| 摘要 |
Apparatus and methods for spectroscopic examination of the colon are describ ed herein. A spectroscopy device comprising an illumination device and an image capture device is integrated directly into a steerable endoscope or colonoscope. Alternatively, the spectroscopy device and the steerable colonoscope can be separate instruments that are functionally combined for performing endoscopic spectroscopy. The steerable colonoscope uses serpentin e motion to facilitate rapid and safe insertion of the colonoscope into the patient's colon, which allows the endoscopic spectroscopy method to be performed more quickly and more safely. The spectroscopic spectroscopy metho d to be performed more quickly and more safely. The spectroscopy can be performed by autofluorescence, dye-enhanced fluorescence or any other known spectroscopy techniques. Other imaging technologies that use light with a wavelength outside of the visible range may also be used. The reflected ligh t information can be used to create a three-dimensional mathematical model of the patient's colon and the location of any lesions identified during the initial examination.
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