Ultrasonic imaging system, ultrasonic catheter drive unit and sterile bag thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses an ultrasonic imaging system and its ultrasonic catheter drive unit and sterile bag. The ultrasonic catheter drive unit includes a main core, a base and a support connector. The main core has an interface for connecting to the ultrasonic catheter, and drives the ultrasonic catheter to retract through relative movement with the base; one end of the support connector is connected to the main core, and the other end is slidably arranged inside or at the bottom of the base through a retraction drive mechanism, so that a gap is maintained between the main core and the base during relative movement. When in use, the main core, the base and the support connector are all sleeved in the sterile bag. The main core and the base in the ultrasonic catheter drive unit are a permanent integrated combination structure, which is conducive to reducing patient treatment costs and reducing medical waste. Moreover, the ultrasonic catheter drive unit can effectively avoid pulling and entanglement of the sterile bag during the retraction process, thereby avoiding equipment jamming.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular to an ultrasonic imaging system and an ultrasonic catheter drive unit and a sterile bag thereof. Background Art

[0002] The intravascular ultrasound imaging system primarily consists of an intravascular ultrasound catheter equipped with an ultrasound sensor, a catheter drive unit, and an ultrasound imaging host. The catheter drive unit primarily comprises a main unit and a base. The base's upper surface is provided with a linear slide that slidably engages with the main unit, enabling the main unit to perform linear motion relative to the base (referred to below as retraction motion).

[0003] When using the intravascular ultrasound imaging system for surgery: the rotating mechanism in the main movement drives the ultrasound sensor in the catheter to rotate, thereby realizing circumferential scanning imaging; at the same time, the main movement can be driven to retract relative to the base through the retraction mechanism, or the operator can manually move the main movement to retract it relative to the base, thereby driving the ultrasound sensor in the catheter to move axially along the catheter, thereby realizing retraction imaging.

[0004] In addition, to avoid cross infection, the catheter drive unit is often covered with a sterile bag to meet the sterility requirements.

[0005] However, during the retraction imaging process, the main core and the base often move relative to each other over long distances. If the main core and the base are placed in a sterile bag, the relative movement of the main core and the base can easily cause pulling or entanglement of the sterile bag, and sometimes the sterile bag can be twisted into the gap between the main core and the base (i.e., the gap between the slider and the slide rail), which is inconvenient to operate and affects the operation of the system. If the main core is only placed in a sterile bag and then connected to a disposable, sterilized base, then when the main core with the sterile bag is connected to the base, the sterile bag must be punctured, and the damaged sterile bag may introduce hospital infection risks. Moreover, the base is disposable, which increases the patient's treatment costs and generates more medical waste. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound imaging system, an ultrasound catheter drive unit and a sterile bag, wherein the main core and the base are a permanent integrated combination structure, which is beneficial to reducing patient treatment costs and reducing medical waste. Moreover, the catheter drive unit can effectively avoid pulling and entanglement of the sterile bag during the retraction process, thereby avoiding jamming of the equipment.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0008] An ultrasonic catheter drive unit comprises a main core, a base and a supporting connector, wherein:

[0009] The main core has an interface connected to the ultrasonic catheter, and drives the ultrasonic catheter to retract through relative movement with the base;

[0010] One end of the supporting connecting member is connected to the main movement, and the other end is slidably arranged inside or at the bottom of the base through a retraction driving mechanism, so that a gap is maintained between the main movement and the base during relative movement.

[0011] Optionally, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic catheter drive unit, the supporting connecting member is a curved rod, and the curved rod includes a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment, wherein:

[0012] The external end of the first connecting section is connected to the main core;

[0013] The external end of the second connecting section extends into the interior of the base and is connected to the retraction drive mechanism, and the central axis of the second connecting section is parallel to the retraction direction of the ultrasonic catheter.

[0014] Optionally, in the above-mentioned ultrasound catheter drive unit, a roller for supporting the second connecting section to stably move is provided on the second connecting section;

[0015] And / or, the housing of the base is provided with a through hole for passing the second connecting section, and a linear bearing is provided in the through hole and is sleeved on the outside of the second connecting section.

[0016] Optionally, in the above-mentioned ultrasound catheter drive unit, a buckle for fixing the sterile bag is provided on the base and / or the main core.

[0017] Optionally, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic catheter drive unit, the retraction drive mechanism includes a linear guide rail fixedly arranged inside or at the bottom of the base, and a slider adapted to the linear guide rail, and the supporting connector is fixedly connected to the slider.

[0018] Optionally, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic catheter drive unit, the retraction drive mechanism further includes a gear arranged on the slider and a motor for driving the gear to rotate, and a rack meshing with the gear is fixedly provided in the base, and the rack is parallel to the linear guide rail.

[0019] Optionally, in the above-mentioned ultrasound catheter drive unit, the transmission system between the motor and the gear is provided with:

[0020] A clutch for switching the connection state;

[0021] and / or, an encoder for directly or indirectly measuring the linear displacement or linear speed of the main movement.

[0022] Optionally, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic catheter drive unit, the retraction drive mechanism includes a screw arranged inside or at the bottom of the base, and the supporting connector is fixedly connected to a nut in the screw.

[0023] A sterile bag is used to enclose the ultrasonic catheter drive unit described above, wherein the cavity of the sterile bag includes a first cavity segment, a second cavity segment, and an intermediate cavity segment:

[0024] The proximal opening of the first cavity segment and the proximal opening of the second cavity segment are both in communication with the middle cavity segment;

[0025] The expanded size of the first cavity segment can accommodate the main core in the ultrasonic catheter drive unit;

[0026] The expanded size of the second lumen section can accommodate the base of the ultrasound catheter drive unit in the farthest retracted state and the supporting connector extending from the base.

[0027] Optionally, in the above sterile bag, the proximal end of the middle cavity section is provided with an opening for extending the cable.

[0028] Optionally, in the above-mentioned sterile bag, a fold is provided at the portion where the second cavity section connects with the middle cavity section, and the fold surrounds the proximal opening of the second cavity section, so that the second cavity section can be expanded along the retraction direction.

[0029] Optionally, in the above sterile bag, the folds are a reciprocating folding structure or a continuous winding structure.

[0030] An ultrasonic imaging system comprises the ultrasonic catheter drive unit described above, and the sterile bag described above, wherein the first cavity section of the sterile bag is sleeved outside the main core of the ultrasonic catheter drive unit, the second cavity section of the sterile bag is sleeved outside the base of the ultrasonic catheter drive unit, the bottom bag body of the first cavity section and the upper bag body of the second cavity section are both located in the gap between the main core and the base, and a portion of the supporting connector is covered in the middle cavity section of the sterile bag.

[0031] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the main core and base of the ultrasonic catheter drive unit provided by the present invention are connected via a supporting connector, forming a permanent, integrated structure. Both the main core and base are non-disposable, thereby reducing patient treatment costs and medical waste. Furthermore, the main core and base can be conveniently stored, transported, and used without disassembly. After being placed in a sterile bag, the main core can be flexibly retracted relative to the base.

[0032] During the operation of the ultrasonic catheter drive unit, since the sliding fit structure and the retraction drive mechanism between the main core and the base are both arranged inside or at the bottom of the base, a gap is maintained between the main core and the base. Therefore, as long as the size of the sterile bag is appropriate, no matter how the main core and the base move relative to each other, the sterile bag will not be entangled in the connecting gap between the main core and the base, making it less likely for the sterile bag to be torn and damaged and the equipment to become stuck.

[0033] Furthermore, since the sterile bag provided by the present invention is divided into three cavities and is respectively mounted on the main core, the base and the supporting connector, and a gap is maintained between the main core and the base, the sterile bag located in the gap (specifically, part of the sterile bag at the connection between the supporting connector and the base) can be set into a pleated structure to facilitate unfolding during the retraction of the main core, and the problem of the sterile bag being torn and damaged is less likely to occur.

[0034] Finally, since the ultrasonic imaging system provided by the present invention adopts the above-mentioned ultrasonic catheter driving unit and the above-mentioned sterile bag, it has the above-mentioned beneficial effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an ultrasound catheter drive unit provided with a sterile bag before the withdrawal process, provided in a first specific embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sterile bag is shown as a cross-sectional view;

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of an ultrasound catheter drive unit provided with a sterile bag after the retraction process, provided in the first specific embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sterile bag is shown as a cross-sectional view;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the base of the ultrasound catheter drive unit provided by the first specific embodiment of the present invention when the sterile bag is not sheathed, wherein part of the base housing is hidden;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the ultrasonic catheter drive unit provided by the first specific embodiment of the present invention when not covered with a sterile bag;

[0040] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the stretching process of the folds in the sterile bag during the retraction process provided by the first specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the process of restoring wrinkles in a sterile bag provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the stretching process of the folds in the sterile bag during the retraction process provided in the second specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the recovery process of wrinkles in a sterile bag provided in a second specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the main core and supporting connectors in the ultrasonic catheter drive unit provided in the third specific embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] First specific embodiment

[0047] The first specific embodiment of the present invention provides a catheter drive unit suitable for an intravascular ultrasound imaging system, wherein the main core and the base are a permanently integrated combined structure, which is beneficial to reducing patient treatment costs and reducing medical waste. Moreover, the ultrasound catheter drive unit can effectively avoid pulling and entanglement of the sterile bag during the retraction process, thereby avoiding jamming of the equipment.

[0048] See Figure 1 The first embodiment of the present invention provides an ultrasonic catheter drive unit comprising a main core 1, a base 2 (or slide), and a supporting connector 11. The main core 1 has an interface for connecting to the ultrasonic catheter and drives the ultrasonic catheter back through relative motion with the base 2. The supporting connector 11 is connected to the main core 1 at one end and slidably disposed within or at the bottom of the base 2 via a retraction drive mechanism at the other end. The supporting connector 11 maintains a gap between the main core 1 and the base 2 during relative motion.

[0049] As can be seen, the main core 1 and base 2 in this ultrasonic catheter drive unit are connected by a supporting connector 11, forming a permanent, integrated structure. Both the main core 1 and base 2 are non-disposable, thereby reducing patient treatment costs and medical waste. Furthermore, the main core 1 and base 2 can be conveniently stored, transported, and used without disassembly. After being fitted with a sterile bag 3, the main core 1 can be flexibly retracted relative to the base 2.

[0050] When the ultrasonic catheter drive unit is used, the main core 1 , the base 2 and the supporting connector 11 are all sleeved in a sterile bag 3 , which is generally a sterilized disposable packaging bag.

[0051] The process of setting the sterile bag 1 is generally as follows:

[0052] First, put the integrated main core 1 and base 2 into the sterile bag 3, wherein the upper cavity of the sterile bag 3 (i.e. Figure 1 The first cavity section 31 in the sterile bag is sleeved on the main core 1, and the lower cavity of the sterile bag 3 (ie Figure 1 The second cavity section 32 in the housing is sleeved on the base 2;

[0053] Then, the catheter is installed on the main movement 1 through the catheter connector. At this time, the sterile bag 3 and the main movement 1 can be fixedly connected through the catheter connector; a clamping structure for supporting and positioning the catheter is provided on the base 2 (specifically, a claw structure or a groove structure can be used). When the catheter is pressed into the clamping structure for positioning, the sterile bag 3 at that position will be pressed into the clamping structure together with the catheter, thereby realizing the fixed connection between the sterile bag 3 and the base 2.

[0054] During the operation of the ultrasonic catheter drive unit, since the sliding fit structure and the retraction drive mechanism between the main core 1 and the base 2 are both arranged inside or at the bottom of the base 2, a gap greater than zero is maintained between the main core 1 and the base 2. Therefore, as long as the size of the sterile bag 3 is appropriate, no matter how the main core 1 and the base 2 move relative to each other, the sterile bag 3 will not be entangled in the connecting gap between the main core 1 and the base 2, and it is not easy for the sterile bag to be torn and damaged and the equipment to be stuck.

[0055] Specifically, see Figure 1 , in the above-mentioned ultrasound catheter driving unit:

[0056] One end of the main movement 1 is a mounting end for mounting a conduit, and the other end is a movement connection end 10 for connecting to a support connector 11;

[0057] One end of the housing 21 of the base 2 is a clamping end for clamping a catheter, and the other end is a base connection end 20 for connecting to the support connector 11 . The retraction drive mechanism is disposed in the housing 21 .

[0058] Specifically, the supporting connecting member 11 is a bent rod, which includes a first connecting section and a second connecting section, wherein:

[0059] The end of the first connecting segment away from the second connecting segment (i.e., the outer end of the first connecting segment) is connected to the main movement 1;

[0060] The central axis of the second connecting section is parallel to the linear guide rail 22 in the base 2, and thus parallel to the retraction direction of the ultrasonic catheter. The end of the second connecting section away from the first connecting section (i.e., the outer end of the second connecting section) extends into the interior of the base 2 and is fixedly connected to the slider 23 on the retraction drive mechanism. The slider 23 slides in conjunction with the linear guide rail 22.

[0061] For example, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The supporting connecting member 11 is specifically a U-shaped curved rod with parallel straight rods on both sides and unequal lengths. One end of the U-shaped curved rod is connected to the movement connecting end 10, and the other end passes through the base connecting end 20 and extends into the interior of the base 2 to be connected to the retraction drive mechanism, thereby forming a gap greater than zero between the main movement 1 and the base 2, and the supporting connecting member 11 is always located outside the gap.

[0062] Specifically, if Figure 1 As shown in , the cavity of the sterile bag 3 includes a first cavity section 31, a second cavity section 32, and an intermediate cavity section. The proximal openings of the first cavity section 31 and the proximal openings of the second cavity section 32 are both connected to the intermediate cavity section. The intermediate cavity section is provided with an opening 34 for extending the cable. It is necessary to ensure that the expanded dimensions of the first cavity section 31 can accommodate the main core 1 of the ultrasonic catheter drive unit, and the expanded dimensions of the second cavity section 32 can accommodate the base 2 of the ultrasonic catheter drive unit in its most retracted state and the supporting connector 11 extending from the base 2.

[0063] See Figure 1 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 In order to further optimize the above technical solution, the sterile bag 3 in the above ultrasonic catheter drive unit is configured as follows:

[0064] In the initial state, or in other words, when the ultrasonic catheter drive unit is not disassembled for use, the second lumen section 32 is provided with pleats 33 at the junction with the intermediate lumen section. Specifically, pleats 33 are reciprocating folds arranged around the proximal opening of the second lumen section 32, allowing the second lumen section 32 to expand in the retraction direction during retraction. This reciprocating fold can be formed manually or by mechanical equipment or tools.

[0065] See Figure 2During the retraction of the ultrasonic catheter drive unit, the main core 1 translates relative to the base 2, causing the wrinkles 33 on the sterile bag 3 to be gradually stretched and flattened under the action of tension, so that the sterile bag 3 can meet the displacement required by the main core 1 sliding relative to the base 2.

[0066] During the recovery process of the ultrasonic catheter drive unit (i.e., the process of restoring the initial state, which is opposite to the withdrawal process), the main core 1 translates in the opposite direction relative to the base 2. At this time, the stretched folds 33 in the sterile bag 3 can automatically shrink at will, or can be folded again manually or by using mechanical equipment or tools.

[0067] Furthermore, for ease of use, the folds 33 of the reciprocating folding structure can be made of a material having a self-recovering property, so that the folds 33 on the sterile bag 3 can have the following effects:

[0068] a. During the retraction process, the main movement 1 translates relative to the base 2, causing the wrinkles 33 on the sterile bag 3 to be gradually stretched and flattened under the action of tension, so that the sterile bag 3 can meet the displacement required by the main movement 1 to slide relative to the base 2;

[0069] b. During the recovery process, the main core 1 translates in the opposite direction relative to the base 2. At this time, the tension on the folds 33 on the sterile bag 3 gradually decreases, and the bag automatically recovers to its original folded state.

[0070] It can be seen that since the folds 33 are provided on the sterile bag 3, when the main movement 1 makes a longitudinal translation retraction motion relative to the base 2, the folds 33 are suspended in the air and then freely pulled apart, which will not cause resistance to the retraction motion, and the retraction motion will not apply stress to the sterile bag 3, thereby preventing the sterile bag 3 from being pulled and torn or the catheter from being pulled off.

[0071] Specifically, see Figure 3 In the above-mentioned ultrasonic catheter drive unit, a linear guide rail 22 is fixedly provided inside or at the bottom of the housing 21 of the base 2, a slider 23 that slides with the linear guide rail 22 is provided in the retraction drive mechanism, and the support connector 11 is fixedly connected to the slider 23. Moreover, the base connection end 20 of the housing 21 is provided with a through hole for inserting the second connection section of the support connector 11, and a linear bearing 41 is provided in the through hole. The second connection section of the support connector 11 can slide freely inside the linear bearing 41, thereby assisting in the retraction and return motion of the main movement 1. During the retraction process, the support connector 11 slides outward from the tail of the housing 21 (i.e., the base connection end 20); during the return process, the support connector 11 slides inward from the tail of the housing 21 and retracts.

[0072] Further, see Figures 1 to 4In the aforementioned ultrasound catheter drive unit, a roller 110 is disposed on the underside of the second connecting section of the support connector 11. Roller 110 is used to support the support connector 11, thereby preventing the second connecting section of the support connector 11 from tilting and shaking after extending from the base 2, and ensuring stable movement of the support connector 11. Specifically, in order for roller 110 to meet the aforementioned support requirements, it is necessary to ensure that roller 110 is rotatably disposed on the second connecting section of the support connector 11 and located outside the base 2, and that the bottom end of roller 110 is flush with the bottom surface of the base 2.

[0073] It can be seen that the roller 110 and the linear bearing 41 can both support and guide the main movement 1 and the supporting connector 11.

[0074] Further, see Figures 1 to 3 In the aforementioned ultrasound catheter drive unit, the base 2 is provided with a buckle 42 for securing the sterile bag 3. For example, a female buckle 42 is provided on the outer side of the housing 21 of the base 2, and a male buckle 43 is provided at a corresponding position on the sterile bag 3. The female buckle 42 can be engaged with the male buckle 43, thereby securing the lower cavity 32 of the sterile bag 3 to the base 2. Furthermore, the aforementioned buckle structure can also be provided on the main core 1.

[0075] Further, see Figure 4 The retraction drive mechanism is provided with a gear 25 and a motor 24 for driving the gear 25 to rotate, and the base 2 is provided with a rack 26 meshing with the gear 25.

[0076] Specifically, gear 25 is rotatably mounted on slider 23, motor 24 is fixedly mounted on slider 23, and rack 26 is fixedly mounted within housing 21. A belt drive system 27 is provided between motor 24 and gear 25 to transmit power and establish a specific transmission ratio. During the retraction and return processes, gear 25 rotates driven by motor 24. The meshing of gear 25 and rack 26 drives slider 23 and main movement 1 along linear guide rail 22.

[0077] Specifically, a clutch 28 and an encoder 52 are further provided in the transmission system between the motor 24 and the gear 25.

[0078] The clutch 28 is used to switch the transmission connection state between the motor 24 and the gear 25 (transmission connection or cutting off power transmission) to achieve the switching between automatic retraction and manual retraction modes;

[0079] The encoder 52 and the code disc 51 cooperate to detect the angular displacement or angular velocity of the gear 25 , and then convert the linear displacement or linear velocity of the main movement 1 when it performs the retraction motion and the return motion along the linear guide rail 22 .

[0080] In addition, in other specific embodiments, the linear displacement or linear speed of the main movement 1 can also be directly measured by the encoder 52. For example, the encoder 52 is set on the linear guide rail 22 to directly measure the linear displacement or linear speed of the slider 23.

[0081] Second specific embodiment

[0082] The second specific embodiment of the present invention provides an ultrasound catheter drive unit suitable for an intravascular ultrasound imaging system. The second specific embodiment of the present invention differs from the ultrasound catheter drive unit provided by the first specific embodiment of the present invention only in that the specific structure of the folds 33 of the sterile bag in the ultrasound catheter drive unit provided by the second specific embodiment of the present invention is different from that in the first specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Specifically, the second embodiment of the present invention provides a sterile bag in an ultrasonic catheter drive unit, wherein the folds are annular and continuously wound on the supporting connector 11. Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the stretching process of the folds in the sterile bag during the retraction process provided in the second specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the recovery process of wrinkles in a sterile bag provided in the second specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] The folds of the continuous winding structure can be formed by manual winding or by mechanical equipment or tools.

[0085] During the retraction of the ultrasonic catheter drive unit, the main core 1 translates relative to the base 2, so that the wrinkles 33 on the sterile bag 3 are gradually stretched and flattened under the action of tension, so that the sterile bag 3 can meet the displacement required when the main core 1 slides relative to the base 2.

[0086] During the recovery process of the ultrasonic catheter drive unit (i.e., the process of restoring the initial state, which is opposite to the withdrawal process), the main core 1 translates in the opposite direction relative to the base 2. At this time, the stretched folds 33 in the sterile bag 3 can automatically shrink at will, or can be re-wound and formed manually or by using mechanical equipment or tools.

[0087] Furthermore, for ease of use, the folds 33 of the continuous winding structure can be made of a material having a self-recovering property, so that the folds 33 on the sterile bag 3 can have the following effects:

[0088] a. During the retraction process, the main movement 1 translates relative to the base 2, causing the wrinkles 33 on the sterile bag 3 to be gradually stretched and flattened under the action of tension, so that the sterile bag 3 can meet the displacement required by the main movement 1 to slide relative to the base 2;

[0089] b. During the recovery process, the main core 1 translates in the opposite direction relative to the base 2. At this time, the tension on the folds 33 on the sterile bag 3 gradually decreases, and the folds automatically return to their original coiled state.

[0090] Third specific embodiment

[0091] See Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the main core and supporting connectors in the ultrasonic catheter drive unit provided in the third specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] The third embodiment of the present invention provides an ultrasound catheter drive unit suitable for an intravascular ultrasound imaging system. The third embodiment of the present invention differs from the ultrasound catheter drive unit provided by the first embodiment of the present invention only in that the shape of the supporting connector 11 is different.

[0093] like Figure 9 As shown in FIG, the movement connection end 10 of the main movement 1 is provided with a downwardly bent plug tube 100; the supporting connector 11 is an L-shaped rod structure, one end of which is fixedly connected to the plug tube 100, and the other end is fixedly connected to the retraction drive mechanism at the bottom of the base 2. Therefore, when the retraction drive mechanism makes linear motion relative to the base 2, it can move the main movement 1 in a retraction / return motion.

[0094] However, this is not limited to this. The present invention does not make any specific restrictions on the specific structural shape of the supporting connecting member 11. It only needs to be able to achieve the fixed connection between the main movement 1 and the retraction drive mechanism in the base 2, and not affect the gap between the main movement 1 and the base 2 for accommodating the first fold 331.

[0095] Fourth specific embodiment

[0096] A fourth embodiment of the present invention provides an ultrasound catheter drive unit suitable for use in an intravascular ultrasound imaging system. This unit differs from the ultrasound catheter drive unit provided in the first embodiment of the present invention solely in that the linear guide rail and slider are replaced with a lead screw. Specifically, the retraction drive mechanism includes a lead screw disposed within or at the bottom of the base 2, with a support connector 11 securely connected to a nut within the lead screw.

[0097] Fifth specific embodiment

[0098] The fifth specific embodiment of the present invention provides an ultrasound imaging system, which includes an ultrasound catheter driving unit provided with a sterile bag as provided in any of the above specific embodiments, wherein the first cavity section 31 of the sterile bag 3 is sleeved on the outside of the main core 1 of the ultrasound catheter driving unit, and the second cavity section 32 of the sterile bag 3 is sleeved on the outside of the base 2 of the ultrasound catheter driving unit, the bottom bag body of the first cavity section 31 and the upper bag body of the second cavity section 32 are both located in the gap between the main core 1 and the base 2, and a portion of the supporting connector 11 is covered in the middle cavity section of the sterile bag 3.

[0099] Finally, it should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device comprising the element.

[0100] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0101] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is intended to enable one skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein but is intended to conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic catheter drive unit, characterized in that: It comprises a main movement (1), a base (2) and a supporting connection member (11), wherein: The main core (1) has an interface connected to the ultrasonic catheter, and drives the ultrasonic catheter to retract through relative movement with the base (2); One end of the main core (1) is a mounting end for mounting the ultrasonic catheter, and the other end is a core connection end (10) for connecting to the supporting connector (11); One end of the housing (21) of the base (2) is a clamping end for clamping the ultrasonic catheter, and the other end is a base connection end (20) for connecting to the support connector (11), and a retraction drive mechanism is arranged in the housing (21); One end of the supporting connecting member (11) is connected to the movement connecting end (10) of the main movement (1), and the other end is slidably arranged inside or at the bottom of the base (2) through a retraction driving mechanism, so that a gap is maintained between the main movement (1) and the base (2) during relative movement.

2. The ultrasonic catheter driving unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supporting connecting member (11) is a bent rod, and the bent rod comprises a first connecting section and a second connecting section, wherein: The external end of the first connecting section is connected to the main core (1); The external end of the second connecting section extends into the interior of the base (2) and is connected to the retraction drive mechanism, and the central axis of the second connecting section is parallel to the retraction direction of the ultrasonic catheter.

3. The ultrasonic catheter driving unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second connecting section is provided with a roller (110) for supporting the second connecting section to move stably; And / or, the housing (21) of the base (2) is provided with a through hole for passing the second connecting section, and a linear bearing (41) is provided in the through hole and is sleeved on the outside of the second connecting section.

4. The ultrasonic catheter driving unit according to claim 1, wherein: The base (2) and / or the main core (1) are provided with a buckle (42) for fixing the sterile bag (3).

5. The ultrasonic catheter driving unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The retraction drive mechanism comprises a linear guide rail (22) fixedly arranged inside or at the bottom of the base (2), and a slider (23) adapted to the linear guide rail (22), and the supporting connecting member (11) is fixedly connected to the slider (23).

6. The ultrasonic catheter driving unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The retraction drive mechanism further includes a gear (25) provided on the slider (23) and a motor (24) for driving the gear (25) to rotate. A rack (26) meshing with the gear (25) is fixedly provided in the base (2), and the rack (26) is parallel to the linear guide rail (22).

7. The ultrasonic catheter driving unit according to claim 6, characterized in that: The transmission system between the motor (24) and the gear (25) is provided with: a clutch (28) for switching the connection state; and / or, an encoder (52) for directly or indirectly measuring the linear displacement or linear speed of the main movement (1).

8. The ultrasonic catheter driving unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The retraction drive mechanism comprises a screw arranged inside or at the bottom of the base (2), and the supporting connecting member (11) is fixedly connected to a nut in the screw.

9. A sterile bag, characterized in that: Used to cover the ultrasonic catheter drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cavity of the sterile bag (3) includes a first cavity section (31), a second cavity section (32) and an intermediate cavity section: The proximal opening of the first cavity section (31) and the proximal opening of the second cavity section (32) are both in communication with the middle cavity section; The expanded size of the first cavity section (31) can accommodate the main core (1) in the ultrasonic catheter drive unit; The expanded size of the second cavity section (32) can accommodate the base (2) in the farthest retracted state of the ultrasonic catheter drive unit and the supporting connecting member (11) extending from the base (2).

10. The sterile bag according to claim 9, wherein the proximal end of the middle cavity section is provided with an opening (34) for extending a cable.

11. The sterile bag according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: A fold (33) is provided at the portion where the second cavity section (32) connects to the middle cavity section. The fold (33) surrounds the proximal opening of the second cavity section (32), so that the second cavity section (32) can be expanded along the retraction direction.

12. The sterile bag according to claim 11, characterized in that: The folds (33) are of a reciprocating folding structure or a continuously winding structure.

13. An ultrasonic imaging system, characterized in that: The ultrasound imaging system comprises an ultrasound catheter drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a sterile bag according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the first cavity section (31) of the sterile bag (3) is sleeved outside the main core (1) of the ultrasound catheter drive unit, and the second cavity section (32) of the sterile bag (3) is sleeved outside the base (2) of the ultrasound catheter drive unit, the bottom bag body of the first cavity section (31) and the upper bag body of the second cavity section (32) are both located in the gap between the main core (1) and the base (2), and a portion of the supporting connector (11) is covered in the middle cavity section of the sterile bag (3).

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