Optical probe accessory device for use in in vivo diagnostic procedures

• US 20050159646A1
• Filed: 12/21/2004
• Published: 07/21/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/13/1997
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: MediSpectra, Inc. (SpectraScience, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: MediSpectra, Inc. (SpectraScience, Inc.)
• Inventors: Kwo, Jennie, Modell, Mark, Bee, David, Nordstrom, Robert, Emans, Matthew, Hed, Ze'ev
• Application Number:
  US11/018,665
• Publication Number:
  US 20050159646A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/127
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00059 provided with identification means for the endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00062 provided with means for preventing overuse
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00082 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00096 Optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00103 designed for single use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00135 Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00142 with means for preventing contamination, e.g. by using a sanitary sheath
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/043 for fluorescence imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0814 Preventing re-use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/08 Sensors provided with means for identification, e.g. barcodes or memory chips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0071 by measuring fluorescence emission
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0075 by spectroscopy, i.e. measuring spectra, e.g. Raman spectroscopy, infrared absorption spectroscopy A61B5/0071 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0084 for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters A61B5/1459 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/4795 spatially resolved investigating of object in scattering medium in vivo A61B

Abstract

The present invention recognizes that optical probes function both as medical access devices and as instruments which collect complex optical data. The invention provides an optical probe accessory device which can access luminal spaces within the body of a patient without sacrificing the quality of optical data obtained. The accessory device further comprises either, singly, or in combination, selectable features or options which optimize light transmission, maximize patient comfort, and provide single-use capabilities.

Claims

1. An accessory device for an optical probe comprising a body and an attachment element for attaching the accessory device to the probe, said attachment element detaching from the body of the accessory device when the accessory device is removed from the probe, thereby preventing re-use of the accessory device.

2. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein said attachment element includes a grasping element and wherein grasping said grasping element detaches said attachment element from the body of the accessory device.

3. The accessory device of claim 2, wherein the grasping element is a tab or snap ring.

4. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the attachment element is conformable to an end of the probe bearing illumination optics.

5. The accessory device of claim 4, wherein the attachment element is flexible and the body of the accessory device is rigid.

6. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the attachment element is separated from the body of the accessory device by perforations and wherein rupturing said perforations detaches the attachment element from the body of the accessory device.

7. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the device is made of a shrink-fitted material.

8. The accessory device of claim 7, wherein the shrink-fitted material is shrinkable using heat.

9. The accessory device of claim 7, wherein the accessory device can be rolled up before and after use with an optical probe.

42. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the attachment element is configured to prevent reattachment of the accessory device to the probe after the accessory device is removed from the probe.

10-41. -41. (canceled)

43. An accessory device for an optical diagnostic system having an associated reader, the accessory device comprising a marker capable of being read by the reader to thereby prevent re-use of the accessory device.

44. The accessory device of claim 43, wherein the marker comprises a bar code.

45. The accessory device of claim 43, wherein the marker comprises an RFID chip.

46. The accessory device of claim 43, wherein the marker is capable of being read by an optical sensor.

47. The accessory device of claim 43, wherein the marker comprises encoded information.

48. The accessory device of claim 47, wherein the encoded information comprises identification information.

49. The accessory device of claim 43, wherein at least a portion of the accessory device provides a shield between a contact surface and an optical probe.

50. The accessory device of claim 49, wherein the optical probe is a part of the optical diagnostic system.

51. The accessory device of claim 49, wherein the accessory device is configured to prevent contact between a patient and the optical probe.

52. The accessory device of claim 49, wherein the contact surface is a body lumen and wherein at least a portion of the accessory device is configured to conform to the body lumen.

53. A method for limiting re-use of an accessory device with an optical probe in an optical diagnostic system, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an accessory device comprising a marker;

reading the marker to obtain information about the accessory device; and

at least one of;

disabling operation of the optical probe with the accessory device based at least in part on the information, where the accessory device has been previously used; and

enabling operation of the optical probe with the accessory device based at least in part on the information, where the accessory device has not been previously used.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein at least a portion of the accessory device provides a shield between a contact surface and the optical probe.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the contact surface is a body lumen and wherein at least a portion of the accessory device conforms to the body lumen.

56. The method of claim 53, wherein the information comprises identification information about the accessory device.

57. The method of claim 53, wherein the information comprises usage history of the accessory device.

58. The method of claim 53, wherein the marker comprises a bar code.

59. The method of claim 53, wherein the marker comprises an RFID chip.

60. The method of claim 53, wherein the reading step comprises scanning the marker.

61. The method of claim 53, wherein the method prevents re-use of the accessory device with the optical probe.