Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods calculate a first stenosis measurement of a measured location in a lumen based on optical-imaging data of the lumen, on the measured location in the lumen, and on a first reference location in the lumen; and generate a screen that includes a tomographic view of the lumen, a longitudinal view of the lumen, and the first stenosis measurement, wherein the tomographic view of the lumen and the longitudinal view of the lumen are based on the optical-imaging data of the lumen, wherein the tomographic view includes a tomographic-view measured-location indicator that indicates the measured location in the lumen and a first tomographic-view reference indicator that indicates the first reference location in the lumen, and wherein the longitudinal view includes a longitudinal-view measured-location indicator that indicates the measured location in the lumen and a first longitudinal-view reference indicator that indicates the first reference location in the lumen.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting multi-probe guidance are disclosed. The system comprises: a medical guidance apparatus comprising: a rotatable portion which is rotatable around a first axis; an arc guide attached to or integrally formed with the rotatable portion, and a probe holder movably mounted on the arc guide. The probe holder is rotatable around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis by being translated along an arcuate path defined by the shape of the arc guide. In one embodiment, the probe holder includes a plurality of probe channels to guide a corresponding plurality of probes parallel to each other towards a subject. In other embodiment, the probe holder includes a single probe channel which is offset from a center point of the guidance apparatus by a fixed distance such that each probe can be inserted sequentially through a different insertion point without colliding at the center point.

Abstract: A connector apparatus configured to connect to a connection port in order to transfer data and/or electrical power between two electronic devices or between an electronic device and an electrical outlet, the connector apparatus comprising: a first part configured to connect to the connection port by friction; two or more coupling portions which can engage or disengage when a force is applied to at least one of the coupling portions; and a retracting mechanism which pulls the two or more coupling portions towards each other when the coupling portions are separated by a separating force larger than a threshold force; wherein the first part remains connected to the connection port, while the two or more coupling portions engage or disengage when the force is applied and/or while the retracting mechanism pulls the two or more coupling portions towards each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for correcting distortion of a spectrally encoded endoscopy (“SEE”), more specifically, the subject disclosure provides a calibration tool calibrating a rotating spectrally encoded endoscope, which may be reused to recalibrate the endoscope throughout the lifecycle, and which may further act to protect the endoscope during packaging, shipping and handling.

Abstract: A control system controls an endoscope probe in manual mode or robot mode. The system comprises a handle attached to the probe; a portable display controller connectable to the handle; a robotic controller in communication with the handle and/or the portable display controller; and a support platform to which the probe and the portable device controller are attachable according to control mode. In manual mode, the handle is detached from the platform and connected to the portable display controller such that the probe is manually navigated to a first position inside a lumen. In robot mode, the handle is attached to the platform such that the robotic controller cooperates with the handle to robotically navigate the probe to a second position inside the lumen. The portable display controller includes a control section for manipulating the probe and a display section for displaying images of the lumen acquired in both modes.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method for detecting a position of a rotating optical fiber is provided. The apparatus includes at least one rotating optical fiber that rotates about an axis of rotation and that emits light towards a surface and at least two stationary fibers for transmitting light reflected from a surface, each of the at least two stationary fibers having a known predetermined position relative to each other and to the axis of rotation of the at least one rotating optical fiber. At least one detector is configured to detect an intensity of light transmitted through each of the at least two stationary fibers within a given time interval and at least one calculator is configured to use the detected intensities and the known predetermined positions of each of the at least two stationary fibers to determine a relative angular position of the rotating optical fiber with respect to the at least two stationary fibers.

Abstract: A connector apparatus configured to connect to a connection port in order to transfer data and/or electrical power between two electronic devices or between an electronic device and an electrical outlet, the connector apparatus comprising: a first part configured to connect to the connection port by friction; two or more coupling portions which can engage or disengage when a force is applied to at least one of the coupling portions; and a retracting mechanism which pulls the two or more coupling portions towards each other when the coupling portions are separated by a separating force larger than a threshold force; wherein the first part remains connected to the connection port, while the two or more coupling portions engage or disengage when the force is applied and/or while the retracting mechanism pulls the two or more coupling portions towards each other.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method for detecting a position of a rotating optical fiber is provided. The apparatus includes at least one rotating optical fiber that rotates about an axis of rotation and that emits light towards a surface and at least two stationary fibers for transmitting light reflected from a surface, each of the at least two stationary fibers having a known predetermined position relative to each other and to the axis of rotation of the at least one rotating optical fiber. At least one detector is configured to detect an intensity of light transmitted through each of the at least two stationary fibers within a given time interval and at least one calculator is configured to use the detected intensities and the known predetermined positions of each of the at least two stationary fibers to determine a relative angular position of the rotating optical fiber with respect to the at least two stationary fibers.

Abstract: A medical apparatus such as a catheter or endoscope that has a stretchable sheath is provided. The medical apparatus comprises an elongate core, a sheath substantially surrounding the elongate core, and a window attached to the distal end of the sheath. The sheath comprises an elastomeric section and is concentrically disposed and is configured to allow the length of the sheath to conform to the length of the elongate core and may also comprise a semi-rigid section.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting multi-probe guidance are disclosed. The system comprises: a medical guidance apparatus comprising: a rotatable portion which is rotatable around a first axis; an arc guide attached to or integrally formed with the rotatable portion, and a probe holder movably mounted on the arc guide. The probe holder is rotatable around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis by being translated along an arcuate path defined by the shape of the arc guide. In one embodiment, the probe holder includes a plurality of probe channels to guide a corresponding plurality of probes parallel to each other towards a subject. In other embodiment, the probe holder includes a single probe channel which is offset from a center point of the guidance apparatus by a fixed distance such that each probe can be inserted sequentially through a different insertion point without colliding at the center point.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for color imaging and an increased field of view using spectrally encoded endoscopy techniques. At least one of the apparatuses includes an illumination unit having two or more spectrally dispersive gratings positioned, for example, on different planes or on the same plane but having grating vectors at an angle to each other such that bands of spectrally dispersed light propagating from the gratings propagate on different planes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for correcting distortion of a spectrally encoded endoscopy (“SEE”), more specifically, the subject disclosure provides a calibration tool calibrating a rotating spectrally encoded endoscope, which may be reused to recalibrate the endoscope throughout the lifecycle, and which may further act to protect the endoscope during packaging, shipping and handling.

Abstract: Some systems comprise a light source; a spectrometer; an optical scope that has a longitudinal axis and that includes a rotatable optical assembly, which is coupled to the light source and to the spectrometer; and an oscillating-drive device that is coupled to the optical scope. Also, the oscillating-drive device and the optical scope are configured such that the oscillating-drive device can oscillate the rotatable optical assembly of the optical scope through greater than 90° of rotation around the longitudinal axis of the optical scope. And some systems comprise an optical scope that includes a rotatable optical assembly and a spooling mechanism. The rotatable optical assembly includes one or more light-guiding components. Furthermore, the spooling mechanism is configured to wind or unwind the one or more light-guiding components when the rotatable optical assembly rotates.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus, systems, methods of making, and methods of using a configuration in an optical arrangement for spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) probe can be provided. For example, the probe can comprise a fixed guiding portion and a rotatable dispersive portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for color imaging and an increased field of view using spectrally encoded endoscopy techniques. At least one of the apparatuses includes an illumination unit having two or more spectrally dispersive gratings positioned, for example, on different planes or on the same plane but having grating vectors at an angle to each other such that bands of spectrally dispersed light propagating from the gratings propagate on different planes.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus, systems, methods of making, and methods of using a configuration in an optical arrangement for forward viewing spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) probe can be provided. For example, the probe can comprise a light focusing component, a light guiding component, a light reflecting component, and a grating component.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for color imaging and an increased field of view using spectrally encoded endoscopy techniques. At least one of the apparatuses includes an illumination unit having two or more spectrally dispersive gratings positioned, for example, on different planes or on the same plane but having grating vectors at an angle to each other such that bands of spectrally dispersed light propagating from the gratings propagate on different planes.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus, systems, methods of making, and methods of using a configuration in an optical arrangement for spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) probe can be provided. For example, the probe can comprise a fixed guiding portion and a rotatable dispersive portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for color imaging and an increased field of view using spectrally encoded endoscopy techniques. At least one of the apparatuses includes an illumination unit having two or more spectrally dispersive gratings positioned, for example, on different planes or on the same plane but having grating vectors at an angle to each other such that bands of spectrally dispersed light propagating from the gratings propagate on different planes.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus, systems, methods of making, and methods of using a configuration in an optical arrangement for forward viewing spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) probe can be provided. For example, the probe can comprise a light focusing component, a light guiding component, a light reflecting component, and a grating component.