Patents
Lucid maintains an aggressive intellectual property program and has obtained numerous U.S. and international patents for its imaging and information technology. Abstracts of these patents are listed here and the complete patents, including illustrations, can be downloaded in PDF format using the corresponding links.
Patents:
7,321,394
Automatic Gain Control For A Confocal Imaging System
Inventor: Scott R. Grodevant
7,227,630
Imaging of Surgical Biopsies
Inventor: James M. Zavislan, Roger J. Greenwald
7,225,010
System and Method for Confocal Imaging Within Dermal Tissue
Inventor: James M. Zavislan
7,194,118
System for Optically Sectioning and Mapping Surgically Excised Tissue
Inventors: Duncan Harris, James M. Zavislan
7,190,990
Cellular Surgery Utilizing Confocal Microscopy
Inventors: James M. Zavislan, Roger J. Greenwald
7,139,122
System and Method for Enhancing Confocal Reflectance Images of Tissue Specimens
Inventors: Jay M. Eastman, Milind Rajadhyaksha, James M. Zavislan
7,110,114
System and Method for Enhancing Confocal Reflectance Images of Tissue Specimens
Inventor: Milind Rajadhyaksha, James M. Zavislan
7,047,064
Microscopic Imaging Apparatus and Method
Inventor: James M. Zavislan, Jay M. Eastman
7,003,345
System and Method for Enhancing Microscope Images of Tissue using Citric Acid and Agents of the Like
Inventor: Jay M. Eastman
6,937,886
System for Confocal Imaging Within Dermal Tissue
Inventor: James M. Zavislan
6,577,394
Imaging System Using Polarization Effects to Enhance Image Quality
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
6,424,852
System for Confocal Imaging within Dermal Tissue
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
6,413,252
Confocal Microscope for Facilitating Cryosurgery of Tissue
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
6,411,434
Cassette for Facilitating Optical Sectioning of a Retained Tissue Specimen
Inventors: Jay M. Eastman, William J. Fox, Roger J. Greenwald, Kevin P. Roesser, and James M. Zavislan
6,360,115
System for Imaging Mechanically Stabilized Tissue
Inventors: Roger J. Greenwald and Milind Rajadhyaksha
6,330,106
Tissue Specimen Holder
Inventors: Roger J. Greenwald and James M. Zavislan
6,304,373
Imaging System using Multi-Mode Laser Illumination to Enhance Image Quality
Inventors: James. M. Zavislan
6,263,233
Handheld Imaging Microscope
Inventors: James M. Zavislan and Jay M. Eastman
6,134,010
Imaging System Using Polarization Effects to Enhance Image Quality
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
6,134,009
Imaging System Using Polarization Effects to Enhance Image Quality
Inventors: James m. Zavislan
5,995,867
Cellular Surgery Utilizing Confocal Microscopy
Inventors: James M. Zavislan, Roger J. Greenwald
5,978,695
System for Imaging Mechanically Stabilized Tissue
Inventors: Roger J. Greenwald, Milind Rajadhyaksha
5,860,967
Dermatological Laser Treatment System with Electronic Visualization of the Area Being Treated
Inventors: James M. Zavislan, Jay M. Eastman
5,836,877
System for Facilitating Pathological Examination of a Lesion in Tissue
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
5,788,639
Confocal Imaging Through Thick Dermal Tissue
Inventors: James M. Zavislan and Jay M. Eastman
5,653,706
Dermatological Laser Treatment System with Electronic Visualization of the Area Being Treated
Inventors: James M. Zavislan, Jay M. Eastman
5,632,741
Epilation System
Inventors: James M. Zavislan, Steven H. Tomson
D523,883
Confocal Microscope imaging Head
Inventors: Christopher C. DiStasio, William J. Fox
D492,997
Confocal Microscope Having a Positionable Imaging Head for Cellular Imaging of Skin, Other Living Tissue and Biological Processes
Inventors: Christopher C. DiStasio
780,933 (Australia)
System for facilitating pathological examination of a lesion in tissue
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
755,153 (Australia)
Imaging system using multi-mode laser illumination to enhance image quality
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
752,872 (Australia)
Confocal imaging through thick dermal tissue
Inventors: James M. Zavislan and Jay M. Eastman
749,435 (Australia)
System for facilitating pathological examination of a lesion in tissue
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
7,321,394
Automatic Gain Control For A Confocal Imaging System
Inventor: Scott R. Grodevant
Abstract:
Automatic gain control is provided for a confocal imaging system to improve the quality of images produced by the system. The confocal imaging system utilizes an illumination source, such as a laser, to produce illumination which enables imaging of an object. The automatic gain control is provided by an automatic gain controller which receives a raster scan video of two-dimensional frames of images from the confocal imaging system, converts the raster scan video into pixels, where each pixel has a brightness value, and then counts, in each frame, the number of pixels which are too bright, the number of pixels which are too dim, and the total number of pixels. After each frame is received, the laser of the confocal imaging system is controlled in accordance with signal(s) produced by the automatic gain controller, whereby the power to the illumination source is reduced when the number of pixels too bright exceeds a number representing a first percentage of the total pixels of the frame, and the number of pixels too dim is greater than a number representing a second percentage of the total pixels of the frame, and the power of the illumination source is increased when the number of pixels too dim is less than the number representing the second percentage of the total pixels of the frame, and the number of pixels too bright in the image is less than the number representing the first percentage of the total pixels of the frame. The automatic gain controller may be operative over either the entire frame of the image, or a rectangular region in the image.
Download Patent # 7,321,394
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7,227,630
Imaging of Surgical Biopsies
Inventors: James M. Zavislan, Roger J. Greenwald
Abstract:
In order to determine, rapidly and without the delay required by conventional tissue preparation techniques for pathological examination (freezing, sectioning, staining, etc.), whether, an excision, which may be a biopsy sample, is representative of the morphology of interest of whether an excisional biopsy in which the tissue taken completely removes the abnormality is, in either case, the tissue which is desired to be excisioned, the tissue specimen (18) in encapsulated, preferably as part of the biopsy procedure. The encapsulated tissue is contained in an optically transparent cassette 934). The cassette 924) or an endcap (38) enclosing the cassette is marked with a fiducial (40) indicating and corresponding to the location of the excision on the patient's body. An image, which is preferable a representation of a surface of the tissue specimen and the vertical section(s) area of the tissue internal of the specimen and adjacent to a surface thereof, is obtained by means of an electro-optical imaging system (10), preferably a confocal laser scanning microscope. The cassette is moved, preferably in a stage 922) which rotates the cassette while translating it, so that the head (12) of the confocal microscope 9its objective lens) provides a linear scan in a direction perpendicular to the wall of the cassette (also perpendicular to the surface of the tissue encapsulated in the cassette). The display (28) from the microscope indicates the morphology at and in proximity to the surface of the specimen as well as the location thereof. The pathologist and the surgeon is thereby provided with information concerning the specimen and whether the entire abnormality desired to be removed has indeed been removed and/or whether the biopsy is representative of the body region of interest in the case of a biopsy sample.
Download Patent # 7,227,630
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7,225,010
System and Method for Confocal Imaging Within Dermal Tissue
Inventor:James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
An improved system for confocal imaging within dermal tissue of a patient is provided which minimizes instability in confocal images by reducing the relative motion of the tissue with respect to the confocal imaging optics of the system. The system includes a mechanism for maintaining an area of skin tissue under stress by application of force at the edges of the area, and an imaging head coupled to this mechanism for imaging the stressed skin. The mechanism includes a mechanical structure, such as a platen brace, or attachment, which both supports the imaging head of the system and applies stress to a limited surface area of the tissue to minimize skin motion during confocal imaging.
Download Patent # 7,225,010
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7,194,118
System for Optically sectioning and Mapping Surgically Excised Tissue
Inventors: Duncan Harris, James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
A display (34) provides from digital images of an excised tissue specimen the orientation and location of tissue and regions of interest (cancers). Images of slices through excised specimen are obtained using a confocal microscope (10) to obtain confocal maps to provide a mosaic of images each of which corresponds to a different map element. A macroscopic image of significant map elements and high resolution images of selected elements are provided to locate and mark regions which are cancerous thereby assisting the surgeon to excise such regions.
Download Patent # 7,194,118
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7,190,990
Cellular Surgery Utilizing Confocal Microscopy
Inventor: James M. Zavislan, Roger J. Greenwald
Abstract:
An improved system for cellular surgery which includes a laser for producing a laser beam, and confocal optics for scanning and focusing the laser beam in tissue and generating confocal images of the tissue in accordance with returned light from the tissue. The confocal images are visualized on a on a display. The system includes a controller for enabling the operator to select one or more cells of the tissue in the displayed confocal images for surgical treatment. The controller operates the laser and confocal optics in a first mode to treat the tissue when the confocal optics focus the laser beam at least one region associated with the selected cells in the tissue, but at all other times operates the laser and confocal optics in a second mode which does not damage the tissue. The treatment may be localized to concentrate the energy of the laser to the region including the selected cell or cells, or the treatment may be non-localized to distribute the energy of the laser to the region which includes the selected cell(s) and also the cells of the tissue surrounding such selected cell(s). In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided having a confocal imaging system, which focuses a first laser beam through confocal optics to tissue and provides confocal images of the tissue, and a treatment system which focuses a second laser beam through the confocal optics coaxial with the first laser beam for treating at one or more selected locations in the imaged tissue.
Download Patent # 7,190,990
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7,139,122
System and Method for Enhancing Confocal Reflectance Images of Tissue Specimens
Inventors: Jay M. Eastman, Milind Rajadhyaksha, James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
A system using cross polarization effects and an enhancement agent having citric or other similar alpha
hydroxy acid to enhance confocal microscope reflectance images and particularly images of the nuclei of
BCCs (basal cell carcinomas) and SCCs (squamous cell carcinomas) in the confocal reflectance images of
excised tumor slices obtained during Mohs surgery by illuminating the tissue being imaged (a tumor slice)
using polarized light. The reflected illumination is passed to a polarization analyzer, which passes
the polarization component which is crossed with respect to the polarization component which is crossed
with respect to the polarization of the illuminating light. The light from the analyzer is passed through
the confocal aperture and detected. The section of the tissue either at the surface within the tissue
is scanned and the reflectance image is produced with enhanced visualization of the cellular or
nuclear structure thereof thereby enabling determination of the extent of the tumor (cancerous cells) in
the section. A method is also provided using the system for diagnosing cancerous cells in skin tissue.
Download Patent # 7,139,122
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7,110,114
System and Method for Enhancing Confocal Reflectance Images of Tissue Specimens
Inventor: Milind Rajadhyaksha, James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
A confocal scanning microscope system (10) using cross polarization effects and an enhancement agent
(acetic acid) to enhance confocal microscope reflectance images of the nuclei of BCCs (basal cell carcinoma)
and SCCs (squamous cell carcinomas) in the confocal reflectance images of excised tumor slices. The
confocal scanning microscope system having a laser (11) for generating an illumination beam (12), a
polygon mirror (18) for scanning the beam to a tissue sample (22) and for receiving a return beam from
the tissue sample and detector (28) for detecting the returned beam to form an image. The system
further includes a half-waveplate (13) having a rotatable stage (14) and a quarter-wave plate (21)
having a rotatable stage (20) disposed in the optical path of the illumination beam and at least a
linear polarizer (24) having a rotatable stage (25) disposed in the optical pat of the returned beam from
the tissue sample.
Download Patent # 7,110,114
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7,047,064
Microscopic Imaging Apparatus and Method
Inventor: James M. Zavislan, Jay M. Eastman
Abstract:
An imaging apparatus is provided for imaging tissue samples substantially beneath the surface of the
tissue sample. The apparatus includes an objective lens and a window defining a tissue contacting surface
in pressure contacting relationship with the surface of the tissue sample when the tissue sample is imaged
by the objective lens to view tissue structures for pathological applications. The objective lens focuses
an illumination beam through the window to the tissue sample and receives returned reflected lights of
the beam representative of one of more sections of the tissue sample. The apparatus enables a method
for in-vivo observation of tissue for diagnosis of conditions substantially beneath the surface of the
tissue sample. Both two and three-dimensional imaging may be provided for diagnosis and location of basal
cell carcinomas and melanomas, and so as to enable visualization of tumor borders prior to excision.
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7,003,345
System and Method for Enhancing Microscope Images of Tissue using Citric Acid and Agents of the Like
Inventor: Jay M. Eastman
Abstract:
A system and method for enhancing images of ex-vivo or in-vivo tissue produced by confocal microscopy,
optical coherence tomography, two-photon microscopy, or ultra-sound, is provided by applying to the tissue
a solution or gel having an effective concentration of citric or other alpha-hydroxy acid which enhances
tissue structures, such as cellular nuclei, in such images. Such concentration may be 3-20% acid, and
preferably 5% acid.
Download Patent # 7,003,345
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6,937,886
System for Confocal Imaging Within Dermal Tissue
Inventor: James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
An improved system for confocal imaging within dermal tissue of a patient is provided which
minimizes instability in confocal images by reducing the relative motion of the tissue with respect to
the confocal imaging optics of the system. The system includes a mechanism for maintaining an area of
skin tissue under stress by application of force at the edges of the area, and an imaging head coupled to
this mechanism for imaging the stressed skin. The mechanism includes a mechanical structure, such as a
platen, brace, or attachment, which both supports the imaging head of the system and applies stress to a
limited surface area of the tissue to minimize skin motion during confocal imaging.
Download Patent # 6,937,886
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6,577,394
Imaging System Using Polarization Effects to Enhance Image Quality
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
The quality of images produced by confocal microscopy, and especially scanning laser confocal microscopy,
is enhanced especially for images obtained in turbid mediums such as many biological tissue specimens,
by reducing speckle from scatterers that exist outside (above and below) the section which is being imaged
by utilizing sheared beams, both of which are focused to laterally or vertically offset spots and polarizing
the beams to have opposite senses of circular polarization (right and left handed circular polarization).
The return light from the section of certain polarization is detected after passing through the
confocal aperture of the confocal microscope. Images can be formed using optical coherence detection of
the return light.
Light from scatterers outside the section of interest, which are illuminated by both of the sheared
beams, interfere thereby reducing speckle due to such scatterers, and particularly scatters which are
adjacent to the section being imaged. Sheared beams having orthogonal linear polarization, as may be
obtained from a Wollaston or Nomarski prism are converted into circularly polarized beams of
opposite polarization sense by a quarter wave plate and focused into laterally displaced spots. A Dyson
type lens is used to obtain sheared beams which when focused form vertically displaced spots. The
optical signals representing reflections from the section are derived by polarizing optics which may either
be a polarizing beamsplitter in the incident beam path or a retarder and analyzer. The retarder may be
selected to provide different polarization phase shifts of the return light, and with the analyzer,
detects the degree of elliptical polarization representing the optical activity and circular dichroism
producing the optical signal representing the image.
Download Patent #6,577,394
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6,424,852
System for Confocal Imaging within Dermal Tissue
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
An improved system for confocal imaging within dermal tissue of a patient is provided which
minimizes instability in confocal images by reducing the relative motion of the tissue with respect to
the confocal imaging optics of the system. The system includes a mechanism for maintaining an area of
skin tissue under stress by application of force at the edges of the area, and an imaging head coupled
to this mechanism for imaging the stressed skin. The mechanism includes a mechanical structure, such as
a platen, brace, or attachement, which both supports the imaging head of the system and applies stress
to a limited surface area of the tissue to minimize skin motion during confocal imaging.
Download Patent #6,424,852
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6,413,252
Confocal Microscope for Facilitating Cryosurgery of Tissue
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
A confocal microscope is provided including a confocal imaging system having an objective lens, and a
device which can be an attachment to the confocal imaging system, or a part thereof. the device has a
housing with an interior cavity and two opposite ends, where one end ofthe housing receives the objective
lens, and at the other end of the housing which is attached to, or is a part of, the housing which forms
that other end. The chamber has first and second plates presenting two opposing sides oft eh chamber, where
the first plate lies adjacemnt tothe tissue to b e treated and the second plate is attached to the housing.
The interior cavity of the housing has a window defining a first volume between the window and the
objective lens, and a second volume between the window and the chamber. The first volume has an immersion
liquid optically matched to the objective lens, and the second volume is approximately evacuated. The
confocal imaging system, via the device, focuses light into the tissue and collects returned light from
the tissue to produce images representing one or more sections of the tissue. To freeze the tissue, the
chamber receives a cyrogenic fluid, such as liquid nitrogen, thereby cryosurgically treating the tissue
below the chamber which includes the imaged tissue. The chamber has an input port to receive the cryogenic
fluid and an ouput port to vent the cryogenic fluid. The confcal microscope can provide images of the
tissue before, during and after cryosurgical treatment.
Download Patent #6,413,252
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6,411,434
Cassette for Facilitating Optical Sectioning of a Retained Tissue Specimen
Inventors: Jay M. Eastman, William J. Fox, Roger J. Greenwald, Kevin P. Roesser, and James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
A cassette for retaining a specimen of surgically exposed tissue from a patient in an orientation
that facilitates optical sectioning of the tissue by a confocal microscopic or other optical imaging
microscope. The cassette includes a base member having a rigid optically transparent window upon which
a tissue specimen is situated, a pliable membrane locatable over a substantial portion of the base
member including the window, and an upper window sealing the tissue specimen therein. With the tissue
specimen in the encloed cavity of the cassette, the edges of the tissue specimen may be positined planar
against the window and retained in that position by bonds formed between the membrane and window at
mulitiple points or locations around the tissue specimen. The specimen retained in the cavity is
viewable through the aperture of the upper member and imagible by a confocal microscope, or other
optical imaging microscope, through the window of the base member. The base member has an injection port
through which fluid may be inserted and removed from the cavity of the cassette in which the tissue specimen
is retained. Such fluids can facilitate imaging of the specimen by an optical imaging microscope, or can be
used to place the specimen in the preservative for archival purposes. A label with indicia identifying
the tissue specimen may be applied to the cassette. The cassette may be part of a confocal imaging system
to produce microscopic images of sections of the tissue specimen useful for Mohs surgery.
Download Patent #6,411,434
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6,360,115
System for Imaging Mechanically Stabilized Tissue
Inventors: Roger J. Greenwald and Milind Rajadhyaksha
Abstract:
A system is provided having a clamping apparatus with first and second members, which are spaced apart from
each other. An attachment mechanism is connected to the first member for attaching the apparatus to a
confocal imaging system. This attachment mechanism has a surface with a window facing the tissue to be
examined. Opposing this surface is a third member connected to the second member. A clamping mechanism
includes the first and second members for clamping the tissue between the surface of the attachment
mechanism and the surface of the third member, thereby stabilizing the tissue to the confocal imaging
system. The window of the attachment mechanism presents the clamped tissue to the confocal imaging system.
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6,330,106
Tissue Specimen Holder
Inventors: Roger J. Greenwald and James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
A tray or holder for tissue specimens, especially of excised tissue, such as biopsied specimens, is used
with a confocal imaging system, especially a laser scanning confocal microscope system. The tray may
be disposable after imaging of the specimen carried therein or may archive the specimen. A window supports
the specimen. Clamps mounted inside the tray restrain the tissue. A compliant bag is mounted outside the tray
on one side of a window of the tray on which the specimen is disposed. During imaging the specimen is
immersed in a liquid contained in the tray having an index of refraction which closely matches the index
of refraction of the tissue. The bag also contains an index matching liquid preferably having the same index
as the liquid in the tray. A stabilizing plate is attached to a surface of the bag which faces the
window. Selecting an immersion liquid, which equals the refractive index of the near surface tissues,
minimizes wavefront distortion which may result from an effectively corrugated surface of the specimen.
Download Patent #6,330,106
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6,304,373
Imaging System using Multi-Mode Laser Illumination to Enhance Image Quality
Inventors: James. M. Zavislan
Abstract:
The quality of image produced by confocal microscopy, and especially scanning laser confocal microscopy,
is enhanced especially for images obtained in turbid mediums such as many biological tissues specimens,
by reducing speckle from scatterers that exist outside (above and below) the section which is being imaged
by utilizing reduced coherence illumination, such as provided by a multi-mode laser. The laser beam is
focused to provide its intensity in lobes forming offset spots in opposite (180.degree.) amplitude
phase relationship. The lobes are combined in the return light from the section and detected after
passing through the confocal aperture of the confocal microscope. Images can be formed from the detected
return light. Light from scatterers outside the section of interest, which are illuminated by both of the
lobes beams overlap outside the section and interfere, thereby reducing speckle due to such scatterers,
and particularly scatters which are adjacent to the section being imaged.
Download Patent #6,304,373
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6,263,233
Handheld Imaging Microscope
Inventors: James M. Zavislan and Jay M. Eastman
Abstract:
A handheld imaging microscope for imaging tissue samples substantially beneath the surface of the tissue
sample. The microscope includes an objective lens and a window defining a tissue contacting surface in
pressure contacting relationship with the surface of the tissue sample when the tissue sample is imaged by
the objective lens to view tissue structures for pathological applications. The objective lens focuses
an illumination beam through the window to the tissue sample and receives returned reflected light of the
beam representative of one or more sections of the tissue sample.
Download Patent #6,263,233
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6,134,010
Imaging System Using Polarization Effects to Enhance Image Quality
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
The quality of images produced by confocal microscopy, and especially scanning laser confocal microscopy,
is enhanced especially for images obtained in turbid mediums such as many biological tissue specimens,
by reducing speckle from scatterers that exist outside (above and below) the section which is being imaged
by utilizing sheared beams, both of which are focused to laterally or vertically offset spots and polarizing
the beams to have opposite senses of circular polarization (right and left handed circular polarization).
The return light from the section of certain polarization is detected after passing through the
confocal aperture of the confocal microscope. Images can be formed using optical coherence detection of
the return light. Light from scatterers outside the section of interest, which are illuminated by both of
the sheared beams, interfere thereby reducing speckle due to such scatterers, and particularly scatters
which are adjacent to the section being imaged. Sheared beams having orthogonal linear polarization, as may
be obtained from a Wollaston or Nomarski prism are converted into circularly polarized beams of
opposite polarization sense by a quarter wave plate and focused into laterally displaced spot. A Dyson type
lens is used to obtain sheared beams which when focused form vertically displaced spots. The optical
signals representing reflections from the section are derived by polarizing optics which may either be
a polarizing beamsplitter in the incident beam path or a retarder and analyzer. The retarder may be selected
to provide different polarization phase shifts of the return light, and with the analyzer, detects the degree
of elliptical polarization representing the optical activity and circular dichroism producing the optical
signal representing the image.
Download Patent #6,134,010
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6,134,009
Imaging System Using Polarization Effects to Enhance Image Quality
Inventors: James m. Zavislan
Abstract:
The quality of images produced by confocal microscopy, and especially scanning laser confocal microscopy,
is enhanced expecially for images obtained in turbid mediums such as many biological tissue specimens,
by reducing speckle from scatterers that exist outside (above and below) the focal plane region which is
being imaged by utilizing sheared beams, both of which are focused to spots in the focal or image plane
(region of interest) and polarizing the beams to have the opposite senses of circular polarization (right
and left handed circular polarization). The return light from the image plane of certain
polarization is detected after passing through the confocal aperture of the confocal microscope. Light
from scatterers outside the region of interest, which are illuminated by both of the sheared beams,
interfere thereby reducing speckle due to such scatterers, and particularly scatters which are adjacent
to the image plane. Sheared beams having orthogonal linear polarization, as may be obtained from a Wollaston
or Nomarski prism are converted into circularly polarized beams of opposite polarization sense by a quarter
wave plate. The optical signals representing reflections from the focal plane are derived by polarizing
optics which may either, be a polarizing beamsplitter in the incident beam path or with a retarder and
analyzer. The retarder may be selected to provide different polarization phase shift of the return light,
and with the analyzer, detects the degree of elliptical polarization representing the optical activity
and circular dichroism producing the optical signal representing the image.
Download Patent #6,134,009
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5,995,867
Cellular Surgery Utilizing Confocal Microscopy
Inventors: James M. Zavislan, Roger J. Greenwald
Abstract:
An improved system for cellular surgery which includes a laser for producing a laser beam, and confocal
optics for scanning and focusing the laser beam in tissue and generating confocal images of the tissue
in accordance with returned light from the tissue. The confocal images are visualized on a display. The
system includes a controller for enabling the operator to select one or more cells of the tissue in
the displayed confocal images for surgical treatment. The controller operates the laser and confocal
optics in a first mode to treat the tissue when the confocal optics focus the laser beam at at least one
region associated with the selected cells in the tissue, but at all other times operates the laser and
confocal optics in a second mode which does not damage the tissue. The treatment may be localized to
concentrate the energy of the laser to the region including the selected cell or cells, or the treatment
may be non-localized to distribute the energy of the laser to the region which includes the selected cell(s)
and also the cells of the tissue surrounding such selected cell(s). In another embodiment, an apparatus
is provided having a confocal imaging system, which focuses a first laser beam through confocal optics to
tissue and provides confocal images of the tissue, and a treatment system which focuses a second laser
beam through the confocal optics coaxial with the first laser beam for treating at one or more
selected locations in the imaged tissue.
Download Patent #5,995,867
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5,978,695
System for Imaging Mechanically Stabilized Tissue
Inventors: Roger J. Greenwald, Milind Rajadhyaksha
Abstract:
A system is provided having a clamping apparatus with first and second members, which are spaced apart from
each other. An attachment mechanism is connected to the first member for attaching the apparatus to a
confocal imaging system. This attachment mechanism has a surface with a window facing the tissue to be
examined. Opposing this surface is a third member connected to the second member. A clamping mechanism
includes the first and second members for clamping the tissue between the surface of the attachment
mechanism and the surface of the third member, thereby stabilizing the tissue to the confocal imaging
system. The window of the attachment mechanism presents the clamped tissue to the confocal imaging system.
Download Patent #5,978,695
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5,860,967
Dermatological Laser Treatment System with Electronic Visualization of the Area Being Treated
Inventors: James M. Zavislan, Jay M. Eastman
Abstract:
A hand held microsurgical instrument for applying laser energy to selected locations (sites) in an area
under the skin (or other exposed translucent tissue) to provide localized photothermolysis of underlying
tissue at these sites, is described. The laser energy is focused into a spot within the tissue. This spot
is of sufficiently small size so that the energy density is sufficient to provide surgical or treatment
effects within the tissue without damaging the surface tissue. In dermatology, for example, the technique
can be used to destroy endothelial cells in blood vessels which are desired to be removed, such spider
veins (nevi) in the skin, hair follicles to prevent hair growth therefrom, or other micro-surgical
procedures. The area is visualized while the laser beam is steered, using a deflection system, in X
and Y coordinates. A telecentric optical system, in which a mirror of the deflection system is located,
directs the laser light essentially perpendicular to the area to be treated as the beam is scanned over
the area. The optical system also focuses illumination light reflected from the area to a sensor matrix
of a CCD video camera. The reflected illumination light is imaged essentially parallel to the optical axis
in the object space thereby providing a precise, high resolution image corresponding to the area. The laser
beam may be tracked as it is defected over the area to the selected locations by visualization thereof
on a display or monitor associated with the video camera. The locations are then apparent to the
treating physician who can then effect an increase of the beam power or turn the beam on so as to treat
the tissue in the selected locations.
Download Patent #5,860,967
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5,836,877
System for Facilitating Pathological Examination of a Lesion in Tissue
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
In order to facilitate pathological examination of a lesion in in-vivo tissue, a system and method are
provided having a computer system in which both a camera for producing a digital macroscopic picture
of the lesion and an imager are coupled to the computer system. The imager is responsive to the computer
system and has optics for scanning the lesion to generate images representing microscopic sections of the
lesion which provide sufficient information for pathological examination of the lesion. The computer
system generates location information, referencing the location in the macroscopic picture of the lesion
where the lesion was scanned to the images, and stores data in an electronic file structure which contains
at least a representation of the images, a representation of the macroscopic picture, and the
location information. The file structure may then be sent to another computer system for viewing the
images stored in the file structure to facilitate pathological examination of the lesion by persons trained
to interpret such images, adding a diagnostic report about the lesion to the data of the file structure,
and sending back the file structure to the computer system that originated it.
Download Patent #5,836,877
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5,788,639
Confocal Imaging Through Thick Dermal Tissue
Inventors: James M. Zavislan and Jay M. Eastman
Abstract:
A hand held confocal imaging system for in vivo observation of dermal and subdermal tissue allows diagnosis
of conditions substantially beneath the surface of the skin. A confocal head has optics which scan the tissue
so as to provide images of vertical sections of the tissue. Both two and three dimensional imaging may
be provided for diagnosis and location of basal cell carcinomas and melanomas, and so as to enable
visualization of tumor borders prior to excision.
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5,653,706
Dermatological Laser Treatment System with Electronic Visualization of the Area Being Treated
Inventors: James M. Zavislan, Jay M. Eastman
Abstract:
A hand held microsurgical instrument for applying laser energy to selected locations (sites) in an area
under the skin (or other exposed translucent tissue) to provide localized photothermolysis of underlying
tissue at these sites, is described. The laser energy is focused into a spot within the tissue. This spot
is of sufficiently small size so that the energy density is sufficient to provide surgical or treatment
effects within the tissue without damaging the surface tissue. In dermatology, for example, the technique
can be used to destroy endothelial cells in blood vessels which are desired to be removed, such as spider
veins (nevi) in the skin, hair follicles to prevent hair growth therefrom, or other microsurgical
procedures. The area is visualized while the laser beam is steered, using a deflection system, in X
and Y coordinates. A telecentric optical system, in which a mirror of the deflection system is located,
directs the laser light essentially perpendicular to the area to be treated as the beam is scanned over
the area. The optical system also focuses illumination light reflected from the area to a sensor matrix
of a CCD video camera. The reflected illumination light is imaged essentially parallel to the optical
axis in the object space thereby providing a precise, high resolution image corresponding to the area.
The laser beam may be tracked as it is deflected over the area to the selected locations by
visualization thereof on a display or monitor associated with the video camera. The locations are then
apparent to the treating physician who can then effect an increase of the beam power or turn the beam on
so as to treat the tissue in the selected locations.
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5,632,741
Epilation System
Inventors: James M. Zavislan, Steven H. Tomson
Abstract:
In order to remove hair growing in subcutaneous (below the skin's surface) tissue and to do so permanently,
the hair and its root structure is epilated (vaporized) in an ablation cavity of essentially the same size
and shape as the volume occupied by the root structure which includes follicle, the follicle bulb and the
dermal papilla. Optical energy is used which is of a wavelength and fluence sufficient to cause epilation
in the cavity without relying upon selective photothermolysis thereby limiting damage to tissue outside of
the hair root structure. To find and restrict the optical energy to the epilation cavity, an optical
system, which may be constituted of a single lens, having a numerical aperture of F/5-5.8 is used. The beam
is generated by a laser which may be operated in a pulse mode and contained in a hand piece having the
optical system at the end thereof. In order to facilitate epilation, a medium such as cold compress
or a freezing agent, may be applied before application of the laser energy in order to cause the root
structure and the hair to move to a location generally perpendicular to the surface of the skin.
During application of the laser energy, the root structure and the hair, if present is progressively
ablated and vaporized until the bottom of the hair bulb is reached at which time the beam is turned off.
Because of the shaping effect of the optical system, the beam is diffused so as to have insufficient fluence
to damage the tissue below the bottom of the hair follicle bulb.
Download Patent #5,632,741
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D523,883
Confocal Microscope imaging Head
Inventors: Christopher C. DiStasio, William J. Fox
Abstract:
The ornamental design for confocal microscope imaging head.
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D492,997
Confocal Microscope Having a Positionable Imaging Head for Cellular Imaging of Skin, Other Living Tissue and Biological Processes
Inventors: Christopher C. DiStasio
Abstract:
The ornamental design for a confocal microscope having a positionable imaging head for cellular imaging of skin, other living tissue and biological processes.
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780,933 (Australia)
System for facilitating pathological examination of a lesion in tissue
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
In order to facilitate pathological examination of a lesion in in vivo tissue, an apparatus and method are provided according to which an electronic file storing images of the lesion are received by the pathology computer. The pathology computer has means for viewing the information in the electronic file generated by the exam computer and means which enable the pathologist to generate a diagnostic report based on the viewed images of the lesion. The invention further includes a method for telepathological examination of a lesion.
Download Patent #780,933 (Australia)
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755,153 (Australia)
Imaging system using multi-mode laser illumination to enhance image quality
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
A confocal microscope system for viewing a section which returns light from the section and sites around the section and which comprises a source of light and confocal optics
Download Patent #755,153 (Australia)
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752,872 (Australia)
Confocal imaging through thick dermal tissue
Inventors: James M. Zavislan and Jay M. Eastman
Abstract:
A hand held confocal imaging system for in vivo observation of dermal and subdermal tissue allows diagnosis
of conditions substantially beneath the surface of the skin. A confocal head has optics which scan the tissue
so as to provide images of vertical sections of the tissue. Both two and three dimensional imaging may
be provided for diagnosis and location of basal cell carcinomas and melanomas, and so as to enable
visualization of tumor borders prior to excision.
Download Patent #752,872 (Australia)
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749,435 (Australia)
System for facilitating pathological examination of a lesion in tissue
Inventors: James M. Zavislan
Abstract:
In order to facilitate pathological examination of a lesion (23a in in-vivo tissue, a system and method
are provided having a computer system in which both a camera (19) for producing a digital macroscopic picture
of the lesion and an imager (22) are coupled to the computer system. The imager is responsive to the
computer system and has optics for scanning the lesion to generate images representing microscopic sections
of the lesion which provide sufficient information for pathological examination of the lesion. The
computer system generates location information, referencing the location in the macroscopic picture of
the lesion where the lesion was scanned to the images, and stores data in an electronic file structure
which contains at least a representation of the images, a representation of the macroscopic picture, and
the location information. The file structure may then be sent to another computer system for viewing the
images stored in the file structure to facilitate the pathological examination of the lesion by persons
trained to interpret such images, adding a diagnostic report about the lesion to the data of the file
structure, and sending back the file sturcture to the computer system that originated it.
Download Patent #749,435 (Australia)
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