Patent ID: 6174291
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method comprising:introducing into a living organism an endoscope having viewing optics and a conduit;introducing a diagnostic optical fiber through the conduit into proximity with tissue at a distal end of the endoscope;transmitting excitation electromagnetic energy through the diagnostic optical fiber to the tissue without requiring fluorescence-enhancing agents;receiving an electromagnetic energy signal through the diagnostic optical fiber from the tissue in response to the excitation electromagnetic energy;providing a diagnosis of the tissue using an analysis of a signal that is based on forming an intensity spectrum of the received electromagnetic energy; andtreating the tissue, if indicated by the diagnosis, while the diagnostic optical fiber is still in the conduit of the endoscope, wherein treating the tissue consists essentially of at least one of: taking a physical biopsy sample of at least a portion of the tissue, mechanically removing at least a portion of the tissue, performing electrosurgery on at least a portion of the tissue, delivering a drug or other chemical agent to at least a portion of the tissue, and providing photodynamic therapy to at least a portion of the tissue.