Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to multimodal imaging system comprising a fiber-coupled fluorescence imaging system, which operates based on ultra-violet (UV) excitation light, and a fiber-coupled optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system. The multimodal imaging system also includes a fiber optic interface comprising a single optical fiber, which facilitates light delivery to a sample-of-interest and collection of returned optical signals for both the fluorescence imaging system and the OCT imaging system. During operation of the system, the single optical fiber carries both UV light and coherent infrared light through two concentric light-guiding regions, thereby facilitating generation of precisely co-registered optical data from the fluorescence imaging system and the OCT imaging system.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to multimodal imaging system, comprising: a fiber-coupled fluorescence imaging system, which operates based on ultra-violet (UV) excitation light; and a fiber-coupled optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system. The multimodal imaging system also includes a fiber optic interface comprising a single optical fiber, which facilitates light delivery to a sample-of-interest and collection of returned optical signals for both the fluorescence imaging system and the OCT imaging system. During operation of the system, the single optical fiber carries both UV light and coherent infrared light through two concentric light-guiding regions, thereby facilitating generation of precisely co-registered optical data from the fluorescence imaging system and the OCT imaging system.

Abstract: A multimodal intravascular catheter system includes a catheter with an optical channel and an electrical channel. A distal end of the catheter includes an optical element and an ultrasonic transducer, which are oriented orthogonally to a rotational axis of the catheter. A motor drive unit (MDU) is coupled to a proximal end of the catheter and includes a drive motor to rotate the catheter. The optical channel directs light from a pulsed UV laser source to the optical element, and returns an optical fluorescence signal from the optical element. A photodetector converts the returned optical fluorescence signal into an electrical fluorescence signal. An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) processor is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer through the electrical channel, wherein the IVUS processor generates a drive signal for the ultrasound transducer, and processes echo information returned from the ultrasound transducer. Finally, a digitizer samples the electrical fluorescence signal and associated echo information.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to multimodal imaging system, comprising: a fiber-coupled fluorescence imaging system, which operates based on ultra-violet (UV) excitation light; and a fiber-coupled optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system. The multimodal imaging system also includes a fiber optic interface comprising a single optical fiber, which facilitates light delivery to a sample-of-interest and collection of returned optical signals for both the fluorescence imaging system and the OCT imaging system. During operation of the system, the single optical fiber carries both UV light and coherent infrared light through two concentric light-guiding regions, thereby facilitating generation of precisely co-registered optical data from the fluorescence imaging system and the OCT imaging system.

Abstract: A multimodal intravascular catheter system includes a catheter with an optical channel and an electrical channel. A distal end of the catheter includes an optical element and an ultrasonic transducer, which are oriented orthogonally to a rotational axis of the catheter. A motor drive unit (MDU) is coupled to a proximal end of the catheter and includes a drive motor to rotate the catheter. The optical channel directs light from a pulsed UV laser source to the optical element, and returns an optical fluorescence signal from the optical element. A photodetector converts the returned optical fluorescence signal into an electrical fluorescence signal. An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) processor is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer through the electrical channel, wherein the IVUS processor generates a drive signal for the ultrasound transducer, and processes echo information returned from the ultrasound transducer. Finally, a digitizer samples the electrical fluorescence signal and associated echo information.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that displays an image of the characteristics of the biological tissue. During operation, the system enables a user to illuminate a measurement location in an area of interest on the biological tissue by manipulating a point measurement probe, wherein the point measurement probe delivers both an excitation beam and an overlapping aiming beam that is visible to a camera. Next, the system obtains fluorescence information from a fluorescence signal emitted from the measurement location in response to the excitation beam. The system then captures an image of the area of interest using the camera and identifies a portion of the image that corresponds to the measurement location by identifying a location illuminated by the aiming beam. Finally, the system generates an overlay image by overlaying the fluorescence information onto the portion of the image that corresponds to the measurement location, and then displays the overlay image to a user.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that displays an image of the characteristics of the biological tissue. During operation, the system enables a user to illuminate a measurement location in an area of interest on the biological tissue by manipulating a point measurement probe, wherein the point measurement probe delivers both an excitation beam and an overlapping aiming beam that is visible to a camera. Next, the system obtains fluorescence information from a fluorescence signal emitted from the measurement location in response to the excitation beam. The system then captures an image of the area of interest using the camera and identifies a portion of the image that corresponds to the measurement location by identifying a location illuminated by the aiming beam. Finally, the system generates an overlay image by overlaying the fluorescence information onto the portion of the image that corresponds to the measurement location, and then displays the overlay image to a user.