. A light source provides light to the fiber for illuminating the wall and a detector coupled to the fiber receives light from within the wall.

Abstract: A spectroscope includes first and second beam redirectors in optical communication with first and second fibers respectively. The first and second beam redirectors are oriented to illuminate respective first and second areas. The second area is separated from the first area by a separation distance that exceeds the separation distance between the first and second beam redirectors.

Abstract: A spectroscope includes first and second beam redirectors in optical communication with first and second fibers respectively. The first and second beam redirectors are oriented to illuminate respective first and second areas. The second area is separated from the first area by a separation distance that exceeds the separation distance between the first and second beam redirectors.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and an associated method for illuminating a target area. The apparatus includes reflectors defining a first optical cavity. The first optical cavity defines a first set of longitudinal modes. The apparatus includes a first gain medium defining a first gain band. The first gain medium is configured to cause a plurality of the longitudinal modes of the first set to oscillate over an oscillation band within the first gain band when the first gain medium is pumped at an operative level. The apparatus includes a first optical waveguide positioned within the first optical cavity. The first optical waveguide has a length selected to cause a temporal coherence length of light emitted from the first optical cavity to be shorter than a scattering distance associated with the target area.

Abstract: A spectroscope includes an optical fiber extending through a catheter, and in communication with an optical system. The optical system has a finite focal length.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for detecting vulnerable plaque within a lumen defined by an intraluminal wall is described. The apparatus includes a probe having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The apparatus includes an optical waveguide extending along the probe. The optical waveguide is configured to carry optical radiation between the distal and proximal portions, and has a distal end in communication with the intraluminal wall. The apparatus includes an interferometer coupled to the optical waveguide and configured to provide an interference signal for sub-surface imaging of the intraluminal wall, and a processing module configured to provide spectroscopic information from detected intensity of light collected from the intraluminal wall.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and an associated method for illuminating a target area. The apparatus includes reflectors defining a first optical cavity. The first optical cavity defines a first set of longitudinal modes. The apparatus includes a first gain medium defining a first gain band. The first gain medium is configured to cause a plurality of the longitudinal modes of the first set to oscillate over an oscillation band within the first gain band when the first gain medium is pumped at an operative level. The apparatus includes a first optical waveguide positioned within the first optical cavity. The first optical waveguide has a length selected to cause a temporal coherence length of light emitted from the first optical cavity to be shorter than a scattering distance associated with the target area.

Abstract: An intravascular probe includes a sheath with a distal portion and a proximal portion. The intravascular probe includes a first optical waveguide extending along the sheath, the first optical waveguide being configured to carry optical radiation between the distal and proximal portions, and a first beam redirector disposed at the distal portion in optical communication with the first optical waveguide. The intravascular probe also includes an optical detector configured to receive optical radiation from the first optical waveguide, and an ultrasound transducer disposed at the distal portion. The ultrasound transducer is configured to couple ultrasound energy between the intravascular probe and a transmission medium. A wire extends along the sheath in electrical communication with the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: A multi fiber optic medical probe comprises at least two optical fibers. There are side-firing terminations for the at least two optical fibers. Further, beam-shaping apertures are provided for controlling light propagating between the side-firing terminations and a region lateral to the probe. The provision of the at least two optical fibers allows for multiple optical signals to be transmitted to and/or from the target area within the patient. The side-firing terminations allow for the interrogation of regions that are adjacent to the probe, i.e., extending in a direction parallel to the insertion direction or longitudinal axis of the probe. The beam shaping apertures are provided for controlling light propagating between the side-firing terminations and the region lateral to the probe, in order to control the shape of the emitted beam and also, the direction from which light is collected.

Abstract: A double-clad fiber extends along an axis of a catheter. The fiber has a core and an annular cladding surrounding the core. A lens assembly has a first sub-aperture in optical communication with the core and a second sub-aperture in optical communication with the annular cladding.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting vulnerable plaque within a lumen defined by an intraluminal wall includes a probe through which an optical fiber extends. An coupler in optical communication with the fiber is configured to atraumatically contact the intraluminal wall. A light source provides light to the fiber for illuminating the wall and a detector coupled to the fiber receives light from within the wall.

Abstract: A system for identifying vulnerable plaque includes a catheter having a collection fiber and a delivery fiber extending therethrough. The catheter is engaged to a distal face of a housing configured to spin about an axis. The proximal face of the housing has a central aperture. First and second optical relays extend respectively between the central aperture and a central port on the distal face and between a detector and an eccentric port on the distal face. The central and eccentric ports are in optical communication with the delivery and collection fibers respectively.

Abstract: An intravascular probe includes a sheath with a distal portion and a proximal portion. The intravascular probe includes a first optical waveguide extending along the sheath, the first optical waveguide being configured to carry optical radiation between the distal and proximal portions, and a first beam redirector disposed at the distal portion in optical communication with the first optical waveguide. The intravascular probe also includes an optical detector configured to receive optical radiation from the first optical waveguide, and an ultrasound transducer disposed at the distal portion. The ultrasound transducer is configured to couple ultrasound energy between the intravascular probe and a transmission medium. A wire extends along the sheath in electrical communication with the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: A catheter includes separate first and second optical channels extending between proximal and distal portion thereof. First and second beam redirectors in optical communication with the respective first and second optical channels each have on-axis stage and an off-axis stage.

Abstract: A spectroscope includes first and second beam redirectors in optical communication with first and second fibers respectively. The first and second beam redirectors are oriented to illuminate respective first and second areas. The second area is separated from the first area by a separation distance that exceeds the separation distance between the first and second beam redirectors.

Abstract: A spectroscope for detecting vulnerable plaques includes an optical fiber extending through a catheter. The optical fiber has a field-of-view that is modified to preferentially collect light scattered from deep within the wall of a blood vessel. Obstructions or curved optical surfaces can be used to modify the field of view.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a feedback loop for controlling an extent of a gap between a wall of a balloon mounted on a catheter and a wall of a lumen into which the catheter is inserted. The apparatus includes a radiation detector mounted within the balloon for generating a feedback signal having information indicative of whether the extent of the gap is greater than or less than a desired value. The feedback loop receives the feedback signal and controls a size of the balloon to cause the extent of the gap to approach the desired value.

Abstract: First and second optical-redirectors mounted on a catheter couple radiation to a target along separate first and second paths. Either the first or second optical-redirectors, or both, can include a steering mechanism for selecting the first and/or second path.

Abstract: A double-clad fiber extends along an axis of a catheter. The fiber has a core and an annular cladding surrounding the core. A lens assembly has a first sub-aperture in optical communication with the core and a second sub-aperture in optical communication with the annular cladding.

Abstract: A system for identifying vulnerable plaque includes a catheter having a collection fiber and a delivery fiber extending therethrough. The catheter is engaged to a distal face of a housing configured to spin about an axis. The proximal face of the housing has a central aperture. First and second optical relays extend respectively between the central aperture and a central port on the distal face and between a detector and an eccentric port on the distal face. The central and eccentric ports are in optical communication with the delivery and collection fibers respectively.