Minimally Invasive Imaging Device
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A minimally invasive imaging device, the imaging device comprising:
- (a) an elongate member dimensioned to access an internal target tissue site and having a proximal and distal end;
(b) a white light source at the distal end;
(c) a near-infra-red light source the distal end; and
(d) an imaging sensor at the distal end.
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Abstract
Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive internal target tissue site imaging devices. Devices according to embodiments of the invention include an elongate member dimensioned to access an internal target tissue location, e.g., an intervertebral disc, and having a proximal end and a distal end; a white light source at the distal end; a near-infra-red light source the distal end; and an imaging sensor at the distal end. Also provided are methods of using the systems in imaging applications, as well as kits for performing the methods.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A minimally invasive imaging device, the imaging device comprising:
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(a) an elongate member dimensioned to access an internal target tissue site and having a proximal and distal end; (b) a white light source at the distal end; (c) a near-infra-red light source the distal end; and (d) an imaging sensor at the distal end. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of visualizing an internal target tissue site, the method comprising:
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(a) positioning a distal end of a minimally invasive intervertebral disc imaging device in viewing relationship to an internal target tissue site, where the imaging device comprises; (i) an elongate member dimensioned to access the internal target tissue site and having a proximal end and a distal end; (ii) a white light source at the distal end; (iii) a near infra-red light source the distal end; and (iv) an imaging sensor at the distal end; and (b) illuminating the internal target tissue site with one of the white light source and the near-infra-red light source; and (c) capturing one or more image frames of the illuminated internal target tissue site with the imaging sensor. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18-23. -23. (canceled)
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24. An apparatus comprising a storage medium having instructions for operating a minimally invasive i imaging device comprising:
- (i) an elongate member dimensioned to access an internal target tissue site and having a proximal end and a distal end;
(ii) a white light source at the distal end;
(iii) a near-infra-red light source the distal end; and
(iv) an imaging sensor at the distal end;
wherein when executed by a computing platform, the executed instructions result in execution of the imaging device to;(a) illuminate an internal target tissue site with one of the white light source and the near-infra-red light source; and (b) capture one or more image frames of the illuminated internal target tissue site with the imaging sensor.
- (i) an elongate member dimensioned to access an internal target tissue site and having a proximal end and a distal end;
Specification