Confocal probe catheter with optical fiber sensing and imaging system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of endoscopes, in particular to a confocal probe catheter with an optical fiber sensing function and an imaging system.The confocal probe catheter with the optical fiber sensing function comprises an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, one end of the operating handle is arranged at the near end of the outer sleeve, and the other end is provided with a plug; the probe is fixedly connected to the far end of the outer sleeve; the image transmitting optical fiber bundle is arranged in the outer sleeve, one end of the image transmitting optical fiber bundle is connected to the probe, and the image transmitting optical fiber bundle is used for bidirectionally transmitting optical signals with the confocal image unit; the optical fiber sensor is arranged in the outer sleeve, one end of the optical fiber sensor is connected to the probe, and the optical fiber sensor is used for bidirectionally transmitting optical signals with the optical frequency domain reflection unit. The confocal probe catheter has the advantages that the surgical operation difficulty is reduced, a doctor can conveniently and rapidly position the lesion position, and the doctor can more accurately insert the confocal probe catheter into the lesion position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of endoscopy technology, and in particular to a confocal probe catheter with fiber optic sensing and an imaging system. Background Technology

[0002] Confocal microscopy is a medical imaging technique that uses specific optical principles to focus excitation and emission light at two locations, achieving high-resolution imaging. In procedures such as ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) and lung examinations, the general process involves preoperative imaging examinations such as ultrasound and CT scans to confirm the patient's condition. The images obtained from these examinations are then used to identify the specific coordinates of the lesion or area requiring examination. Currently, these examinations are performed using an endoscope, with the endoscope's working channel guiding the approach to the area, primarily through the body's natural cavities.

[0003] When using endoscopes and confocal probe catheters, the length from the insertion point to the patient's body is usually the only indicator of the lesion's location. However, this method of localization is highly inaccurate, with an average error of 10 centimeters or more. In dendritic tissues, such as the bronchial pathways of the lungs, physicians often struggle to discern the specific location, leading to entry into branches other than the desired ones, significantly increasing the difficulty of the surgical procedure. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a confocal probe catheter and imaging system with fiber optic sensing, which can reduce the difficulty of surgical operation, facilitate doctors to quickly locate the lesion, and enable doctors to insert the confocal probe catheter into the lesion more accurately.

[0005] Firstly, the confocal probe guide with fiber optic sensing provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A confocal probe catheter with fiber optic sensing, comprising:

[0007] The outer sheath has a proximal end and a distal end;

[0008] The operating handle has one end located near the outer tube and the other end has a plug.

[0009] The probe is fixedly connected to the distal end of the outer sleeve;

[0010] An image transmission fiber bundle is disposed inside the outer tube and one end is connected to the probe. The image transmission fiber bundle is used to transmit optical signals bidirectionally with the confocal imaging unit.

[0011] An optical fiber sensor is disposed inside the outer tube and one end is connected to the probe. The optical fiber sensor is used to transmit optical signals bidirectionally with the optical frequency domain reflection unit.

[0012] Optionally, the image transmission fiber bundle and the fiber optic sensor are arranged side by side inside the outer tube.

[0013] Optionally, the fiber optic sensor is embedded within the image transmission fiber bundle.

[0014] This application discloses a confocal probe catheter with fiber optic sensing. By setting up an image transmission fiber bundle inside the outer tube, the image detected by the probe is transmitted. By setting up a fiber optic sensor inside the outer tube, the fiber optic sensor can detect its own path, thereby reflecting the movement path of the confocal probe catheter. This makes it easier for doctors to perform surgery and reduces the occurrence of the confocal probe catheter being inserted into the wrong branch during surgery.

[0015] Secondly, the imaging system provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: an imaging system, comprising:

[0016] A display for showing the real-time images captured by the probe and the route of the fiber optic sensor;

[0017] The imaging module includes a confocal imaging unit and an optical frequency domain reflectance unit. The confocal imaging unit is used to transmit optical signals to the image transmission fiber bundle and convert the optical signals transmitted back by the image transmission fiber bundle into electrical signals for transmission to the display. The optical frequency domain reflectance unit is used to transmit optical signals to the fiber optic sensor and convert the optical signals transmitted back by the fiber optic sensor into electrical signals for transmission to the display.

[0018] A confocal probe conduit, wherein the confocal probe conduit is the confocal probe conduit as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, and the confocal probe conduit is fixed to the imaging module via the plug and optically connected to the imaging module.

[0019] Optionally, the imaging module further includes a beam splitter and a first coupling objective lens. The first coupling objective lens is disposed in the beam combining direction of the beam splitter and forms an optical path connection with the image transmission fiber bundle of the confocal probe guide and the fiber optic sensor. The optical frequency domain reflection unit is disposed in the reflection direction of the beam splitter, and the confocal imaging unit is disposed in the transmission direction of the beam splitter.

[0020] Optionally, the imaging module further includes a lens, a reflector, and a second coupling objective. The second coupling objective is disposed in the beam-combining direction of the lens and the reflector and forms an optical path connection with the image transmission fiber bundle of the confocal probe guide and the fiber optic sensor. The confocal imaging unit is disposed in the transmission direction of the lens, and the optical frequency domain reflection unit is disposed in the reflection direction of the reflector.

[0021] Optionally, the working laser band of the confocal imaging unit is set between 400nm and 600nm, and the working laser band of the optical frequency domain reflection unit is set between 700um and 900um.

[0022] Optionally, the display has a confocal image display window and a fiber optic sensor route display window.

[0023] An imaging system in this application converts the optical signal transmitted by the fiber optic sensor into an electrical signal by setting an optical frequency domain reflection unit, and transmits the electrical signal to a display, thereby displaying the path of the fiber optic sensor on the display. Through the cooperation of the optical frequency domain reflection unit and the display, the optical signal in the fiber optic sensor is converted into an image signal, which facilitates the physician's observation of the movement path of the confocal probe catheter. By setting a confocal imaging unit, the optical signal transmitted by the image transmission fiber bundle is converted into an electrical signal and transmitted to a display, thereby displaying the image detected by the probe on the display, which facilitates the physician's observation of the patient's lesion. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a confocal probe catheter with fiber optic sensing according to Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an imaging system according to Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the imaging module in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the imaging module in Embodiment 3 of this application.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the use of the confocal probe catheter in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0029] In the diagram, 1. Endoscope; 2. Monitor; 21. Confocal image display window; 22. Fiber optic sensor route bundle window; 3. Confocal probe guide tube; 31. Operating handle; 311. Plug; 32. Outer tube; 33. Probe; 34. Image transmission fiber bundle; 35. Fiber optic sensor; 4. Imaging module; 41. Confocal image unit; 42. Optical frequency domain reflection unit; 43. Beam splitter; 44. First coupling objective; 45. Lens; 46. Reflector; 47. Second coupling objective. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following is combined with Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 5 This application will be described in further detail below.

[0031] Example 1:

[0032] A confocal probe catheter with fiber optic sensing, as referenced Figure 1 The system includes an outer tube 32, an operating handle 31, a probe 33, an image transmission fiber bundle 34, and an optical fiber sensor 35. The outer tube 32 has a proximal end and a distal end. The operating handle 31 is fixedly located at the proximal end of the outer tube 32, and the probe 33 is fixedly connected to the distal end of the outer tube 32. A plug 311 is provided at the end of the operating handle 31 away from the outer tube 32. The image transmission fiber bundle 34 and the optical fiber sensor 35 are both located inside the outer tube 32. One end of the image transmission fiber bundle 34 and the optical fiber sensor 35 is fixedly connected to or fixedly abuts against the probe 33, and the other end of the image transmission fiber bundle 34 and the optical fiber sensor 35 is integrated into the operating handle 31.

[0033] When using a confocal probe catheter, the real-time image detected by the probe 33 is transmitted through the image transmission fiber bundle 34, and changes in the external environment are detected by the fiber optic sensor 35, thereby detecting the path of the fiber optic sensor 35. Specifically, before performing an endoscopy 1, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), ultrasound, or other diagnostic imaging methods are first used to locate suspicious lesions with or without the aid of computer algorithms. Then, the path to the area and orientation to be examined is simulated using the image data, and the optimal route is output through simulation.

[0034] After inserting the confocal probe catheter 3, the physician acquires the detection data from the fiber optic sensor 35 to determine its path. By comparing this path with the simulated path, the physician understands how the confocal probe catheter 3 should move, reducing surgical difficulty and facilitating insertion of the catheter to the lesion. This also minimizes the risk of incorrect insertion of the confocal probe 33 during surgery. After the confocal probe catheter 3 is inserted into the lesion, the physician acquires the image information from the probe 33 transmitted via the image transmission fiber bundle 34 for observation of the lesion.

[0035] In this embodiment, the image transmission fiber bundle 34 and the fiber optic sensor 35 are arranged side by side within the outer sheath 32. In other embodiments, the fiber optic sensor 35 is embedded within the image transmission fiber bundle 34.

[0036] Example 2:

[0037] This embodiment also discloses an imaging system, referring to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 It includes a display 2, an imaging module 4 and a confocal probe conduit 3, which is the confocal probe conduit 3 disclosed in Example 1.

[0038] The display 2 is electrically connected to the imaging module 4. The confocal probe catheter 3 is fixed to the imaging module 4 via a plug 311 and is optically connected to the imaging module 4. The image detected by the probe 33 is transmitted to the imaging module 4 through the image transmission fiber bundle 34. The imaging module 4 converts the image into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to the display 2, thereby displaying the image detected by the probe 33 on the display 2. The fiber optic sensor 35 detects changes in the external environment, causing changes in the parameters of the transmitted light wave inside the fiber optic cable, and transmits the light signal to the imaging module 4. The imaging module 4 converts the light signal into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to the display 2, thereby displaying the path of the fiber optic sensor 35 on the display 2. The physician compares the path of the fiber optic sensor 35 with the simulated path, which facilitates the physician's control of the movement of the confocal probe catheter 3 and reduces the possibility of the confocal probe catheter 3 being inserted into the wrong branch.

[0039] Furthermore, the display 2 has a confocal image display window 21 and a fiber optic sensor route display window 22. The confocal image display window 21 is used to display the image detected by the probe 33, and the fiber optic sensor route display window 22 is used to display the route of the fiber optic sensor 35. By setting the confocal image display window 21 and the fiber optic sensor route display window 22, the confocal image and the route of the fiber optic sensor 35 can be displayed on the display 2 simultaneously, which facilitates the surgeon's operation.

[0040] Specifically, the imaging module 4 includes a confocal imaging unit 41, which mainly consists of a laser, a beam expander group, a dichroic mirror, a two-dimensional scanning mechanism, a relay mirror group, a pinhole lens, and a photodetector. Since the confocal imaging unit 41 is existing technology, it will not be described in detail here. The confocal imaging unit 41 is used to transmit optical signals to the image transmission fiber bundle 34 and convert the optical signals transmitted back from the image transmission fiber bundle 34 into electrical signals for transmission to the display 2, thereby displaying the image detected by the probe 33 on the display 2.

[0041] Imaging module 4 also includes an optical frequency domain reflection unit 42. The optical frequency domain reflection unit 42 mainly consists of a light source, interferometer, polarization controller, polarization beam splitter, photodetector, and acquisition card. Since the optical frequency domain reflection unit 42 is existing technology, it will not be described in detail here. The optical frequency domain reflection unit 42 is used to transmit optical signals to the fiber optic sensor 35 and convert the optical signals transmitted back from the fiber optic sensor 35 into electrical signals for transmission to the display 2, thereby displaying the path of the fiber optic sensor 35 on the display 2.

[0042] Furthermore, the imaging module 4 also includes a beam splitter 43 and a first coupling objective 44. The first coupling objective 44 is positioned in the beam combining direction of the beam splitter 43 and forms an optical path connection with the image transmission fiber bundle 34 and fiber optic sensor 35 of the confocal probe guide 3. The optical frequency domain reflection unit 42 is positioned in the reflection direction of the beam splitter 43, and the confocal image unit 41 is positioned in the transmission direction of the beam splitter 43. The optical signal emitted by the confocal image unit 41 and the optical signal emitted by the optical frequency domain reflection unit 42 are combined by the beam splitter 43 and finally transmitted to the first coupling objective 44. The first coupling objective 44 then transmits the signal to the image transmission fiber bundle 34 and fiber optic sensor 35. By setting the beam splitter 43 and the first coupling objective 44, the confocal image unit 41 and the optical frequency domain reflection unit 42 share a single first coupling objective 44, reducing the number of first coupling objectives 44 required.

[0043] Specifically, the working laser band of the confocal imaging unit 41 is set between 400nm and 600nm. In this embodiment, the working laser band of the confocal imaging unit 41 is set at 500nm. The working laser band of the optical frequency domain reflection unit 42 is set between 700um and 900um. In this embodiment, the working laser band of the optical frequency domain reflection unit 42 is set at 800um. By using different working laser bands for the confocal imaging unit 41 and the optical frequency domain reflection unit 42, it is ensured that the confocal imaging unit 41 and the optical frequency domain reflection unit 42 operate independently.

[0044] Example 3:

[0045] This embodiment 3 has a structure that is largely the same as that of embodiment 2, except that the beam splitter 43 and the first coupling objective 44 are replaced by lens 45, mirror 46 and second coupling objective 47.

[0046] Reference Figure 4The imaging module 4 also includes a lens 45, a reflector 46, and a second coupling objective 47. The second coupling objective 47 is positioned in the beam-combining direction of the lens 45 and the reflector 46, and forms an optical path connection with the image transmission fiber bundle 34 and the fiber optic sensor 35 of the confocal probe guide 3. The confocal imaging unit 41 is positioned in the transmission direction of the lens 45, and the optical frequency domain reflection unit 42 is positioned in the reflection direction of the reflector 46. By setting the lens 45 and the reflector 46, the optical signals transmitted by the confocal imaging unit 41 and the optical frequency domain reflection unit 42 are combined and transmitted to the second coupling objective 47. The second coupling objective 47 then transmits the signals to the image transmission fiber bundle 34 and the fiber optic sensor 35. By setting the lens 45, the reflector 46, and the second coupling objective 47, the confocal imaging unit 41 and the optical frequency domain reflection unit 42 share a single first coupling objective 44, reducing the number of first coupling objectives 44 required.

[0047] Reference Figure 5 When using the imaging system 4, the endoscope 1 is first inserted into the human body along the natural cavities of the body, and then the confocal probe catheter 3 is inserted into the working channel of the endoscope 1. The endoscope 1 is inserted into the human body through the working channel of the endoscope 1. At this time, the display screen shows the image detected by the confocal probe catheter 3 and the path of the confocal probe catheter 3. The physician inserts the probe 33 into the lesion by operating the confocal probe catheter 3 to examine the lesion.

[0048] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Identical components are represented by the same reference numerals. Therefore, all equivalent changes made to the structure, shape, and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A confocal probe catheter with fiber optic sensing, characterized in that: include: The outer sheath (32) has a proximal end and a distal end; The operating handle (31) has one end located near the outer sleeve (32) and the other end is provided with a plug (311); The probe (33) is fixedly connected to the distal end of the outer sleeve (32); An image transmission fiber bundle (34) is disposed inside the outer tube (32) and one end is connected to the probe (33). The image transmission fiber bundle (34) is used to transmit optical signals bidirectionally with the confocal imaging unit (41). An optical fiber sensor (35) is disposed inside the outer tube (32) and one end is connected to the probe (33). The optical fiber sensor (35) is used to transmit optical signals bidirectionally with the optical frequency domain reflection unit (42).

2. The confocal probe guide with fiber optic sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The image transmission fiber bundle (34) and the fiber optic sensor (35) are arranged side by side inside the outer tube (32).

3. The confocal probe guide with fiber optic sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fiber optic sensor (35) is embedded in the image transmission fiber bundle (34).

4. An imaging system, characterized in that: include: Display (2) is used to display the real-time images collected by the probe (33) and the route of the fiber optic sensor (35); The imaging module (4) includes a confocal imaging unit (41) and an optical frequency domain reflection unit (42). The confocal imaging unit (41) is used to transmit optical signals to the image transmission fiber bundle (34) and convert the optical signals transmitted back by the image transmission fiber bundle (34) into electrical signals for transmission to the display (2). The optical frequency domain reflection unit (42) is used to transmit optical signals to the fiber optic sensor (35) and convert the optical signals transmitted back by the fiber optic sensor (35) into electrical signals for transmission to the display (2). A confocal probe conduit (3), wherein the confocal probe conduit (3) is the confocal probe conduit (3) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the confocal probe conduit (3) is fixed to the imaging module (4) via the plug (311) and is optically connected to the imaging module (4).

5. An imaging system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The imaging module (4) further includes a beam splitter (43) and a first coupling objective (44). The first coupling objective (44) is disposed in the beam combining direction of the beam splitter (43) and forms an optical path connection with the image transmission fiber bundle (34) of the confocal probe guide (3) and the fiber optic sensor (35). The optical frequency domain reflection unit (42) is disposed in the reflection direction of the beam splitter (43), and the confocal imaging unit (41) is disposed in the transmission direction of the beam splitter (43).

6. An imaging system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The imaging module (4) further includes a lens (45), a mirror (46), and a second coupling objective (47). The second coupling objective (47) is disposed in the beam-combining direction of the lens (45) and the mirror (46) and forms an optical path connection with the image transmission fiber bundle (34) of the confocal probe guide (3) and the fiber optic sensor (35). The confocal imaging unit (41) is disposed in the transmission direction of the lens (45), and the optical frequency domain reflection unit (42) is disposed in the reflection direction of the mirror (46).

7. An imaging system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The working laser band of the confocal imaging unit (41) is set between 400nm and 600nm, and the working laser band of the optical frequency domain reflection unit (42) is set between 700um and 900um.

8. An imaging system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The display (2) has a confocal image display window (21) and a fiber optic sensor route display window (22).

Images