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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To advance the field of minimally invasive medical procedures, an ideal endoscope should provide high-resolution images with variable magnification from an ultra-thin package, while adding depth cues and integrating optical diagnoses and therapies. Satisfying all these requirements is extremely difficult using commercial endoscopes. A new imaging technology is introduced that uses directed laser illumination, which is scanned at the distal end of a flexible endoscope. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-mode optical fiber is driven in vibratory resonance using a piezoelectric actuator. The emitted laser light is scanned in two-dimensions over test specimens. Digital images are constructed by detecting optical power one pixel at a time. RESULTS: Unique features of the fiber scanning scope are rapidly changing magnification, enhanced topographic detail, and concurrent fluorescence imaging, which are demonstrated and discussed. CONCLUSION: This fiber scanning scope has the potential for pixel-accurate delivery of high quality laser radiation, allowing the future integration of imaging with diagnosis and therapy.
Seibel et al. (Fri,) studied this question.