| abstract |
The present invention relates to the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for procedure- oriented applications such as precise image-guided placement of instruments and hardware in the body. The invention also relates to a thin forward- and radial-scanning OCT probe and an OCT-epiduroscopy instrument for use in such applications. In particular, the methods and apparatus of the present invention are ideally suited for real-time, high resolution imaging of the spinal epidural space, which is useful in connection with epidural regional analgesia, lysis of epidural adhesions, and high resolution diagnostic imaging of, for example, small free disc or bone fragments causing radiculopathy. The methods and apparatus are also ideally suited for real-time, hight resolution imaging within the intrathecal space, which is useful for example, for the early diagnosis of metastatic cancer within the intrathecal sac. |