Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
  • A61B5/0073—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence by tomography, i.e. reconstruction of 3D images from 2D projections
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
  • A61B5/0062—Arrangements for scanning
  • A61B5/0066—Optical coherence imaging
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
  • A61B5/0082—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence adapted for particular medical purposes
  • A61B5/0084—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence adapted for particular medical purposes for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
  • G02B23/24—Instruments or systems for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes
  • G02B23/2407—Optical details
  • G02B23/2423—Optical details of the distal end
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
  • G02B23/24—Instruments or systems for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes
  • G02B23/2407—Optical details
  • G02B23/2461—Illumination
  • G02B23/2469—Illumination using optical fibres
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
  • G02B23/24—Instruments or systems for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes
  • G02B23/26—Instruments or systems for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes using light guides
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B26/00—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements
  • G02B26/08—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
  • G02B26/10—Scanning systems
  • G02B26/101—Scanning systems with both horizontal and vertical deflecting means, e.g. raster or XY scanners
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B26/00—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements
  • G02B26/08—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
  • G02B26/10—Scanning systems
  • G02B26/103—Scanning systems having movable or deformable optical fibres, light guides or waveguides as scanning elements

Definitions

• OCT Optical Coherence Tomography
• OCT is an imaging technique which provides microscopic tomographic sectioning of biological samples. By measuring singly backscattered light as a function of depth, OCT fills a valuable niche in imaging of tissue ultrastructure, providing sub-surface imaging with high spatial resolution (-5-10 ⁇ ) in three dimensions and high sensitivity (>1 lOdB) in vivo with no contact needed between the probe and the tissue.
• OCT allows for micrometer-scale imaging non-invasively in transparent, translucent, and highly-scattering biological tissues.
• the longitudinal ranging capability of OCT is based on low-coherence interferometry, in which light from a broadband source is split between illuminating the sample of interest and a reference path in a fiber optic interferometer.
• the interference pattern of light backscattered from the sample and light from the reference delay contains information about the location and scattering amplitude of the scatterers in the sample. This information is recorded as a map of the reflectivity of the sample versus depth, called an A-scan.
• OCT technology has had a profound effect upon ophthalmic imaging and diagnosis. Its capabilities are also being embraced by gastroenterology, urology, oncology, and other specialties.
• the OCT B-scan is used daily in ophthalmology clinics to evaluate the delicate structures within the eye for evidence of macular edema, macular holes, subtle retinal lesions, glaucomatous retinal nerve fiber thinning, etc.
• OCT has evolved with improved imaging speed and resolution especially of the retinal layers in research investigations.
• Real-time OCT B-scan imaging of laser ablation has been achieved with ultrahigh- speed optical frequency domain imaging, but not through a miniature probe.
• Large and small OCT side-scanning probes have been developed to examine tissues within tubular structures such as the esophagus and coronary arteries with lateral resolution up to 10 ⁇ . Probes as small as 0.36 mm have been developed, but they project views only from the side rather than directly in front of the catheter tip.
• OCT has been combined with the operating microscope, but its lateral resolution was found to be 5 -times less than with the handheld OCT probe system during laryngoscopy.
• a forward-imaging OCT B-scan device has been used to image bladders, but its diameter is relatively large at 5.8 mm X 3 mm.
• the standard microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror component of an OCT forward-imaging probe has been reduced to a diameter of 1 mm, but the mirror alone is still larger than ophthalmic probe requirements.
• Others have used a piezoelectric cantilever system with a rod lens 2.7 mm in diameter, a lead zirconate titanate actuator and cantilever within a 2.4 mm diameter probe, a fiber-bundle system measuring 3.2 mm in diameter, complicated paired rotating GRIN lenses in a probe measuring 1.65 mm in diameter, and an electrostatic scanning probe measuring 2.2 mm in diameter.
• the invention is related to an OCT probe
• the invention provides an optical coherence tomography probe comprising a housing configured to support an actuator, a first conduit connected to the housing, a second conduit positioned within the first conduit and in communication with the actuator, a third conduit, and a single mode fiber.
• the third conduit is positioned within the second conduit, and the third conduit includes a first linear portion and a second curved portion, the second portion extending from a distal end of the second conduit.
• the single mode fiber is positioned within the third conduit, and a portion of the single mode fiber extends from a distal end of the third conduit.
• the portion of the single mode fiber is configured to move laterally when the actuator activates the second conduit to slide along the third conduit, and the single mode fiber is configured to scan light data reflected from a sample positioned in front of a distal end of the first conduit.
• the invention provides an endoscope comprising a light source, an imaging source, and an optical coherence tomography probe.
• the probe includes a housing configured to support an actuator, a first conduit connected to the housing, a second conduit positioned within the first conduit and in communication with the actuator, a third conduit, and a single mode fiber.
• the third conduit is positioned within the second conduit, and the third conduit includes a first linear portion and a second curved portion, the second portion extending from a distal end of the second conduit.
• the single mode fiber is positioned within the third conduit, and a portion of the single mode fiber extends from a distal end of the third conduit.
• the portion of the single mode fiber is configured to move laterally when the actuator activates the second conduit to slide along the third conduit, and the single mode fiber is configured to scan light data reflected from a sample positioned in front of a distal end of the first conduit.
• the invention provides an optical coherence tomography probe comprising a housing configured to support an actuator, a first conduit connected to the housing, a second conduit positioned within the first conduit and in communication with the actuator, the second conduit including a first linear portion and a second curved portion, and a single mode fiber positioned within the second conduit, the single mode fiber being configured to move laterally when the actuator activates the second conduit to slide within the first conduit, the single mode fiber configured to scan light data reflected from a sample positioned in front of a distal end of the first conduit.
• the invention provides an endoscope comprising a light source, an imaging source, and an optical coherence tomography probe.
• the probe includes a housing configured to support an actuator, a first conduit connected to the housing, a second conduit positioned within the first conduit and in communication with the actuator, the second conduit including a first linear portion and a second curved portion, and a single mode fiber positioned within the second conduit, the single mode fiber being configured to move laterally when the actuator activates the second conduit to slide within the first conduit, the single mode fiber configured to scan light data reflected from a sample positioned in front of a distal end of the first conduit.
• An additional embodiment of the invention provides an optical coherence
• tomography probe comprising a housing configured to support an actuator, a first conduit connected to the housing, and a single mode fiber positioned within the first conduit, the single mode fiber being configured to move laterally when activated by the actuator, the single mode fiber configured to scan light data reflected from a sample positioned in front of a distal end of the first conduit.
• a further embodiment of the invention provides an endoscope comprising a light source, an imaging source, and an optical coherence tomography probe.
• the probe includes a housing configured to support an actuator, a first conduit connected to the housing, and a single mode fiber positioned within the first conduit, the single mode fiber being configured to move laterally when activated by the actuator, the single mode fiber configured to scan light data reflected from a sample positioned in front of a distal end of the first conduit.
• the invention also provides a method of imaging a sample.
• the method includes inserting an endoscope through a lumen toward a target in the patient, the endoscope including an imaging device having a single mode fiber, activating the single mode fiber to laterally scan for light data reflected from the target, collecting the light data reflected from the target, and generating a B-scan image of the collected light data, the image representing the target positioned about 1 mm to about 15 mm forward of a distal end of the endoscope.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an OCT system.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an OCT system incorporating an OCT probe according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 3-4 are schematic illustrations of an OCT probe according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an OCT probe according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 6-9 are schematic illustrations of an OCT probe according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an OCT probe according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 11-14 are schematic illustrations of an OCT probe according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 15-16 are schematic illustrations of an OCT probe according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 17-21 are schematic illustrations of an OCT probe according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 22-23 are schematic illustrations of an OCT probe according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of an OCT probe according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 25-29 are schematic illustrations of an OCT probe according to one embodiment of the present invention positioned within the working channel of an endoscope.
• FIG. 30 is a pictorial illustration of an angle OCT image from a B-scan forward- imaging prototype probe.
• FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a combined OCT system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• the OCT system 10 includes an OCT section 14 and a probe section 30.
• the OCT section 14 includes a light source 18 that outputs a light signal, which is then input to a beam splitter 22 where the light signal is split between illuminating a sample via a probe 30 and a reference device 34.
• the reference device 34 can include a lens and a reference mirror.
• the OCT section 14 also includes a photo detector 38 for receiving backscattered light from the sample that was collected by the probe 30 and light from the reference device 34.
• the photo detector 38 can convert the light signals to digital signals to generate an OCT image signal, which is transmitted to a computer processor 42 for generation of an image, such as an A-scan or a B-scan.
• the computer processor 42 can include software (e.g., stored on non-transitory computer-readable medium) for processing the data into an A-scan and/or a B-scan.
• the probe 30 is a miniature intraoperative probe (e.g., 3 mm or smaller such as 25 gauge) capable of forward-imaging with OCT.
• FIGS. 3-4 illustrate one construction of the probe 30.
• the probe 30 can include a housing 74 having an electromagnetic system 78 (e.g., coil, magnet, and suitable electronic circuitry to activate the coil).
• the housing 74 is connected to a first tube 82 (or conduit) that defines a first bore 86, which is configured to support a second tube 90.
• the word tube is used herein to describe various constructions of the probe; however a tube, as used herein, is a conduit having any cross-sectional shape suitable to the invention.
• the outer diameter of the second tube 90 is less than the inside diameter of the first tube 82 such that the second tube 90 can slide or resonate along a length of the first tube 82 when the electromagnetic system 78 is activated.
• the second tube 90 defines a second bore 94 configured to receive a third tube 98.
• the third tube 98 includes a first portion 102 being substantially straight and a second portion 106 having a somewhat S- shaped curvature.
• the second portion 106 is at the distal portion of the third tube 98.
• the first tube 82, the second tube 90, and the third tube 98 can comprise stainless steel or other suitable materials or combinations of materials.
• the third tube 98 includes a third bore 110 configured to receive a fiber 114.
• a portion 118 of the fiber 114 extends from the distal end of the third tube 98 toward a distal end of the first tube 82.
• a distal end of the fiber 114 is positioned adjacent a GRIN imaging lens 122, which is connected to the distal end of the first tube 82.
• the portion 118 of the fiber 114 can move laterally or in the X direction (axes definition and used throughout the specification: the Z axis goes horizontally across the paper, the Y axis goes vertically top to bottom, and the X axis goes into the paper) within the first tube 82 when the second tube 90 is activated and slides within the first tube 82.
• the first tube 82 can include an index-matching liquid.
• FIG. 5 illustrates a second construction of the probe 30.
• the probe 30 includes a housing 130 defining a bore 134, a gradient index lens rod 138 extending from the distal end of the housing 130, and a GRIN lens 142 positioned within a distal end of the gradient index lens rod 138.
• the probe 30 also includes a single mode fiber 146 coupled to a piezoelectric system 150 (e.g., piezo actuator and suitable electronic circuitry to activate the piezo actuator), which is supported within the bore 134 of the housing 130. Activation of the piezoelectric system 150 is controlled by a conduit 154 extending from a proximal end of the housing 130 and to electronic circuitry.
• a distal end of the single mode fiber 146 is configured to move laterally within the bore 134 to scan light data at a proximal end of the gradient index lens rod 138 when the piezoelectric system 150 is activated.
• FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a third construction of the probe 30.
• the probe 30 includes a first tube 160 having a first portion 164 and a second portion 168.
• the first portion 164 is generally linear while the second portion 168 includes a plurality of notches 172 thereby defining a plurality of rings 176 interconnected by a strip 180 that is integral with the first portion 164.
• the second portion 168 is non-linear and forms a curvature as illustrated in FIGS. 6-9.
• the first tube 160 defines a first bore 180 configured to receive a single mode fiber 184.
• the single mode fiber can have about a 125 ⁇ diameter, or about an 80 ⁇ diameter, or about a 50 ⁇ diameter.
• Other suitable-sized diameters are also present.
• the single mode fiber 184 can be connected or secured (e.g., with glue or other suitable fixation method) to a distal end of the second portion 168. A portion 170 of the single mode fiber 184 extends beyond the distal end of the second portion 168.
• the first tube 160 is at least partially supported within a second bore 188 of a second tube 192, which is connected or secured to an inner wall of a third tube 196.
• the third tube 196 is connected to a housing 200 having an electromagnetic system 204 (e.g., coil, magnet, and suitable electronic circuitry to activate the coil) electrically connected to suitable electronic circuitry.
• the housing 200 can include a ferrule for coupling to and supporting the proximal end of the single mode fiber 184.
• the outer diameter of the first tube 160 is less than the inside diameter of the second tube 192 such that the first tube 160 can slide or resonate along a length of the second tube 192 when the electromagnetic system 204 is activated.
• the first tube 160, the second tube 192, and the third tube 196 can comprise stainless steel or other suitable materials or combinations of materials.
• the portion 170 of the single mode fiber 184 that extends from the distal end of the first tube 160 toward a distal end of the third tube 196 is positioned adjacent a GRIN imaging lens 208, which is connected to the distal end of the third tube 196.
• the portion 170 of the single mode fiber 184 can move laterally within the third tube 196 when the first tube 160 slides (after actuation of the electromagnetic system 204) within the second tube 192.
• the first tube 160 also slides along the single mode fiber 184 to compress the plurality of rings 176, which causes the portion 170 of the single mode fiber 184 to move laterally to scan light data near the GRIN imaging lens 208.
• FIG. 10 illustrates a fourth construction of the probe 30.
• the probe 30 includes a single mode fiber 220 having an actuator comprised of a memory alloy wire 224 coupled to a portion of the fiber 220.
• the memory alloy wire 224 can cause the single mode fiber 220 to move laterally to scan light data when a current is applied to the wire.
• the single mode fiber 220 can be housed within a tube as illustrated in any one of the constructions described herein, but a housing is not required.
• FIGS. 11-13 illustrate a fifth construction of the probe 30.
• the probe 30 includes a first tube 230 connected to a housing 234 having a chamber 238.
• the housing 234 supports a pulsed air system having an inlet 242 coupled to an air source for periodically injecting air into the chamber 238.
• the housing 234 includes a diaphragm 246 biased in a first position by an elastic member 250 (e.g., a spring).
• the diaphragm 246 and the elastic member 250 are coupled to a second tube 254, which is positioned within a bore 258 of the first tube 230.
• the second tube 254 includes a first portion 262 and a second portion 266.
• the first portion is generally linear and is connected to the diaphragm 246 and coupled to the elastic member 250.
• the second portion 266 includes a spring-like structure that is non- linear and forms a curvature as illustrated in the figures. A distal end of the second portion 266 abuts with a stopper 270 on an inner wall of the first tube 230.
• the second tube 254 includes a bore 274 through which a single mode fiber 278 is positioned with a portion 282 of the single mode fiber 278 extending beyond a distal end of the second tube 254. A proximal end of the single mode fiber 278 also extends through the diaphragm 246 and through an aperture in the housing 234.
• the portion 282 of the single mode fiber 278 that extends from the distal end of the second tube 254 toward a distal end of the first tube 230 is positioned adjacent a GRIN imaging lens 286, which is connected to the distal end of the first tube 230.
• the chamber 238 fills with an amount of air that overcomes the biasing force of the elastic member 250, the diaphragm 246 moves forward.
• the second tube 254 also moves forward thereby causing the second portion 266 of the second tube 254 to flex in a sinusoidal- like pattern. This flexing of the second portion 266 causes the portion 282 of the single mode fiber 278 to move laterally to scan light data near the GRIN imaging lens 286.
• FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative configuration of the fifth construction of the probe 30.
• the actuator i.e., the inlet 242, the air source, the diaphragm 246, and the elastic member 250
• the actuator can be replaced with an electromagnetic system similar to the electromagnetic systems described above.
• an electromagnetic system or a motor can be electrically coupled to the second tube 254, such that when activated, the second tube 254 moves forward thereby causing the second portion 266 of the second tube 254 to flex in a sinusoidal-like pattern. This flexing of the second portion 266 causes the portion 282 of the single mode fiber 278 to move laterally to scan light data near the GRIN imaging lens 286.
• FIG. 15 illustrates a sixth construction of the probe 30.
• the probe 30 includes a single mode fiber 400 that goes through a bore within a magnet 404 that is surrounded by two coils 408. Two coils 408A and 408B, which are 180 degrees apart are situated on each side of the magnet 404.
• the probe 30 includes a GRIN imaging lens 412 connected to a distal end of the single mode fiber 400.
• the GRIN imaging lens 412 can be connected to a distal end of a housing or tube that supports the single mode fiber 400.
• the coils 408A and 408B are connected to electronic circuitry such that when activated, the current through the coil 408 induces the magnet 404 to move laterally thereby causing the distal end of the single mode fiber 400 with GRIN imaging lens 412 to move laterally to scan light data at the GRIN imaging lens 412.
• FIGS. 5 or 15 other alternative constructions appropriate for the constructions illustrated in FIGS. 5 or 15 can be implemented with the single mode fiber 400.
• a piezoelectric system can be connected to the single mode fiber 400 that can be activated to rotate while adjusting the curvature of the distal portion of the single mode fiber 400. This rotation method can generate a scanning area of about 2mm diameter.
• This rotation method can generate a scanning area of about 2mm diameter.
• the piezoelectric system connected to the single mode fiber 400 can be activated to move the single mode fiber 400 forward and backward while adjusting an angle of the distal portion of the single mode fiber 400 with respect to the piezoelectric system.
• the single mode fiber 400 can scan for light data in the X and Y directions.
• FIG. 16 another alternative construction appropriate for the construction illustrated in FIGS. 5 or 15 involves attaching two mini magnets to the single mode fiber 400 and by using electromagnetic coils to interact with the mini magnets to activate the single mode fiber 400 to move and scan for light data in the X and Y directions.
• a single mini magnet is connected to the single mode fiber 400 that interacts with signals from electromagnetic coils to activate the single mode fiber 400 to move and scan for light data in the X and Y directions.
• a mini magnet and a piezo sheet is connected to the single mode fiber 400.
• An electromagnetic coil interacts with the mini magnet to activate the single mode fiber 400 to move and scan for light data in the X direction.
• the electromagnetic coil interacts with the piezo sheet to activate the single mode fiber 400 to move and scan for light data in the Y direction.
• FIGS. 17-18 illustrate a seventh construction of the probe 30.
• the probe 30 includes a first tube 420 that defines a first bore 424.
• the first tube 420 includes a bearing 422 connected to an inner wall and which is configured to support a second tube 428.
• the outer diameter of the second tube 428 is less than the inside diameter of the first tube 420 such that the second tube 428 can rotate within the first tube 420 when activated.
• the second tube 428 includes a distal portion 432 having a curvature as illustrated in the figures.
• the second tube 428 defines a second bore 436 configured to receive a third tube 440.
• the third tube 440 also includes a distal portion 444 having a curvature as illustrated in the figures. A portion of the distal portion 444 extends beyond a distal end of the second tube 428.
• the first tube 420, the second tube 428, and the third tube 440 can comprise stainless steel or other suitable materials or combinations of materials.
• the third tube 440 defines a third bore 448 configured to receive a single mode fiber 452.
• a portion 456 of the single mode fiber 452 extends from the distal end of the third tube 440 toward a distal end of the first tube 420.
• the portion 456 is positioned through an aperture 460 of a ring 464, which is connected to the first tube 420.
• a distal end of the single mode fiber 452 is positioned adjacent a GRIN imaging lens 468, which is connected to the distal end of the first tube 420.
• the portion 456 of the single mode fiber 452 can move in a circular pattern defined by the circumference of the aperture 460 of the ring 464 within the first tube 420.
• the ring 464 moves forward and backward (i.e., in the Z direction).
• the ring 464 is connected to the bearing 422, and the bearing 422 is coupled to an actuator.
• the single mode fiber 452 scans for light data while moving in a circular pattern at different diameters.
• the image target is a circular band as illustrated.
• FIG. 21 illustrates another alternative configuration of the seventh construction of the probe 30.
• the bearing 422 when the bearing 422 is actuated to move in the Z direction, the second tube 428 and the third tube 440 also move with the bearing 422.
• This movement causes the single mode fiber 452 to move in the Z direction which results in an image target being a circular band having a particular depth or thickness defined by how far the single mode fiber 452 moves in the Z direction.
• FIGS. 22-23 illustrate an eighth construction of the probe 30.
• the probe 30 includes a first tube 480 that defines a first bore 484.
• the first tube 480 includes a bearing 488 connected to an inner wall and which is configured to support a second tube 492.
• the outer diameter of the second tube 492 is less than the inside diameter of the first tube 480 such that the second tube 492 can rotate within the first tube 480 when activated.
• the second tube 492 includes a distal portion 496 having a curvature as illustrated in the figures.
• the second tube 492 defines a second bore 500 configured to receive a third tube 504.
• the third tube 504 also includes a distal portion 508 having a curvature as illustrated in the figures. A portion of the distal portion 508 extends beyond a distal end of the second tube 492.
• the first tube 480, the second tube 492, and the third tube 504 can comprise stainless steel or other suitable materials or combinations of materials.
• the third tube 504 defines a third bore 512 configured to receive a single mode fiber 516.
• a portion 520 of the single mode fiber 516 extends from the distal end of the third tube 504 toward a distal end of the first tube 480.
• the portion 520 is positioned through a slit 524 of a bracket 528, which is connected to the first tube 480.
• a distal end of the single mode fiber 516 is positioned adjacent a GRIN imaging lens 532, which is connected to the distal end of the first tube 480.
• the portion 520 of the single mode fiber 516 can move in a linear pattern defined by the slit 524 of the bracket 528 within the first tube 480. This linear movement occurs when the second tube 492 is actuated (by any suitable actuator) to rotate around the third tube 504.
• the single mode fiber 516 scans for light data while moving in the linear pattern.
• FIG. 24 illustrates a ninth construction of the probe 30.
• the probe 30 includes a first tube 540 that defines a first bore 544, which is configured to support a second tube 548.
• the second tube 548 defines a second bore 552 configured to receive a third tube 556 and two additional bores to receive two thin wires or strings 580, 584.
• the third tube 556 includes a first generally linear portion 560 and a second portion 564 having a spring-like configuration.
• the second portion 564 is at the distal portion of the third tube 556.
• the first tube 540, the second tube 548, and the third tube 556 can comprise stainless steel or other suitable materials or combinations of materials.
• the third tube 556 includes a third bore 568 configured to receive a single mode fiber 572.
• a portion 576 of the single mode fiber 572 extends from the distal end of the third tube 556 toward a distal end of the first tube 540.
• the distal end of the third tube 556 is connected to two electrical conduits 580, 584, which extend through the second tube 548 and are coupled to a suitable actuator.
• FIG. 24 also illustrates several constructions of alternative cross-sections of the second tube 548.
• a distal end of the single mode fiber 572 is positioned adjacent a GRIN imaging lens 588, which is connected to the distal end of the first tube 540.
• the portion 576 of the single mode fiber 572 can move laterally within the first tube 540 when the actuator alternately pulls or activates the thin wires or strings 580, 584 causing the second portion 564 of the third tube 556 to bend or flex. This bending or flexing of the second portion 564 allows the distal portion 576 of the single mode fiber 572 to move laterally to scan light data at the GRIN imaging lens 588.
• FIGS. 25-29 illustrate how the probe 30 is incorporated into an endoscope.
• An endoscope 600 includes a first tube 604. Within the first tube 604, the endoscope can include a second tube 608 and a third tube or working channel 612. The second tube 608 can support the endoscope's image fiber bundle 616 and the imaging lens 620. The third tube 612 can support the probe 30 (in any one of the constructions described above).
• the first tube 604 also includes numerous illumination fibers that provide a light source for illuminating the sample tissue.
• the single mode fiber of each of the probes 30 described above is in communication with a processor for receiving the light data reflected from the sample.
• the processor is configured to generate an A-scan and/or a B-scan image from the light data.
• FIG. 30 illustrates a B-scan image from a probe 30 that was positioned within the eye.
• the white arrow identifies Schlemms canal in the eye, and the red arrow identifies the Angle.
• the GRIN imaging lens of each of the probes 30 described above is polished to a particular length to define a focus point and focus length which matches the OCT imaging plane.
• the length of the GRIN imaging lens can be in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm.
• the GRIN imaging lens is illustrated in many of the constructions described above as being connected to the outer tube, the GRIN imaging lens can be instead connected to the distal end of the single mode fiber in those constructions.
• the imaging lens could be a GRIN lens, a lens ground onto a GRIN rod, an aspherical lens, a spherical lens, or a combination of these lenses.
• the single mode fiber of each of the probes 30 described above can have a diameter of about 125 ⁇ . In other constructions, the single mode fiber can have a diameter of about 50 ⁇ or about 80 ⁇ . In other constructions, the single mode fiber can have a customized diameter.
• the probes 30 can include a single-use disposable detachable tip which includes the outer distal conduit and imaging lens. Similarly, the entire OCT probe could be a disposable single-use device.
• the probe 30 can be combined with a confocal microscopy probe or an ultrasound probe for enhanced visualization of tissue samples.

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