Method of in vivo monitoring using an imaging system including scanned beam imaging unit

An imaging system for monitoring a condition within a patient's body, the imaging system comprising:

• a scanned beam imaging unit comprising a reflector that directs a beam of light across a portion of the patient's anatomy;
• a portable control unit driving the scanned beam imaging unit, the portable control unit comprising a power source, a light source that generates the beam of light a memory for saving imaging data generated using the scanned beam imaging unit, and a data processor configured to transmit the imaging data from the memory to an image processor;
• and
• connecting structure that attaches the scanned beam imaging unit to an anatomical structure at an imaging location within the patient's body;
• wherein the scanned beam imaging unit is configured to be placed in the patient's body with said connecting structure selected from the group consisting of a suture loop, an expandable stent, a barbed anchor;
• and a clamp, and wherein the portable control unit is configured to be located outside the patient's body and, after the imaging data is saved in the memory, subsequently connected to the image processor to generate a video image of the portion of the patient's anatomy.

A method of monitoring a condition within a patient's body, the method comprising:

• connecting a scanned beam imaging unit by a connecting structure to an anatomical structure within the patient's body at an imaging location for a period of time to observe and characterize a portion of the patient's anatomy over at least a portion of the period of time;
• providing a portable control unit in communication with the scanned beam imaging unit with the scanned beam imaging unit located at the imaging location, the portable control unit driving the scanned beam imaging unit and including a recording medium for saving imaging data generated using the scanned beam imaging unit for producing a video image of the portion of the patient's anatomy;
• saving imaging data generated using the scanned beam imaging unit on the recording medium;
• and
• after saving the imaging data, connecting the portable control unit to an image processor for processing the imaging data and producing the video image of the portion of the patient's anatomy;
• wherein said connecting structure is selected from the group consisting of a suture loop, an expandable stent, a barbed anchor, and a clamp.