Abstract: Tissue visualization and manipulation systems are described herein. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. Additionally, any number of therapeutic tools can also be passed through the deployment catheter and into the imaging hood for treating the tissue region of interest.

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: The present invention relates to a rotating catheter tip for optical coherence tomography based on the use of an optical fiber that does not rotate, that is enclosed in a catheter, which has a tip rotates under the influence of a fluid drive system to redirect light from the fiber to a surrounding vessel and the light reflected or backscattered from the vessel back to the optical fiber.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to an imaging probe. The imaging probe includes an elongate body having a proximal end and distal end, the elongate body adapted to enclose a portion of a slidable optical fiber, the optical fiber having a longitudinal axis; and a first optical assembly attached to a distal end of the fiber. The first optical assembly includes a beam director adapted to direct light emitted from the fiber to a plane at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis, a linear actuator disposed at the proximal portion of the elongated body, the actuator adapted to affect relative linear motion between the elongate body and the optical fiber; and a second optical assembly located at the distal portion of the elongate body and attached thereto, the second optical assembly comprising a reflector in optical communication with the first optical assembly, the reflector adapted to direct the light to a position distal to the elongate body.

Abstract: The invention is a rotating tip catheter-imaging probe where electromagnetic energy is delivered to the distal end of a catheter and converted to mechanical energy using a light drive apparatus. The mechanical energy is then used to rotate a mirror that redirects light in fixed pattern on a sample. The rotating element of the light drive apparatus contains vanes, which rotate about an axis and positioned with bearings to minimize friction. A chamber encompasses the rotating element and is set to a vacuum pressure. The rotational speed of the catheter tip can be controlled by varying the optical power delivered to the vanes, the vacuum pressure in the chamber, or by a braking mechanism applied to the rotating element. The vanes may be shaped in a particular geometry to increase forces on the vanes from thermally driven gas flow.

Abstract: A single use needle-like probe contains optical fibers to deliver and collect light at the distal tip of the needle-like probe. The single use needle-like probe may connect to a handpiece that may contain sensors to monitor how the probe is being used. Sensors within the handpiece may, e.g., include a force sensor and a position sensor that detect the depth of the probe in tissue. The handpiece may include a mechanism for limiting the maximum probe velocity. The handpiece may be connected through a cable to a control unit that may include light sources, optical detectors, control electronics and one or more microprocessors to analyze the data collected.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems and methods for imaging of biological tissue. Also provided are devices, systems and methods for surgical manipulation of biological tissue. Further provided are devices, systems and methods for combined imaging and surgical manipulation of biological tissue.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a body lumen including a flexible conduit that is elongated along a longitudinal axis, the flexible conduit having a proximal end and a distal end; at least one delivery waveguide and at least one collection waveguide extending along the flexible conduit, a transmission output of the at least one delivery waveguide and a transmission input of the at least one collection waveguide located along a distal portion of the conduit; a spectrometer connected to the at least one delivery waveguide and the at least one collection waveguide, the spectrometer configured to perform diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, wherein the spectrometer emits at least one primary radiation signal of a wavelength having an absorption coefficient of between about 8 cm?1 and about 10 cm?1 when transmitted through a highly aqueous media; a controller system configured to calculate at least one of an extent, area, and volume of highly aqueous media based on the amount of absorption of the at least one primary radiatio

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosis or treatment of tissue is provided. One or more optic fibers are disposed within a deformable, tubular body. An electronic control unit activates an electromagnetic radiation source to direct a first set of electromagnetic radiation through a first optic fiber to the tissue. The unit also receives a signal generated by an electromagnetic radiation sensor in response to a second set of electromagnetic radiation received through the first optic or a second fiber. The second set of electromagnetic radiation originates from the tissue in response to the first set of electromagnetic radiation and may be reflected or emitted by a substance contained in the tissue that alters radiation characteristics of the tissue. Finally, the unit is configured to determine a characteristic of the tissue (e.g. the distance from the tissue to the tubular body) responsive to the signal.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and techniques for non-invasive optical probing of various substances, and systems, apparatus and techniques for detecting, diagnosing and treating a disease in lungs and other organs using the non-invasive optical probing, including mapping physiological functions of tissues in lungs and other organs.

Abstract: A site to be observed, such as a lesion, is easily observed by means of bright fluorescence images without increasing the output of a light source. Provided is a fluorescence imaging apparatus (1) including a wideband excitation portion (7) that radiates wideband excitation light capable of exciting a plurality of fluorescent substances contained in a subject (A); a narrow-band excitation portion (8) that radiates narrow-band excitation light capable of exciting at least one fluorescent substance among the fluorescent substances; an excitation-band switching unit (9) that performs switching between the wideband excitation portion (7) and the narrow-band excitation portion (8); and a fluorescence detector (15) having a detection wavelength band enabling detection of any kind of fluorescence from the subject (A) caused by the wideband excitation light and the narrow-band excitation light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to probe apparatuses and component combinations thereof that are used to recognize possibly abnormal living tissue using a detected early increase in microvascular blood supply and corresponding applications. In one embodiment there is disclosed an apparatus that emits broadband light obtained from a light source onto microvasculature of tissue disposed within a human body and receives interacted light that is obtained from interaction of the broadband light with the microvasculature for transmission to a receiver. Different further embodiments include combinations of optical fibers, polarizers and lenses that assist in the selection of a predetermined depth profile of interacted light. In another embodiment, a kit apparatus is described that has various probe tips and/or light transmission elements that provide for various combinations of predetermined depth profiles of interacted light.

Abstract: Described are dental implements useful for inspecting tooth surfaces for abnormalities such as caries or plaque. Preferred implements of the invention include light emitting diodes mounted on an implement body having a mirror for insertion into a user's mouth. Such implements also have on-board batteries mounted in chambers in the implement handle, and a switch for energizing and de-energizing the LED with the battery. Also described are methods for examining tooth surfaces for abnormal conditions indicative of plaque involving illuminating surfaces with radiation at a wavelength in the range of 390-450 nm wherein the radiation is effective to cause detectable fluorescence emissions from bacterial metabolites known to be associated with plaque-containing surfaces, and detecting the emissions.

Abstract: There is herein described a catheter for measuring a pressure in a cardiovascular system. The catheter comprises: a guiding tube adapted for insertion into the cardiovascular system. The guiding tube defines a lumen for sliding a guidewire therethrough. The catheter further comprises a tip pressure sensor eccentrically mounted relative to the guiding tube and a signal communication means extending therefrom. The tip pressure sensor is for sensing a pressure in the cardiovascular system and the signal communicating means is for transmitting a signal indicative of the pressure to a processing device in order to obtain a pressure measurement reading.

Abstract: An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve. For example, such a device may be used to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion in order to assess the severity of the lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. Some distance back from the sensor and distal sleeve, the device separates from the guidewire to permit independent control of the sensor delivery device and the guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recording two-dimensional images on the interior of a perfused blood vessel by means of optical coherence tomography using a catheter with an integrated imaging device, via which light is radiated and light reflected from the vascular wall is recorded, whereby a fluid containing a medium having a higher refractive index than blood plasma and/or cytoplasm is injected, via the catheter, into the vascular area to be recorded, to enable imaging to be carried out, whereby said fluid is a mixture of autologous blood and the medium.

Abstract: A device includes a handpiece having a probe tip disposed at an end thereof, and, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe connected to the handpiece such that, at the probe tip, a functionality of the OCT probe is provided. A sensor responsive to movement and/or handling of the handpiece for controlling the functionality of the OCT probe is disposed within or on the handpiece.

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 thrombus detecting apparatus provided with: a transducer (10), which is attached to a monitor portion of a subject and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, a transmitter and receiver unit (11), which transmits and applies driving pulses to the transducer (10) and receives echo signals output from the transducer, and a detector (12) making use of ultrasonic waves, which processes output signals of the transmitter and receiver unit (11) and detects a thrombus passing through a blood vessel, and/or a light source (21), which generates living body inspection light, a probe (22), which is attached to a monitor portion of the subject and irradiates the living body inspection light from the light source (21) to the subject, a light receiving unit (25), which receives living body inspection light irradiated from the probe (22) and passed through the subject and outputs electrical signals depending on the intensity of the received living body inspection light, and a detector (26) making use of living body light,

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device, with a position sensor system, for treatment of a partial or complete vessel blockage under image monitoring, with the catheter device featuring a treatment catheter of a vessel blockage, especially by removal or destruction of plaque and/or expansion of the vessel, which is embodied as an integrated unit, especially as a combination catheter, with an OCT catheter and an IVUS catheter for image monitoring and with the position sensor system.

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

Abstract: A functionalized tip is incorporated into catheters for the cytometric delivery of cells into the brain and other body parts. For use in the brain, the tip forms part of a neurosurgical probe having a proximal end and a distal end. In addition to the functionalized tip, the probe has at least one cell slurry delivery lumen and a plurality of optical fibers configured along the probe, terminating in the tip to provide the photo-optical capability needed to monitor the viability and physiological behavior of the grafted cells as well as certain characteristics of the cellular environment. Details are also presented of the use of a neurocatheter having a cytometric tip of the type disclosed in the invention, as employed within the context of a feedback and control system for regulating the number of cells delivered to the brain of a patient.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking progress of insertion of a rod in a bone includes a bone fragment including a central canal, a plurality of sensors including first and second sensors, and a computer. The first sensor is attached to the rod and the second sensor is attached to the bone fragment. The rod is inserted into the central canal of the bone fragment. The computer displays a location of the rod in the central canal. The location is based on at least a pose of the central canal relative to the second sensor, dimensional data of the rod relative to the first sensor, and tracking data provided by the sensors. The tracking data includes a position of the first sensor relative to the second sensor.

Abstract: An endoscope device includes a light source unit that creates multiple excitation lights having different peak wavelengths, an illumination unit, and an imaging unit that includes an objective optical system and an image pickup device. The imaging unit is capable of acquiring images of fluorescent lights having different peak wavelengths that are emitted by multiple fluorescent substances contained in a living organism. The illumination unit transmits the excitation lights to a tip of the endoscope device, and the multiple excitation lights are then directed so as to illuminate a living organism that contains multiple fluorescent substances. A variable transmittance optical element or an array of different type of filters may be placed before the image pickup device to separately detect the multiple fluorescent substances.

Abstract: This invention describes the detection of atherosclerotic plaque or cancer cells by a light probe inside a blood vessel or internal to an elongate organ. In one embodiment, vessel wall is imaged by employing a scanning mechanism using one emitting and one receiving fiber, whereby light is directed at a spinning mirror, approximately normal to the vessel or elongate organ surface. The light is reflected circumferentially around the vessel or elongate organ surface as the mirror rotates and received by a low-numerical aperture (NA) fiber, which transmits it to a light detector, thereby generating a set of light amplitudes circumferentially around the vessel/elongate organ surface. Multiple rings are acquired by translating the probe within the vessel/elongate organ. In another embodiment, adding a piezoelectric transducer in proximity to the distal ends of the fibers permits simultaneous ultrasound and light images to be created.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel apparatus for the treatment of ocular disease, particularly glaucoma. The apparatus consists of a locating device to locate Schlemm's Canal within the anterior portion of the eye and a surgical tool to access the canal for treatment. The apparatus allows for guided, minimally invasive surgical access to Schlemm's Canal to enable surgical procedures to be performed on the canal and trabecular meshwork to reduce intraocular pressure. The apparatus may also deliver devices or substances to Schlemm's Canal in the treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: Catheter device for performing atherectomy, comprising an atherectomy catheter, an OCT sensor, an IVUS sensor, position sensors and an image processing unit, which is embodied for creating combined 2D and/or 3D images based on the data of the sensors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for monitoring the physiological parameters of an organ or tissue during and after surgery. The system has a probe and a monitoring unit. In one embodiment the probe includes features for convenient, fixed and releasable attachment to surgical drains without interfering with their normal fluid-draining function while utilizing their suction to enhance the probe-to-tissue interface for improved sensing. An applicator is provided to facilitate such attachment. The monitoring unit which controls the sensors of the probe includes a processor to process, record and display the sensor data. This system may be valuable for monitoring transplanted organs and tissue grafts during the critical postoperative period when most of the clinical complications, such as vascular thrombosis, may occur.

Abstract: A living body information imaging apparatus includes a member that is adapted to be introduced into an interior of a living body and has a light irradiation portion for irradiating light with an angle of irradiation equal to or more than 2? steradian to the interior of the living body, and a signal detector that is arranged outside the living body and detects a signal output based on light irradiation in the interior of the living body by the member having the light irradiation portion.

Abstract: A catheter imaging probe for a patient. The probe includes a conduit through with energy is transmitted. The probe includes a first portion through which the conduit extends. The probe includes a second portion which rotates relative to the conduit to redirect the energy from the conduit. A method for imaging a patient. The method includes the steps of inserting a catheter into the patient. There is the step of rotating a second portion of the catheter relative to a conduit extending through a first portion of the catheter, which redirects the energy transmitted through the conduit to the patient and receives the energy reflected back to the second portion from the patient and redirects the reflected energy to the conduit.

Abstract: An endoscope system is disclosed for detecting fluorescent light emitted in the near-infrared region by a plurality of fluorescent labeling materials introduced into a living tissue. An illumination system generates illumination light in the wavelength range 600 nm-2000 nm which serves as excitation light for the plurality of fluorescent labeling materials, and a detection system that can separately detect different ones of the plurality of fluorescent light emissions that are emitted at different wavelengths from among the plurality of fluorescent labeling materials is provided. The endoscope system may include a conventional-type endoscope having an insertion section, or a capsule endoscope that wirelessly transmits image data. By superimposing the image data obtained using reflected light in the visible region and fluorescent light emitted by the fluorescent labeling materials, improved diagnostic capabilities are provided.

Abstract: A catheter includes separate first and second optical channels extending between proximal and distal portion thereof. First and second beam redirectors in optical communication with the respective first and second optical channels each have on-axis stage and an off-axis stage.

Abstract: A spectral image obtainment unit obtains spectral image data by receiving reflection light in different wavelength bands, into which light reflected by a living body mucous membrane has been separated, at a light receiving unit by causing a ratio of a light receiving level in a short wavelength band with respect to a light receiving level in a long wavelength band to be greater than a ratio of spectral reflectance in the short wavelength band at the living body mucous membrane with respect to spectral reflectance in the long wavelength band thereat. A spectral image data operation unit performs a spectral image estimation operation by correcting the value of the spectral image data to that of spectral image data obtained by receiving light without causing the ratio to increase. Accordingly, a diagnostic spectral image of the living body mucous membrane is obtained in an electronic endoscopic apparatus.

Abstract: Device for carrying out rotablation, comprising a rotablation catheter, an OCT sensor, an IVUS sensor, position sensors and also an image processing unit, which is embodied for the creation of combined 2D or 3D images based on the data of the sensors.

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 method of determining disease state in an individual. A portion of the tissue of the individual is illuminated with excitation light, then light emitted by the tissue due to Raman scattering of a chemical with the tissue responsive to the excitation light is detected. The detected light can be combined with a model relating Raman emission with disease state to determine a disease state of the individual. The invention can comprise single wavelength excitation light, scanning of excitation light (illuminating the tissue at a plurality of wavelengths), detection at a single wavelength, scanning of detection wavelengths (detecting emitted light at a plurality of wavelengths), and combinations thereof. The invention also can comprise correction techniques that reduce determination errors due to detection of light other than that from Raman emission of a chemical in the tissue. For example, the reflectance of the tissue can lead to errors if appropriate correction is not employed.

Abstract: An adapter couples a length of optical fiber to a hollow probe and to an optical coherence tomography instrument. The length of optical fiber may be greater than the length of the adapter itself. The optical fiber is fixed to an optical coupler at a proximal end of the adapter and may be maintained in a curved configuration by features located in an internal cavity of the adapter. An optical fiber advance mechanism be used to advance and/or retract the length of optical fiber to align it within the hollow probe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical device for assessing optical depth (D) in a sample (100) illuminated by polarized radiation (20) from a source (10). A first and a second radiation guide have their end portions (3Oa?, 30b?) arranged for capturing reflected radiation (25a, 25b) from the sample. A detector (40) measures a first polarization (P1) and a second polarization (P—2) of the reflected radiation (25), and a first and a second intensity (II, 12) of the reflected radiation (25a, 25b) in the first (30a) and the second (30b) radiation guide, respectively. Processing means (60) then calculates a first (f) and a second (g) spectral function, both spectral functions (f, g) being indicative of single scattering events in the sample.

Abstract: An elongated optical guidewire assembly, such as for optically imaging a patient from within another catheter, can have a lead portion and a probe portion. A connector between the lead and probe portions can include a bore including first and second bore ends. The first bore end can include a substantially circular cross-sectional profile. The second bore end can include a substantially non-circular cross-sectional profile. The bore can be configured to receive the optical guidewire assembly at the first bore end and configured to deform the optical guidewire assembly at the second bore end such that probe and lead ends of the optical guidewire assembly are deformed into a substantially non-circular profile and located between the first and second bore ends.

Abstract: A catheter imaging probe for a patient. The probe includes a conduit through which energy is transmitted. The probe includes a first portion through which the conduit extends. The probe includes a second portion which rotates relative to the conduit to redirect the energy from the conduit. A method for imaging a patient. The method includes the steps of inserting a catheter into the patient. There is the step of rotating a second portion of the catheter relative to a conduit extending through a first portion of the catheter, which redirects the energy transmitted through the conduit to the patient and receives the energy reflected back to the second portion from the patient and redirects the reflected energy to the conduit.

Abstract: An illuminating system scatters light into the mucosal lining of the stomach adjacent to an ulcerated area, an area containing a lesion, or ather area of interest. A light detector positioned on the opposite side of the area of interest uses detected light patterns to identify the location of circulatory structures beneath the mucosal lining adjacent to the area of interest.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of applying radiation through an optical fiber for detecting disease within a plant or animal or other penetrable tissue, or imaging a particular tissue of a plant or animal. In addition, fluorescence and nonlinear scattering signals can be detected and localized within a subject by such application of radiation through an optical fiber. The radiation is effective to promote simultaneous multiphoton excitation. The optical fibers are used alone to examine internal regions of tissue, in conjunction with an optical biopsy needle to evaluate sub-surface tissue, or with an endoscope to evaluate tissue within body cavities. The present invention also relates to a device for coupling in radiation from an ultrashort mode-locked laser into the beam path of a microscope.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for measuring the depth of a material layer such as a blood vessel plaque layer is disclosed. A fiber optic bundle housed in a balloon catheter projects a laser dot toward a conical mirror, which reflects the dot perpendicularly onto the surface of the plaque. The laser dot is reflected back from the plaque layer with a substantially Gaussian intensity profile. The conical mirror directs the reflected image back to the fiber optic bundle, which delivers the image to a sensor. The depth of the plaque layer can be determined by comparing the diameter of the image intensity profile to a pre-obtained normalized data set.

Abstract: A system for inducing desirable temperature effects on body tissue, the body tissue being disposed about a lumen. The system includes an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end with an axis therebetween with an energy delivery portion for transmission of energy. A tissue analyzer configured to characterize the body tissue in the lumen proximate the energy delivery portion and an energy source coupled to the energy delivery portion transmitting tissue treatment energy, wherein the energy is non-RF energy. A processor coupled to the tissue analyzer and energy source, the processor configured to determine an appropriate treatment energy for the characterized body tissue so as to mildly heat the body tissue with the energy delivery portion without ablating.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method of flushing a lumen of interest having a first diameter and a lumen wall. The method can include the steps of selecting a flush solution such that the flush solution lowers a fluid removal rate of a plurality of terminating lumens, the terminating lumens branching from and in fluid communication with the lumen of interest, at least one of the terminating lumens having a second diameter, the second diameter smaller than the first diameter; flushing the lumen with the flush solution; and collecting optical tomography scan data relative to a portion of the lumen wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing and treating internal lumens is provided. The apparatus includes a catheterized device integrating an optical probe and local treatment delivery system. The probe component includes fiber optic lines that can be used in conjunction with visible and/or near infrared spectroscopy to analyze various characteristics of tissues, including chemical, blood, and oxygen content, in order to locate those tissues associated with diseased lumens, to determine the best location for applying treatment, and to monitor treatment and its effects. Physically integrated with the probe component is a treatment component for delivering localized treatments including stem cells, antibiotics, gene therapy, neoplasty, and sclerosant drugs, etc. A control system coordinates operation of the catheter, including performing chemometric analysis with the use of model data, and for providing control and visual feedback to an operator.

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 system and method for enhancing images of ex-vivo or in-vivo tissue produced by confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, two-photon microscopy, or ultrasound, is provided by applying to the tissue a solution or gel having an effective concentration of citric or other alpha-hydroxy acid which enhances tissue structures, such as cellular nuclei, in such images. Such concentration may be 3-20% acid, and preferably 5% acid.

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.