Abstract: A method of estimating a spatial relationship between at least a part of a patient esophagus and a heart chamber, including: measuring at least one electric parameter at one or more positions within the heart chamber to obtain measured values; and estimating the spatial relationship based on the measured values.

Abstract: A needle guide apparatus for endocavity ultrasound intervention is provided, comprising a plastic bracket and a needle guiding passage made of metal that is provided in the plastic bracket, wherein the plastic bracket has a mounting structure that is detachably mounted to an endocavity ultrasound probe, and the needle guiding passage comprises a needle insertion groove provided by a metal head and a guiding groove provided by a metal guiding tube, the metal guiding tube is at least partially housed in the plastic bracket, and at least an inlet end of the metal head is exposed outside the plastic bracket. The needle guide apparatus for endocavity ultrasound intervention forms an all-metal needle guiding passage in the plastic bracket, so that the needle can smoothly and cleanly enter the human body during the ultrasonic interventional operation, and the interventional operation is safe, reliable and easy to operate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic probe having improved heat dissipation capability. The ultrasonic probe includes a housing, an acoustic module disposed in the housing, and configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive an signal reflected from the object, an electronic circuit disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the acoustic module to drive the acoustic module, and a hole communicating an outside of the housing with the electronic circuit so that the electronic circuit is cooled by air outside the housing.

Abstract: Methods of positioning a surgical instrument can involve advancing a first medical instrument to a treatment site of a patient, the first medical instrument comprising a camera, recording a target position associated with a target anatomical feature at the treatment site, generating a first image of the treatment site using the camera of the first medical instrument, identifying the target anatomical feature in the first image using a pretrained neural network, and adjusting the target position based at least in part on a position of the identified target anatomical feature in the first image.

Abstract: A therapeutic ultrasound system transmits a staggered or interleaved pattern of therapy beams for use in sonothrombolysis and other Vascular Acoustic Resonators (VAR) mediated therapy. The inventive technique minimizes VAR, e.g. microbubble, destruction due to adjacent beams, ensures uniform sonication of the targeted region by filling in the spaces between the beams in subsequent passes, and further provides a means for bubble replenishment to maximize the clot lysis from ultrasound. The technique is also applicable to diagnostic ultrasound, VAR mediated drug delivery and blood brain barrier opening.

Abstract: Provided is a device that transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave to and from an entire periphery of a specimen while preventing a movement of the specimen. An ultrasonic wave transmission and reception device includes: an oscillator array that is arrayed with an oscillator, the oscillator transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave; a fixing tool that is disposed between the oscillator array and the specimen and retains the specimen; and a drive mechanism that presses at least a part of the fixing tool against the specimen as to retain the specimen. An ultrasonic wave transmitted by the oscillator array passes through the fixing tool and irradiates on the specimen, and as for the oscillator array, the oscillator array and the fixing tool are disposed in a positional relationship such that the ultrasonic wave reflected by and/or passing through by the specimen and passing through the fixing tool is received.

Abstract: A device and method for visualization of the intravascular creation of autologous valves, and particularly venous valve, is disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a delivery catheter that can include a lumen configured to receive a dissection assembly and a trough having a plurality of transducers electrically coupled to a proximal portion of the delivery catheter. At least one of the transducers can be configured to emit a signal towards a portion of a blood vessel adjacent the trough, and at least one of the transducers can be configured to receive a reflection of the emitted signal.

Abstract: Provided is a method of displaying location information of a bursa, which includes: obtaining shoulder ultrasound image data; detecting a fat layer located between a deltoid muscle and a tendon, based on information about an intensity of an echo signal contained in the shoulder ultrasound image data; detecting the bursa located between the fat layer and the tendon by using a location of the fat layer; and displaying the location information of the bursa on a shoulder ultrasound image generated based on the shoulder ultrasound image data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for targeting specific cell types by selective application of ultrasonic harmonic excitation at a resonance frequency (“oncotripsy”) for the specific cell types are presented. The systems and the methods result in permeabilization, lysis, and/or death of the targeted specific cell types by using ultrasonic harmonic excitations that have a frequency and a pulse duration specifically tuned to disrupt nuclear membranes of the targeted specific cell types by inducing a destructive vibrational response therein while leaving non-targeted cell types intact. Target cells may be neoplastic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment apparatus and a method of controlling the same, and provides a treatment apparatus including an insertion unit formed in such a way as to be inserted into a tissue through a tissue surface, a bending sensing unit sensing bending of the insertion unit occurring during insertion, and a controller controlling the insertion operation of the insertion unit based on information sensed by the bending sensing unit, and a method of controlling the same. In accordance with the present invention, there is an advantage in that a treatment effect can be improved because treatment can be performed in the state in which the insertion unit has been inserted into an accurate target location.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for estimating shear wave velocity from data acquired with a shear wave elastography system. More particularly, the systems and methods described here implement a spatiotemporal time-to-peak algorithm that searches for the times at which shear wave motion is at a maximum while also searching for the lateral locations at which shear wave motion is at a maximum. Motion can include displacement, velocity, or acceleration caused by propagating shear waves. A fitting procedure (e.g., a linear fit) is performed on a combined set of these temporal peaks and spatial peaks to estimate the shear wave velocity, from which mechanical properties can be computed. Motion amplitude thresholding can also be used to increase the number of points for the fitting.

Abstract: Ultrasound devices, and associated methods of assembly thereof, are disclosed whereby an annular electrode array of an ultrasound transducer is electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board in a compact configuration. The flexible circuit board includes an elongate flexible segment and a distal distribution segment, where the distribution segment is attached to a peripheral support ring that surrounds at least a portion of the ultrasound transducer. The distribution segment includes a plurality of spatially distributed contact pads, and electrical connections are provided between the contact pads and the annular electrodes of the annular array.

Abstract: A system and method for planning surgical procedure including importing CT image data of a patient; generating a 3D reconstruction from the CT image data; presenting a slice of the 3D reconstruction; selecting a target anatomical feature from the slice of the 3D reconstruction; setting a treatment zone including presenting at least one slice of the 3D reconstruction including the target anatomical feature, and presenting a treatment zone marker defining a location and a size of the treatment zone on the presented at least one slice of the 3D reconstruction; setting an access route to the treatment zone; and presenting a three-dimensional model including the treatment zone and the access route.

Abstract: A control handle of a treatment probe is manipulated to advance and/or deploy one or more treatment structures into tissue. The treatment probe is coupled to a display to show an image field including target tissue for treatment. Virtual treatment and safety boundaries are overlaid over the image field. The boundaries include virtual stop positions for the needle and tines. A joystick or directional pad on the probe handle, operable independently from the user interface to advance and/or deploy the one or more treatment structures, can be manipulated to adjust the size and/or position of these boundaries. Sensors within the probe detect the real-time position of the one or more treatment structures, and the sensed positions are displayed in real-time. The user can observe the display to deploy the one or more treatment structures to the displayed virtual stop positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasound image processing apparatus (5) comprising an image processor arrangement (50) adapted to receive a first sequence (100?) of ultrasound images (150) imaging an anatomical feature of interest (151) during a first full cardiac cycle in the absence of an invasive medical device (15) in said ultrasound images, each ultrasound image corresponding to a different phase of said cardiac cycle; receive a further sequence (100) of ultrasound images (150) imaging the anatomical feature of interest (151) during a further full cardiac cycle in the presence of the invasive medical device (15) in said ultrasound images, each ultrasound image corresponding to a different phase of said cardiac cycle said invasive medical device (15) at least partially obscuring the anatomical feature of interest, and for each ultrasound image of the further sequence: track the location of the invasive medical device in the ultrasound image; isolate the invasive medical device from the ultrasound image; and insert the

Abstract: A probe for ultrasound treatment of skin laxity are provided. Systems and methods can include ultrasound imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area, delivering ultrasound energy at a depth and pattern to achieve the desired therapeutic effects, and/or monitoring the treatment area to assess the results and/or provide feedback. In an embodiment, a treatment system and method can be configured for producing arrays of sub-millimeter and larger zones of thermal ablation to treat the epidermal, superficial dermal, mid-dermal or deep dermal components of tissue.

Abstract: A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat lobuli into the dermis. An embodiment delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat lobuli, thereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. An embodiment can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products.

Abstract: An ultrasound exposure safety processor is configured for spatially relating respective definitions of an imaging zone, and an extended dead-tissue zone that includes both a dead-tissue zone and a surrounding margin. Based on whether a push pulse focus is to be within the extended dead-tissue zone, the processor automatically decides a level of acoustic power with which the pulse is to be produced. If the pulse focus is to be within the extended dead-tissue zone, the pulse may be produced with a mechanical index (MI), a thermal index (TI), and/or a spatial-peak-temporal-average intensity (IspTA) that exceeds respectively 1.9, 6.0 and 720 milliwatts per square centimeter. The imaging zone may be definable interactively to dynamically trigger the deciding and the producing, with push pulse settings being dynamically derived automatically. A display of multiple push pulse sites allows user manipulation of spatial definition indicia to dynamically control displacement tracking.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring magnetic resonance (MR) images, with an MR system, of tissue proximal to a target treatment region in a patient, the tissue including a non-spatially uniform subcutaneous fat layer; in a computer comprising a hardware-based processor, automatically determining a thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer using a trained neural network, the neural network trained using manually-segmented MR images from previous patients; in the computer, automatically adjusting a treatment parameter based on the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer; and delivering thermal therapy to the target treatment region with a high-intensity focused ultrasound system based on the adjusted treatment parameter.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a shaft, one or more position sensors, a connector and interrogation circuitry. The shaft is configured for insertion into a body of a patient. The one or more position sensors are fitted at a distal end of the shaft. The connector is configured to receive a mating connector. The interrogation circuitry is configured to detect whether the mating connector is connected to the connector, and, if not connected, to prevent tracking a position of the distal end in the body using the one or more position sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system can determine one or more intersections between a medical device and an image region based at least in part on first emplacement data and second emplacement data. Using the determined intersections, the system can cause one or more displays to display perspective views of image guidance cues, including an intersection indicator in a virtual 3D space.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-invasive fat reduction can include targeting a region of interest below a surface of skin, which contains fat and delivering ultrasound energy to the region of interest. The ultrasound energy generates a thermal lesion with said ultrasound energy on a fat cell. The lesion can create an opening in the surface of the fat cell, which allows the draining of a fluid out of the fat cell and through the opening. In addition, by applying ultrasound energy to fat cells to increase the temperature to between 43 degrees and 49 degrees, cell apoptosis can be realized, thereby resulting in reduction of fat.

Abstract: A laser catheter with a pressure sensor is provided according to embodiments of the invention. The pressure sensor may be coupled with the distal end of the laser catheter and may comprise any of various piezoelectric materials, for example Polyvinylidene Difluoride (PVDF). In various embodiments of the invention the pressure sensor is configured to detect pressure longitudinally and coaxially. The pressure sensor may provide an electric potential that is proportional to the vessel pressure and may be used to monitor and/or adjust laser parameters. In other embodiments the results from the pressure sensor may be used to determine the vessel size and/or the type of material being ablated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating skin, such as stretch marks through deep tissue tightening with ultrasound are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a therapeutic ultrasound system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a shallow tissue region, such as a region comprising an epidermis, a dermis or a deep dermis. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound system can be configured to achieve depth with a conformal selective deposition of ultrasound energy without damaging an intervening tissue. In addition, a therapeutic ultrasound can also be configured in combination with ultrasound imaging or imaging/monitoring capabilities, either separately configured with imaging, therapy and monitoring systems or any level of integration thereof.

Abstract: An MRI-compatible system for supporting a patient during a medical procedure includes a frame, first and second platforms, a cooling device support, a therapeutic-applicator-positioning-system support, and a pair of leg rests. The first platform is configured to support the patient. The second platform is disposed between the foot end of the frame and the first platform. The cooling device support and the therapeutic-applicator-positioning-system support are mounted on the second platform. The cooling device support positions and releasably secures a cooling device. The therapeutic-applicator-positioning-system support releasably secures a therapeutic applicator positioning system. Each leg rest includes a leg support and a foot support. The leg rests are disposed on the frame and are configured to be slidably positioned towards the head end or towards the foot end of the frame.

Abstract: There is provided a continuum robot comprising a first end, a second end and an elongate body, a sensor arranged at the first end and a cooling jacket adjacent the sensor. The cooling jacket comprises a cavity containing a cooling medium for absorbing heat from the sensor.

Abstract: An approach for enhancing radiation treatment of target tissue includes identifying a target volume of the target tissue; causing disruption of vascular tissue in a region confined to the target volume so as to define the target volume; based at least in part on the disruption of the vascular tissue, determining a radiation treatment plan having a reduced radiation dose for treating the target tissue; and exposing the target volume to the reduced radiation dose based on the radiation treatment plan.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structured-light based system for providing a 3D image of at least one object within a field of view within a body cavity, comprising: a. An endoscope; b. at least one camera located in the endoscope's proximal end, configured to real-time provide at least one 2D image of at least a portion of said field of view by means of said at least one lens; c. a light source, configured to real-time illuminate at least a portion of said at least one object within at least a portion of said field of view with at least one time and space varying predetermined light pattern; and, d. a sensor configured to detect light reflected from said field of view; e. a computer program which, when executed by data processing apparatus, is configured to generate a 3D image of said field of view.

Abstract: A system and method include a shape sensing enabled device (120) including one or more imaging devices (202), the shape sensing enabled device coupled to at fiber (122). A shape sensing module (132) is configured to receive optical signals from the at least one optical fiber within a structure and interpret the optical signals to determine a shape of the shape sensing enabled device. A device positioning module (134) is configured to determine position information of the one or more imaging devices based upon one or more relationships between the at least one optical fiber and the one or more imaging devices. A mapping module (136) is configured to register frames of reference of the at least one optical fiber, the shape sensing enabled device, and a mapping system of a target device (124) to provide an adjusted position of the target device based on the position information.

Abstract: A probe for treating an ocular pathology. The probe has a ring including a cone frustum having a first end suitable for supporting an ultrasound generator and a second end for coming into contact with an eye of a patient. The ultrasound generator includes a first base intended to come to face the first end, and a second base opposite the first base. The probe further includes a flow regulator for eliminating the bubbles contained in a coupling fluid flowing to the first base when filling the probe with the fluid.

Abstract: Cooling units for an ultrasound imaging apparatus, and related ultrasound systems are described. The ultrasound imaging systems may include an ultrasound imaging apparatus operable to acquire ultrasound image data; and a cooling unit configured to detachably couple to the ultrasound imaging apparatus. The cooling unit may be cordless and include an active cooling element for removing heat from the ultrasound imaging apparatus. The ultrasound imaging apparatus may have a sensor to determine when the cooling unit is attached. The cooling unit may have an identity interface, and the ultrasound imaging apparatus may use the identity interface to determine whether the cooling unit is compatible.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the systems, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein relate to robotic surgical systems with built-in navigation capability for patient position tracking and surgical instrument guidance during a surgical procedure, without the need for a separate navigation system. Robotic based navigation of surgical instruments during surgical procedures allows for easy registration and operative volume identification and tracking. The systems, apparatus, and methods herein allow re-registration, model updates, and operative volumes to be performed intra-operatively with minimal disruption to the surgical workflow. In certain embodiments, navigational assistance can be provided to a surgeon by displaying a surgical instrument's position relative to a patient's anatomy.

Abstract: A device comprises a cannula having a first end, a second end, and a channel between the first end and the second end; an imaging probe couplable to the first end of the cannula, where the imaging probe includes: a transducer, and a reflective surface; and a biopsy device coupled to the cannula, where the biopsy device is configured to collect a tissue sample from an organ of a patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring temperature characteristics of a battery include one or more transducers coupled to the battery for transmitting and/or receiving sound waves through at least a portion of the battery. A temperature measurement unit is provided to determine a time-of-flight of sound waves through at least the portion of the battery based on transmitted and received sound waves through at least the portion of the battery, and to determine temperature characteristics of at least the portion of the battery based on the time-of-flight.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example system for delivering an implantable medical device includes a handle member including a seal assembly, wherein the seal assembly includes a turnbuckle assembly including a stationary member and a cap coupled to the stationary member. Further, the stationary member is coupled to an inner member and the cap is coupled to an exoskeleton disposed along an outer surface of the inner member. Additionally, the cap is designed to shift relative to the stationary member such that the exoskeleton is put in compression.

Abstract: An intracardiac ultrasound catheter or other intravascular imaging tool is provided with an adapter to allow the imaging tool to be used both subcutaneously and supracutaneously, and especially at different stages of a single intravascular procedure. The adapter covers a tip of the imaging tool and preferably includes an echogenic window to facilitate gathering of ultrasound images through this window in the adapter. With the adapter in place, the intracardiac ultrasound can be used supracutaneously, such as at a femoral artery/vein location for imaging to improve vascular access, such as with an appropriate percutaneous needle. The adapter is then removed and the same imaging tool can be inserted percutaneously and intravascularly for use, such as in intracardiac imaging accompanying and intracardiac procedure. The intracardiac ultrasound probe is preferably coupled to an electrophysiology mapping system both when used supracutaneously and when used intravascularly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stroke detection in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fluid cooled ultrasonic surgical instrument and related systems and methods of use therefor. In some embodiments, the disclosed ultrasonic surgical instrument is adapted for used within an insufflated cavity or pneumoperitoneum of a patient. The instrument includes a housing having an elongate shaft, a waveguide disposed at a distal end of the shaft, a coolant inlet port defined in an outer surface of the housing, and a coolant pump disposed within the housing and configured to move coolant from the coolant inlet port to the waveguide. During use, insufflation gas from within the pneumoperitoneum is drawn into the instrument shaft by the coolant pump, and blown over the waveguide to provide cooling. The delivery of ultrasonic energy and activation of the pump may be controlled by a processor in response to user input and waveguide temperature.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope is provided with an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject along a first direction which is an insertion direction. The ultrasound endoscope includes: a transducer having a scanning surface that scans with an ultrasound wave along a second direction; a supply pipeline configured to supply an ultrasound wave transfer medium; and a rigid member connected to a proximal end side of the transducer, the rigid member formed with a scanning surface supply port configured to supply the ultrasound wave transfer medium supplied from the supply pipeline in a direction intersecting with the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A guidewire providing imaging and light for photoactivation of therapeutic agents. Using optical fibers with Bragg gratings, electromagnetic waves are coupled to photoacoustic materials thereby providing acoustic energy for imaging tissues. The reflected acoustic waves can be sensed with photoreflective materials coupled to different optical fibers. Additional optical fibers allow photoactivated therapeutics to be activated in proximity to the imaged tissues. The photoactivated therapeutics may be administered intravenously or with a drug-delivery catheter.

Abstract: Provided is an optical fiber scanner capable of generating an image with excellent image quality, which displaces an emission end of an optical fiber by means of an optical scanning actuator and scans light emitted from the optical fiber, in which the optical fiber 31 includes a photonic crystal fiber at least in a propagation path of the light leading to the optical scanning actuator.

Abstract: Methods of triggering an imaging acquisition of a target region in an ultrasound transducer include: acquiring a first type of ultrasound data with the ultrasound transducer using a first type of ultrasound acquisition; analyzing the first type of ultrasound data to identify an acquisition time and/or position having characteristics that increase an estimated amount of image quality metrics in the target region for a second type of ultrasound acquisition; and generating a signal to initiate acquiring a second type of ultrasound data by the ultrasound transducer at the identified acquisition time and/or position using a second type of ultrasound acquisition in response to the identified acquisition time and/or position identified from the first type of ultrasound data.

Abstract: A needle assembly positionable within anatomy of a patient under visual guidance from an ultrasound system. The needle assembly includes an elongate body and a sidewall including an inner surface defining a lumen. A reverberation feature may include opposing portions of the inner surface defining a gap shaped differently than and/or sized smaller than an inner diameter of the lumen. The reverberation feature is configured to reverberate an incident wave to produce reflected waves, from which a visual artifact is generated with the ultrasound system. The opposing portions may be disposed at superior and inferior aspects of the sidewall. The reverberation feature may include opposing planar surfaces oriented parallel or inclined relative to a longitudinal axis, and/or opposing arcuate surfaces extending towards the longitudinal axis. Methods of positioning the needle assembly near target anatomy of a patient, for example within a vessel, under visual guidance are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for energy-based (e.g., ultrasound treatment and/or other modalities) of sweat glands are provided. An exemplary method and system for targeted treatment of sweat glands can be configured in various manners, such as through use of therapy only, therapy and monitoring, imaging and therapy, or therapy, imaging, and monitoring, and/or through use of focused, unfocused, or defocused ultrasound (or other energy) through control of various spatial and temporal parameters. As a result, ablative energy can be deposited at the particular depth at which the aberrant sweat gland population is located below the skin surface.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, from a probe that comprises electrodes and is positioned inside a cavity in an organ of a patient, (i) proximity signals indicative of proximity of the electrodes to a wall of the cavity, and (ii) position signals indicative of positions of the electrodes within the cavity. Based on the proximity signals and the position signals, at least a portion of a volume of the cavity is represented by a sphere model including multiple spheres. An estimated contour of the wall of the cavity is calculated based on the sphere-model. The estimated contour of the wall is presented to a user.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system comprising a surgical robot, a surgical instrument, a motor, and a current sensor is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises an end effector, a firing assembly, and a lockout mechanism. The firing assembly comprises a firing member movable from an unfired position to a fired position during a firing stroke and a sled movable from a proximal position to a distal position. The lockout mechanism is configured to prevent the firing stroke when the sled is not in the proximal position. The motor is operably coupled with the firing member and couplable with a supply of current. When the current through the motor exceeds a threshold value the firing member is prevented from completing the firing stroke. The threshold value corresponds to the current through the motor when the lockout mechanism is activated. The motor is de-energized when the current through the motor exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: The present teaching relates to surgical procedure assistance. In one example, a first image of a patient captured prior to a surgical procedure is received. A treatment plan is generated based on the first image. The treatment plan includes information related to one or more surgical instruments. A second image of the patient captured after the surgical procedure has been initiated is received. The treatment plan is dynamically adjusted based on a pose of any of the one or more surgical instruments identified from the second image. A third image of the patient captured after a lesion is treated by at least one of the surgical instruments based on the adjusted treatment plan is received. Whether a further treatment to the lesion is needed is determined based on the third image. Upon determining a further treatment is needed, an updated treatment plan is dynamically generated based on the third image.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices and methods for imaging and aspirating biological material from inside a vessel. In certain embodiments, the invention provides devices that include a body configured to fit within a lumen of a vessel. The body includes an opening. Devices of the invention also include an aspiration channel within the body. The aspiration channel includes a distal end that is connected to the opening. Devices of the invention also include an imaging assembly coupled to the body.

Abstract: An optical fiber scanning apparatus includes an optical fiber a fixed end of which is fixed and a free end for emitting illumination light of which vibrates in a first direction and a second direction, a ferrule which includes a through hole including an opening on a distal end surface and fixes the optical fiber inserted through the through hole, a pair of first fixing members which sandwich and fix the optical fiber in the first direction, a pair of second fixing members which sandwich and fix the optical fiber in the second direction, and piezoelectric elements or a magnet configured to vibrate the optical fiber, in which a Young's modulus of the pair of first fixing members is smaller than a Young's modulus of the pair of second fixing members.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to devices, systems and methods for in-vivo diagnosis of disease-state tissue within a body.