Imaging system with optical pathway

A method of monitoring integrity of an imaging probe, the method comprising:

• (a) inserting an imaging probe into a blood vessel of a patient, the imaging probe comprising:
• an elongate shaft comprising a proximal end, a distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal portion;
• a rotatable optical core comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the rotatable optical core is positioned within the lumen of the elongate shaft;
• and
• an optical assembly comprising a lens attached to the rotatable optical core, the lens positioned proximate the distal end of the rotatable optical core,
• (b) directing light through the rotatable optical core to the optical assembly;
• (c) receiving an identifiable back-reflection generated at an interface between the rotatable optical core and the optical assembly, wherein the identifiable back-reflection is receivable without rotating the rotatable optical core;
• (d) detecting a change in the identifiable back-reflection compared to a previously detected identifiable back-reflection, wherein the change correlates to an undesired state of the rotatable optical core;
• and
• (e) notifying a user if a change is detected by entering an alert mode, wherein the alert mode provides a visual or audible alert to the user.

An imaging system for a patient, the system comprising:

• an imaging probe, comprising:
• an elongate shaft comprising a proximal end, a distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal portion;
• a rotatable optical core comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the rotatable optical core is positioned within the lumen of the elongate shaft;
• and
• an optical assembly comprising a lens attached to the rotatable optical core, the lens positioned proximate the distal end of the rotatable optical core,
• wherein the lens has a center portion with a first refractive index, and the rotatable optical core has a center portion with a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is greater than the second refractive index.