Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for scanned beam imagers and scanned beam endoscopes that utilize multiple light collectors are disclosed. In one aspect, a scanned beam imager is disclosed. The scanned beam imager includes a scanned beam source operable to scan a beam onto a region of interest of an object. The scanned beam imager further includes a first light collector structured to collect light reflected from the region of interest and a second light collector positionable relative to the scanning tip. The second light collector structured to collect light transmitted through the region of interest.

Abstract: An imaging system 1 comprises: an illumination light source unit 10 that emits an illumination light having a wavelength in a near-infrared range; an illumination optical system 20 that illuminates an observed object 90 with the illumination light emitted from the illumination light source unit 10; an imaging optical system 30 that guides as a physical body light the illumination light that has been illuminated by the illumination optical system 20 onto the observed object 90 and has been scattered, reflected, or refracted thereby; and an imaging unit 40 that has an imaging sensitivity in a wavelength band of a near-infrared range, receives the physical body light arrived after being guided by the imaging optical system 30, and images the image of the observed object 90. The imaging unit 40 receives the physical body light after the light has passed through water and hemoglobin.

Abstract: A spectroscope includes first and second beam redirectors in optical communication with first and second fibers respectively. The first and second beam redirectors are oriented to illuminate respective first and second areas. The second area is separated from the first area by a separation distance that exceeds the separation distance between the first and second beam redirectors.

Abstract: Biological thick tissue such as skeletal and cardiac muscle is imaged by inserting a probe into the tissue and scanning the tissue at a sufficiently fast rate to mitigate motion artifacts due to physiological motion. According to one example embodiment, such a probe is part of a system that is capable of reverse-direction high-resolution imaging without staining or otherwise introducing a foreign element used to generate or otherwise increase the sensed light. The probe includes a light generator for generating light pulses that are directed towards structures located within the thick tissue. The light pulses interact with intrinsic characteristics of the structures to generate a signal such as SHG or intrinsic fluorescence. Reliance on intrinsic characteristics of the structures is particularly useful for applications in which the introduction of foreign substances to the thick tissue is undesirable.

Abstract: A system and method provide normalized fluorescence epi-illumination images and normalized fluorescence transillumination images. The normalization can be used to improve two-dimensional (planar) fluorescence epi-illumination images and two-dimensional (planar) fluorescence transillumination images. The system and method can also provide normalized bioluminescence epi-illumination images and normalized bioluminescence transillumination images. In some arrangements, the system and method can provide imagine of small animals, into-operative imaging, endoscopic imaging, and/or imaging of hollow organs.

Abstract: A multisensor probe for continuous real-time tissue identification. The multisensor probe includes a tissue penetrating needle, a plurality of sensors useful in characterizing tissue and a position sensor to measure the depth of the needle into the tissue being diagnosed. The sensors include but are not limited to an optical scattering and absorption spectroscopy sensor, an optical coherence domain reflectometry sensor, an electrical impedance sensor, a temperature sensor, a pO2 sensor, a chemical sensor and other sensors useful in identifying tissue. The sensors may take the form of a plurality of optical fibers extending through said needle. A retractable sheath may be disposed around the distal section of the needle to protect the needle when not in use. The sheath retracts when the probe is inserted into tissue and the position of the sheath relative to the needle may be measured to determine the needle's depth. Systems and methods for tissue identification are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new intravascular imaging device based on a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator mechanism embedded inside an elongate member such as a guide wire or catheter. The present invention utilizes a novel SMA mechanism to provide side-looking imaging by providing movement for an optical coherence tomography (OCT) element. This novel SMA actuator mechanism can be easily fabricated in micro-scale, providing an advantage over existing imaging devices by offering the ability to miniaturize the overall size of the device. Because the device does not require a rotating shaft or fiber optic along the length of the catheter, it also allows for a more flexible catheter or guide wire, and provides room for other interventional devices. The device simplifies the manufacture and operation of OCT by allowing a straight fiber optic directed by an independent, oscillating reflector or prism controlled by the actuator mechanism located only in the distal tip of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical device which comprises a light guide incorporating a Bragg grating. The apparatus also comprises a moveable wall portion which is coupled to the Bragg grating so that a movement of the wall portion causes a force that effects a change in strain of the Bragg grating and thereby effects a change in an optical period of the Bragg grating. A temperature related change in the optical period of the Bragg grating is reduced by a temperature related change in the force on the Bragg grating by the moveable wall portion.

Abstract: A method using an image guide having several thousands of optical fibers, an excitation signal emitted by a source, deflected and injected by turns into the optical fibers, each excitation point of the tissue in the fiber output emitting in return a fluorescence signal collected by the fiber, then detected and digitized to form an image element. The method focuses the beam in the fiber output to excite a subsurface plane to produce a confocal image. The production of a divergent beam in the fiber output can excite a micro-volume of the tissue from the surface. The method deflects the excitation signal at a speed corresponding to acquisition of a number of images per second sufficient for real time use and in detecting the fluorescence signal at a detecting frequency corresponding to a minimum frequency for sampling the fibers one-by-one.

Abstract: An illuminating wire medical device may include an elongate flexible housing and an illuminating fiber and a core wire extending through at least part of the housing, the core wire providing desired pushability and torquability. The illuminating device may further include a connector assembly cooperating with the illuminating fiber to accommodate changes in length and to absorb forces applied during use of the device.

Abstract: A spectroscope includes first and second beam redirectors in optical communication with first and second fibers respectively. The first and second beam redirectors are oriented to illuminate respective first and second areas. The second area is separated from the first area by a separation distance that exceeds the separation distance between the first and second beam redirectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for detecting and treating diseased tissue in a blood vessel or other hollow body organ. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter shaft having a distal end comprising a light transmission zone. A first fiber lumen in the catheter shaft contains a diagnostic optical fiber having a distal end terminating within the light transmission zone for emitting and receiving light through the light transmission zone. A diagnostic subassembly at the proximal end and in communication with the diagnostic optical fiber processes diagnostic light for use in connection with a diagnostic method for detecting diseased tissue. A second fiber lumen can be provided in the catheter shaft for containing a treatment optical fiber for delivering treatment light from a light source at the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the light transmission zone.

Abstract: We have discovered an improved lens system for biomedical optical imaging applications for collecting light from tissue with an improved efficiency and geometry, and for delivering collinear, pre-aligned illumination to a the sample, for the purpose of enabling imaging applications in which a catadioptric lens and mirror system (103) is used for light collection, and integrated collimating illumination optics and aperture (159) have been provided, has been constructed in accordance with the present invention to allow for high-efficiency light collection in operating room and radiology suite imaging geometries. The efficient collection of light from the collinear illumination, allows this lens system to operate at higher speeds and with improved ease-of-use, as well as to be integrated into a lens system (103), a medical probe (255), or a catheter (270). A medical system incorporating the improved device, and medical methods of use, are described.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to a light-guided catheter for direct visualization of placement through the skin. An embodiment of the invention includes a method for transcutaneous viewing and guiding of intracorporeal catheters into a body that comprises inserting a catheter into the body having at least one lumen and internally illuminating the catheter with light capable of propagating through the blood and tissue to an external viewer outside of the body. The illumination may be point source, continuous, single or multi wavelength. A method of treatment of blood conditions is also disclosed using direct placement of a photo treatment source in the blood stream.

Abstract: Flow reduction hood systems are described which facilitate the visualization of tissue regions through a clear fluid. Such a system may include an imaging hood having one or more layers covering the distal opening and defines one or more apertures which control the infusion and controlled retention of the clearing fluid into the hood. In this manner, the amount of clearing fluid may be limited and the clarity of the imaging of the underlying tissue through the fluid within the hood may be maintained for relatively longer periods of time by inhibiting, delaying, or preventing the infusion of surrounding blood into the viewing field. The aperture size may be controlled to decrease or increase through selective inflation of the membrane or other mechanisms.

Abstract: A optical Biopsy method and an apparatus are used in the diagnosis of precancerous lesion for locating the place and determining the level of malignant tumor. The apparatus comprises light source (1, 10) a light channel system, an endoscope (21) and a circuit system. The light sources include an excited light (1) and a cold light source (10). The cold light source and the excited light in the light channel system go through the end of the light guide of the endoscope via optical fiber bundle and irradiate the tested living tissue (22). The white light image signal and the intrinsic fluorescence image signal reflected from the tested living tissue (22) are received by a weak fluorescence CCD (6) that tightly connects to the end of the endoscope (21) and then transmit to the circuit system via a signal wire (9) to produce the image in the display (17).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter and a control unit for providing visual images, measurements, and for performing gynecological procedures. The catheter has a tip with a light and at least one sensor. The catheter is connected to the control unit and the control unit converts the signal from the catheter into measurements or visual images. The information may be displayed on a LCD screen or printed on paper to provide the user with a hard copy. The catheter may include a blade, an electrode, or a pressure inducing or relieving source.

Abstract: The invention provides windowless fiber optic Raman probes that are directly or indirectly enclosed by one or more materials having a very low Raman signal in a desired wavenumber range that is used to evaluate a sample. In one embodiment, the very low Raman signal material is a polymer, such as a fluoropolymer, that has a very low Raman cross-section in the high wavenumber Raman region (approximately 2,600 to 3,200 cm?1) which has been shown to be useful in evaluating blood vessels for atherosclerotic lesions. Still another embodiment of the invention provides windowless side-viewing intravascular catheters for evaluating lumen walls such as blood vessel walls.

Abstract: A system for multispectral confocal mapping of a tissue, comprising: a light source; an optical fiber having an aperture providing a confocal pinhole, a scanner being free-space coupled to said aperture and operative to scan the tissue and provide intensity signals for each of a plurality of points therein; a switch or modulator operative to convert input signals to optical pulses; a reflector that receives the optical pulses and provides a temporal sequence of wavelength selective reflections; and, a detector optically coupled to receive the temporal sequence of wavelength selective reflections.

Abstract: A method for maintaining clear passageways in an extracorporeal blood flow system. The method comprises intermittently providing one or more anti-clotting agents to a passageway of the extracorporeal blood flow system. Also disclosed is an extracorporeal blood flow system. The system comprises a passageway, and a device operatively connected to provide one or more anti-clotting agents to a least a portion of said passageway.

Abstract: Probes, and systems and methods for optically scanning a conical volume in front of a probe, for use with an imaging modality, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). A probe includes an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end and defining an axis, with the proximal end of the optical fiber being proximate a light source, and the distal end having a first angled surface. A refractive lens element is positioned proximate the distal end of the optical fiber. The lens element and the fiber end are both configured to separately rotate about the axis so as to image a conical scan volume when light is provided by the source. Reflected light from a sample under investigation is collected by the fiber and analyzed by an imaging system. Such probes may be very compact, e.g., having a diameter 1 mm or less, and are advantageous for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical element, a GRIN lens, and a detector. The optical element has a first optical aperture. The GRIN lens has first and second ends. The first end of the GRIN lens is positioned to receive light from the first optical aperture. The detector is configured to measure values of a characteristic of light emitted from the first end in response to multi-photon absorption events in a sample illuminated by light from the second end of the endoscopic probe.

Abstract: In fluorescent endoscopic examinations, excitation light and light adjusted by an adjuster filter are alternately projected to an object under observation, the fluorescence light is received by one channel out of three channels by disposing barrier filters before a black-and-white CCD, or received without any filter by the channel of a color CCD which does not react with excitation light but with the fluorescent light, the light adjusted by an adjuster filter is received by the other two channels to capture the background image, the signals sent through the three channels are combined, and the fluorescent image is superimposed on the background image on a monitor. Thus, a sharp fluorescent image and bright field of view are formed and viewed on the same screen simultaneously, and the portions where fluorescence is emitted can be easily specified in the background.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to perform therapeutic treatment and diagnosis of a patient's vasculature through the use of an intravascular device having an optical fiber disposed therein. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an intravascular device to perform a therapeutic treatment and at least one optical fiber disposed through the intravascular device. The optical fiber is configured to provide diagnostic information before, during, and after the therapeutic treatment. In an embodiment, diagnostic information includes vessel and blood characteristics such as hemodynamic characteristics, hematological parameters related to blood and blood components, and thermal parameters of the vasculature.

Abstract: A catheter for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ is provided in which a flexible elongated body includes a tri-axial force sensor formed of a housing and a plurality of optical fibers associated with the housing that measure changes in the intensity of light reflected from the lateral surfaces of the housing resulting from deformation caused by forces applied to a distal extremity of the housing. A controller receives an output of the optical fibers and computes a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force.

Abstract: An optical spectroscopic injection needle assembly. According to one embodiment, the assembly may include an injection needle, a light source, a spectrometer, a computer and an indicator. The injection needle, in turn, may include a hollow outer needle, a hollow inner needle, a pair of optical fibers, an inner catheter, an outer catheter, an inner hub and an outer hub. The proximal end of the outer needle may be fixedly mounted within the distal end of the inner catheter. The distal end of the inner hub may be fixedly mounted on the proximal end of the inner catheter, the proximal end of the inner hub being suited for connection to a syringe. The inner needle, as well as the distal ends of the optical fibers, may be positioned within the outer needle and may be held in place by an optical bonding material. The proximal ends of the optical fibers may extend from a side arm of the inner hub, one fiber may be coupled to the light source, the other fiber may be coupled to the spectrometer.

Abstract: A system and method for the in situ discrimination of healthy and diseased tissue. A fiberoptic based probe is employed to direct ultraviolet illumination onto a tissue specimen and to collect the fluorescent response radiation. The response radiation is observed at three selected wavelengths, one of which corresponds to an isosbestic point. In one example, the isosbestic point occurs at about 431 nm. The intensities of the observed signals are normalized using the 431 nm intensity. A score is determined using the ratios in a discriminant analysis. The tissue under examination is resected or not, based on the diagnosis of disease or health, according to the outcome of the discriminant analysis.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for monitoring inflammation of the epithelium. The device consists of a head region, a handle region and an optical bundle. At least two of the optical fibers in the bundle are utilized as a source of radiation, these two fibers are at two different angles from normal. At least one of the other optical fibers is utilized as a detector for the reflected radiation, or alternatively an image guide can be used as the detector. The device of the invention can be part of an external or internal system that can include a light source, the device, a multiplexer, a spectrometer, and a computer for data analysis. The method of the invention allows for the detection and monitoring of general inflammation of the oral epithelium. The inflammation of the epithelium can be detected or monitored to diagnose diseases of the oral epithelium, monitor such diseases, monitor treatment of such diseases, or pre-screen for and monitor preventative treatments of such diseases.

Abstract: A disposable high density optically readable polydeoxynucleotide array with integral fluorescence excitation and fluorescence emission channels is described. The compact array size allows integration into several types of interventional devices such as catheters, guidewires, needles, trocars and may be used intraoperatively. Highly sensitive monitoring of the metabolic and disease pathways of cells in vivo under varying chemical, genetic and environmental conditions is afforded.

Abstract: The invention is based, in part, on the discovery that by combining certain components one can generate a tissue-like phantom that mimics any desired tissue, is simple and inexpensive to prepare, and is stable over many weeks or months. In addition, new multi-modal imaging objects (e.g., beads) can be inserted into the phantoms to mimic tissue pathologies, such as cancer, or merely to serve as calibration standards. These objects can be imaged using one, two, or more (e.g., four) different imaging modalities (e.g., x-ray computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence) simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical investigation and/or treatment system comprising: a catheter system, comprising a catheter (1, 7, 9), with a first sensor (4, 11) of an imaging system for optical coherence tomography with an optical fiber via which the light is directed and is radiated in the area of a catheter tip introduced into an area to be investigated, via which fiber reflection light is directed from an illuminated investigation area to a first image processing unit (22), a second sensor (3, 8, 10) of an intravascular ultrasound imaging system to transmit and receive sound pulses which are fed as an electrical signal to a second image processing unit (23), und at least one display unit (24) for presenting the images of the first and second image processing unit (22, 23).

Abstract: Equipment includes an image guide (1) consisting of flexible optical fibers with: on the proximal end side: a source (2), angular scanning elements (3), injection elements (4) in one of the fibers, elements for splitting (5) the illuminating beam and the backscattered signal, elements for spatial filtering (6), elements for detecting (7) the signal, electronic elements (8) for controlling, analyzing and digital processing of the detected signal and display; and on the distal end side: an optical head (9) for focusing the illuminating beam exiting from the illuminated fiber. The scanning elements include a resonant line mirror (M1) and a galvanometric field mirror (M2) with a variable frequency and two afocal optical systems adapted to conjugate the two mirrors (M1, M2) firstly in the field mirror (M2) and the injection elements (4) in the image guide in a second step.

Abstract: An image containing data relating to the tissue-state and the tissue-form of a target area is displayed. A fluorescent-light image having two different wavelength bands of fluorescent-light is obtained, based on the strength of the fluorescent light emitted from a target area irradiated by stimulating-light. A reflected-light image is obtained based on the strength of the light reflected from a target area irradiated by white-light as reference-light. A hue is assigned to a computed-image based on a division value of each pixel value of aforementioned fluorescent-light image to form a tissue-state image reflecting mainly the tissue-state, and a brightness is assigned to the reflected-light image to form a tissue-form image reflecting mainly the tissue-form. The tissue-state image and the tissue-form image are combined to form a composite-image, and the composite-image is displayed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for processing tissue-derived spectral data for use in a tissue classification algorithm. Methods of the invention comprise application of spectral and/or image masks for automatically separating ambiguous or unclassifiable spectral data from valid spectral data. The invention improves the accuracy of tissue classification, in part, by properly identifying and accounting for spectral data from tissue regions that are affected by an obstruction and/or regions that lie outside a diagnostic zone of interest.

Abstract: A probe for use in characterizing tissue. The probe includes a plurality of optical fibers and an optical element. Each fiber includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The fibers transmit light through the fiber to a surrounding area and collect light reflected back from the surrounding area. The optical element may be adjacent an outer periphery of the distal portion of the plurality of optical fibers. The optical element reduces an optical path length through blood.

Abstract: A flush catheter is provided which is configured to be introduced into an orifice to create a flush zone therein. The flush catheter includes a catheter body having an inner cavity, the inner cavity being configured to communicate with a source of flush solution, one or more openings configured to expel therethrough flush solution, and a sheath at least partially covering the one or more openings, wherein when flush solution is expelled through the one or more openings, the flush solution is directed by the sheath to flow along an outer surface of the catheter body, thereby creating a flush zone along a length of the outer surface of the catheter body. The flush catheter may be used in combination with an image catheter/probe such as an image catheter/probe utilized in OCT imaging systems.

Abstract: An endoscope having an optical guide that is optically coupled to a first broadband light source and a second laser light source that emits light at a wavelength in a range of 350 nm to 420 nm. The endoscope has an image sensor at a distal end and collects a reflectance image including red, green and blue components with the image sensor in response to illumination by said broadband light source. The image sensor also collects an autofluorescence image having a blue component, a green component and a red component. A processor processes the fluorescence image by determining a ratio of the fluorescence image and the reflectance image to provide a processed fluorescence image.

Abstract: An endoscope probe system includes an endoscope probe to be inserted into a body cavity to observe tissue of a living body. The endoscope probe system further includes a laser source that emits multiple laser beams, a light detector having multiple light receiving elements each of which detects intensity of light incident thereon, and a plurality of confocal optical systems arranged to focus the laser beams emitted from the laser source to small spots arranged in a matrix pattern on the target and selectively transmit the laser beams reflected by the target at the spots to respective ones of the light receiving elements of the light detector.

Abstract: The present system and method for simulating particles and waves is useful for calculations involving nuclear and full spectrum radiation transport, quantum particle transport, plasma transport and charged particle transport. The invention provides a mechanism for creating accurate invariants for embedding in general three-dimensional problems and describes means by which a series of simple single collision interaction finite elements can be extended to formulate a complex multi-collision finite element.

Abstract: A display (34) provides from digital images of an excised tissue specimen the orientation and location of tissue and regions of interest (cancers). Images of slices through excised specimen are obtained using a confocal microscope (10) to obtain confocal maps to provide a mosaic of images each of which corresponds to a different map element. A macroscopic image of significant map elements and high resolution images of selected elements are provided to locate and mark regions which are cancerous thereby assisting the surgeon to excise such regions.

Abstract: A fluorescent image obtaining apparatus for obtaining as an image the data relating to the fluorescent light emitted from a measurement portion upon the irradiation thereof by an excitation light, wherein by amplifying only the intensity of the fluorescent light, the S/N ratio of the fluorescent image based thereon is improved, is provided. The statistical quantities of a fluorescent image obtained by a wide-band fluorescent image obtaining element and a narrow-band fluorescent image obtaining element are computed by a statistical quantity computing means. If the statistical quantity is smaller than a predetermined value, the magnification rate of the imaging optical system is controlled by a magnification rate control means so that the fluorescent image is reduced and focused on the wide-band fluorescent image obtaining element and the narrow-band fluorescent image obtaining element.

Abstract: An improved Optical Coherence Domain Reflectometry (OCDR) system is provided. One embodiment of this OCDR system outputs a detector signal carrying image depth information on multiple modulation frequencies, where each modulation frequency corresponds to a different image depth. The image depth information from the detector signal may be resolved by tuning to the desired modulation frequency. Another system for imaging body tissue uses multiple frequency modulators such that the light beam does not travel from an optical fiber to free space.

Abstract: An optical imaging apparatus has an optical scanning probe configured to irradiate low-coherence light onto a subject and to perform photo-reception of light scattered at the subject, and an observation device adapted to construct a cross-section image of the subject based on information from the light received through the optical scanning probe. The optical scanning probe is detachably connected to the observation device.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the surface of a material that has a distinguishable infrared spectrum comprising (a) positioning an infrared fiber optic probe to be in contact with a surface of the sample or material at a region of interest for detecting attenuated total reflectance or within a sufficient distance from the surface of the region for detecting reflection, (b) detecting mid- or near-infrared radiation attenuated total reflectance or reflection off of the surface of the sample or the material, (c) analyzing the infrared radiation from step (b) for at least one of peak height, peak area, frequency and chemometric parameters, and (d) actuating the removal device when a signal from the infrared fiber optic probe is between pre-selected values for at least one of peak height, peak area, frequency and chemometric parameters for the sample of the material.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus in which an imaging head having an observation hole for intaking images of an object to be observed formed at a top end is exchangeably mounted to a main body having an imaging device and an illumination light source wherein the imaging head is provided with a plurality of optical fibers for guiding a light from the illumination light source and illuminating the same to the object, light incident ends of respective optical fibers are disposed at positions opposing to emission ends of the illumination light source, and the light emission ends are circularly disposed around the image pick-up optical axis, whereby an appropriate illumination light in accordance with a magnifying ratio can be illuminated without disposing an illumination light source such as of LEDs to an imaging head such as an exchangeable lens unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for high resolution imaging of a moving object comprises a source of low coherence light, an optical coherence tomography imaging instrument or a dual channel, optical coherence tomography/confocal imaging instrument, a transverse scanner, an interferometer, depth adjustment means, and interface optics. First and an optional second sensing blocks sense the axial and respectively the transverse position of the object. A splitting element is shared so that the interface optics and the sensing blocks have a common axis of light transmitted to and from the object. Timing means establishes a timing, and timing intervals and reference times for images as they are taken. The acceptability of each scanned image is determined according to predetermined criteria. A series of en-face OCT images, or of longitudinal OCT images of the object may be taken at different depths or transverse coordinates, and the stack of collected images is used to build 3D profiles of the object.

Abstract: New devices and methods are provided for noninvasive and noncontact real-time measurements of tissue blood velocity. The invention uses a digital imaging device such as a detector array that allows independent intensity measurements at each pixel to capture images of laser speckle patterns on any surfaces, such as tissue surfaces. The laser speckle is generated by illuminating the surface of interest with an expanded beam from a laser source such as a laser diode or a HeNe laser as long as the detector can detect that particular laser radiation. Digitized speckle images are analyzed using new algorithms for tissue optics and blood optics employing multiple scattering analysis and laser Doppler velocimetry analysis. The resultant two-dimensional images can be displayed on a color monitor and superimposed on images of the tissues.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and associated system includes the steps of exposing at least one sample location with excitation radiation through a single optical waveguide or a single optical waveguide bundle, wherein the sample emits emission radiation in response to the excitation radiation. The same single optical waveguide or the single optical waveguide bundle receives at least a portion of the emission radiation from the sample, thus providing co-registration of the excitation radiation and the emission radiation. The wavelength of the excitation radiation and emission radiation is synchronously scanned to produce a spectrum upon which an image can be formed. An increased emission signal is generated by the enhanced overlap of the excitation and emission focal volumes provided by co-registration of the excitation and emission signals thus increasing the sensitivity as well as decreasing the exposure time necessary to obtain an image.

Abstract: First sensing means senses the three-dimensional position of a microscope, with an operating site as the origin. Second sensing means senses the three dimensional position of a surgical instrument with respect to the microscope. On the basis of the sensing results of the first sensing means and second sensing means, computing means calculates the three-dimensional position of the surgical instrument, with the operating site as the origin.

Abstract: A fluorescence image display apparatus is provided; wherein, when a pseudo color image representing the tissue state of a target subject is obtained, based on a fluorescence image emitted from the target subject upon the irradiation thereof by an excitation light, the tissue state can be recognized regardless of the intensity of the fluorescent light. Based upon the statistical quantity of a wide band fluorescence image computed by a statistical quantity computing means, a gain that the wide band and narrow band fluorescence image data are to be multiplied by is computed by a gain computing means. A gain multiplying means multiplies the wide band and narrow band fluorescence image data by the gain, whereby a green gradation is assigned to the wide band fluorescence image and a red gradation is assigned to the narrow band fluorescence image, and a composite image data is obtained by an image composing means.