Method and Apparatus for Detecting Barrett's Metaplasia of the Esophagus

摘要

A system for detecting Barrett's metaplasia utilizes an illumination and imaging probe at the end of a catheter. The probe illuminates the wall of the esophagus and returns reflected light to be processed to provide a visual indication of the color of the esophageal wall. The position of the probe along the length of the esophagus is also measured to allow a medical practitioner to determine the location of the transition from the pink stomach lining to the white esophageal lining.