Abstract: Methods, apparatus and devices for providing images based on the optical phase gradients within a biological sample can be provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a tethered and/or untethered capsule can be introduced into a biological specimen to acquire images by illuminating the specimen from at least two different angles, while an objective lens arrangement can relay an image from the illuminated sample to an imaging sensor array. The difference between images acquired using differing illumination angles and from the same position in the sample can indicate a phase contrast in a certain technique (e.g., oblique back illumination). The image focal plane provided by this exemplary arrangement/device, e.g., being planar by definition, constitutes only a small fraction of a volumetric specimen. To provide, e.g.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for obtaining a tissue sample(s) within a luminal anatomical structure can be provided. For example, an imaging first arrangement can be configured to generate an image of a portion(s) of the luminal anatomical structure, and a second arrangement can be configured to extract the tissue sample(s) based on the image. A pill-shaped housing can at least partially enclose the first and second arrangements.