Optical probe accessory device for use in in vivo diagnostic procedures

Abstract

The present invention recognizes that optical probes function both as medical access devices and as instruments which collect complex optical data. The invention provides an optical probe accessory device which can access luminal spaces within the body of a patient without sacrificing the quality of optical data obtained. The accessory device further comprises either, singly, or in combination, selectable features or options which optimize light transmission, maximize patient comfort, and provide single-use capabilities.

1 . An accessory device for an optical probe comprising a body and an attachment element for attaching the accessory device to the probe, said attachment element detaching from the body of the accessory device when the accessory device is removed from the probe, thereby preventing re-use of the accessory device.  
     
     
         2 . The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein said attachment element includes a grasping element and wherein grasping said grasping element detaches said attachment element from the body of the accessory device.  
     
     
         3 . The accessory device of  claim 2 , wherein the grasping element is a tab or snap ring.  
     
     
         4 . The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment element is conformable to an end of the probe bearing illumination optics.  
     
     
         5 . The accessory device of  claim 4 , wherein the attachment element is flexible and the body of the accessory device is rigid.  
     
     
         6 . The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment element is separated from the body of the accessory device by perforations and wherein rupturing said perforations detaches the attachment element from the body of the accessory device.  
     
     
         7 . The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the device is made of a shrink-fitted material.  
     
     
         8 . The accessory device of  claim 7 , wherein the shrink-fitted material is shrinkable using heat.  
     
     
         9 . The accessory device of  claim 7 , wherein the accessory device can be rolled up before and after use with an optical probe.  
     
     
         10 - 41 . (canceled)  
     
     
         42 . The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment element is configured to prevent reattachment of the accessory device to the probe after the accessory device is removed from the probe.  
     
     
         43 . An accessory device for an optical diagnostic system having an associated reader, the accessory device comprising a marker capable of being read by the reader to thereby prevent re-use of the accessory device.  
     
     
         44 . The accessory device of  claim 43 , wherein the marker comprises a bar code.  
     
     
         45 . The accessory device of  claim 43 , wherein the marker comprises an RFID chip.  
     
     
         46 . The accessory device of  claim 43 , wherein the marker is capable of being read by an optical sensor.  
     
     
         47 . The accessory device of  claim 43 , wherein the marker comprises encoded information.  
     
     
         48 . The accessory device of  claim 47 , wherein the encoded information comprises identification information.  
     
     
         49 . The accessory device of  claim 43 , wherein at least a portion of the accessory device provides a shield between a contact surface and an optical probe.  
     
     
         50 . The accessory device of  claim 49 , wherein the optical probe is a part of the optical diagnostic system.  
     
     
         51 . The accessory device of  claim 49 , wherein the accessory device is configured to prevent contact between a patient and the optical probe.  
     
     
         52 . The accessory device of  claim 49 , wherein the contact surface is a body lumen and wherein at least a portion of the accessory device is configured to conform to the body lumen.  
     
     
         53 . A method for limiting re-use of an accessory device with an optical probe in an optical diagnostic system, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing an accessory device comprising a marker;    reading the marker to obtain information about the accessory device; and at least one of: 
 disabling operation of the optical probe with the accessory device based at least in part on the information, where the accessory device has been previously used; and  
 enabling operation of the optical probe with the accessory device based at least in part on the information, where the accessory device has not been previously used.  
   
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein at least a portion of the accessory device provides a shield between a contact surface and the optical probe.  
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 54 , wherein the contact surface is a body lumen and wherein at least a portion of the accessory device conforms to the body lumen.  
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the information comprises identification information about the accessory device.  
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the information comprises usage history of the accessory device.  
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the marker comprises a bar code.  
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the marker comprises an RFID chip.  
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the reading step comprises scanning the marker.  
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the method prevents re-use of the accessory device with the optical probe.