ROTATABLE FERRULES AND INTERFACES FOR USE WITH AN OPTICAL GUIDEWIRE

摘要

The application is directed to devices and methods for passing optical radiation into and out of a body lumen. In particular, the application is directed to a rotatable ferrule for use in an optical guidewire and methods for using a rotatable ferrule. The rotatable ferrule may be either rotatably captured by and free to rotate within a guidewire, or may rotate upon release from a releasable, mechanically stable friction-fit engagement with a guidewire. The application is further directed to sterile interfaces for readily connecting and disconnecting an optical guidewire with and from other optical instrumentation while maintaining the sterility of the guidewire, and methods for using a sterile interface device. The application is also directed to interface devices that provide either direct or indirect optical and mechanical connection between an optical guidewire and peripheral instrumentation.