Abstract:
An apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can include a first section(s) and a second section(s) which can have a cross-section that can be smaller than that of the first section. The first and second sections can be a particular section and can include memory-forming characteristics. An imaging arrangement can be in communication with the first section or the second section. The particular section can have a first shape when the particular section can be constrained, and the particular section can have a second shape when the particular section can be unconstrained. The second shape can be more curved than the first shape.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/758,161 filed Jan. 29, 2013, and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/799,344 filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to providing information regarding an anatomical structure, and more particular to exemplary embodiments of apparatus, systems and methods for providing information regarding, e.g., an aortic valve. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0003]    Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) can be present within approximately 25% of people 65-74 years of age and within 48% of people ≧84 years of age. CAVD is a progressive disorder characterized by focal areas of valve thickening and a build-up of calcium deposits within the aortic valve leaflet. Current noninvasive imaging techniques for detecting CAVD, such as echocardiography, CT, and MR, do not provide adequate resolution to detect microscopic calcification during the early stages of development when CAVD might be more responsive to medical therapies that could obviate the need for aortic valve surgery. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, there may be a need to address at least some of the above-described deficiencies. 
       SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0005]    An apparatus can include a first section(s) and a second section(s) which can have a cross-section that can be smaller than that of the first section. The first and second sections can be a particular section, and can include memory-forming characteristics. An imaging arrangement can be in communication with the first section or the second section. The particular section can have a first shape when the particular section can be constrained, and the particular section can have a second shape when the particular section can be unconstrained. The second shape can be more curved than the first shape. 
         [0006]    In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the imaging arrangement can be an optical imaging arrangement, and can include an ultrasound arrangement. A portion(s) of the first section can be at least partially transparent to light, and a portion(s) of the second section can be at least partially transparent to light. In certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, there can be a third section(s) which can be coupled to the particular section, and can be configured to control a shape or a curvature of the particular arrangement. The imaging arrangement can provide data that can be reflectance confocal microscopy, SECM, OFDI, SD-OCT, FFOCM, 2 nd  and 3 rd  harmonic microscopy, fluorescence microscopy or RAMAN. 
         [0007]    In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a radius of a curvature of the second shape can vary between approximately 7 mm and 12 mm or between approximately 7 mm and 10 mm. A fixed radius of a curvature of the second shape can be between approximately 7 mm and 12 mm, or between approximately 7 mm and 10 mm. In certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a fluid delivery arrangement can be configured to deliver a first fluid externally from the catheter arrangement so as to at least partially supplement bodily fluids at or near the catheter arrangement. A further arrangement can be configured to translate or rotate the imaging arrangement, which can be performed during the fluid delivery by the fluid delivery arrangement. 
         [0008]    According to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a particular section that can be the first section and/or the second section can include memory-forming characteristics. Further, the imaging arrangement can include a partial ball lens that can be shaped so as to direct or focus at least one electromagnetic radiation through a distal end of the imaging arrangement along approximately an extension thereof. 
         [0009]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    Further objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures showing illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an operation of a relatively straight catheter with a forward imaging configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of an operation of a predefined curved catheter that can conform to an original shape after passing through the guide catheter and can be placed directly within a valve according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of an operation of a catheter with an adjustable curvature that can fit to various regions of the valve according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of an operation of a catheter with a predefined shape that anchors into a vessel to retain the placement according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of an operation of a catheter positioned against the valve and the aorta wall according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of an operation with a flushing port added to the catheter to remove blood in the proximity of the sampled region according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of an operation a separate flushing device synched to the catheter to remove blood from the entire valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of a use of a radiographic marker on the catheter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is an illustration of an imaging apparatus combined with the catheter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components, or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments and is not limited by the particular embodiments illustrated in the figures or the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, optical catheter techniques can be provided for obtaining information about the microstructure of the aortic valve in vivo. The exemplary optical technique may include optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI), speckle imaging, refractive index measurement, absorption, autofluorescence, diffuse spectroscopy, photoacoustic methods, etc.  FIG. 1  shows a cross sectional view of a heart  100  with a guide catheter  102 , which is used to deliver the imaging catheter  104  in position near the aortic valves  106 . In one exemplary embodiment, the exemplary device/apparatus can include a light source, such as, e.g., a laser diode or LED, which can be transmitted through an optical fiber  108  to a lens  110  at the distal end. Imaging procedure(s) can be performed through the distal end of the catheter, which may be sealed with a window  112 . The exemplary device/apparatus can include and/or utilize a full-field (non-scanning) imaging technique, a rotation and pullback helical scanner  114 , micro electromechanical system (MEMS), resonating fiber, tuning fork cantilever, spatial frequency encoding, angle-polished rotating fiber, single or double rotating prisms, angle-polished gradient index (GRIN) lenses, rotating angle-polished ball lens, acousto-optic modulator, or similar. The light (or other electro-magnetic radiation) may be received through the same fiber or through additional optical fibers within the device and transmitted to a detector. The exemplary device/apparatus may be configured to also direct light to the specimen at different wavelengths or by use of a broad-bandwidth light source. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the light returned from the specimen can be detected by one or more point detectors, one- or two-dimensional array of detectors, CCD or CMOS camera, or the like. 
         [0022]    According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the exemplary device/apparatus can fit within a guide catheter that can be positioned within the aorta, e.g., near the valve, such that the apparatus can be directed toward the valve. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the exemplary device/apparatus with the imaging catheter  104  can be straight to collect information from a specific spot. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the exemplary device/apparatus which includes an imaging catheter  200  and a guide catheter  202  can be provided which may have a predefined curved shape to fit along the junction of the valve and the aorta wall. The exemplary catheter  200  can be delivered by use of the guide catheter  202 . When delivered, the predefined curved imaging catheter  200  can be straight, and when it reaches the distal of the guide catheter  202 , the imaging catheter  200  can assume the predefined curvature, which is selected to fit along a commissure  204  in the aortic sinus. Imaging procedure(s) can be performed through a sheath  206  as the optical fiber is rotated in a direction  208 , and retracted in a helical scan pattern. 
         [0023]      FIG. 3  shows an exemplary device/apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which can change shape dynamically to collect information from the valve. The exemplary device/apparatus of  FIG. 3  can include an adjustable curvature imaging catheter  300  that can be inserted into a guide catheter  302  in a straight shape, and, when delivered to the proximal end of the aorta, a curvature  304  of the distal imaging section of the catheter can be adjusted to fit within the aortic cusp against a commissure  306 . To adjust the curvature, the exemplary device/apparatus can include and/or utilize a medical-grade wire attached to the distal end of the catheter  308 , independent wires placed within the lumen of the catheter sheath, or similar. Similar to the exemplary imaging catheter of  FIG. 2 , exemplary imaging procedure(s) can be performed via a sheath  310  as the optical fiber is rotated in a direction  312 , and retracted in a helical scan pattern. 
         [0024]    According to still another exemplary embodiment, the exemplary device/apparatus can float freely within the aorta and/or valve.  FIG. 4  shows an exemplary device/apparatus  400  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which can be anchored within the vessel. For example, anchor points can be the coronary artery ostium  402 , the aortic sinus  404 , or similar. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the exemplary device/apparatus can use the aortic wall to guide the imaging catheter into the aortic sinus, as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0025]    According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the exemplary device/apparatus can contain a flushing port to remove blood between the apparatus and the valve. The exemplary device/apparatus of  FIGS. 6 and 7  can include an imaging catheter  600  that can be delivered by a guide catheter  602 , which is connected to a flushing system. In this exemplary embodiment, the distal end of a guide catheter  606  can be positioned close proximity to the distal end of the imaging catheter  602 . Flushing medium can be introduced into the guide catheter  602  by either a manual or an automatic flushing system. A flushing medium  604  can be delivered into the field of view of the distal imaging optics and replaces the blood within the field of view. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the exemplary device/apparatus can be synchronized with a separate flushing system to remove blood from the aortic valve. 
         [0026]    According to yet a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the exemplary device/apparatus can include a radiographic marker that is visible under fluoroscopy, as shown in  FIG. 8 . In another exemplary embodiment, the exemplary device/apparatus can include a full-field imaging technique within the guide catheter to visualize the placement of the apparatus and the location where information about the valve is obtained. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the exemplary device/apparatus can fit within the working channel of an angiograph or similar imaging catheter that will allow visual positioning of the apparatus within or near the valve. For example,  FIG. 9  shows an exemplary embodiment of the device/apparatus according to the present disclosure, which can include an imaging catheter  900  that can be delivered by a guide catheter  902 . A separate imaging device  904  which can use a wavelength of light that is weakly absorbed by blood can be used to illuminate the aortic valve and can be used to guide the placement of the imaging catheter  900 . 
         [0027]    Further features and advantages of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures and drawings and upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         [0028]    The exemplary  FIGS. 1-5  provided herewith represent exemplary representative configurations of the exemplary device apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary  FIGS. 6-7  provided herewith represent exemplary representative configurations of the exemplary device apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure to image through the blood. Further, the exemplary  FIGS. 9  provided herewith represents exemplary representative configurations of the exemplary device apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure to determine the location of the catheter and the region sampled. 
         [0029]    The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Indeed, the arrangements, systems and methods according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be used with and/or implement any OCT system, OFDI system, SD-OCT system or other imaging systems, and for example with those described in International Patent Application PCT/US2004/029148, filed Sep. 8, 2004 which published as International Patent Publication No. WO 2005/047813 on May 26, 2005, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/266,779, filed Nov. 2, 2005 which published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0093276 on May 4, 2006, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/501,276, filed Jul. 9, 2004 which published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0018201 on Jan. 27, 2005, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0122246, published on May 9, 2002, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, and procedures which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and can be thus within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, all publications and references referred to above can be incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. It should be understood that the exemplary procedures described herein can be stored on any computer accessible medium, including a hard drive, RAM, ROM, removable disks, CD-ROM, memory sticks, etc., and executed by a processing arrangement and/or computing arrangement which can be and/or include a hardware processors, microprocessor, mini, macro, mainframe, etc., including a plurality and/or combination thereof. In addition, certain terms used in the present disclosure, including the specification, drawings and claims thereof, can be used synonymously in certain instances, including, but not limited to, e.g., data and information. It should be understood that, while these words, and/or other words that can be synonymous to one another, can be used synonymously herein, that there can be instances when such words can be intended to not be used synonymously. Further, to the extent that the prior art knowledge has not been explicitly incorporated by reference herein above, it can be explicitly being incorporated herein in its entirety. All publications referenced above can be incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.