Abstract: An optical system for examination of biological tissue includes a light source, a light detector, optics and electronics. The light source generates a light beam to be transmitted to the biological tissue spaced apart from the source. The light detector is located away (i.e., in a non-contact position) from the examined biological tissue and is constructed to detect light that has migrated in the examined biological tissue. The electronics controls the light source and the light detector, and a system separates the reflected photons (e.g., directly reflected or scattered from the surface or superficial photons, i.e., “noise” photons) from the photons that have migrated in the examined biological tissue. This system prevents detection of the “noise” photons by the light detector or, after detection, eliminates the “noise” photons in the detected optical data used for tissue examination.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing a probe geometry for spectroscopic measurement in a turbid medium are provided. A probe geometry comprising one emitting entity and at least on collecting entity is selected. A simulation is performed to generate optical parameter values measured by the probe geometry. The measured optical parameter values are input to an inversion algorithm to produce corresponding optical properties as output. The produced optical properties are compared with known optical properties known and a degree of matching between the produced optical properties and the known optical properties is determined. The simulation and inversion steps are repeated for a plurality of additional probe geometries, each differing in at least one property. An optimization algorithm is applied at each iteration to select an optimal probe geometry.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting lipid cores underneath thin fibrous caps (LCTC) and thin-cap fibroatheromas (TCFA) in a subject in need of diagnosis for having a vulnerable plaque, a plaque at risk of disruption or thrombosis, or risk of an acute coronary syndrome, and for screening compounds for modulators of this process.

Abstract: Non-invasive methods and systems are described for rapidly measuring in-vivo dose, severity, and progression of injury after exposure to damaging phenomena, such as ionizing radiation, chemical burns, or electrical burns. Optical reflectance backscattering spectroscopy is applied to identify and characterize the effects of such phenomena on an individual's whole body and in localized areas.

Abstract: An intravenous infiltration detection apparatus for monitoring intravenous failures, which applies an optical method coupled with fiber optics and algorithms for tissue optics to provide a means for noninvasive detection of intravenous infiltration surround the site of IV injection. In the invention, the tissue surrounding the injection site is exposed to a single-wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, and light is collected with only one detector. Changes in the relative intensity of the radiation reflected, scattered, diffused or otherwise emitted provide a means for monitoring infiltration. The invention provides routine, automated, continuous, and real-time monitoring for patients undergoing IV therapy.

Abstract: Described are dental implements useful for inspecting tooth surfaces for abnormalities such as caries or plaque. Preferred implements of the invention include light emitting diodes mounted on an implement body having a mirror for insertion into a user's mouth. Such implements also have on-board batteries mounted in chambers in the implement handle, and a switch for energizing and de-energizing the LED with the battery. Also described are methods for examining tooth surfaces for abnormal conditions indicative of plaque involving illuminating surfaces with radiation at a wavelength in the range of 390-450 nm wherein the radiation is effective to cause detectable fluorescence emissions from bacterial metabolites known to be associated with plaque-containing surfaces, and detecting the emissions.

Abstract: A biological optical measurement instrument including: a measurement probe positionable to a surface of a subject, which irradiates light beams having a plurality of wavelengths from a light beam source through optical fibers onto the subject, and collects the light beams passed inside the subject from a plurality of positions to facilitate production of diagnostics from collected light beams of the subject, wherein the measurement probe is provided with probe casings which hold the optical fibers, fixing members where each respective fixing member is mateable with a respective probe casing to position the probe casings in a predetermined interval, and a support member which supports the fixing members, and wherein at least one of the respective probe casing or the respective fixing member is provided with a stopper claw to permit fixed engagement of the respective probe casing with the respective fixing member upon mating thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes using optical spectroscopy as an innovative technique for ex-vivo demonstration of renal and prostate tumors. The apparatus and methods disclosed herein demonstrate the ability of optical spectroscopy to reliably differentiate tumor from normal tissue in renal specimens.

Abstract: A configurable scanner (1), for contactless measurement of the depth and perimeter of a wound on a target body part (9), has a scan head (4), and is configured to be controlled by a processor (3) for controlling a scanning procedure and analyzing the results. The scan head (4) projects a contour line onto a surface the target body part, and captures an image of the projected contour line. A series of captured images are analyzed to create a three dimensional model of the wound, and determine at least one of depth, perimeter and volume of the wound from the three dimensional model.

Abstract: An imaging station for taking a plurality of digital images of a subject under a plurality of illuminating conditions and storing and analyzing the digital images, includes a housing, containing the digital image capturing apparatus, like a camera or video recorder, a computer for processing the image data and one or more displays for displaying images of the person. The imaging station aids in controlling lighting during image capture and may be used to optimally position the subject for imaging. The computer may be programmed to conduct various image processing functions and may be networked to allow image sharing. A display which may be provided on the exterior of the housing allows an operator to visualize the subject and to control the imaging process. The imaging station may be used for teaching purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying and localizing body tissue, in which a light beam emitted from a tissue point or tissue region of interest is on the one hand positionally determined with the aid of an optical medical tracking system and is on the other hand analyzed with respect to its light properties, in order to determine from this the nature of the tissue point or tissue region. It also relates to a device for identifying and localizing body tissue, comprising: an optical medical tracking system which detects a light beam emitted from a tissue point or tissue region of interest and positionally determines the location of the tissue point or tissue region; and a light analyzer which analyses the light beam with respect to its light properties, in order to determine from this the nature of the tissue point or tissue region.

Abstract: Provided is an image capturing apparatus for generating a multi-band image for examining a disease condition which has little amount of information. The image capturing apparatus includes: a variable spectroscopic element capable of varying a wavelength of light to be transmitted; a wavelength band table recording therein wavelength bands corresponded with disease conditions; an observation target identifying section that identifies a disease condition to be observed; a variable spectroscopic element control section that controls the variable spectroscopic element to sequentially transmit light rays of a plurality of wavelengths within a range of a wavelength band recorded in the wavelength band table in correspondence with the disease condition identified by the observation target identifying section; and an image capturing section that sequentially captures images by means of the light rays of a plurality of wavelengths transmitted through the variable spectroscopic element.

Abstract: A method and electrosurgical system for optically detecting blood and controlling an electrosurgical generator are provided. An optical blood detection system is used for optically detecting blood and may be included as an integral part of the overall electrosurgical system's circuitry, or may be designed as a separate unit that connects to, and controls, an electrosurgical generator. The optical blood detection system may be embodied through a variety of analog, digital and/or optical circuit components or arrangements, including software running on computational and memory circuitry. The optical blood detection system controls the output mode and energy of the electrosurgical generator in accordance with the amount of blood detected.

Abstract: System, method and apparatus wherein a probe employing non-imagining optics is utilized in conjunction with a fluorescing (e.g., nanocrystal) tracer at the body of a patient. Excitation components within the probe working end are utilized to excite the nanocrystals to fluoresce at wavelengths in the near infrared region, such fluorescent energy is homogenized by interacting with involved tissue to provide a uniform fluorescing intensity over the surface of a photo-detector. Initialization and background determination procedures are described along with a technique for determining statistically significant levels of fluorescing activity.

Abstract: The invention comprises a real-time stroboscopic acquisition protocol for a measurement of the fluorescence decay and a method and apparatus for real-time calculation of the fluorescence lifetime from that measurement.

Abstract: A spectral image obtainment unit obtains spectral image data by receiving reflection light in different wavelength bands, into which light reflected by a living body mucous membrane has been separated, at a light receiving unit by causing a ratio of a light receiving level in a short wavelength band with respect to a light receiving level in a long wavelength band to be greater than a ratio of spectral reflectance in the short wavelength band at the living body mucous membrane with respect to spectral reflectance in the long wavelength band thereat. A spectral image data operation unit performs a spectral image estimation operation by correcting the value of the spectral image data to that of spectral image data obtained by receiving light without causing the ratio to increase. Accordingly, a diagnostic spectral image of the living body mucous membrane is obtained in an electronic endoscopic apparatus.

Abstract: Prolonged and severe tissue hypoxia results in tissue necrosis in pedicled flaps. We demonstrate the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy for predicting viability of compromised tissue portions. This approach clearly identifies tissue regions with low oxygen supply, and also the severity of this challenge, in a rapid and non-invasive manner, with a high degree of reproducibility. Early, nonsubjective detection of poor tissue oxygenation following surgery increases the likelihood that intervention aimed at saving the tissue will be successful.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to the field of spectral imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of Hirschsprung's disease. Devices and methods are provided that enhance and accurately diagnose Hirschsprung's disease intraoperatively using spectral imaging technology.

Abstract: A method of forming an image of a sample includes performing SOCT on a sample. The sample may include a contrast agent, which may include an absorbing agent and/or a scattering agent. A method of forming an image of tissue may include selecting a contrast agent, delivering the contrast agent to the tissue, acquiring SOCT data from the tissue, and converting the SOCT data into an image. The contributions to the SOCT data of an absorbing agent and a scattering agent in a sample may be quantified separately.

Abstract: A computer-based method of analyzing a wound. An image of the wound is captured by a camera and a three-dimensional model of the wound is generated based on the image. A volume of the wound is calculated based on the three-dimensional model and changes to the calculated volume are monitored over a period of time.

Abstract: An illuminating system scatters light into the mucosal lining of the stomach adjacent to an ulcerated area, an area containing a lesion, or ather area of interest. A light detector positioned on the opposite side of the area of interest uses detected light patterns to identify the location of circulatory structures beneath the mucosal lining adjacent to the area of interest.

Abstract: A method of estimating an amount of a substance in a bodily fluid from the color of a tissue surface of a subject includes capturing an image including at least a portion-of-interest of the subject and at least a reference portion of a color reference, the image being a digital image of pixels of at least one color, the image including a component value for each pixel for each of the at least one color, obtaining a first value associated with at least one component value corresponding to the portion-of-interest of the subject, obtaining a second value associated with at least one component value corresponding to the reference portion, and calculating an estimated amount of the substance using the first and second values.

Abstract: An implantable medical system for detecting incipient edema has an implantable medical lead including an optical sensor having a light source and a light detector. The medical system further has an edema detection circuit that activates the light source to emit light, the light being directed into lung tissue of a patient and that obtains a light intensity value corresponding to an intensity of light received by the light detector, and that evaluates the light intensity value to detect a consistency with incipient edema.

Abstract: Spectral optical imaging at one or more key water absorption fingerprint wavelengths measures the difference in water content between a region of cancerous or precancerous tissue and a region of normal tissue. Water content is an important diagnostic parameter because cancerous and precancerous tissues have different water content than normal tissues. Key water absorption wavelengths include at least one of 980 nanometers (nm), 1195 nm, 1456 nm, 1944 nm, 2880 nm to 3360 nm, and 4720 nm. In the range of 400 nm to 6000 nm, one or more points of negligible water absorption are used as reference points for a comparison with one or more key neighboring water absorption wavelengths. Different images are generated using at least two wavelengths, including a water absorption wavelength and a negligible water absorption wavelength, to yield diagnostic information relevant for classifying a tissue region as cancerous, precancerous, or normal.

Abstract: A fluorescence distribution image of each fluorescent agent can be acquired from a fluorescence image that has been captured in a mixed state so as to improve the diagnosability of cancer cells.

Abstract: Methods and systems for endoscopic observation of tympanic function.

Abstract: Methods and apparati for fluorescence imaging using multiple excitation-emission pairs is revealed. A target object is illuminated by light in at least two spectral regions, causing fluorescence emission in at least two spectral regions. The emitted light is collected and separated for analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitation of glycated protein in a biological sample using a solid support matrix by making a first bound protein measurement total bound protein under conditions where both glycated and non-glycated protein bind to the support in making a second bound protein measurement under conditions where glycated protein is bound to the support and non-glycated protein is not substantially bound. Diagnostic devices and kits comprising the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: System, method and apparatus wherein a probe employing non-imagining optics is utilized in conjunction with a fluorescing nanocrystal tracer at the body of a patient. Excitation components within the probe working end are utilized to excite the nanocrystals to fluoresce at wavelengths in the near infrared region, such fluorescent energy is homogenized by interacting with involved tissue to provide a uniform fluorescing intensity over the surface of a photo-detector. Initialization and background determination procedures are described along with a technique for determining statistically significant levels of fluorescing activity.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing images of ex-vivo or in-vivo tissue produced by confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, two-photon microscopy, or ultrasound, is provided by applying to the tissue a solution or gel having an effective concentration of citric or other alpha-hydroxy acid which enhances tissue structures, such as cellular nuclei, in such images. Such concentration may be 3-20% acid, and preferably 5% acid.

Abstract: A tip assembly for a catheter includes a housing having a recess that receives an optical bench. The optical bench accommodates adjacent fibers, one of which is in optical communication with a first beam re-director. The first beam re-director is oriented to cause a beam incident thereon to travel in a direction away from the optical bench. An engaging structure coupled to the optical bench provides torque coupling between the housing and an end of a torque cable extending axially along the catheter.

Abstract: Provided are a fluorescence endoscope and a fluorometry method that allow distinguishing between normal and affected areas in a simple manner by reducing the effect of the distance from a subject.

Abstract: Macular pigments are measured by spectrally selective lipofuscin detection. Light from a light source that emits light at a selected range of wavelengths that overlap the absorption band of macular carotenoids is directed onto macular tissue of an eye for which macular pigment levels are to be measured. Emitted light is then collected from the macular tissue. The collected light is filtered so that the collected light includes lipofuscin emission from the macular tissue at an excitation wavelength that lies outside the macular pigment absorption range and outside the excitation range of interfering fluorophores. The collected light is quantified at each of a plurality of locations in the macular tissue and the macular pigment levels in the macular tissue are determined from the differing lipofuscin emission intensities in the macula and peripheral retina.

Abstract: A method for visual characterization of human or animal tissue formed from cells, having the following steps: a radiation source for emitting directional electromagnetic radiation is provided; —the tissue to be irradiated with the radiation, this producing a reflection in the tissue which is characteristic of the tissue, with—the radiation which has penetrated the tissue having, within an excitation region extending transversely with respect to the direction of propagation of the radiation, a sufficient intensity to excite a reflection in the tissue. The radiation emitted by the radiation source is impressed with an intensity profile, transversely with respect to its direction of propagation, which is such that the excitation region covers a plurality of cells of the tissue and the excited reflection originates from inter-cell tissue properties.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of diagnosing, prognosing, staging, and/or monitoring a mammalian amyloidogenic disorder or a predisposition thereto by detecting a protein or polypeptide aggregate in the cortical and/or supranuclear regions of an ocular lens of the mammal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the retinal auto-fluorescence of a subject retina includes an excitation light source for providing an excitation light at a wavelength of at least 450 nm and an image capture device for recording an ocular auto-fluorescence signal generated in response to the excitation light. The image capture device includes a filter for reducing background non-signal wavelengths from the ocular auto-fluorescence signal and an image intensifier for increasing the ocular auto-fluorescence signal strength. The method and apparatus may further include a processor that analyzes the ocular auto-fluorescence signal to determine a contrast change or pattern to thereby detect retinal disease or damage. The processor may compare the images with control images, past images of the same eye or other diagnostic modalities such as fundus photography, angiography, or visual field testing to detect the retinal disease or damage.

Abstract: A catheter with a tissue property sensor provides for localization of myocardial infarction (MI) by utilizing one or more differences between properties of infarcted myocardial tissue and properties of normal myocardial tissue. The tissue property sensor is to be placed on endocardial wall or epicardial wall during catheterization to sense at least one tissue property allowing for detection of MI. Examples of the tissue property sensor include, but are not limited to, an optical sensor, an acoustic sensor, a contractility sensor, a temperature sensor, and a drug response sensor. In one embodiment, the tissue property sensor senses a tissue property in various locations on endocardial wall or epicardial wall and detects substantial changes in the tissue property that indicate a boundary between infarcted tissue and normal tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the determination of carotenoid antioxidants and similar chemical compounds in biological tissue such as living skin. The method and apparatus provide a noninvasive, rapid, accurate, and safe determination of carotenoid levels which in turn can provide diagnostic information of the antioxidant status of tissue. Reflection spectroscopy is used to measure the concentrations of carotenoids and similar substances in tissue. White light is directed upon the area of tissue that is of interest. A small fraction of diffusively scattered light is collected and measured. The tissue is pressured to temporarily squeeze blood out of the measured tissue volume while the reflection spectrum is continuously monitored, displayed, and analyzed in near real time. After an optimal time period of typically 15 seconds, the influence of the dominating hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin tissue absorptions on the reflection spectra are minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phantom device that simplifies usage and testing of a low intensity light imaging system. The phantom device includes a body and a light source internal to the body. The body comprises an optically selective material designed to at least partially resemble the optical behavior of mammalian tissue. Imaging the light source or phantom device may incorporate known properties of the optically selective material. Testing methods described herein assess the performance of a low-level light imaging system (such as the software) by processing light output by the phantom device and comparing the output against known results. The assessment builds a digital representation of the light source or test device and compares one or more components of the digital representation against one or more known properties for the light source or the test device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel multi-spectral contrast agent-enhanced polarized light imaging technique that enables rapid imaging of large tissue fields. The imaging device includes a tunable monochromatic light source and a CCD camera. Linear polarizers are placed into both the incident and collected light pathways in order to limit the measurement volume to the superficial tissue layers. To enhance the tumor contrast in the image, aqueous solutions of toluidine blue or methylene blue are topically applied.

Abstract: An optical examination technique employs an optical system for in vivo non-invasive examination of breast tissue of a subject. The optical system includes an optical module, a controller and a processor. The optical module includes an array of optical input ports and optical detection ports located in a selected geometrical pattern to provide a multiplicity of photon migration paths inside the biological tissue. Each optical input port is constructed to introduce into the examined tissue visible or infrared light emitted from a light source. Each optical detection port is constructed to provide light from the tissue to a light detector. The controller is constructed and arranged to activate one or several light sources and light detectors so that the light detector detects light that has migrated over at least one of the photon migration paths.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus and method are disclosed wherein first and second light beams, each having different center wavelengths, illuminate an object. A detector and a light receiver optical system are provided that receive back-scattered light from first and second illumination devices. A processor is provided that calculates a value corresponding to the size of particles that back-scatter light of the first and second light beams that are incident onto the object, with the calculated value being independent of the concentration of the particles. The first illumination device and the second illumination device are arranged in a specified manner so that a specified condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A method of examining a sample, which includes: exposing a reference to a first set of electromagnetic radiation, to form a second set of electromagnetic radiation scattered from the reference; exposing a sample to a third set of electromagnetic radiation to form a fourth set of electromagnetic radiation scattered from the sample; and interfering the second set of electromagnetic radiation and the fourth set of electromagnetic radiation. The first set and the third set of electromagnetic radiation are generated from a source; at least a portion of the second set of electromagnetic radiation is of a frequency different from that of the first set of electromagnetic radiation; and at least a portion of the fourth set of electromagnetic radiation is of a frequency different from that of the third set of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Infrared and Raman spectroscopy methods are used to assess the tension of ligaments, tendons and other tissue. The device includes an electromagnetic radiation source for directing radiation energy onto a sample, either directly or using a probe. Between the radiation source and the sample, emitted electromagnetic energies pass through a filtering device and are directed to the sample using optical components such as mirrors, lenses and optical fibers. After impacting the tissue, scattered emissions are collected by a collecting lens at a predetermined geometry. The scattered emissions are collected by a collection means such as lens and optical fibers directed to another filtering device and a spectrum-analyzing device, and detected with a photon-detecting device. The collected scattering signals are analyzed using a computing device such as a computer or a microprocessor. The tension in the tissue is obtained from the analysis of the scattered emissions.

Abstract: An optical examination technique employs an optical system for in vivo non-invasive transcranial examination of brain tissue of a subject. The optical system includes an optical module arranged for placement on the exterior of the head, a controller and a processor. The optical module includes an array of optical input ports and optical detection ports located in a selected geometrical pattern to provide a multiplicity of photon migration paths inside the biological tissue. Each optical input port is constructed to introduce into the examined tissue visible or infrared light emitted from a light source. Each optical detection port is constructed to provide light from the tissue to a light detector. The controller is constructed and arranged to activate one or several light sources and light detectors so that the light detector detects light that has migrated over at least one of the photon migration paths.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for the in vivo, non-invasive, early detection of alterations and mapping of the grade of these alterations, causing in the biochemical and/or in the functional characteristics of the epithelial tissues during the development of tissue atypias, dysplasias, neoplasias and cancers. The method is based, at least in part, on the simultaneous measurement of the spatial, temporal and spectral alterations in the characteristics of the light that is re-emitted from the tissue under examination, as a result of a combined tissue excitation with light and special chemical agents. The topical or systematic administration of these agents result in an evanescent contrast enhancement between normal and abnormal areas of tissue. The apparatus enables the capturing of temporally successive imaging in one or more spectral bands simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the detection and display of polarization scrambling tissue without resolving the polarization state of the backscattered imaging beam. In one embodiment, we illuminate the tissue using two different polarizations. A first polarization determines a first image of high intensity while the second polarization determines a second image of low intensity. Comparison and combination of the first and second images determines tissue which scrambles the polarization in neighbouring detection cells.

Abstract: A method and system to differentiate a tissue margins during various medical procedures. A region containing a biological tissue is irradiated, with a substantially monochromatic light. Raman spectroscopic data is obtained from the irradiated region. A boundary between a neoplastic portion and a non-neoplastic portion, in the region containing the biological tissue, is differentiated by evaluating the Raman spectroscopic data for at least one Raman spectroscopic value characteristic of either the neoplastic portion or the non-neoplastic portion. The neoplastic portion is selected for physical manipulation based on the differentiation of the boundary between the neoplastic portion and the non-neoplastic portion.

Abstract: Provided a method of automated classifying a tissue and a system thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing an image enhancing effect for a photographic image of a target region within an intravascular environment. The image enhancing effects may be a physical process based upon the nature of the detected light or based upon different aspects of expected light reflection behavior, for example, by running predefined image reconstruction algorithms. The apparatus has a plurality of different embodiments, each of which reduces the ambient “noise” detected along with the light reflected from the target region in order to increase the signal/noise ratio, thereby to enhance the quality of the image produced.