Compact Optical Imaging Devices, Systems, and Methods

Abstract

An optical imaging device and system can be used to visualize and/or provide a quantitative measure of changes in patient vasculature, for example, to monitor responsiveness of a tumor to a particular chemotherapy treatment. A plurality of detectors (e.g., two) are spaced from a plurality of substantially monochromatic light sources (e.g., four) on an interrogation face of the handheld device. Wavelengths of light in the near-infrared range are used to measure the content of hemoglobin, water, and lipid of the tissue that the interrogation face comes in contact with. The light can be modulated so that the effect of ambient light is not minimized or at least reduced. The detected signal is amplified, filtered, and digitized within the device by appropriate electronics. In embodiments, handheld device can include a wireless communication module, such as a Bluetooth device, for wireless transmission of data to/from the remote processor or computer.

1 .- 68 . (canceled) 
     
     
         69 . A compact optical imaging system, comprising:
 an imaging probe body;   a plurality of imaging probe heads, each imaging probe head having:   a plurality of illumination sources and a plurality of detectors disposed at different locations from each other on an interrogation face of said probe head; and   a connector for detachably interfacing with said imaging probe body;   wherein the imaging probe body includes a processor therein for controlling the illumination sources and processing signals from the detectors of one of the imaging probe heads connected thereto, and   the interrogation face of each of the plurality of imaging probe heads is different from others of the imaging probe heads with respect to at least one of layout of detectors on the interrogation face, layout of illumination sources on the interrogation face, shape or curvature of the interrogation face, number of detectors, and number of illumination sources.   
     
     
         70 . The system of  claim 69 , wherein the plurality of illumination sources each emit substantially monochromatic light that is amplitude modulated in the RF range. 
     
     
         71 . The system of  claim 69 , wherein each interrogation face is configured to be brought into contact with an object to be imaged such that light from the light sources is scattered and/or partially absorbed by said object prior to detection by one or more of the plurality of the detectors. 
     
     
         72 . The system of  claim 69 , wherein at least the imaging probe body is sized and shaped so as to be held in a single hand of a user. 
     
     
         73 . The system of  claim 69 , wherein at least the imaging probe body is sized and shaped so as to be worn by the patient as a part of a patch, bra, cap, or shoe. 
     
     
         74 . The system of  claim 69 , wherein for each of the imaging probe heads, at least one of the illumination source emits light at a wavelength different from the other illumination sources. 
     
     
         75 . The system of  claim 69 , wherein the number of illumination sources on each imaging probe head is at least four, and each illumination source thereon emits light at a respective wavelength in the near-infrared (NIR) range that is different from the wavelength emitted by the other illumination sources by at least 25 nm. 
     
     
         76 . The system of  claim 69 , wherein the interrogation surface of at least one of the imaging probe heads is deformable so as to conform to the shape of a patient surface when contacted therewith. 
     
     
         77 .- 124 . (canceled)