189results about "Dianostics using fluorescence emission" patented technology

An embodiment of the invention provides a tissue biopsy and treatment apparatus that comprises an elongated delivery device that is positionable in tissue and includes a lumen. A sensor array having a plurality of resilient members is deployable from the elongated delivery device. At least one of the plurality of resilient members is positionable in the elongated delivery device in a compacted state and deployable with curvature into tissue from the elongated delivery device in a deployed state. At least one of the plurality of resilient members includes at least one of a sensor, a tissue piercing distal end or a lumen. The sensor array has a geometric configuration adapted to volumetrically sample tissue at a tissue site to differentiate or identify tissue at the target tissue site. At least one energy delivery device is coupled to one of the sensor array, at least one of the plurality of resilient members or the elongated delivery device.

A system is provided that furnishes expert procedural guidance based upon patient-specific data gained from surgical instruments incorporating sensors on the instrument's working surface, one or more reference sensors placed about the patient, sensors implanted before, during or after the procedure, the patient's personal medical history, and patient status monitoring equipment. Embodiments include a system having a surgical instrument with a sensor for generating a signal indicative of a property of a subject tissue of the patient, which signal is converted into a current dataset and stored. A processor compares the current dataset with other previously stored datasets, and uses the comparison to assess a physical condition of the subject tissue and/or to guide a procedure being performed on the tissue.

In part, the invention relates to optical caps having at least one lensed surface configured to redirect and focus light outside of the cap. The cap is placed over an optical fiber. Optical radiation travels through the fiber and interacts with the optical surface or optical surfaces of the cap, resulting in a beam that is either focused at a distance outside of the cap or substantially collimated. The optical elements such as the elongate caps described herein can be used with various data collection modalities such optical coherence tomography. In part, the invention relates to a lens assembly that includes a micro-lens; a beam director in optical communication with the micro-lens; and a substantially transparent film or cover. The substantially transparent film is capable of bi-directionally transmitting light, and generating a controlled amount of backscatter. The film can surround a portion of the beam director.

A microscopy system and a microscopy method are provided for observing a fluorescent substance accumulated in a tissue. The microscopy system comprises a filter allowing to observe the tissue at a same time both with visible light and with fluorescent light. It is possible to observe a series of previously recorded fluorescent light images in superposition with the visible light images. An end of the series of images may be automatically determined. A thermal protective filter may be inserted into a beam path of an illuminating system at such automatically determined end of the series. Further, the fluorescent light image may be analyzed for identifying a coherent fluorescent portion thereof. A representation of a periphery line of the coherent portion may be generated, and depths profile data may be obtained only from the coherent portion. An illuminating light beam for exciting the fluorescence may be modulated for improving a contrast of fluorescent images.

Methods and devices are provided for marking tissue to be subsequently located for removal from a body or for other examination. In general, a marker is provided that can be delivered to a target tissue. In one embodiment, the marker can include a solution having a visual marking component and a palpably identifiable tactile marking component. The marker can remain in the body and be subsequently visually and/or palpably identified to locate the target tissue.

The present invention recognizes that optical probes function both as medical access devices and as instruments which collect complex optical data. The invention provides an optical probe accessory device which can access luminal spaces within the body of a patient without sacrificing the quality of optical data obtained. The accessory device further comprises either, singly, or in combination, selectable features or options which optimize light transmission, maximize patient comfort, and provide single-use capabilities.

Instruments and methods are described for performing non-invasive measurements of analyte levels and for monitoring, analyzing and regulating tissue status, such as tissue glucose levels.

Exemplary systems and methods for obtaining a photoluminescence radiation from at least one portion of a sample can be provided. For example, using the exemplary embodiment, it is possible to receive a first radiation and disperse the first radiation into at least one second radiation and at least one third radiation. The second and third radiations can be provided to different locations of the portion. In addition, it is possible to receive the photoluminescence radiation from the portion based on the second and third radiations.

A device for gathering image information about a region of tissue that has been exposed to a contrast agent and methods of use thereof. The device preferably includes night vision goggles, and an excitation source that generates light of a wavelength to activate the contrast agent. The excitation source preferably is attached to the night vision goggles and is capable of directing light to a target. A filter preferably is attached to the night vision goggles, wherein the filter passes light sufficient to form an image of the region of tissue, and wherein the image may be assessed to determine the viability of the region of tissue.

High-accuracy magnetic measurement is performed by efficiently using nitrogen-vacancy pairs in all orientations. A magnetic measurement apparatus includes a diamond crystal and an image sensor. The diamond crystal has nitrogen-vacancy pairs. The image sensor detects the intensities of fluorescence generated by an exciting light applied to the diamond crystal by using a plurality of pixels. The nitrogen-vacancy pairs of the diamond crystal are made to one-to-one correspond to the pixels. The fluorescence generated by one nitrogen-vacancy pair is received by one pixel made to correspond to the nitrogen-vacancy pair.

A fluorescent image obtainment apparatus includes a light illumination means that illuminates a region to be observed with illumination-light and excitation-light at the same time, and an imaging means that captures an image composed of light reflected from the region illuminated with the illumination-light and an image composed of fluorescence output from the region illuminated with the excitation-light. Further, the apparatus includes an image processing means that produces an ordinary image based on the image of the reflection light and a fluorescent image based on the image of fluorescence, and a light amount control means that controls the light amount of the illumination-light so that a representative luminance value of the ordinary image becomes a predetermined luminance value and the light amount of the excitation-light so that the ratio of the light amount of the excitation-light to that of the illumination-light becomes a predetermined ratio.

In fluorescent endoscopic examinations, excitation light and light adjusted by an adjuster filter are alternately projected to an object under observation, the fluorescence light is received by one channel out of three channels by disposing barrier filters before a black-and-white CCD, or received without any filter by the channel of a color CCD which does not react with excitation light but with the fluorescent light, the light adjusted by an adjuster filter is received by the other two channels to capture the background image, the signals sent through the three channels are combined, and the fluorescent image is superimposed on the background image on a monitor. Thus, a sharp fluorescent image and bright field of view are formed and viewed on the same screen simultaneously, and the portions where fluorescence is emitted can be easily specified in the background.

An integrated tool is provided, having a tissue-type sensor, for determining the tissue type at a near zone volume of a tissue surface, and a distance-measuring sensor, for determining the distance to an interface with another tissue type, for (i) confirming an existence of a clean margin of healthy tissue around a malignant tumor, which is being removed, and (ii) determining the depth of the clean margin. The integrated tool may further include a position tracking device and an incision instrument. The soft tissue may be held within a fixed frame, while the tumor is being removed. Additionally a method for malignant tumor removal is provided, comprising, fixing the soft tissue within a frame, performing imaging with the hand-held, integrated tool, from a plurality of locations and orientations around the soft tissue, reconstructing a three-dimensional image of the soft tissue and the tumor within, defining a desired clean margin on the reconstructed image, calculating a recommended incision path, displaying the recommended path on the reconstructed image, and cutting the tissue while determining its type, at the near zone volume of the incision surface. The method may further include continuously imaging with the cutting, continuously correcting the reconstructed image and the recommended incision path, and continuously determining the tissue type, at the near zone volume of the incision surface.

A device including a flexible substrate and an ultraviolet radiation system is disclosed. The ultraviolet radiation system can include at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to emit ultraviolet radiation towards a surface to be disinfected, an ultraviolet transparent component configured to focus the ultraviolet radiation, and a control system configured to control the at least one ultraviolet radiation source. The device can include a hand article, such as a glove.

Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect.

There is provided an endoscope insertion portion capable of ensuring an excellent observation field of view. The endoscope insertion portion of this invention includes: an insertion portion including a distal end portion and provided inside with a duct allowing a medical instrument to be inserted; a first image pickup portion; a second image pickup portion; a first observation optical system for condensing light incident on the first image pickup portion; a second observation optical system for condensing light incident on the second image pickup portion; and an aperture portion communicating with the duct. On the distal end surface of the distal end portion, a distance between a center of the aperture portion and a center of the first observation optical system is shorter than a distance between the center of the aperture portion and a center of the second observation optical system.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging system, including: an MRI device adapted to image at least a portion of an animal; a photon source; an imaging photon detector that detects photons emitted by the photon source; and an image processor that superimposes the MRI image and the photon detector image. The system also includes one or more polarizers located between the animal and the photon detector.

A wearable ultraviolet light phototherapy device is disclosed. The wearable ultraviolet light phototherapy device can have a substrate or a housing that is to be worn on a body part of a patient. At least one ultraviolet light emitting source located about the substrate or housing can deliver ultraviolet radiation into the body part of the patient. A control module can control operation of the at least one ultraviolet light emitting source. To this extent, the control module can direct the at least one ultraviolet light emitting source to deliver a predetermined amount of ultraviolet radiation at a peak wavelength into the body part of a patient. The control module can determine the predetermined amount of ultraviolet radiation as a function of the patient's susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation.

An intramolecularly-quenched, near infrared fluorescence probe that emits substantial fluorescence only after interaction with a target tissue (i.e., activation) is disclosed. The probe includes a polymeric backbone and a plurality of near infrared fluorochromes covalently linked to the backbone at fluorescence-quenching interaction-permissive positions separable by enzymatic cleavage at fluorescence activation sites. The probe optionally includes protective chains or fluorochrome spacers, or both. Also disclosed are methods of using the intramolecularly-quenched, near infrared fluorescence probes for in vivo optical imaging.

A self-contained, handheld probe for measuring at least one parameter of skin condition, has one or more light sources that may be used to project light upon the skin. The light projected is of a selected wavelength known to generate a specific fluorescence that is indicative of the skin parameter of interest in accordance with a known correlation. To produce the proper excitation light, a light source generating that wavelength is used or a broader spectrum of light is selectively filtered to pass the wavelength of interest. Lenses, fiber optic elements or waveguides may be employed to project the light onto the skin at a specific location and/or to deliver the skin response to a light detector, which measures the light signal from the skin. and generates an output signal indicative of the value of the at least one parameter. The probe may be used to measure skin age, photodamage and/or proliferation.

A device and method to non-invasively identify pathological skin lesions. The method and device detect and identify of different kinds of skin nevi, tumors, lesions and cancers (namely, melanoma) by combined analyses of visible and infra-red optical signals based on integral and spectral regimes for detection and imaging leading earlier warning and treatment of potentially dangerous conditions.

The present invention relates to a system for determining vital sign information of a subject and a marker for use in determining vital sign information of a subject. An embodiment of a marker comprises a marker area that emits light towards a skin of the subject for determining vital sign information from the reflected light, and attachment element that attaches the marker to the subject. An embodiment of a system further comprises a detection unit that detects radiation emitted by the marker towards a skin of the subject and reflected from the skin of the subject, and an analysis unit that determines the vital sign information of the subject from the detected radiation reflected from the skin of the subject.

In an endoscope system including: a light emission unit emits laser light as illumination light or excitation light; a light guide unit guides the illumination light or the excitation light to an object; and an image pickup unit picks up a normal image formed with reflection light generated by reflection of the illumination light from the object or a fluorescence image emitted from the object in response to the excitation light. The laser light is multiaxial-mode laser light, or the light emission unit includes a plurality of laser-light sources which emit single-axial-mode laser beams having different wavelengths or phases. Alternatively, a vibration unit which vibrates the light guide unit is provided, or a high-frequency signal is superimposed on a driving current of the light emission unit, so that the wavelength of the laser light is shifted among a plurality of values.

In medical imaging, a fiducial marker facilitates tissue image correlation that allows for image analysis, normalization and correction of the optical exposure and spectral and spatial distribution in order to compensate for the surface reflections, sub surface tissue interactions and spatial orientation of the excitation and imaging axes to the subject tissue. Using a cross comparison, clinicians can model tissue image data in different forms in order to reference and compare data from various spectral components and or from different images. This may enhance human interpretation between images including the variations between images even when the spectral, spatial and optical conditions or the image resolution or sensitivity are compromised. Such may be used to assess cosmetic, moisturizing, therapeutic materials and treatments.

A sensing catheter having an outer flexible sheath and a proximal section containing a sensing system having a sensing means, a radiant energy providing means and radiation transmitting means, preferably all housed within a fluid channel.

The present invention discloses apparatuses and methods for non-invasive determination of attributes of human tissue by quantitative infrared spectroscopy. The embodiments of the present invention include subsystems optimized to contend with the complexities of the tissue measurements. The subsystems can include an illumination/modulation subsystem, a tissue sampling subsystem, a calibration maintenance subsystem, a data acquisition subsystem, and a computing subsystem. Embodiments of the present invention provide analyte property determination and identity determination or verification from the same spectroscopic information, making unauthorized use or misleading results less likely that in systems that include separate analyte and identity determinations. The invention can be used to prevent operation of automobiles or other equipment unless the operator has an acceptable alcohol concentration, and to limit operation of automobiles or other equipment to authorized individuals who are not intoxicated or drug-impaired.

A handle section for an oral health detection device that is capable of use with both diagnostic and non-diagnostic cleaning sections is disclosed. The handle section includes a motor and a drive shaft having a longitudinal axis; a coupling section at an end of the handle section for coupling a cleaning section thereto; a light source for emitting excitation radiation having a wavelength greater than about 580 nm; an assembly for directing the excitation radiation to the dental region of the mouth; a light sensor for receiving fluorescence radiation having a wavelength greater than about 850 nm reflected from dental deposits; a logic component operable to analyze the fluorescence radiation received by the light sensor; and a controller including a light source activating device that is activated when a diagnostic cleaning section including a coding device is coupled to the coupling section.

The present invention relates generally to non-invasive methods and apparatuses for determining analyte properties of a subject and identity characteristics of a subject. Embodiments of the present invention provide analyte property determination and identity determination or verification from the same spectroscopic information, making unauthorized use or misleading results less likely that in systems that include separate analyte and identity determinations. The invention can be used to control and monitor individuals accessing controlled environments.

An apparatus and control method provides for automated, computer control to illuminate hair, sense aspects of that hair, calculate enhancements based on the sensed aspects of the hair, and precisely apply compounds on the hair in spatial conformance with the sensed aspects to create those enhancements. Examples of such compounds are hair coloring agents and hair care agents.