Patent ID: 9161694
Filing Date: 2015-10-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of repeatedly generating in vivo, subcellular resolution images from a target region in a subject in iterative imaging sessions, comprising: providing an imaging system, the imaging system including (a) an optical probe, (b) a housing (1) affixed to the subject and (2) configured and arranged to repeatedly receive and provide stable optical access to the target region for the optical probe, and (c) an image processor configured and arranged to generate structural subcellular resolution images from light collected by the optical probe; enabling optical access, with aid of the imaging system, into the target region for a time period lasting from a first iterative imaging session to a subsequent iterative imaging session; and conducting iterative subcellular resolution imaging sessions with the aid of the imaging system, each imaging session including wherein the step of conducting iterative subcellular resolution imaging sessions comprises (1) removing the optical probe from the housing after the first iterative imaging session, (2) re-inserting the optical probe into the housing to perform the subsequent imaging session, and (3) keeping the housing affixed to the subject between the first iterative imaging session and the subsequent imaging session.