Abstract: The system includes a catheter with an internal optical fiber that carries an optical beam and an optical element, which reflects the optical beam substantially orthogonal to a rotational axis of the catheter and is coupled to the end of the optical fiber. A motor drive unit (MDU) is coupled to the catheter, wherein the MDU comprises: a rotary collimator; a catheter interface, which couples the optical fiber to the rotary collimator; and a drive motor, which rotates the rotary collimator. The MDU also includes a first dichroic mirror that combines optical paths for a fluorescence-lifetime imaging (FLIm) system and an optical coherence tomography system into a single optical path, which is coupled to the optical fiber through the rotary collimator and the catheter interface. The MDU additionally includes a multispectral detector for the FLIm system, which is electrically coupled to a data acquisition unit forthe FLIm imagin system.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that implements a side-viewing imaging catheter. This system includes a catheter sheath enclosing an imaging core, wherein the imaging core resents an internal optical channel coupled to an optical element located at the distal end of the imaging core. The optical element includes an internal reflective surface that reflects and focuses light transmitted via the optical channel in a direction orthogonal to a rotational axis of the catheter toward a target location, and returns reflected light from the target location back through the optical channel. This internal reflective surface of the optical element is shaped to focus the light so that a resulting beam shape at the target location has a small cross section area and substantially equal axial and transaxial dimensions.

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: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that implements a side-viewing imaging catheter. This system includes a catheter sheath enclosing an imaging core, wherein the imaging core presents an internal optical channel coupled to an optical element located at the distal end of the imaging core. The optical element includes an internal reflective surface that reflects and focuses light transmitted via the optical channel in a direction orthogonal to a rotational axis of the catheter toward a target location, and returns reflected light from the target location back through the optical channel. This internal reflective surface of the optical element is shaped to focus the light so that a resulting beam shape at the target location has a small cross section area and substantially equal axial and transaxial dimensions.

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.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that characterizes a biological sample by analyzing light emissions from the biological sample in response to an excitation. The system first radiates the biological sample with a laser impulse to cause the biological sample to produce a responsive light emission. Next, the system uses a wavelength splitting device to split the responsive light emission into a set of spectral bands of different central wavelengths. The system applies temporal delays to the set of spectral bands so that each spectral band arrives at an optical detector at a different time, thereby allowing the optical detector to temporally resolve the responsive light emission for each spectral band separately. Next, the system captures the delayed spectral bands within a single detection window of the optical detector. The system then processes the captured spectral bands.

Abstract: A method and system for analysis of fluorescence emission spectroscopy data and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy data are described. A unique Laguerre expansion can be found for fluorescence intensity decays of arbitrary form with convergence to a correct solution faster than with conventional methods. The Laguerre expansion technique includes expansion coefficients highly correlated with intrinsic fluorescence lifetimes, allowing direct characterization of fluorescence dynamics. For complex systems, conventional analysis of fluorescence intensity decay in terms of discrete exponential components can not readily provide a true representation of underlying fluorescence dynamics. Utilizing the Laguerre expansion technique, an alternative non-parametric method for analysis of time-resolved fluorescence data from various systems is described, facilitating characterization and discrimination of a sample.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that characterizes a biological sample by analyzing light emissions from the biological sample in response to an excitation. The system first radiates the biological sample with a laser impulse to cause the biological sample to produce a responsive light emission. Next, the system uses a wavelength splitting device to split the responsive light emission into a set of spectral bands of different central wavelengths. The system applies temporal delays to the set of spectral bands so that each spectral band arrives at an optical detector at a different time, thereby allowing the optical detector to temporally resolve the responsive light emission for each spectral band separately. Next, the system captures the delayed spectral bands within a single detection window of the optical detector. The system then processes the captured spectral bands.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods described herein enable an operator to simultaneously collect images and spectroscopic information from a region(s) of interest using a multiple modality imaging and/or spectroscopic probe, configured as a catheter, endoscope, microscope, or hand held probe. The device may incorporate, for example, an ultrasonic transducer and a fiber optic probe to translate images and spectra. The apparatus and methods may be used in any suitable cavity, for example, the vascular system of a mammal.

Abstract: A method and system for analysis of fluorescence emission spectroscopy data and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy data are described. A unique Laguerre expansion can be found for fluorescence intensity decays of arbitrary form with convergence to a correct solution faster than with conventional methods. The Laguerre expansion technique includes expansion coefficients highly correlated with intrinsic fluorescence lifetimes, allowing direct characterization of fluorescence dynamics. For complex systems, conventional analysis of fluorescence intensity decay in terms of discrete exponential components can not readily provide a true representation of underlying fluorescence dynamics. Utilizing the Laguerre expansion technique, an alternative non-parametric method for analysis of time-resolved fluorescence data from various systems is described, facilitating characterization and discrimination of a sample.

Abstract: A probe device for detecting chemotherapy effectiveness, and methods of use are disclosed. The device includes a fiber optic probe element that can be injected into a tumor. The probe element is connected to an external controlling/measurement element, which injects a reagent through the probe and into the tumor. The reagent reacts with biological markers indicative of chemotherapy effectiveness.

Abstract: A biosensing device for detecting biological analytes, and methods of use and manufacture, are disclosed. The device includes a biosensing element that can remain implanted for extended periods of time. The biosensing element is connected to an optical fiber terminating outside of the body. The optical fiber is also connected to an information analyzer. The information analyzer receives light from the reaction of fluorescent molecules in the biosensing element. The biosensing device can be used to detect and analyze the effectiveness of chemotherapy agents and molecules associated with various diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods in which an electric field pulse is applied to cells and tissue. Several embodiments of the present invention relate to the application of electric field pulses to cells to regulate the physiology and biophysical properties of various cell types, including terminally differentiated and rapidly dividing cells. Methods of regulating transcription of a gene in a cell, marking a cell for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, determining cellular tolerance to electroperturbation, selectively electroperturbing a population of cells, reducing proliferation of rapidly dividing cells in a patient, and facilitating entry of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into a cell's intracellular structures are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods in which an electric field pulse is applied to cells and tissue. Several embodiments of the present invention relate to the application of electric field pulses to cells to regulate the physiology and biophysical properties of various cell types, including terminally differentiated and rapidly dividing cells. Methods of regulating transcription of a gene in a cell, marking a cell for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, determining cellular tolerance to electroperturbation, selectively electroperturbing a population of cells, reducing proliferation of rapidly dividing cells in a patient, and facilitating entry of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into a cell's intracellular structures are also provided.

Abstract: A method of analysis of organic matter, called Time-Resolved, Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy (TR-LIFS), characterizes and discriminates certain matter, such as tissue, by investigating the fluoresence response of the protein and lipid fluorophore components in both the spectral domain and time domain. This method is more robust than prior methods as (1) can investigate the matter at muplitple wavelengths and even across an entire spectrum and (2) is more sensitive to picking up weaker fluorescence signals such as that from lipids. A detailed study of the use of TR-LIFs for the charaterization of arterial wall tisse is described. A system and instrumentation for practicing the novel method is also disclosed.