US6233480B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods and apparatus for optically imaging neuronal tissue and activity
Assignee: WASHINGTON, University of
•
Filing: 1998-01-20
•
Granted: 2001-05-15
•
Expires: 2018-01-20
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides a method and apparatus for distinguishing neuronal tissue from surrounding tissue, for distinguishing functional neuronal tissue from dysfunctional tissue, and for imaging of functional neuronal areas in cerebral cortex by detecting changes in the optical properties of the neuronal tissue following stimulation of neuronal activity.
Inventors
- 👤 Daryl Hochman
- 👤 Michael M. Haglund
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:10
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/0059; A61B5/145; A61B5/1455; A61B5/14551; A61B5/14553; A61B5/24; A61B5/316; A61B5/369; A61B5/377; A61B5/383; A61B5/40; A61B5/4076; A61B5/4094; A61B90/00; A61B90/36; G; G06; G06T; G06T5/00; G06T5/50; G16; G16H; G16H15/00; G16H20/00; G16H20/30; G16H30/00; G16H30/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 116
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
A method for detecting spatially resolved physiological changes in neuronal tissue in a human patient, comprising: illuminating one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue with electromagnetic radiation (emr) having at least one wavelength of from 450 nm to 2500 nm; detecting one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue and acquiring a data set representing the one or more optical properties corresponding to each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue; comparing the data set with a control data set representing the one or more optical properties corresponding to each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue to determine differences in the one or more optical properties in each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue and producing a comparison data set, whereby differences in one or more optical properties in each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue between the control data set and the data set are representative of physiological changes.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
166 words
A method for detecting spatially resolved physiological changes in neuronal tissue in a human patient, comprising: illuminating one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue with electromagnetic radiation (emr) having at least one wavelength of from 450 nm to 2500 nm; detecting one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue and acquiring a data set representing the one or more optical properties corresponding to each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue; comparing the data set with a control data set representing the one or more optical properties corresponding to each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue to determine differences in the one or more optical properties in each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue and producing a comparison data set, whereby differences in one or more optical properties in each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue between the control data set and the data set are representative of physiological changes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1 , additionally comprising displaying the comparison data set in a graphical format.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 1 , additionally comprising displaying the comparison data set in a visual image format.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 3 , wherein the visual image format is a two dimensional image.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 3 , wherein the visual image format is a three dimensional image.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 1 , additionally comprising administering a contrast enhancing agent prior to acquiring the data set.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method according to claim 1 , wherein the spatially resolved change being detected is neuronal activity and differences in one or more optical properties in each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue between the control data set and the data set are representative of differences in neuronal activity.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using a plurality of CCD pixels.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 1 , additionally comprising displaying a comparison image at a magnification sufficient to detect single nerve fiber bundles.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method according to claim 1 , additionally comprising acquiring a plurality of data sets representing the one or more optical properties corresponding to each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue, averaging the plurality of data sets to produce an averaged data set, and comparing the averaged data set with the control data set.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method according to claim 1 , wherein the spatially resolved physiological change being detected is neuronal inhibition and differences in one or more optical properties in each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue between the control data set and the data set are representative of differences in neuronal inhibition.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method according to claim 1 , wherein the spatially resolved physiological change being detected is viability of neuronal tissue, and differences in one or more optical properties in each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue between the control data set and the data set are representative of differences between viable and non-viable tissue.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue underlies at least one of bone and dura, and the illuminating and detecting takes place noninvasively through the at least one of bone and dura.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 1 , comprising subtractively comparing the data set with a control data set and producing a comparison data set that represents a difference data set.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 1 , additionally comprising processing the comparison data set to provide an enhanced contrast comparison data set.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 15 , wherein the comparison data set is a grey scale image and processing provides an enhanced contrast grey scale image.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 15 , wherein the comparison data set is an image and processing provides an enhanced contrast color image.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 1 , wherein comparing the data set with a control data set to determine differences in the one or more optical properties in each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue distinguishes between positive-going and negative-going changes.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 1 , comprising illuminating one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue with uniform intensity emr.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 1 , comprising illuminating one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue with non-continuous illumination.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 1 , comprising illuminating one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue with an illumination source using at least one of the following: amplitude modulated; frequency modulated; and phase modulated techniques.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1 , additionally comprising stimulating a physiological change in neuronal tissue in the patient prior to acquiring the data set.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 22 , wherein stimulating the physiological change is achieved by a direct neuronal stimulation technique.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 22 , wherein stimulating the physiological change is achieved by administering a paradigm.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 1 , comprising producing the comparison data set in real-time.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using at least one photodiode.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using at least one photomultiplier tube.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 1 , the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using an array of photon detectors.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is illuminated using at least one of the following sources: a tungsten-halogen lamp; a laser; a laser diode; and a light-emitting diode.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is illuminated using an array of multiple source elements.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1 , for detecting spatially resolved physiological changes in neuronal tissue during development.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 1 , comprising acquiring a data set at each of two or more wavelengths of emr.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 1 , for simultaneously monitoring cortical neuronal activity and at least one blood characteristic.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is illuminated using at least one optical fiber operably connected to an emr source.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using at least one optical fiber operably connected to an optical detector.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
187 words
A method for monitoring physiological change in neuronal tissue, comprising: illuminating one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue with electromagnetic radiation (emr) having at least one wavelength of from 450 nm to 2500 nm; detecting one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue at a first time and acquiring a first data set representing one or more optical properties corresponding to each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue at the first time; detecting one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue at a second time and acquiring a second data set representing one or more optical properties corresponding to each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue at the second time; comparing the first and second data sets to identify changes in the one or more optical properties at each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue, whereby differences in one or more optical properties in each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue between the first and second data sets are representative of physiological changes.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
187 words
A method for monitoring physiological change in neuronal tissue, comprising: illuminating one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue with electromagnetic radiation (emr) having at least one wavelength of from 450 nm to 2500 nm; detecting one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue at a first time and acquiring a first data set representing one or more optical properties corresponding to each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue at the first time; detecting one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue at a second time and acquiring a second data set representing one or more optical properties corresponding to each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue at the second time; comparing the first and second data sets to identify changes in the one or more optical properties at each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue, whereby differences in one or more optical properties in each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue between the first and second data sets are representative of physiological changes.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 36 , wherein the physiological change being monitored is recovery of neuronal tissue from trauma.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 36 , comprising monitoring changes in neuronal activity that take place as a consequence of administration of a diagnostic or a therapeutic agent.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 36 , comprising monitoring physiological changes in neuronal tissue in a human patient.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 39 , wherein the neuronal tissue is located under at least one of bone and dura and the illuminating and detecting takes place noninvasively through the at least one of bone and dura.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 36 , comprising monitoring physiological changes in neuronal tissue in an in vitro system.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 36 , comprising subtractively comparing the first and second data sets and producing a comparison data set that represents a difference data set.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method according to claim 36 , wherein the physiological change being monitored is neuronal activity and differences in one or more optical properties in each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue between the first and second data sets are representative of differences in neuronal activity.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 36 , additionally comprising producing a comparison data set and processing the comparison data set to provide an enhanced contrast comparison data set.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 44 , wherein the comparison data set is a grey scale image and processing provides an enhanced contrast grey scale image.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 44 , wherein the comparison data set is an image and processing provides an enhanced contrast color image.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 36 , wherein comparing the first and second data sets to identify changes in the one or more optical properties in each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue distinguishes between positive-going and negative-going changes.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 36 , wherein the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using a plurality of CCD pixels.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 36 , comprising illuminating one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue with uniform intensity emr.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 36 , comprising illuminating one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue with non-continuous illumination.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 36 , comprising illuminating one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue with an illumination source using at least one of the following: amplitude modulated; frequency modulated; and phase modulated techniques.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 36 , additionally comprising stimulating a physiological change in neuronal tissue in the patient prior to acquiring the second data set.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 52 , wherein stimulating the physiological change is achieved using a direct neuronal stimulation technique.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 52 , wherein stimulating the physiological change is achieved by administering a paradigm.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 36 , comprising comparing the first and second data sets in real-time.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to claim 36 , wherein the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using a photodiode.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 36 , wherein the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using at least one photomultiplier tube.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 36 , the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using an array of photon detectors.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 36 , wherein the one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is illuminated using at least one of the following sources: a tungsten-halogen lamp; a laser; a laser diode; and a light-emitting diode.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 36 , wherein the one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is illuminated using an array of multiple source elements.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 36 , for detecting spatially resolved physiological changes in neuronal tissue during development.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 36 , comprising acquiring a data set at each of two or more wavelengths of emr.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 36 , for simultaneously monitoring cortical neuronal activity and at least one blood characteristic.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 36 , wherein the one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is illuminated using at least one optical fiber operably connected to an emr source.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 36 , wherein the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using at least one optical fiber operably connected to an optical detector.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
177 words
A method for locating individual nerves and nerve pathways, comprising: illuminating one or more areas of interest in proximity to a nerve or nerve pathway with electromagnetic radiation (emr) having at least one wavelength of from 450 nm to 2500 nm; detecting one or more optical properties of the area of interest at a first time and acquiring a first data set representing one or more optical properties of the area of interest in proximity to a nerve; stimulating the nerve to produce an intrinsic signal at the nerve along an active nerve pathway; detecting one or more optical properties of the area of interest at a second time during or following the stimulation and acquiring a second data set representing one or more optical properties of the area of interest corresponding to the intrinsic signal along an active nerve pathway; and comparing the first and second data sets to identify changes in the one or more optical properties that are representative of an intrinsic signal along the active nerve pathway, thereby identifying the active nerve pathway.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
177 words
A method for locating individual nerves and nerve pathways, comprising: illuminating one or more areas of interest in proximity to a nerve or nerve pathway with electromagnetic radiation (emr) having at least one wavelength of from 450 nm to 2500 nm; detecting one or more optical properties of the area of interest at a first time and acquiring a first data set representing one or more optical properties of the area of interest in proximity to a nerve; stimulating the nerve to produce an intrinsic signal at the nerve along an active nerve pathway; detecting one or more optical properties of the area of interest at a second time during or following the stimulation and acquiring a second data set representing one or more optical properties of the area of interest corresponding to the intrinsic signal along an active nerve pathway; and comparing the first and second data sets to identify changes in the one or more optical properties that are representative of an intrinsic signal along the active nerve pathway, thereby identifying the active nerve pathway.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 66 , additionally comprising producing a comparison data set and displaying the comparison data set in a graphical format.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 66 , additionally comprising producing a comparison data set and displaying the comparison data set in a visual image format.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 68 , wherein the visual image format is a two dimensional image.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 68 , wherein the visual image format is a three-dimensional image.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 66 , additionally comprising administering a contrast enhancing agent prior to acquiring the data set.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 66 , wherein the one or more optical properties is detected using a plurality of CCD pixels.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 66 , wherein the one or more optical properties is detected using at least one photodiode.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 66 , wherein the one or more optical properties is detected using at least one photomultiplier tube.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 66 , the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using an array of photon detectors.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 66 , additionally comprising displaying a comparison image at a magnification sufficient to detect single nerve fiber bundles.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 66 , comprising detecting one or more of optical properties selected from the group consisting of: reflection, refraction, diffraction, absorption, scattering, birefringence, refractive index, and Kerr effect.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 66 , additionally comprising producing a comparison data set by comparing the first and second data sets and processing the comparison data set to provide an enhanced contrast comparison data set.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 78 , wherein the comparison data set is a grey scale image and processing provides an enhanced contrast grey scale image.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 78 , wherein the comparison data set is an image and processing provides an enhanced contrast color image.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 66 , wherein comparing the first and second data sets to identify changes in the one or more optical properties that are representative of an intrinsic signal along the active nerve pathway distinguishes between positive-going and negative-going changes.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 66 , comprising illuminating one or more areas of interest in proximity to a nerve or nerve pathway with uniform intensity emr.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 66 , comprising illuminating one or more areas of interest in proximity to a nerve or nerve pathway with non-continuous illumination.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 66 , wherein the one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is illuminated using at least one of the following sources: a tungsten-halogen lamp; a laser; a laser diode; and a light-emitting diode.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 66 , wherein the one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is illuminated using an array of multiple source elements.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 66 , comprising comparing the first and second data sets in real-time.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 66 , comprising acquiring a data set at each of two or more wavelengths of emr.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 66 , wherein the one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is illuminated using at least one optical fiver operably connected to an emr source.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 66 , wherein the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using at least one optical fiber operably connected to an optical detector.
Claim 93
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for detecting a site of nerve damage or nerve blockage, comprising: illuminating one or more areas of interest in proximity to a nerve pathway with electromagnetic radiation (emr) having at least one wavelength of from 450 nm to 2500 nm; detecting one or more optical properties of the area of interest at a first time and acquiring a first data set representing one or more optical properties of the area of interest in proximity to a nerve pathway; stimulating the nerve to produce an intrinsic signal along an active nerve pathway; detecting one or more optical properties of the area of interest at a second time during or following the stimulation and acquiring a second data set representing one or more optical properties corresponding to the intrinsic signal along an active nerve pathway; and comparing the first and second data sets to identify changes in the nerve pathway, thereby identifying a site of nerve damage or blockage.
Claim 94
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for detecting a site of nerve damage or nerve blockage, comprising: illuminating one or more areas of interest in proximity to a nerve pathway with electromagnetic radiation (emr) having at least one wavelength of from 450 nm to 2500 nm; detecting one or more optical properties of the area of interest at a first time and acquiring a first data set representing one or more optical properties of the area of interest in proximity to a nerve pathway; stimulating the nerve to produce an intrinsic signal along an active nerve pathway; detecting one or more optical properties of the area of interest at a second time during or following the stimulation and acquiring a second data set representing one or more optical properties corresponding to the intrinsic signal along an active nerve pathway; and comparing the first and second data sets to identify changes in the nerve pathway, thereby identifying a site of nerve damage or blockage.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 90 , additionally comprising producing a comparison data set and displaying the comparison data set in a graphical format.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 90 , additionally comprising producing a comparison data set and displaying the comparison data set in a visual image format.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 90 , wherein the visual image format is a two dimensional image.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 90 , wherein the visual image format is a three-dimensional image.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 90 , additionally comprising administering a contrast enhancing agent prior to acquiring the data set.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 90 , wherein the one or more optical properties is detected using a plurality of CCD pixels.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 90 , wherein the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using at least one photodiode.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 90 , wherein the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using at least one photomultiplier tube.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 90 , the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using an array of photon detectors.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 90 , additionally comprising displaying a comparison image at a magnification sufficient to detect single nerve fiber bundles.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 90 , comprising detecting one or more of optical properties selected from the group consisting of: reflection, refraction, diffraction, absorption, scattering, birefringence, refractive index, and Kerr effect.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 90 , additionally comprising producing a comparison data set by comparing the first and second data sets and processing the comparison data set to provide an enhanced contrast comparison data set.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 102 , wherein the comparison data set is a grey scale image and processing provides an enhanced contrast grey scale image.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 102 , wherein the comparison data set is an image and processing provides an enhanced contrast color image.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 90 , wherein comparing the first and second data sets to identify changes in the nerve pathway distinguishes between positive-going and negative-going changes.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 90 , comprising illuminating one or more areas of interest in proximity to a nerve pathway with uniform intensity emr.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 90 , comprising illuminating one or more areas of interest in proximity to a nerve pathway with non-continuous illumination.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 90 , wherein the one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is illuminated using at least one of the following sources: a tungsten-halogen lamp; a laser; a laser diode; and a light-emitting diode.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 90 , wherein the one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is illuminated using an array of multiple source elements.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 90 , wherein the one or more spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is illuminated using at least one optical fiber operably connected to an emr source.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 90 , wherein the one or more optical properties of each of the spatially resolved areas of neuronal tissue is detected using at least one optical fiber operably connected to an optical detector.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 90 , comprising comparing the first and second data sets in real-time.
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