Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for imaging a small cavity is disclosed wherein reference waveforms to be used in obtaining an improved image are generated in vivo instead of in vitro as is the conventional procedure. The reference waveforms are used to strip the imaging signals of noise that otherwise produces artifacts in an image generated from the signals. The imaging probe is first inserted into a first area of the vascular system to be imaged and reference waveforms are collected. After collecting the reference waveforms, the imaging probe is further inserted into the vascular system to a second area that is to be imaged. If new reference waveforms are required, the imaging probe is simply withdrawn to the first area of the vascular system wherein new reference waveforms are collected, and then the imaging probe is again further inserted to the second area, which then is imaged. The present invention also provides an imaging apparatus capable of imaging close to the surface of the probe and, in this regard, removes artifacts in the imaging waveforms that usually form a corona in the visual image about the perimeter of the probe.

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First Claim