| abstract |
A method and apparatus for analyzing and treating internal lumens is provided. The apparatus includes a catheterized device integrating an optical probe and local treatment delivery system. The probe component includes fiber optic lines that can be used in conjunction with visible and/or near infrared spectroscopy to analyze various characteristics of tissues, including chemical, blood, and oxygen content, in order to locate those tissues associated with diseased lumens, to determine the best location for applying treatment, and to monitor treatment and its effects. Physically integrated with the probe component is a treatment component for delivering localized treatments including stem cells, antibiotics, gene therapy, neoplasty, and sclerosant drugs, etc. A control system coordinates operation of the catheter, including performing chemometric analysis with the use of model data, and for providing control and visual feedback to an operator. |