A microcatheter and method of controlling the same

Abstract

This invention discloses a measurement microcatheter and its control method, relating to the field of medical device technology. The measurement microcatheter includes: a tube body, the distal end of which is inserted into the in vivo tissue; the tube body includes a common pressure cavity and an opening; a mandrel, the distal end of which is equipped with an ultrasound probe; a pressure sensor connected to the proximal end of the tube body; and a liquid medium filling the space between the common pressure cavity and the mandrel, with the pressure sensor in contact with the liquid medium. This measurement microcatheter solves the problem that existing microcatheter technologies can only provide a single morphological or functional assessment. Specifically, during pressure measurement, the protrusion on the microcatheter where the pressure sensor is located can prevent the microcatheter from passing through severely narrowed areas within blood vessels. By combining ultrasound imaging with pressure measurement, it provides doctors with accurate diagnostic information. Furthermore, by connecting the pressure sensor to the proximal end of the tube body, the outer diameter of the portion of the tube body inside the patient's body is reduced, allowing the tube body to reach more distant locations within the blood vessel and lesions in finer vessels.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a measuring microcatheter and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Current disease assessment encompasses both morphological and functional dimensions. Morphological assessment employs a variety of methods, including imaging techniques; while functional assessment includes methods such as fractional flow reserve (FFR), which relies on pressure measurements.

[0003] Morphological and functional assessments, each offering a unique perspective, can serve as complementary techniques for lesion evaluation. However, existing microcatheter techniques can only provide either a single morphological or functional assessment. Particularly during pressure measurements, protrusions on the microcatheter where the pressure sensor is located can hinder passage through severely narrowed areas within the vessel, or interfere with measurement results due to contact between the pressure sensor and diseased tissue, limiting the operator's ability to make accurate judgments. Furthermore, existing multifunctional microcatheters generally have large diameters, making them unsuitable for smaller vessels and increasing the risk of vascular injury.

[0004] Combining these two technologies provides more comprehensive and integrated information about the disease, enabling the development of more precise treatment plans. This integrated application not only enhances the accuracy of disease diagnosis but also effectively shortens operation time and greatly improves the convenience of testing. Therefore, a measurement microcatheter is needed to address the aforementioned challenges and provide more accurate diagnostic support for clinical practice. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a measurement microcatheter and its control method, which solves at least one problem existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a measuring microcatheter, comprising:

[0007] The tube body has its proximal end located outside the body and its distal end capable of intervening in internal tissues. The tube body includes a common pressure cavity and an opening. The common pressure cavity runs through the proximal and distal ends of the tube body, and the opening is located at the distal end of the common pressure cavity.

[0008] The mandrel is inserted into the common pressure cavity, and an ultrasonic probe is provided at the distal end of the mandrel. The mandrel can be driven to rotate and / or move the ultrasonic probe within the common pressure cavity.

[0009] A pressure sensor is connected to the proximal end of the tube and is used to measure the pressure at a first and a second location within the tissue.

[0010] in,

[0011] The space between the co-pressure chamber and the mandrel can be filled with a liquid medium, and the opening connects the liquid medium and the tissue medium to reduce the pressure gradient between them. The pressure sensor is in direct contact with the liquid medium.

[0012] Preferably, it also includes a connector with a measuring chamber, and a pressure sensor is used to measure the fluid pressure of the liquid medium flowing into the measuring chamber to generate a pressure signal.

[0013] Preferably, the measuring chamber, the co-pressure chamber, and the opening have the same horizontal height.

[0014] Preferably, the connector is Y-shaped, with one side of the connector being a common end connected to the proximal end of the tube body, and the other side of the connector including a first branch tube and a second branch tube. The first branch tube on the connector has a measuring cavity inside, and the second branch tube is sleeved on the outside of the mandrel. Both the first branch tube and the second branch tube are connected to the common pressure cavity.

[0015] Preferably, it further includes a control component, a first control key, and a second control key. The first control key and the second control key are physical identifiers set on the control component. The first control key can be triggered to activate the pressure sensor, and the second control key can be triggered to activate the ultrasonic probe.

[0016] Preferably, it also includes a control component, which includes a controller, a conduit interface on the controller, the conduit interface being connected to a mandrel, and the controller driving the mandrel to rotate and / or move within the tube body.

[0017] Preferably, it also includes a control component, and the pressure sensor includes a signal output terminal, which is plugged into or communicates with the control component via Bluetooth.

[0018] Preferably, it also includes a control component, which includes a host and a controller, with the pressure sensor connected to the host and the spindle connected to the host via the controller;

[0019] The host includes:

[0020] The image processing module is used to convert the signals received by the ultrasound probe into image information.

[0021] The pressure algorithm module is used to convert electrical signals into pressure signals, which include a first pressure signal measured at a first position and a second pressure signal measured at a second position.

[0022] The display screen is used to dynamically display image information and pressure signals.

[0023] Accordingly, the technical solution of the present invention also provides a control method for a measuring microcatheter, applied to a measuring microcatheter according to any of the above claims, comprising:

[0024] The liquid medium is filled between the co-pressure chamber and the mandrel, and the liquid medium and the tissue medium are connected at the opening;

[0025] The control measurement microcatheter is in either pressure measurement mode or ultrasound imaging mode;

[0026] When the microcatheter is in pressure measurement mode, the opening of the tube is pushed to the first position and the second position respectively. When the opening is in the first position or the second position, the pressure sensor measures the fluid pressure of the liquid medium to obtain a pressure signal.

[0027] When the microcatheter is in ultrasound imaging mode, the ultrasound probe is excited to radially emit and receive ultrasound signals, thereby collecting image information.

[0028] Preferably, the step of controlling the measurement microcatheter to be in pressure measurement mode or ultrasound imaging mode includes: controlling the measurement microcatheter to switch from pressure measurement mode to ultrasound imaging mode;

[0029] Trigger the first control key to control the measuring microcatheter to be in pressure measurement mode. The opening of the tube is in the first position. The pressure sensor measures the dynamic fluid pressure of the liquid medium and generates a first pressure signal. Push the opening of the tube from the first position to the second position. The pressure sensor measures the dynamic fluid pressure of the liquid medium and generates a second pressure signal.

[0030] Trigger the second control key to control the measurement microcatheter to switch to ultrasound imaging mode, drive the ultrasound probe to rotate and retract from the second position to the first position, so as to acquire at least the tissue image information between the first position and the second position.

[0031] Compared to the aforementioned background technology, the measurement microcatheter provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects: While driving the mandrel to rotate and / or move the ultrasound probe within the co-pressure chamber, it excites the ultrasound probe to radially emit and receive ultrasound signals to acquire tissue image information. The pressure sensor acquires the pressure at the first and second positions within the target blood vessel, thus combining the functions of obtaining fractional flow reserve and ultrasound images, achieving a comprehensive morphological and functional assessment and providing doctors with accurate diagnostic information. Furthermore, by connecting the pressure sensor to the proximal end of the catheter, the outer diameter of the portion of the catheter entering the patient's body is significantly reduced, allowing the catheter to enter severely narrowed areas within the blood vessel. This ensures the catheter can reach more distant locations within the blood vessel and more delicate lesions. Simultaneously, a liquid medium is filled between the co-pressure chamber and the mandrel, and the liquid medium is connected to the tissue medium within the body through an opening. The pressure sensor contacts the liquid medium to accurately acquire the pressure at the first and second positions within the patient's blood vessel. Moreover, by connecting the pressure sensor to the proximal end of the catheter, the pressure sensor cannot directly contact the lesion tissue, effectively preventing interference with the pressure sensor's measurement results and further improving the accuracy of intravascular pressure measurement. The control method for measuring microcatheters used in this invention also possesses the above-mentioned beneficial effects. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a planar schematic diagram of the measuring microcatheter provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the back of the microcatheter measurement host provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a plan view of the measurement microcatheter hidden host and controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a planar schematic diagram of the measuring microcatheter provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a planar schematic diagram of the ultrasonic probe provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the assembly of the pressure signal connector, pressure sensor, and connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the host provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 9 for Figure 2 Cross-sectional view at point B;

[0042] Figure 10 This is a planar schematic diagram of the measuring microcatheter provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Where Pa represents aortic pressure, Pb represents the mean coronary pressure distal to the stenosis, Pc represents the mean aortic pressure, Pd represents the mean coronary pressure distal to the stenosis, and FFR represents the fractional flow reserve.

[0044] Specifically,

[0045] 1-Main unit; 11-Display screen; 12-Image processing module; 13-Pressure algorithm module; 14-Controller interface; 15-Plug interface;

[0046] 2-Tube body; 21-Mandrel; 211-Drive shaft; 212-Transducer base; 213-Ultrasonic transducer; 22-Catheter connector; 23-Guide wire inlet; 24-Opening; 25-Connector; 26-Common pressure chamber;

[0047] 3-Controller; 31-Retraction mechanism; 32-Conduit interface; 33-Control panel;

[0048] 4-Plug;

[0049] 5-Pressure sensor;

[0050] 6-Pressure signal connector;

[0051] 7- Diseased tissue. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0053] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. In the specific embodiments, the distal end refers to the part of the corresponding component that is farther from the operator, typically the end where the component enters the patient's body or surgical area. The proximal end is the part of the corresponding component that is closer to the operator, typically the end held or manipulated by the operator. For a single component, the end closer to the operator is the proximal end, and the end farther from the operator is the distal end. Furthermore, it should be noted that the connections mentioned in this application include both direct connections between systems, components, and parts, and indirect connections between systems, components, and parts via a medium. Those skilled in the art should not interpret this as a limitation but should adapt it according to specific needs; all such connections do not exceed the scope of protection of this application.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a measuring microcatheter, comprising: a tube body 2, a mandrel 21, and a pressure sensor 5.

[0055] The proximal end of the catheter 2 is located outside the body, while the distal end can be inserted into internal tissues. The catheter 2 includes a common pressure chamber 26 and an opening 24. The common pressure chamber 26 is located circumferentially inside the catheter 2 and connects the proximal and distal ends of the catheter 2. The opening 24 is located at the distal end of the common pressure chamber 26. When the distal end of the catheter 2 is inserted into internal tissues, the opening 24 connects the patient's internal tissue medium with the liquid medium within the common pressure chamber 26. Based on the principles of hydrostatics and the ability of continuous fluids to effectively transmit pressure, even if the pressure sensor is located at the proximal end of the catheter 2 (i.e., outside the body) and directly or indirectly in contact with blood or body fluids within the blood vessels, the pressure at the distal end of the catheter 2 can still be measured. It should be noted that the opening 24 being located at the distal end of the common pressure chamber 26 includes both opening 24 at the distal tip of the catheter and connecting to the common pressure chamber 26, and opening 24 being located at the distal end of the catheter but not at the tip, and laterally within the common pressure chamber 26. Figure 4 As shown, the catheter is arranged in a compact manner at the distal end, leaving space for the guidewire port 23.

[0056] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the mandrel 21 is inserted into the common pressure cavity 26, and an ultrasonic probe is provided at the distal end of the mandrel 21. The mandrel 21 can be driven to rotate and / or move the ultrasonic probe in the common pressure cavity 26. The ultrasonic probe is excited to radially emit and receive ultrasonic signals, thereby collecting image information at the location of the ultrasonic probe.

[0057] Pressure sensor 5 is connected to the proximal end of tube 2. It measures the pressure at the first and second locations within the target blood vessel. By connecting pressure sensor 5 to the proximal end of tube 2, the outer diameter of the portion of tube 2 inside the patient's body is significantly reduced, allowing tube 2 to access severely narrowed areas within the blood vessel. This ensures that tube 2 can reach more distant locations within the blood vessel and more delicate lesions. Compared to techniques that place pressure sensor 5 at the distal end of tube 2, this reduces the structural and manufacturing complexity of the measurement microcatheter, thereby lowering the overall cost. Furthermore, the size of pressure sensor 5 is not limited by the size of the blood vessel, reducing the size requirements for the pressure sensor and making it easier to manufacture, further reducing the overall cost of using the measurement microcatheter.

[0058] Furthermore, a liquid medium is filled between the common pressure chamber 26 and the mandrel 21, and the liquid medium and the tissue medium are connected through the opening 24 to reduce the pressure gradient between them. The pressure sensor 5 is in direct contact with the liquid medium. At this time, the pressure sensor 5 can accurately obtain the pressure at the first and second positions within the target blood vessel of the patient. It should be noted that by connecting the pressure sensor 5 to the proximal end of the tube body 2, the pressure sensor 5 cannot directly contact the diseased tissue 7, effectively preventing interference with the measurement results of the pressure sensor 5 and further improving the accuracy of the pressure measurement within the target blood vessel.

[0059] In use, a liquid medium is filled between the common pressure chamber 26 and the mandrel 21. The distal end of the tube 2 enters the patient's body, and the liquid medium and the tissue medium in the patient's body are connected at the opening 24. The pressure sensor 5 is connected to the proximal end of the tube 2. The measuring microcatheter is controlled to enter the pressure measurement mode. The opening 24 of the tube 2 is pushed to the first position and the second position, respectively. When the opening 24 is in the first position or the second position, the pressure sensor 5 measures the pressure of the liquid medium, thereby obtaining the pressure signals at the first position and the second position. When the measuring microcatheter is controlled to enter the ultrasound imaging mode, the mandrel 21 is driven to rotate and / or move the ultrasound probe within the common pressure chamber 26. At the same time, the ultrasound probe is excited to radially emit and receive ultrasound signals to obtain tissue image information. The pressure at the first and second positions in the target blood vessel of the patient obtained by the pressure sensor 5 has the functions of obtaining the fractional flow reserve and ultrasound images, realizing a comprehensive assessment of morphology and function, and providing doctors with accurate judgment basis.

[0060] In some embodiments, the distal end of the mandrel 21 includes a drive shaft 211 directly connected to the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe includes a transducer base 212 connected to the distal end of the mandrel 21. An ultrasound transducer 213 is disposed on the transducer base 212. The ultrasound transducer 213 is used to emit ultrasound waves to the blood vessel wall to obtain image information at the location of the ultrasound probe.

[0061] The transducer base 212 is connected to the distal end of the drive shaft 211 by means of glue, silver paste, or solder, and the ultrasonic transducer 213 is connected to the transducer base 212 by means of glue and silver paste. Further, it should be noted that the mandrel 21 is made of a material with high hardness and a high smoothness coefficient. Preferably, the mandrel 21 is made of Peek material, but PI material can also be selected, taking full advantage of its high hardness and high smoothness coefficient, allowing it to move more flexibly within the tube body 2. In addition, the drive shaft 211 can be a multi-strand spring tube, made of one of the following materials: 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, and NiTi alloy; the transducer base 212 is made of one of the following materials: 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, and alloy material; and the ultrasonic transducer 213 is made of one of the following materials: single crystal, ceramic, and ceramic composite material.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present invention, a connector 25 is further included, the connector 25 being provided with a measuring cavity (not shown), such as... Figure 6 As shown, the connector 25 is connected to the proximal end of the tube body 2, that is, the measuring chamber is connected to the common pressure chamber 26. After the common pressure chamber 26 and the mandrel 21 are filled with liquid medium, the liquid medium in the common pressure chamber 26 can flow into the measuring chamber. The pressure sensor 5 generates a pressure signal by measuring the fluid pressure of the liquid medium flowing into the measuring chamber, thereby obtaining the pressure at the first and second positions in the patient's target blood vessel.

[0063] In some embodiments, when the distal end of the tube 2 enters the blood vessel, physiological saline with a concentration equivalent to that of the target blood vessel is selected as the liquid medium. It should be further noted that the measuring chamber, the common pressure chamber 26, and the opening 24 are at the same horizontal level. According to the principle of communicating vessels where pressure is equal at the same horizontal level, the fluid pressure of the liquid medium detected by the pressure sensor is the pressure value of the tissue medium in the body. This effectively prevents the height difference between the measuring chamber, the common pressure chamber 26, and the opening 24 from interfering with the measurement results of the pressure sensor 5 within the measuring chamber, ensuring that the pressure sensor 5 accurately obtains the blood pressure at the location of the opening 24. Of course, in other embodiments, the measuring chamber, the common pressure chamber 26, and the opening 24 may not be at the same horizontal level. The pressure signal obtained can be processed by configuring a height compensation algorithm to derive the pressure at the first and second positions.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, the connector 25 is Y-shaped, one side of the connector 25 is set as a common end, which is connected to the proximal end of the tube body 2, and the other side of the connector 25 includes a first branch tube and a second branch tube. The first branch tube on the connector 25 is provided with a measuring cavity inside, and the pressure sensor 5 is directly connected to the measuring cavity. The second branch tube is sleeved on the outside of the mandrel 21, and both the first branch tube and the second branch tube are connected to the common pressure cavity 26.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a control component, a first control key, and a second control key are further included. The first and second control keys are physical identifiers (including but not limited to visual and tactile identifiers disposed on the exterior of the control component or on the display screen) disposed on the control component. The first control key can be triggered to activate the pressure sensor 5. At this time, the pressure sensor 5 obtains the fluid pressure of the liquid medium, and then obtains the fluid pressure of the tissue medium at the opening 24. The second control key can be triggered to activate the ultrasound probe. At this time, the ultrasound probe is excited to radially emit and receive ultrasound signals to acquire tissue image information.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control component includes a controller 3, on which a catheter interface 32 is provided. The catheter interface 32 is connected to a catheter connector 22, which is fixedly connected to a tube body 2. The catheter connector 22 is slidably connected to a mandrel 21, which can enter the interior of the controller 3. A retraction mechanism 31 on the controller 3 can drive the mandrel 21 to rotate and / or move within the tube body 2. Simultaneously, the ultrasound probe is excited to radially emit and receive ultrasound signals to acquire tissue image information. In addition, a control screen 33 is provided on the top surface of the controller 3, through which the retraction speed and retraction status of the retraction mechanism 31 can be displayed.

[0067] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a control component is also included. The pressure sensor 5 includes a signal output terminal, which is plugged into or communicates with the control component via Bluetooth. Specifically, the end of the first branch pipe is connected to a pressure signal connector 6, the piezoelectric sensor is connected to the pressure signal connector 6, and the pressure signal connector 6 is connected to a plug 4. Preferably, the pressure sensor 5 is a piezoelectric sensor, and the pressure sensor 5 is connected to the plug 4 through the pressure signal connector 6. Preferably, the plug 4 is a cable, which connects the control component and the pressure sensor 5 to transmit the pressure signal measured by the pressure sensor 5 to the control component. When the pressure sensor 5 is a fiber optic sensor, the plug 4 is an optical fiber, which connects the control component and the pressure sensor 5 to transmit the pressure signal measured by the pressure sensor 5 to the control component.

[0068] It should be noted that the pressure signal connector 6 can be a Bluetooth connector. The pressure signal connector 6 can communicate directly with the host 1 via Bluetooth, in which case the plug 4 is no longer needed.

[0069] like Figure 8As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a control component is also included. The control component includes a host 1 and a controller 3. The pressure sensor 5 is connected to the host 1. Specifically, a plug interface 15 is provided on the host 1, and the plug interface 15 is connected to a plug 4. In addition, the pressure signal measured by the pressure sensor 5 is transmitted to the host 1 through the plug 4. Furthermore, the host 1 is connected to the spindle 21 through the controller 3, and the controller 3 drives the spindle 21 to rotate and / or move within the tube 2.

[0070] The host 1 includes a pressure algorithm module 13 and an image processing module 12. The pressure algorithm module 13 is used to convert electrical signals into pressure signals, including a first pressure signal measured at a first position and a second pressure signal measured at a second position. The image processing module 12 is used to convert the signals received by the ultrasound probe into image information. At the same time, a controller interface 14 is provided on the host 1, which is connected to a controller 3. The controller 3 further transmits the ultrasound signals to the image processing module 12, which is used to convert the ultrasound signals into images after data processing.

[0071] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, a display screen 11 is provided on the host 1. The display screen 11 is used to dynamically display image information and pressure signals. The first position is at the aorta, and the second position is at the coronary artery distal to the stenosis. The display screen 11 can display the dynamic aortic pressure Pa, the coronary artery pressure distal to the stenosis Pb, the mean aortic pressure Pc, the mean coronary artery pressure distal to the stenosis Pd, and the curves and values ​​of the fractional flow reserve (FFR), where FFR = Pd / Pc. It simultaneously obtains the fractional flow reserve and ultrasound images, thereby achieving a comprehensive morphological and functional assessment and providing doctors with accurate judgment basis.

[0072] In one embodiment of the present invention, before the tube body 2 enters the target blood vessel, a guidewire is first inserted into the target blood vessel. A guidewire port 23 is provided at the distal end of the tube body 2, located on the outer wall of the end furthest from the main unit 1. The guidewire port 23 is used to insert the guidewire. The tube body 2 can enter the target blood vessel via the femoral or radial artery along the guidewire and can push the opening 24 of the tube body 2 to a first position and a second position. In some specific embodiments, a contrast ring can be placed near the opening 24 to help the operator determine whether the distal end of the tube body has reached the target position.

[0073] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a control method for the measuring microcatheter used in any of the foregoing embodiments, specifically including the following steps: filling the co-pressure chamber 26 and the mandrel 21 with physiological saline, completely expelling the gas in the co-pressure chamber, and inserting the distal end of the tube 2 into the target blood vessel via the femoral artery or radial artery along the guidewire. The physiological saline and the blood in the target blood vessel are connected at the opening 24. The pressure sensor 5 is connected to the proximal end of the tube 2, and the measuring microcatheter is controlled to be in pressure measurement mode or ultrasound imaging mode. When the measuring microcatheter is in pressure measurement mode, the opening 24 of the tube 2 is pushed to the first position and the second position, respectively. When the opening 24 is in the first position or the second position, the pressure sensor 5 measures the pressure of the blood in the target blood vessel, thereby obtaining the pressure signal at the first position and the second position. The pressure signal is transmitted to the host 1 through the pressure signal connector 6 and the plug 4. The pressure algorithm module 13 in the host 1 converts the electrical signal into a pressure signal, and displays the pressure signal on the display screen 11. When the measuring microcatheter is in ultrasound imaging mode, the drive spindle 21 drives the ultrasound probe to rotate and / or move within the common pressure chamber 26. At the same time, the host 1 emits an excitation voltage, and the ultrasound transducer 213 emits ultrasound waves radially. When the ultrasound waves hit the blood vessel wall or calcified lesion tissue 7, they are reflected and then received by the ultrasound transducer 213, which converts the reflected ultrasound waves into electrical signals and transmits them to the image processing module 12 through the controller 3. The controller 3 further transmits the signals to the image processing module 12, which processes the signals received by the ultrasound probe and converts them into image information. The display screen 11 dynamically displays the image information.

[0074] To save operation time and improve the accuracy of measurement results, in some embodiments, the step of controlling the measurement microcatheter to be in pressure measurement mode or ultrasound imaging mode includes controlling the measurement microcatheter to first be in pressure measurement mode to measure pressure signal, and then switching to ultrasound imaging mode to acquire signal received by ultrasound probe.

[0075] Specifically, the first control key is triggered to put the measuring microcatheter into pressure measurement mode, with the opening 24 of the tube body 2 in the first position. The pressure sensor 5 measures the dynamic fluid pressure of the liquid medium and generates a first pressure signal. The opening 24 of the tube body 2 is then pushed distally from the first position to the second position, where the pressure sensor 5 measures the dynamic fluid pressure of the liquid medium and generates a second pressure signal. When the second control key is triggered to put the measuring microcatheter into ultrasound imaging mode, the controller 3 drives the ultrasound probe to rotate and retract from the second position to the first position, so as to acquire at least the tissue image information between the first and second positions.

[0076] Furthermore, in some embodiments, to avoid interference in pressure measurement mode or ultrasonic imaging mode, such as when the ultrasonic probe rotates and / or moves during operation in pressure measurement mode, it can cause a velocity gradient or shear force in the liquid within the co-pressure chamber 26, resulting in uneven pressure distribution and pressure fluctuations, thus affecting the accuracy of the pressure signal. Therefore, interference factors can be reduced by turning off the ultrasonic probe in pressure measurement mode. Turning off the ultrasonic probe can be achieved by maintaining its closed state (i.e., without changing the original closed state of the ultrasonic probe, requiring no additional operation), or by simultaneously turning on the pressure sensor 5 and turning off the ultrasonic probe when the first control key is triggered, or by triggering the first control key to turn on the pressure sensor 5 and triggering the second control key to turn off the ultrasonic probe (in which case the first and second control keys switch between open and closed states each time they are triggered), or by providing a separate button for the operator to independently turn off the ultrasonic probe. It should be noted that the above description is a preferred method for improving measurement accuracy, but it is not an exclusion of other solutions. The operator can independently control the open and closed states of the pressure sensor and the ultrasonic probe as needed before the opening is pushed to the first position.

[0077] In summary, by connecting the pressure sensor 5 to the proximal end of the tube 2 and reducing the outer diameter of the tube 2, the tube 2 can enter severely narrowed areas within the blood vessel, ensuring that it can reach more distant locations within the blood vessel and more delicate lesions. Furthermore, by connecting the pressure sensor 5 to the proximal end of the tube 2, direct contact between the pressure sensor 5 and the diseased tissue 7 is prevented, effectively avoiding interference with the measurement results of the pressure sensor 5 and further improving the accuracy of intravascular pressure measurement. On the other hand, by combining ultrasound imaging with pressure measurement, precise diagnostic information is provided to doctors.

[0078] It should be noted that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity from several other entities, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities.

[0079] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A measuring microcatheter, characterized in that, include: The tube body has its proximal end located outside the body and its distal end capable of intervening in internal tissues. The tube body includes a common pressure cavity and an opening. The common pressure cavity extends through the proximal and distal ends of the tube body, and the opening is located at the distal end of the common pressure cavity. A mandrel is inserted into the common pressure cavity, and an ultrasonic probe is provided at the distal end of the mandrel. The mandrel can be driven to rotate and / or move the ultrasonic probe within the common pressure cavity. A pressure sensor is connected to the proximal end of the tube body and is used to measure the pressure at a first and a second location within the tissue. in, The common pressure chamber and the mandrel can be filled with a liquid medium, the opening connects the liquid medium and the tissue medium to reduce the pressure gradient between them, and the pressure sensor is in direct contact with the liquid medium.

2. The measuring microcatheter of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a connector having a measuring chamber, and the pressure sensor is used to measure the fluid pressure of the liquid medium flowing into the measuring chamber to generate a pressure signal.

3. A measuring microcatheter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The measuring chamber, the co-pressure chamber, and the opening have the same horizontal height.

4. The measuring microcatheter of claim 2, wherein, The connector is Y-shaped, with one side being a common end connected to the proximal end of the tube body. The other side of the connector includes a first branch tube and a second branch tube. The measuring cavity is provided inside the first branch tube of the connector, and the second branch tube is sleeved on the outside of the mandrel. Both the first branch tube and the second branch tube are connected to the common pressure cavity.

5. A measuring microcatheter according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control component, a first control key and a second control key, the first control key and the second control key being physical identifiers set on the control component, the first control key being triggered to activate the pressure sensor, and the second control key being triggered to activate the ultrasonic probe.

6. A measuring microcatheter according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control component, which includes a controller with a conduit interface connected to the mandrel, and the controller drives the mandrel to rotate and / or move within the tube body.

7. A measuring microcatheter according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control component, wherein the pressure sensor includes a signal output terminal, which is plugged into or communicates with the control component via Bluetooth.

8. A measuring microcatheter according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control component, which includes a host and a controller, wherein the pressure sensor is connected to the host and the mandrel is connected to the host via the controller; The host includes: An image processing module, which is used to convert the signals received by the ultrasound probe into image information; A pressure algorithm module is used to convert an electrical signal into a pressure signal, the pressure signal including a first pressure signal measured at the first position and a second pressure signal measured at the second position; A display screen is used to dynamically display the image information and the pressure signal.

9. A method for controlling the measurement of microcatheters, characterized in that, The control method, applied to the measuring microcatheter according to any one of claims 1-8, comprises: A liquid medium is filled between the co-pressure chamber and the mandrel, and the liquid medium and the tissue medium are connected at the opening; The measurement microcatheter is controlled to be in either pressure measurement mode or ultrasound imaging mode; When the measuring microcatheter is in pressure measurement mode, the opening of the tube body is pushed to the first position and the second position respectively. When the opening is in the first position or the second position, the pressure sensor measures the fluid pressure of the liquid medium to obtain a pressure signal. When the measuring microcatheter is in ultrasonic imaging mode, the ultrasonic probe is excited to radially emit and receive ultrasonic signals, thereby collecting image information.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of controlling the measuring microcatheter to be in pressure measurement mode or ultrasound imaging mode includes: controlling the measuring microcatheter to switch from pressure measurement mode to ultrasound imaging mode; Trigger the first control key to control the measuring microcatheter to be in pressure measurement mode, the opening of the tube body is located at the first position, the pressure sensor measures the dynamic fluid pressure of the liquid medium and generates a first pressure signal, push the opening of the tube body from the first position to the second position, the pressure sensor measures the dynamic fluid pressure of the liquid medium and generates a second pressure signal; Trigger the second control key to control the measurement microcatheter to switch to ultrasound imaging mode, drive the ultrasound probe to rotate and retract from the second position to the first position, so as to acquire at least tissue image information between the first position and the second position.

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