Patent ID: 7792567
Filing Date: 2010-09-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for producing images of a moving organ in a living subject, comprising the steps of: acquiring image data representing successive images of a moving organ in the living subject using an imaging modality; disposing a fiber optic sensor exclusively at an exterior of said subject, said fiber optic sensor having an inertial mass that is displaced by an acceleration force or sound pressure caused by movement of said moving organ, wherein said fiber optic sensor comprises: a light waveguide arrangement comprising a light supply conductor and a light return conductor; and a coupling device configured to interact exclusively with an exterior of the living subject in which the moving organ is disposed, wherein the coupling device is dependent on an external force generated by the moving organ and acting on said coupling device, and wherein the coupling device comprises a reflector disposed to reflect light from the light supply conductor into the light return conductor, and a movably mounted inertial mass mechanically connected to the reflector, the reflector reflecting a portion of light emitted from the light supply into the light return conductor dependent on a position of the inertial mass.