Abstract: A cannula assembly configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough includes an elongated body portion, a housing coupled to a proximal end portion of the elongated body portion, and an annular-shaped light member. The housing defines a longitudinally-extending channel therethrough dimensioned for passage of the surgical instrument. The light member is disposed within the housing and about the channel.

Abstract: Endoscopic viewing systems for use in diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures. More specifically, an imaging and control system and coupler that allows for control of imaging and fluid management from a hand-held unit coupled to a conventional multiple-use, sterilizable endoscope.

Abstract: A tubular connector for use with a spiral tube used on an insertion section of an endoscope. The tubular connector including: an outer surface; an inner surface; and a plurality of cams circumferentially spaced on the inner surface to project radially inward from the inner surface, the plurality of cams extending in a longitudinal direction of the tubular connector; wherein each of the plurality of cams have one or more cam surfaces configured to engage a rotating member to rotate the spiral tube. The plurality of cams can alternatively be formed directly on an interior surface of the spiral tube.

Abstract: Multicore fibers and endoscope configurations are provided, along with corresponding production and usage methods. Various configurations include an adiabatically tapered proximal fiber tip and/or proximal optical elements for improving the interface between the multicore fiber and the sensor, photonic crystal fiber configurations which reduce the attenuation along the fiber, image processing methods and jointed rigid links configurations for the endoscope which reduce attenuation while maintaining required flexibility and optical fidelity. Various configurations include spectral multiplexing approaches, which increase the information content of the radiation delivered through the fibers and endoscope, and configurations which improve image quality, enhance the field of view, provide longitudinal information. Various configurations include fiber-based wave-front sensors.

Abstract: Provided is a light source device, including: a first light source module, a set of lenses, a first light-homogenization component, a first light-combination device, and a wavelength conversion device. The first light source module is configured to emit a first light beam having first wavelength. The set of lenses and the first light-homogenization component are located in propagation path of the first light beam. The set of lenses is configured to converge the first light beam. The first light-homogenization component is configured to homogenize the first light beam. A second light beam formed by homogenization is incident on the first light-combination device, and the first light-combination device is located at a focus position of the set of lenses. The wavelength conversion device is located in propagation path of a third light beam emitted from the first light-combination device and configured to form excited light having second wavelength under excitation.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an additive manufacturing system that includes a build plane having a first region and a second region. Multiple energy source can be positioned above the build plane and configured to direct energy into the first and second regions of the build plane. The system includes optical sensors configured to monitor an intensity of light emitted from the energy sources. A processor associated with the additive manufacturing system is configured to adjust the sensor outputs in response to the energy sources coming into close proximity.

Abstract: A method of operating a fluorescent imaging system during an open surgery procedure includes concurrently illuminating a tissue with NIR excitation light and visible light, wherein NIR fluorescent light is emitted from the tissue and collecting the NIR fluorescent light and reflected visible light that is reflected from the tissue. The method also includes blocking at least a portion of the NIR excitation light reflected from the tissue and attenuating the reflected visible light. The method further includes imaging, using a camera, the NIR fluorescent light and the attenuated reflected visible light.

Abstract: Multichannel optical coherence systems are disclosed in which optical coherence tomography (OCT) subsystems are operably and respectively connected to optical fibers of a multichannel optical probe, such that each optical fiber forms at least a distal portion of a sample beam path of a respective OCT subsystem. The optical fibers are in optical communication with distal optical elements such that external beam paths associated therewith are directed towards a common spatial region external to the housing. Image processing computer hardware is employed to process OCT signals obtained from the plurality of OCT subsystems to generate an OCT image dataset comprising a plurality of OCT A-scans and process the OCT image dataset to generate volumetric image data based on known positions and orientations of the external beam paths associated with the OCT subsystems.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to an endoscope processor used in an endoscope system which comprises a receptacle configured to receive a plug of an endoscope. The plug includes an illumination plug terminal, an electric plug terminal, and a light-receiving plug terminal. The receptacle includes an illumination receptacle terminal that is displaceable within a predetermined range in a housing for the receptacle and is to be connected to the illumination plug terminal. An electric receptacle terminal is displaceable within a predetermined range in the housing and is to be connected to the electric plug terminal. A light-receiving receptacle terminal that is arranged between the illumination receptacle terminal and the electric receptacle terminal, is attached relative to the housing and is to be connected to the light-receiving plug terminal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for instrument tracking and navigation are described. In one embodiment, the system may be configured to receive position sensor data from at least one position sensor tracking an instrument positioned within a luminal network and determine a position sensor-based estimated state derived from the sensor data. The system may be configured to determine a combined estimated state for the instrument based on the position sensor data and at least one other type of position data. The system may be configured to determine a location transform based on the combined estimated state and the position sensor-based estimated state and output an estimated state of the instrument based on the position sensor-based estimated state adjusted by the location transform.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system automatically calibrates tubular and flexible surgical tools such as endoscopes. By accounting for nonlinear behavior of an endoscope, the surgical robotic system can accurately model motions of the endoscope and navigate the endoscope while performing a surgical procedure on a patient. The surgical robotic system models the nonlinearities using sets of calibration parameters determined based on images captured by an image sensor of the endoscope. Calibration parameters can describe translational or rotational movements of the endoscope in one or more axis, e.g., pitch and yaw, as well as a slope, hysteresis, or dead zone value corresponding to the endoscope's motion. The endoscope can include tubular components referred to as a sheath and leader. An instrument device manipulator of the surgical robotic system actuates pull wires coupled to the sheath or the leader, which causes the endoscope to articulate.

Abstract: A tissue guard includes a body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The body includes an inner body defining a passageway therethrough and an outer body disposed about the inner body such that an annular flow channel is defined therebetween. A proximal lip extends radially outwardly from the proximal end portion of the body. A plurality of ribs is disposed within the annular flow channel and arranged to define a helical configuration to establish a helical fluid flow path through the annular flow channel upon application of suction therethrough.

Abstract: Methods and systems for instrument tracking and navigation are described. In one embodiment, the system may be configured to receive position sensor data from at least one position sensor tracking an instrument positioned within a luminal network and determine a position sensor-based estimated state derived from the sensor data. The system may be configured to determine a combined estimated state for the instrument based on the position sensor data and at least one other type of position data. The system may be configured to determine a location transform based on the combined estimated state and the position sensor-based estimated state and output an estimated state of the instrument based on the position sensor-based estimated state adjusted by the location transform.

Abstract: Provided is an image deblurring algorithm based on a sparse positive source separation model. The image deblurring algorithm is used for performing processing on a blurry image collected by an optical microscopic imaging system and generated due to diffraction effect and optical deviation; under a condition of single light sensitive imaging and of not increasing an external imaging device, a spatial resolution of the optical microscopic system may be improved to a nanoscale. In the disclosure, a blurring process of microscopic imaging is expressed as a linear combination of a Point Spread Function of the imaging system; by embedding the process into a positive separation optimized frame, adding a sparsity constraint and solving to remove blurring, the high-resolution microscopic imaging is implemented.

Abstract: A visual task or status indicator comprises a tube having a riser region extending away from a base and an illumination output region distal to the riser region. The tube has the tube wall comprising an optical diffuser material. A waveguide, such as a polycarbonate strand or other optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers, is enclosed within and extends through the riser region into the illumination output region of the tube. The waveguide is configured to emit light laterally in the illumination output region. A light source is coupled to the waveguide. The light source can have a plurality of output light modes, including various colors or intensities or patterns of colors and intensities. Control circuitry is connected to the light source to select the output light modes in response to a control signal. A plurality of indicators can be controlled from a central control hub.

Abstract: A surgical laser tool for performing a laser procedure at a treatment site is provided. The surgical laser tool includes a laser source, a fiber catheter, and an analytical device. The laser source is configured to generate laser energy. The fiber catheter is configured to (i) acquire optical feedback from the treatment site and (ii) deliver the laser energy to the treatment site. The analytical device is configured to analyze reflected light from the treatment site in order to allow a physician to perform a diagnosis on the treatment site.

Abstract: Laser energy delivery devices and methods are provided. A laser energy delivery device may include a housing, and a coupling is carried by the housing and adapted to couple to a laser energy generator. A sheath is carried by the housing, and the sheath includes a distal end adapted to be disposed in the subject. A plurality of transport members are carried by the sheath, and the plurality of transport members are adapted to receive laser energy at the coupling, transmit laser energy through the sheath, and deliver laser energy to the subject. A fluid-driven motor is carried by the housing and adapted to be driven upon receiving a fluid from a fluid source. A drive wire is carried by the sheath and eccentrically coupled to the distal end of the sheath, and the drive wire is adapted to be rotatably driven by the fluid-driven motor and rotates to eccentrically rotate the distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: Endoscopes, multicore endoscope fibers and configuration and operation methods are provided. The fibers may have hundreds or thousands of cores and possibly incorporate working channel(s) and additional fibers. The fiber may be used at different optical configurations to capture images of tissue and objects at the distal tip and to enhance a wide range of optical characteristics of the images such as resolution, field of view, depth of field, wavelength ranges etc. Near-field imaging as well as far-field imaging may be implemented in the endoscopes and the respective optical features may be utilized to optimize imaging. Optical elements may be used at the distal fiber tip, or the distal fiber tip may be lens-less. Diagnostics and optical treatment feedback loops may be implemented and illumination may be adapted to yield full color images, depth estimation, enhanced field of views and/or depths of field, and additional diagnostic data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image processing device and method for image stabilization of an image signal input from an endoscope device including an objective lens provided at a distal end, the objective lens being disposed such that an optical axis of the objective lens and longitudinal axis of the objective lens intersect a predetermined angle, an endoscope head provided at a proximal end, and a gyro sensor provided on the endoscope head and to detect an angular velocity of movement of the endoscope head. The device includes circuitry configured to implement the image stabilization of the image signal input from the endoscope device based on the angular velocity of movement of the endoscope head of the endoscope device detected by the endoscope device.

Abstract: The embodiments include method of nonlinear optical photodynamic therapy of tissue including the steps of providing pulsed infrared laser light for two-photon excited fluorescence tissue exposure, and selectively focusing the pulsed infrared laser light within the tissue at a focal plane to activate a photosensitizing agent to generate free radicals within a highly resolved axial and lateral spatial domain in the tissue. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for performing nonlinear optical photodynamic therapy of tissue including a pulsed infrared laser for providing two-photon excited fluorescence beam tissue exposure, a scanner for selectively and controllably moving the tissue and the beam relative to each other, and optics for selectively focusing the pulsed infrared laser light within the tissue at a point in a focal plane to activate a photosensitizing agent to generate free radicals within a highly resolved axial and lateral spatial domain in the tissue.

Abstract: A method comprises generating a model of an anatomic region and receiving a true image from an endoscopic image capture probe positioned within the anatomic region. The method further comprises identifying a true fiducial region in the true image and identifying a plurality of virtual tissue structures in the model of the anatomic region. The method further comprises matching one of the plurality of the virtual tissue structures with the true fiducial region and determining a probe pose of the endoscopic image capture probe from the matched one of the plurality of virtual tissue structures.

Abstract: A system for ultrasound interrogation of a lung including a memory, an electromagnetic (EM) board, an extended working channel (EWC), an EM sensor, a US transducer, and a processor. The memory stores a three dimensional (3D) model and pathway plan for navigating a luminal network. The EM board generates an EM field. The EWC is configured to navigate the luminal network toward a target following the pathway plan. The EM sensor extends distally from a distal end of the EWC and is configured to sense the EM field. The US transducer extends distally from a distal end of the EWC, generates US waves, and receives US waves reflected from the luminal network. The processor processes the sensed EM field to synchronize a location of the EM sensor in the 3D model, to process the reflected US waves to generate images, or to integrate the generated images with the 3D model.

Abstract: A system for ultrasound interrogation of a lung includes a memory, an electromagnetic (EM) board, an extended working channel (EWC), an EM sensor, a US transducer, and a processor. The memory stores a three dimensional (3D) model, a pathway plan for navigating a luminal network. An EM board generates an EM field. The EWC is configured to navigate the luminal network of a patient toward a target following the pathway plan and the EM sensor extends distally from the EWC and senses the EM field. The US transducer extends distally from a distal end of the EWC and generates US waves and receives US waves reflected from the luminal network and the processor processes the sensed EM field to synchronize a location of the EM sensor in the 3D model, to process the reflected US waves to generate images, or to integrate the generated images with the 3D model.

Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus and a related projection system. The light-emitting apparatus comprises an excitation light source generating an excitation light and a first supplemental laser source generating a first light; a wavelength conversion apparatus comprising a first wavelength conversion layer for absorbing the excitation light to generate a converted light without absorbing the first light; the wavelength conversion layer receiving at one side thereof the excitation light and the first light and emits at same side at least a portion of the first light; a light guide apparatus comprising a smaller first area and a larger second area, the first light and the excitation light respectively entering the first and second areas via a first optical path, and being respectively guided by the first and second areas to the wavelength conversion apparatus; the second area also guiding the converted light and the reflected first light to a second optical path.

Abstract: An intravascular imaging system can include a catheter, a position sensor, and an intravascular imaging engine for receiving information from the catheter and the position sensor. The position sensor can include a reference element and a movable element, which can have a movable element position that is correlated to the position of an imaging transducer in the catheter. The relative position between the movable element and a reference element can be determined and can correspond to the relative movement of the transducer within a patient's vasculature. The imaging engine can receive position information from the position sensor and image information from the catheter and generate a display using the received information. Because relative movement of the transducer can be determined, spatial relationships between sets of imaging data can be determined, and image data from multiple transducer locations can be combined into one image.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a housing linkable with a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, a shaft operably coupled to the housing, a force transducer on a distal end of the shaft, and a plurality of fiber optic strain gauges on the force transducer. In one example, the plurality of strain gauges are operably coupled to a fiber optic splitter or an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) multiplexer. A fiber optic connector is operably coupled to the fiber optic splitter or the AWG multiplexer. A wrist joint is operably coupled to a distal end of the force transducer, and an end effector is operably coupled to the wrist joint. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical manipulator includes a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator positioning system, and a distal link movably coupled to the base link, wherein the distal link includes an instrument interface and a fiber optic connector optically linkable to a surgical instrument.

Abstract: An optical surgical probe includes a handpiece, a light guide within the handpiece, and a multi-spot generator at a distal end of the handpiece. The handpiece is configured to optically couple to a light source. The light guide is configured to carry a light beam from the light source to a distal end of the handpiece. The multi-spot generator includes a faceted optical element with a faceted end surface spaced from a distal end of the light guide. The faceted end surface includes at least one facet oblique to a path of the light beam.

Abstract: A rigid endoscope including: a fiber tube; a window disposed at a the distal end of the fiber tube; an objective lens arranged in the fiber tube; a spacer tube to maintain the objective lens at a predetermined-distance from the window; and an objective lens tube for holding the objective lens, the objective lens tube being disposed in the fiber tube between the window and at least a portion of the spacer tube; wherein the spacer tube is supported on a distal end against the window and on a proximal end against the objective lens.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for an image sensor at the distal end of an endoscope includes an illumination carrier and a plurality of micro LEDs each including a main surface from which the emission is made, with a maximum lateral dilatation of less than 500 ?m. The illumination carrier is associated with the distal end of the endoscope, and the plurality of micro LEDs are arranged on the illumination carrier such that with electrical excitation, the environment of the distal end of the endoscope is at least in some portions illuminated.

Abstract: Light from each LED is applied to an integrating sphere (reference object), and a light amount calculator calculates light reflected from the integrating sphere. Calibration data, in which source control signals applied to the LEDs are associated with amounts of the light from the LEDs emitted in response to the source control signals, respectively, is generated. A maximum amount of the light from each LED is set in accordance with a predetermined light amount ratio. Based on the maximum light amount, an nth light amount which corresponds to a brightness step n is set. With reference to the calibration data, the source control signal which corresponds to the nth light amount is set as the source control signal for the brightness step n. A light control table is generated by associating the source control signal for the brightness step n with a brightness command signal for the brightness step n.

Abstract: Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved treatment of body organs.

Abstract: A lightguide is configured to transmit a scanned and/or focused processing beam to a target. The processing beam has a wavefront amplitude and phase set by a spatial light modulator. Suitable wavefront characteristics are obtained based on portions of the processing beam returned to a detector through the lightguide. A beam path can be detected at a first, reduced power, and processing along the beam path performed at a second, higher optical power.

Abstract: A spectrally encoded imaging device having a light transmission path arrangement which propagates light to illuminate a target object, a light collection path arrangement having a light collection waveguide which propagates a spectrally encoded portion of the light from the target object to a detector which forms an image of the target object accordingly, and a diffractive element which spectrally disperses at least one of the light and the spectrally encoded portion. The light transmission path arrangement and the light collection path arrangement are optically isolated from one another.

Abstract: An illumination system includes an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise be used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

Abstract: In a method for producing of an endoscope, optical fibers are introduced into a lumen in the endoscope and heated, the lumen is narrowed, and the optical fibers are melted together. The narrowing of the lumen and the melting together of the optical fibers take place at least partially at the same time.

Abstract: A catheter imaging probe for a patient. The probe includes a conduit through with energy is transmitted. The probe includes a first portion through which the conduit extends. The probe includes a second portion which rotates relative to the conduit to redirect the energy from the conduit. A method for imaging a patient. The method includes the steps of inserting a catheter into the patient. There is the step of rotating a second portion of the catheter relative to a conduit extending through a first portion of the catheter, which redirects the energy transmitted through the conduit to the patient and receives the energy reflected back to the second portion from the patient and redirects the reflected energy to the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating catheter tip for optical coherence tomography based on the use of an optical fiber that does not rotate, that is enclosed in a catheter, which has a tip rotates under the influence of a fluid drive system to redirect light from the fiber to a surrounding vessel and the light reflected or backscattered from the vessel back to the optical fiber.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope apparatus includes a light source section that emits illumination light, an optical fiber that irradiates the illumination light from a distal end to a subject with directivity, a drive element and a scanning drive section that perform scanning by the distal end of the optical fiber, a first light detection section that detects light from a direction of the distal end of the optical fiber, a second light detection section that detects light from an entire scanning range, and an image processing section that forms image information to be outputted to a display section based on a result of addition of a detection result corresponding to an external factor light component in a first light detection result and a second light detection result.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a substantially rigid shaft having a distal end and a proximal portion, the shaft having a first lumen and a second lumen separate from the first lumen, the second lumen containing one or more objective lenses disposed at the distal end thereof. A housing is mounted on the proximal portion of the shaft, the housing including an eyepiece mount and a light input port. An image fiber bundle is disposed in the second lumen, the image fiber bundle extending proximally from adjacent the one or more objective lenses to the eyepiece mount. An illumination fiber bundle is disposed in the second lumen, the illumination fiber bundle extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft to the light input port.

Abstract: A scanning endoscopic device includes an optical fiber allowing irradiation light guided from a proximal side fiber portion to a distal side fiber portion to exit from a distal end thereof, and an actuator section placed to a distal direction side of the proximal fiber portion. The scanning endoscopic device includes a light absorbing section absorbing beam light having directivity in one direction, and the light absorbing section includes a black filling member filling a space between the proximal side fiber portion and an outer envelope tube in radial directions. The device further includes a light scattering section provided between the proximal side fiber portion and the outer envelope tube in the radial directions to scatter the beam of light.

Abstract: A system for extending the visual capabilities and working channel of a bronchoscope including a probe having optic and/or tracking capabilities at a distal tip thereof and capable of being advanced through the working channel of a standard bronchoscope. The probe also includes a working channel through which various diagnostic and treatment tools may be advanced.

Abstract: A light source apparatus for an endoscope, which has a lamp, a power source, a light adjustment control module that controls power to be supplied to the lamp within a range not more than an upper limit power based on a brightness instruction signal, and a continuous lighting sensing module that measures a continuous lighting time period from time when the lamp shifts from being extinguished to being lighted, compares the continuous lighting time period with a predetermined upper limit time period, and initializes the continuous lighting time period while the lamp is extinguished, wherein the upper limit power is set to a first upper limit power when the continuous lighting time period has not reached the upper limit time period, and changed to a second upper limit power lower than the first upper limit power in a stepwise manner when the upper limit time period has not been reached.

Abstract: Sinusitis, enlarged nasal turbinates, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, allergic conditions, facial fractures and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies, endoscopic studies and transillumination studies. Access and occluder devices may be used to establish fluid tight seals in the anterior or posterior nasal cavities/nasopharynx and to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g., scopes, guidewires, catheters, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting devices, substance delivery implants, etc.

Abstract: An image pickup portion picks up an image of a suspected substance and produces a video signal. Optical fibers transmit the video signal output from the image pickup portion. A video signal processing portion processes the video signals transmitted by the optical fibers and then outputs the processed video signals to a monitor. A trouble detection portion detects trouble in a transmission state of the optical fibers. The video signal processing portion outputs to the monitor only the video signal transmitted by the optical fiber in which the trouble detection portion has not detected trouble.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an endoscope that has a light guiding member that guides an illuminating light, an optical system that irradiates the illuminating light onto an object, and a drive portion that rocks the light guiding member so that the illuminating light is irradiated along a predetermined scanning pattern; a coordinate information acquisition portion that can identify an irradiation position; a storage portion in which information regarding chromatic aberration of magnification caused by the optical system, is previously stored a correction information acquisition portion that, upon detecting that light of the predetermined wavelength band is irradiated onto a position corresponding to a predetermined image height, detects an aberration amount of the light of the other wavelength band and outputs image correction information that corrects chromatic aberration of magnification based on the aberration amount; and an image processing portion that performs image correction processing based on the

Abstract: An optical fibre endoscopic probe used to deliver radiation, in particular laser radiation, during a surgical procedure. The configuration of components of the endoscopic probe in use is adjustable so as to direct the radiation which exits the fibre as desired. The present invention also relates to a device used to direct the exiting beam of radiation in such an endoscopic probe, which may in particular be used in a narrow probe channel, for example for prostate laser surgery, and to a method of surgical treatment using the endoscopic probe.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus including an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the optical fiber has a surface configured to emit energy transverse to a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. The apparatus also includes a tube including a channel, and the distal end of the optical fiber is disposed in the channel of the tube. The apparatus further includes an element disposed at a distal end of the tube such that a pocket is formed in the channel of the tube between the element and the distal end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, devices, and systems for removing speckle from a coherent light source, such as laser light. The methods, devices, and systems help eliminate or reduce speckle introduced from a coherent light source, such as laser light, by utilizing the teachings and principles of the disclosure.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe assembly comprises an optical engine and a fiber optic probe. A proximal end connector comprises a self-aligning connector for connecting optical fibers of the fiber optic probe to the optical engine and an integrated fiber optic-based polarizer. A disposable cover is provided for enclosing at least a portion of a fiber optic probe assembly. The disposable cover comprises an elongated tubular housing and a sheath portion adapted to receive at least a portion of the fiber optic probe between ends of the housing. A handle is disposed on a proximal end of the housing, the handle comprising a self-tensioning device. An optical window is disposed on a distal end of the housing, the optical window adapted to provide for alignment with optical elements of the fiber optic probe.

Abstract: An instrument system that includes an elongate body and an optical fiber is provided. The elongate body has a longitudinal axis and capable of being twisted about the longitudinal axis. The optical fiber is operatively coupled with the elongate body and having a strain sensor provided thereon. The strain sensor is configured to indicate twist of the elongate body.