Controlled variable length and illumination pattern light diffusing optical fiber

[0041]Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, there is seen in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) an illuminating device 100 generally comprising a light diffusing fiber 102 and a sheath 104 positioned in partially covering relation to light diffusing optical fiber 102 for reciprocating sliding movement along the length thereof. A light source, shown schematically by reference numeral 106, generates and distributes light energy to diffusing fiber 102 for purposes of illuminating tissue within a patient for medical purposes. For non-limiting examples, illuminating device 100 may be used to illuminate diseased tissue using PDT or it may be used to illuminate healthy tissue for purposes of performing a fluorescent study or as part of a diagnostic diffuse spectroscopy procedure.

[0042]In using illuminating device 100, a medical service provider would first gain access to an internal body region of interest through introduction of an illumination (...