Endoscopic photoacoustic probe device and motion articular cartilage degeneration detection system

Abstract

The invention provides an endoscopic photoacoustic probe device and a motion joint cartilage degeneration detection system, and the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device comprises an annular ultrasonic transducer which is suitable for generating mechanical waves; the optical coherence tomography scanning probe and the annular ultrasonic transducer can be sectioned by the same cross section, the optical coherence tomography scanning probe and the annular ultrasonic transducer are arranged at intervals in the extension direction of the cross section, and an optical path is arranged in the optical coherence tomography scanning probe to collect tissue deformation information; the shell is suitable for packaging the annular ultrasonic transducer and the optical coherence tomography scanning probe; wherein the cross section is a plane perpendicular to the annular structure of the annular ultrasonic transducer. According to the invention, the acoustic radiation force and the optical coherence tomography scanning technology are combined, so that the detection sensitivity of early lesions is improved, potential lesions can be detected when the cartilage form is not obviously changed, and sufficient time is provided for early intervention treatment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of medical equipment, and in particular relates to an endoscopic photoacoustic probe device and a sports joint cartilage degeneration detection system. Background Art

[0002] In the medical field, articular cartilage injury and degeneration are extremely common and difficult problems that seriously affect the quality of life of patients. Exploring its pathogenesis, achieving early and accurate diagnosis, and promoting effective tissue regeneration therapy have always been key goals of medical research.

[0003] In vivo cartilage accurate diagnosis technology has always been the focus of clinical research. With the continuous development of medical imaging technology, the diagnosis method of the knee joint has undergone major changes. In the early days, doctors mainly relied on visual examination and palpation to preliminarily determine whether there were abnormalities in the knee joint, and then indirectly speculated on possible problems with the cartilage. Subsequently, X-ray imaging technology was applied to knee joint detection, and doctors were able to indirectly infer the health of the cartilage by observing the joint space, bone hyperplasia, etc. Compared with early diagnostic methods, this technology is a major leap forward, providing doctors with a way to understand the state of cartilage from an imaging perspective. However, X-ray imaging has limited detection capabilities for early cartilage degeneration and minor injuries, and because cartilage does not develop well on X-ray films, it is difficult to clearly and accurately present subtle structural changes inside the cartilage.

[0004] With the emergence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, based on the magnetic resonance phenomenon, radio frequency pulses are used to stimulate hydrogen nuclei in the human body to generate signals, and the images are reconstructed through computer processing, which has brought new breakthroughs in cartilage detection. MRI has excellent resolution for soft tissues, especially cartilage. Through a variety of imaging sequences, such as T1, T2 weighted images and special cartilage imaging sequences, MRI can clearly show details such as the morphology, thickness, and signal changes of cartilage. It can not only effectively detect early cartilage degeneration, but also accurately determine the location and range of damage, significantly improving the diagnostic accuracy of cartilage lesions. However, MRI examinations have the problems of high cost and long examination time, and there are obvious deficiencies in detecting some early biochemical changes of cartilage. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides an endoscopic photoacoustic probe device and a sports joint cartilage degeneration detection system to solve the problems existing in the prior art in the detection of early joint injury or degeneration, such as low detection accuracy, long detection time, and difficulty in capturing early biochemical changes.

[0006] On the one hand, the present invention provides an endoscopic photoacoustic probe device, comprising: a ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer, suitable for generating mechanical waves; an optical coherence tomography scanning probe, which can be cut by the same section as the ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer and is spaced apart from the ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer in the extension direction of the section, and an optical path is provided in the optical coherence tomography scanning probe to collect tissue deformation information; a shell, suitable for encapsulating the ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer and the optical coherence tomography scanning probe; wherein the section is a plane perpendicular to the ring structure of the ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, the optical coherence tomography scanning probe includes: a single-mode optical fiber with an SC connector, the single-mode optical fiber is encapsulated in the housing and is suitable for transmitting the laser beam; a self-focusing microlens is arranged at intervals from the annular ultrasonic transducer along the extension direction of the cross-section; and a micro-electromechanical system chip is suitable for controlling the scanning direction of the laser beam, and the scanning direction is consistent with the propagation direction of the mechanical wave.

[0008] In an optional implementation, the micro-electromechanical system chip is arranged at an angle.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the shell is a stainless steel tube, an imaging window area is provided at one end of the shell, and the annular ultrasonic transducer, the self-focusing microlens and the micro-electromechanical system chip are respectively arranged in the imaging window area.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the annular structure of the annular ultrasonic transducer is a circular ring, an elliptical ring or a polygonal ring, and the size of the annular structure is adapted to the imaging requirements within the knee joint.

[0011] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a motion joint cartilage degeneration detection system, comprising: an endoscopic photoacoustic probe device as described in any one of the items, the endoscopic photoacoustic probe being suitable for being placed in the joint cavity of a motion joint; an acoustic radiation force excitation module connected to the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device; an optical coherence tomography scanning system connected to the endoscopic photoacoustic probe; a signal control module connected to the acoustic radiation force excitation module to control the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device to generate mechanical waves for cartilage, and the signal control module is connected to the OCT system to control the laser beam to enter the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device; a data acquisition module connected to the signal control module and the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device respectively to collect data information, and reconstruct the mechanical wave velocity of the cartilage based on the data information to obtain the elastic depth distribution of the cartilage.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the acoustic radiation force excitation module includes: a first signal generator connected to the data acquisition module; a second signal generator connected to the first signal generator to generate a pulse train; a voltage amplifier connected to the second signal generator and the annular ultrasonic transducer of the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device to amplify the pulse train and drive the annular ultrasonic transducer to generate the mechanical wave.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the sports joint cartilage degeneration detection system further includes an external trigger module, which is communicatively connected to the first signal generator so that the time of OCT imaging and the time of acoustic radiation force excitation are separated.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the optical coherence tomography scanning system includes: a swept-frequency light source to generate near-infrared laser; a beam splitter, connected to the swept-frequency light source, to divide the laser into a reference arm optical path and a sample arm optical path; a coupler, combined with the reference arm optical path and the sample arm optical path to interfere with the laser signals of the reference arm optical path and the sample arm optical path to generate an interference signal; and a photoelectric balanced detector, connected to the coupler and suitable for collecting optical information of the tissue through the interference signal.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the reference arm optical path includes: a first circulator connected to the beam splitter; a beam expander connected to the first circulator; a beam condenser connected to the beam expander; a reference mirror suitable for returning light from the beam condenser and / or the sample arm optical path includes a second circulator, the second circulator is connected to the optical path of the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0017] 1. High-resolution imaging: The combination of a MEMS-based micro-fiber side-view OCT scanning device and a swept-frequency OCT system with specific parameters can achieve high-resolution imaging of articular cartilage, clearly presenting the microstructure of cartilage, including details such as cartilage stratification and collagen fiber arrangement, which helps to detect tiny lesions at an early stage.

[0018] 2. Rapid detection: The optimized data collection method and synchronous control mechanism enable the entire detection process to be completed in a short time, effectively improving the detection efficiency and reducing the patient's examination time and discomfort.

[0019] 3. Accurate quantitative evaluation: By accurately calculating the displacement field and reconstructing the mechanical wave velocity, the elastic depth distribution of the cartilage can be accurately obtained, and an accurate quantitative evaluation of cartilage lesions can be achieved, providing more valuable reference data for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

[0020] 4. Early lesion detection: The combination of acoustic radiation force and OCT technology greatly improves the sensitivity of early lesion detection. It can detect potential lesions when the cartilage morphology has not changed significantly, providing sufficient time for early intervention treatment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation of the present invention or the technical solution in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the specific implementation or the prior art description. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementations of the present invention, and for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of an endoscopic photoacoustic probe device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 A block diagram of a system for detecting cartilage degeneration in sports joints according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 The figure is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sports joint cartilage degeneration detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Description of reference numerals:

[0026] 1-sweep frequency light source; 2-beam splitter; 31-first circulator; 31-second circulator; 4-beam expander; 5-focusing mirror; 6-coupler; 7-balanced detector; 8-data acquisition module; 9-first signal generator; 10-second signal generator; 11-voltage amplifier; 12-endoscopic photoacoustic probe device; 13-annular ultrasonic transducer; 14-laser beam; 15-cable; 16-housing; 17-single-mode optical fiber; 18-wiring; 19-MEMS chip; 20-self-focusing microlens. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are 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 those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0030] In addition, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0031] Combine the following Figures 1 to 3 , describing an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, according to an embodiment of the invention, an endoscopic photoacoustic probe device is provided, which includes: a ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer 13, suitable for generating mechanical waves; an optical coherence tomography scanning probe, which can be cut by the same section as the ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer 13, and is spaced apart from the ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer 13 in the extension direction of the section, and an optical path is provided in the optical coherence tomography scanning probe to collect tissue deformation information; a shell 16, suitable for encapsulating the ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer 13 and the optical coherence tomography scanning probe; wherein the section is a plane perpendicular to the ring structure of the ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer 13.

[0033] In this embodiment, the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device mainly includes a ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer 13, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe and a housing 16. The ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer 13 has a ring-shaped structure and can efficiently generate mechanical waves for imaging and detecting target tissues. The ring-shaped structure enables ultrasound to effectively focus and excite mechanical waves in the tissue without blocking the laser of the OCT probe from entering the tissue, thereby realizing optical information collection of mechanical wave propagation in the surrounding tissues.

[0034] It also includes a cable 15, which uses a low-temperature welding process to weld the miniature annular ultrasonic transducer 13 with a ring structure to the coaxial cable 15. The welding temperature and time must be strictly controlled to avoid damaging the annular ultrasonic transducer 13. After welding, professional insulating materials are used for insulation treatment to ensure a reliable and safe connection to ensure stable signal transmission.

[0035] A special optical path is provided inside the OCT probe for collecting deformation information of tissue after being acted upon by ultrasound. The OCT probe and the annular ultrasonic transducer 13 are on the same cross section, and the two are spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the cross section, which can ensure that ultrasonic imaging and optical coherence tomography imaging are performed simultaneously without interfering with each other, so that the annular ultrasonic transducer 13 and the OCT probe can work together on the same cross section, which is convenient for obtaining more comprehensive and accurate image information in the medical diagnosis process, and can ensure the accuracy and stability of the detection.

[0036] The entire device is enclosed by a housing 16 , which not only protects the internal annular ultrasonic transducer 13 and the OCT probe from the external environment, but also ensures the stability and durability of the entire device.

[0037] By integrating ultrasound imaging technology and OCT imaging technology into the same device, the sensitivity of detecting early lesions is greatly improved, and potential lesions can be detected when the cartilage morphology has not changed significantly, providing sufficient time for early intervention treatment.

[0038] Furthermore, the optical coherence tomography scanning probe includes: a single-mode optical fiber 17 with an SC connector, the single-mode optical fiber 17 is encapsulated in a housing 16 and is suitable for transmitting a laser beam 14; a self-focusing microlens 20, which is spaced apart from the annular ultrasonic transducer 13 along the extension direction of the cross section; and a micro-electromechanical system chip, which is suitable for controlling the scanning direction of the laser beam 14, and the scanning direction is consistent with the propagation direction of the mechanical wave.

[0039] In this embodiment, the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) chip is a key control component in the OCT probe, which is used to accurately control the scanning direction of the laser beam 14. The MEMS chip can achieve fast and accurate beam deflection, ensuring that the scanning direction is consistent with the propagation direction of the mechanical wave, and can ensure that the subtle changes of the cartilage under the action of the acoustic radiation force are accurately captured.

[0040] The OCT probe is mainly composed of a single-mode optical fiber 17 with an SC connector, a self-focusing microlens 20, a MEMS chip, and a wiring 18. It can be stably connected to the proximal drive module through the SC port, and can efficiently transmit the laser beam 14. The self-focusing microlens 20 is spaced apart from the annular ultrasonic transducer 13 along the extension direction of the cross section, and can focus the laser beam 14 transmitted by the optical fiber onto the target tissue, thereby achieving high-resolution imaging. The design of the self-focusing microlens 20 is usually based on the gradient refractive index (GRIN) principle, which can achieve good focusing effect in a smaller size.

[0042] Use professional fiber fusion splicing equipment to perform high-precision fusion splicing of the single-mode fiber 17 ferrule and the single-mode fiber 17 with SC connector to ensure a tight connection and precise alignment. Install the MEMS chip in a suitable position and connect the corresponding wiring 18, which is the circuit line. Use professional testing equipment to ensure that the chip can work normally and cooperate with other components. Then, use a precision positioning fixture to install the self-focusing microlens 20 in the side-view imaging window area and fix it with optical glue.

[0043] The MEMS-based miniature fiber-optic side-view OCT scanning device combined with a swept-frequency OCT system with specific parameters can achieve high-resolution imaging of articular cartilage, clearly presenting the microstructure of cartilage, including details such as cartilage stratification and collagen fiber arrangement, which helps to detect tiny lesions at an early stage.

[0044] Among them, the micro-electromechanical system chip is set at an angle.

[0045] Furthermore, the housing 16 is a stainless steel tube, and an imaging window area is provided at one end of the housing 16 . The annular ultrasonic transducer 13 , the self-focusing microlens 20 and the micro-electromechanical system chip are respectively provided in the imaging window area.

[0046] The assembled annular ultrasonic transducer 13 and the optical coherence tomography scanning probe are placed in the same section and then packaged together in a 304 stainless steel tube. A silicone sealant that is resistant to high temperature, corrosion and has a certain degree of flexibility is used to seal both ends of the stainless steel tube to prevent liquid and impurities from entering the interior of the device and affecting its normal operation. After the packaging is completed, the overall sealing of the device is tested.

[0047] Furthermore, the annular structure of the annular ultrasonic transducer 13 is a circular ring or an elliptical ring, and the size of the annular structure is adapted to the imaging requirements within the knee joint.

[0048] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the present invention also provides a motion joint cartilage degeneration detection system, comprising: any one of the endoscopic photoacoustic probe devices 12, the endoscopic photoacoustic probe is suitable for being placed in the joint cavity of the motion joint; an acoustic radiation force excitation module, connected to the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device; an OCT imaging system, connected to the endoscopic photoacoustic probe; a signal control module, connected to the acoustic radiation force excitation module, to control the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device 12 to generate mechanical waves for the cartilage, and the signal control module is connected to the OCT system to control the laser beam 14 to enter the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device; a data acquisition module 8, connected to the signal control module and the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device 12 respectively, to collect data information, and reconstruct the mechanical wave velocity of the cartilage according to the data information, to obtain the elastic depth distribution of the cartilage.

[0049] In this embodiment, the acoustic radiation force excitation module controls the annular ultrasonic transducer 13 to work, so that the annular ultrasonic transducer 13 generates a stable and controllable acoustic radiation force. The optical coherence tomography is connected to the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device 12, and the OCT technology is used to obtain a high-resolution image of the cartilage. The OCT technology can provide microstructural information of the cartilage, and combined with the shear wave generated by the acoustic radiation force excitation module, the elastic distribution of the cartilage can be further analyzed.

[0050] OCT technology is combined with acoustic radiation force and applied to the detection of early cartilage lesions in vivo. Acoustic radiation force can cause slight deformation of cartilage, which significantly improves the resolution of OCT technology when obtaining cartilage structural information, and can clearly distinguish the layered structure of cartilage and the arrangement of collagen fibers. At the same time, by measuring the deformation of cartilage after force, the elastic modulus of cartilage can be accurately calculated to achieve a more accurate quantitative assessment of the state of cartilage. The combination of the two can also achieve dynamic imaging, capture the dynamic changes of cartilage during force at a high frame rate, and optimize the data acquisition method, speed up data acquisition, effectively shorten the detection time, and improve the detection efficiency. In terms of early lesion diagnosis, acoustic radiation force can stimulate the characteristic signals of early cartilage lesions, enabling OCT technology to detect potential lesions before the cartilage morphology has changed significantly, greatly improving the diagnostic sensitivity of early lesions and gaining valuable time for early intervention treatment.

[0051] The signal control module is responsible for controlling the coordinated work of the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device 12 and the acoustic radiation force excitation module, and can accurately control the laser beam 14 to enter the probe device, while managing the generation and propagation direction of the acoustic radiation force, ensuring that the system can efficiently obtain the mechanical and optical information of the cartilage.

[0052] The data acquisition module 8 can reconstruct the mechanical wave velocity of the cartilage by analyzing the propagation velocity of the mechanical wave and the OCT image, and further obtain the elastic depth distribution of the cartilage. This multimodal data fusion technology significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of cartilage injury assessment.

[0053] The signal control module is responsible for accurately controlling the OCT system, the acoustic radiation force excitation module, the MEMS scanning module and the data acquisition module 8 to perform corresponding functions. Among them, the signal control module is provided with a frequency-adjustable Trigger signal by the signal control card for synchronously controlling the above modules. The optical coherence elastic imaging microprobe of the intra-knee ultrasonic circulator can enter the knee joint cavity in vivo to achieve direct and efficient detection of articular cartilage. The scanning direction of the MEMS chip is highly consistent with the propagation direction of the mechanical wave generated by the annular ultrasonic circulator to ensure that the subtle changes in the cartilage under the action of the acoustic radiation force can be accurately captured. The focus of the acoustic radiation force is precisely focused on the surface of the cartilage, and the OCT beam starts to collect data in B-mode mode from a position 2mm away from the excitation point. During the data acquisition process, the total sampling time is set to 10ms, the sampling length is 8mm, and a total of two frames of B-mode images are collected.

[0054] Furthermore, the acoustic radiation force excitation module includes: a first signal generator 9, connected to the data acquisition module 8; a second signal generator 10, connected to the first signal generator 9, so as to be able to generate a pulse train; a voltage amplifier 11, connected to the second signal generator 10 and the annular ultrasonic transducer 13 of the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device 12, so as to amplify the pulse train and drive the annular ultrasonic transducer 13 to generate mechanical waves.

[0055] The acoustic radiation force excitation module mainly includes a first signal generator 9, a second signal generator 10 and a voltage amplifier 11. The operation of the annular ultrasonic transducer 13 is collaboratively controlled by the signal generator and the voltage amplifier 11. The specific working process is as follows: the first signal generator 9 triggers the second signal generator 10 to generate a high-frequency pulse train, which, after being amplified by the voltage amplifier 11, drives the annular ultrasonic transducer 13 to work, thereby generating a stable and controllable acoustic radiation force.

[0056] Furthermore, the sports joint cartilage degeneration detection system also includes an external trigger module, which is communicatively connected to the first signal generator 9 so that the time of OCT imaging and the time of acoustic radiation force excitation are separated.

[0057] Through the setting of the external trigger module, the time difference between the OCT system and the acoustic radiation force excitation is 10ms, that is, the OCT system is 10ms before the excitation. This carefully designed synchronization setting is to accurately calculate the displacement field. The first frame of the B-mode image contains a cross-sectional image of the sample in a static state, which not only provides the structural information of the sample, but also records the phase information of the interference light at rest; the second frame of the B-mode image, in addition to the structural information, also reflects the phase change caused by the wave propagation in the sample. By obtaining the phase difference between the corresponding positions of the two sets of information, the displacement field can be accurately calculated. Then, the samples excited at different frequencies are collected in B-mode (2mm from the excitation position), and the mechanical wave velocity is reconstructed, and finally the elastic depth distribution of the cartilage is obtained, providing key data support for accurately evaluating the health of the cartilage.

[0058] Furthermore, the OCT system includes: a swept-frequency light source 1 to generate near-infrared laser; a beam splitter 2, which is combined with the swept-frequency light source 1 to split the laser into a reference arm optical path and a sample arm optical path; a coupler 6, which is combined with the reference arm optical path and the sample arm optical path to interfere with the laser signals of the reference arm optical path and the sample arm optical path to generate an interference signal; and a photoelectric balanced detector 7, which is connected to the coupler 6 and is suitable for collecting elastic information of the tissue through the interference signal.

[0059] The MEMS-based micro-fiber side-view OCT probe is connected to a swept-frequency OCT system. The swept-frequency OCT system includes a swept-frequency light source 1 with specific parameters, a 90 / 10 beam splitter 2, a reference mirror, a 50 / 50 coupler 6, a photoelectric balanced detector 7, and an acquisition card. The first signal generator 9 realizes synchronous control of the excitation system and the OCT system through the B-trig signal generated by the OCT system, ensuring the precise coordination of the two systems in time, and providing reliable guarantee for subsequent data acquisition and analysis.

[0060] Furthermore, the reference arm optical path includes: a first circulator 31, connected to the beam splitter 2; a beam expander 4, connected to the first circulator 31; a beam condenser 5, connected to the beam expander; a reference mirror, suitable for returning light from the beam condenser 5; and / or the sample arm optical path includes a second circulator 32, and the second circulator 32 is connected to the optical path of the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device.

[0061] Under aseptic operating conditions, professional medical equipment is used to carefully insert the intra-articular photoacoustic microprobe into the knee joint cavity through a suitable puncture path. During the insertion process, the arthroscope is used to ensure that the probe accurately reaches the predetermined detection position. Start the detection system. The first signal generator 9 controls the synchronization of the two parts of excitation and imaging by external triggering. According to the pre-set parameters, the acoustic radiation force focus is focused under the cartilage surface, and the OCT beam starts to collect data in B-mode from a position 2 mm away from the excitation point. The near-infrared laser is emitted from the swept light source 1, passes through the 90 / 10 beam splitter 2, and 10% of the laser passes through the first circulator 31 into the reference arm optical path, and returns through the beam expander 4, the focusing lens 5 and the reference mirror. 90% of the laser light enters the sample arm optical path through the second circulator 32, passes through the MEMS chip and the focusing lens to enter the cartilage, and the laser light backscattered by the object returns along the original path. The laser signals of the two optical paths interfere with each other through the 50 / 50 coupler 6 and are collected by the photoelectric balance detector 7, and transmitted to the acquisition card to obtain a line scan A-mode information, and the B-mode image is obtained by scanning the MEMS chip. Two frames of B-mode images are collected, and the displacement field is calculated based on the phase difference of the corresponding positions of the two frames of B-mode images collected. Then, the data collected by the samples excited at different frequencies under B-mode are processed to reconstruct the mechanical wave velocity, and then the elastic depth distribution of the cartilage is obtained. Combined with clinical experience and relevant medical standards, the health status of the cartilage is evaluated and diagnosed to determine whether there is an early lesion and the degree and range of the lesion.

[0062] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for clear description and are not limitations of the implementation methods.

[0063] For ordinary technicians in the relevant field, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the implementation methods here. However, the obvious changes or modifications derived from this are still within the protection scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An endoscopic photoacoustic probe device, characterized in that: include: A ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer suitable for generating mechanical waves; An optical coherence tomography scanning probe, which can be cut by the same section as the annular ultrasonic transducer and is spaced apart from the annular ultrasonic transducer in the extension direction of the section, and an optical path is provided in the optical coherence tomography scanning probe to collect tissue deformation information; A housing, adapted to encapsulate the annular ultrasonic transducer and the optical coherence tomography scanning probe; Wherein, the cross section is a plane perpendicular to the annular structure of the annular ultrasonic transducer.

2. The endoscopic photoacoustic probe device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical coherence tomography scanning probe comprises: A single-mode optical fiber with an SC connector, wherein the single-mode optical fiber is encapsulated in the housing and is suitable for transmitting the laser beam; A self-focusing micro-lens is arranged spaced apart from the annular ultrasonic transducer along an extension direction of the cross section; The micro-electromechanical system chip is suitable for controlling the scanning direction of the laser beam, and the scanning direction is consistent with the propagation direction of the mechanical wave.

3. The endoscopic photoacoustic probe device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The micro-electromechanical system chip is arranged tilted.

4. The endoscopic photoacoustic probe device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shell is a stainless steel tube, one end of the shell is provided with an imaging window area, and the annular ultrasonic transducer, the self-focusing microlens and the micro-electromechanical system chip are respectively arranged in the imaging window area.

5. The endoscopic photoacoustic probe device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The annular structure of the annular ultrasonic transducer is a circular ring or an elliptical ring, and the size of the annular structure is adapted to the imaging requirements within the knee joint.

6. A sports joint cartilage degeneration detection system, characterized in that: include: The endoscopic photoacoustic probe device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the endoscopic photoacoustic probe is suitable for being placed in a joint cavity of a motion joint; An acoustic radiation force excitation module connected to the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device; An optical coherence tomography scanning system connected to the endoscopic photoacoustic probe; A signal control module connected to the acoustic radiation force excitation module to control the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device to generate mechanical waves for cartilage, and the signal control module is connected to the optical coherence tomography scanning system to control the laser beam to enter the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device; The data acquisition module is connected to the signal control module and the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device respectively to collect data information, and reconstruct the mechanical wave velocity of the cartilage according to the data information to obtain the elastic depth distribution of the cartilage.

7. The sports joint cartilage degeneration detection system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The acoustic radiation force excitation module comprises: A first signal generator connected to the data acquisition module; a second signal generator connected to the first signal generator so as to be able to generate a pulse train; A voltage amplifier is connected to the second signal generator and the annular ultrasonic transducer of the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device to amplify the pulse train and drive the annular ultrasonic transducer to generate the mechanical wave.

8. The sports joint cartilage degeneration detection system according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes an external trigger module, which is communicatively connected to the first signal generator so that the time of OCT imaging and the time of acoustic radiation force excitation are separated.

9. The sports joint cartilage degeneration detection system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that: The optical coherence tomography scanning system comprises: A swept light source to generate near-infrared laser light; A beam splitter, coupled with the swept light source, to split the laser into a reference arm optical path and a sample arm optical path; A coupler is combined with the reference arm optical path and the sample arm optical path to interfere with the laser signals of the reference arm optical path and the sample arm optical path to generate an interference signal; The photoelectric balanced detector is connected to the coupler and is suitable for collecting optical information of the tissue through the interference signal.

10. The sports joint cartilage degeneration detection system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The reference arm optical path comprises: a first circulator, connected to the beam splitter; a beam expander, connected to the first circulator; A condenser lens connected to the beam expander; a reference mirror adapted to return light from the condenser mirror; The sample arm optical path includes a second circulator, and the second circulator is connected to the optical path of the endoscopic photoacoustic probe device.

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