Abstract: Devices for performing fine-needle aspiration of tissue and methods of using the same are disclosed. The device includes a syringe including a fiber optic probe, a plunger, and a needle and a holder including a coupling mechanism, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The fiber optic probe is configured to move within a lumen of the needle and is guided into the needle by a fiber optic channel. The plunger is configured to create a vacuum in the needle.

Abstract: Mathematical/statistical pattern-recognition systems and methods to distinguish between different pathologies and benign conditions (e.g., normal or cancerous tissue) given spectra measured using optical spectroscopy such as elastic-scattering spectroscopy (EES).

Abstract: Mathematical/statistical pattern-recognition systems and methods to distinguish between different pathologies and benign conditions (e.g., normal or cancerous tissue) given spectra measured using optical spectroscopy such as elastic-scattering spectroscopy (EES).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscopic biopsy forceps (10) with an open central channel. The forceps include a sheath (20) having a proximal end and a distal end, a housing (50) connected with the distal end of the outer sheath, an open channel actuator control means (30) having a proximal end and a distal end and passing through the sheath, an operating means attached to the proximal end of the open channel actuator means, an open channel actuator (60.) attached to a distal end of the open channel actuator control means and having a first projection and second projection, a first jaw (40) having an actuator engagement projection and having a first position and a second position, and a second jaw having an actuator engagement projection and a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Biopsy instruments are integrated with a multi-fiber optical probe adapted to perform diagnostic measurements. In addition to being able to analyze, treat or remove tissue, such integrated devices characterize tissue by measuring the amount of scattering and absorption of light transmitted into the tissue. Each fiberoptic probe has an illuminating fiber that provides a broadband light source for transmission into tissue, and a collecting fiber that collects the light scattered by the tissue and transmits the collected light to a spectrometer. One embodiment is an endoscope-mediated tool with a jaw-type biopsy forceps and a multi-fiber optical probe which is conveyed through a hollow central channel. Another embodiment is an endoscope-mediated tool with a jaw-type biopsy forceps and a plurality of multi-fiber optical probes. Yet another embodiment is an endoscopic polypectomy-type snare catheter with a multi-fiber optical probe located at the tip.