Apparatus, method and system for intravascular photographic imaging

• US 20050165279A1
• Filed: 02/25/2005
• Published: 07/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc. (Olympus Corporation)
• Original Assignee: C2Cure Inc.
• Inventors: Segev, Mordechai, Shafrir, Keren, Pillar, Ofer, Adler, Doron, Zaretski, Alex
• Granted Patent: US 7,588,535 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/181
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/000094 extracting biological structures
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/000095 for image enhancement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00082 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00096 Optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00186 with imaging filters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/045 Control thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/05 characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0638 providing two or more wavelengths
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0646 with illumination filters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0676 at distal tip of an endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/12 with cooling or rinsing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/3137 for examination of the interior of blood vessels
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0084 for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters A61B5/1459 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02007 Evaluating blood vessel condition, e.g. elasticity, compliance

Abstract

An apparatus, system and method for providing a photographic image of a target region within an intravascular environment. The apparatus has a plurality of different embodiments, each of which reduces the ambient “noise” detected along with the light reflected from the target region in order to increase the signal/noise ratio, thereby to enhance the quality of the image produced.

Claims

1. An apparatus for providing an image of a target region located within an intravascular environment, said apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light;

b. at least one light source for emitting polarized light to impinge upon said target region; and

c. at least one polarization filter for polarization filtering said light, said filter being disposed on the light path such that light reflected from said target region passes through said filter before being detected by said light sensing region.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said intravascular environment is within a vein or an artery and said target region includes the interior wall of said vein or artery and matter in contact with said interior wall.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said polarization filter is attached to said light sensing region.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said polarization filter is for filtering out light not repolarized by reflection from said target region.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said polarization filter comprises a plurality of separately orientated filtering regions.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said light sensing region comprises a plurality of pixels and each of said plurality of separately orientated filtering regions is associated with one of said pixels.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein a first portion of said plurality of filtering regions is designed and configured at a first predetermined polarization orientation and a second portion of said plurality of filtering regions is designed and configured at a second predetermined polarization orientation perpendicular to said first polarization orientation.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the number of filtering regions within said first portion is substantially equal to the number of filtering regions within said second portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the filtering regions of said first portion are interspersed with the filtering regions of said second portion.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one light sensing region comprises two light sensing regions;

said at least one light source comprises two light sources, said two light sources being for respectively emitting light for detection by said two light sensing regions; and

said at least one polarization filter comprises two polarization filters, said two polarization filters being positioned such that they respectively filter said light prior to detection by said two light sensing regions.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of said two light sources is for emitting polarized light with a different polarization angle.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said polarization angles are within a plane parallel to a longitudinal axis of said intravascular environment.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said different polarization angles are perpendicular to one other.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one light sensing region comprises a plurality of light sensing regions;

said at least one light source comprises a plurality of light sources, said plurality of light sources being for emitting light for detection by said plurality of light sensing regions;

said at least one polarization filter comprises a plurality of polarization filters, said polarization filters being positioned such that they respectively filter said light prior to detection by said light sensing regions.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein a first portion of said plurality of light sources is for emitting polarized light with a first specific polarization angle and a second portion of said plurality of light sources is for emitting light with a second different specific polarization angle.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said polarization angles are within a plane parallel to a longitudinal axis of said intravascular environment.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first specific polarization angle is perpendicular to the second specific polarization angle.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said polarized light in time sequential flashes.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said light source is controllable to p emit said polarized light in a range of intensities.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said polarized light in a range of wavelengths.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said polarized light for a predefined period,

22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a shutter located in association with said light sensing region to define a sensing period and operatively associated with the light source to co-ordinate said sensing period with said predefined emitting period.

23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one light source is controllable to emit said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected by said light sensing region.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, further associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a continuous tubular structure in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is not expected according to said behavior.

25. The apparatus of claim 1, further associated with-image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior.

26. The apparatus of claim 1, further associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one light source is controllable to emit said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected by said light sensing region;

said apparatus further associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a continuous tubular structure in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is not expected according to said behavior, and further based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior, and further based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

28. The apparatus of claim 1, further associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a continuous tubular structure in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is not expected according to said behavior, and further based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior.

29. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one light source is controllable to emit said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected by said light sensing region;

said apparatus further associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a continuous tubular structure in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is not expected according to said behavior.

30. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one light source is controllable to emit said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected by said light sensing region;

said apparatus further associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior.

31. The apparatus of claim 1, further associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being '"'"'based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a continuous tubular structure in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is not expected according to said behavior and further based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

32. The apparatus of claim 1, further associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior and further based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

33. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one light source is controllable to emit said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected by said light sensing region, said apparatus further-associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

34. The apparatus of claim 1, further associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a continuous tubular structure in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is not expected according to said behavior, and further based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior, and father based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

35. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one light source is controllable to emit said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected by said light sensing region;

said apparatus further associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior for light 15 emitted within a continuous tubular structure in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is not expected according to said behavior, and further based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

36. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one light source is controllable to emit said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected by said light sensing region;

said apparatus further associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior, and further based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

37. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a guide member for inserting said apparatus into said intravascular environment, said apparatus being positioned upon a distal end of said guide member.

38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said guide member is a catheter having at least one open tubular channel oriented longitudinally therein.

39. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light meter for measuring the optical properties within said intravascular environment in proximity to said camera.

40. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one device for altering optical properties within said intravascular environment in proximity to said camera.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, further comprising a control unit for operating said at least one device in accordance with a predetermined procedure for balancing between visibility and non-interference with blood supply.

42. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein said at least one device is a fluid injector for injecting a fluid into said intravascular environment in order to alter the optical properties of blood within the optical path of said emitted light, such that said blood provides less interference with the passage therethrough of said light.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said fluid is capable of carrying oxygen.

44. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein said at least one device is a fluid displacer for displacing blood from the optical path of said emitted light.

45. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a processor.

46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein said processor is for receiving information related to the optical environment within said intravascular environment and for using said information to determine at least one optical requirement needed for imaging within said intravascular environment.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said processor is for using said information to determine at least one operational command for actions needed in order to meet said at least one optical requirement.

48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said commands relate to the optical performance of said apparatus.

49. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said commands relate to altering optical properties within said intravascular environment.

50. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein said processor is for receiving data associated with light detected by said light sensing region, and for reconstructing at least one image from said received data.

51. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a graphic user interface, said graphic user interface including at least one user control for operating said apparatus and a display for displaying at least one image of said target region.

52. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a communication link for conveying data to and from said imaging apparatus.

53. The apparatus of claim 1, forming part of a diagnostic or therapeutic system, said system further comprising at least one control device for controlling said apparatus, at least one communication unit and at least one display device.

54. An apparatus for providing an image of a target region located within an intravascular environment, said apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light, and

b. at least one light source for emitting light to impinge upon said target region, said light reflected from said target region being detected at said light sensing region;

said apparatus associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a continuous tubular structure in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is not expected according to said behavior.

55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said light source is a point source.

56. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in time sequential flashes.

57. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in a range of intensities.

58. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in a range of wavelengths.

59. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light for a predefined period.

60. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising a shutter located in association with said light sensing region to define a sensing period and operatively associated with the light source to coordinate said sensing period with said predefined emitting period.

61. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said reconstruction is farther based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior.

62. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said at least one light source is controllable to emit said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected by said light sensing region.

63. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said reconstruction is further based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

64. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said at least one light source is controllable to emit said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected by said light sensing region;

said reconstruction being further based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior.

65. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said at least one light source is controllable to emit said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected by said light sensing region;

said reconstruction being further based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior, and further based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

66. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said reconstruction is further based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior, and further based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

67. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said at least one light source is controllable to emit said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected by said light sensing region, and said reconstruction is further based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

68. An apparatus for providing an image of a target region located within an intravascular environment, said apparatus comprising:

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light; and

b. at least one light source for emitting light to impinge upon said target region, said light reflected from said target region being detected by said light sensing region;

said apparatus being associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior.

69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said light source is a point source.

70. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said light Source is controllable to emit said light in time sequential flashes.

71. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in a range of intensities.

72. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in a range of wavelengths.

73. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light for a predefined period.

74. The apparatus of claim 73, further comprising a shutter located in association with said light sensing region to define a sensing period and operatively associated with the light source to coordinate said sensing period with said predefined emitting period.

75. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said at least one light source is controllable to emit said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected by said light sensing region.

76. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said reconstruction is further based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

77. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said at least one light source is controllable to emit said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected by said light sensing region, and said reconstruction is further based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

78. An apparatus for providing an image of target region located within an intravascular environment, said apparatus comprising:

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light; and

b. at least one light source for emitting light to impinge upon said target region, said light source being controllable to emit said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce an amount of reflected light generated by said surroundings from being detected by said light sensing region.

79. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in time sequential flashes.

80. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in a range of intensities.

81. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in a range of wavelengths.

82. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light for a predefined period.

83. The apparatus of claim 78, further associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

84. An apparatus for providing an image of target region located within an intravascular environment, said apparatus comprising:

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light; and

b. at least one light source for emitting light to impinge upon said target region, said light reflected from said target region being detected by said light sensing region;

said apparatus associated with image processing functionality for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, said reconstruction being based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

85. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein said light source is a point source.

86. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in time sequential flashes.

87. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in a range of intensities.

88. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in a range of wavelengths.

89. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light for a predefined period.

90. The apparatus of claim 84, further comprising a shutter located in association with said light sensing region to define a sensing period and operatively associated with the light source to coordinate said sensing period with said predefined emitting period.

91-104. -104. (canceled)

105. A method for providing an image of a target region located within an intravascular environment, said method comprising:

a. inserting an imaging apparatus into said intravascular environment in proximity to said target region;

b. emitting polarized light from a light source to impinge upon said target region;

c. polarization filtering said light after at least some of said light is reflected from said target region;

d. detecting said polarization filtered light;

e. reconstructing at least one image based upon the detected polarization filtered light.

106. The method of claim 105, further comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of:

a. reconstructing at least one image from said detected light based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a continuous tubular structure in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is not expected according to said behavior;

b. reconstructing at least one image from said detected light based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior;

c. reconstructing at least one image from said detected light based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior;

d. emitting said polarized light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected;

e. conveying data representing at least one reconstructed image of said target region to a viewable location;

f. providing for graphical user interfacing including providing at least one graphical control for entering at least one user command and displaying said at least one reconstructed image; and

g. altering optical properties within said intravascular environment in proximity to said imaging apparatus.

107. The method of claim 105, wherein said intravascular environment is within a vein or an artery and said target region includes the interior wall of said vein or artery and matter in contact with said interior wall.

108. The method of claim 105, wherein said method is for diagnosis.

109. The method of claim 105, wherein said method is for therapeutic treatment.

110. A method for providing an image of a target region located within an intravascular environment, said method comprising:

a. inserting an imaging apparatus into said intravascular environment in proximity to said target region;

b. emitting light from a light source to impinge upon said target region;

c. detecting said light; and

d. reconstructing at least one image from said detected light based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a continuous tubular structure in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is not expected according to said behavior.

111. The method of claim 110, further comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of:

a. reconstructing at least one image from said detected light based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior;

b. reconstructing at least one image from said detected light based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior;

c. emitting said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected;

d. conveying data representing at least one reconstructed image of said target region to a viewable location;

e. providing for graphical user interfacing including providing at least one graphical control for entering at least one user command and displaying said at least one reconstructed image; and

f. altering optical properties within said intravascular environment in proximity to said imaging apparatus.

112. The method of claim 110, wherein said intravascular environment is within a vein or an artery and said target region includes the interior wall of said vein or artery and matter in contact with said interior wall.

113. A method for providing an image of a target region located within an intravascular environment, said method comprising:

a. inserting an imaging apparatus into said intravascular environment in proximity to said target region;

b. emitting light from a light source to impinge upon said target region;

c. detecting said light; and

d. reconstructing at least one image from said detected light based upon expected light reflection behavior within a two directional pulse related intravascular fluid movement in order to recognize and exclude reflected light that is expected according to said behavior.

114. The method of claim 113, further comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of:

a. reconstructing at least one image from said detected light based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior;

b. emitting said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected;

c. conveying data representing at least one reconstructed image of said target region to a viewable location;

d. providing for graphical user interfacing including providing at least one graphical control for entering at least one user command and displaying said at least one reconstructed image; and

e. altering optical properties within said intravascular environment in proximity to said imaging apparatus.

115. The method of claim 113, wherein said intravascular environment is within a vein or an artery and said target region includes the interior wall of said vein or artery and matter in contact with said interior wall.

116. A method for providing an image of a target region located within an intravascular environment, said method comprising:

a. inserting an imaging apparatus into said intravascular environment in proximity to said target region;

b. emitting light from a light source to impinge upon said target region;

c. detecting said light; and

d. reconstructing at least one image from said detected light based upon expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a pulse related radially expanding and contracting vascular vessel in order to recognize and exclude light that is not expected according to said behavior.

117. The method of claim 116, further comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of:

a. emitting said light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected;

b. conveying data representing at least one reconstructed image of said target region to a viewable location;

c. providing for graphical user interfacing including providing at least one graphical control for entering at least one user command and displaying said at least one reconstructed image; and

d. altering optical properties within said intravascular environment in proximity to said imaging apparatus.

118. The method of claim 116, wherein said intravascular environment is within a vein or an artery and said target region includes the interior wall of said vein or artery and matter in contact with said interior wall.

119. A method for providing an image of a target region located within an intravascular environment, said method comprising:

a. inserting an imaging apparatus into said intravascular environment in proximity to said target region;

b. emitting light to impinge upon a predetermined field including said target region and substantially excluding surroundings of said target region, thereby to reduce surrounding-induced reflected light from being detected;

c. detecting said light;

d. reconstructing at least one image from said detected light based upon said reduced surrounding-induced reflected light.

120. The method of claim 119, further comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of:

a. conveying data representing at least one reconstructed image of said target region to a viewable location;

b. providing for graphical user interfacing including providing at least one graphical control for entering at least one user command and displaying said at least one reconstructed image; and

c. altering optical properties within said intravascular environment in proximity to said imaging apparatus.

121. The method of claim 119, wherein said intravascular environment is within a vein or an artery and said target region includes the interior wall of said vein or artery and matter in contact with said interior wall.