Abstract: Systems and methods for spectroscopic diagnosis and treatment are employed which utilize molecular spectroscopy to accurately diagnose the condition of tissue. Infrared Raman spectroscopy and infrared attenuated total reflectance measurements are performed utilizing a laser radiation source and a fourier transform spectrometer. Information acquired and analyzed in accordance with the invention provides accurate details of biochemical composition and pathologic condition.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accessing target sites in breast and other tissues comprising catheters having hooks or other anchoring means at their distal ends. The positions of the catheters and tissue are determined using a light source, optionally using both infrared and visible light sources. Once accessed, drugs may be delivered through the catheter, or the catheter may be used to facilitate surgical intervention.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for probe localization in brain matter. A method is disclosed for determining the insertion point for an object at a desired location within tissue of varying types. The parameters of tissue are first measured at an entry point into the tissue from exterior thereof. The parameters of the tissue are then measured periodically along a line extending from the entry point and moving away therefrom. A determination is then made if at least one boundary between tissue types has occurred during the measurement process. The measurements along the line are then compared to a predetermined map of the tissue boundaries. Thereafter, a point on the map is then selected corresponding to the desired location within the tissue when the measured parameters indicate that the measurements are taking place in proximity thereto.

Abstract: A system for identifying vulnerable plaque includes a catheter having a collection fiber and a delivery fiber extending therethrough. The catheter is engaged to a distal face of a housing configured to spin about an axis. The proximal face of the housing has a central aperture. First and second optical relays extend respectively between the central aperture and a central port on the distal face and between a detector and an eccentric port on the distal face. The central and eccentric ports are in optical communication with the delivery and collection fibers respectively.

Abstract: A lumen wall of a blood vessel, such as a coronary artery, is imaged by inserting a catheter into the vessel and emitting near-IR radiation toward the lumen wall through a side window formed in the catheter. Blood flowing through the vessel is caused to react with a fin arrangement formed on a body of the catheter to displace the window toward a region of the lumen wall opposing the window in order to minimize the amount of blood that is interposed between the window and the lumen wall. Thus, the amount of radiation that is scattered or absorbed by the blood is minimized.

Abstract: A catheter based optical system for generating data as to the condition of a tissue sample of a mammalian vessel. The system includes an elongated catheter shaft having a tissue engaging distal end and a coupled proximal end and an elongated optical delivery fiber arrangement disposed through a lumen of said catheter, said optical delivery fiber arrangement having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the delivery fiber arrangement has a re-director light emitter thereon for directing light against mammalian tissues. An elongated optical collection fiber arrangement is disposed through a lumen of the catheter, the optical collection fiber arrangement having a distal end and a proximal most end. The distal end of the collection fiber arrangement has a re-director light receiver thereon for receiving light reflected from the mammalian tissue by the light emitter. The light emitter and the light receiver are longitudinally spaced apart from one another in the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: An optical probe for tissue identification includes an elongated body. Optical fibers are located within the elongated body for transmitting light to and from the tissue. Light fluctuation protection is associated with the optical fibers. In one embodiment the light fluctuation protection includes a reflective coating on the optical fibers to reduce stray light. In another embodiment the light fluctuation protection includes a filler with very high absorption located within the elongated body between the optical fibers.

Abstract: A microprobe useful for assessing auditory function by enabling clinical and intraoperative measurements of blood flow, particularly cochlear blood flow and neural compound action potentials, particularly of the auditory nerve (cranial nerve VIII) is disclosed. In addition, a monitoring system containing this microprobe and a method of using the microprobe are described.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention relates to using spectroscopy, for example, Raman spectroscopic methods for diagnosis of tissue conditions such as vascular disease or cancer. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system for measuring tissue includes a fiber optic probe having a proximal end, a distal end, and a diameter of 2 mm or less. This small diameter allows the system to be used for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease or other small lumens or soft tissue with minimal trauma. A delivery optical fiber is included in the probe coupled at the proximal end to a light source. A filter for the delivery fibers is included at the distal end. The system includes a collection optical fiber (or fibers) in the probe that collects Raman scattered radiation from tissue, the collection optical fiber is coupled at the proximal end to a detector. A second filter is disposed at the distal end of the collection fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for the placement and monitoring of the position of an intraluminal indwelling catheter using an infrared (IR) signal encoded in the catheter and the detection of the IR signal by an IR optical detector. The IR signal may be encoded into the catheter by IR emitted from the catheter or IR reflected from the catheter. In the first category, the catheter is illuminated by IR radiation emitted from the distal end of the catheter, either by fiber optics or by a micro-diode. In the second category, the catheter is marked with regions of varying optical properties to form a pattern that is easily visualized and distinctive from nearby anatomical structures. One embodiment has a helical pattern in either one or more solid bands or a series of helically arranged dots. Other embodiments employ a pair of crisscrossing helical bands or zebra stripes. In addition to IR radiation, other electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, may be used.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spectroscopic examination of the colon are described herein. A spectroscopy device comprising an illumination device and an image capture device is integrated directly into a steerable endoscope or colonoscope. Alternatively, the spectroscopy device and the steerable colonoscope can be separate instruments that are functionally combined for performing endoscopic spectroscopy. The steerable colonoscope uses serpentine motion to facilitate rapid and safe insertion of the colonoscope into the patient's colon, which allows the endoscopic spectroscopy method to be performed more quickly and more safely. The spectroscopy can be performed by autofluorescence, dye-enhanced fluorescence or any other known spectroscopy techniques. Other imaging technologies that use light with a wavelength outside of the visible range may also be used.

Abstract: An Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) device irradiates a biological tissue with low coherence light, obtains a high resolution tomogram of the inside of the tissue by low-coherent interference with scattered light from the tissue, and is provided with an optical probe which includes an optical fiber having a flexible and thin insertion part for introducing the low coherent light. When the optical probe is inserted into a blood vessel or a patient's body cavity, the OCT enables the doctor to observe a high resolution tomogram. In a optical probe, generally, a fluctuation of a birefringence occurs depending on a bend of the optical fiber, and this an interference contrast varies depending on the condition of the insertion. The OCT of the present invention is provided with polarization compensation means such as a Faraday rotator on the side of the light emission of the optical probe, so that the OCT can obtain the stabilized interference output regardless of the state of the bend.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a volume of tumor mass destroyed. The present invention includes a temperature probe and a laser probe having a temperature sensor. The laser probe and temperature probe are inserted to measure a temperature of the tumor mass and a temperature of tissue mass surrounding the tumor mass. By determining the volume of tumor mass destroyed, a graphical representation of the volume of tumor mass destroyed is provided whereby real-time visual monitoring of the destruction of the tumor mass is achieved.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system including a scope unit for capturing an image of an object illuminated by light using an image sensor and an image processing unit that processes the captured image to generate a video signal, is provided with a first illuminating system that illuminates the object with white light, and a second illuminating system that illuminates the object with light having a special wavelength. At least one operable switch that is operated for switching the Illumination system between the first and second systems is provided, and a switching system that switches the illuminating system between the first and second illuminating systems in response to operation of the operable switch. In such a system, the operable switch is provided at a portion accessible to an operator who is operating the scope unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for finding out a specific portion for recording the activity accurately and easily in recording the activity of an organism specimen in vivo. An organism specimen (3) with a fluorescent substance expressed at the specific portion (3a) is prepared. An optical fiber (7) is inserted into the organism specimen (3). An excitation rays (4) irradiate the inside of the organism specimen (3) through the optical fiber (7) by a first optical system (9) of a fluorescence microscope (6). The fluorescence (5) by the excitation rays (4) is observed through the optical fiber (7) by a second optical system (10) of the fluorescence microscope (6). In this case, the optical fiber (7) is inserted at the specific portion (3a) of the organism specimen or in the vicinity thereof.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing contrast during imaging to assess cell and nuclear morphology of a sample. A contrast agent such as acetic acid, toluidine blue, hypertonic saline, hypotonic saline, Lugol's iodine, an absorbing dye, a liposome, or a contrast agent linked to a marker are applied to a sample. The sample is analyzed with an imaging device to create image data, and the sample is diagnosed using the image data.

Abstract: A diagnostic monitor for classifying biological tissue in which a light emitter (102) is optically coupled to the tissue to be diagnosed (145) and a light detector (174) is optically coupled to the tissue to detect a portion of the light which passes through the tissue. The tissue classifier (184) receives a signal from the detector and provides an optical classification output signal (195), wherein the tissue is classified by type or state, either for detection, localization, or imaging. A method of classifying tissue is also described.

Abstract: White light that was emitted from a white light source and converged through a condenser lens enters a light guide with a maximum incidence angle &agr;. Since excitation light emitted from an excitation light source is adjusted by the adjustment optical system for its beam diameter, it enters the light guide with a maximum incidence angle &bgr; (&bgr;<&agr;) after being converged by the condenser lens. Then, a motion mechanism displaces a second lens in an adjustment optical system in the direction of the optical axis to vary the beam diameter and the maximum incidence angle &bgr; of the excitation light, whereby a divergence angle of the excitation light emitted through a light distribution lens is made to correspond to the divergence angle of the visible light.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of applying radiation through an optical fiber for detecting disease within a plant or animal or imaging a particular tissue of a plant or animal. In addition, fluorescence can be detected and localized within a subject by such application of radiation through an optical fiber. The radiation is effective to promote simultaneous multiphoton excitation. The optical fibers are used alone to examine internal regions of tissue, in conjunction with an optical biopsy needle to evaluate sub-surface tissue, or with an endoscope to evaluate tissue within body cavities.

Abstract: A device for the optical spectroscopic examination of interior surfaces (2, 2′) of a body, e.g. of blood vessels (1), comprising an optical spectrometer and an endoscope (3) with a light guide for illuminating the surfaces, wherein at the proximal end of the light guide it is supplied with light and at the distal of the light guide the light can be launched to the surfaces to be examined, wherein at the distal end of this endoscope there is provided a device for receiving the light reflected by the surfaces to be examined, is characterized in that the distal end of the light guide is arranged within an inflatable balloon (4) with an elastic exterior, and that the light decoupled from the light guide and the light reflected by the surfaces to be examined to the receiving device penetrates in each case the exterior of the balloon. In this way, the light launched by the light guide and also the light directed to the surface to be examined and the light scattered by them, if e.g.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing fluorescence and spatially resolved reflectance spectroscopy on a sample. A sample is irradiated with a fluorescence excitation fiber and radiation is collected from the sample with a fluorescence collection fiber and detected to form fluorescence spectra. The sample is also illuminated with a reflectance illumination fiber and reflected light from the sample is collected at a plurality of collection positions and detected to form spatially resolved reflectance spectra. The fibers may form a probe arranged in concentric sections. The spectra are analyzed by pre-processing and reducing the dimensionality of the spectral data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for probe localization in brain matter. A method is disclosed for determining the insertion point for an object at a desired location within tissue of varying types. The parameters of tissue are first measured at an entry point into the tissue from exterior thereof. The parameters of the tissue are then measured periodically along a line extending from the entry point and moving away therefrom. A determination is then made if at least one boundary between tissue types has occurred during the measurement process. The measurements along the line are then compared to a predetermined map of the tissue boundaries. Thereafter, a point on the map is then selected corresponding to the desired location within the tissue when the measured parameters indicate that the measurements are taking place in proximity thereto.

Abstract: A fiber optic needle probe for measuring or imaging the internal structure of a specimen includes a needle defining a bore, an optical fiber substantially positioned within the bore, and a beam director in optical communication with the optical fiber. At least a portion of the wall of the needle is capable of transmitting light. The beam director directs light from the optical fiber to an internal structure being imaged and receives light from the structure through a transparent portion of the wall. An actuating device causes motion of any, or all of, the needle, optical fiber, and beam director to scan the internal structure of the specimen. The fiber optic needle probe allows imaging inside a solid tissue or organ without intraluminal insertion. When used in conjunction with an OCT imaging system, the fiber optic needle probe enables tomographic imaging of the microstructure of internal organs and tissues which were previously impossible to image in a living subject.

Abstract: An Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) device irradiates a biological tissue with low coherence light, obtains a high resolution tomogram of the inside of the tissue by low-coherent interference with scattered light from the tissue, and is provided with an optical probe which includes an optical fiber having a flexible and thin insertion part for introducing the low coherent light. When the optical probe is inserted into a blood vessel or a patient's body cavity, the OCT enables the doctor to observe a high resolution tomogram. In a optical probe, generally, a fluctuation of a birefringence occurs depending on a bend of the optical fiber, and this an interference contrast varies depending on the condition of the insertion. The OCT of the present invention is provided with polarization compensation means such as a Faraday rotator on the side of the light emission of the optical probe, so that the OCT can obtain the stabilized interference output regardless of the state of the bend.

Abstract: An optical probe structure for illuminating and collecting returned light from a region of tissue. The optical probe is configured with illumination and collection windows to controllably collect light from the region of tissue in vivo. The probe is designed to have a defined spacing between the fiber or fibers connected to the light source, and the fiber or fibers connected to the optical detector, so that light reaching the detector has passed through a localized region of tissue of a small and well-defined size or dimension. The probe can assay or detect tissue cell distribution, a tissue constituent such as hydrogen ions (pH), lactate, or an endogenous tissue component such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, or lipids in plaque. Measurements may indicate conditions such as metabolic state, stress, shock or ischemia in different tissues.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in assessing collateral blood flow to a tissue region of interest (ROI). The method includes the steps of obtaining a first pulsatility measurement and a second pulsatility measurement, wherein one of the pulsatility measurements is obtained with a plurality of arteries supplying blood to the tissue ROI and the other pulsatility measurement is obtained with at least a selected one of such arteries substantially occluded. The method further provides for use of the first and second pulsatility measurements to generate a collateral flow value useful to medical personnel as an objective measure in assessing collateral blood flow to a tissue ROI. The method may further include the step of obtaining a check pulsatility measurement after obtaining a first pulsatility measurement and prior to obtaining a second pulsatility measurement, wherein all of the plurality of the arteries are substantially occluded.

Abstract: A catheter (10, 10′, 10″, 10′″), in particular for insertion into blood vessels of the human body, having at least one sensor (32) which is arranged at the distal end (12) of the catheter (10, 10′, 10″, 10′″) and which is adapted to pick up a spacing signal which is dependent on the spacing of the sensor (32) with respect to the vessel wall, and control means (36, 36′, 36″) which are connected to the sensor for taking over the spacing signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for acquiring in vivo images of a site of interest within the internal organs of a body. The apparatus includes an elongate, flexible catheter. The catheter is introducible into the body and has a first end that remains external to the body and a second and positionable adjacent the site of interest. A movable scanning unit having at least one sensor for acquiring images is housed adjacent the second end of the catheter. There is a drive mechanism to control movement of the movable scanning unit from the first external end of the catheter to acquire multiple images of the site of interest. The drive mechanism has a control element extending the length of the catheter lumen adapted for linear movement within the lumen to generate linear or rotational movement of the scanning unit.

Abstract: Low coherence light emitted from a light source is separated by a fiber coupler into a signal light, which is to be projected onto a target subject, and a reference light, which is to be modulated by a piezoelectric element. The signal light reflected from a predetermined depth of the target subject is synthesized with the reference light. The intensity of the interference light obtained thereby is detected by a balance differential detector, subjected to signal process by a signal processor, and displayed as a tomographic image on a display. The spectral width of the pulse light emitted from a pulse light source formed of an Er doped fiber is expanded in a zero dispersion fiber having a negative dispersion property, whereby the coherence length is shortened. The conventionally employed KTM Ti sapphire laser becomes unnecessary, and the light source becomes compact and inexpensive.

Abstract: Guidance systems for guiding a catheter through tissue within a body are described. In one form, the system is implemented in connection with a catheter which includes a catheter body having a optic fibers extending between a first end and a second end thereof. The guidance system is coupled to the catheter body and includes a first optic fiber, a second optic fiber, and a detecting element. The first optic fiber includes a first end and a second end, and is coupled to the catheter body so that the first optic fiber second end is adjacent the catheter second end. The second optic fiber also includes a first end and a second end, and a reference mirror is positioned adjacent the second optic fiber second end. The first optic fiber first end is communicatively coupled to the detecting element and the second optic fiber first end is communicatively coupled to the detecting element.

Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging endoscopy apparatus is provided that utilizes spectral technology to acquire, process and exploit gastroscopic data. The apparatus allows for real time anomaly detection and identification. The apparatus includes an endoscope, a spectrometer and a processing unit that perform hyperspectral analysis on spectral data generated from the spectrometer. The endoscope and associated coupling optics are preferably optimized for cylindrical symmetry, thus allowing continuous inspection of gastrointestinal or arterial walls.

Abstract: A light source device for endoscopes capable of preventing an incident end-face of a lightguide from generating heat due to infrared light emitted from a light source, and capable of radiating sufficient ultraviolet light and visible light. A light source emits at least ultraviolet light, visible light and infrared light. A condenser lens condenses the light emitted from the light source at the incident end-face of a light guide. A wavelength control filter and another selected filter are arranged between the light source and the condenser lens. Each optical axis of the light source, the wavelength control filter, the selected filter, the condenser lens, and the lightguide is linearly aligned, thereby providing a simplified alignment operation in manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A technique for imaging cardiovascular surfaces through blood using a combination of spectral and spatial selection of radiation being reflected diffused back and by a blood vessel interior. Imaging a cardiovascular surface includes intralumenal irradiating a cardiovascular interior through blood with a radiation of a wavelength with minimum of total optical losses through blood, so that the radiation of the wavelength is reflected and backscattered at least partly by a cardiovascular surface, detecting all intensity signals of the reflected and backscattered radiation, and processing the detected signals by selecting intensity signals of radiation being backscattered by blood only, and subtracting the selected intensity signals of radiation backscattered only by blood from all detected intensity signals of reflected and backscattered radiation, so as to reconstruct an image of the cardiovascular surface using the intensity signals of difference obtained by subtracting.

Abstract: A catheter tube carries an imaging element for visualizing tissue. The catheter tube also carries a support structure, which extends beyond the imaging element for contacting surrounding tissue away from the imaging elements, the imaging element being movable with the support structure. The support element stabilizes the imaging element, while the imaging element visualizes tissue in the interior body region. The support structure also carries a diagnostic or therapeutic component to contact surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A deflectable interstitial ablation device includes an elongated housing, an electrode mounted within the elongated housing, a driver coupled to the electrode, an imaging device integrally mounted within the elongated housing and a deflection system disposed within the elongated housing. The elongated housing has a proximal end, a distal end, and a deflectable segment. The electrode is deployable from a first position within the elongated housing to a second position a predetermined distance beyond the distal end of the elongated housing. The electrode further has a flexible portion capable of deflecting with the deflectable segment of the elongated housing, and can be deployed by the driver with a sufficient force such that penetration of the urethral wall occurs in a single motion. The imaging device further has a flexible portion capable of deflecting with the deflectable segment of the elongated housing.

Abstract: A multitasking optical fiber probe for collecting dosimeter information from more than one position in a sample. The basic principle of the present invention involves using one or more different sensor zones along the length of the fiber each with a different photoactive constituent having a sufficiently unique emission spectra (spectral or temporal) to enable deconvolution of the emission spectra by the computer and therefore correlation of the detected parameter with the position of the sensor zone along the length of the optical fiber. In the broadest form of the invention the probe is embodied by only one sensor zone located at some point along the length of the fiber spaced away from the end face of the fiber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling alarms in a medical diagnostic apparatus where an alarm is generated when a measured value for a physiological parameter is outside a specified range. The method continuously calculates a baseline value, and establishes dynamic thresholds that are related to and continuously track the baseline value. The method determines the amount of time the measured value is past the dynamic threshold, and the amount by which the threshold is passed. Alarms are triggered based upon a combination of the amount of time and the amount by which the threshold is passed. Preferably, the combination is an integral or some function of an integral.

Abstract: A method of and a device for the endoscopic fluorescence diagnosis of tissue, wherein the tissue is exposed to stimulating light via an endoscope for stimulation of fluorescence, which stimulating light is suitable, on account of its spectral distribution, to stimulate at least two different fluorescence modes in the tissue without filter switching in the stimulation beam path, and wherein the fluorescence light of the different fluorescence modes can be selectively observed.

Abstract: An optical imaging probe for providing information representative of morphological arid biochemical properties of a sample is provided. The optical imaging probe includes a spectroscopic imaging probe element and an OCT imaging probe element.

Abstract: An endoscope system is provided with a normal light image capturing system, a fluorescent light image capturing system, and an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) image capturing system. The normal light image, the fluorescent light image and the OCT image are displayed on a screen of a display device simultaneously. Optionally, one of the normal light image or the fluorescent light image is displayed as an animated image, and the OCT image is also displayed as an animated image. A cursor indicating a scanning position corresponding to the OCT image is indicated on one of the normal light image and the fluorescent light image displayed as the animated image.

Abstract: A complementary color filter transmits only fluorescence components of fluorescence having been produced from a measuring site exposed to excitation light, which fluorescence components have wavelengths falling within a wavelength region acting as a complementary color with respect to a desired wavelength region. A complementary color signal intensity detector detects a signal intensity of the fluorescence components having passed through the complementary color filter. An entire signal intensity detector detects a signal intensity of fluorescence components, which have wavelengths falling within an entire measurement wavelength region. A signal intensity of fluorescence components, which have wavelengths falling within the desired wavelength region, is calculated from the signal intensities detected by the complementary color signal intensity detector and the entire signal intensity detector. Image information in accordance with the thus calculated signal intensity is displayed.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe and a balloon catheter used in conjunction with optical imaging systems, in particular with systems which deliver and collect a single spatial mode beam, such as a single photon, a multiphoton, confocal imaging and ranging systems, such as fluorescence imaging systems.

Abstract: First and second optical-redirectors mounted on a catheter couple radiation to a target along separate first and second paths. Either the first or second optical-redirectors, or both, can include a steering mechanism for selecting the first and/or second path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for examining a sample using a substantially monostatic, substantially confocal optical system comprising transmitting optics that focus an illuminating light upon the sample and receiving optics that collect light emitted from the sample following illumination thereof. In certain embodiments, the receiving optics may be arranged circumferentially around the light path traversed by the illuminating light. In certain embodiments, video apparatus may be included to produce images or to align the system in proximity to the target tissue. The systems and methods of the present invention may be directed towards the examination of a body tissue to provide a medical diagnosis.

Abstract: A catheter based optical system for generating data as to the condition of a tissue sample of a mammalian vessel. The system includes an elongated catheter shaft having a tissue engaging distal end and a coupled proximal end and an elongated optical delivery fiber arrangement disposed through a lumen of said catheter, said optical delivery fiber arrangement having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the delivery fiber arrangement has a re-director light emitter thereon for directing light against mammalian tissues. An elongated optical collection fiber arrangement is disposed through a lumen of the catheter, the optical collection fiber arrangement having a distal end and a proximal most end. The distal end of the collection fiber arrangement has a re-director light receiver thereon for receiving light reflected from the mammalian tissue by the light emitter. The light emitter and the light receiver are longitudinally spaced apart from one another in the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: An imaging system for performing forward scanning imaging for application to therapeutic and diagnostic devises used in medical procedures. The imaging system includes forward directed optical coherence tomography (OCT), and non-retroreflected forward scanning OCT. Also interferometric imaging and ranging techniques and fluorescent, Raman, two-photon, and diffuse wave imaging can be used. The forward scanning mechanisms include a cam attached to a motor, pneumatic devices, a pivoting device, piezoelectric transducers, electrostatic driven slides for substantially transverse scanning; counter-rotating prisms, and offset lenses are used for arbitrary scanning. The imaging system of the invention is applied to hand held probes including probes integrated with surgical probes, scalpels, scissors, forceps and biopsy instruments. Hand held probes include forward scanning lasers.

Abstract: An endoscope system is provided with first and second light guides, which are optically coupled by an optical coupler. A low-coherent light source is provided, and the light emitted therefrom is incident on the first or second light guide. Further provided is a scanning unit that causes the light beam emerged from the first light guide to scan on a predetermined surface of the object. The light beam reflected by the object is directed, by the scanning unit, to the first light guide as a detection light beam. A light beam emerged from the second light guide is reflected by a reflector and returned to the second light guide as a reference beam. By varying the optical path length of the reference beam relative to that of the detection beam, two beams interfere. A signal processing system generates OCT image based on the signal detected by a light detecting device which receives the interfering beams.

Abstract: A method of epidural surgery is provided that improves visibility in the epidural space of a patient for more effectively conducting therapeutic surgery therein. The method includes the steps of distending a portion of the epidural space of a patient by filling the portion of the epidural space with a fluid supplied from a catheter and positioning a portion of an optical scope in the distended portion of the epidural space by inserting the optical scope through the same catheter that supplies the distending fluid to thereby provide a visual image of the epidural space.

Abstract: Guidance systems for guiding a catheter through tissue within a body are described. In one form, the system is implemented in connection with a catheter which includes a catheter body having a optic fibers extending between a first end and a second end thereof. The guidance system is coupled to the catheter body and includes a first optic fiber, a second optic fiber, and a detecting element. The first optic fiber includes a first end and a second end, and is coupled to the catheter body so that the first optic fiber second end is adjacent the catheter second end. The second optic fiber also includes a first end and a second end, and a reference mirror is positioned adjacent the second optic fiber second end. The first optic fiber first end is communicatively coupled to the detecting element and the second optic fiber first end is communicatively coupled to the detecting element.

Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging endoscopy apparatus is provided that utilizes spectral technology to acquire, process and exploit gastroscopic data. The apparatus allows for real time anomaly detection and identification. The apparatus includes an endoscope, a spectrometer and a processing unit that perform hyperspectral analysis on spectral data generated from the spectrometer. The endoscope and associated coupling optics are preferably optimized for cylindrical symmetry, thus allowing continuous inspection of gastrointestinal or arterial walls.