Interventional medical device with data communication

Abstract

An interventional medical device (100) includes an insertion tube (120) extending between a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104). The distal end is configured to be inserted into internal tissue of a patient during a medical procedure. The insertion tube has a dielectric waveguide (150) extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The interventional medical device includes a transmitter (230) coupled to the dielectric waveguide at a distal end. The transmitter transmits a radio frequency signal along the dielectric waveguide from a distal end to a proximal end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter herein relates generally to interventional medical devices. Background Art

[0002] Interventional medical devices such as endoscopes are used during medical procedures to perform medical procedures on patients. An endoscope generally includes an elongated tube that can be inserted into a patient's body. A video camera or fiber optic lens is disposed at the distal end for viewing body tissue as the tube moves through the patient's body. Various surgical tools can be inserted into the interior of the tube to perform the surgical procedure. For example, some known endoscopes include a needle for performing a biopsy of a patient's tissue.

[0003] Image data from a video camera is transmitted to an image processor through an elongated tube. Some known invasive medical devices use electrical conductors, such as twisted pair cables, to transmit data from a video camera to an image processor. However, as video quality improves, such as due to higher resolution cameras, higher frame rates, and increased color depth, electrical conductors are approaching data rate limits. Other known invasive medical devices use optical fibers to transmit signals from a video camera to an image processor. However, optical fiber systems are expensive.

[0004] There remains a need for an invasive medical device with improved data communications. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one embodiment, an interventional medical device is provided and includes an insertion tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured to be inserted into the internal tissue of a patient during a medical procedure. The insertion tube has a dielectric waveguide extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The interventional medical device includes a transmitter coupled to the dielectric waveguide at the distal end. The transmitter transmits a radio frequency signal along the dielectric waveguide from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0006] In another embodiment, an interventional medical device is provided and includes an insertion tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured to be inserted into the internal tissue of a patient during a medical procedure. The insertion tube has a dielectric waveguide extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The interventional medical device includes an imaging module located at the proximal end of the insertion tube. The imaging module images the internal tissue of the patient during the medical procedure. The imaging device generates an image signal. The interventional medical device includes a transmitter coupled to the dielectric waveguide at the distal end. The transmitter transmits a radio frequency signal along the dielectric waveguide from the distal end to the proximal end. The radio frequency signal corresponds to an image signal from the imaging device.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, an interventional medical device is provided and includes an insertion tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured to be inserted into the internal tissue of a patient during a medical procedure. The insertion tube has a dielectric waveguide extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The insertion tube includes an inner cavity extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The interventional medical device includes a transmitter coupled to the dielectric waveguide at the distal end. The transmitter transmits a radio frequency signal from the distal end to the proximal end along the dielectric waveguide. The interventional medical device includes a tool housed within the inner cavity. The tool is configured to interact with the patient during a medical procedure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an interventional medical device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an interventional medical device illustrating an imaging system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a dielectric waveguide according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an insertion tube of an interventional medical device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an insertion tube of an interventional medical device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Figure 1is a perspective view of an interventional medical device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The interventional medical device 100 is used during a medical procedure to perform a medical procedure on a patient. In various embodiments, the interventional medical device 100 is an imaging device, such as an endoscope, a digital ultrasound device, a smart catheter, etc. However, the interventional medical device 100 may be another type of medical device, such as a device including a MEMS sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, the interventional medical device 100 is configured to image the internal tissue of a patient during a medical procedure. The interventional medical device 100 transmits image data to a control unit at the base of the interventional medical device 100 via a tube or cable. The interventional medical device 100 may perform other tasks, such as drug delivery or tissue sampling or manipulation.

[0018] The device 100 extends between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104. The insertion tube 120 extends between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104. The distal end 104 and the insertion tube 120 are configured to be inserted into a patient during a medical procedure. In an exemplary embodiment, a medical device is disposed at the distal end 104 for interacting with the patient. The medical device can deploy a sensor, a tool, a camera, or other type of medical device. The tool can be a drug delivery tool, a needle, forceps, a balloon, an irrigation device, a sensor, or other type of tool. A controller for the medical device can extend through the insertion tube 120. Data from the medical device can be transmitted back to an operator at the proximal end through the insertion tube 120.

[0019] The device 100 includes a handle 106 located at the proximal end 102. The handle 106 can be used to actuate or manipulate the distal end 104 and / or one or more tools 108 at the distal end 104 to perform a medical procedure. For example, the distal end 104 can be manipulable to position the tool 108 to perform a medical procedure, such as biopsy of damaged tissue or delivery of drugs. The tool 108 deployed via the working channel and / or the controller for the tool 108 can extend in the insertion tube 120 between the handle 106 and the distal end 104. The tool 108 can be flush with the distal end 104 of the insertion tube 120. However, the tool 108 can be recessed in the insertion tube 120 at the distal end 104, or can extend from the distal end 104. The handle 106 can be rotated and / or translated to actuate or manipulate the distal end 104, such as using a pull line, a spring, or other types of actuation components extending between the handle 106 and the distal end 104. In various embodiments, electrical wires may extend between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104 to power / control the tool 108 or other components of the interventional medical device 100, such as being routed in one or more internal channels of the insertion tube. The electrical wires may be used for data transmission.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the interventional medical device 100 includes a viewing device 110. The viewing device 110 may include an eyepiece coupled to the handle 106. In various embodiments, the viewing device 110 may include a display, such as a computer monitor that displays an image. The image or other data may be displayed or visible external to the interventional medical device 100, such as at a remote computer monitor, at an attached display or dial, or at other locations.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the interventional medical device 100 includes an imaging system 200 for imaging the internal tissue of a patient. The imaging system 200 includes an imaging module 210 located at the distal end 104 and a control unit 250 located at the proximal end 102. The imaging module 210 can define a tip or imaging end of the medical device 100 (e.g., an endoscope). The insertion tube 120 connects the imaging module 210 and the control unit 250. Data is transmitted between the imaging module 210 and the control unit 250 through the insertion tube 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the insertion tube 120 includes a dielectric waveguide 150 for data transmission between the imaging module 210 and the control unit 250.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the imaging system 200 includes a light emitter 202 located at the distal end 104 for illuminating internal tissue. The light emitter 202 may include one or more optical fibers and / or light pipes routed between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104. The light emitter 202 may include a lens or an LED source that emits light at the distal end 104.

[0023] The insertion tube 120 extends between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104. The insertion tube 120 is flexible. The distal end 104 of the insertion tube 120 is configured to be inserted into the patient's body and manipulated through the patient's internal body tissue to reach the desired position. The insertion tube 120 includes a sleeve 122 located outside the insertion tube 120. Other components are wired to pass through the hollow interior of the sleeve 122. The sleeve 122 can be made of medical grade materials (such as stainless steel materials, Nitinol materials or other suitable materials). The sleeve 122 can be coated with a PTFE spray or sheath, for example. The sleeve 122 can include multiple sections. Parts of the sleeve 122 can be rigid. Parts of the sleeve 122 can be flexible to allow the insertion tube 120 to be manipulated inside the patient's body.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, various components of the interventional medical device 100 are housed within the insertion tube 120 and extend between the handle 106 and the distal end 104. The sleeve 122 includes one or more internal channels, including at least one working channel 124, which accommodates the components of the interventional medical device 100. For example, the tool 108 can be wired to reach the distal end 104 through the working channel 124. The light emitter 202 can be wired to reach the distal end 104 through the working channel 124 or another internal channel. The working channel 124 can be separated or isolated from other internal channels. The internal channel can be an open lumen extending between the opposite ends of the insertion tube 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric waveguide 150 is wired to reach the imaging module 210 at the distal end 104 through the working channel 124. Other components can be wired through (multiple) internal channels, such as air tubes, water tubes, electrical wires, etc.

[0025] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram of an interventional medical device 100 illustrating an imaging system 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. The interventional medical device 100 includes an insertion tube 120 extending between a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104. An imaging module 210 is disposed at the distal end 104 and is used to image internal tissue of a patient during a medical procedure. A control unit 250 is disposed at the proximal end 102 and is used to control the imaging module 210. In an exemplary embodiment, a dielectric waveguide 150 extends between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104 for data transmission between the imaging module 210 and the control unit 250.

[0026] Module 210 includes an imaging device such as camera 212 and an integrated circuit 220 operably coupled to camera 212. Camera 212 may include a sensor 214, such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. Camera 212 may include a lens. Integrated circuit 220 receives a signal from camera 212. Camera 212 generates an image signal transmitted to integrated circuit 220. The image signal is a digital signal. Integrated circuit 220 supports digitization of imaging signals. Imaging module 210 and / or integrated circuit 220 may include a processor, such as an image processor, to digitize images from camera 212. In various embodiments, camera 212 is a high-resolution color camera for imaging tissue. Camera 212 may be a high-resolution camera, such as a 4K or 8K UHDTV video camera. Camera 212 may have a high frame rate, such as 60 frames per second or higher. In alternative embodiments, other types of imaging devices, such as ultrasound probes, may be used. Integrated circuit 220 may include a circuit board and one or more electrical components mounted to the circuit board.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the imaging module 210 includes a transmitter 230 coupled to or integrated into the integrated circuit 220. The transmitter 230 transmits a data signal from the imaging module 210 to the control unit 250. For example, the transmitter 230 may transmit a signal from the camera 212 to the control unit 250. Optionally, in addition to the signal from the camera 212, the transmitter 230 may also transmit signals from other components (such as the sensor 214 at the far end 104). The transmitter 230 is a wireless transmitter. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmitter 230 includes a transmitting antenna 232 coupled to the integrated circuit 220. The transmitting antenna 232 transmits a radio frequency signal. For example, the transmitting antenna 232 converts the image signal into a radio frequency signal. The radio frequency signal corresponds to an image signal from the imaging module. For example, the RF signal may be generated from or based on the image signal. The image signal may be modulated into a transmitted radio frequency signal. The image signal may be digitized and serialized into an RF signal. The transmitting antenna 232 may be configured to support data transmission in the gigabit range, such as between 3 Gbps and 30 Gbps or more. The transmitting antenna 232 may be a microwave antenna. In an exemplary embodiment, the frequency of the RF signal is at least 30 GHz. For example, the RF signal may be in the extremely high frequency (EHF) range, such as between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. In various embodiments, the RF signal may be at approximately 150 GHz. The transmitter 230 is coupled to the dielectric waveguide 150 to transmit the RF signal along the dielectric waveguide 150. In various embodiments, the transmitter 230 may be a transceiver configured to transmit and receive RF signals.

[0028] The unit 250 includes a processor 252 and an integrated circuit 260 operably coupled to the processor 252. The integrated circuit 260 receives a radio frequency signal from the dielectric waveguide 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 250 includes a receiver 270 coupled to or integrated with the integrated circuit 260. The receiver 270 receives the radio frequency signal from the dielectric waveguide 150 and converts the radio frequency signal into a digital signal. For example, the receiver 270 includes a receiving antenna 272 coupled to the dielectric waveguide 150, which receives the radio frequency signal from the dielectric waveguide 150 and converts the radio frequency signal into a digital signal. The processor 252 processes the digital signal. The digital signal can be sent to the observation device 110 for observation by an operator. In various embodiments, the receiver 270 can be a transceiver configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals.

[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a dielectric waveguide 150 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 41 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide 150 according to an exemplary embodiment. The dielectric waveguide 150 extends between a proximal end 152 and a distal end 154. The distal end 154 is configured to be coupled to an imaging module 210, such as to a transmitter 230 (e.g., Figure 2 The proximal end 152 is configured to be coupled to a control unit 250, such as a receiver 270 (eg, Figure 2 as shown).

[0030] The waveguide 150 is flexible. The dielectric waveguide 150 has a small diameter, such as about 1.0 mm. The dielectric waveguide 150 includes one or more dielectric layers 156. The dielectric layers 156 may be concentric about a central axis 158 of the dielectric waveguide 150. The radio frequency signal is transmitted along at least one dielectric layer 156. In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric waveguide 150 includes a central core 160 and a cladding 162 surrounding the core 160. The radio frequency signal is transmitted along the central core 160. In alternative embodiments, the dielectric waveguide may include other layers.

[0031] The center core 160 is formed of a solid or solid dielectric material that is configured to conduct radio waves at millimeter wave frequencies and above. The center core 160 can be made of a first dielectric material, such as a polymer material including but not limited to vinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene and / or hexafluoropropylene. The center core 160 can be manufactured by an extrusion process. In various embodiments, the center core 160 is filled with a polymer material. In other various embodiments, the center core 160 can be hollow, such as forming an inner cavity that can accommodate other components or tools of the interventional medical device 100.

[0032] The cladding 162 has a lower relative dielectric constant or a lower dielectric constant than the core 160, and utilizes total internal reflection to confine radio waves. The cladding 162 may have a different dielectric constant than the core 160. The cladding 162 contains the transmission wave within the core 160. The cladding 162 may be constructed with a material that reflects the wave back into the core 160. For example, the cladding 162 may be formed of a material having a dielectric constant different from the dielectric constant of the material forming the core 160. The cladding 162 may have a smaller dielectric constant than the core 160. In various embodiments, the cladding 162 is a foam cladding, for example, formed of a plastic foam such as, but not limited to, polystyrene foam. In other various embodiments, the cladding 162 may be an extruded plastic material formed around the core 160.

[0033] Figure 51 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide 150 according to an exemplary embodiment. The dielectric waveguide 150 includes a core 160 and a cladding 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the core 160 is hollow, having an air core 164 along the central axis 158. In various embodiments, the air core 164 forms an inner cavity 170 that is configured to receive other components, such as the tool 108 (e.g., Figure 1 160) and / or control lines for the tool 108. For example, the interior of the dielectric waveguide 150 can be used as a working lumen. The dielectric waveguide 150 can include a metallic shielding layer located between an inner dielectric layer (e.g., core 160) and an outer dielectric layer (e.g., cladding 162). In alternative embodiments, the metallic layer can be disposed around the exterior of the cladding 162. In other embodiments, an outer sheath or sleeve can be disposed around the exterior of the dielectric waveguide 150. In alternative embodiments, the working channel of the deployment tool 108 or other components can be routed through a lumen / interior channel separate from the dielectric waveguide 150, rather than being routed through the core 160 of the dielectric waveguide 150.

[0034] Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide 150 according to an exemplary embodiment. The dielectric waveguide 150 includes a core 160 and a cladding 162. The core 160 includes an air core 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the core 160 includes a plurality of concentric dielectric layers, such as a first layer 174, a second layer 176, and a third layer 178. The second layer 176 is located between the first layer 174 and the third layer 178. The layers 174, 176, 178 may be extruded layers. The second layer 176 is formed of a different dielectric material having a different dielectric constant than the first layer 174 and the third layer 178. In various embodiments, the first layer 174 is formed of a different dielectric material than the third layer 178. However, in other various embodiments, the first layer 174 is formed of the same dielectric material as the third layer 178. The first layer 174 and / or the second layer 176 and / or the third layer 178 are configured to transmit or propagate radio frequency signals. In alternative embodiments, the core 160 may include more or fewer layers. In alternative embodiments, cladding 162 may include multiple layers.

[0035] Figure 7 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide 150 according to an exemplary embodiment. The dielectric waveguide 150 includes a core 160 and a cladding 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the core 160 is a solid core. However, in alternative embodiments, the core 160 may be hollow with an air core.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more conductors 180 are arranged in the dielectric waveguide 150. The conductor 180 can be an electrical conductor or an optical conductor. The conductor 180 extends between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104. The electrical conductor 180 can be electrically connected to components at the proximal end and / or the distal end, such as the imaging module 210, the camera 212, the transmitting antenna 232, the sensor 214, or other components. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical conductor 180 includes a power supply conductor 182 and a ground conductor 184. Other types of conductors, such as low-speed data signal conductors, can be provided in other embodiments.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical conductor 180 passes through a channel in the cladding 162. The electrical conductor 180 can be disposed on the opposite side of the dielectric waveguide 150. However, in alternative embodiments, other locations are possible. For example, in alternative embodiments, the electrical conductor 180 can be disposed in the core 160 or in an outer jacket or sleeve (not shown).

[0038] Figure 8 1 is a cross-sectional view of an insertion tube 120 of an interventional medical device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The interventional medical device 100 may be an endoscope shaft having a working channel 124, a dielectric waveguide 150, and a plurality of wires or interconnects 130 located in the insertion tube 120. The wires or interconnects 130 may be used for control, power, and / or data transmission. The insertion tube 120 may include other components located inside the insertion tube 120.

[0039] Fig. 9 1 is a cross-sectional view of an insertion tube 120 of an interventional medical device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The interventional medical device 100 may be an ultrasonic cable assembly having a dielectric waveguide 150 and a plurality of wires or interconnects 140 located in the insertion tube 120. The wires or interconnects 140 may be used for control, power, and / or data transmission. The insertion tube 120 may include other components located within the interior of the insertion tube 120.

[0040] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects of these embodiments) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, without departing from the scope of the present invention, many modifications can be performed to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present invention. The sizes, material types, orientations, and the number and position of the various components described herein are intended to define the parameters of certain embodiments and are by no means restrictive, but are merely exemplary embodiments. After reading the above description, many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the attached claims and the full range of equivalents given by these claims.

Claims

1. An interventional medical device (100), comprising: an insertion tube (120) extending between a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104), the distal end being configured to be inserted into internal tissue of a patient during a medical procedure, the insertion tube having a dielectric waveguide (150) extending between the proximal end and the distal end; and A transmitter (230) is coupled to the dielectric waveguide at the distal end, the transmitter transmitting a radio frequency signal from the distal end to the proximal end along the dielectric waveguide.

2. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1, further comprising a receiver (270) coupled to the dielectric waveguide (150) at the proximal end (102), the receiver receiving the radio frequency signal from the dielectric waveguide.

3. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1, wherein the insertion tube (120) includes an inner cavity (170) concentric with the dielectric waveguide (150), a tool (108) being received in the inner cavity, the tool being configured to interact with a patient during a medical procedure.

4. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1, further comprising an imaging module (210) located at the distal end (104) and a control unit (250) operably coupled to the imaging module at the proximal end (102), the transmitter (230) allowing data communication from the imaging module to the control unit via the dielectric waveguide (150).

5. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 4, wherein the imaging module (210) comprises a camera (212) and an integrated circuit (220) for receiving a signal from the camera, the transmitter (230) comprises a transmitting antenna (232) coupled to the integrated circuit for transmitting the radio frequency signal, the control unit (250) comprises an integrated circuit having a receiving antenna (272), the integrated circuit being configured to receive the radio frequency signal from the dielectric waveguide (150) and convert the radio frequency signal into a digital signal, and the control unit comprises a data processor for processing the digital signal.

6. The invasive medical device (100) of claim 1, wherein the transmitter (230) comprises an integrated circuit (220) that receives a digital signal, the transmitter comprises an antenna (232) coupled to the integrated circuit, the integrated circuit converting the digital signal into the radio frequency signal.

7. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1, further comprising a sensor located at the distal end (104), the transmitter (230) receiving a signal from the sensor and converting the signal into the radio frequency signal for transmission to the proximal end (102) through the dielectric waveguide (150).

8. The invasive medical device (100) of claim 1, wherein the dielectric waveguide (150) comprises a central core (160) and a cladding surrounding the core, the radio frequency signal being transmitted along the central core.

9. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1, wherein the insertion tube (120) includes an electrical conductor extending between the proximal end (102) and the distal end (104).

10. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1, wherein the insertion tube (120) includes a power line and a ground line extending between the proximal end (102) and the distal end (104).

11. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1, wherein the dielectric waveguide (150) comprises a plurality of concentric dielectric layers (156).

12. The invasive medical device (100) of claim 1, wherein the dielectric waveguide (150) comprises an inner dielectric layer (160), an outer dielectric layer (162), and a metal shielding layer located between the inner dielectric layer and the outer dielectric layer.

13. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1, wherein the dielectric waveguide (150) is flexible.

14. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency signal is at a frequency of at least 30 GHz.

15. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency signal is between 30 GHz and 300 GHz.

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