Abstract: A lesion extracting device includes a light source for emitting an excitation light toward a subject body, a control unit for changing an amount of the excitation light, a light irradiating and receiving portion for irradiating the excitation light to the subject body and receiving fluorescence generated from the subject body, a distance holding member for holding a distance between the subject body and the light irradiating and receiving portion at a predetermined value, a measuring unit for measuring the intensity of the fluorescence received by the light irradiating and receiving portion, and an extracting unit for extracting a lesion part of the subject body based on relationships between measured values of changes in the fluorescence intensity with respect to changes in the amount of the excitation light and information regarding the changes in the amount of the excitation light, the information being obtained from the control unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical device includes a first optical fiber, a second optical fiber, a third optical fiber, and a fourth optical fiber. The first optical fiber is operatively coupled to a first electromagnetic radiation source and is configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation to bodily tissue. The second optical fiber is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the first electromagnetic radiation source scattered by the bodily tissue. The third optical fiber is operatively coupled to a second electromagnetic radiation source and is configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation to bodily tissue. The second electromagnetic radiation source is different than the first electromagnetic radiation source. The fourth optical fiber is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the second electromagnetic radiation source scattered by the bodily tissue.

Abstract: Apparatuses for guiding an endotracheal tube during intubation and associated methods of their use; the apparatuses formed to contain a plastic element able to hold deformations so as to conform the apparatus to the shape of a patient's endotracheal airway. The plastic element has sufficient give so as to minimize traumatic engagement with the inner surface of the airway lumen. Methods for using the apparatuses exploit indirect visualization where the person performing the intubation can shape the apparatuses so as to place the distal end into the field of view of the indirect visualization instrument even with minimal alignment of the patient's airway.

Abstract: A probe includes a plurality of optical fibers that includes an irradiation fiber and a light-receiving fiber; and an optical member of which a base end face is arranged to abut on leading end faces of the optical fibers, and a leading end face is exposed to an outer side. The leading end face of the optical member is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the probe. Light emitted from the irradiation fiber passes through a path inclined with respect to a perpendicular line of the leading end face.

Abstract: An illumination device for use in an endoscope includes a light source, an optical fiber and a wavelength conversion member. The optical fiber guides light to a tip end of an endoscope insertion portion of the endoscope. The wavelength conversion member is provided at an emission end of the optical fiber. The wavelength conversion member configured to be excited by the light source. The illumination device can provide white illumination light obtained by mixing light emitted from the optical fiber and light obtained by exciting the wavelength conversion member by the light emitted from the optical fiber. Also, the illumination device can provide illumination light being different from the white illumination light, by using other excitation light.

Abstract: An optical force sensing element for microsurgical instruments and methods measures force F in three orthogonal directions and includes a monolithic cylinder structure, a cylindrical surface and a top surface that absorbs and transmits the force F. Three punch-like notches, all being parallel to the y-direction, are spaced apart along the z-axis and form two blades between the first and second notch and between the second and the third notch. Three channels parallel to the z-axis extend from the bottom surface to the top surface and cross the first notch while bypassing the other two notches. Three optical fibres, each fixed in one of the three channels, all entering the structure from the bottom surface, cross the first notch and end at or near the top surface while being interrupted in the first notch and forming two surfaces of each fibre that define a Fabry-Perot interferometric cavity.

Abstract: An endoscopic video system and method using a camera with a single color image sensor, for example a CCD color image sensor, for fluorescence and color imaging and for simultaneously displaying the images acquired in these imaging modes at video rates in real time is disclosed. The tissue under investigation is illuminated continuously with fluorescence excitation light and is further illuminated periodically using visible light outside of the fluorescence excitation wavelength range. The illumination sources may be conventional lamps using filters and shutters, or may include light-emitting diodes mounted at the distal tip of the endoscope.

Abstract: Devices for the local delivery of microdose amounts of one or more active agents, alone or in combination, in one or more dosages, to selected tissue of a patient are described. The devices generally include multiple microwells arranged on or within a support structure. The microwells contain one or more active agents, alone or in combination, in one or more dosages and/or release pharmacokinetics. In an exemplary embodiment, the device has a cylindrical shape, having symmetrical wells on the outside of the device, each well containing one or more drugs, at one or more concentrations, sized to permit placement using a catheter, cannula, or stylet. Optionally, the device has a guidewire, and fiber optics, sensors and/or interactive features such as remote accessibility (such as WiFi) to provide for in situ retrieval of information and modification of device release properties. In the most preferred embodiment, the fiber optics and/or sensors are individually accessible to discrete wells.

Abstract: The number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) can be readily counted without overlooking the existence of ACF to achieve reduced observation time. A fluorescence observation apparatus includes a light source unit inserted into a body cavity of a biological organism and emitting excitation light onto an inner wall of the body cavity; an image acquisition unit that acquires image information by acquiring an image of fluorescence generated when a fluorescent probe whose fluorescence characteristic changes by reacting with a molecule existing in an ACF formed in the inner wall of the body cavity is excited by the excitation light; a position control unit that moves the light source unit and the image acquisition unit relative to the inner wall of the body cavity; and a counting section that counts the number of fluorescence generation sites included in the image acquired by the image acquisition unit.

Abstract: A high-speed laser perfusion imaging instrument including a laser source, a detector, a signal-processing unit, data memory, and a screen to display results. A section of a sample surface is illuminated with laser light; reemitted light from the irradiated surface is collected by focusing optics on a 2D array of integrating photodetectors having elements that can be accessed individually or in a pre-defined selection of pixels at high speed. This 2D array measures intensity variations at each individual pixel. Average amplitude and mean frequency of the measured signal contain information about concentration and speed of moving blood cells. For real-time imaging, exposure time is used as a parameter to measure relative perfusion changes. These data are stored and processed with the signal-processing unit to deliver 2D flow maps of the illuminated sample section, and allow a simple overlay between a conventional image and processed flow maps.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a processor based method for generating positional and other information relating to a stent in the lumen of a vessel using a computer. The method includes the steps of generating an optical coherence image data set in response to an OCT scan of a sample containing at least one stent; and identifying at least one one-dimensional local cue in the image data set relating to the position of the stent.

Abstract: An optical fiber is positioned in a lumen of a sheath so a gap exists between the sheath and optical fiber. A filling member fills part of the longitudinal extent of the gap and fixes the optical fiber. The gap is devoid of the filling member over a part of the longitudinal extent of the of the optical fiber so that an air gap exists between the optical fiber and the sheath. In the event bending, expansion and/or contraction are applied to the sheath, the stress is inhibited from being transmitted to the optical fiber. If the sheath is expanded and contracted, one end of the optical fiber is open and so the optical fiber is not expanded/contracted like the sheath expansion and contraction. Consequently, stress is not likely to be transmitted to the optical fiber and so it is possible to maintain a constant length of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A series of medical instruments can be made with the use of shape memory tube with a transformation temperature that is above or below ambient temperature. In the first case, the material behaves with the shape memory effect and in the second case the behavior is superelastic. The wall of the tube has been provided with a plurality of slots in specific places, often near or at the distal end of the instrument, and in specific arrangements which allow local variations in diameter, shape, and/or length. These variations can either be caused by the memory effect during temperature change or by superelastic behavior during change of the mechanical influences on the memory metal by the surrounding material.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope processor, comprising a photoelectric converter and a controller, is provided. The scanning endoscope processor controls a scanning endoscope having first and second transmitters and an actuator. The photoelectric converter receives light transmitted from the second transmitter and generates a pixel signal according to the amount of light received. The second transmitter transmits reflected light and/or fluorescence from a point within an observation area illuminated by the light emitted from a first emission end. The first transmitter emits the light as a beam from the first emission end. The actuator moves the first emission end along a spiral course. The controller adjusts at least one of a first angular velocity and a generation cycle so that the product of the first angular velocity, the generation cycle, and a first distance is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for thermotherapy based on optical imaging.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to visualize severe blockages in a vessel and, in particular, chronic total occlusions in blood vessels. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to visualize the blockage to facilitate safe crossing of the blockage.

Abstract: A system and method for mapping interluminal structures includes an elongated flexible instrument (102). An optical shape sensing device (152, 154) is disposed within the flexible instrument and is configured to determine a shape of the flexible instrument relative to a reference. The shape sensing device is configured to collect information based on its configuration to map an interluminal structure during a procedure. An imaging enabled ablation device (117) is mounted at or near a distal end portion of the flexible instrument.

Abstract: Provided is an imaging system which includes an optical fiber array probe unit integrated with an endoscope unit, thereby simultaneously measuring structural information and functional information of a sample. The optical fiber array probe unit includes an optical fiber array probe integrated with lenses including an optical fiber lens with a lens surface of a predetermined radius of curvature in which one ends of optical fibers are integrally connected with each other by heating a predetermined region including the one ends of two of the optical fibers using a heating means, as an optical fiber array probe integrated lens on which the light transmitted from the light source is incident and which guides light reflected from the sample, and a detector for selectively detecting the light transmitted from the optical fiber array probe integrated with lenses in a predetermined range of wavelength.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring biological information and an earphone having the same for contacting with a uniform pressure a user body part using an elastic member. The apparatus includes a first housing; a second housing foldably connected with the first housing; a third housing foldably connected with the second housing and provided with a sensor for measuring the biological information; a plurality of joint parts for connecting the housings to be folded or unfolded to each other; one or more locking parts for restraining or releasing the housings to be folded or unfolded to each other; and the elastic member for applying the same pressure to make the sensor contact with the user's body by enabling the respective housings to be folded or unfolded using a stress-strain.

Abstract: This protection for an endoscope includes a sheath with a rigid cylindrical tubular part (8), and an associated flexible sleeve. The rigid cylindrical tubular part (8) is made of a material permitting transport of light. The rigid cylindrical tubular part (8) is treated in such a way as to guide the light from a light source at its proximal end (10) to its distal end (12). The distal end (12) of the cylindrical tubular part (8) has elements (14, 16) for diffusing and/or orienting the light guided via the cylindrical tubular part (8). The endoscope is designed to use a protection in order to illuminate the cavity to be examined in the patient's body.

Abstract: Techniques, apparatus and systems that use an optical probe head to deliver light to a target and to collect light from the target for imaging and monitoring a target while a separate radiation is applied to treat the target.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for the comprehensive monitoring of the microcirculation in order to assess the ultimate efficacy of the cardiovascular system in delivering adequate amounts of oxygen to the organ cells. In some cases, system embodiments may utilize reflectance avoidance by reflectance filtering, such as OPS imaging or Mainstream Dark Field imaging, or by Sidestream Dark Field imaging, which utilizes external direct light on the tip of the light guide to achieve reflectance avoidance whereby incident and reflected light do not travel down the same pathway.

Abstract: A method and systems for treating chronic total occlusions, particularly those that are difficult to treat, is disclosed. In this approach, recanalizing the CTO is achieved using a combined antegrade and retrograde approach. The proximal end of the occlusion is penetrated using an antegrade wire, using a traditional approach. Using collateral vessels, the distal end of the occlusion is crossed in a retrograde fashion. By appropriately maneuvering each member and applying radiofrequency energy between the proximal and distal ends of the occlusion, a continuous channel is created.

Abstract: Devices and techniques are disclosed for delivering light from a plurality of single emitter lasers to a biological tissue and detecting light from a biological tissue with a plurality of detector components using multi-core optical delivery and detection fiber or fibers for minimally invasive treating and/or diagnosing conditions and/or diseases in an individual.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a physiological parameter includes a garment that includes a fabric that exhibits both a light transmission property and a light reflection property. The amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, such as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one source of radiation having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers and at least one detector responsive to such incident radiation. The source and detector are associated with the fabric such that the reception of incident radiation by the detector is directly affected by a change in the amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric when the fabric stretches.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for detecting tumorous cell tissue in a gastrointestinal tract, electromagnetic radiation is emitted in a locally defined manner from an endoscope onto cell tissue and, after deactivation of the radiation, the decay of the inherent fluorescence intensity of the irradiated cell tissue, excited by the electromagnetic radiation, is detected, with temporal and spectral resolution and with a known scanning rate for at least one wavelength. From the intensity measurement values obtained in this manner, the difference autocorrelation function of the intensity decay is determined, from which a fractal dimension for the irradiated cell tissue is determined. The value of the fractal dimension is used to classify the irradiated cell tissue as to a degree to which the cell tissue is tumorous.

Abstract: Tissue visualization device having a fluid barrier is described herein where an imaging hood is temporarily sealed against a region of tissue to be treated while under direct visualization. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. The imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to the tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A field of view of the imaging element can be expanded and the blood can also be purged in part by inflating a balloon beyond the imaging hood where the balloon is integrally formed along an interior surface of the hood.

Abstract: A system for monitoring one or more temperatures at a vessel wall of a vessel of a patient includes an optical fiber, an optical read-out mechanism, and a therapeutic device. The optical fiber may be deployed along an extent of the vessel and may include one or more fiber Bragg grating (FBG) temperature sensors disposed at one or more corresponding sensor locations along a length of the optical fiber. The optical read-out mechanism may be optically coupled to the optical fiber, and it may be configured to transmit light into the optical fiber and detect light reflected from the one or more FBG temperature sensors. The detected light reflected from the one or more FBG temperature sensors may encode local temperatures at each of the one or more corresponding sensor locations. The therapeutic device may be configured for performing a therapeutic procedure to or through the vessel wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for depth-resolved measurements of properties of tissue includes an illuminator that illuminates the tissue with light, a collector for collecting light which has not been absorbed by the tissue, and a determination device configured to determine properties of the tissue in different depths from the collected light. A casing for advancing into a hollow object includes at least a part of the illuminator and collector. The illuminator and collector are configured to collect light depth-resolved, and the determination device is configured to determine depth-resolved properties of the tissue from the light which has been collected depth-resolved.

Abstract: A system and method of determining an attribute of a biological tissue sample or a drug delivery device. A sample is illuminated with substantially monochromatic light to thereby generate Raman scattered photons. The Raman scattered photons are assessed to thereby generate a spectroscopic data set wherein said spectroscopic data set comprises at least one of: a Raman spectra and a spatially accurate wavelength resolved image. The spectroscopic data set is evaluated to determine at least one of: an attribute of a biological tissue sample and a drug delivery device. In one embodiment, the biological tissue comprises arterial tissue. In another embodiment, the drug delivery device is a drug-eluting stent. In another embodiment, Raman chemical imaging can be used to evaluate a sample and identify at least one of: the tissue, a drug, a drug delivery device, and a matrix associated with a drug delivery device.

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: This invention relates to method and apparatus for collection of the complete fluorescence emission spectrum and the transient decay of a selected spectral band simultaneously with data acquisition times of less that one second. This invention is useful for studying human tissues and cells in vivo.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for illuminating and imaging tissue is provided. In one version, the method includes illuminating a volume of a tissue with photons from a three-dimensional array of optical emitters inserted into the tissue. In another version, the method includes detecting photons from a volume of a tissue using a three-dimensional array of optical detectors inserted into the tissue. A probe device for illuminating tissue and/or detecting photons emitted from tissue includes elongated microsized probes containing optical emitters and optical detectors in a three dimensional array.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method of triggering optical coherence tomography data collection. The method includes collecting optical coherence tomography data with respect to a vessel using an optical coherence tomography probe disposed in the vessel; determining a clearing radius and a quality value for each frame of optical coherence tomography data collected for the vessel using a computer; determining if a blood clearing state has occurred using at least one clearing radius and at least one quality value; and generating a trigger signal in response to the blood clearing state.

Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging system having an optical path. The system including an illumination source adapted to output a light beam, the light beam illuminating a target, a dispersing element arranged in the optical path and adapted to separate the light beam into a plurality of wavelengths, a digital micromirror array adapted to tune the plurality of wavelengths into a spectrum, an optical device having a detector and adapted to collect the spectrum reflected from the target and arranged in the optical path and a processor operatively connected to and adapted to control at least one of: the illumination source; the dispersing element; the digital micromirror array; the optical device; and, the detector, the processor further adapted to output a hyperspectral image of the target.

Abstract: A device for measuring light scattering and absorption properties of a tissue, the device comprising: a probe comprising first and second optical fibers for irradiation and detection. The optical fibers are substantially parallel to each other at the distal end, and are separated by a distance of less than 2 mm, wherein said first and second optical fibers are arranged in said probe at an angle, 6=10 deg. to 45 deg., to the plane perpendicular to the distal end of said probe and wherein the tips of the optical fibers at the distal end are polished parallel to the plane perpendicular to the distal end of said probe.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and process can be provided for imaging information associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, (i) first different wavelengths of at least one first electro-magnetic radiation can be provided within a first wavelength range provided on the portion of the sample so as to determine at least one first transverse location of the portion, and (ii) second different wavelengths of at least one second electro-magnetic radiation within a second wavelength range can be provided on the portion so as to determine at least one second transverse location of the portion. The first and second ranges can east partially overlap on the portion. Further, a relative phase between at least one third electro-magnetic radiation electro-magnetic radiation being returned from the sample and at least one fourth electro-magnetic radiation returned from a reference can be obtained to determine a relative depth location of the portion.

Abstract: A catheter tip apparatus arranged in a catheter for the delivery and collection of a light-energy signal to permit subsequent computerized analysis of body tissue by the collected signal. The apparatus comprises an elongated housing supporting a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface. The first reflective surface and the second reflective surface are longitudinally spaced apart from one another. A first flexible, elongated energy bearing delivery fiber has a distalmost end arranged adjacent the first reflective surface. A second flexible, elongated energy bearing collection fiber has a distalmost end arranged adjacent the second reflective surface. The housing is rotatably supported on a flexible catheter sheath for insertion of the catheter into a mammalian body for tissue analysis thereof.

Abstract: A system (40) for diagnosis and staging of early stages of cancer in the tissue of a patient is provided. The system—is configured to combine information from a Polarized Light Scattering Spectroscopy measurement (70) having a first probe depth, and a Differential Path Length Spectroscopy measurement (60) having a second probe depth, wherein the second probe depth is set larger than' the first probe depth. By comparing the results of the Polarized Light Scattering Spectroscopy and Differential Path Length Spectroscopy measurements early stages of cancer, such as dysplasia may be detected. Also hyperplasia, carcinoma in situ, and carcinoma may be detected. A computer-readable medium, method and use are also provided.

Abstract: A system for measuring and converting to an observer intelligible form an internal physiological parameter of a patient. The invention allows transcutaneous telemetry of intracranial pressure via a system which includes a patient implanted sensor module and an external processing module, optically coupled to the sensor module via an external coupling module. A sensor within the sensor module transduces the measured pressure and a near infrared emitter transmits the telemetry when interrogated by the external coupling module. A set of tuned inductor-crystal circuits comprised in part of a cylindrical crystal oscillator whose resonant frequency is sensed by a dipper circuit arrangement is provided. Power for the sensor module is derived inductively through rectification of a transcutaneously-applied high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field generated within the external coupling module.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for determining the sex of birds' eggs. It can be used for an early determination of the sex, in particular in poultry farming, and in this respect also with non-incubated eggs. In the method in accordance with the invention, electromagnetic radiation is emitted onto the blastodisk of an egg by a radiation source and, after a switching off of the radiation source, the decay behavior of the autofluorescence intensity excited by the electromagnetic radiation is detected by a detector at the irradiated region of the blastodisk with time resolution and spectral resolution for at least one wavelength of the autofluorescence. The fractal dimension DF is calculated using the determined measured intensity values and the value of the fractal dimension DF is compared with a species-specific and sex-specific limit value, wherein, when the limit value is exceeded, the respective egg is classified as female and, when it is not reached, the egg is classified as male.

Abstract: A catheter is provided that includes an external sheath, a rotatable conduit housed within the external sheath, and a fluid rotary joint having a rotatable insert that places an inner lumen of the rotatable conduit in fluid communication with an external port under rotation of the rotatable conduit. The rotatable insert may include a channel structure including an external annular channel. The rotatable conduit is received within the channel structure such that the inner lumen is in fluid communication with the external port through the annular channel under rotation. The external sheath may define an outer lumen that may be in fluid communication with the inner lumen at a location remote from a proximal portion of the catheter, and the outer lumen may be in fluid communication with a secondary port. The rotatable conduit may be housed within a torque cable that is connected to the rotatable insert.

Abstract: An optical coherent cross-sectional image forming apparatus in which light outputted from a light source is divided into a measurement light and a reference light inside the apparatus and in which a cross-sectional image is formed based on a coherent light, produced from a reflected light obtained by emitting the measurement light to a biological tissue through a probe inserted into a body lumen, and the reference light, wherein the apparatus includes a detector for detecting that a transmitting and receiving unit entered inside a guiding catheter for guiding the probe by using data during the axial-direction movement and a controller for stopping at least a portion of a process associated with from generation to holding of the cross-sectional image based on the optical coherence in a case in which it is detected by the detector that the transmitting and receiving unit entered inside the guiding catheter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for probing an occluded body lumen, including a flexible conduit insertable into the body lumen, at least one delivery waveguide and at least one collection waveguide integrated with the flexible conduit and arranged to deliver and collect radiation about a distal end of said flexible conduit, at least one radiation source connected to a transmission input of the at least one delivery waveguide, at least one optical detector connected to a transmission output of at least one collection waveguide, a spectrometer connected with the at least one optical detector, and constructed and arranged to scan radiation and perform spectroscopy, and a controller programmed to process data from said spectrometer and provide information for directing said flexible conduit through obstacles within the occluded body lumen.

Abstract: A plurality of concepts related to HIFU therapy are disclosed, including a technique to spatially track and display the relative positions of a HIFU focal point and an imaging plane from an ultrasound imager, so that a clinician can ensure that the HIFU focus remains in the image plane during HIFU therapy, thereby facilitating image guided HIFU therapy. Also disclosed are a plurality of transvaginal probes that include a HIFU transducer optimized for the treatment of uterine fibroids. In one embodiment, the probe includes a piezoceramic crystal bonded to an aluminum lens, to achieve a HIFU transducer having a focal length of about 4 cm. In another embodiment, the probe includes a generally spoon-shaped transducer including a plurality of individual emitter elements. Still another concept disclosed herein is a method for evaluating a quality of a coupling between a liquid-filled volume encompassing a HIFU transducer and a tissue interface.

Abstract: A guide wire includes an elongated main body possessing flexibility. The main boy is comprised of a first wire having a core member constituted by a metal material, a second wire having a core member arranged on the proximal side of the first wire and constituted by a metal material, and an optically transmissive member arranged between the first wire and the second wire, and connecting the first and second wires to each other and constituted by a substantially transparent tube shaped body. The optically transmissive member exhibits light permeability such that when light is illuminated from one direction of a lateral side thereof, the light is transmissible to the opposite side through the center axis of the main body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting properties or alterations in at least one semitransparent layer of a body of a tooth by applying light escaping from at least one light guide via the front thereof to the body, as well as for recording at least one area of the body by means of a camera and subsequently assessing the image determined by the sensor. In order to be able to detect alterations or properties with high accuracy and a high image quality, it is proposed to place the front of the light guide on the body in order to subject the body to the light of the light guide.

Abstract: Catheter or guidewire mounted automatic vessel occlusion and fluid dispersion devices that expand to occlude or partially occlude a vessel when a fluid is flowing in the catheter or guidewire, and that automatically collapse when fluid flow is stopped. Each occlusion device has an elastic skeleton covered with a flexible cover coupled thereto and may have a hole(s) or openings in its distal or proximal end thereof to allow controlled flow through the desired end of the occlusion device. The fluid may be a flush fluid for enabling or improving the performance of imaging devices and image enhancing fluids, of treatment fluids for localized treatment of a vessel or tissues in communication with the vessel and/or of the transmission of energy to the vessel wall and adjacent tissues. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a fluorescence endoscope device that includes a light source; an image generating portion that captures an image of fluorescence generated at a subject due to irradiation with excitation light to obtain a fluorescence image and that captures an image of return light returning from the subject due to irradiation with white light to obtain a white-light image; a dividing portion that divides the fluorescence image by the white-light image to generate a divided fluorescence image; a coordinate extracting portion that extracts a second region of the divided fluorescence image having a gradation value higher than a second threshold; a fluorescence-image correcting portion that extracts a first region having a gradation value higher than a first threshold in the fluorescence image and generates a corrected fluorescence image in which an overlap region that overlaps the second region is extracted; and a monitor that displays the corrected fluorescence image.

Abstract: An imaging element of a vein imaging apparatus includes a vein image data generation region generating image data of a vein based a near-infrared light that was condensed by a lens array and that was scattered in a living body and transmitted through the vein and a positional displacement detection data generation region that includes a shielded section in which pixels are shielded from the light and an opening section in which pixels are not shielded from the light, and generates data for detecting positional displacement that is used to detect, based on the light received via the opening section, variation in an image focus position according to an imaging temperature. The vein imaging apparatus detects the image focus position of the light and estimates the amount of positional displacement occurred in the apparatus. The vein imaging apparatus selects a pixel based on the obtained amount of positional displacement.