Infrared endoscopic imaging in a liquid with suspended particles: method and apparatus
October 23, 2018. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesApparatus with a catheter for examining hollow organs or bodies with the ultrasonic waves Endoscope with expansible cuff member and operation section Laser device for an endoscope Endoscopic device Imaging of hot infrared emitting surfaces obscured by particulate fume and hot gases Measuring endoscope Endoscope apparatus using solid state image pickup device Apparatus and method for imaging small cavities Mid-infrared laser endoscope Infrared fundus video angiography system InventorsApplicationNo. 178566 filed on 10/23/1998US Classes:600/473, Infrared radiation348/77, Human body observation600/160, Having imaging and illumination means600/342Light conducting fiber inserted in bodyExaminersPrimary: Lateef, Marvin M.Assistant: Shaw, Shawna J. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassA61B 005/00AbstractA device and method for imaging an object that is situated within a fluid environment having suspended particles uses infrared illumination. In a representative application, a catheter having fiber optics is inserted into the vasculature of a patient. The fiber optics transmits infrared light to an optical head at a distal end of the catheter, which transmits the light into a bloody environment to an object to be imaged. Light reflecting from the object is collected and transmitted throughout the fiber optic to an infrared camera, so that an image is formed. Proper selection of the wavelength of infrared illumination allows objects to be imaged through what would otherwise be an opaque liquid. The invention has particular utility in the field of medical imaging.Field of SearchInfrared radiationInfrared, visible light, or ultraviolet radiation directed on or through body or constituent released therefrom Light conducting fiber inserted in body With camera or solid state imager Having imaging and illumination means Light source Light conducting fiber inserted into a body Light application Lithotripsy With particular wavelength Ophthalmic With optical fiber With endoscope Laser Illumination Human body observation Eye BLOOD ANALYSIS OPTICAL PYROMETERS INFRARED AND ULTRAVIOLET | |
