Importance

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Abstract

A spectral probe for blood vessel diagnosis that can be used for diagnosing blood vessels with high reliability, without imposing an excessive burden on patients. A Raman spectrum measuring probe and either an endoscope or an ultrasonic probe are integrated. A mechanism is provided for bringing the tip of the Raman probe into contact with an affected area so as to eliminate the influence of blood when measuring. An endoscope has a forward-looking view in the blood vessel, while the Raman probe is of the lateral-view type for facilitating the measurement of blood vessel walls. A fixing balloon is provided at the probe tip portion that is inserted into a blood vessel, and a window for the Raman probe is provided on the opposite side of the balloon. As the fixing balloon is inflated, part of it comes into contact with the internal wall of a blood vessel and fixes the probe, while leaving a gap between the internal wall of the blood vessel and the probe. The window comes into contact with the affected area. Because the blood is allowed to flow through the gap, the blood stream is not stopped even when the balloon is inflated.

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First Claim