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.

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 from the light source to obtain a fluorescence image and that captures an image of return light returning from the subject due to irradiation with reference light to obtain a reference image; an image-correcting portion that corrects the fluorescence image using the reference image to generate a corrected fluorescence image; an effective-area defining portion that defines an effective area having a brightness in a predetermined variation range in the corrected fluorescence image; a region-extracting portion that extracts a high-brightness region having a brightness higher than or equal to the predetermined threshold in the corrected fluorescence image; and an indication portion that shows whether or not the high-brightness region exists inside the effective area in an identifiable manner.

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

Abstract: A probe which is inserted into a lumen of inside of a body, irradiates an observation object part of a physiological tissue with excitation light, and detects fluorescence resulting from the excitation light, wherein the probe including: a plus lens arranged facing toward a tip side of the probe; and a plurality of optical fibers receiving the fluorescence at tip surfaces through the plus lens, wherein the tip surface are directed toward the plus lens and arranged in positions offset from an optical axis of the plus lens, wherein positions of the tip surface of at least optical fibers of which an amount of offset from the optical axis of the plus lens differ mutually among plurality of optical fibers are shifted mutually along the optical axis of the plus lens.

Abstract: Dynamic colorectal PDT methods, devices and photosensitizer compositions to treat abnormal cell growth in anal tissue such as perianal and intra-anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III are presented. Dynamic colorectal PDT method comprises the steps of administering topically, intravenously or orally a photosensitizer composition; irradiating; monitoring treatment parameters before, during and/or after irradiation. Photosensitizer composition comprises Temoporfin and excipients/carriers, appropriate for the application method. An applicator is provided for colorectal PDT treatments enhancing irradiation delivery and monitoring treatment parameters. Preferably, applicator is made of a material, used to monitor the fluence rate simultaneously while doing optical spectroscopy. Measurement probe devices are provided for monitoring PDT treatment parameters in-vivo.

Abstract: An endoscopic swept-source Fourier Domain optical coherence tomographic system (FDOCT system) for imaging of tissue structure includes a Fourier Domain mode locked (FDML), high speed, narrow line-width, wavelength swept source, an OCT interferometer having a sample arm, a reference arm, a detection arm, and a source arm coupled to the swept source, an endoscopic probe coupled to the sample arm, and a data processing circuit coupled to the detection arm. The swept source includes a long optic fiber functioning as a cavity, a high optical gain lasing module, and a tunable narrow bandwidth bandpass filter for wavelength selection combined to form a unidirectional ring laser cavity, where the tunable narrow bandwidth bandpass filter is driven synchronously with the optical round-trip time of a propagating light wave in the cavity.

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

Abstract: A method according to an embodiment of the invention includes inserting an endoscope at least partially into a body lumen. At least a portion of the body lumen is illuminated at a first wavelength. The portion of the body lumen is illuminated at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength. A characteristic of an area of interest when the portion of the body lumen is illuminated at the first wavelength is compared with the characteristic of the area of interest when the portion of the body lumen is illuminated at the second wavelength. A medical device or treatment parameter is selected to treat the area of interest based on the comparing. In some embodiments, the body lumen is a ureter. In such an embodiment, a composition of a kidney stone within the ureter can be identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for cervical cancer screening, comprising one or more light sources aligned with a beginning of a first optical test path and a beginning of a second optical test path, one or more optical detectors aligned with an end of the first optical test path and an end of the second optical test path, and a processor coupled to the one or more light sources and the one or more optical detectors and methods for using the same. The present invention further relates to a method for cervical cancer screening.

Abstract: A medical examination device used for the detection of pre-cancerous and cancerous tissue has an illumination source, a visualization unit, a contacting optical probe, a detector and a process unit. One embodiment of the apparatus includes both a non-contacting macroscopic viewing device (the visualization unit) for visualizing an interior surface of the cervix, as well as a fiber optic wand (contacting optical probe) for spectrally analyzing a microscopic view of the tissue.

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 catheter, in particular an ablation catheter, comprising force sensors integrated in a distal section, which are designed and disposed to measure the magnitude and direction of an external force acting on the distal section, and which can be connected to a signal processing unit for the combined processing of measurement signals, wherein a single FBG fiber fastened in a sensor holder is provided in the catheter and comprises three force sensor regions forming the force sensors which interact for the combined processing of measurement signals.

Abstract: A medical examination device used for the detection of pre-cancerous and cancerous tissue has an illumination source, a visualization unit, a contacting optical probe, a detector and a process unit. One embodiment of the apparatus includes both a non-contacting macroscopic viewing device (the visualization unit) for visualizing an interior surface of the cervix, as well as a fiber optic wand (contacting optical probe) for spectrally analyzing a microscopic view of the tissue.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a sensor system for detecting bronchial tissular water content including at least a sensor, a connector, and a monitor. The sensor generates a signal, which may be carried by the connector to the monitor, which generates an output corresponding to the signal. The disclosure additionally provides a sensor for detecting bronchial or tracheal tissular water content including at least a signal generator. The sensor may also include at least a segment of a connector. The disclosure also provides a method of measuring bronchial or tracheal tissular water content by inserting a sensor into an airway of a subject, such as a human, until it becomes lodged in a bronchus or the trachea, then measuring bronchial or tracheal tissular water content using the sensor.

Abstract: A non-invasive system and method for determination of cardiac output and blood volume of a patient includes compensating for a change in the fluorescence of an indicator circulating in the bloodstream of a tissue or organ that is caused by a variation of the blood content at the site of the measurement.

Abstract: An interventional instrument, system and method include an elongated flexible member (100) having one or more segmented sections (101) disposed longitudinally. An optical fiber (104) is disposed internally in the flexible member. A plurality of optical sensors (102) are coupled to the optical fiber and distributed along a length of the flexible member such that the optical sensors are positioned to monitor parameters simultaneously at different positions or at different data sources along the flexible member to provide distributed sensing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-penetrating percutaneous optical sensing device for obtaining and transmitting optical signal from intravascular fluid in a blood vessel, the device comprising: (a) an elongated hollow rigid sensor sheath 20 having a proximal end 21, a distal end 22 and a central channel extending along the sensor sheath, wherein the distal end 22 of the sensor sheath 20 is sufficiently sharpened to puncture a cutaneous barrier and the sensor sheath 20 has a sufficient length to allow the sensor sheath 20 to penetrate into intravascular space of a blood vessel; (b) a flexible optical fiber 30 having a proximal end and a distal end situated coherently within the central channel of the sensor sheath 20 wherein the sensor sheath 20 covers a portion of the distal end of the flexible optical fiber 30 and wherein the distal end of the flexible optical fiber 30 aligns with the distal end 22 of the sensor sheath 20; and (c) an optical sensor 40 connected to the distal end of the flexible op

Abstract: A probe (4) is provided with at least a light projecting optical fiber (9) and a light receiving optical fiber (10) and is configured so that excitation light guided by the light projecting optical fiber is applied to the portion of a living organism which is to be observed and then light emitted, due to the excitation light, from the portion to be observed is received by the light receiving optical fiber. The probe (4) is also provided with an illumination means used for the capture of an image by the image capturing means of an endoscope body. The illumination means is, for example, a light emitting diode which is provided to the front end of the probe, a light guiding optical fiber (11) which guides illumination light from an illumination light source (5c) to the front end of the probe, or a light emitting substance piece which is disposed at the front end of the probe and emits white fluorescent light by excitation.

Abstract: A surgical imaging device includes at least one light source for illuminating an object, at least two image sensors configured to generate image data corresponding to the object in the form of an image frame, and a video processor configured to receive from each image sensor the image data corresponding to the image frames and to process the image data so as to generate a composite image. The video processor may be configured to normalize, stabilize, orient and/or stitch the image data received from each image sensor so as to generate the composite image. Preferably, the video processor stitches the image data received from each image sensor by processing a portion of image data received from one image sensor that overlaps with a portion of image data received from another image sensor. Alternatively, the surgical device may be, e.g., a circular stapler, that includes a first part, e.g., a DLU portion, having an image sensor a second part, e.g., an anvil portion, that is moveable relative to the first part.

Abstract: A rotation transmitting mechanism comprises: a three-layered coil that has an innermost layer coil portion, a middle layer coil portion and an outermost layer coil portion with alternating winding directions; and at least one elastic band that is fit to an outer peripheral area of said three-layered coil to press said outermost layer coil portion toward an inner peripheral side.

Abstract: A generation of sectional images of tissue is provided. In this arrangement a first light-conducting fiber of a device for generating sectional tissue images according to the optical coherence tomography principle, which light-conducting fiber is rotatably accommodated within a catheter tube, is additionally connected to a device for generating light in a further wavelength range and for detecting fluorescent light. With its use sectional tissue images produced according to the optical coherence tomography principle can be superimposed with fluorescent images.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods employing fiber optic shape and position tracking. The systems, devices, and methods permit measurement of and continuous tracking of the shape and position of objects whose shape dynamically changes with time. Applications include tracking and monitoring of endoscopes for diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Abstract: Provided is a fluorescence endoscope system for observing fluorescence from a fluorochrome attached to or absorbed in biological tissue, including an excitation light source that emits excitation light that excites the fluorochrome; an image-acquisition section that acquires fluorescence emitted from the biological tissue when irradiated with the excitation light from the excitation light source; an autofluorescence signal setting section that sets an autofluorescence signal intensity to be emitted from the biological tissue when irradiated with the excitation light; and an image compensation section that compensates fluorescence image information acquired by the image-acquisition section on the basis of the autofluorescence signal intensity set by the autofluorescence signal setting section.

Abstract: This invention relates to the non-invasive determination of the degree of vasoactivity in the microcirculation in a tissue caused by a drug, disease, injury normal or pathological regulation.

Abstract: Tissue contrast imaging systems are described which detect differences in tissue contrasts to obtain images of the tissue region. The systems may be used to obtain images of the cardiac tissues particularly in a blood-filled environment.

Abstract: Biological tissue such as skeletal and cardiac muscle can be imaged by using an objective-based probe in the tissue and scanning at a sufficiently fast rate to mitigate motion artifacts due to physiological motion. According to one example embodiment, such a probe is part of a system that is capable of reverse-direction high-resolution imaging without needing to stain or otherwise introduce a foreign element used to generate or otherwise increase the sensed light. The probe can include a light generator for generating light pulses that are directed towards structures located within the thick tissue. The system can additionally include aspects that lessen adverse image-quality degradation. Further, the system can additionally be constructed as a hand-held device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a biopolymer optical waveguide includes providing a biopolymer, unwinding the biopolymer progressively to extract individual biopolymer fibers, and putting the unwound fibers under tension. The tensioned fibers are then cast in a different polymer to form a biopolymer optical waveguide that guides light due to the difference in indices of refraction between the biopolymer and the different polymer. The optical fibers may be used in biomedical applications and can be inserted in the body as transmissive media. Printing techniques may be used to manufacture the biopolymer optical waveguides.

Abstract: A polarization sensitive spectral interferometer apparatus and method for analyzing a sample by optical energy reflected from the sample. The polarization sensitive spectral interferometer apparatus and method determines polarization properties of the sample by optical energy reflected from the sample.

Abstract: A sentinel lymph node detecting apparatus 1 includes: an excitation light source unit 2 that illuminates an excitation light 10 onto a living body observation portion 20 including a sentinel lymph node 21 near a tumor into which a fluorescent dye that emits fluorescence is injected; an optical filter 3 that transmits a fluorescence image 11; an image pickup device 4 that is integral with excitation light source unit 2 and picks up fluorescence image 11 transmitted through optical filter 3; an adjusting device 5 that adjusts the picked-up observation image; and an image displaying device 6 that displays the adjusted observation image. Adjusting device 5 adjusts at least one of a luminance and a contrast of the observation image. A lymph node detecting apparatus that is simple in apparatus arrangement, is easy to handle, and enables good images to be obtained is thereby realized.

Abstract: An optical sharp fibrous needle probe includes an optical fibre in a hollow needle ending in a cutting point. The optical fibre is inserted and bonded in the hollow of the needle and then polished to take on the exact needle cutting shape. The material to be explored is pricked by the needle. A light injection and recovery device is placed at the inlet of the fibre. The material located at the sharp end of the needle backscatters the incident light and generates an endogenous fluorescence signal. A part of this luminous flux is recovered by the point of the needle and sent back to the injection and recovery device. The same analyses the light in strength, duration and wavelength and enables a diagnostics without taking the in-depth explored material. An optical telemeter placed on the outer tip of the needle enables the depth of the explored area to be known.

Abstract: An optical device for assessing optical depth in a sample illuminated by polarized radiation from a source include two radiation guides having their end portions arranged for capturing reflected radiation from the sample. A detector measures two polarizations of the reflected radiation, and two intensities of the reflected radiation in the two radiation guides, respectively. A processor is configured to calculate two pectral functions, which are indicative of single scattering events in the sample. The processor is further configured to calculate a measure of the correlation between the two spectral functions so as to assess whether the single scattering events originate from substantially the same optical depth within the sample. Thus, the causal relation between the two spectral functions can be used for assessing whether the single scattering events giving rise to the two spectral functions come from substantially the same optical depth within the sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controllably traversing a tissue wall. In one embodiment, a distal end of a catheter is positioned and/or repositioned utilizing direct visualization out the distal end of the catheter, as facilitated by an imaging element disposed within the distal tip of the catheter. An inflatable balloon may comprise a portion of the distal tip of the catheter for structural and/or visualization media purposes. A tissue traversing element may be forwarded through a working lumen defined by the catheter and controllably pushed through a tissue wall as observed with the imaging element. The tissue traversing element may comprise sensors and the like to facilitate monitoring of changes in pressure, color, oxygen saturation, flow rate, and echo timing, to determine the position of the tissue traversing member relative to the tissue wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device for treating a blockage of a vessel, with the catheter device featuring a treatment catheter for treating the vessel blockage which is embodied as an integrated unit with front-mounted stent.

Abstract: Methods and spectra for monitoring fetal growth and predicting birth weight of an infant prior to birth are provided wherein one or more selected biological markers are measured in a sample of amniotic fluid obtained from a pregnant woman. Levels of the selected biochemical markers and/or spectra correlate with one or more medical conditions, such as fetal growth and birth weight of the infant, and gestational diabetes. A measurement probe for in situ measurement can be used safely and repeatedly. Monitoring and/or treatment of maternal and fetal health is also provided.

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

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, and 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: Imaging techniques. Radiation is directed from a source onto a sample using an endoscope having cellular or subcellular resolution. The endoscope includes one or more fibers. The fibers have a proximate end and a distal end, and the distal end is lensless. A focal plane of the endoscope is substantially at a tip of the distal end. Radiation from the sample is directed onto a detector to diagnose or monitor the sample.

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 lesion extracting device having a control unit for changing an amount of the excitation light emitted toward a subject body, a measuring unit for measuring a change in the intensity of fluorescence generated from the subject body with respect to a change in the amount of the excitation light, and an extracting unit for calculating a ratio of the change in the intensity of fluorescence on the basis of a ratio of the change in the amount of the excitation light to the change in the intensity of fluorescence and for extracting a lesion part of the subject body on the basis of the ratio of the changes in the amount of the excitation light to the ratio of the changes in the intensity of fluorescence.

Abstract: Systems for the stabilization of visualization catheters are described herein which facilitate the deployment and retraction of an imaging hood from a catheter. Such systems may include a deployment catheter and an imaging hood having one or more structural elements which may be integrated or advanced into the hood independently of the hood itself. Moreover, additional features such as rapid exchange ports may be integrated along the hood or along the catheter proximal to the hood to facilitate intravascular procedures and treatments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical system for introducing a catheter into a blood vessel of a patient, having a computer and control unit, a means for creating a transparent general view of the position of the vessel, a catheter with a reversible inflatable balloon located in the front area, to the outside of which a stent can be fitted for implanting into the vessel, a position locating system for the catheter with position and location sensors that can determine the position and location of the catheter, the system with at least one OCT (optical coherence tomography) sensor at a catheter end for the close-up area, with at least one IVUS (intravascular ultrasound) imaging sensor at a catheter end for the remote area and the computer and control unit having image processing and image display functions for the image sensors.

Abstract: A process, apparatus, and method for computerized detection, tracking, and feedback control of nutritional supplements in an animal, including humans relies on Raman scattering effects on skin or other tissues to determine the content of carotenoids or other nutrients as evidenced in that skin. Serum levels of nutrients may vary dramatically with time, but skin tissues may average such nutrition over time. Skin and other tissues may be scanned with light to produce accurate measurements of carotenoids or other nutrients accumulated in the skin based on the Raman scattering affect of those nutrients in the skin. A score can be derived from a properly calibrated bio-photonic scanner to reflect an averaged effective uptake of the detected nutrient (e.g. such as the carotenoid example).

Abstract: A method for imaging a tissue includes collecting a light signal from at least part of said tissue, using a fiber optic probe for fluorescence imaging, wherein the fiber optic probe comprises a plurality of optic fibers, and wherein a distal tip of the fiber optic probe is placed at a distance from said tissue, said imaging being made confocal at a proximal tip of said fiber optic probe. A fluorescence imaging system includes an endoscope equipped with a working channel, in which a fiber optic probe has been inserted, wherein the fiber optic probe is movable between a retracted position and at least one position of extension, said fiber optic probe comprising a plurality of optic fibers for performing imaging of a tissue, said imaging being confocal via a processor located at a proximal tip of said fiber optic probe.

Abstract: A needle comprises a tip part, a holder part, a shaft, and fibers capable of transmitting light, wherein the shaft comprises a distal end connected to the tip part, and a proximal end connected to the holder part, wherein the tip part comprises a bevel, cutting facets, and at least one channel for accommodating a fiber, and wherein an end section of the fiber is located in the channel and an end surface of the fiber is located at one of the cutting facets. By way of the facets an introduction of the needle into tissue may be facilitated. A further aspect of the invention is a method for producing such a needle.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for performing in-vivo flow cytometry to obtain desired information regarding one or more cell types of interest flowing through a subject's circulatory system. In one embodiment of the invention, a portion of the subject's circulating blood is illuminated with radiation having multiple wavelength components, and the backscattered radiation generated in response to the excitation radiation is detected at a plurality of scattering angles and analyzed to derive the desired information.

Abstract: An optical coherent tomography diagnostic apparatus including: a light source; a splitter for splitting the light outputted from the light source into a measuring light and a reference light; a measuring light path; a reference light path; a probe inserted into a body cavity and emitting the measuring light to a subject of measurement; an image forming unit for calculating intensity distribution of the reflection light and for forming a tomographic image; a standard light path for transmitting standard light obtained by further splitting the light; wherein the light path length when exerting interference between the standard light and the reference light is approximately equal to the light path length when exerting interference between the reference light and the reflection light, and there is included a calculation unit for calculating time change of coherent light data obtained by exerting interference between the standard light and the reference light.

Abstract: A micro-optical probe approach facilitates imaging, testing and/or analysis of cochlear tissue. According to an example embodiment, a probe is implanted into cochlear tissue of a live being and used to obtain an image of cochlear tissue and the image is used to characterize a condition of auditory function of the cochlear tissue as represented, for example, by fluid flow in the tissue. Certain embodiments are directed to the use of a fluorescent dye to label cochlear tissue. A fluorescent response of the dye to stimulation is detected and used to characterize the cochlear tissue. In some applications, the probe is used to guide the implant of a cochlear prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention provides optical switching-based systems and methods for catheter-based optical diagnosis which are particularly well suited to determining the condition of blood vessels, including the state of the vessels with respect to atherosclerosis and its development. Various embodiments provide catheter-based spectroscopic systems that are configured to cycle between different optical interrogation techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, optical coherence tomography and time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy. One embodiment of the invention provides an intravascular catheter-based diagnostic system that cycles between fingerprint region (200-2,500 cm?1) Raman spectroscopy and high-wavenumber region (2,500-4,000 cm?1) Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of optical imaging and therapeutics. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide minimally-invasive Fiberoptic Microneedle Devices (FMDs) for light-based therapeutics, which physically penetrate tissue and deliver light directly into the target area below the skin surface (FIG. 1). A preferred embodiment of the invention is a fiberoptic microneedle device comprising: (a) one or more silica-based needles capable of guiding light and comprising a length of about 0.5-6 mm, a base having an outer diameter in the range of about 100-150 micron, and a tip having an outer diameter in the range of about 5-20 micron; (b) a support member to which the needles are secured; (c) a ferrule comprising one or more holes for each of the needles, wherein the ferrule is operably configured to provide mechanical support to each needle at all or some portion of the length of the needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of passive infrared imaging and dynamic infrared imaging of a tumor or lesion (“DIR”) where multiple images are taken before, during and after heating or cooling the tumor or lesion. Patterns of intensity of infrared emission in the infrared image(s) are related to the level of vascularity or metabolic activity of the tumor or lesion, and are used to identify size and shape of the tumor or lesion. The patterns can also be used to determine whether Kaposi's sarcoma lesions, skin cancer lesions and melanomas are active or inactive. Changes in the patterns of infrared emission determined by comparing images taken before, during and after the onset of drug or radiation therapy, are used to assess efficacy of the therapy. The methods can also be used to study tissue affected by angiogenic diseases.