Photoacoustic cancer detection and imaging biopsy system

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a medical imaging device in which radial ultrasound imaging and light emitting elements are arranged for internal imaging of a patient via ultrasound and / or photoacoustic effects. The medical imaging device may include both an imaging component and biopsy capability. In addition, the medical imaging device may be arranged for insertion into a patient, such as a patient's lumen or tissue.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 359,075, filed on July 7, 2022, entitled “PHOTOACOUSTIC CANCER DETECTION AND IMAGING BIOPSY SYSTEM,” which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods that utilize imaging; and more particularly to devices, systems and methods that incorporate imaging (such as ultrasound imaging) and biopsy or other diagnostic and / or therapeutic capabilities into the same device. Background of the Invention

[0003] Generally speaking, endoscopic imaging can be performed to determine the internal characteristics of one or more target anatomical structures. Typically, imaging is used for positioning and / or relative positioning purposes, such as during a diagnostic procedure. For example, an ultrasound imaging device can be inserted into the working channel of an endoscope to image the target anatomical structure to position the tool through the endoscope for surgery, such as biopsy of a pulmonary nodule. In such instances, once the endoscope is positioned, the ultrasound imaging device can be removed from the working channel; and with the endoscope properly positioned, a needle can be inserted into the working channel to biopsy a pulmonary nodule. Challenges of such surgeries may include: maintaining the position of the nodule when the probe is being exchanged with the needle (e.g., when direct visualization with a bronchoscope cannot be located at the nodule); controlling the orientation of the needle relative to the nodule and / or the bronchoscope; and having to actuate the biopsy needle into the nodule tissue in the absence of real-time imaging.

[0004] Other diagnostic procedures often rely on external imaging. For example, breast cancer screening often utilizes external imaging, even when a biopsy is performed. A biopsy is a group of medical diagnostic tests used to determine the structure and composition of tissues or cells. During a biopsy, cells or tissues are sampled from an organ or other body part to allow for their analysis, such as under a microscope. Generally speaking, if an abnormality is found by surface examination such as palpation or radiographic imaging, a biopsy may be performed to determine the nature of the suspected abnormality.

[0005] With these considerations in mind, a variety of beneficial medical outcomes can be achieved through the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0006] In various embodiments, the present disclosure as a whole relates to medical imaging devices, such as real-time visualization. For example, the present disclosure provides a medical tool, wherein radial ultrasound imaging and light emitting elements are arranged for internal imaging of a patient via ultrasound and / or photoacoustic effects. According to some examples, the medical tool may include both photoacoustic imaging and biopsy capabilities. For example, the medical tool may include an ergonomic handle and a catheter, which is configured for dual-function use during a medical procedure. The medical device may be configured for use with a probe, such as a probe disposed at the distal end of the catheter and delivered within the working channel of another medical device to provide real-time visualization (e.g., radial ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging) and manipulation (e.g., diagnostic biopsy sampling) of tissue. As a specific example, one or more components of the medical imaging device may be configured to position a catheter having a first tool / instrument (e.g., radial ultrasound and light emitting elements) within the human body (e.g., positioned within the peripheral region of the lungs, positioned within the patient's breast, etc.) to image the tissue (e.g., cancer growth tissue, etc.). Additionally, the medical device may be configured to position a second tool / instrument (eg, a biopsy needle, etc.) within the catheter to biopsy the imaged tissue.

[0007] In some embodiments, a medical device may be provided. The medical device may include: a handle assembly, a probe, and a multi-lumen catheter; the handle assembly includes a first lumen, a second lumen, and a third lumen; the probe includes an imaging window, a radiation window, and a port; the multi-lumen catheter connects the handle assembly to the probe; wherein the multi-lumen catheter connects the first lumen to the imaging window, the second lumen to the radiation window, and the third lumen to the port.

[0008] According to other embodiments, the medical device may include wherein the first lumen is arranged to receive a radial ultrasound probe such that the radial ultrasound probe may be advanced through the multi-lumen catheter to the imaging window.

[0009] According to other embodiments, the medical device may include wherein the second lumen is arranged to receive a fiber optic cable such that the fiber optic cable may be advanced through the multi-lumen catheter to the radiation window.

[0010] According to other embodiments, the medical device may include wherein the third lumen is arranged to receive a biopsy needle such that the biopsy needle may be advanced through the multi-lumen catheter to the port.

[0011] According to other embodiments, a medical device may include a hub assembly, wherein the fiber optic cable is configured to be optically coupled to a laser source via the hub assembly.

[0012] According to other embodiments, the medical device may include wherein the radial ultrasound probe is coupled to the imaging controller via a hub.

[0013] According to other embodiments, the medical device may include at least one drive cable coupling the radial ultrasound probe to the hub.

[0014] According to other embodiments, a medical device may include a first medical tool, wherein the first medical tool includes a fiber optic cable and a radial ultrasound probe.

[0015] According to other embodiments, the medical device may include wherein the laser source is configured to output laser pulses having a wavelength between 600 nanometers (nm) and 1200 nm.

[0016] According to other embodiments, a medical device may include wherein the fiber optic cable is configured to expose target tissue with the laser pulses through the radiation window.

[0017] According to other embodiments, a medical device may include wherein the imaging controller is configured to receive a signal indicating a photoacoustic effect of the target tissue in response to exposure to the laser pulse.

[0018] According to other embodiments, the medical device may include wherein the handle assembly includes a flush port.

[0019] According to other embodiments, the medical device may include wherein the handle assembly is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the probe.

[0020] According to other embodiments, the medical device may include wherein the probe includes a marker disposed opposite the imaging window.

[0021] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a medical device system, which includes the medical device of the previously described embodiments, and further includes a laser source, an imaging controller, a hub assembly, or a combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] To easily identify the discussion of any element or action, the most significant digit(s) in a reference numeral refers to the figure number in which the element is first introduced.

[0023] Figure 1 According to at least one embodiment, a medical tool is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 Another medical tool is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 According to at least one embodiment, a portion of a medical tool is shown.

[0026] Figure 4 According to at least one embodiment, a method is presented.

[0027] Figure 5Another method is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 A computer-readable storage medium is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 A computer is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Although embodiments of the present disclosure are described with specific reference to components, systems, and methods designed to provide dual-function real-time visualization and diagnostic sampling of pulmonary nodules within the peripheral region of the lung, it should be understood that such components, systems, and methods can be used to visualize and manipulate various tissues within a variety of different body cavities and / or body passages for diagnostic and / or therapeutic purposes. In various embodiments described herein, real-time visualization may refer to imaging with an instrument (e.g., a radial ultrasound probe) that is inserted through a working channel of an endoscope and passes through the distal end of the endoscope. In addition or alternatively, in one or more embodiments described herein, real-time visualization may refer to imaging that does not utilize light in the visible spectrum (e.g., ultrasound imaging or infrared imaging).

[0031] The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope beyond the appended claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0032] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "include" and / or "comprise", or "contain" and / or "have" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, steps, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0033] As used herein, the term "distal" refers to the end farthest from the medical professional when the device is introduced into a patient, and the term "proximal" refers to the end closest to the medical professional when the device is introduced into a patient.

[0034] Generally, with reference to the symbols and nomenclature used in this article, one or more parts of the subsequent specific embodiments can be represented by the program process executed on a computer or computer network. These process descriptions and representations are used by those skilled in the art to convey the essence of their work to other technicians in the field in the most effective way. The process is here and generally envisioned as a self-consistent sequence of operations to obtain the desired result. These operations are those that require physical manipulation of physical quantities. Usually, but not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical, magnetic or optical signals that can be stored, transmitted, combined, compared and otherwise manipulated. In principle, for reasons of common use, this has repeatedly proven to be convenient to refer to these signals as bits, numerical values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc. However, it should be understood that all of these and similar terms should be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are only convenient labels applicable to these quantities.

[0035] In addition, these manipulations are often referred to in terms, such as addition or comparison, which are often associated with mental operations performed by a human operator. However, in any operation described herein that forms part of one or more embodiments, such capabilities of a human operator are not necessary, or in most cases undesirable. Instead, these operations are machine operations. Available machines for performing the operations of various embodiments include general-purpose digital computers; the computer is selectively activated or configured by a computer program stored therein, which is written according to the teachings of this article; and / or includes a device that is specifically constructed for the desired purpose. Various embodiments also relate to devices or systems for performing these operations. These devices may be specifically constructed for the desired purpose, or may include a general-purpose computer. The required structure of a variety of these machines will be apparent from the description given.

[0036] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals are used to refer to similar elements throughout the text. In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are listed to provide a comprehensive understanding thereof. However, it is apparent that the novel embodiments can be put into practice without these specific details. In other cases, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate the description of the present invention. It is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternative forms that fall within the scope of the claims.

[0037] Figure 1A medical imaging device 100 is shown according to one or more embodiments described herein. Generally, the medical imaging device 100 may include a probe 102, a handle assembly 104, and a hub assembly 106. The probe 102 may be connected to the handle assembly 104 via a multi-lumen catheter 108, which facilitates efficient and reliable use of a first medical tool 110a and a second medical tool 110b. According to some examples, the medical tool 110a may include a radial ultrasonic transducer and a light emitting element, which are arranged to cause a photoacoustic effect in tissue and capture an image of the tissue in response to (or during) the photoacoustic effect. The medical tool 110b may include a biopsy needle.

[0038] The medical imaging device 100 may include a distal end 112 at the probe 102 and a proximal end 114 at the hub assembly 106. The multi-lumen catheter 108 may include multiple (e.g., one or two) lumens in which a medical tool 110a may be disposed and advanced to the distal end 112 of the medical imaging device 100. The multi-lumen catheter 108 may also include another lumen in which a medical tool 110b may be advanced to the distal end 112 of the medical imaging device 100.

[0039] The handle assembly 104 may include a tool lock 116, an actuation member 118, and a flush port 120. When the tool lock 116 is unlocked, the actuation member 118 may operate the medical tool 110b between multiple positions. In one or more embodiments, the hub assembly 106 may be connected to logic and / or control circuitry to operate at least the medical tool 110a. For example, the medical tool 110a may include one or more light emitters and one or more transducers for imaging, which may all be connected to a controller or control circuitry via the hub assembly 106. In many embodiments, Figure 1 One or more components shown or described with respect thereto may be the same or similar in construction, function, and / or appearance to one or more other components described herein. The embodiments are not limited in this regard.

[0040] In various embodiments, the probe 102 can be inserted into a body cavity for diagnostic and / or therapeutic purposes. For example, the medical imaging device 100 can be used to image and / or biopsy a nodule in a patient's body cavity. In some embodiments, the medical imaging device 100 can be used as a stand-alone device for insertion into a body cavity. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, the medical imaging device 100 can be configured to extend through a working channel of another medical device (e.g., a duodenoscope, an endoscope, a ureteroscope, a bronchoscope, a colonoscope, an arthroscope, a cystoscope, a hysteroscope, etc.). For example, the medical imaging device 100 can be inserted via a bronchoscope to perform a biopsy on lung tissue. In other examples, the multi-lumen catheter 108 can be configured to be inserted into a tissue (e.g., breast tissue, etc.).

[0041] In many embodiments, the medical imaging device 100 can be modular (including one or more modular components), such as to facilitate efficient manufacturing, selectable tools, and / or reliable operation. In several embodiments, the medical tool 110a and / or the medical tool 110b can have a parallel configuration within the handle organization 104. In several such embodiments, the parallel configuration can facilitate reliable and intuitive one-handed operation with either hand. For example, the tool lock 116 can provide two-handed universal operation.

[0042] The flush port 120 can facilitate providing a fluid near the distal end 112, such as through a lumen of the medical tool 110a. In several embodiments, a fluid (such as saline) can be introduced through the flush port 120. In some embodiments, a fluid that assists in imaging can be introduced through the flush port 120, such as a conductive medium that replaces another less conductive medium. For example, saline can be introduced to the distal end of the medical imaging device 100 through the flush port 120 to enhance the propagation of sound waves from tissue (compared to air). In some embodiments, the flush port 120 can be used to conduct other types of fluids for various other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

[0043] The proximal portion of the medical tool 110a (e.g., the proximal portion between the flush port 120 and the hub assembly 106) and the multi-lumen catheter 108 can have the same or different diameters. In some embodiments, a common diameter can be achieved by the fact that the proximal portion of the medical tool 110a has a larger diameter drive cable than the distal portion of the medical tool 110a, through which the medical tool 110a extends.

[0044] Figure 2 A medical imaging device 200 is shown according to one or more embodiments described herein. Like the medical imaging device 100, the medical imaging device 200 is arranged to be inserted into a working channel of another medical device, such as an endoscope, a bronchoscope, or a hollow catheter. In addition, the medical imaging device 200 may include multiple components of the medical imaging device 100. The medical imaging device 200 includes a handle assembly 104 and a multi-lumen catheter 108. The medical imaging device 200 also includes a distal tip assembly 202, which is coupled to the multi-lumen catheter 108.

[0045] The distal tip assembly 202 includes a plurality of orifices 204 that are coupled to lumens in the multi-lumen catheter 108. The medical imaging device 200 allows portions of the medical tools 110a and 110b to be introduced into a patient via the medical imaging device 200 and the multi-lumen catheter 108. In the case where the medical tool 110a is a photoacoustic imager, the fiber optic cable 208 and the radial ultrasound transducer 210 can be advanced to the distal tip 112 of the medical imaging device 200 via the multi-lumen catheter 108 and introduced into the patient through the orifices 204. As another example, in the case where the medical tool 110b is a biopsy needle, the needle indicator 206 (or biopsy needle) can be advanced to the distal tip 112 of the medical imaging device 200 via the multi-lumen catheter 108 and introduced into the patient through the orifices 204.

[0046] As contemplated herein, the medical imaging device 200 will include a medical tool 110a and a medical tool 110b, each of which will include corresponding control components and / or circuits. For example, the medical tool 110a may include an ultrasound controller 214 and a laser source 216. For example, the laser source 216 may be coupled to the fiber optic cable 208. During operation, the fiber optic cable 208 may be advanced to the distal end 112 of the multi-lumen catheter 108, and the laser source 216 may be activated to irradiate tissue with pulses of laser radiation to induce a photoacoustic effect in the tissue. At the same time, the photoacoustic effect may be captured by the radial ultrasonic transducer 210, and an image of the tissue may be generated based on the signal captured by the radial ultrasonic transducer 210.

[0047] More specifically, as described, the laser source 216 may be a pulsed laser source. Thus, during operation, tissue may be illuminated or irradiated with laser pulses via the fiber optic cable 208. The laser pulses will cause the tissue to heat and cool. The repeated heating and cooling of the tissue produces a series of expansions and contractions, which may produce ultrasound waves that may be detected by the radial ultrasound transducer 210. The ultrasound controller 214 may be coupled to the radial ultrasound transducer 210 and arranged to receive a signal from the radial ultrasound transducer 210 indicating ultrasound waves that are exhibited by the tissue when the tissue is irradiated by the pulsed laser light emitted by the laser source 216 and delivered by the fiber optic cable 208.

[0048] In addition, the medical imaging device 200 may include a medical tool 110b, which may be a biopsy needle. The medical tool 110b may have a needle controller 212, which is arranged to actuate the biopsy needle to capture a tissue sample for biopsy. According to some examples, the needle controller 212 may be a mechanical actuator and may be incorporated into the handle assembly 104.

[0049] Importantly, the present disclosure provides both a radial ultrasound transducer 210 and a fiber optic cable 208 that can be inserted into a patient's body to perform internal imaging using the principle of irradiating tissue with laser pulses to cause heating and cooling of the tissue so that ultrasound waves resulting from the heating and cooling can be detected. Thus, the present disclosure provides a single portable imaging system that can detect changes in tissue and / or cell properties via a catheter.

[0050] The laser source 216 may be any of a variety of laser sources, and may include a diode laser, a gas laser, and the like. The laser source 216 may be a pulsed laser source that is arranged to emit lasers of various wavelengths. For example, the laser source 216 may be arranged to emit laser pulses having a wavelength between 600 nanometers (nm) and 1200 nm. The ultrasound controller 214 may include a logic device (circuitry, memory, etc., the memory including instructions executable by the circuit) that is arranged to control one or more of the calibration, frequency, resolution, conversion, interpretation, integration, analysis, and / or display of the image captured via the radial ultrasound transducer 210, and control the photoacoustic effect of the tissue being irradiated by the optical fiber cable 208 and the light emitted by the laser source 216. In addition, in some examples, the ultrasound controller 214 may include a drive cable that is arranged to mechanically rotate the radial ultrasound transducer 210.

[0051] The medical imaging device 200 may also include a computing device 218 that is coupled to one or more of the medical tools (e.g., medical tool 110a, medical tool 110b, etc.). In general, the computing device 218 may be any of a variety of computing devices. Example computing devices are described below. However, for clarity, the computing device 218 may include a processor and / or processing circuitry, memory, input and / or output controls, etc., all configured to facilitate the connection and use of the medical tools 110a and / or 110b.

[0052] Figure 3One embodiment of a medical imaging device 100 is shown, which includes multiple lumens as described above. As shown, the probe 102 may include an imaging window 302, a radiation window 304, a marker 306, a side port 308, and the handle assembly 104 may include an actuation member 118. The medical imaging device 100 also includes lumens 312a, 312b, and 312c, which extend generally between the distal end 112 of the probe 102 and the proximal end 114 of the handle assembly 104. More specifically, the first lumen 312a may include a distal opening in or at the distal end 112 of the probe 102, and the second lumen 312b may include a distal opening in or at the distal end 112 of the probe 102. In addition, the medical imaging device 100 includes a third lumen 312c, which has a distal opening at the distal end 112 of the probe 102. According to some examples, one or more of the lumens can be capped or sealed at the distal end. For example, lumen 312a and / or lumen 312b can be capped at distal end 112 by a balloon.

[0053] In various embodiments, the first medical tool 110a may be disposed in the first lumen 312a and the second lumen 312b, and the second medical tool 110b may be disposed in the third lumen 312c. As described above, the medical tool 110a may include a photoacoustic imager including a radial ultrasonic transducer 210 and an optical fiber cable 208, and the medical tool 110b may include a biopsy needle.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the probe 102 includes a radiation window 304. Generally speaking, the radiation window 304 can be any area of ​​the probe 102 that is transmissive to the wavelength of light emitted by the laser source 216 and ultimately emitted by the distal end of the fiber optic cable 208. According to some examples, the radiation window 304 can be an open area at the distal end of the probe 102; while in other areas, the radiation window 304 can be a material with a high transmission coefficient, such as, for example, glass, transparent plastic, etc.

[0055] In addition, the probe 102 includes an imaging window 302 and a marker 306. In many embodiments, the imaging window 302 may refer to one or more portions of the probe 102 that are substantially transparent to the imaging energy wavelength; while the marker 306 may refer to one or more portions of the probe that are relatively opaque to the imaging energy wavelength. The marker 306 may include any medium that absorbs the imaging energy wavelength (e.g., ultrasound). For example, a metal or metal alloy (e.g., stainless steel or nitinol) may be used. In some embodiments, a non-metal, such as an air trap embedded in the wall of the imaging window, may be used. In various embodiments, the marker 306 may be radiopaque, such as to be shown on x-ray and / or fluorescence imaging.

[0056] In such embodiments, the marker 306 may be positioned to indicate in the generated image where the second medical tool 110b will be positioned when the actuation member 118 moves to cause an axial displacement in the medical tool 110b, thereby causing the medical tool 110b to extend away from the side port 308. To position the probe 102 based on the generated image, the handle assembly 104 may be rotated along the axial direction to cause the probe 102 to rotate. For example, the handle assembly 104 may be rotated to align the side port 308 with the target tissue nodule based on the indication of the marker 306 in the generated image. In some such instances, once aligned, the actuation member 118 may be moved distally to cause the distal end of the medical tool 110b to contact and / or penetrate the target tissue. In various embodiments, the marker 306 may be embedded in the wall of a lumen, such as the wall of lumen 312a. As should be appreciated, device rotation (e.g., orientation of markers and needles in a radial direction) may allow for more effective biopsy of abnormal tissue (e.g., when biopsy target tissue that has irregular edges, is asymmetrically shaped, does not extend around the entire circumference of a body cavity, etc.), where control or orientation and position of the needle may be more critical.

[0057] As an example, the marker 306 can be oriented around the circumference of the imaging window with a known angle to the side port 308. In such cases (e.g., when targeting a pulmonary nodule for a core biopsy), the marker 306 can be oriented on a radial ultrasound image with a known angle to the intended biopsy site so that the needle leaving the side port 308 will be correctly aligned with the biopsy site. In another such example, the marker 306 can be oriented 180 degrees to the intended biopsy site on a radial ultrasound image. In multiple embodiments, the known angle to the intended biopsy site can be configured so that a tolerance can be provided. For example, the marker 306 can be oriented 180 ± 35 degrees to the intended biopsy site on a radial ultrasound image.

[0058] Likewise, the radiation window 304 can be radially oriented to align with the intended biopsy site. For example, the radiation window 304 can be oriented at 0 degrees to the intended biopsy site, at ±35 degrees to the intended biopsy site, etc. on a radial ultrasound image. Thus, tissue intended for biopsy can be photoacoustically imaged as described herein.

[0059] Figure 4 Method 400 is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure for imaging and / or biopsying tissue. Method 400 is described with reference to medical imaging device 100 described above. However, it should be understood that method 400 may be implemented using medical imaging devices other than those described herein. The embodiments are not limited in this regard. Additionally, method 400 may be different from Figure 4 For example, a method such as method 400 may be implemented to include additional blocks, alternative block arrangements, or to omit some blocks from method 400 shown and described herein.

[0060] Method 400 may begin at block 402: "Inserting a medical imaging device into a patient, the medical imaging device comprising a radial ultrasound transducer, a fiber optic cable, and a biopsy needle," wherein a physician may insert a probe 102 into a patient (e.g., via another medical device, directly, etc.), the probe 102 comprising a medical tool 110a and a medical tool 110b. If the probe 102 is inserted into the patient through another medical tool (e.g., a bronchoscope, etc.), the physician may extend the probe 102 through the end of the other medical tool at block 402.

[0061] Continuing to box 404: "Irradiating target tissue with laser pulses via fiber optic cable", the target tissue can be irradiated with laser pulses (e.g., from laser source 216) via fiber optic cable 208. As outlined above, the laser pulses irradiating the target tissue cause the target tissue to stretch and contract and exhibit a photoacoustic effect; or conversely, to emit photoacoustic vibrations based on the stretching and contraction. For example, one application is the detection of cancer cells or cancer growths. Due to increased blood flow at the cancer site, the cancer target tissue will exhibit a different photoacoustic effect than non-cancerous tissue. This difference in effect can be visualized via photoacoustic imaging.

[0062] To this end, the method 400 may continue to block 406: "Generate an image of the target tissue in response to illumination with the radial ultrasound transducer", where an image may be generated from the radial ultrasound transducer 210 in response to illumination of the tissue by the laser source 216 and the fiber optic cable 208 (e.g., at block 404). In some embodiments, blocks 404 and 406 may be performed simultaneously.

[0063] The method 400 may optionally include block 408 : “Perform a biopsy of the target tissue with a biopsy needle”, wherein the biopsy of the target tissue may be performed with the medical tool 110 b .

[0064] Figure 5 According to various examples of the present disclosure, method 500 is shown, which can be implemented by a medical device. Method 500 is described with reference to medical imaging device 100 described above. However, it should be understood that method 500 can be implemented using a medical imaging device other than that described herein. The embodiments are not limited in this regard. In addition, method 500 can be different from Figure 5 For example, a method such as method 500 may be implemented to include additional blocks, alternative block arrangements, or to omit some blocks from method 500 shown and described herein.

[0065] The method 500 may begin at block 502: "Receiving an indication that a medical imaging device including a radial ultrasound transducer, a fiber optic cable, and a biopsy needle is inserted into a patient adjacent to target tissue," wherein the laser source 216 and / or the ultrasound controller 214 may receive an indication that the probe 102 (including the medical tool 110a and the optional medical tool 110b) is placed adjacent to the target tissue (e.g., in the lung, in breast tissue, etc.). For example, the laser source 216 and / or the ultrasound controller 214 may receive the indication via an input button actuated by a physician, etc. As a specific example, the computing device 218 may receive an indication (from an input button, from a user interface option, from a touch screen, etc.) wherein the indication indicates that the medical imaging device is inserted into the patient.

[0066] Continue to box 504: "Send a control signal to a laser source connected to the fiber optic cable to cause the laser source to generate laser pulses to irradiate the target tissue via the fiber optic cable"; and continue to box 506: "Receive a signal from the radial ultrasonic transducer, the signal being responsive to the photoacoustic effect of the target tissue responding to the irradiation"; at boxes 504 and 506, the computing device 218 can send a control signal to the laser source 216, wherein the control signal causes the laser source 216 to activate and generate laser energy pulses, which will be delivered to the target tissue via the fiber optic cable 208.

[0067] Similarly, the computing device 218 may send and / or receive signals from the ultrasound controller 214 that cause the ultrasound controller 214 to activate the radial ultrasound transducer 210 and capture an indication of a photoacoustic effect displayed by the target tissue resulting from exposure to the laser pulses.

[0068] Continuing to block 508 , “GENERATING AN IMAGE OF THE TISSUE FROM THE RECEIVED SIGNAL,” the computing device 218 may generate an ultrasound and / or photoacoustic image from the signal received from the ultrasound controller 214 .

[0069] Figure 6 A computer-readable storage medium 600 is shown. The computer-readable storage medium 600 may include any non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or machine-readable storage medium, such as an optical, magnetic, or semiconductor storage medium. In various embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium 600 may include an article of manufacture. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium 600 may store computer-executable instructions 602, and circuits (e.g., laser source 216, ultrasonic controller 214, etc.) may execute computer-executable instructions 602. For example, the computer-executable instructions 602 may include instructions to implement the operations described with respect to the method 500. Examples of computer-readable storage medium 600 or machine-readable storage medium may include any tangible medium capable of storing electronic data, including volatile or non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writable or rewritable memory, and the like. Examples of computer-executable instructions 602 may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, object-oriented code, visual code, and the like.

[0070] Figure 7 A diagrammatic representation of a machine 700 in the form of a computer system is shown. A set of instructions may be executed within the machine 700 for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. More specifically, Figure 7 A diagrammatic representation of a machine 700 in the form of an example computer system is shown, within which instructions 708 (e.g., software, a program, an application, an applet, an app, or other executable code) may be executed for causing the machine 700 to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. For example, the instructions 708 may cause the machine 700 to perform Figure 5 More specifically, the instructions 708 may cause the machine 700 to activate a medical tool (eg, the medical tool 110b, the ultrasound controller 214, and / or the laser source 216) and generate an ultrasound and / or photoacoustic image.

[0071] Instruction 708 converts a general non-programmed machine 700 into a specific machine 700, which is programmed to perform the described and shown functions in a specific manner. In an alternative embodiment, the machine 700 operates as a stand-alone device or can be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine 700 can operate as a server machine or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine 700 may include, but is not limited to, a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a netbook, a set-top box (STB), a PDA, an entertainment media system, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a mobile device, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch), a smart home device (e.g., a smart appliance), other smart devices, a network service tool, a network router, a network switch, a bridge, or any machine capable of sequentially or otherwise executing instruction 708 (which specifies the actions to be taken by the machine 700). Further, while a single machine 700 is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be construed to include a collection of machines 200 that individually or jointly execute instructions 708 to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

[0072] The machine 700 may include a processor 702, a memory 704, and / or an I / O component 742, which may be configured to communicate with each other, such as via a bus 744. In an example embodiment, the processor 702 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), another processor, or any suitable combination thereof) may include, for example, a processor 706 and a processor 710 that can execute instructions 708. The term "processor" is intended to include a multi-core processor, which may include two or more independent processors (sometimes referred to as "cores") that can execute instructions simultaneously. Although 7 shows multiple processors 702, the machine 700 may include a single processor with a single core, a single processor with multiple cores (e.g., a multi-core processor), multiple processors with a single core, multiple processors with multiple cores, or any combination thereof.

[0073] The memory 704 may include a main memory 712, a static memory 714, and a storage unit 716 (both of which are accessible to the processor 702, such as via the bus 744). The main memory 704, the static memory 714, and the storage unit 716 store instructions 708 that implement any one or more of the methods or functions described herein. The instructions 708 may also reside, completely or partially, within the main memory 712, within the static memory 714, within the machine-readable medium 718, within the storage unit 716, within at least one of the processor 702 (e.g., within a cache memory of the processor), or any suitable combination thereof during execution thereof by the machine 700.

[0074] I / O components 742 may include a wide variety of components to receive input, provide output, generate output, transmit information, exchange information, capture measurements, and the like. The specific I / O components 742 included by a particular machine will depend on the type of machine. For example, a portable machine (such as a mobile phone) will likely include a touch input device or other such input mechanism, while a headless server will likely not include such a touch input device. It should be understood that I / O components 742 may include Figure 7 Many other components are not shown. The I / O components 742 are grouped according to function only to simplify the following discussion, and the grouping is not limiting in any way. In various example embodiments, the I / O components 742 may include output components 728 and input components 730. The output components 728 may include visual components (e.g., displays such as plasma display panels (PDPs), light emitting diode (LED) displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), projectors, or cathode ray tubes (CRTs)), acoustic components (e.g., speakers), tactile components (e.g., vibration motors, resistance mechanisms), other signal generators, and the like. The input components 730 may include alphanumeric input components (e.g., keyboards, touch screens, optical keyboards, or other alphanumeric input components that are configured to receive alphanumeric input), point-based input components (e.g., mice, touch pads, trackballs, joysticks, motion sensors, or other pointing devices), tactile input components (e.g., physical buttons, touch screens, or other tactile input components that provide the location and / or force of touches or touch gestures), audio input components (e.g., microphones), and the like.

[0075] In other example embodiments, I / O component 742 may include a broad array of other components such as biometric component 732, motion component 734, environmental component 736, or position component 738. For example, biometric component 732 may include components for detecting expressions (e.g., hand expressions, facial expressions, voice expressions, body postures, or eye tracking), measuring biosignals (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, sweat, or brain waves), identifying people (e.g., voice recognition, retinal recognition, facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, or EEG-based recognition), etc. Motion component 734 may include acceleration sensor components (e.g., accelerometers), gravity sensor components, rotation sensor components (e.g., gyroscopes), etc. Environmental components 736 may include, for example, lighting sensor components (e.g., photometers), temperature sensor components (e.g., one or more thermometers that detect ambient temperature), humidity sensor components, pressure sensor components (e.g., barometers), acoustic sensor components (e.g., one or more microphones that detect background noise), proximity sensor components (e.g., infrared sensors that detect nearby objects), gas sensors (e.g., gas detection sensors that detect concentrations of hazardous gases to ensure safety or measure pollutants in the atmosphere), or other components that can provide indications, measurements, or signals corresponding to the surrounding physical environment. Position components 738 may include positioning sensor components (e.g., GPS receiver components), altitude sensor components (e.g., altimeters or barometers that detect air pressure, from which altitude can be derived), orientation sensor components (e.g., magnetometers), and the like.

[0076] Communications may be implemented using a wide variety of technologies. I / O components 742 may include communications components 740 operable to connect machine 700 to network 720 or device 722 via couplings 724 and 726, respectively. For example, communications components 740 may include a network interface component, or another suitable device for interacting with network 720. In other examples, communications components 740 may include wired communications components, wireless communications components, cellular communications components, near field communications (NFC) components, Components (for example, Low power consumption), Components, and other communication components to provide communication via other modes. Device 722 can be another machine, or any of a wide variety of peripheral devices (e.g., a peripheral device connected via USB).

[0077] In addition, the communication component 740 can detect the identifier, or can include a component that is operable to detect the identifier. For example, the communication component 740 can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader component, an NFC smart tag detection component, an optical reader component (e.g., an optical sensor for detecting one-dimensional bar codes (such as universal product codes (UPC) bar codes), multi-dimensional bar codes (such as quick response (QR) codes), Aztec codes, data matrix, Dataglyph, MaxiCode, PDF417, Ultra Code, UCC RSS-2D bar codes, and other optical codes), or an acoustic detection component (e.g., a microphone for identifying tagged audio signals). In addition, a variety of information can be derived via the communication component 740, such as a location derived via Internet Protocol (IP) geolocation, ... Location derived from signal triangulation, location derived via detection of NFC beacon signals (which may indicate a specific location), and so on.

[0078] Various memories (i.e., memory 704, main memory 712, static memory 714, and / or memory of processor 702) and / or storage unit 716 may store one or more sets of instructions and data structures (e.g., software) that implement or are used by any one or more of the methods or functions described herein. These instructions (e.g., instructions 708) when executed by processor 702 cause various operations to implement the disclosed embodiments.

[0079] As used herein, the terms "machine storage medium", "device storage medium", "computer storage medium" mean the same thing and may be used interchangeably in this disclosure. These terms refer to a single or multiple storage devices and / or media (e.g., centralized or distributed databases, and / or associated caches and servers) that store executable instructions and / or data. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted to include, but are not limited to, solid-state memory, optical and magnetic media, thereby including memory internal or external to the processor. Specific examples of machine storage media, computer storage media, and / or device storage media include non-volatile memory (including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), FPGA, and flash memory devices); magnetic disks (such as internal hard disks and removable disks), magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The terms "machine storage medium", "computer storage medium", and "device storage medium" expressly exclude carrier waves, modulated data signals, and other such media, at least some of which are included in the term "signal media" discussed below.

[0080] In various example embodiments, one or more portions of network 720 may be an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a VPN, a LAN, a WLAN, a WAN, a WWAN, a metropolitan area network, the Internet, a portion of the Internet, a portion of the PSTN, a plain old telephone service (POTS) network, a cellular telephone network, a wireless network, 720 or a portion of network 720 may include a wireless or cellular network, and connector 724 may be a code division multiple access (CDMA) connection, a global system for mobile communications (GSM) connection, or other types of cellular or wireless connectors. In this example, connector 724 may implement any of a variety of types of data transmission technologies, such as single carrier radio transmission technology (1xRTT), data optimized evolution (EVDO) technology, general packet radio service (GPRS) technology, GSM Evolution Enhanced Data Rate (EDGE) technology, including 3G Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), fourth generation wireless (4G) network, universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), high speed packet access (HSPA), world wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), long term evolution (LTE) standards, other standards defined by various standards development organizations, other remote protocols, or other data transmission technologies.

[0081] The instructions 708 may be transmitted or received over the network 720 using a transmission medium via a network interface device (e.g., a network interface component included in the communication component 740) and using any of several well-known transmission protocols (e.g., the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)). Similarly, the instructions 708 may be transmitted or received using a transmission medium via a connection 726 (e.g., a peer-to-peer connection) to the device 732. The terms "transmission medium" and "signal medium" mean the same thing and may be used interchangeably in this disclosure. The terms "transmission medium" and "signal medium" should be interpreted to include any intangible medium (which can store, encode, or carry the instructions 708 for execution by the machine 700), and include digital or analog communication signals or other intangible media to facilitate the communication of such software. Accordingly, the terms "transmission medium" and "signal medium" should be interpreted to include any form of modulated data signal, carrier wave, etc. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed to encode information in the signal.

[0082] Terms used herein should be given their ordinary meaning in the relevant art, or the meaning indicated by their usage in context; however, where an explicit definition is provided, that meaning shall control.

[0083] Herein, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but they may refer to the same embodiment. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the detailed description and claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", etc. should be understood in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, to be understood in the sense of "including but not limited to". Words using the singular or plural also include the plural or singular, respectively, unless expressly limited to a single or multiple. In addition, when used in this application, the words "herein", "above", "below" and words of similar meaning refer to the application as a whole, not to any particular part of the application. When the claims use the word "or" to refer to a list of two or more items, the word covers all the following interpretations of the word: any one of the items in the list, all the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list, unless expressly limited to one or the other. Any term not expressly defined herein has its conventional meaning, as commonly understood by a person skilled in the relevant art.

Claims

1. A medical device comprising: a handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising a first lumen, a second lumen, and a third lumen; A probe, the probe comprising an imaging window, a radiation window and a port; and a multi-lumen catheter coupling the handle assembly to the probe, Wherein the multi-lumen catheter couples the first lumen to the imaging window, the second lumen to the radiation window, and the third lumen to the port. 2 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the first lumen is arranged to receive a radial ultrasound probe such that the radial ultrasound probe can be advanced through the multi-lumen catheter to the imaging window.

3. The medical device of claim 2, wherein the second lumen is arranged to receive a fiber optic cable such that the fiber optic cable can be advanced through the multi-lumen catheter to the radiation window.

4. The medical device of claim 3, wherein the third lumen is arranged to receive a biopsy needle such that the biopsy needle can be advanced through the multi-lumen catheter to the port.

5. The medical device of any one of claims 3 to 4, comprising a hub assembly, wherein the fiber optic cable is configured to be optically coupled to a laser source via the hub assembly.

6. The medical device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the radial ultrasound probe is coupled to an imaging controller via the hub.

7. The medical device of any one of claims 5 or 6, comprising at least one drive cable coupling the radial ultrasound probe to the hub.

8. The medical device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, comprising a first medical tool, wherein the first medical tool comprises the fiber optic cable and the radial ultrasound probe.

9. The medical device of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the laser source is configured to output laser pulses having a wavelength between 600 nanometers (nm) and 1200 nm.

10. The medical device of claim 9, wherein the fiber optic cable is configured to expose target tissue with the laser pulses via the radiation window.

11. The medical device of claim 10, wherein the imaging controller is configured to receive a signal indicating a photoacoustic effect of the target tissue in response to exposure to the laser pulse.

12. The medical device of any one of claims 1 to 11, the handle assembly comprising a flushing port.

13. The medical device of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the handle assembly is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the probe. 14 . The medical device according to claim 1 , wherein the probe comprises a marker disposed opposite to the imaging window.

15. A medical device system comprising the medical device according to claim 6, the laser source, and the imaging controller.

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