Readable probe array for in vivo use
AssigneeScimed Life Systems, Inc., now Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
InventorRobert Crowley
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Abstract
A disposable high-density, optically readable polydeoxynucleotide array with integral fluorescence excitation and fluorescence emission channels is described. The compact array size allows integration into several types of interventional devices such as catheters, guidewires, needles, and trocars and may be used intraoperatively. Highly sensitive monitoring of the metabolic and disease pathways of cells in vivo under varying chemical, genetic, and environmental conditions is afforded.
Claims65
A body-insertable apparatus comprising:
- an excitation source capable of generating radiation;
- at least one probe disposed in a path of said radiation, said probe situated to contact an analyte;
- a detector for detecting optical properties of said probe, said detector also for converting optical signals representative of the detected optical properties to electrical signals;
- and
- a housing adapted for reaching an area of interest within a body,
- wherein said excitation source, said probe, and said detector are disposed in said housing.
A method of performing in vivo examination of a mammalian body, said method comprising:
- (a) providing a device comprising an excitation source, at least one probe, a detector, and a housing wherein said excitation source, said probe and said detector are disposed in said housing;
- (b) inserting said device into said mammalian body until said probe contacts an analyte in an area of interest;
- (c) generating radiation from said excitation source such that said probe is in a path of said radiation;
- (d) detecting an optical signal representative of an optical property of said probe through said detector;
- and
- (e) converting said optical signal to an electrical signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.