High resolution optical coherence tomography based imaging for intraluminal and interstitial use implemented with a reduced form factor
US7952718B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B2290/65
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Mechanically robust minimal form factor OCT probes suitable for medical applications such as needle biopsy, intraluminal and intravascular imaging are achieved in part by employing compound lenses with some or all of the optical elements, including an optical fiber, to be thermally fused in tandem. To achieve a desired working distance without increasing a diameter of the optics assembly, a spacer can be disposed between the optical fiber and focusing optics. The compound lens configuration can achieve higher transverse resolution compared to a single lens at a desired working distance without increasing the probe diameter. In exemplary needle biopsy embodiments, the optical assembly is encapsulated in a glass housing or metal-like housing with a glass window, which is then selectively passed through a hollow needle. Esophageal imaging embodiments are combined with a balloon catheter. Circumferential and three-dimensional spiral scanning can be achieved in each embodiment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.