One embodiment of the invention is directed to an imaging probe which comprises a first element supplying electromagnetic radiation in a forward path for illuminating a forward field of view of space in front of the probe, a second element supplying electromagnetic radiation in a rearward path for illuminating a back field of view of space alongside the probe and an image sensor. The probe further includes an imaging device in imaging paths imaging the forward and back fields of view onto the image sensor. Preferably the forward path, the rearward path and the imaging paths are unobstructed by any component of the probe. Preferably the forward and back fields of view are registered in a fixed spatial relationship relative to one another on the image sensor. This probe can also be used with existing endoscopes or laparoscopes so that it will be easily merged into current instruments of different manufacturers, making it easier and cheaper to use this product without the expense of a totally new endoscopy or laparoscope platform.本發明之一實施例係關於一種成像探頭，其包括：一第一元件，其在一正向路徑中供應電磁輻射用於照明該探頭前方之空間之一前視場；一第二元件，其在一後向路徑中供應電磁輻射用於照明該探頭旁邊之空間之一後視場；及一影像感測器。該探頭進一步包含成像路徑中之一成像裝置，其使該前視場及該後視場成像至該影像感測器上。較佳地該正向路徑、該後向路徑及該等成像路徑不被該探頭之任意組件阻擋。較佳地，該前視場及該後視場在該影像感測器上以相對於彼此之一固定空間關係對準。此探頭亦可結合現有內視鏡或腹腔鏡使用，使得其易於合併至不同製造商之當前儀器中，使得使用此產品更容易且更便宜，而無一全新內視鏡檢查或腹腔鏡平台之開支。
