Abstract:
A system for near-infrared autofluorescence measurement of a subject, the system comprising: a light source configured to emit an excitation light at near-infrared; a medium configured for delivering the excitation light to the subject; and a processing section for processing an autofluorescence signal from the subject at near-infrared resulting from the excitation light impinging upon the subject so as to analyze the subject. For example, the processing section comprises a spectrometer for detecting the autofluorescence signal at near-infrared to analyze the subject. As another example, the processing section comprises an image sensor for generating an image based on the autofluorescence signal.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a system for imaging an object comprising: an optical imaging unit for imaging an object on a detection array, the optical imaging unit defining an optical axis and comprising a multicore fiber configured to collect light from the object at an input edge of the multicore fiber and transfer collected light to an output edge of the multicore fiber; a displacing unit configured to shift the input edge of the multicore fiber relatively to the object in a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis to obtain a set of shifted images of the object; and an operating unit configured to operate the displacing unit by setting a shifting amplitude to either a first amplitude inferior or equal to the diameter of a core of the multicore fiber or a second amplitude superior or equal to the diameter of the multicore fiber.
Abstract:
Systems and methods that facilitate analysis of superficial tissue based at least in part on a depth-selective fiber optic probe are discussed herein. The depth-selective fiber optic probe can include an illumination fiber for providing light to the superficial tissue, a collection fiber for collected reflected light, a ball lens that couples the fibers, and a protective overtube that houses the ball lens and fibers. The distances between the ball lens and fibers and between the fibers can be optimized based on several factors, such as by minimizing the illumination spot size, maximizing the overlap between the illumination and collection spots, and based on the angle between the illumination and collection beams.
Abstract:
Tissue modification devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongated member is dimensioned to pass through a minimally invasive body opening and includes a distal end integrated visualization sensor and tissue modifier. In some instances, the devices further include an integrated articulation mechanism that imparts steerability to at least one of the visualization sensor, the tissue modifier and the distal end of the elongated member. Also provided are methods of modifying internal target tissue of a subject using the tissue modification devices.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be provided for analyzing tissue. For example, the apparatus can include at least one first arrangement configured to illuminate at least one anatomical structure with at least one of at least one electro-magnetic radiation. The apparatus can also include at least one second arrangement that may include at least two wave-guiding arrangements associated with one another that are configured to receive a further electro-magnetic radiation reflected from the tissue and transmit at least one speckle pattern associated with the further electro-magnetic radiation. The wave-guiding arrangements may be structured so as to reduce crosstalk therebetween.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an imaging system and a method for three- dimensional imaging of the interior of an object. The imaging system comprises illumination means (10), detection means (11) and reconstruction means. The illumination means is adapted to illuminate the interior of the object with light, wherein the illumination means (10) is capable of generating different spatial light intensity distributions on the interior of the object. The detection means (11) is adapted to detect the different spatial light intensity distributions, and the reconstruction means is adapted to reconstruct a three-dimensional image from the detected different spatial light intensity distributions. The invention relates further to an optical fiber system comprising a transfer mechanism to transfer the optical fiber system from a first condition, in which optical fibers diverge from each other, to a second condition, in which optical fibers are parallel to each other, and vice versa.
Abstract:
A system for optical coherence tomographic imaging of turbid materials utilizing multiple channels of information comprising spatial, angle, spectral and polarization domains. The multichannel optical coherence tomographic methods can be incorporated into an endoscopic probe for imaging a patient. The endoscope comprises an optical fiber array and can comprise a plurality of optical fibers adapted to be disposed in the patient. The optical fiber array transmits the light from the light source Into the patient, and transmits the light reflected by the patient out of the patient. The plurality of optical fibers in the array are in optical communication with the light source. The multichannel optical coherence tomography system comprises a detector for receiving the light from the array and analyzing the light. The methods and apparatus may be applied for imaging a vessel, biliary, GU and/or Gl tract of a patient.
Abstract:
Apparatuses and methods for scanned beam imagers and scanned beam endoscopes having a positionable light collector are disclosed. In one aspect, a scanned beam imager includes a scanned beam source operable to scan a beam across a FOV and a light collector structured to collect light affected by the FOV. The light collector is positionable relative to the beam scanned by the scanned beam source. Scanned beam endoscopes and methods of performing endoscopy are also disclosed that implement the above teachings.
Abstract:
The present invention is related to a system for optical coherence tomographic imaging of turbid (i.e., scattering) materials utilizing multiple channels of information. The multiple channels of information may be comprised and encompass spatial, angle, spectral and polarization domains. More specifically, the present invention is related to methods and apparatus for utilizing optical sources, systems or receivers capable of providing (source), processing (system) or recording (receiver) a multiplicity of channels of spectral information for optical coherence tomographic imaging of turbid materials. In these methods and apparatus the multiplicity of channels of spectral information that can be provided by the source, processed by the system, or recorded by the receiver are used to convey simultaneously spatial, spectral or polarimetric information relating to the turbid material being imaged tomographically. The multichannel optical coherence tomographic methods can be incorporated into an endoscopic probe for imaging a patient. The endoscope comprises an optical fiber array and can comprise a plurality of optical fibers adapted to be disposed in the patient. The optical fiber array transmits the light from the light source into the patient, and transmits the light reflected by the patient out of the patient. The plurality of optical fibers in the array are in optical communication with the light source. The multichannel optical coherence tomography system comprises a detector for receiving the light from the array and analyzing the light. The methods and apparatus may be applied for imaging a vessel, biliary, GU and/or GI tract of a patient.