LIGHTLAB IMAGING, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160073885 | Methods, Systems and Apparatus for Temporal Calibration of an Intravascular Imaging System - In part, the disclosure relates to systems for imaging a blood vessel using intravascular image data and extravascular image data and methods to calibrate such systems. In one embodiment, multiple calibration trials are performed to determine a plurality of time lag values. A minimum time lag value is used to align intravascular image data and extravascular time lag data in one embodiment. | 03-17-2016 |
20160022208 | Stent and Vessel Visualization and Diagnostic Systems, Devices, and Methods - In part, the disclosure relates to computer-based methods, devices, and systems suitable for pre-stent planning, stent planning and post-stent planning using one or more computing devices. In one embodiment, a method generates one or more stent profiles, such as a target stent profile, that are user configurable during a pre-stent planning stage by selecting one or more frames. The method performs a comparative analysis of the previously set target stent profile relative to a vessel lumen region post stent deployment. The method and related user interfaces can alert a user to move, remove, reposition, or inflate a stent. The location of jailed side branches can also be identified and displayed based upon the comparative analysis. Parameters that change based on the outcome of the stent deployment can be displayed in terms of the predicted parameter value and the value that is measured or determined after stent deployment. | 01-28-2016 |
20160018211 | Miniature Optical Elements for Fiber-Optic Beam Shaping - 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. | 01-21-2016 |
20150370229 | Controller and User Interface Device, Systems, and Methods - A data collection system controller that includes a housing such as a cover. The housing includes a user facing section and a support facing section defining a hole. The controller also includes a first input device adjacent the user facing section and a second input device. The second input device includes a knob comprising a third input device and a rotatable shaft extending through the hole and partially disposed within the knob. In one embodiment, the second input device is an XYZ joystick with a button. In one embodiment, the joystick and the first input device are angled relative to each other on either side of an elbow joint. In part, the invention relates to a method of controlling the display of image data obtained with respect to a blood vessel. | 12-24-2015 |
20150297373 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED DETERMINATION OF A LUMEN CONTOUR OF A STENTED BLOOD VESSEL - In part, the invention relates to a method for sizing a stent for placement in a vessel. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: dividing the vessel into a plurality of segments, each segment being defined as the space between branches of the vessel; selecting a starting point that appears to have substantially no disease; defining the diameter at this point to be the maximum diameter; calculating the maximal diameter of the next adjacent segment according to a power law; measuring the actual diameter of the next adjacent segment; selecting either the calculated maximum diameter or the measured maximum diameter depending upon which diameter is larger; using the selected maximum diameter to find the maximum diameter of this next segment; iteratively proceeding until the entire length of the vessel is examined; and selecting a stent in response to the diameters of the end proximal and distal segments. | 10-22-2015 |
20150192405 | Methods and Apparatus for Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography - In one embodiment of the invention, a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) in a laser ring is chosen to provide low polarization-dependent gain (PDG) and a booster semiconductor optical amplifier, outside of the ring, is chosen to provide high polarization-dependent gain. The use of a semiconductor optical amplifier with low polarization-dependent gain nearly eliminates variations in the polarization state of the light at the output of the laser, but does not eliminate the intra-sweep variations in the polarization state at the output of the laser, which can degrade the performance of the SS-OCT system. | 07-09-2015 |
20150153157 | Intensity Noise Reduction Methods and Apparatus for Interferometric Sensing and Imaging Systems - In part, aspects of the invention relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for intensity and/or pattern line noise reduction in a data collection system such as an optical coherence tomography system that uses an electromagnetic radiation source and interferometric principles. In one embodiment, the noise is intensity noise or line pattern noise and the source is a laser such as a swept laser. One or more attenuators responsive to one or more control signals can be used in conjunction with an analog or digital feedback network in one embodiment. | 06-04-2015 |
20150119707 | Torque Limiter for an OCT Catheter - An apparatus comprising a torque wire connected to an imaging probe; and a torque limiter defining a bore, a first end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with a motor, a second end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with the torque wire, the torque wire being disposed through the bore of the torque limiter. The torque limiter comprises a member defining at least one cutout which causes the torque limiter to break when rotational force on the torque wire exceeds a predetermined amount, thereby decoupling the motor from the torque wire. | 04-30-2015 |
20140379269 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A FRACTIONAL FLOW RESERVE - In one aspect, the invention relates to system comprising: a processor configured to receive a first optical coherence tomography (OCT) data set obtained during a pullback of a data collection probe along a first length of a first blood vessel; determine a minimum lumen area disposed along the first length using the first OCT data set; and determine a first FFR value along the first length based on the minimum lumen area. In one embodiment, the first FFR value is an estimated FFR. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method that includes measuring, using OCT, the area of a lumen of a vessel for which the vessel's FFR is to be determined; and calculating, using a computer, A | 12-25-2014 |
20140276011 | Lumen Morphology and Vascular Resistance Measurements Data Collection Systems, Apparatus and Methods - A method and apparatus of automatically locating in an image of a blood vessel the lumen boundary at a position in the vessel and from that measuring the diameter of the vessel. From the diameter of the vessel and estimate blood flow rate, a number of clinically significant physiological parameters are then determine and various user displays of interest generated. One use of these images and parameters is to aid the clinician in the placement of a stent. The system, in one embodiment, uses these measurements to allow the clinician to simulate the placement of a stent and to determine the effect of the placement. In addition, from these patient parameters various patient treatments are then performed. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270436 | Vascular Data Processing and Image Registration Systems, Methods, and Apparatuses - In part, the invention relates to processing, tracking and registering angiography images and elements in such images relative to images from an intravascular imaging modality such as, for example, optical coherence tomography (OCT). Registration between such imaging modalities is facilitated by tracking of a marker of the intravascular imaging probe performed on the angiography images obtained during a pullback. Further, detecting and tracking vessel centerlines is used to perform a continuous registration between OCT and angiography images in one embodiment. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268167 | Calibration and Image Processing Devices, Methods, and Systems - In part, the invention relates to systems and methods of calibrating a plurality of frames generated with respect to a blood vessel as a result of a pullback of an intravascular imaging probe being pullback through the vessel. A calibration feature disposed in the frames that changes between a subset of the frames can be used to perform calibration. Calibration can be performed post-pullback. Various filters and image processing techniques can be used to identify one or more feature in the frames including, without limitation, a calibration feature, a guidewire, a side branch, a stent strut, a lumen of the blood vessel, and other features. The feature can be displayed using a graphic user interface. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267038 | Controller and User Interface Device, Systems, and Methods - A data collection system controller that includes a housing such as a cover. The housing includes a user facing section and a support facing section defining a hole. The controller also includes a first input device adjacent the user facing section and a second input device. The second input device includes a knob comprising a third input device and a rotatable shaft extending through the hole and partially disposed within the knob. In one embodiment, the second input device is an XYZ joystick with a button. In one embodiment, the joystick and the first input device are angled relative to each other on either side of an elbow joint. In part, the invention relates to a method of controlling the display of image data obtained with respect to a blood vessel. | 09-18-2014 |
20140257087 | Stent Visualization and Malapposition Detection Systems, Devices, and Methods - In part, the invention relates to computer-based methods, devices, and systems suitable for displaying stent malapposition in a 2-D or 3-D image. A threshold malapposition distance can be set as an input in response to which a software component in an imaging pipeline automatically detects stent struts and calculates a malapposition distance from a lumen contour. Projections of stent strut dimensions can be used to compensate for stent imaging artifacts results from imaging probe orientation in the lumen. | 09-11-2014 |
20140249407 | Miniature Optical Elements for Fiber-Optic Beam Shaping - 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. | 09-04-2014 |
20140218742 | Optical Coherence Tomography Control Systems and Methods - In part, the invention relates to methods, devices, and systems suitable for controlling a light source. The light source is configured for use in a data collection system such as an optical coherence tomography system. The light source can be controlled with a drive waveform. Linearizing and symmetrizing parameters of the light source such as forward and backward scan durations is achieved using a suitable drive waveform. Phase, amplitude, and other parameters for different harmonics of a fundamental wave can be identified that improve operating parameters such as the duty cycle and peak frequency matching between scans. The fundamental wave and one or more of such harmonics can be combined to generate the suitable drive wave form. The light source can include a tunable light source that includes or is in optical communication with a tunable filter. | 08-07-2014 |
20140187929 | Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography System with Pressure Monitoring Interface and Accessories - An optical coherence tomography system and method with integrated pressure measurement. In one embodiment the system includes an interferometer including: a wavelength swept laser; a source arm in communication with the wavelength swept laser; a reference arm in communication with a reference reflector; a first photodetector having a signal output; a detector arm in communication with the first photodetector, a probe interface; a sample arm in communication with a first optical connector of the probe interface; an acquisition and display system comprising: an A/D converter having a signal input in communication with the first photodetector signal output and a signal output; a processor system in communication with the A/D converter signal output; and a display in communication with the processor system; and a probe comprising a pressure sensor and configured for connection to the first optical connector of the probe interface, wherein the pressure transducer comprises an optical pressure transducer. | 07-03-2014 |
20140142427 | Automated Fluid Delivery Catheter and System - In part, the invention relates to catheters, methods, and blood clearing technologies suitable for use in an optical coherence tomography system. The optical coherence tomography system includes a control system, a probe including a catheter defining a lumen and a rotatable optical fiber located within the lumen, a fluid cartridge holder in communication with the lumen of the probe, a pump to move fluid from the fluid cartridge to the lumen of the probe; and a motor configured to rotate and pull the optical fiber through the lumen of a blood vessel. The pump and the motor are controlled by the control system. The catheter can include a wall that bounds the lumen of the probe, which defines a flush port and includes a valve in fluid communication with the flush port, the valve configured to permit fluid from the lumen to pass through the wall. | 05-22-2014 |
20140114182 | Opto-Acoustic Imaging Devices and Methods - In one aspect, the invention relates to a probe. The probe includes a sheath, a flexible, bi-directionally rotatable, optical subsystem positioned within the sheath, the optical subsystem comprising a transmission fiber, the optical subsystem capable of transmitting and collecting light of a predetermined range of wavelengths along a first beam having a predetermined beam size. The probe also includes an ultrasound subsystem, the ultrasound subsystem positioned within the sheath and adapted to propagate energy of a predetermined range of frequencies along a second beam having a second predetermined beam size, wherein a portion of the first and second beams overlap a region during a scan. | 04-24-2014 |
20140094697 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AND PRESSURE BASED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In part, the invention relates to methods, apparatus, and systems suitable for determining a fractional flow reserve (FFR) and variations of modifications thereof One embodiment relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining a corrected FFR in a vessel having a stenosis. In one aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for measuring corrected FFR of a vessel having a stenosis. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a probe comprising an optical coherence tomography assembly and a pressure assembly; and a processor in communication with the optical coherence tomography assembly and the pressure assembly. In one embodiment, the pressure assembly measures values of pressure in predetermined locations the vessel and communicates them to the processor. In one embodiment, a dual guidewire is used to reduce the interference in the pressure measurement. | 04-03-2014 |
20140063488 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In part, the invention relates to methods, devices, and systems suitable for controlling a light source. The light source is configured for use in a data collection system such as an optical coherence tomography system. The light source can be controlled with a drive waveform. Linearizing and symmetrizing parameters of the light source such as forward and backward scan durations is achieved using a suitable drive waveform. Phase, amplitude, and other parameters for different harmonics of a fundamental wave can be identified that improve operating parameters such as the duty cycle and peak frequency matching between scans. The fundamental wave and one or more of such harmonics can be combined to generate the suitable drive wave form. The light source can include a tunable light source that includes or is in optical communication with a tunable filter. | 03-06-2014 |
20140036941 | Methods, Systems, and Devices for Timing Control in Electromagnetic Radiation Sources - In one embodiment, the invention relates to systems, methods and devices for improving the operation of an electromagnetic radiation source or component thereof. In one embodiment, the source is a laser source. A Fourier domain mode locked laser can be used in various embodiments. The sources described herein can be used in an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system such as a frequency domain OCT system. In one embodiment, laser coherence length is increased by compensating for dispersion. A frequency shifter can also be used in one embodiment to compensate for a tunable filter induced Doppler shift. | 02-06-2014 |
20140024931 | Data Encoders for Medical Devices and Related Methods - In part, the invention relates to systems, methods, and devices that store and retrieve information associated with an imaging probe such as an ultrasound probe, an optical coherence tomography probe, a multimodal probe and other probes. The information that is stored relates to one or more measurable properties for a specific imaging probe. Thus, when each probe is manufactured there can be variations in its length, brightness, angular alignment of its constituent elements, and various other probe specific measurements. In turn, these measurements can be used to calibrate or otherwise use a given probe with a system that collects, stores, or otherwise processes information collected using each probe. | 01-23-2014 |
20130310698 | Apparatus, Systems, and Methods of In-Vivo Blood Clearing in a Lumen - In one aspect, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method of triggering optical coherence tomography data collection. The method includes collecting optical coherence tomography data with respect to a vessel using an optical coherence tomography probe disposed in the vessel; determining a clearing radius and a quality value for each frame of optical coherence tomography data collected for the vessel using a computer; determining if a blood clearing state has occurred using at least one clearing radius and at least one quality value; and generating a trigger signal in response to the blood clearing state. | 11-21-2013 |
20130072805 | Lumen Morphology and Vascular Resistance Measurements Data Collection Systems, Apparatus and Methods - A method and apparatus of automatically locating in an image of a blood vessel the lumen boundary at a position in the vessel and from that measuring the diameter of the vessel. From the diameter of the vessel and estimated blood flow rate, a number of clinically significant physiological parameters are then determined and various user displays of interest generated. One use of these images and parameters is to aid the clinician in the placement of a stent. The system, in one embodiment, uses these measurements to allow the clinician to simulate the placement of a stent and to determine the effect of the placement. In addition, from these patient parameters various patient treatments are then performed. | 03-21-2013 |
20130023761 | Torque Limiter for an OCT Catheter - An apparatus comprising a torque wire connected to an imaging probe; and a torque limiter defining a bore, a first end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with a motor, a second end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with the torque wire, the torque wire being disposed through the bore of the torque limiter. The torque limiter comprises a member defining at least one cutout which causes the torque limiter to break when rotational force on the torque wire exceeds a predetermined amount, thereby decoupling the motor from the torque wire. | 01-24-2013 |
20130012811 | Opto-Acoustic Imaging Devices and Methods - In one aspect, the invention relates to a probe. The probe includes a sheath, a flexible, bi-directionally rotatable, optical subsystem positioned within the sheath, the optical subsystem comprising a transmission fiber, the optical subsystem capable of transmitting and collecting light of a predetermined range of wavelengths along a first beam having a predetermined beam size. The probe also includes an ultrasound subsystem, the ultrasound subsystem positioned within the sheath and adapted to propagate energy of a predetermined range of frequencies along a second beam having a second predetermined beam size, wherein a portion of the first and second beams overlap a region during a scan. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010303 | Imaging Catheter With Integrated Reference Reflector - In part, the invention relates to a lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a micro-lens; a beam director in optical communication with the micro-lens; and a substantially transparent film. The substantially transparent film is capable of bi-directionally transmitting light, and generating a controlled amount of backscatter. In addition, the film surrounds a portion of the beam director. | 01-10-2013 |
20120310081 | Multimodal Imaging System, Apparatus, and Methods - In part, the invention relates to an image data collection system. The system can include an interferometer having a reference arm that includes a first optical fiber of length of L | 12-06-2012 |
20120250028 | Optical Buffering Methods, Apparatus, and Systems for Increasing the Repetition Rate of Tunable Light Sources - In one embodiment, the invention relates to an apparatus for increasing the repetition rate in a light source. The apparatus includes a first optical coupler comprising a first arm, a second arm and a third arm; a first mirror in optical communication with the second arm of the first optical coupler; and a first optical delay line having a first end in optical communication with the third arm of the first optical coupler and a second end in optical communication with a second mirror, wherein light entering the first arm of the first optical coupler leaves the first arm of the first optical coupler either delayed by an amount (τ) or substantially undelayed. | 10-04-2012 |
20120238869 | Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography System with Pressure Monitoring Interface and Accessories - An optical coherence tomography system and method with integrated pressure measurement. In one embodiment the system includes an interferometer including: a wavelength swept laser; a source arm in communication with the wavelength swept laser; a reference arm in communication with a reference reflector; a first photodetector having a signal output; a detector arm in communication with the first photodetector, a probe interface; a sample arm in communication with a first optical connector of the probe interface; an acquisition and display system comprising: an A/D converter having a signal input in communication with the first photodetector signal output and a signal output; a processor system in communication with the A/D converter signal output; and a display in communication with the processor system; and a probe comprising a pressure sensor and configured for connection to the first optical connector of the probe interface, wherein the pressure transducer comprises an optical pressure transducer. | 09-20-2012 |
20120236883 | Methods, Systems, and Devices for Timing Control in Electromagnetic Radiation Sources - In one embodiment, the invention relates to systems, methods and devices for improving the operation of an electromagnetic radiation source or component thereof. In one embodiment, the source is a laser source. A Fourier domain mode locked laser can be used in various embodiments. The sources described herein can be used in an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system such as a frequency domain OCT system. In one embodiment, laser coherence length is increased by compensating for dispersion. A frequency shifter can also be used in one embodiment to compensate for a tunable filter induced Doppler shift. | 09-20-2012 |
20120075691 | Wavelength-Tunable Light Source - In at least one embodiment of the wavelength-tunable light source, it comprises an output source, which is capable in operation of generating electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the light source has a wavelength-selective first filter element, which is situated downstream from the output source. Moreover, the light source contains a first amplifier medium, which is situated downstream from the first filter element and is capable of at least partial amplification of the radiation emitted by the output source. The light source further comprises at least one wavelength-selective second filter element, which is situated downstream from the first amplifier medium, the second filter element having an optical spacing to the first filter element. The first filter element and the at least one second filter element are tunable via a control unit, which the light source has. | 03-29-2012 |
20120057157 | IMAGING CATHETER WITH INTEGRATED REFERENCE REFLECTOR - In part, the invention relates to a lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a micro-lens; a beam director in optical communication with the micro-lens; and a substantially transparent film. The substantially transparent film is capable of bi-directionally transmitting light, and generating a controlled amount of backscatter. In addition, the film surrounds a portion of the beam director. | 03-08-2012 |
20110228280 | Intensity Noise Reduction Methods and Apparatus for Interferometric Sensing and Imaging Systems - In part, aspects of the invention relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for intensity and/or pattern line noise reduction in a data collection system such as an optical coherence tomography system that uses an electromagnetic radiation source and interferometric principles. In one embodiment, the noise is intensity noise or line pattern noise and the source is a laser such as a swept laser. One or more attenuators responsive to one or more control signals can be used in conjunction with an analog or digital feedback network in one embodiment. | 09-22-2011 |
20110216325 | Methods and Apparatus for Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography - In one embodiment of the invention, a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) in a laser ring is chosen to provide low polarization-dependent gain (PDG) and a booster semiconductor optical amplifier, outside of the ring, is chosen to provide high polarization-dependent gain. The use of a semiconductor optical amplifier with low polarization-dependent gain nearly eliminates variations in the polarization state of the light at the output of the laser, but does not eliminate the intra-sweep variations in the polarization state at the output of the laser, which can degrade the performance of the SS-OCT system. | 09-08-2011 |
20110172511 | Opto-Acoustic Imaging Devices and Methods - In one aspect, the invention relates to a probe. The probe includes a sheath, a flexible, bi-directionally rotatable, optical subsystem positioned within the sheath, the optical subsystem comprising a transmission fiber, the optical subsystem capable of transmitting and collecting light of a predetermined range of wavelengths along a first beam having a predetermined beam size. The probe also includes an ultrasound subsystem, the ultrasound subsystem positioned within the sheath and adapted to propagate energy of a predetermined range of frequencies along a second beam having a second predetermined beam size, wherein a portion of the first and second beams overlap a region during a scan. | 07-14-2011 |
20110157686 | Wavelength-Tunable Light Source - In at least one embodiment of the wavelength-tunable light source ( | 06-30-2011 |
20110151980 | TORQUE LIMITER FOR AN OCT CATHETER - An apparatus comprising a torque wire connected to an imaging probe; and a torque limiter defining a bore, a first end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with a motor, a second end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with the torque wire, the torque wire being disposed through the bore of the torque limiter. The torque limiter comprises a member defining at least one cutout which causes the torque limiter to break when rotational force on the torque wire exceeds a predetermined amount, thereby decoupling the motor from the torque wire. | 06-23-2011 |
20110101207 | Methods and Apparatus for Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography - In one embodiment of the invention, a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) in a laser ring is chosen to provide low polarization-dependent gain (PDG) and a booster semiconductor optical amplifier, outside of the ring, is chosen to provide high polarization-dependent gain. The use of a semiconductor optical amplifier with low polarization-dependent gain nearly eliminates variations in the polarization state of the light at the output of the laser, but does not eliminate the intra-sweep variations in the polarization state at the output of the laser, which can degrade the performance of the SS-OCT system. | 05-05-2011 |
20110071405 | Apparatus, Systems, and Methods of in-vivo Blood Clearing in a Lumen - In one aspect, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method of triggering optical coherence tomography data collection. The method includes collecting optical coherence tomography data with respect to a vessel using an optical coherence tomography probe disposed in the vessel; determining a clearing radius and a quality value for each frame of optical coherence tomography data collected for the vessel using a computer; determining if a blood clearing state has occurred using at least one clearing radius and at least one quality value; and generating a trigger signal in response to the blood clearing state. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071404 | Lumen Morphology and Vascular Resistance Measurements Data Collection Systems, Apparatus and Methods - A method and apparatus of automatically locating in an image of a blood vessel the lumen boundary at a position in the vessel and from that measuring the diameter of the vessel. From the diameter of the vessel and estimated blood flow rate, a number of clinically significant physiological parameters are then determined and various user displays of interest generated. One use of these images and parameters is to aid the clinician in the placement of a stent. The system, in one embodiment, uses these measurements to allow the clinician to simulate the placement of a stent and to determine the effect of the placement. In addition, from these patient parameters various patient treatments are then performed. | 03-24-2011 |
20110007315 | IMAGING CATHETER WITH INTEGRATED REFERENCE REFLECTOR - In part, the invention relates to a lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a micro-lens; a beam director in optical communication with the micro-lens; and a substantially transparent film. The substantially transparent film is capable of bi-directionally transmitting light, and generating a controlled amount of backscatter. In addition, the film surrounds a portion of the beam director. | 01-13-2011 |
20100253949 | Miniature Optical Elements for Fiber-Optic Beam Shaping - 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. | 10-07-2010 |
20100094127 | METHODS FOR STENT STRUT DETECTION AND RELATED MEASUREMENT AND DISPLAY USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY - In one embodiment, the invention relates to a processor based method for generating positional and other information relating to a stent in the lumen of a vessel using a computer. The method includes the steps of generating an optical coherence image data set in response to an OCT scan of a sample containing at least one stent; and identifying at least one one-dimensional local cue in the image data set relating to the position of the stent. | 04-15-2010 |
20090306520 | Quantitative methods for obtaining tissue characteristics from optical coherence tomography images - A method and apparatus for determining properties of a tissue or tissues imaged by optical coherence tomography (OCT). In one embodiment the backscatter and attenuation of the OCT optical beam is measured and based on these measurements and indicium such as color is assigned for each portion of the image corresponding to the specific value of the backscatter and attenuation for that portion. The image is then displayed with the indicia and a user can then determine the tissue characteristics. In an alternative embodiment the tissue characteristics is classified automatically by a program given the combination of backscatter and attenuation values. | 12-10-2009 |
20090122320 | Imaging catheter with integrated reference reflector - In part, the invention relates to a lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a micro-lens; a beam director in optical communication with the micro-lens; and a substantially transparent film. The substantially transparent film is capable of bi-directionally transmitting light, and generating a controlled amount of backscatter. In addition, the film surrounds a portion of the beam director. | 05-14-2009 |