Oncoscope has developed multiple patent families to date, including U.S. and foreign applications, directed to devices and methods for various optical systems. The Oncoscope patent estate comprises both intellectual property licensed-in from Duke University, as well as patent families based on internal R&D activities.

The Company is actively pursuing new developments in areas such as signal processing, probe designs, clinical applications, and instrument development, including engineering and software. The goal is to build an IP portfolio that provides expanded protection on existing technology and secures protection for a second generation of proprietary technology.

A sampling of the Company's patents and applications is provided below.

Fourier Domain Low-Coherence Interferometry for Light Scattering Spectroscopy Apparatus and Method. U.S. Patent No. 7,102,758 (September 5, 2006).
Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining depth-resolved spectra for the purpose of determining the size of scatterers by measuring their elastic scattering properties. Depth resolution is achieved by using a white light source in a Michelson interferometer and dispersing a mixed signal and reference fields. The measured spectrum is Fourier transformed to obtain an axial spatial cross-correlation between the signal and reference fields with near 1 micron depth-resolution. The spectral dependence of scattering by the sample is determined by windowing the spectrum to measure the scattering amplitude as a function of wavenumber.

Systems and Methods for Endoscopic Angle-Resolved Low Coherence Interferometry. U.S. Patent No. 7,595,889 (September 29, 2009).
Abstract: Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth-resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data.

Protective Probe Tip, Particularly for Use on a Fiber-Optic Probe Used in an Endoscopic Application. WO 2008/011580 (January 24, 2008).
Abstract: A fiber probe tip,particularly for use on a fiber-optic probe in endoscopic applications. The probe tip prevents contamination of the probe imaging elements and maintains proper distal relationships between imaging components and tissue under examination. In one embodiment, the fiber probe tip is comprised of a sheath placed over an optical fiber. The probe tip provides a sterile interface between the optical fiber and the tissue. The fiber probe tip includes an imaging element to capture reflected light from the tissue. The fiber probe tip maintains the positioning of the imaging element relative to the optical fiber to properly capture reflected light from the tissue. The fiber probe tip may also contain an optical window positioned relative to the imaging element. The optical window allows the reflected light from the tissue to pass through to the imaging element and provide an optimized focal distance between the tissue and the imaging element for the imaging technology employed.

Systems and Methods for Tissue Diagnostic, Monitoring, and/or Therapy.
WO 2009/089344 (July 16, 2009).
Abstract: Procedures, techniques, and systems for in vivo monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of tissue during the same or concomitant medical procedure. In disclosed embodiments, during a same or concomitant procedure or examination, tissue can be scanned on a localized level using a real-time optical biopsy system. The real-time optical biopsy system may involve angle-resolved and/or Fourier domain low coherence interferometry (LCI). Because the scanning can be performed in real-time, diagnosis can also be performed in real-time and during the same or concomitant medical procedure. As a result, therapy, if needed, can also be administered to the tissue during the same or concomitant medical procedure. Monitoring of the tissue after therapy can be performed during the same or subsequent procedure. Thus, the procedures and techniques disclosed herein allow detection of tissue anomalies during a first procedure on the patient without waiting for untimely biopsy results, thus providing earlier anomaly detection and treatment and potentially better and timely results and at a lower cost.