Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scanning system that uses uniform rotary motion of an optical reflector to create reciprocal linear scanning. The system converts uniform rotation into uniform longitudinal scanning. The system thereby creates mechanical reciprocal linear scanning free of reciprocally moving mechanical parts common in conventional scanning systems. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the scanning system is incorporated within an imaging catheter for medical scanning. The optical reflector is rotatable and includes a spiral reflecting portion. The spiral reflecting portion may be a single uniform reflecting surface or may include several reflection surfaces arranged in a spiral configuration.

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 element. 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: An apparatus and method for protecting a body member from damage during a body intrusive procedure in a region adjacent the body member to be protected includes infrared energy introduced into an emitting light guide that is introduced into the body member to be protected; visible light is introduced into the region, one or both or neither of the lights being pulsed at the frame rate of a monitor energized by a video camera that receives light from such region, the camera being sensitive to infrared energy as well as visible light. In another embodiment of the invention both sources are pulsed in alternation so that the images produced by the different sources are basically emphasized in alternation. A signal source for producing audible and/or visual signals may be provided with a light guide to view the region under investigation. The signal source may be synchronized with the infrared source to protect against false signals produced by the visual light.

Abstract: A fluorescent imaging device to prevent the breakdown of a fluorescent image high-sensitivity imaging apparatus has a light source for endoscope use which selectively switches between an excitation light and a white light. This introduces a light into a light guide of an endoscope and such light is emitted onto an object. A fluorescent image high-sensitivity imaging device images the fluorescences obtained by excitation with the excitation light which is emitted onto the object. A white light imaging device images a white light image obtained from the white light which is emitted onto the object. A switch inputs a power source onto the fluorescent image high-sensitivity imaging apparatus and there is a mechanism to prevent overprint on an image plane of the fluorescent image high-sensitivity imaging apparatus which is in the imaging condition with the power source inputted.

Abstract: An optical scanning and imaging system and related method for scanning and imaging an object is disclosed. The scanning and imaging system does not use mechanically moving components to achieve lateral scanning of an object. Instead, the system includes a deflecting prism comprised of a material having an index of refraction that varies with changes in an applied electromagnetic field and that remains substantially constant with changes in wavelength of incident light within a predetermined wavelength range. An optical fiber transmits light within a predetermined wavelength from a light source through a gradient index lens which sends a collimated beam of light to the prism. Due to the unique properties of the prism, the light is deflected at a substantially constant angle within a lateral scanning plane. An objective lens can be used to further focus the light exiting the prism prior to directing it on the object being imaged.

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: An analysis system comprises an endoscope 10 (guiding apparatus) and a Raman analysis apparatus 40. An insert portion 12 of the endoscope 10 is inserted into the vessel. The endoscope 10 has a channel 10a formed therein and extending from an introducing pipe 18 of a grip 11 (main body portion) to a window formed in a distal end of the insert portion 12. An insert cable 54 of the Raman analysis apparatus 40 is inserted into the channel 10a. A single number of excitation optical fiber 60 and a bundle 70A of a plural number of light receiving optical fibers 70 are received in the insert cable 54. A basal end of the excitation optical fiber 60 is connected to an excitation light source 42, and a basal end of the light receiving optical fibers bundle 70A is connected to a spectroscope 41. An excitation light from the light source 42 is emitted from the window via the excitation optical fiber 60 and Raman scattered by impinging on matter adhered to an inside wall of the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods especially useful for detection of cancer using cellular, Tryptophan-associated autofluorescence are described. The apparatus includes a light source to produce a beam of light transmitted to a tissue via a two-way fiber optic bundle which, in one embodiment, is passed through a conventional endoscope. The light beam excites the tissue, resulting in an emission of primarily cellular autofluorescence at a wavelength of about 330 nm. Light from the tissue is directed back through the fiber optic bundle and passes through a photodetector. The photodetector produces a signal, representative of the intensity of the Tryptophan-associated autofluorescence.

Abstract: An electrode catheter is introduced into a vein or other hollow anatomical structure, and is positioned at a treatment: site within the structure. The end of the catheter is positioned near a junction formed in the structure. This junction can be the sapheno-femoral junction. The position of the catheter near the junction is determined based on a signal from a device associated with the catheter within the structure. A fiber optic filament which emits light is used with the catheter or a guide wire over which the catheter is advanced. The light is visible externally from the patient. The light dims and may no longer externally visible at the sapheno-femoral junction where the catheter moves past the deep fascia and toward the deep venous system. The position of the catheter can be determined based on this external observation.

Abstract: A computerized imaging system (such as CAT scan, MRI imaging, ultrasound imaging, infrared, X-ray, UV/visible light fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy or microwave imaging) is employed to sense the position of an endoscopic treatment system within the body of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides real-time computer control to maintain and adjust the position of the treatment system and/or the position of the patient relative to the treatment system; and also provides (if desired) real-time computer control of the operation of the treatment system itself. Other embodiments include a steerable catheter system having a rotatable abrasive member actuated by an external magnetic field.

Abstract: A laser is used to radiate a non-homogeneous body comprising two or more materials, with varying scattering characteristics with reference to the radiation. The ballistic or snake radiation is detected as reflected radiation form incident points in the radiation light path and use to construct data indicative of one or more features of the body such as the interface between two of the varying characteristic materials which are in the radiation light path.

Abstract: A quick-connect coupling couples an optical fiber tissue localization device to a light source to cause the forward tip of the device to illuminate. The coupling can be quickly, easily, and reliably mounted to the fiber under operating room conditions. The coupling physically isolates the optical fiber from the light source while optically coupling the fiber to the light source, thereby preventing contamination of the light source by a contaminated optical fiber. The coupling is inexpensive to manufacture, such that the coupling is disposable after a single-patient use.

Abstract: Tissue of a patient is tested for dangerous characteristics by using a laser that stimulates fluorescence in the tissue. The laser energy is applied to the tissue by from an opening in a catheter, which catheter supplies clear flushing solution out the same opening. The clear solution therefore provides a clear path for the laser energy and for the fluorescent light from the tissue. An optical fiber carries the laser energy to a distal end of the catheter and carries back fluorescent light to a proximal end of the catheter. The fluorescent light is checked for fluorescent peaks by a detection subsystem by the proximal end. The detection subsystem may include an optical channel analyzer (OMA). The distal end of the catheter has a dual hood design to best provide for the passage of light and clear flushing solution through the same opening. A balloon is used in some embodiments to maintain the clear path for the light for a longer time period than otherwise possible or appropriate.

Abstract: A system and method for classifying specimens using a plurality of spectral data types. Spectra are recorded as amplitudes at a series of discrete wavelengths. Pluralities of reference spectra are recorded for specimens having known conditions. A spectrum of a first type is observed for a test specimen. The specimen is characterized as to a first known condition. In the event that the specimen does not exhibit the first known condition, a spectrum of a second type is observed and analyzed to determine which of a plurality of conditions is to be ascribed to the test specimen. In some embodiments, the test specimen can comprise human cervical tissue, and the known conditions can include normal health, metaplasia, CIN I and CIN II/II.

Abstract: A sheath for use with an interventional device for tissue spectroscopy within a body includes a substantially cylindrical, flexible body having an open proximal end and a closed distal end. The flexible body securely receives interventional device via an interference fit. At least the distal end of the flexible body is formed of a material substantially transmissive of at least one of ultraviolet or visible light. For example, the material can be a polymeric materials such as polyurethane, polyethylene or polystyrene. The sheath can be disposable.

Abstract: An optical scanning and imaging system and related method for scanning and imaging an object is disclosed. The scanning and imaging system does not use mechanically moving components to achieve lateral scanning of an object. Instead, the system includes a deflecting prism comprised of a material having an index of refraction that varies with changes in an applied electromagnetic field and that remains substantially constant with changes in wavelength of incident light within a predetermined wavelength range. An optical fiber transmits light within a predetermined wavelength from a light source through a gradient index lens which sends a collimated beam of light to the prism. Due to the unique properties of the prism, the light is deflected at a substantially constant angle within a lateral scanning plane. An objective lens can be used to further focus the light exiting the prism prior to directing it on the object being imaged.

Abstract: The noninvasive measurement of variations in absorption that are due to changes in concentrations of biochemically relevant compounds in tissue is important in many clinical settings. One problem with such measurements is that the pathlength traveled by the collected light through the tissue depends on the scattering properties of the tissue. It is demonstrated, using both Monte Carlo simulations and experimental measurements, that for an appropriate separation between light-delivery and light-collection fibers, the pathlength of the collected photons is insensitive to scattering parameters for the range of parameters typically found in tissue. This is important for developing rapid, noninvasive, inexpensive, and accurate methods for measuring absorption changes in tissue.

Abstract: Optical spectroscopy for brain tumor demarcation was investigated in this study. Fluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectra were measured from normal and tumorous human brain tissues in vitro. A fluorescence peak was consistently observed around 460 nm (±10 nm) emission from both normal and tumorous brain tissues using 337 nm excitation. Intensity of this fluorescence peak (F460) from normal brain tissues was greater than that from primary brain tumorous tissues. In addition, diffuse reflectance (Rd) between 650 nm and 800 nm from white matter was significantly stronger than that from primary and secondary brain tumors. A good separation between gray matter and brain tumors was found using the ratio of F460 and Rd at 400 nm-600 nm. Two empirical discrimination algorithms based on F (400 nm-600 nm), Rd (600 nm-800 nm), and F (400 nm-600 nm)/Rd (400 nm-600 nm) were developed. These algorithms yielded an average sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 93%, respectively.

Abstract: A fiber optic based probe has been designed to sample the fluorescence or phosphorescence signal from animal or human tissues, such that the light intensity is not multiply scattered. This type of measurement allows a linear detection of the concentration of the luminescent compound non-invasively from the tissue. The basic principle of the fiber probe is to use fiber optics which are smaller in diameter that the average scattering length of the tissue. In order to increase the detected signal to a stronger level, multiple fibers are used by spacing them out on the surface of the tissue so that each fiber samples an isolated section of tissue. Each fiber delivers the excitation light to the tissue, and receives the emission light from the tissue. All fibers are coupled into the same detector to integrate the overall signal. Sampling of the scattered excitation signal intensity is also done to correct for changes in the scattering coefficient between tissues.

Abstract: A laser catheter is disclosed wherein optical fibers carrying laser light are mounted in a catheter for insertion into an artery to provide controlled delivery of a laser beam for percutaneous intravascular laser treatment of atherosclerotic disease. A transparent protective shield is provided at the distal end of the catheter for mechanically diplacing intravascular blood and protecting the fibers from the intravascular contents, as well as protecting the patient in the event of failure of the fiber optics. Multiple optical fibers allow the selection of tissue that is to be removed. A computer controlled system automatically aligns fibers with the laser and controls exposure time. Spectroscopic diagnostics determine what tissue is to be removed.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for fiber optic confocal imaging systems. A plurality of fibers are in communication with a scan system that controllably deflects incident radiation into the fibers in a raster pattern. An index matching agent reduces specular reflections from the fibers.

Abstract: A method of identifying vasculature comprising the steps of introducing an indicator in a peripheral vessel, and advancing a portion of the indicator into an internal vessel to identify said vessel. A catheter for identifying vasculature is also disclosed. The catheter is adapted to be introduced into a peripheral vessel and a portion thereof advanced into an internal vessel. The catheter comprises a light delivery portion at a distal end thereof and an expandable member located proximal to the light delivery portion.

Abstract: A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multimode light source that produces light for color and fluorescence imaging modes. Light from the light source is transmitted through an endoscope to the tissue under observation. The system also includes a compact camera for color and fluorescence imaging. Images obtained through the endoscope are optically divided and projected onto one or more image sensors by a fixed beam splitter in the camera. The fixed beam splitter eliminates the need for inserting a movable mirror into the light path between the endoscope and the image sensors. Image signals from the camera are processed in the system processor/controller where a contrast enhancement function can be applied. The contrast enhancement function increases the color contrast between normal tissue and tissue suspicious for early cancer. Finally, the system also includes a calibration feature whereby the system performance can be maintained when used with different endoscopes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging the interior of a body part and self-focusing endoscopic probes for use therein are provided. The self-focusing endoscopic probe includes an array of optical fibers for transmitting light to illuminate the interior of the body part to obtain a corresponding reflected light signal. A first mechanism is provided for preventing a first portion of the reflected light signal from passing through a reflection plane so that sufficient focus is maintained over a predefined focal range. A second mechanism allows a second portion of the reflected light signal to pass through the reflection plane. A rod lens or an array of optical fibers transmits the second portion of the reflected light signal to a detector plane to form an image of the interior of the body part in the detector plane. An optical element substantially collimates the second portion of the reflected light signal into a beam having a cross-sectional area of a substantially fixed dimension.

Abstract: Fluorescence imaging of tissue is used as a diagnostic tool in which geometric effects and specular reflections are compensated for by normalizing a fluorescence image with a cross-polarized image.

Abstract: A light scanning device has a tip structure which includes a light scanning part connected to a light source, and which is insertable into a body cavity and is formed so as to be water-tight. A controlling part controls the light scan through the tip structure, and the tip structure and the controlling part are also connected to each other in a water-tight manner by a slender tube through which a plurality of electrical cables pass. An electric connector is fixed with the proximal end portion of the tube in a water-tight manner, and is electrically connectable so as to be water-tight with and removable from this controlling part.

Abstract: A catheter for diagnosing and performing an interventional procedure on tissue has an elongated catheter shaft, and optical fibers, extending through the catheter shaft, for transmitting light to tissue located at a distal end of the catheter and conveying light back from the tissue for analysis by a spectroscopic diagnosis system to determine whether an interventional procedure should be performed on the tissue. An interventional device is located at the distal end of the catheter for engaging tissue diagnosed by the spectroscopic diagnosis system in order to perform the interventional procedure on the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for marking a location within the tissue of a patient includes an optical fiber whose forward end illuminates to facilitate localization of a target tissue by a physician. A strain relief tube is disposed around the outer diameter of the optical fiber adjacent the forward end of the optical fiber. An anchor means, such as a pair of hooks, is mounted to the strain relief tube for engaging the tissue of a patient to secure the tip of the optical fiber within the tissue of the patient. The anchor means is deployed to anchor the tip of the optical fiber in the vicinity of a location desired to be marked. The rearward end of the optical fiber is optically coupled to a light source to transmit light through the optical fiber to illuminate the tip, thereby to facilitate a physician in visually locating the tip.

Abstract: A catheter for diagnosing and performing an interventional procedure on tissue has an elongated catheter shaft, and optical fibers, extending through the catheter shaft, for transmitting light to tissue located at a distal end of the catheter and conveying light back from the tissue for analysis by a spectroscopic diagnosis system to determine whether an interventional procedure should be performed on the tissue. An interventional device is located at the distal end of the catheter for engaging tissue diagnosed by the spectroscopic diagnosis system in order to perform the interventional procedure on the tissue.

Abstract: A computerized imaging system (such as CAT scan, MRI imaging, ultrasound imaging, infrared, X-ray, UV/visible light fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy or microwave imaging) is employed to sense the position of an endoscopic treatment system within the body of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides real-time computer control to maintain and adjust the position of the treatment system and/or the position of the patient relative to the treatment system; and also provides (if desired) real-time computer control of the operation of the treatment system itself. Other embodiments include scanning mechanisms for directing laser light or other radiation under controlled conditions at select locations within the body.

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: 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 element. 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: Imaging of objects within tissue is enhanced by applying a contrast agent to a sample to be imaged to augment the emissions from an object, thereby forming a luminous object. The tissue is then illuminated and two image signals are recorded. The contrast agent is selected to bind to the object and provide spectral characteristics significantly different from that of the tissue for the two recorded image signals. The two image signals are subtracted to substantially minimize an image component resulting from the tissue and enhance an image component from the luminous object. The imaging methods and apparatus are particularly well suited for medical imaging where the object is diseased tissue such as tumors.

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 catheter system including a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and a device for determining the position of the distal end of the catheter relative to the position of the proximal end of the catheter, the device for determining the position including a glass fiber within a lumen of the catheter, the lumen being defined by a wall, a first polarization filter near the proximal end of the catheter, and a second polarization filter near the distal end of the catheter, wherein the first and second polarization filters are fixed with respect to the wall, and wherein the glass fiber is suitable for transporting polarized light while maintaining the direction of the polarization of the light substantially unchanged during torsional stress of the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides low resolution Raman spectroscopic systems and methods for in-vivo detection and analysis of a lesion in a lumen of a subject. The system uses a multi-mode laser attached to a catheter in making in-vivo Raman spectroscopic measurements of the lumen. The system includes a light collector and/or a light dispersion element as well as a detector to measure spectral patterns that indicate the presence of the lesion. Based on the spectral response of the lumen, the presence (or absence) of a lesion can be determined. In addition, the components of the lesion can also be identified based on the unique Raman spectrum associated with each component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for guiding the advancement of a guide wire through body tissue are described. In one embodiment, the guide wire has a first end, a second end, or guide wire head, a bore extending between the first and second ends, and includes an interferometric guidance system. The interferometric guidance system includes a low coherent illumination source, an optical beam splitter, a first optic fiber, a second optic fiber, and a photodetector. Each optic fiber includes a first end and a second end, and is wrapped around a piezo electric transducer (PZT). The second optic fiber has a fixed reflector on the second end. The photodetector is configured to determine interference between a first reflected light beam propagating through the first optic fiber and a second reflected light beam propagating through the second optic fiber. In one embodiment, the guide wire second end is inserted into a blood vessel so that the first optic fiber second end is inserted in the vessel.

Abstract: A display is located on an interventional device insertible into a body. More specifically, the display is located on a distal end of the device and is coupled to a sensing system. The sensing system senses a bodily condition. The display receives the sensed bodily condition and displays a signal indicative of the bodily condition within a pre-existing field of view.

Abstract: A method for in-vivo analysis of a biomedical sample characterized by contacting the sample with a chalcogenide glass fiber directly or through a crystal or other medium, with the chalcogenide fiber having input and output ends and light transmitted thereby with some of the light leaving the fiber to form evanescent field, which fiber transmits a signal in response to absorption of some of the light in the evanescent field by the sample, and processing the signal with a Fourier Transform IR Spectrometer to obtain a spectrum which indicates surface character of the sample without water masking the signal.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography(OCT) and spectral interferometry imaging probe for the automatic screening and diagnosis of cervical and skin cancer in vivo. The probe eliminates the old techniques of having to perform Pap smears followed by a biopsy, known as colposcopy. The novel probe is cylindrical in shape and has a disposable outer plastic shield. Inside the probe is a motor driven rotatable casing having a planar optical fiber bundle array therein. The fiber bundle array has plastic light coupling lenslet arrays on both ends. The exposed end of the probe has one lenslet array disc that couples light between the probe and an interior of the cervix area being examined. Both the casing and the bundle array rotate relative to the outer probe walls. Inside the casing is a rotatable motor driven scanning mirror which couples passes light from an incoming second fiber bundle array to the lenslet array on the inside end of the rotatable casing fiber bundle array.

Abstract: A sheath for use with an interventional device for tissue spectroscopy within a body includes a substantially cylindrical, flexible body having an open proximal end and a closed distal end. The flexible body securely receives interventional device via an interference fit. At least the distal end of the flexible body is formed of a material substantially transmissive of at least one of ultraviolet or visible light. For example, the material can be a polymeric materials such as polyurethane, polyethylene or polystyrene. The sheath can be disposable.

Abstract: A fluorescence detecting system detects auto fluorescence emitted from an intrinsic pigment in a part of an organism. An excitation light projector intermittently projects onto the part excitation light in the wavelength range which can excite the intrinsic pigment of the organism to emit auto fluorescence. A fluorescence detector extracts an auto fluorescence component in a desired wavelength range from auto fluorescence emitted from the pigment. A net auto fluorescence component in the desired wavelength range is obtained by subtracting a base line component in the desired wavelength range the fluorescence detector detects when the part of the organism is not exposed to the excitation light from a gross auto fluorescence component in the desired wavelength range the fluorescence detector detects when the part of the organism is exposed to the excitation light.

Abstract: A fluorescence detecting system detects auto fluorescence emitted from an intrinsic pigment in a part of an organism to be observed. An excitation light source projects onto the part to be observed excitation light in the wavelength range which can excite the intrinsic pigment of the organism to emit auto fluorescence. A first fluorescence detector extracts from the auto fluorescence emitted from the pigment a whole auto fluorescence component in a visible region having a predetermined wavelength range including a first relatively short wavelength range and a relatively long wavelength range. A second fluorescence detector extracts an auto fluorescence component in a second relatively short wavelength range in the visible region from the auto fluorescence. A divider carries out a division between the auto fluorescence components respectively extracted by the first and second fluorescence detector.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for examining subcutaneous tissues inside organs of the body. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing an optic probe positioning assembly comprising a solid needle and a hollow tube, the solid needle being sheathed inside the hollow tube; (b) subcutaneously inserting the positioning assembly into a tissue sample to be examined; (c) removing the solid needle from the tissue sample, leaving the hollow tube in place in the tissue; (d) then, inserting an optic probe through the hollow tube into proximity with the tissue sample; (e) optically determining the condition of the tissue sample using the optic probe; (f) after the optically determining step, removing the optic probe from the hollow tube; (g) then, inserting a biopsy needle into the hollow tube; (h) then, excising at least a portion of the tissue sample; and (i) then, removing the biopsy needle and the excised tissue sample from the hollow tube.

Abstract: Optical localization fiber embodiments (200, 260, 270, 290, 310, 330, and 350) suitable for preoperative localization of soft tissue lesions by X-ray mammography, CT MRI, ultrasonography or nuclear medicine are provided. In these embodiments at least one hook is carried by an optical fiber for retention in soft tissue. The tip of the optical fiber is visible through the soft tissue when the origin of the optical fiber is attached to a light source. Embodiments include dual hooks (224, 226) attached through a hole (214) in the tip portion (206), a hook (262) fused to the tip (264), a hook (272) glued to the tip (274), a hook (292) held on by a cap (294), a hook (312) screwed into the tip (320), a hook (340) held in a bore in the tip portion (336) by cement, and a hook (358) in a groove (352). A supplemental optical fiber probe (250) provides a method for locating the fibers inside soft tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for advancing a guide wire through body tissue are described. In one form, the guide wire includes an interferometric guidance system and a tissue removal member. The interferometric guidance system is coupled to the guide wire 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 extends through a guide wire bore so that the second end is adjacent the guide wire second end. The second optic fiber of the guidance system similarly includes a first end and a second end, and a reference mirror is positioned adjacent the second optic fiber second end. The detecting element is configured to determine interference between a light beam propagating through the first optic fiber and a light beam propagating through the second optic fiber. The tissue removal member also is coupled to the guide wire and is configured to create a path through body tissue so that the guide wire may be advanced therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and identifying biological pathogens in a sample includes exposing the sample to an excitation radiation and thereby generating an emission radiation, synchronously scanning the wavelength of the excitation radiation and the wavelength of the emission radiation to produce a spectrum, and correlating the spectrum to a biological pathogen in the sample. In another aspect, a method and apparatus for imaging chemical and biological agents in a sample includes exposing the sample to an excitation radiation and thereby generating an emission radiation and synchronously imaging the wavelength of the excitation radiation and the wavelength of the emission radiation to produce an imaged spectrum.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography(OCT) and spectral interferometry imaging probe for the automatic screening and diagnosis of cervical and skin cancer in vivo. The probe eliminates the old techniques of having to perform Pap smears followed by a biopsy, known as colposcopy. The novel probe is cylindrical in shape and has a disposable outer plastic shield. Inside the probe is a motor driven rotatable casing having a planar optical fiber bundle array therein. The fiber bundle array has plastic light coupling lenslet arrays on both ends. The exposed end of the probe has one lenslet array disc that couples light between the probe and an interior of the cervix area being examined. Both the casing and the bundle array rotate relative to the outer probe walls. Inside the casing is a rotatable motor driven scanning mirror which couples passes light from an incoming second fiber bundle array to the lenslet array on the inside end of the rotatable casing fiber bundle array.

Abstract: Systems and methods for material analysis are disclosed in which an organic sample (e.g., a foodstuff, tissue sample or petroleum product) is illuminated at a plurality of discrete wavelengths which are absorbed by fatty acid and fatty acid oxidation products in the sample. Measurements of the intensity of reflected or absorbed light at such wavelengths are taken, and a analysis of absorbance ratios for various wavelengths is performed. Changes in the reflection ratios are correlated with the oxidative state of fatty acids present in the material.

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 element. 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.