Ann W Thomas

US Patent:

20020007111, Jan 17, 2002

Filed:

Jan 19, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/766544

Inventors:

Curtis Deckert - Santa Ana CA, US
Roger Hildwein - Woodinville WA, US
Robert McConaghy - Kirkland WA, US
Julie Parnell - Bothell WA, US
Ann Thomas - Seattle WA, US
Robert Wilcox - Bothell WA, US

International Classification:

A61B001/06

US Classification:

600/177000, 600/182000

Abstract:

A variety of optical probes and methods have utility in the examination of various materials, especially materials in the interior of cavities having restricted access through orifices or passageways. One type of such optical probe is elongated and includes a distal optical window, a divergent light source, a spatial mixer, and a light collector. Light from the light source is mixed in the spatial mixer to achieve uniform diffuse light in the vicinity of the optical window. The light collector receives light from the target through the spatial mixer. The optical probe may be made of two sections, a reusable section and a disposable. The disposable is elongated and contains a mounting section, an inside surface suitable for the spatial mixing of light, and an optical element which helps to seal the reusable probe section from the target.