Percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe

Abstract

The application discloses a percutaneous needle type ultrasonic probe, which comprises a handle (1), an outer sleeve (2), a puncture tip (21) formed at the front end of the outer sleeve (2), an ultrasonic window (22) arranged at the side of the outer sleeve (2) close to the puncture tip (21), the outer sleeve (2) being provided with a first cavity (23) arranged along the axial direction, a rotating shaft (3) arranged in the first cavity (23), an ultrasonic assembly (4) arranged at the front end of the rotating shaft (3) and corresponding to the position of the ultrasonic window (22) when arranged in the first cavity (23), and a rotating mechanism (5) for driving the rotating shaft (3) to rotate and thus driving the ultrasonic assembly (4) to rotate, wherein the rotating mechanism (5) is arranged in the handle (1). The percutaneous needle type ultrasonic probe can directly penetrate into tissues through skin, obtain high-resolution ultrasonic images, and generate two-dimensional and real-time three-dimensional stereoscopic images through multi-angle rotation, thereby providing accurate ultrasonic guidance for diagnosis and interventional treatment, and being suitable for precise treatment operations such as tumor ablation, drug delivery and energy delivery.

Description

Percutaneous needle ultrasound probe

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on December 29, 2023, with application number 202311853414.4 and application name “Rotating intracorporeal ultrasound device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of ultrasound technology, and in particular to a percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe. Background Art

[0004] Transcutaneous ultrasound diagnosis cannot directly access the lesion. The tissue structures along the ultrasound transmission and interventional surgical path are complex. Sound waves are affected by the thickness of soft tissue, the diversity of tissue composition, and the presence of gas and bone in the thoracic and abdominal cavities, leading to significant attenuation of the acoustic signal. This significantly limits the imaging resolution of lesions located deep within the abdomen and pelvis. Low-frequency (1.5-5 MHz) probes commonly used for deep tissue imaging offer a wide imaging range and depth (>10 cm), but their tissue resolution is only approximately 1 mm.

[0005] Insufficient tissue resolution causes physicians to face the following problems during interventional procedures: It is difficult to accurately assess lesion boundaries, and the relationship between the puncture point, the lesion, and surrounding tissue is difficult to determine. This leads to false-negative sampling during puncture of small visceral tumors, delaying the optimal time for early diagnosis and treatment. The ablation thermal field does not properly cover the tumor, resulting in excessive tumor inactivation and damage to surrounding tissue and blood vessels. Insufficient thermal field coverage leads to incomplete ablation of malignant tissue, leaving it residual. Punctures can easily inadvertently injure vital structures such as blood vessels, bile ducts, and intestines, leading to serious complications. More importantly, due to the significant attenuation of sound waves by gases and bones, ultrasound has lost its application in the interventional diagnosis and treatment of such lesions, requiring CT guidance.

[0006] Currently, percutaneous ultrasound-guided interventional diagnosis and treatment routinely utilizes two-dimensional ultrasound. For example, in tumor ablation, the precise three-dimensional boundaries of the tumor and the ablation zone are determined primarily through multimodal image fusion or pre- and post-operative matching of tomographic two-dimensional images. However, due to the influence of organ deformation and respiratory displacement, and the inherent flexibility of internal organs, precise registration between pre- and post-operative images of the same organ, and between ultrasound and different modalities such as CT and MRI, faces significant deformation challenges, leading to significant errors. Furthermore, percutaneous ultrasound-guided interventions traverse a long tissue path, and during the procedure, physiological activities such as breathing and swallowing can significantly shift organs and lesions, making accurate diagnosis and interventional treatment impossible. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the present application proposes a percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe that can solve the above-mentioned existing technical problems. The present application provides the following technical solutions:

[0008] A percutaneously insertable needle-type ultrasound probe comprises: a handle; an outer sleeve, the front end of the outer sleeve forming a puncture tip, an ultrasound window being provided at a side position of the outer sleeve near the puncture tip, the outer sleeve having a first cavity arranged along the axial direction; a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft being placed in the first cavity; an ultrasonic component, the ultrasonic component being arranged at the front end of the rotating shaft and corresponding to the position of the ultrasound window when placed in the first cavity, and a rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism being used to drive the rotating shaft to rotate, thereby driving the ultrasound component to rotate, wherein the rotating mechanism is arranged in the handle.

[0009] According to the percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe of an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the rotation mechanism includes a motor, a motor gear coaxial with the motor, and a transmission gear meshing with the motor gear. The motor drives the motor gear to rotate, and one end of the transmission gear serves as the output end of the rotation mechanism to drive the rotating shaft to rotate.

[0010] According to the percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe of the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the ultrasound window is covered with an acoustically transparent membrane.

[0011] According to the percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe of the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the coverage range of the acoustically transparent membrane matches the rotational scanning range of the ultrasound component.

[0012] According to the percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe of an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the rotation scanning range of the ultrasound component is 0°-180°.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe further includes two bearings, which are respectively arranged at both ends of the ultrasound component, and the outer walls of the two bearings are in contact with the inner wall of the outer sleeve.

[0014] According to the percutaneously implantable needle ultrasound probe of an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the bearing is a sliding bearing.

[0015] According to the percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe of the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the ultrasound component, the bearing, and the outer sleeve form a receiving space, and the receiving space is filled with dielectric oil.

[0016] According to the percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe of the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the rotating shaft has a second cavity arranged along the axial direction, an ultrasound wire is arranged in the second cavity, and the ultrasound wire is connected to the ultrasound component.

[0017] According to the percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe of the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the outer sleeve and the handle are fixed by glue spotting or tight fit.

[0018] According to the example embodiment of the present application, the percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe, due to its needle-shaped appearance, can directly penetrate tissue through the skin, approaching or directly entering tumor tissue, achieving zero-distance contact with the tissue being diagnosed and treated. The resulting ultrasound image has no relative displacement, free from the interference of motion displacement, and ultimately can obtain high-resolution ultrasound images (tissue resolution reaches 0.1mm or higher). This percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe can also rotate at multiple angles to generate two-dimensional and real-time three-dimensional stereoscopic imaging, providing precise diagnostic and interventional treatment needle placement plans, and can provide accurate ultrasound guidance for diagnosis and interventional treatment, suitable for performing precision treatment procedures such as tumor ablation, drug delivery, and energy delivery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this application or related technologies, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0020] FIG1 is a perspective schematic diagram of a percutaneously insertable needle-type ultrasound probe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0021] FIG2 is a schematic top view of a percutaneously insertable needle-type ultrasound probe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG2 taken at position AA;

[0023] FIG4 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of FIG3;

[0024] FIG5 is a perspective diagram of some components of a percutaneously insertable needle-type ultrasound probe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG6 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of FIG5;

[0026] FIG7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an outer sleeve of a percutaneously insertable needle-type ultrasound probe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0027] In the picture:

[0028] Handle 1; outer sleeve 2; puncture tip 21; ultrasonic window 22; first cavity 23; acoustic membrane 24; rotating shaft 3; second cavity 31; ultrasonic guide wire 32; ultrasonic assembly 4; rotating mechanism 5; motor 51; motor gear 52; transmission gear 53; bearing 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more clear, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "mounted" and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] This application proposes a percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe, which is inserted into the body tissue or tumor through percutaneous puncture. The probe is in zero-distance contact with the tissue. The probe scans inside the tissue or tumor to generate 2D and 3D images, and plans and guides the interventional surgical path and ablation range in real time to achieve the purpose of accurate diagnosis and treatment.

[0032] As shown in FIG1 to FIG6 , the percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe of the exemplary embodiment of the present application mainly includes: a handle 1 , an outer sleeve 2 , a rotating shaft 3 , an ultrasound component 4 and a rotating mechanism 5 .

[0033] The outer sleeve 2 is needle-shaped in appearance and has a diameter of 2mm to 4mm. The outer sleeve 2 and the handle 1 (refer to position B in Figure 3) are fixed by glue or tightly fitting to form a rigid connection, which has the advantages of being stable, reliable and not easy to fall off. The front end of the outer sleeve 2 forms a puncture tip 21, which is used to implement the percutaneous puncture operation of the percutaneous needle-type ultrasound probe. An ultrasound window 22 is provided on the side of the outer sleeve 2 near the puncture tip 21. The ultrasound window 22 is used to transmit ultrasound waves and is a window provided for the internal ultrasound component. The outer sleeve 2 has a first cavity 23 arranged along the axial direction.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3 and 4 , the rotating shaft 3 is positioned within the first cavity 23 and defines a second cavity 31 extending along its axial direction. An ultrasonic guide wire 32 is located within the second cavity 31 and is connected to the ultrasonic assembly 4. This concealed placement of the ultrasonic guide wire 32 within the rotating shaft 3 prevents the guide wire 3 from becoming entangled or twisted on the surface of the rotating shaft 3 when the rotating shaft 3 drives the ultrasonic assembly 4, thereby improving operational stability and extending the product's service life.

[0035] The ultrasonic component 4 is disposed at the front end of the rotating shaft 3 and corresponds to the position of the ultrasonic window 22 when placed in the first cavity 23. The ultrasonic component 4 mainly includes an ultrasonic transducer for emitting ultrasonic waves and converting the received reflected ultrasonic waves into signal output.

[0036] The rotating mechanism 5 is provided in the handle 1. The rotating mechanism 5 is used to drive the rotating shaft 3 to rotate, thereby driving the ultrasonic component 4 to rotate, thereby achieving ultrasonic scanning at different angles, thereby achieving three-dimensional imaging. The rotating mechanism 5 includes a motor 51, a motor gear 52, and a transmission gear 53 connected in sequence. The motor gear 52 is coaxial with the motor 51, and one end of the transmission gear 53 is engaged with the motor gear 52. The other end of the transmission gear 53 serves as the output end of the rotating mechanism 5, driving the rotating shaft 3 to rotate. The rotating mechanism 5 drives the ultrasonic component 4 to swing and scan, and with the help of data processing software, an accurate 3D image of the tissue can be synthesized.

[0037] In order to prevent blood, cell clumps and other subcutaneous tissues from entering the first cavity 23 of the outer tube 2, the ultrasound window 22 is covered with a sound-transmitting membrane 24. On the one hand, the sound-transmitting membrane 24 isolates substances and plays a protective role, and on the other hand, it allows ultrasound to penetrate without affecting the ultrasound function.

[0038] The coverage area of ​​the acoustically transparent membrane 24 (refer to α in Figure 7 ; a larger α indicates a wider coverage area) matches the rotational scanning range of the ultrasonic assembly 4. The rotational scanning range of the ultrasonic assembly 4 is 0°-180°. If the rotational scanning range is too small, multi-angle ultrasonic detection cannot be provided. If the rotational scanning range is too large, the acoustically transparent membrane 24 is too large, which means that the ultrasonic window 22 on the side of the outer cannula 2 is too large, resulting in insufficient mechanical strength and easy damage during the puncture operation.

[0039] The percutaneously implantable needle ultrasound probe of the exemplary embodiment of the present application also includes two bearings 6. These bearings 6 are positioned at either end of the ultrasound assembly 4, with their outer walls contacting the inner wall of the outer sleeve 2. These bearings 6 effectively support the rotating shaft 4 and transmit torque, while reducing friction and wear, ensuring proper operation and extending the life of the device.

[0040] Since the inner diameter of the outer sleeve 2 is very small, a sliding bearing is preferably used as the bearing 6. The cost of a sliding bearing in this size range is lower than that of a rolling bearing.

[0041] The ultrasonic assembly 4, bearing 6, and outer sleeve 2 form a housing space (see position C in Figure 4). The housing space is sealed and filled with dielectric oil. This dielectric oil lubricates, cools, and transmits ultrasonic waves, helping to improve ultrasonic image quality and extend the service life of the ultrasonic assembly.

[0042] The percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe of the example embodiment of this application, due to its needle-shaped appearance, can directly penetrate tissue through the skin, approaching or directly entering tumor tissue, achieving zero-distance contact with the tissue being diagnosed and treated. The resulting ultrasound image is free of relative displacement, free from the interference of motion displacement, and ultimately can obtain high-resolution ultrasound images (tissue resolution reaches 0.1mm or higher). This percutaneously implantable needle-type ultrasound probe can also rotate at multiple angles to generate two-dimensional and real-time three-dimensional stereoscopic imaging, providing precise diagnostic and interventional treatment needle placement plans, and can provide accurate ultrasound guidance for diagnosis and interventional treatments, making it suitable for performing precision treatment procedures such as tumor ablation, drug delivery, and energy delivery.

[0043] The above specific embodiments do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions may occur depending on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application shall be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A percutaneous implantable needle-type ultrasonic probe, characterized in that, Comprising: A handle; An outer sheath, a puncture tip is formed at the front end of the outer sheath, an ultrasonic window is provided at a side position of the outer sheath near the puncture tip, and the outer sheath has a first cavity provided axially; A rotating shaft, the rotating shaft is placed in the first cavity; An ultrasonic component, the ultrasonic component is arranged at the front end of the rotating shaft and corresponds to the ultrasonic window position when placed in the first cavity, and A rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism is used to drive the rotating shaft to rotate, thereby driving the ultrasonic component to rotate, wherein, the rotating mechanism is arranged in the handle.

2. The percutaneous implantable needle-type ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating mechanism includes a motor, a motor gear coaxial with the motor and a transmission gear meshing with the motor gear, the motor drives the motor gear to rotate, and one end of the transmission gear is used as the output end of the rotating mechanism to drive the rotating shaft to rotate.

3. The percutaneous implantable needle-type ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein, The ultrasonic window is covered with a sound-transmitting film.

4. The percutaneous implantable needle-type ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, characterized in that, The coverage range of the sound-transmitting film matches the rotation scanning range of the ultrasonic component.

5. The percutaneous implantable needle-type ultrasonic probe according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rotation scanning range of the ultrasonic component is 0° - 180°.

6. The percutaneous implantable needle-type ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein, It further includes two bearings, the two bearings are respectively arranged at both ends of the ultrasonic component, and the outer walls of the two bearings are in contact with the inner wall of the outer sheath.

7. The percutaneous implantable needle-type ultrasonic probe according to claim 6, wherein, The bearing is a sliding bearing.

8. The percutaneous implantable needle-type ultrasonic probe according to claim 6, wherein The ultrasonic component, the bearing and the outer sheath form an accommodation space, and the accommodation space is filled with dielectric oil.

9. The percutaneous implantable needle-type ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating shaft has a second cavity provided axially, and an ultrasonic wire is arranged in the second cavity, and the ultrasonic wire is connected to the ultrasonic component.

10. The percutaneous implantable needle-type ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein The outer sheath and the handle are fixed by dotting or tight fitting.

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