Ultra-small-diameter endoscope with wide-angle illumination function

Abstract

The utility model provides a superfine-diameter endoscope with wide-angle illumination, which relates to the technical field of endoscopes and comprises an optical imaging module, an illumination optical fiber bundle, an insertion tube, an operating handle and a single optical fiber bundle, the insertion tube is fixed on one side of the operating handle in a penetrating manner, and the single optical fiber bundle is fixed on the other side of the operating handle in a penetrating manner. The optical imaging module is arranged in the end of the side, away from the operating handle, of the insertion tube, the illumination optical fiber bundle comprises a plurality of thin glass optical fibers arranged between the peripheral side of the optical imaging module and the inner wall of the insertion tube in a surrounding mode, and the thin glass optical fibers are bundled and extend into the operating handle from the interior of the insertion tube and are coupled with the single optical fiber bundle. The optical imaging module is wrapped in the illumination optical fiber bundle composed of the thin glass optical fibers, wide-angle illumination with sufficient brightness is achieved, the view field is further expanded, the illumination quality of an operation area is improved, and the accuracy and safety of an operation are enhanced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to medical instrument technical field, specifically, relate to a kind of super fine diameter endoscope with wide-angle illumination. BACKGROUND

[0002] Endoscopy is an important progress in modern medicine, enabling doctors to observe the human body in detail, make accurate diagnosis and treatment. With the development of technology, the types and application range of endoscopes are continuously expanding, especially super fine diameter fiber endoscopes, which show great potential in ophthalmology, neurosurgery and other fields requiring delicate operations. These endoscopes can provide precise observation and operation, minimize surgical trauma and speed up recovery. However, existing small-caliber endoscopes are mainly high-cost imported products, limiting their popularity. Therefore, it is crucial to develop super fine diameter endoscopes that are cost-effective, simple, durable and easy to assemble, which not only reduces medical costs and improves equipment accessibility, but also promotes the development of minimally invasive surgery technology and benefits more patients.

[0003] In addition, super fine diameter endoscopes with wide-angle illumination function are particularly significant for expanding their application in minimally invasive surgery. Wide-angle illumination can provide a wider field of view, enabling doctors to observe the surgical area more comprehensively and improve the safety and efficiency of surgery. This is particularly important for surgeries that require high precision and flexibility, such as neurosurgery and ophthalmic surgery, which require not only accurate identification of fine structures but also comprehensive understanding of the surgical area.

[0004] The existing European patent document "Laser video endoscope (EP 2696742 B1)" discloses a laser video endoscope for ophthalmic surgery. The device has a small-diameter probe that fits into a 0.64mm sleeve, designed to reduce surgical trauma and speed up recovery. This design is suitable for ophthalmic surgeries such as glaucoma, retinal surgery and vitrectomy. However, due to the limited diameter of the imaging component, it may result in reduced imaging quality during surgery. In addition, the limitation of the number of illumination light guide fibers further affects the uniformity and adequacy of illumination, and the range of illumination light is insufficient to provide comprehensive illumination of the surgical area, which may cause vision problems in complex surgeries, limiting the flexibility and safety of surgical operations.

[0005] Another Chinese utility model patent document "Objective lens of superfine optical system (CN 216248581 U)" discloses a light source preposed optical fiber light guide superfine endoscope comprising a hand-held part, an insertion tube and a camera assembly, and an LED light emitting element is built into the insertion tube, and the outer diameter size can be less than 1.0 mm. However, this design can also introduce some problems, such as tissue damage caused by possible heat accumulation, durability and reliability problems of the LED exposed to an unfavorable environment, increased difficulty in maintenance and replacement when the front-end LED or optical fiber fails, reduced flexibility of the light source, and inability to switch to special spectral imaging modes. In addition, the structural complexity is increased, which can bring challenges to the long-term use and applicability of the endoscope when maintenance or upgrading is needed. Utility model content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is that the endoscope structure in the prior art is complex and cannot provide comprehensive illumination. To overcome the defects of the prior art, the utility model provides a superfine diameter endoscope with wide-angle illumination.

[0007] The utility model provides a superfine diameter endoscope with wide-angle illumination, which comprises an optical imaging module, an illumination fiber bundle, an insertion tube, an operation handle and a single fiber bundle.

[0008] The insertion tube is fixed on one side of the operation handle, the single fiber bundle is fixed on the other side of the operation handle, the optical imaging module is arranged in the end part of the insertion tube away from the operation handle, the illumination fiber bundle comprises a plurality of thin glass fibers arranged between the optical imaging module and the inner wall of the insertion tube, and the thin glass fibers are coupled with the single fiber bundle.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the superfine diameter endoscope with wide-angle illumination has the following advantages: the illumination fiber bundle composed of a plurality of thin glass fibers is used, and the optical imaging module is wrapped therein to realize wide-angle and bright illumination, which not only expands the field of view, but also improves the illumination quality of the surgical area, enhances the accuracy and safety of the operation, and greatly improves the application effect of the endoscope in minimally invasive surgery; and the illumination fiber bundle is fixed in the insertion tube and the operation handle, so that the frequent bending and stretching of the optical fiber are avoided, thereby improving the durability and service life of the endoscope.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the operation handle is provided with an illumination fiber bundle tube for fixing the illumination fiber bundle, the illumination fiber bundle tube comprises a soft silica gel sheath and a metal tube, and the thin glass fibers are coupled with the single fiber bundle.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the soft silica gel sheath and the metal tube avoid frequent bending and stretching of the thin glass optical fibers, enhance durability, and prolong service life; meanwhile, the plurality of thin glass optical fibers are finally coupled with the single optical fiber bundle in the metal tube, and the metal tube provides better protection for the coupling position.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the end face of one end of the plurality of thin glass optical fibers in the metal tube is a flat interface, and the flat interface is fluidly coupled with the single optical fiber bundle by the fixing glue.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the flat interface improves the coupling effect with the single optical fiber bundle, so that efficient light transmission to the optical imaging module is realized, the target tissue is conveniently detected, sufficient illumination is provided for the endoscope during examination or surgery, and the field of view is optimized.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the connection end of the soft silica gel sheath and the metal tube is fastened by a strap.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the strap is used to ensure the stability of the connection end of the soft silica gel sheath and the metal tube, and improve the protection of the thin glass optical fibers.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the connection between the insertion tube and the operating handle is fixed by medical two-component epoxy resin glue.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the medical two-component epoxy resin glue is used to ensure firm bonding of the insertion tube and the operating handle.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the other side of the operating handle is provided with a limiting element for fixing and limiting the single optical fiber bundle, the limiting element is provided with a through hole, and the single optical fiber bundle passes through the through hole and is coupled with the plurality of thin glass optical fibers in the metal tube.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the limiting element helps to limit the movement of the illumination optical fiber bundle in the operating handle, thereby further improving overall reliability and flexibility.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the illumination optical fiber bundle includes 200-300 thin glass optical fibers, and the outer diameter of each thin glass optical fiber is 0.03 mm.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the numerical aperture of each thin glass optical fiber is not less than 0.85, and the maximum divergence angle is not less than 118 degrees.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the outer diameter of the insertion tube is not greater than 1.06 mm, and the inner wall thickness is 0.03-0.04 mm.

[0023] In a possible implementation, a longest diagonal dimension of a window end face of the optical imaging module is not greater than 0.92 mm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Fig. 1 Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the super-slim endoscope with wide-angle illumination according to the present application;

[0025] Fig. 2 Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the insertion tube in the embodiment of the super-slim endoscope with wide-angle illumination according to the present application;

[0026] Fig. 3 Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the operation handle structure of the super-slim endoscope with wide-angle illumination according to the present application;

[0027] Fig. 4 Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the super-slim endoscope with wide-angle illumination according to the present application;

[0028] Fig. 5 Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the insertion tube in the embodiment of the super-slim endoscope with wide-angle illumination according to the present application;

[0029] Fig. 6 Figure 6 is a simulation diagram of the irradiance distribution of the illumination light obtained by the embodiment of the super-slim endoscope with wide-angle illumination according to the present application.

[0030] REFERENCE SIGNS:

[0031] 1 - optical imaging module; 11 - camera module; 12 - data transmission cable; 11a - objective lens; 12a - image fiber; 13a - module sheath tube;

[0032] 2 - illumination fiber bundle; 21 - thin glass optical fiber;

[0033] 3 - insertion tube;

[0034] 4 - operation handle;

[0035] 5 - single fiber bundle;

[0036] 6 - illumination fiber bundle tube; 61 - soft silica gel sheath; 62 - metal tube; 63 - cable tie;

[0037] 7 - limiting element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can adjust them as needed in order to adapt to specific application occasions.

[0039] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "connected" should be understood broadly, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it can be mechanically connected, or it can be electrically connected; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] The present application will be further described in detail below in combination with the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0041] Embodiment one

[0042] Referring to Figs. 1-3 The present application discloses an ultra-fine diameter endoscope with wide-angle illumination, which comprises an optical imaging module 1, an illumination fiber bundle 2, an insertion tube 3, an operating handle 4 and a single fiber bundle 5.

[0043] The insertion tube 3 is fixed through one side of the operating handle 4, the single fiber bundle 5 is fixed through the other side of the operating handle 4, the optical imaging module 1 is arranged in the end of the insertion tube 3 away from the operating handle 4, and the illumination fiber bundle 2 comprises a plurality of thin glass fibers 21 arranged around the outer side of the optical imaging module 1 and the inner wall of the insertion tube 3. The plurality of thin glass fibers 21 extend from the insertion tube 3 to the operating handle 4 and are coupled with the single fiber bundle 5.

[0044] The illumination fiber bundle 2 composed of a plurality of thin glass fibers 21 and the optical imaging module 1 wrapped therein realize wide-angle and bright illumination, not only expanding the field of view, but also improving the illumination quality of the surgical area, enhancing the accuracy and safety of the surgery, and greatly improving the application effect of the endoscope in minimally invasive surgery. The illumination fiber bundle 2 is fixed in the insertion tube 3 and the operating handle 4, avoiding frequent bending and stretching of the optical fiber, thereby improving the durability and service life of the endoscope.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the optical imaging module 1 comprises a front-end camera module 11 and a rear-end data transmission cable 12. The front-end camera module 11 is responsible for collecting the optical signal of the target tissue and performing photoelectric conversion; and then the rear-end data transmission cable 12 transmits the signal to the endoscope image processor.

[0046] In this process, the data transmission cable 12 is also arranged in the insertion tube 3, and is arranged in the operating handle 4 together with the illumination fiber bundle tube 6, and finally together with the single fiber bundle 5 is led out from the other side of the operating handle 4, and finally the data transmission cable 12 is electrically connected with the endoscope processor. The end of the single fiber bundle 5 is finally abutted on the illumination lamp for finally transmitting the light on the illumination lamp through the single fiber bundle 5 to the plurality of fine glass fibers 21 for illumination. This connection process is the prior art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0047] The outer diameter of the insertion tube 3 is not greater than 1.06 mm, the inner wall thickness is 0.03-0.04 mm, and the length is 25.0-50.0 mm. The longest diagonal geometric size of the window end face of the optical imaging module 1 is not greater than 0.92 mm. The insertion tube 3 includes a metal sleeve and an inner sheath tube.

[0048] Specifically, in the embodiment, the front-end camera module 11 is a cuboid, and the imaging window shape of the front end face is a square, and the side length is not greater than 0.65 mm, and the corresponding longest diagonal is not greater than 0.92 mm. At the same time, the image pixel number of the camera module 11 is 160000.

[0049] The fine glass fibers 21 of the illumination fiber bundle 2 on one side of the optical imaging module 1 are in a scattered state, and fully fill the gap between the optical imaging module 1 and the insertion tube 3, to provide wide-angle and bright illumination for the endoscope. Fig. 1 The filling arrangement shown in the figure is only schematic, and does not reflect the specific arrangement of the fine glass fibers 21, and only needs to fully fill the optical imaging module 1 so as not to shake.

[0050] In the embodiment, the illumination fiber bundle 2 includes 200-300 fine glass fibers 21, and the outer diameter of each fine glass fiber 21 is 0.03 mm.

[0051] The numerical aperture of each fine glass fiber 21 is not less than 0.85, and the maximum divergence angle is not less than 118 degrees. Excellent illumination performance is ensured.

[0052] In the air medium, the ultra-fine diameter endoscope provides an effective illumination half-angle of at least 60 degrees and a full field of view illumination range of not less than 120 degrees.

[0053] The operating handle 4 is provided with an illumination fiber bundle tube 6 for fixing the illumination fiber bundle 2, and the illumination fiber bundle tube 6 includes a soft silica gel sheath 61 and a metal tube 62. The plurality of fine glass fibers 21 are bundled from the insertion tube 3, extend through the soft silica gel sheath 61 to the metal tube 62, and are coupled with the single fiber bundle 5.

[0054] The soft silica gel sheath 61 can provide additional protection for the thin glass optical fiber 21 against physical damage and environmental pollution; the plurality of thin glass optical fibers 21 are finally coupled with the single fiber bundle 5 in the metal tube 62, and the metal tube 62 provides better protection for the coupling site to prevent the interface from being disconnected. Through the soft silica gel sheath 61 and the metal tube 62, the frequent bending and stretching of the thin glass optical fiber 21 are avoided, the durability is enhanced, and the service life is prolonged.

[0055] In this embodiment, the metal tube 62 has an outer diameter of 0.7-0.8 mm, an inner diameter of 0.5-0.6 mm, and a length of 10.0-11.0 mm.

[0056] In order to facilitate the holding of the operating handle 4, a pattern is engraved on the hand-holding contact surface of the operating handle 4 to increase the friction and improve the stability and grip of the hand-held part of the endoscope, thereby reducing the sliding and helping the doctor to operate more accurately and safely.

[0057] In this embodiment, the metal tube 62 has an outer diameter of 0.7-0.8 mm, an inner diameter of 0.5-0.6 mm, and a length of 10.0-11.0 mm.

[0058] Further, the end face of the plurality of thin glass optical fibers 21 at one end in the metal tube 62 is a flat interface surface, and the flat interface surface is fluidly coupled with the single fiber bundle 5 through the fixing glue.

[0059] The end face of the plurality of thin glass optical fibers 21 at one end is finely polished to form a flat interface surface, and the coupling effect with the single fiber bundle 5 is improved through the flat interface surface to realize efficient light transmission to the optical imaging module 1, facilitate the detection of target tissue, ensure sufficient illumination of the endoscope during examination or surgery, and optimize the visual field conditions.

[0060] In this embodiment, the connection end of the soft silica gel sheath 61 and the metal tube 62 is fastened and connected by the ribbon 63. The ribbon 63 is used to ensure the stability of the connection end of the soft silica gel sheath and the metal tube, and to improve the protection of the thin glass optical fiber.

[0061] In this embodiment, the connection between the insertion tube 3 and the operating handle 4 is fixed by medical two-component epoxy resin glue. The medical two-component epoxy resin glue is used to ensure that the insertion tube 3 and the operating handle 4 are firmly bonded and prevent relative displacement.

[0062] In this embodiment, the other side of the operating handle 4 is provided with a limiting element 7 for fixing and limiting the single fiber bundle 5, and the limiting element 7 is provided with a through hole, and the single fiber bundle 5 passes through the through hole and is coupled with the plurality of thin glass optical fibers 21 in the metal tube 62.

[0063] The limiting element 7 helps to limit the movement of the illumination fiber bundle 5 in the operating handle 4, thereby further improving the overall reliability and flexibility.

[0064] The light source of the endoscope is transmitted through the single fiber bundle 5, and the light source mode is adjustable, supporting special spectral imaging in addition to white light, including but not limited to narrow-band imaging. This function enables the endoscope to select different spectral modes according to needs, thereby providing multiple observation modes to adapt to different clinical needs. Compared with the mode of a traditional front-fixed white light source (such as a mini-led), this adjustment capability enables more accurate analysis of target tissues, improves the accuracy of lesion detection and treatment effect, and provides more comprehensive observation capabilities, providing higher visual support for complex surgeries.

[0065] Embodiment Two

[0066] Referring to Figs. 4-5 As shown, this embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment One, with the difference being the optical imaging module 1.

[0067] In this embodiment, the optical imaging module 1 includes a front-end objective lens 11a, a rear-end image fiber 12a, and a module sheath tube 13a for wrapping and fixing the connection end of the objective lens 11a and the image fiber 12a. The front-end objective lens 11a is responsible for collecting target tissues and focusing the signal light, then imaging the image on the front-end receiving surface of the image fiber 12a, and then the signal is transmitted to the rear-end ocular lens and image sensor through the image fiber 12a. The module sheath tube 13a is responsible for fixing the coupling of the front-end objective lens 11a and the image fiber 12a.

[0068] In this embodiment, the front-end surface imaging window of the objective lens 11a is circular with a diameter not exceeding 0.81 mm, and the lens length of the front-end objective lens 11a is 1.7-1.8 mm. In addition, the illumination fiber bundle 2 contains 200-250 thin glass fibers 21; the number of cores (i.e., the number of pixels) of the image fiber 12a is 30,000.

[0069] In this process, the image fiber 12a is also arranged in the insertion tube 3, and is also arranged in the illumination fiber bundle tube 6, and finally passes out from the other side of the operation handle 4 together with the single fiber bundle 5, and the image fiber 12a is finally connected with the corresponding image sensor of the endoscope. The end of the single fiber bundle 5 is finally abutted on the illumination lamp for transmitting the light on the illumination lamp through the single fiber bundle 5 to the multiple thin glass fibers 21 for illumination. This connection process is a prior art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0070] Referring to Fig. 6As shown, when the working distance is 10 mm, the simulation diagram of the irradiance distribution of the illumination light obtained by the planar target tissue, where the darker the color corresponds to the higher the light intensity. This simulation result proves that the ultra-slim endoscope of the embodiment provides an effective illumination half-angle of at least 60 degrees and a full-field illumination range of not less than 120 degrees, ensuring that the doctor can obtain a wide and clear field of view when performing endoscopy or surgery, thereby significantly improving the accuracy and safety of the operation.

[0071] Compared with electronic endoscopes with the same outer diameter, fiber endoscopes have significant advantages in flexibility, electromagnetic interference-free, safety, and convenience of maintenance and repair, although the number of image pixels is reduced. In addition, fiber endoscopes also exhibit excellent performance in special spectral imaging, covering technologies such as multi-spectral imaging and fluorescence imaging. Compared with Embodiment One, the fiber endoscope can provide a more real-time, convenient and sensitive multi-mode imaging experience by combining the multi-chip and color filter technology in the back end. This technology not only improves the accuracy of lesion detection, but also optimizes the treatment effect, making the endoscope perform more excellently in complex diagnosis and precise treatment.

[0072] In summary, the ultra-slim endoscope with wide-angle illumination provided by the present application uses a plurality of high numerical aperture thin glass optical fibers 21 to form an illumination fiber bundle 2, achieving wide-angle and sufficient brightness illumination and improving the application effect of minimally invasive surgery. The diameter of the endoscope is not greater than 1.06 mm, the flexibility of operation is enhanced, and the surgical trauma is reduced. The fixed illumination fiber bundle 2 avoids frequent bending and stretching, improving the durability and service life of the endoscope. Overall, the ultra-slim endoscope of the present application maintains compactness and flexibility while providing a powerful tool for minimally invasive surgery and accurate diagnosis.

[0073] In the description of the present application, the description of the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "in this embodiment", "specific examples", or "some examples" and the like means that the specific features, mechanisms, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In the present specification, the illustrative description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, mechanisms, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, the skilled in the art can combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in the specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0074] The above merely provides the specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited to this. Any changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed by the present application can be easily conceived by the person skilled in the art, and should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An ultra-small diameter endoscope having wide angle illumination, characterized by, The application relates to an optical imaging device, which comprises an optical imaging module (1), an illumination fiber bundle (2), an insertion tube (3), an operating handle (4) and a single fiber bundle (5). The insertion tube (3) is fixed on one side of the operating handle (4), the single fiber bundle (5) is fixed on the other side of the operating handle (4), the optical imaging module (1) is arranged in the end of the insertion tube (3) away from the operating handle (4), the illumination fiber bundle (2) comprises a plurality of thin glass fibers (21) arranged around the periphery of the optical imaging module (1) and the inner wall of the insertion tube (3), and the thin glass fibers (21) are bundled in the insertion tube (3) and extended to the operating handle (4) and coupled with the single fiber bundle (5).

2. The ultra-slim endoscope with wide angle illumination according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating handle (4) is provided with an illumination fiber bundle tube (6) for fixing the illumination fiber bundle (2), the illumination fiber bundle tube (6) comprises a soft silica gel sheath (61) and a metal tube (62), the thin glass fibers (21) are bundled in the insertion tube (3), extended to the metal tube (62) through the soft silica gel sheath (61) and coupled with the single fiber bundle (5).

3. The ultra-slim endoscope with wide angle illumination according to claim 2, wherein, The end face of the thin glass fibers (21) at one end in the metal tube (62) is a flat interface, and the flat interface is fluid-solid coupled with the single fiber bundle (5) through fixing glue.

4. The ultra-slim endoscope with wide angle illumination according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting end of the soft silica gel sheath (61) and the metal tube (62) is fastened and connected through a cable tie (63).

5. The ultra-thin endoscope with wide-angle illumination according to claim 1, characterized in that The connection between the insertion tube (3) and the operating handle (4) is fixed through medical two-component epoxy resin glue.

6. The ultra-slim endoscope with wide angle illumination according to claim 1, wherein, The other side of the operating handle (4) is provided with a limiting element (7) for fixing the single fiber bundle (5), the limiting element (7) is provided with a through hole, and the single fiber bundle (5) passes through the through hole and is coupled with the thin glass fibers (21) in the metal tube (62).

7. The ultra-slim endoscope with wide angle illumination according to claim 1, wherein, The illumination fiber bundle (2) comprises 200-300 thin glass fibers (21), and the outer diameter of each thin glass fiber (21) is 0.03 mm.

8. The ultra-slim endoscope with wide angle illumination according to claim 1, wherein, The numerical aperture of each thin glass fiber (21) is not less than 0.85, and the maximum divergence angle is not less than 118 degrees.

9. The ultra-slim endoscope with wide angle illumination according to claim 1, wherein, The outer diameter of the insertion tube (3) is not greater than 1.06 mm, and the inner wall thickness is 0.03-0.04 mm.

10. The ultra-slim endoscope with wide angle illumination according to claim 9, wherein, The longest diagonal geometric dimension of the window end face of the optical imaging module (1) is not greater than 0.92 mm.

Images