Apparatus, method and system for intravascular photographic imaging

• US 7,588,535 B2
• Filed: 12/11/2002
• Issued: 09/15/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc. (Olympus Corporation)
• Original Assignee: C2Cure Inc.
• Inventors: Segev, Mordechai, Shafrir, Keren, Pillar, Ofer, Adler, Doron, Zaretski, Alex
• Primary Examiner(s): Leubecker; John P
• Application Number:
  US10/498,150
• Publication Number:
  US 20050165279A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,470 Days
• Field of Search: 600/109, 600/160, 600/178, 600/181, 600476-478
• US Class Current: 600/109
• 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 an image enhancing effect for a photographic image of a target region within an intravascular environment. The image enhancing effects may be a physical process based upon the nature of the detected light or based upon different aspects of expected light reflection behavior, for example, by running predefined image reconstruction algorithms. 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. A system for providing an image of a target region located within an intravascular environment, said system comprising:

an imaging apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light, the sensing region being located within a portion of the apparatus inserted into the intravascular environment;

b. at least one light source for emitting polarized light to impinge upon said target region, the light source being positioned and oriented along an insertion end of the apparatus so that at least a portion of the light that it emits is reflected by the target region to be detected by the sensing region;

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; and

d. the system further comprising a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction being based upon the detected polarization filtered light; and

wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region further comprise an algorithm 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

wherein the stored instructions include an algorithm implementing a point illumination model for a continuous tubular structure.

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

an imaging apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light, the sensing region being located within a portion of the apparatus inserted into the intravascular environment;

b. at least one light source for emitting polarized light to impinge upon said target region, the light source being positioned and oriented along an insertion end of the apparatus so that at least a portion of the light that it emits is reflected by the target region to be detected by the sensing region;

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; and

d. the system further comprising a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction being based upon the detected polarization filtered light; and

wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region further comprise an algorithm 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

wherein the stored instructions include a brightness behavior model for a point moving in a pulsed fluid past a point illumination source.

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

an imaging apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light, the sensing region being located within a portion of the apparatus inserted into the intravascular environment;

b. at least one light source for emitting polarized light to impinge upon said target region, the light source being positioned and oriented along an insertion end of the apparatus so that at least a portion of the light that it emits is reflected by the target region to be detected by the sensing region;

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; and

d. the system further comprising a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction being based upon the detected polarization filtered light; and

wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region further comprise an algorithm 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; and

wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

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

an imaging apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light, the sensing region being located within a portion of the apparatus inserted into the intravascular environment;

b. at least one light source for emitting polarized light to impinge upon said target region, the light source being positioned and oriented along an insertion end of the apparatus so that at least a portion of the light that it emits is reflected by the target region to be detected by the sensing region;

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; and

d. the system further comprising a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction being based upon the detected polarization filtered light; and

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

wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region further comprise an algorithm 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a point illumination model for a continuous tubular structure; 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a brightness behavior model for a point moving in a pulsed fluid past a point illumination source; 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

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

an imaging apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light, the sensing region being located within a portion of the apparatus inserted into the intravascular environment;

b. at least one light source for emitting polarized light to impinge upon said target region, the light source being positioned and oriented along an insertion end of the apparatus so that at least a portion of the light that it emits is reflected by the target region to be detected by the sensing region;

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; and

d. the system further comprising a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction being based upon the detected polarization filtered light; and

wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region further comprise an algorithm 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a point illumination model for a continuous tubular structure; 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a brightness behavior model for a point moving in a pulsed fluid past a point illumination source.

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

an imaging apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light, the sensing region being located within a portion of the apparatus inserted into the intravascular environment;

b. at least one light source for emitting polarized light to impinge upon said target region, the light source being positioned and oriented along an insertion end of the apparatus so that at least a portion of the light that it emits is reflected by the target region to be detected by the sensing region;

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; and

d. the system further comprising a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction being based upon the detected polarization filtered light; and

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;

the apparatus further comprising stored instructions for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a point illumination model for a continuous tubular structure.

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

an imaging apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light, the sensing region being located within a portion of the apparatus inserted into the intravascular environment;

b. at least one light source for emitting polarized light to impinge upon said target region, the light source being positioned and oriented along an insertion end of the apparatus so that at least a portion of the light that it emits is reflected by the target region to be detected by the sensing region;

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; and

d. the system further comprising a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction being based upon the detected polarization filtered light; and

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;

the apparatus further comprising stored instructions for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a brightness behavior model for a point moving in a pulsed fluid past a point illumination source.

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

an imaging apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light, the sensing region being located within a portion of the apparatus inserted into the intravascular environment;

b. at least one light source for emitting polarized light to impinge upon said target region, the light source being positioned and oriented along an insertion end of the apparatus so that at least a portion of the light that it emits is reflected by the target region to be detected by the sensing region;

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; and

d. the system further comprising a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction being based upon the detected polarization filtered light; and

further comprising stored instructions for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region 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 wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a point illumination model for a continuous tubular structure; 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

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

an imaging apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light, the sensing region being located within a portion of the apparatus inserted into the intravascular environment;

b. at least one light source for emitting polarized light to impinge upon said target region, the light source being positioned and oriented along an insertion end of the apparatus so that at least a portion of the light that it emits is reflected by the target region to be detected by the sensing region;

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; and

d. the system further comprising a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction being based upon the detected polarization filtered light; and

further comprising stored instructions for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region, 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a brightness behavior model for a point moving in a pulsed fluid past a point illumination source; 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

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

an imaging apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light, the sensing region being located within a portion of the apparatus inserted into the intravascular environment;

b. at least one light source for emitting polarized light to impinge upon said target region, the light source being positioned and oriented along an insertion end of the apparatus so that at least a portion of the light that it emits is reflected by the target region to be detected by the sensing region;

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; and

d. the system further comprising a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction being based upon the detected polarization filtered light; and

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 comprising stored instructions 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

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

an imaging apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light, the sensing region being located within a portion of the apparatus inserted into the intravascular environment;

b. at least one light source for emitting polarized light to impinge upon said target region, the light source being positioned and oriented along an insertion end of the apparatus so that at least a portion of the light that it emits is reflected by the target region to be detected by the sensing region;

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; and

d. the system further comprising a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction being based upon the detected polarization filtered light; and

further comprising stored instructions for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a point illumination model for a continuous tubular structure, 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a brightness behavior model for a point moving in a pulsed fluid past a point illumination source; 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

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

an imaging apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light, the sensing region being located within a portion of the apparatus inserted into the intravascular environment;

b. at least one light source for emitting polarized light to impinge upon said target region, the light source being positioned and oriented along an insertion end of the apparatus so that at least a portion of the light that it emits is reflected by the target region to be detected by the sensing region;

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; and

d. the system further comprising a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction being based upon the detected polarization filtered light; and

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

further comprising stored instructions for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by said light sensing region is 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a point illumination model for a continuous tubular structure; 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

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

an imaging apparatus comprising

a. a camera having at least one light sensing region for detecting light, the sensing region being located within a portion of the apparatus inserted into the intravascular environment;

b. at least one light source for emitting polarized light to impinge upon said target region, the light source being positioned and oriented along an insertion end of the apparatus so that at least a portion of the light that it emits is reflected by the target region to be detected by the sensing region;

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; and

d. the system further comprising a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction being based upon the detected polarization filtered light; and

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

further comprising stored instructions 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a brightness behavior model for a point moving in a pulsed fluid past a point illumination source; 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

14. 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;

and

c. a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region provided by running an image reconstruction function based upon a point illumination model for a continuous tubular structure, and measuring real-time detected brightness against the model to discriminate between signal and a level of noise from objects other than the object of interest, and excluding the noise.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said light source is a point source.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in time sequential flashes.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in a range of intensities.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in a range of wavelengths.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, 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.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light for a predefined period.

21. The apparatus of claim 14, 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a brightness behavior model for a point moving in a pulsed fluid past a point illumination source.

22. The apparatus of claim 14, 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.

23. The apparatus of claim 14, 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

24. The apparatus of claim 14, 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a brightness behavior model for a point moving in a pulsed fluid past a point illumination source.

25. The apparatus of claim 14, 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a brightness behavior model for a point moving in a pulsed fluid past a point illumination source, 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

26. The apparatus of claim 14, 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a brightness behavior model for a point moving in a pulsed fluid past a point illumination source, 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

27. The apparatus of claim 14, 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

28. 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;

c. a processor and stored instructions for implementing an algorithm for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction provided by running an image reconstruction function based upon a brightness behavior model using a point moving in a pulsed fluid past a point illumination source and excluding points that have a level of brightness changes in accordance with that model.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said light source is a point source.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in time sequential flashes.

31. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in a range of intensities.

32. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in a range of wavelengths.

33. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light for a predefined period.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, 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.

35. The apparatus of claim 28, 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.

36. The apparatus of claim 28, 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

37. The apparatus of claim 28, 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, wherein the stored instructions for reconstruction include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

38. An system for providing an image of a target region located within an intravascular environment, said system comprising an imaging 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; and

the system further comprising a processor and stored instructions 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, wherein the stored instructions include a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

39. 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;

c. a processor and stored instructions for reconstruction of at least one image from light detected by the light sensing region, the reconstruction provided by running an image reconstruction function based upon a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said light source is a point source.

41. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in time sequential flashes.

42. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in a range of intensities.

43. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light in a range of wavelengths.

44. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said light source is controllable to emit said light for a predefined period.

45. The apparatus of claim 39, 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.

46. 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 by running an image reconstruction function based upon a point illumination model used for a continuous tubular structure and measuring real-time detected brightness against the model to discriminate between signal and a level of noise from objects other than the object of interest, and excluding the noise.

47. The method of claim 46, 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 by running an image reconstruction function based upon a brightness behavior model using a point moving in a pulsed fluid past a point illumination source and excluding points that have a level of brightness that changes in accordance with that model;

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 by running an image reconstruction function based upon a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse;

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.

48. The method of claim 46, 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.

49. 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 by running an image reconstruction function based upon a brightness behavior model using a point moving in a pulsed fluid past a point illumination source and excluding points that have a level of brightness that changes in accordance with that model.

50. The method of claim 49, 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 by running an image reconstruction function based upon a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse;

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;

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.

51. The method of claim 49, 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.

52. 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 by running an image reconstruction function based upon a model of brightness variation behavior expected from a vascular wall given that the vascular wall moves in and out in accordance with a pulse.

53. The method of claim 52, 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;

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

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

54. The method of claim 52, 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.

55. An endoscope system, comprising:

an elongate body with an insertion portion sized and shaped to fit within the tubular structure of a vascular vessel of a patient'"'"'s body;

a camera comprising a sensing region disposed at the distal end of the insertion portion;

at least one light source for emitting polarized light disposed at the distal end of the insertion portion;

a polarization filter for polarization filtering of light emitted from the light source and reflected from the vessel'"'"'s walls or from an object connected to or adjacent the wall;

wherein the camera, light source and polarization filter are compactly arranged so that light emitted from the light source is reflected off the interior vessel wall and follows at least in part a light path to the sensing region that is substantially perpendicular to the vessel wall, the polarization filter being arranged so that light reflected from the vessel interior walls first passes through the polarization filter before reaching the sensing region; and

a processing system in communication with the sensing region, comprising a processor and set of stored instructions for reconstructing an image from a signal derived from the sensing region, the set of instructions implementing an algorithm for expected light reflection behavior for light emitted within a continuous tubular structure in order to recognize and exclude light that is not based on expected behavior and wherein the stored instructions include an algorithm implementing a point illumination model for a continuous tubular structure.

56. The endoscope system of claim 55 wherein intravascularly the sensing region is positioned longitudinally along the elongate body.

57. The endoscope system of claim 55 further comprising a channel in the insertion portion for communicating fluid from a fluid source to an area of the vessel surrounding the camera.

58. The endoscope system of claim 55 wherein said sensing region comprises two light sensing regions;

said at least one light source comprises two separate 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 separate polarization filters, each of which is associated with one of the sensing regions to filter light prior to detection by the respective sensing region.