OCT (optical coherence tomography) imaging catheter connecting device and method

Abstract

The invention belongs to the field of optical medical equipment, and relates to an OCT (optical coherence tomography) imaging catheter connecting device and method.The OCT imaging catheter connecting device comprises a base, a guiding assembly and a driving assembly; the guiding assembly and the driving assembly are installed on the base. The guide assembly comprises a catheter seat used for fixing an OCT catheter, an adapter fixing seat used for fixing the SC adapter assembly, a slip ring mounting seat used for fixing an optical fiber slip ring, and a guide rod or a guide rail used for enabling the slip ring mounting seat, the adapter fixing seat and the catheter seat to build linear axial movement; the driving assembly comprises a stepping motor, a lead screw nut and a lead screw. The outer end of the lead screw nut is fixed on the adapter fixing seat through a pin rod; the center of the lead screw nut is sleeved at the front end of the lead screw through a threaded hole; the rear end of the lead screw is in transmission connection with the stepping motor, and the front end of the lead screw penetrates through the adapter fixing base. The stepping motor and the lead screw drive the lead screw nut to move front and back, so that the adapter fixing base is pushed to be close to or away from the catheter base, and stable butt joint of the OCT catheter connecting device and the catheter is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of optical medical equipment and relates to a medical imaging device, in particular to a catheter connection device and method for OCT imaging. Background Art

[0002] The catheter connection device for OCT imaging is an intermediate device that connects the OCT device to the fiber optic probe catheter. It uses a linear motion mechanism to automatically dock with the catheter and establish a fiber optic connection. After the catheter is connected, the catheter connection device will drive the catheter fiber optic probe to rotate at high speed and retract, ultimately realizing the OCT imaging function.

[0003] The existing catheter connection device is difficult to control the concentricity of the optical fiber slip ring connected to the SC adapter and the catheter adapter, which causes the catheter to fail to dock with the device, or the optical fiber probe will vibrate and eccentrically rotate at high speed, damaging the catheter and probe connection unit, and may even cause harm to the patient.

[0004] Secondly, the automatic docking between the catheter connection device and the catheter lacks flexible connection. In the catheter connection device, the SC adapter on the optical fiber slip ring and the SC adapter on the catheter often over-connect, resulting in large axial stress. However, the optical fiber slip ring cannot withstand axial force in terms of structural principle, and long-term overload use is very likely to cause equipment failure. Summary of the invention

[0005] Purpose of the invention: The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a novel catheter connection device for OCT imaging in view of the deficiencies in the prior art, to solve the problem in the prior art that the concentricity dimensions of the catheter connection device and the catheter connection are difficult to control, and to reduce the damage and failure of the adapter.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A catheter connection device for OCT imaging, comprising a base, a guide assembly, and a drive assembly; the guide assembly and the drive assembly are respectively mounted on the base; The guide assembly includes a catheter seat for fixing the OCT catheter, an adapter fixing seat for fixing the SC adapter assembly, a slip ring mounting seat for fixing the optical fiber slip ring, and a guide rod or guide rail for establishing a linear axial motion between the slip ring mounting seat, the adapter fixing seat and the catheter seat; The driving assembly includes a stepper motor, a lead screw nut and a lead screw; the outer end of the lead screw nut is fixed to the adapter fixing seat by a pin rod, and the center of the lead screw nut is sleeved on the front end of the lead screw through a threaded hole; the rear end of the lead screw is transmission-connected to the stepper motor, and the front end of the lead screw passes through the adapter fixing seat; the lead screw nut is driven forward and backward by the stepper motor and the lead screw, thereby pushing the adapter fixing seat close to or away from the catheter seat, thereby realizing the docking of the SC adapter assembly and the OCT catheter.

[0007] Furthermore, a gap for installing an elastic member is reserved between the screw nut and the adapter fixing seat; and the elastic member is sleeved on the front end of the screw.

[0008] Preferably, the guide rod passes through the slip ring mounting seat, the adapter fixing seat and the catheter seat in sequence from back to front.

[0009] Preferably, the guide rods are a pair, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the base; the screw rod is arranged between the two guide rods on both sides and is parallel to the guide rods.

[0010] Furthermore, a sliding block matched with the slip ring mounting seat is sleeved on the guide rod; the slip ring mounting seat is sleeved and fixed to the sliding block, and the sliding block can slide back and forth along the guide rod.

[0011] Furthermore, the adapter assembly and the adapter fixing seat are connected and fixed via a high-speed rotating bearing.

[0012] Furthermore, the SC adapter assembly includes an SC adapter, a thimble seat and a group of thimbles; the OCT catheter is provided with a docking port corresponding to the thimbles.

[0013] Furthermore, the group of ejector pins includes a long ejector pin and a short ejector pin; the long ejector pin and the short ejector pin are located outside the SC adapter and are arranged opposite to each other; and the OCT catheter is provided with docking ports corresponding to the long ejector pin and the short ejector pin, respectively.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention also claims a method for realizing OCT imaging catheter connection using the above device, comprising the following steps: S1: Fix the OCT catheter on the catheter seat, fix the optical fiber slip ring on the slip ring mounting seat, and fix the SC adapter assembly on the adapter fixing seat; S2: Calibrate the catheter seat, adapter holder and slip ring mount to ensure that the three are in a straight line along the guide rod or guide rail; S3: Start the optical fiber slip ring to drive the SC adapter assembly to rotate at high speed on the adapter fixing seat, and start the motor to drive the screw to rotate. The screw nut is driven by the screw transmission to push the adapter fixing seat close to the catheter seat, so as to achieve the docking of the SC adapter assembly and the OCT catheter.

[0015] Furthermore, the SC adapter assembly includes an SC adapter, a pin seat and a group of long pins and short pins, the long pins and the short pins are located on the outside of the SC adapter and are arranged opposite to each other; the OCT catheter is respectively provided with docking ports corresponding to the long pins and the short pins; when the SC adapter assembly is docked with the OCT catheter, the long pin is first inserted into the OCT catheter under high-speed rotation to establish docking positioning and drive the optical fiber probe of the OCT catheter to rotate at high speed, and then the short pin is inserted into the OCT catheter to establish stable docking between the SC adapter and the OCT catheter, thereby realizing the connection between the OCT catheter connecting device and the catheter.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) The present invention directly ensures the stability of the adapter at high speed by setting the adapter fixing seat. This improvement not only reduces the jitter problem caused by the imbalance of the SC adapter size, but also transfers the axial force of the fiber optic slip ring to the SC adapter seat, greatly reducing the failure rate of the fiber optic slip ring.

[0017] (2) In order to achieve the concentricity requirement, the present invention designs a guide assembly to connect the concentricity-related mounting seats on the catheter connection device in series through a guide rod or a guide rail. This improvement reduces the number of concentricity-related parts of the original structure, reduces the conversion of dimensional references, is more conducive to batch production dimensional control, and greatly reduces the requirements for inspection links.

[0018] (3) The drive assembly of the present invention increases the connection flexibility of the two components by arranging an elastic member between the screw nut and the adapter fixing seat. This improvement reduces the dimensional accuracy requirements of the drive assembly on the one hand, and avoids rigid docking after connection with the catheter on the other hand, reducing the axial force of the SC adapter.

[0019] (4) The present invention arranges a long ejector pin and a short ejector pin at the SC adapter, and utilizes the long ejector pin and the short ejector pin to realize the first positioning docking and the second docking, thereby realizing the precise docking of the SC adapter and the catheter and completing the stable connection of the optical fiber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, and the above and / or other advantages of the present invention will become more clear.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the docking process of the catheter connection device.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional effect diagram of the catheter connection device.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the catheter connecting device.

[0024] Figure 4 AA is a schematic cross-sectional view of the catheter connection device.

[0025] Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the catheter connection device from a top view.

[0026] Figure 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the catheter connection device.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a partial enlarged view of the SC adapter assembly in the catheter connection device.

[0028] Wherein, each reference numeral represents: 1-guide assembly; 2-drive assembly; 3-SC adapter assembly; 4-adapter fixing seat; 5-guide rod; 6-fiber slip ring; 7-slip ring mounting seat; 8-stepping motor; 9-base; 10-screw nut; 11-elastic part; 12-OCT catheter; 13-catheter seat; 14-screw; 15-long ejector pin; 16-short ejector pin; 17-ejector pin seat; 18-SC adapter; 19-slider; 20-pin rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention can be better understood with reference to the following examples.

[0030] Combination Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the catheter connection device for OCT imaging of the present invention includes a base 9, a guide assembly 1, and a drive assembly 2; the guide assembly 1 and the drive assembly 2 are respectively installed on the base 9.

[0031] Among them, the guide assembly 1 includes a catheter seat 13 for fixing the OCT catheter 12, an adapter fixing seat 4 for fixing the SC adapter assembly 3, a slip ring mounting seat 7 for fixing the optical fiber slip ring 6, and a guide rod 5 or a guide rail for establishing a linear axial motion between the slip ring mounting seat 7, the adapter fixing seat 4 and the catheter seat 13 to ensure the concentricity of the three during the docking process.

[0032] The driving assembly 2 includes a stepper motor 8, a screw nut 10 and a screw 14; the outer end of the screw nut 10 is fixed to the adapter fixing seat 4 through a pin rod 20, and the center of the screw nut 10 is sleeved on the front end of the screw 14 through a threaded hole; the rear end of the screw 14 is transmission-connected to the stepper motor 8, and the front end of the screw 14 passes through the adapter fixing seat 4; the screw nut 10 is driven to move forward and backward by the stepper motor 8 and the screw 14, thereby pushing the adapter fixing seat 4 close to or away from the catheter seat 13, thereby realizing the docking of the SC adapter assembly 3 and the OCT catheter 12.

[0033] The screw nut 10 is driven by the screw 14 to push the adapter fixing seat 4 to move forward and backward, thereby avoiding the problem that the adapter fixing seat 4 is easily damaged due to excessive axial force caused by being directly driven by the screw 14.

[0034] In some embodiments, a gap for installing an elastic member 11 is left between the screw nut 10 and the adapter fixing seat 4; the elastic member 11 is sleeved on the front end of the screw 14. The elastic member 11 between the screw nut 10 and the adapter fixing seat 4 increases the connection flexibility of the two components. On the one hand, the dimensional accuracy requirements of the drive component are reduced, and on the other hand, the rigid docking after connection with the catheter is avoided, reducing the axial force of the SC adapter.

[0035] In some embodiments, the guide rod 5 passes through the slip ring mounting seat 7, the adapter fixing seat 4 and the catheter seat 13 in sequence from back to front.

[0036] In some embodiments, the guide rods 5 are a pair, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the base 9; the screw rod 14 is arranged between the two guide rods 5 on both sides and parallel to the guide rods 5, so as to improve the stability of the screw rod transmission.

[0037] In some embodiments, a slider 19 that cooperates with the slip ring mounting seat 7 is sleeved on the guide rod 5; the slip ring mounting seat 7 is sleeved and fixed to the slider 19, and the slider 19 can slide back and forth along the guide rod 5. The slider 19 is provided to avoid the connection between the slip ring mounting seat 7 and the guide rod 5, and reduce the influence of the vibration of the optical fiber slip ring 6 on the guiding process.

[0038] In some embodiments, the adapter assembly 3 and the adapter fixing seat 4 are connected and fixed via a high-speed rotating bearing to ensure high-speed operation of the adapter position.

[0039] In some embodiments, Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the SC adapter assembly 3 includes an SC adapter 18, a pin seat 17, a long pin 15 and a short pin 16; the long pin 15 and the short pin 16 are located on the outside of the SC adapter 18 and are arranged opposite to each other; the OCT catheter 12 is respectively provided with docking ports corresponding to the long pin 15 and the short pin 16.

[0040] The main steps of connecting the OCT imaging catheter using the above device are as follows: S1: fix the OCT catheter 12 on the catheter seat 13, fix the optical fiber slip ring 6 on the slip ring mounting seat 7, and fix the SC adapter assembly 3 on the adapter fixing seat 4; S2: Calibrate the catheter seat 13, the adapter fixing seat 4 and the slip ring mounting seat 7 to ensure that the three can be in a straight line along the guide rod 5 or the guide rail; S3: Start the optical fiber slip ring 6 to drive the SC adapter assembly 3 to rotate at high speed on the adapter fixing seat 4, and at the same time start the motor 8 to drive the screw 14 to rotate, and drive the screw nut 10 through the screw transmission to push the adapter fixing seat 4 close to the catheter seat 13, so as to achieve the docking of the SC adapter assembly 3 and the OCT catheter 12.

[0041] Combination Figure 6 and Figure 7 The SC adapter assembly 3 includes an SC adapter 18, an ejector seat 17, and a group of long ejectors 15 and short ejectors 16. The long ejectors 15 and short ejectors 16 are located outside the SC adapter 18 and are arranged opposite to each other. The OCT catheter 12 is provided with docking ports corresponding to the long ejectors 15 and the short ejectors 16. When the SC adapter assembly 3 is docked with the OCT catheter 12, the SC adapter assembly 3 is driven by the optical fiber slip ring 6 to operate at high speed, and is driven by the drive assembly 2 to move toward the catheter. During the docking process, the SC adapter assembly 3 is first inserted into the OCT catheter 12 under high-speed rotation through the long ejector 15 to establish docking positioning and drive the optical fiber probe of the OCT catheter 12 to rotate at high speed, and then the short ejector 16 is inserted into the OCT catheter 12 for secondary positioning and docking, and finally the SC adapter 18 is established. Stable docking with the OCT catheter 12 is established to achieve the connection between the OCT catheter connection device and the catheter.

[0042] The present invention provides a catheter connection device and method for OCT imaging. There are many methods and ways to implement the technical solution. The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present invention. All components not specified in this embodiment can be implemented by existing technologies.

Claims

1. A catheter connection device for OCT imaging, characterized in that: It comprises a base (9), a guide assembly (1), and a drive assembly (2); the guide assembly (1) and the drive assembly (2) are respectively mounted on the base (9); The guide assembly (1) comprises a catheter seat (13) for fixing an OCT catheter (12), an adapter fixing seat (4) for fixing an SC adapter assembly (3), a slip ring mounting seat (7) for fixing an optical fiber slip ring (6), and a guide rod (5) or a guide rail for establishing linear axial motion between the slip ring mounting seat (7), the adapter fixing seat (4) and the catheter seat (13); The driving assembly (2) comprises a stepper motor (8), a lead screw nut (10) and a lead screw (14); the outer end of the lead screw nut (10) is fixed to the adapter fixing seat (4) via a pin rod (20), and the center of the lead screw nut (10) is sleeved on the front end of the lead screw (14) via a threaded hole; the rear end of the lead screw (14) is transmission-connected to the stepper motor (8), and the front end of the lead screw (14) passes through the adapter fixing seat (4); the lead screw nut (10) is driven to move forward and backward by the stepper motor (8) and the lead screw (14), thereby pushing the adapter fixing seat (4) close to or away from the catheter seat (13), thereby achieving docking of the SC adapter assembly (3) with the OCT catheter (12).

2. The catheter connection device for OCT imaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: A gap for installing an elastic member (11) is reserved between the screw nut (10) and the adapter fixing seat (4); the elastic member (11) is sleeved on the front end of the screw (14).

3. The catheter connection device for OCT imaging according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The guide rod (5) passes through the slip ring mounting seat (7), the adapter fixing seat (4) and the catheter seat (13) in sequence from back to front.

4. The catheter connection device for OCT imaging according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guide rods (5) are a pair, which are respectively arranged on two sides of the base (9); the screw rod (14) is arranged between the two guide rods (5) on the two sides and is parallel to the guide rods (5).

5. The catheter connection device for OCT imaging according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The guide rod (5) is sleeved with a slider (19) that cooperates with the slip ring mounting seat (7); the slip ring mounting seat (7) is sleeved with and fixed to the slider (19), and the slider (19) can slide back and forth along the guide rod (5).

6. The catheter connection device for OCT imaging according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The adapter assembly (3) and the adapter fixing seat (4) are connected and fixed via a high-speed rotating bearing.

7. The catheter connection device for OCT imaging according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The SC adapter assembly (3) comprises an SC adapter (18), a thimble seat (17) and a group of thimbles; and a docking port corresponding to the thimbles is provided on the OCT catheter (12).

8. The catheter connection device for OCT imaging according to claim 7, characterized in that: The group of ejector pins comprises a long ejector pin (15) and a short ejector pin (16); the long ejector pin (15) and the short ejector pin (16) are located outside the SC adapter (18) and are arranged opposite to each other; and the OCT catheter (12) is provided with docking ports corresponding to the long ejector pin (15) and the short ejector pin (16), respectively.

9. A method for connecting an OCT imaging catheter using the device of claim 1, characterized in that: The steps include: S1: fix the OCT catheter (12) on the catheter seat (13), fix the optical fiber slip ring (6) on the slip ring mounting seat (7), and fix the SC adapter assembly (3) on the adapter fixing seat (4); S2: calibrate the catheter seat (13), the adapter fixing seat (4) and the slip ring mounting seat (7) to ensure that the three can be in a straight line along the guide rod (5) or the guide rail; S3: Start the optical fiber slip ring (6) to drive the SC adapter assembly (3) to rotate at high speed on the adapter fixing seat (4), and at the same time start the motor (8) to drive the screw (14) to rotate, and drive the screw nut (10) through the screw transmission to push the adapter fixing seat (4) close to the catheter seat (13), so as to achieve the docking of the SC adapter assembly (3) and the OCT catheter (12).

10. The method for connecting an OCT imaging catheter according to claim 9, characterized in that: The SC adapter assembly (3) comprises an SC adapter (18), a pin seat (17) and a group of long pins (15) and short pins (16), wherein the long pins (15) and the short pins (16) are located outside the SC adapter (18) and are arranged opposite to each other; the OCT catheter (12) is provided with docking ports corresponding to the long pins (15) and the short pins (16); when the SC adapter assembly (3) is docked with the OCT catheter (12), the long pin (15) is first inserted into the OCT catheter (12) under high-speed rotation to establish docking positioning and drive the optical fiber probe of the OCT catheter (12) to rotate at high speed, and then the short pin (16) is inserted into the OCT catheter (12) to establish stable docking between the SC adapter (18) and the OCT catheter (12).

Images