Patents by Inventor Brett Eugene Bouma

Brett Eugene Bouma has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9060689
    Abstract: Apparatus, system and method are provided which utilize signals received from a reference and a sample. In particular, a radiation is provided which includes at least one first electro-magnetic radiation directed to the sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation directed to the reference. A frequency of the radiation varies over time. An interference can be detected between at least one third radiation associated with the first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the second radiation. It is possible to obtain a particular signal associated with at least one phase of at least one frequency component of the interference, and compare the particular signal to at least one particular information. Further, it is possible to receive at least one portion of the radiation and provide a further radiation, such that the particular signal can be calibrated based on the further signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Johannes F. De Boer, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Seok-Hyun Yun
  • Publication number: 20150116726
    Abstract: Devices, arrangements, endoscopes, catheters and methods adapted to propagate at least one electro-magnetic radiation are provided. In particular, a waveguide apparatus specifically configured may be utilized to split the electro-magnetic radiation into a plurality of beams that are intended to illuminate a biological sample, and impart a unique associated characteristic unto each of the beams. The beams may be intended to illuminate a biological sample at distinct locations, and impart a unique associated characteristic unto each of the beams. In addition, a control apparatus may be provided which is configured to control at least one of the fibers and which can be input to the fibers so as to modify the unique associated characteristics of the beams being propagated along the fibers, and thereby modify the characteristics of the distinct locations on the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Johannes F. de Boer, Brett Eugene Bouma
  • Publication number: 20150077755
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided. In particular, at least one first electro-magnetic radiation may be provided to a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation can be provided to a non-reflective reference. A frequency of the first and/or second radiations varies over time. An interference is detected between at least one third radiation associated with the first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the second radiation. Alternatively, the first electro-magnetic radiation and/or second electro-magnetic radiation have a spectrum which changes over time. The spectrum may contain multiple frequencies at a particular time. In addition, it is possible to detect the interference signal between the third radiation and the fourth radiation in a first polarization state. Further, it may be preferable to detect a further interference signal between the third and fourth radiations in a second polarization state which is different from the first polarization state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: SEOK-HYUN YUN, BRETT EUGENE BOUMA, GUILLERMO J. TEARNEY, JOHANNES FITZGERALD DE BOER
  • Publication number: 20150080738
    Abstract: Exemplary configurations can be provided which can be structured to be included and/or inserted in an internal anatomical structure. For example, the configuration(s) can have at least one first arrangement which can include at least one substance that, when applied to at least one section of the internal anatomical structure, has a potential to induce an inflammatory response in the section(s). The configuration(s) can also have at least one second (e.g., microscopy) arrangement which can be configured to receive information from the section(s), and determine whether the inflammatory response has occurred therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: GUillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Aubrey Katz, Wayne Shreffler, Qian Yuan
  • Publication number: 20150073210
    Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for imaging at least one anatomical structure can be provided. For example, the apparatus can include an endoscopic first arrangement, a radiation source second arrangement which provides at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and a third arrangement attached to at least one portion of the endoscopic arrangement. The third arrangement can contain an optical arrangement which, upon impact by the at least one electro-magnetic radiation and based thereon, may transmit a first radiation and reflects a second radiation. The first radiation can impact at least one first portion of the anatomical structure(s), and the second radiation can impact at least one second portion of the anatomical structure(s). The first and second portions can be at least partially different from one another. Further, the first and second radiations can have characteristics which are different from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin Woods, Brett Eugene Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney, Dongkyun Kang, Tao Wu
  • Patent number: 8965487
    Abstract: A system, process and software arrangement are provided to determining data associated with at least one structural change of tissue. In particular, a first optical coherence tomography (“OCT”) signal which contains first information regarding the tissue at a first stress level, and a second OCT signal which contains second information regarding the tissue at a second stress level are received. The first and second information are compared to produce comparison information. The data associated with the at least one structural change is determined as a function of the comparison information and further information associated with (i) at least one known characteristics of the tissue and/or (ii) characteristics of an OCT system. Further, at least one optical coherence tomography (“OCT”) signal which contains information regarding the tissue can be received, and the modulus of the tissue may be determined as a function of the received at least one OCT signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Eugene Bouma, Raymond C. Chan, Guillermo J. Tearney
  • Publication number: 20150045622
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus for obtaining information for a structure can be provided. For example, the exemplary apparatus can include at least one first optical fiber arrangement which is configured to transceive at least one first electro-magnetic radiation, and can include at least one fiber. The exemplary apparatus can also include at least one second focusing arrangement in optical communication with the optical fiber arrangement. The second arrangement can be configured to focus and provide there through the first electro-magnetic radiation to generate the focused electro-magnetic radiation. Further, the exemplary apparatus can include at least at least one dispersive third arrangement which can receive a particular radiation (e.g., the first electro-magnetic radiation(s) and/or the focused electro-magnetic radiation), and forward a dispersed radiation thereof to at least one section of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Milen Shishkov, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Dvir Yelin, Nicusor Iftimia
  • Publication number: 20150029513
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods can be provided which can generate data associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, at least one first radiation can be forwarded to the portion through at least one optical arrangement. At least one second radiation can be received from the portion which is based on the first radiation. Based on an interaction between the optical arrangement and the first radiation and/or the second radiation, the optical arrangement can have a first transfer function. Further, it is possible to forward at least one third radiation to the portion through such optical arrangement (or through another optical arrangement), and receive at least one fourth radiation from the portion which is based on the third radiation. Based on an interaction between the optical arrangement (or the other optical arrangement) and the third radiation and/or the fourth radiation, the optical arrangement (or the other optical arrangement) can have a second transfer function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, BRETT EUGENE BOUMA, JOSEPH A. GARDECKI, LlNBO LlU
  • Patent number: 8928889
    Abstract: Method and apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be provided. For example, first data associated with a first signal received from at least one region of at least one sample can be provided based on a first modality, and second data associated with a second signal received from the at least one sample can be provided based on a second modality which is different from the first modality. Third data associated with a reference can be received. Further data can be generated based on the first, second and third data. In addition, third data associated with a second signal received from the at least one sample can be obtained. Each of the third data can be based on a further modality which is different from the first modality and the second modality, and the further data can be further determined based on the third data. Further, the first modality can be a spectral-encoded modality, and the second modality can be a non-spectral-encoding modality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Dvir Yelin, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Wang-Yuhl Oh, Brett Eugene Bouma
  • Patent number: 8922781
    Abstract: Devices, arrangements, endoscopes, catheters and methods adapted to propagate at least one electro-magnetic radiation are provided. In particular, a waveguide apparatus specifically configured may be utilized to split the electro-magnetic radiation into a plurality of beams that are intended to illuminate a biological sample, and impart a unique associated characteristic unto each of the beams. The beams may be intended to illuminate a biological sample at distinct locations, and impart a unique associated characteristic unto each of the beams. In addition, a control apparatus may be provided which is configured to control at least one of the fibers and which can be input to the fibers so as to modify the unique associated characteristics of the beams being propagated along the fibers, and thereby modify the characteristics of the distinct locations on the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Johannes F. de Boer, Brett Eugene Bouma
  • Publication number: 20140301620
    Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus, systems and systems are provided for obtaining data for at least one portion within at least one luminal or hollow sample. The arrangement, system or apparatus can be (insertable via at least one of a mouth or a nose of a patient. For example, a first optical arrangement can be configured to transceive at least one electromagnetic (e.g., visible) radiation to and from the portion. A second arrangement may be provided at least partially enclosing the first arrangement. Further, a third arrangement can be configured to be actuated so as to position the first arrangement at a predetermined location within the luminal or hollow sample. The first arrangement may be configured to compensate for at least one aberration (e.g., astigmatism) caused by the second arrangement and/or the third arrangement. The second arrangement can include at least one portion which enables a guiding arrangement to be inserted there through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Milen Shishkov, Brett Eugene Bouma, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Norman S. Nishioka
  • Patent number: 8838213
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and process can be provided for imaging information associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, (i) at least two first different wavelengths of at least one first electro-magnetic radiation can be provided within a first wavelength range provided on the portion of the sample so as to determine at least one first transverse location of the portion, and (ii) at least two second different wavelengths of at least one second electro-magnetic radiation are provided within a second wavelength range provided on the portion so as to determine at least one second transverse location of the portion. The first and second ranges can east partially overlap on the portion. Further, a relative phase between at least one third electro-magnetic radiation electro-magnetic radiation being returned from the sample and at least one fourth electro-magnetic radiation returned from a reference can be obtained to determine a relative depth location of the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Dvir Yelin
  • Patent number: 8818149
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus for obtaining information for a structure can be provided. For example, the exemplary apparatus can include at least one first optical fiber arrangement which is configured to transceive at least one first electro-magnetic radiation, and can include at least one fiber. The exemplary apparatus can also include at least one second focusing arrangement in optical communication with the optical fiber arrangement. The second arrangement can include a ball lens, and be configured to focus and provide there through the first electro-magnetic radiation to generate the focused electro-magnetic radiation. Further, the exemplary apparatus can include at least at least one dispersive third arrangement which can receive a particular radiation (e.g., the first electro-magnetic radiation(s) and/or the focused electro-magnetic radiation), and forward a dispersed radiation thereof to at least one section of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Milen Shishkov, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Dvir Yelin, Nicusor Iftimia
  • Publication number: 20140204604
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging using a double-clad fiber is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Eugene Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney, Dvir Yelin
  • Publication number: 20140187970
    Abstract: An exemplary system can be provided for obtaining information associated with at least one tissue. The exemplary system can include at least one waveguide first arrangement which can provide at least one first radiation to the tissue(s), and which can receive at least one optical second radiation from the at least one tissue. Further, at least one configuration can be provided that can transceive at least one electrical signal to and from at least one portion of the system. In addition, at least one computing second arrangement can be provided which may configured to obtain the information based on the second radiation and data corresponding to the electrical signal(s). The data can comprise a position of the portion(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: MELISSA J. SUTER, Lida P. Hariri, Khay M. Tan, Chunmin Chee, Milen Shiskhov, Brett Eugene Bouma
  • Patent number: 8760663
    Abstract: Exemplary method, apparatus and arrangement can be provided for obtaining information associated with a sample such as a portion of an anatomical structure. The information can be generated using first data, which can be based on a signal obtained from a location on the sample, and second data, where the second data can be obtained by combining a second signal received from the sample with a third reference signal. An image of a portion of the sample can also be generated based on the information. For example, the first data can be associated with spectral encoding microscopy data, and the second data can be associated with optical coherence tomography data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Dvir Yelin, Brett Eugene Bouma
  • Patent number: 8705046
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided. In particular, at least one first electro-magnetic radiation may be provided to a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation can be provided to a non-reflective reference. A frequency of the first and/or second radiations varies over time. An interference is detected between at least one third radiation associated with the first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the second radiation. Alternatively, the first electro-magnetic radiation and/or second electro-magnetic radiation have a spectrum which changes over time. The spectrum may contain multiple frequencies at a particular time. In addition, it is possible to detect the interference signal between the third radiation and the fourth radiation in a first polarization state. Further, it may be preferable to detect a further interference signal between the third and fourth radiations in a second polarization state which is different from the first polarization state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Seok-Hyun Yun, Brett Eugene Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney, Johannes Fitzgerald de Boer
  • Patent number: 8676013
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging using a double-clad fiber is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Eugene Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney, Dvir Yelin
  • Publication number: 20130338510
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying electro-magnetic radiations to a sample is provided. The apparatus can include an arrangement which has a specific portion with a plurality of channels. One channel(s) can facilitate a first radiation to be forwarded to the sample within an anatomical structure, and another channel(s) can facilitate a second radiation to be forwarded to the sample. The first radiation can have a first wavelength band, and the second radiation can have a second wavelength band, which can be substantially different from the first wavelength band. The first radiation can be delivered to a first area of the sample, and the second radiation can be delivered to a second area of the sample. Each of the channels can facilitate a particular radiation(s) to be forwarded to the sample that is within an anatomical structure of the sample, the radiations being delivered to different areas of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Milen Shishkov, Brett Eugene Bouma, Benjamin J. Vakoc
  • Publication number: 20130314716
    Abstract: Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of an apparatus obtaining information associated with a structure can be provided. For example, with a first arrangement, it is possible to separate at least one first electro-magnetic radiation into a first radiation and a second radiation forwarded to the structure, with the first and second radiations having different path lengths. Using a second arrangement, it is possible to receive third and fourth radiations from the structure associated with the first and second radiations and a fifth radiation received from a reference. Further, with a third arrangement, it is possible to generate data corresponding to an amount of a ranging depth within the structure associated with the second arrangement. For example, a difference between the path lengths of the first and second radiations is equal or greater than the ranging depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Nicusor Iftimia, Brett Eugene Bouma