Abstract: A multi-cladding optical fiber includes a core that conveys visible light used by a scanner for imaging a site within a patient's body, and an inner cladding that conveys high-power light, such as infrared light, used for providing therapy to site. The distal end of multi-cladding optical fiber is driven to scan the site when imaging or rendering therapy using an actuator. High-power light is coupled into inner cladding at proximal end of optical fiber using several different techniques. Some techniques use an axicon to direct the high-power light into the inner cladding, while visible light is coupled directly into the core. Another technique uses a multimode optical fiber in a coupling relationship with the multi-cladding optical fiber, to transfer high-power light from a core of the multimode fiber into the inner cladding of the multi-cladding optical fiber.

Abstract: A scanning device for use in an endoscope or other applications can be driven to scan a region with one or more different scanning parameters during successive scanning frames. The scanning device, which can include an optical fiber or reflective surface driven by an actuator to move relative to one or more axes, can be provided with a drive signal that is different during successive scanning frames so that the scanning pattern can be caused to differ between the successive scanning frames by one or more of size, amplitude in at least one direction, depth, duration, shape, and resolution. Thus, different scanning frames can be employed for imaging, carrying out a diagnosis, rendering a therapy, and/or monitoring a site, using the appropriate scanning pattern, appropriate light source, and other parameters for each function that is carried out by the scanning device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing image acquisition and/or image display in a limited region of interest (ROI). The apparatus comprises a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS), preferably integrating a light source, a cantilever, a lens, an actuator, a light detector, and a position sensor. The light source provides light for illuminating the ROI, displaying an image, providing a therapy, and/or performing other functions. The cantilever comprises a resin waveguide with a fixed end attached to a substrate that supports many or all other components. A free end of the cantilever is released from the substrate during fabrication and includes the lens. The actuator scans the free end in orthogonal directions to illuminate the ROI or display an image. The position sensors detect the position of the free end for control. The light detector receives light backscattered from the ROI separate from, or at the fixed end of the cantilever.

Abstract: A distal end of a flexible catheter can be selectively deflected in a desired direction by actuating one or more actuators that extend outwardly of an exterior surface of the catheter. Each actuator can be a balloon disposed within a non-extendible balloon or sheath. Inflation of one (or both) of the balloon and the non-extendible balloon with a pressurized fluid can deflect the distal tip of the catheter. Another actuator embodiment comprises a strip of a bimorph material that bends outwardly when actuated, e.g., by heat, applying a force against adjacent tissue to deflect the distal tip. Yet another embodiment includes a strip of material that shortens when heated and can be coupled to a balloon that is inflated outwardly to increase a radial moment arm of the force applied thereby, relative to a neutral axis of the catheter, to more readily deflect the distal tip.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of scanning devices and light receivers, enabling a plurality of images of a site to be displayed using output signals produced in response to light from the light receivers. To avoid crosstalk caused by light receivers receiving light emitted by a plurality of scanning devices, different wavebands of light can be applied to different scanning devices, the received light can be filtered, or the light can be supplied to one scanning device at a time to multiplex either frame-by-frame, or pixel-by-pixel, or the light supplied to each scanning device can be modulated and the received light demodulated so that an image is produced in response to light from a single scanning device. Expensive components such as laser light sources, optical detectors, a controller, and processor can be shared by multiple imaging devices to minimize the cost of the imaging system.

Abstract: An optical fiber scanner is used for multiphoton excitation imaging, optical coherence tomography, or for confocal imaging in which transverse scans are carried out at a plurality of successively different depths within tissue. The optical fiber scanner is implemented as a scanning endoscope using a cantilevered optical fiber that is driven into resonance or near resonance by an actuator. The actuator is energized with drive signals that cause the optical fiber to scan in a desired pattern at successively different depths as the depth of the focal point is changed. Various techniques can be employed for depth focus tracking at a rate that is much slower than the transverse scanning carried out by the vibrating optical fiber. The optical fiber scanner can be used for confocal imaging, multiphoton fluorescence imaging, nonlinear harmonic generation imaging, or in an OCT system that includes a phase or frequency modulator and delay line.

Abstract: A scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) disposed at the distal end of a flexible, small diameter imaging probe is inserted through a relatively small opening and into a larger volume, such as the bladder. Actuators disposed adjacent to the distal end of the imaging probe are selectively activated to bend the distal end of the imaging probe to assist in positioning and orienting the SFE at a plurality of points selected to image substantially all of at least a desired portion of the interior surface of the volume. The insertion depth, bending arc, and rotational position of the imaging probe can be manually and/or automatically controlled. The user can inspect the images to determine if a desired portion of the surface has been imaged and can thus ensure that a tumor or other characteristic of the surface is not overlooked due to a failure to image it.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of scanning devices and light receivers, enabling a plurality of images of a site to be displayed using output signals produced in response to light from the light receivers. To avoid crosstalk caused by light receivers receiving light emitted by a plurality of scanning devices, different wavebands of light can be applied to different scanning devices, the received light can be filtered, or the light can be supplied to one scanning device at a time to multiplex either frame-by-frame, or pixel-by-pixel, or the light supplied to each scanning device can be modulated and the received light demodulated so that an image is produced in response to light from a single scanning device. Expensive components such as laser light sources, optical detectors, a controller, and processor can be shared by multiple imaging devices to minimize the cost of the imaging system.

Abstract: One or more scan illuminators and a plurality of light receivers are provided on the distal end of a tool or other component, so that a plurality of images of a site can be provided in response to output signals from the plurality of light receivers. The output signals from the plurality of light receivers are combined to produce an overall image of the site or a plurality of different images from disparate positions. The plurality of images can be viewed separately to produce a stereo or perspective view, or can be produced using different wavebands of light to provide enhanced information about the site that facilitates use of one or more tools or components at the site. The scan illuminator(s) and plurality of light receivers can be configured to be added to an existing tool or component.

Abstract: A scanning device for use in an endoscope or other applications can be driven to scan a region with one or more different scanning parameters during successive scanning frames. The scanning device, which can include an optical fiber or reflective surface driven by an actuator to move relative to one or more axes, can be provided with a drive signal that is different during successive scanning frames so that the scanning pattern can be caused to differ between the successive scanning frames by one or more of size, amplitude in at least one direction, depth, duration, shape, and resolution. Thus, different scanning frames can be employed for imaging, carrying out a diagnosis, rendering a therapy, and/or monitoring a site, using the appropriate scanning pattern, appropriate light source, and other parameters for each function that is carried out by the scanning device.

Abstract: A multi-cladding optical fiber includes a core that conveys visible light used by a scanner for imaging a site within a patient's body, and an inner cladding that conveys high-power light, such as infrared light, used for providing therapy to site. The distal end of multi-cladding optical fiber is driven to scan the site when imaging or rendering therapy using an actuator. High-power light is coupled into inner cladding at proximal end of optical fiber using several different techniques. Some techniques use an axicon to direct the high-power light into the inner cladding, while visible light is coupled directly into the core. Another technique uses a multimode optical fiber in a coupling relationship with the multi-cladding optical fiber, to transfer high-power light from a core of the multimode fiber into the inner cladding of the multi-cladding optical fiber.

Abstract: A scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) system selectively operable in a plurality of different modes. One or more illumination optical fibers convey different types of light to an internal site. A scanner that is resonantly driven in a desired pattern collects light from the internal site. The scanner can be a cantilevered distal end of a scanning optical fiber or a scanning mirror. The illumination optical fiber(s) can be moved in a non-resonant manner to alter the direction at which the light is emitted. In a therapy mode, a relatively high-power light can be applied to the site, while in a monitoring mode, the scanner can be used to image the tissue at the internal site after or during therapy. Exemplary SFE probes are disclosed for measuring scattering angle (which can detect larger cancer cell nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio), absorption depth, axial distance to tissue, and other conditions at the internal site.

Abstract: A scanning flexible endoscope includes a tether attached to a capsule. The tether controls a disposition of the capsule within a body lumen such as the esophagus. A scanning device in the capsule optically scans the adjacent tissue on the inside surface of the body lumen as the capsule is moved axially through the body lumen. A non-contact sensor responds to indicia on the tether to measure a relative position of the tether and the capsule in the body lumen. The indicia can be analog or digital in form and the sensor can be either magnetic, or optical. A wiper is optionally provided to remove bodily fluids from the tether when pulled from the body lumen past the sensor. A pulse of fluid can be delivered to the distal end of the tether to cause the body lumen to distend, facilitating free movement of the capsule in the lumen.

Abstract: A large depth of focus (DOF) display provides an image in which the apparent focus plane is adjusted to track an accommodation (focus) of a viewer's eye(s) to more effectively convey depth in the image. A device is employed to repeatedly determine accommodation as a viewer's gaze within the image changes. In response, an image that includes an apparent focus plane corresponding to the level of accommodation of the viewer is provided on the large DOF display. Objects that are not at the apparent focus plane are made to appear blurred. The images can be rendered in real-time, or can be pre-rendered and stored in an array. The dimensions of the array can each correspond to a different variable. The images can alternatively be provided by a computer controlled, adjustable focus video camera in real-time.

Abstract: A capsule is coupled to a tether that is manipulated to position the capsule and a scanner included within the capsule at a desired location within a lumen in a patient's body. Images produced by the scanner can be used to detect Barrett's Esophagus (BE) and early (asymptomatic) esophageal cancer after the capsule is swallowed and positioned with the tether to enable the scanner in the capsule to scan a region of the esophagus above the stomach to detect a characteristic dark pink color indicative of BE. The scanner moves in a desired pattern to illuminate a portion of the inner surface. Light from the inner surface is then received by detectors in the capsule, or conveyed externally through a waveguide to external detectors. Electrical signals are applied to energize an actuator that moves the scanner. The capsule can also be used for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes in other lumens.

Abstract: Visual-assisted guidance of an ultra-thin flexible endoscope to a predetermined region of interest within a lung during a bronchoscopy procedure. The region may be an opacity-identified by non-invasive imaging methods, such as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or as a malignant lung mass that was diagnosed in a previous examination. An embedded position sensor on the flexible endoscope indicates the position of the distal tip of the probe in a Cartesian coordinate system during the procedure. A visual display is continually updated, showing the present position and orientation of the marker in a 3-D graphical airway model generated from image reconstruction. The visual display also includes windows depicting a virtual fly-through perspective and real-time video images acquired at the head of the endoscope, which can be stored as data, with an audio or textual account.

Abstract: Visual-assisted guidance of an ultra-thin flexible endoscope to a predetermined region of interest within a lung during a bronchoscopy procedure. The region may be an opacity-identified by non-invasive imaging methods, such as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or as a malignant lung mass that was diagnosed in a previous examination. An embedded position sensor on the flexible endoscope indicates the position of the distal tip of the probe in a Cartesian coordinate system during the procedure. A visual display is continually updated, showing the present position and orientation of the marker in a 3-D graphical airway model generated from image reconstruction. The visual display also includes windows depicting a virtual fly-through perspective and real-time video images acquired at the head of the endoscope, which can be stored as data, with an audio or textual account.

Abstract: An optical fiber having a reduced cross-sectional region adjacent to its distal end, which is fused to an optical component, is vibrated, rotating the optical component to scan a region. The optical component has a back focal point that is substantially coincident with an effective light source of the optical fiber, so that the light emanating from the optical component is either substantially collimated or convergent. The optical component is either a ball lens, a drum lens, a graded index lens, or a diffractive optical element. A vibratory node is also made substantially coincident with the back focal point of the optical component, producing a compact scanner with extensive field of view. The optical fiber is preferably reduced in cross-sectional area after the optical component is fused to the optical fiber, by immersion in a three-layer etch apparatus having an etch-stop layer, an etch layer, and a solvent layer.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides methods for assessing a physiological state of a mammalian retina in vivo, the methods of this aspect of the invention each include the steps of: (a) irradiating a portion of a mammalian retina, in vivo, with light having a wavelength in the range of from 600 nm to 1000 nm at an intensity sufficient to stimulate two-photon-induced fluorescence in the retina; and (b) assessing a physiological state of the retina by analyzing the fluorescence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for embedding particles in a solid structure including the steps of extruding a slurry of particles and a polymeric solution into a linear polymer medium having particles embedded into a polymer portion; and curing the polymer portion of the linear polymer medium.