Ultrasound-photoacoustic composite laparoscope and ultrasound-photoacoustic imaging system

Abstract

The utility model provides an ultrasonic-photoacoustic composite laparoscope and an ultrasonic-photoacoustic imaging system. The ultrasonic-opto-acoustic composite laparoscope comprises a head end portion, the head end portion comprises a probe shell, an acoustic window and an optical window, the probe shell, the acoustic window and the optical window define a containing cavity, an ultrasonic transducer is arranged in the containing cavity, the optical window is connected between the acoustic window and the probe shell in a sealed mode, the optical window is provided with an optical emergent face, and the acoustic window is provided with an acoustic emergent face. The light emitting surface and the sound emitting surface are located on the same first cambered surface, or the light emitting surface forms a second cambered surface, the sound emitting surface forms a third cambered surface, and the second cambered surface is internally tangent to the third cambered surface. According to the ultrasonic-opto-acoustic composite laparoscope, on one hand, thorough decontamination is facilitated, meanwhile, the structure of the head end part can be more compact, and the whole laparoscope can have a smaller size; and on the other hand, the appearance is smooth, an operator does not need to change the operation habit during use, and the operator can use conveniently.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to medical equipment technical field, specifically, relate to a kind of ultrasonic-optical acoustic composite laparoscope and ultrasonic-optical acoustic imaging system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Compared with traditional open operation, laparoscopic surgery has the advantages of small wound, less blood loss and rapid recovery, and has been widely used in surgical treatment.

[0003] In the existing laparoscopic surgery, in order to achieve better imaging effect, the ultrasonic probe and the optical acoustic excitation device are assembled and combined to integrate the ultrasonic imaging function and the optical acoustic imaging function. However, the assembly and combination of the ultrasonic probe and the optical acoustic excitation device result in a large overall size of the laparoscope, and the outer surface of the laparoscope is uneven, which is not conducive to use during surgical treatment and postoperative decontamination. UTILITY MODEL CONTENT

[0004] In order to at least partially solve the problems existing in the prior art, according to one aspect of the utility model, an ultrasonic-optical acoustic composite laparoscope is provided.

[0005] The ultrasonic-optical acoustic composite laparoscope comprises a head end, the head end comprises a probe shell, an acoustic window and a light window, the probe shell, the acoustic window and the light window enclose a containing cavity, an ultrasonic transducer is arranged in the containing cavity, the light window is sealingly connected between the acoustic window and the probe shell, the light window has a light exit surface, the acoustic window has an acoustic exit surface, wherein the light exit surface and the acoustic exit surface are on the same first arc surface, or the light exit surface forms a second arc surface, the acoustic exit surface forms a third arc surface, and the second arc surface is inscribed in the third arc surface.

[0006] The ultrasonic-optical acoustic composite laparoscope provided by the utility model has the following advantages: on the one hand, the light window is sealingly connected between the acoustic window and the probe shell, which ensures the sealing of the head end, protects the internal structure, facilitates thorough decontamination, and makes the structure of the head end more compact, the overall size smaller, and the assembly simpler, so that the laparoscope is more suitable for laparoscopic surgery; on the other hand, the light exit surface and the acoustic exit surface are both smooth arc surfaces, and the light exit surface is on the same arc surface as the acoustic exit surface or is inscribed in the third arc surface formed by the acoustic exit surface, so that the head end has a smooth appearance, the head end is similar to the head end of a conventional ultrasonic laparoscope in appearance, can be upgraded based on the conventional ultrasonic laparoscope probe, and the operator can use it without changing the operation habit, and the problem of uneven outer surface of the head end is avoided, which facilitates the insertion or withdrawal of the ultrasonic-optical acoustic composite laparoscope into the body cavity of the observed object, and thus facilitates the use of the operator.

[0007] Exemplarily, the probe shell has a shell outer surface close to the sound emission surface, the shell outer surface is on the first arc surface; or the shell outer surface forms the fourth arc surface, the fourth arc surface is inscribed in the second arc surface.

[0008] Exemplarily, the sound window comprises a window body and two side bodies, the two side bodies are respectively formed on two sides of the window body to at least surround a part of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0009] Exemplarily, the window body has a first inner side surface opposite to the sound emission surface, the side body has a second inner side surface away from the probe shell, the ultrasonic transducer has a first mounting surface and two second mounting surfaces, the first mounting surface and the two second mounting surfaces are respectively fitted with the first inner side surface and the second inner side surface of the two side bodies.

[0010] Exemplarily, the side body has an outer side surface opposite to the second inner side surface, an installation cavity is formed between the outer side surface and the probe shell, the ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope further comprises a light guide member, at least part of the light guide member extends into the installation cavity, and a distal end of the light guide member is aligned with the light window, and a proximal end of the light guide member is connected to the optoacoustic excitation light source.

[0011] Exemplarily, a light window structure member is arranged in the installation cavity, a first side of the light window structure member is fitted with the outer side surface, a second side adjacent to the first side of the light window structure member is connected to the light window, and a distal end of the light guide member passes through the light window structure member and is aligned with the light window.

[0012] Exemplarily, the light window comprises a first light window and a second light window, the first light window and the second light window are respectively connected to the two sides of the sound window, and the first light window and the second light window are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis of the sound window.

[0013] Exemplarily, the light guide member comprises an optical fiber bundle, the optical fiber bundle is bifurcated into a first optical fiber bundle segment and a second optical fiber bundle segment in the installation cavity, a light window structure member is arranged in the installation cavity, the light window structure member comprises a first structure member connected to the first light window and a second structure member connected to the second light window, a distal end of the first optical fiber bundle segment passes through the first structure member and is aligned with the first light window, and a distal end of the second optical fiber bundle segment passes through the second structure member and is aligned with the second light window.

[0014] Exemplarily, the first light window and the second light window are configured to refract the optoacoustic excitation light conducted by the first optical fiber bundle segment and the optoacoustic excitation light conducted by the second optical fiber bundle segment towards the central axis of the sound window, respectively.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present application, an ultrasonic-optoacoustic imaging system is provided. The ultrasonic-optoacoustic imaging system comprises any one of the ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscopes as described above.

[0016] This utility model description introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This utility model description is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0017] The advantages and features of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this invention, are provided for understanding the invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings,

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an ultrasound-photoacoustic imaging system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an ultrasound-photoacoustic composite laparoscope according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a partial magnified view of an ultrasound-photoacoustic composite laparoscopy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial side view of the ultrasound-photoacoustic combined laparoscopy system shown;

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The exploded view of a portion of the ultrasound-photoacoustic combined laparoscopy is shown.

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 3 The sectional view shown is a combination of ultrasound and photoacoustic laparoscopy; and

[0025] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of a light guide according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0027] 100, ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope; 101, head end; 102, insertion end; 103, operation end; 104, light guide; 105, light guide interface; 106, ultrasonic connector; 107, puncture groove; 110, ultrasonic probe; 111, acoustic window; 1111, acoustic exit surface; 1112, window body; 1112a, first inner side surface; 1113, side body; 1113a, second inner side surface; 1113b, outer side surface; 112, light window; 1121, first light window; 11211, first inclined surface; 1122, second light window; 11221, second inclined surface; 1123, light exit surface; 113, probe shell; 1131, shell outer surface; 114, ultrasonic transducer; 115, light window structure; 1151, first side; 1152, second side; 1153, first structure; 11531, first through hole; 1154, second structure; 11541, second through hole; 120, optical fiber bundle; 121, first optical fiber bundle segment; 1211, first sub optical fiber; 12111, first fixing member; 122, second optical fiber bundle segment; 1221, second sub optical fiber; 12211, second fixing member; 200, ultrasonic-optoacoustic main machine; 300, optoacoustic excitation light source; 400, cable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following description, numerous specific details are provided in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. One of ordinary skill in the art will realize, however, that the application can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present application.

[0029] According to an aspect of the present application, there is provided an ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope, which can have rich imaging modes, can support ultrasonic imaging mode, optoacoustic imaging mode and ultrasonic-optoacoustic fusion imaging mode, and is helpful to improve the accuracy of disease diagnosis. The ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope can be applicable to any suitable imaging system, including but not limited to ultrasonic-optoacoustic imaging system. Therefore, according to another aspect of the present application, there is provided an ultrasonic-optoacoustic imaging system.

[0030] For the convenience of description, the distal end mentioned below refers to the end of the ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope closer to the observed object when the operator uses the ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope; the proximal end mentioned below refers to the end of the ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope closer to the operator when the operator uses the ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope.

[0031] Reference is made to Figure 1, the ultrasonic-optoacoustic imaging system can include the ultrasonic-optoacoustic host 200, the optoacoustic excitation light source 300 and any one of the ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscopes 100 to be introduced below. The optoacoustic excitation light source 300 can be connected to the ultrasonic-optoacoustic host 200 through the cable 400. The ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope 100 can be connected to the ultrasonic-optoacoustic host 200 through the ultrasonic connector 106, and the ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope 100 can be connected to the optoacoustic excitation light source 300 through the light guide interface 105. Since the ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope 100 can not need to realize optical imaging by itself when in use, the light guide interface 105 can be in the form of a single interface that only transmits optoacoustic excitation light. The optoacoustic excitation light source 300 can emit optoacoustic excitation light, and the optoacoustic excitation light source 300 can be a pulsed laser light source, or can be a pulsed modulated light-emitting diode (LED) or laser diode (LD) or other suitable forms.

[0032] Referring to Figure 2 , the ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope 100 can include a head end 101, an insertion portion 102 and an operation portion 103. The insertion portion 102 can be connected between the head end 101 and the operation portion 103, a part of the insertion portion 102 and the head end 101 can be inserted into the body of the object to be observed, and the distal end of the insertion portion 102 can be connected to the proximal end of the head end 101 by welding, bonding or other suitable forms. The connection between the insertion portion 102 and the head end 101 should be sealed and waterproof. The operation portion 103 can be provided with intelligent keys, and by controlling the operation portion 103, signals can be sent to the ultrasonic-optoacoustic host 200, and then the start of the optoacoustic excitation light source 300 can be controlled.

[0033] Referring to Figure 3The head end 101 can include an ultrasonic probe 110. The head end 101 can be provided with a puncture groove 107 which can guide the puncture trajectory of the puncture needle. The number and position of the puncture groove 107 can be arbitrary. For example, the distal end of the head end 101 can be provided with a puncture groove 107, and the proximal end of the head end 101 can also be provided with a puncture groove 107. An indication light window (not shown in the figure) can be provided near the puncture groove 107. The indication light window can emit an indication laser which irradiates outward in the observed object, for example, on the abdominal wall, and can prompt the insertion position of the puncture needle. The indication light window can be various suitable forms such as an internal LD. The ultrasonic probe 110 can include a probe shell 113, an acoustic window 111 and a light window 112. The acoustic window 111, the light window 112 and the probe shell 113 can be connected to each other to form the shell part of the ultrasonic probe 110. The acoustic window 111 and the light window 112 can be the parts of the ultrasonic probe 110 facing the to-be-observed area. The acoustic window 111 can be in the form of an acoustic lens or other various acoustic elements which can converge or diverge acoustic waves. The acoustic window 111 can be made of transparent silicone material. The acoustic window 111 can be integrally processed with the light window 112, or can be separately processed and then connected together by welding, clamping, threaded connection or other various suitable forms. The light window 112 can be connected between the acoustic window 111 and the probe shell 113. The probe shell 113 can be arc-shaped, so that one end of the probe shell 113 can be connected to the light window 112, the other end can be connected to the acoustic window 111, and the light window 112 is connected to the acoustic window 111. At this time, the acoustic window 111, the light window 112 and the probe shell 113 can be sequentially arranged and connected along the circumference of the head end 101.

[0034] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the light window 112 can include a first light window 1121 and a second light window 1122. The first light window 1121 and the second light window 1122 can be connected to the two sides of the acoustic window 111 respectively, and the first light window 1121 and the second light window 1122 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis (i.e. M-M in Figure 6 ) of the acoustic window 111. At this time, the first light window 1121, the acoustic window 111, the second light window 1122 and the probe shell 113 can be sequentially arranged and connected along the circumference of the head end 101, which will be described in detail below. The acoustic window 111, the light window 112 and the probe shell 113 can enclose a receiving cavity. The receiving cavity can be provided with an ultrasonic transducer 114. The ultrasonic transducer 114 can be directed towards the acoustic window 111. The ultrasonic transducer 114 can emit and receive ultrasonic signals.

[0035] The ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope 100 can emit optoacoustic excitation light and irradiate onto the biological tissue. The biological tissue absorbs the light energy to produce thermal expansion, releases energy in the pulse gap of the optoacoustic excitation light to produce shrinkage, and generates high-frequency ultrasonic waves in the process of thermal expansion and shrinkage. The ultrasonic transducer 114 can receive the ultrasonic waves generated by the biological tissue under the action of the optoacoustic excitation light, and the generated ultrasonic signals are transmitted to the ultrasonic-optoacoustic host 200 to realize optoacoustic imaging. In addition, the ultrasonic-optoacoustic host 200 can generate ultrasonic pulse signals, which can be transmitted to the ultrasonic transducer 114 through the ultrasonic connector 106, and then the ultrasonic transducer 114 can generate ultrasonic waves. After the ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the biological tissue, ultrasonic echoes will be generated. The ultrasonic transducer 114 receives the ultrasonic echoes and transmits signals to the ultrasonic-optoacoustic host 200, thereby realizing ultrasonic imaging. On this basis, the emission timing of the optoacoustic excitation light and the ultrasonic pulse signal is controlled, so that the ultrasonic imaging and the optoacoustic imaging are alternately performed according to the preset time interval. The ultrasonic-optoacoustic fusion imaging can be realized. The time interval here is preferably 1-100 μs. Such a time interval cannot be detected by the human eye and will not exist motion artifacts. In vision, it can be considered that ultrasonic imaging and optoacoustic imaging are simultaneous imaging. Such an ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope 100 uses optoacoustic imaging to supplement ultrasonic imaging, so that the overall imaging effect is better, and high-resolution, high-contrast, and high-sensitivity structural imaging and functional imaging of biological tissue with a larger depth can be realized.

[0036] The light window 112 can be sealingly connected between the sound window 111 and the probe shell 113. The light window 112 can have a light exit surface 1123. The sound window 111 can have a sound exit surface 1111. The light exit surface 1123 and the sound exit surface 1111 can be on the same first arc surface, or the light exit surface 1123 can form a second arc surface, and the sound exit surface 1111 can form a third arc surface. The second arc surface can be inscribed in the third arc surface.

[0037] The ultrasonic-light acoustic composite laparoscope 100 provided by the utility model, on one hand, connects the light window 112 between the sound window 111 and the probe shell 113 in a sealed manner, guarantees the sealing property of the head end part 101, protects the internal structure, facilitates thorough decontamination, simultaneously makes the structure of the head end part 101 more compact, the whole can have a smaller size, and assembly is simple, thereby being more suitable for application in laparoscopic surgery; on the other hand, the light emitting surface 1123 and the sound emitting surface 1111 are both structured as smooth arc surfaces, the two are on the same arc surface or the light emitting surface 1123 forms a second arc surface that is inscribed in the third arc surface formed by the sound emitting surface 1111, so that the head end part 101 is smooth in appearance, guarantees that the head end part 101 is similar to the head end part of a conventional ultrasonic laparoscope in appearance, can be upgraded on the basis of a conventional ultrasonic laparoscopic probe, so that the operator can not need to change the operation habit when using, and the problem of unevenness of the external surface of the head end part 101 is avoided, which is favorable for the ultrasonic-light acoustic composite laparoscope 100 to be inserted into or withdrawn from the body cavity of the observed object, thereby facilitating the operator to use.

[0038] In an embodiment of the utility model, the light window 112 and the sound window 111 can be connected in a sealed manner by gluing, welding or other forms, similarly, the light window 112 and the probe shell 113 can be connected in a sealed manner by gluing, welding or other forms. The light window 112 and the sound window 111 can be directly connected, or indirectly connected together by setting a connecting piece or other suitable form inside, for example, see Figure 5 , the mounting cavity in the following can be provided with a light window structural piece 115, the light window 112 and the sound window 111 can be connected to the light window structural piece 115, at this time, through reasonable size design, the light window 112 can be tightly attached to the sound window 111, or on this basis, the light window 112 can be attached to the sound window 111, so that the sealing property of the whole can be further improved. Similarly, the light window 112 and the probe shell 113 can be directly connected, or indirectly connected together by setting a connecting piece or other suitable form inside. The waterproof sealing property of the head end part 101 in such ultrasonic-light acoustic composite laparoscope 100 is better, so that the head end part 101 as a whole can be cleaned, disinfected and sterilized, the decontamination process of the whole device is simpler and more convenient, and the reuse of the whole device is also more favorable. For the sealed attachment of the light window 112 and the sound window 111, and the sealed attachment of the light window 112 and the probe shell 113, the whole joint can be smaller, further making the internal structure of the head end part 101 more compact, and the size can be smaller.

[0039] In an embodiment of the utility model, see Figure 5 and Figure 6The probe shell 113 can have a shell outer surface 1131 close to the acoustic exit surface 1111. The shell outer surface 1131 can be on the first arc surface; or the shell outer surface 1131 can form a fourth arc surface which is inscribed in the second arc surface. The light exit surface 1123 and the shell outer surface 1131 are both configured as smooth arc surfaces, and are on the same arc surface or the fourth arc surface formed by the shell outer surface 1131 is inscribed in the second arc surface formed by the light exit surface 1123, so that the head end portion 101 has a smooth appearance, and the head end portion 101 is similar to the head end portion 101 of a conventional ultrasonic laparoscope in appearance, and is upgraded on the basis of a conventional ultrasonic laparoscope probe. The operator can not need to change the operation habit when using, and the problem of unevenness of the outer surface of the head end portion 101 is avoided, which is beneficial to the insertion or withdrawal of the ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope 100 into or out of the body cavity of the observed object, thereby facilitating the use of the operator.

[0040] As shown in the embodiment shown in Figure 6 , the acoustic exit surface 1111, the light exit surface 1123 and the shell outer surface 1131 can be on the same first arc surface.

[0041] In an embodiment not shown, the acoustic exit surface 1111 and the light exit surface 1123 can be on the same first arc surface, and the shell outer surface 1131 can form a fourth arc surface which is inscribed in the first arc surface.

[0042] In an embodiment not shown, the shell outer surface 1131 and the light exit surface 1123 can be on the same first arc surface, and the acoustic exit surface 1111 can form a third arc surface which is inscribed in the first arc surface.

[0043] In an embodiment not shown, the light exit surface 1123 can form a second arc surface, the acoustic exit surface 1111 can form a third arc surface, and the shell outer surface 1131 can form a fourth arc surface which is inscribed in the second arc surface and the third arc surface.

[0044] It can be understood that the relationship between the acoustic exit surface 1111, the light exit surface 1123 and the shell outer surface 1131 can ensure that the head end portion 101 has a smooth appearance, so as to avoid the problem of unevenness of the outer surface of the head end portion 101. The acoustic exit surface 1111, the light exit surface 1123 and the shell outer surface 1131 can also form other surfaces or have other relationships therebetween.

[0045] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6The sound window 111 can include a window body 1112 and two side bodies 1113. The two side bodies 1113 can be formed on two sides of the window body 1112 respectively to at least enclose a part of the ultrasonic transducer 114. In this way, the structure of the internal acoustic part is fixed first during assembly, and then the structure of the external optical part and the probe shell 113 are fixed, so that the assembly of the head end part 101 is simple. The side bodies 1113 can be integrally formed with the window body 1112, or can be formed separately from the window body 1112 and then connected together by bonding, clamping, screwing or other suitable forms. Further, the window body 1112 and the two side bodies 1113 can be made of the same material or different materials.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present application, the window body 1112 can have a first inner side surface 1112a opposite the sound exit surface 1111. The side body 1113 can have a second inner side surface 1113a away from the probe shell 113. The ultrasonic transducer 114 can have a first mounting surface and two second mounting surfaces (not labeled in the figure). The first mounting surface and the two second mounting surfaces can respectively conform to the first inner side surface 1112a and the second inner side surface 1113a of the two side bodies 1113. In this way, the assembly is simple and the ultrasonic transducer 114 can be effectively fixed and mounted. The first mounting surface and the two second mounting surfaces can conform to the first inner side surface 1112a and the second inner side surface 1113a of the two side bodies 1113 respectively by reasonable size design (such as interference fit, etc.), so that the head end part 101 can be compact. Alternatively, on this basis, the first mounting surface and the two second mounting surfaces can be bonded to the first inner side surface 1112a and the second inner side surface 1113a of the two side bodies 1113 respectively, further ensuring the firmness of the mounting.

[0047] The side body 1113 can have an outer side surface 1113b opposite the second inner side surface 1113a. The outer side surface 1113b can form a mounting cavity with the probe shell 113. The ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope 100 can further include a light guide 104. At least part of the light guide 104 can extend into the mounting cavity, and the distal end of the light guide 104 can be aligned with the light window 112. The proximal end of the light guide 104 can be connected to the optoacoustic excitation light source 300. For a better understanding, see Figure 7The part of the light guide 104 extending into the mounting cavity can be a fiber bundle 120 or any other suitable form. In an embodiment of the present application, the proximal end of the light guide 104 can be connected to the photoacoustic excitation light source 300 through the light guide interface 105, and the light guide interface 105 can be sealingly connected to the photoacoustic excitation light source 300 through reasonable design, so that the proximal end of the light guide 104 can be sealingly connected to the photoacoustic excitation light source 300. The photoacoustic excitation light emitted by the photoacoustic excitation light source 300 can be transmitted to the light guide 104 through the light guide interface 105, and then transmitted to the light window 112 through the light guide 104, so that the head end 101 can emit photoacoustic excitation light at the light window 112. Since the light guide 104 is located inside the ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope 100, at least part of the light guide 104 can extend into the mounting cavity, so that on the basis that the proximal end of the light guide 104 can be sealingly connected to the photoacoustic excitation light source 300, the entire path of the photoacoustic excitation light from the photoacoustic excitation light source 300 to the light window 112 can be sealed. Such an ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope 100 can be used for direct cleaning, disinfection and low-temperature plasma sterilization, so that such an ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope 100 is more suitable for repeated use.

[0048] Such an ultrasonic-optoacoustic composite laparoscope 100, since the light window 112 is arranged between the sound window 111 and the probe shell 113, and the distal end of the light guide 104 extends into the mounting cavity, which is equivalent to that the ultrasonic probe 110 can be connected to the photoacoustic excitation light source 300 through the light guide 104. Such an ultrasonic probe 110 can realize ultrasonic imaging, photoacoustic imaging and ultrasonic-optoacoustic imaging, and the components for realizing photoacoustic imaging and ultrasonic-optoacoustic imaging are arranged in the ultrasonic probe 110. Compared with the form that the photoacoustic excitation assembly is connected outside the ultrasonic probe 110, the overall structure of such a head end 101 can be more compact, the space utilization is improved, and the overall size can be smaller, which is more convenient for surgical operation.

[0049] In an embodiment of the present application, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6A light window structure 115 can be installed inside the mounting cavity. The first side 1151 of the light window structure 115 can be fitted to the outer side 1113b. The second side 1152 of the light window structure 115, adjacent to the first side 1151, can be connected to the light window 112. The distal end of the light guide 104 can pass through the light window structure 115 and be aligned with the light window 112. The first side 1151 and the second side 1152 of the light window structure 115 can be two adjacent sides along the circumferential direction of the head end 101. The light window 112 is connected to the acoustic window 111 through the light window structure 115. The connection area between the light window 112 and the light window structure 115, plus the connection area between the acoustic window 111 and the light window structure 115, is much larger than the connection area when the light window 112 is directly connected to the acoustic window 111. This makes the overall device more stable. Furthermore, the light window structure 115 connects the light window 112 and the sound window 111, and the light window 112 can also be sealed and bonded to the sound window 111. This further improves the overall sealing and waterproof performance of the device, and makes the cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of the entire device simpler and more convenient. The light window structure 115 can also position and fix the distal end of the light guide 104.

[0050] In one embodiment of this utility model, the light window 112 may include a first light window 1121 and a second light window 1122. The first light window 1121 and the second light window 1122 may be respectively connected to the two sides of the sound window 111, and the first light window 1121 and the second light window 1122 are positioned relative to the central axis of the sound window 111 (i.e., Figure 6 The first light window 1121, the acoustic window 111, the second light window 1122, and the probe housing 113 are symmetrically arranged. In this case, the first light window 1121, the acoustic window 111, the second light window 1122, and the probe housing 113 can be sequentially connected along the circumference of the head end 101. The first light window 1121 and the second light window 1122 are positioned relative to the central axis of the acoustic window 111 (i.e.,...). Figure 6 The symmetrical arrangement of the MM (Multi-Dimensional) light in the optical window 1121 and the second optical window 1122 facilitates operator control and improves the photoacoustic imaging effect. Furthermore, the first optical window 1121 and the second optical window 1122 can respectively guide the refraction of the photoacoustic excitation light, thereby changing the emission path of the photoacoustic excitation light beam to form better photoacoustic excitation light fields. Thus, through different combinations of the first optical window 1121 and the second optical window 1122, the divergence angle, emission angle, and illumination area of ​​the photoacoustic excitation light emitted from the optical window 112 can be designed as needed, thereby improving the sensitivity of photoacoustic imaging and expanding the imaging area as required.

[0051] Exemplarily, the light guide 104 can include a fiber bundle 120, which can be bifurcated into a first fiber bundle segment 121 and a second fiber bundle segment 122 in the mounting cavity, and the mounting cavity can be provided with a light window structure 115, which can include a first structure 1153 connected to the first light window 1121 and a second structure 1154 connected to the second light window 1122, and the distal end of the first fiber bundle segment 121 can pass through the first structure 1153 and can be aligned with the first light window 1121, and the distal end of the second fiber bundle segment 122 can pass through the second structure 1154 and can be aligned with the second light window 1122. The first structure 1153 can form a positioning and fixing effect on the distal end of the first fiber bundle segment 121, and the second structure 1154 can form a positioning and fixing effect on the distal end of the second fiber bundle segment 122, so that the overall structure can be more stable. The distal end of the first fiber bundle segment 121 is stably aligned with the first light window 1121, and the distal end of the second fiber bundle segment 122 is stably aligned with the second light window 1122, so that the photoacoustic excitation light emitted by the ultrasonic-photoacoustic composite laparoscope 100 can be more stable, thereby stably imaging the predetermined observation area.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present application, referring to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the first light window 1121 and the second light window 1122 can be configured to refract the photoacoustic excitation light conducted by the first fiber bundle segment 121 and the photoacoustic excitation light conducted by the second fiber bundle segment 122, respectively, towards the central axis of the sound window 111 (i.e. M-M in Figure 6 ). Exemplarily, the inner surface of the first light window 1121 can have a first inclined surface 11211, which can be inclined towards the proximal end along the direction close to the ultrasonic transducer 114, and the distal end of the first fiber bundle segment 121 can be aligned with the first inclined surface 11211. Exemplarily, the inner surface of the second light window 1122 can have a second inclined surface 11221, which can be inclined towards the proximal end along the direction close to the ultrasonic transducer 114, and the distal end of the second fiber bundle segment 122 can be aligned with the second inclined surface 11221. In this way, the first light window 1121 and the second light window 1122 can refract the photoacoustic excitation light conducted by the first fiber bundle segment 121 and the second fiber bundle segment 122, respectively, towards the central axis of the sound window 111 (i.e. M-M in Figure 6 ). Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a photoacoustic excitation light field is shown, which has strong energy near the imaging plane of the ultrasonic transducer 114. In this way, the imaging effect of the ultrasonic-photoacoustic composite laparoscope 100 can be better. In addition to the first inclined surface 11211 and the second inclined surface 11221, there can be other various ways to make the first light window 1121 and the second light window 1122 refract the photoacoustic excitation light towards the central axis of the sound window 111 (i.e.Figure 6 The M-M) refraction, which will not be repeated here. Regardless of the way the first light window 1121 and the second light window 1122 are configured to refract the photoacoustic excitation light conducted by the first fiber bundle segment 121 and the second fiber bundle segment 122, respectively, towards the central axis of the acoustic window 111 (i.e. Figure 6 The M-M) refraction, which will not be repeated here. Regardless of the way the first light window 1121 and the second light window 1122 are configured to refract the photoacoustic excitation light conducted by the first fiber bundle segment 121 and the second fiber bundle segment 122, respectively, towards the central axis of the acoustic window 111 (i.e.

[0053] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 7 , the distal ends of the multiple first sub-fibers 1211 included in the first fiber bundle segment 121 can be separated from each other and form a first arc structure, and the distal ends of the multiple second sub-fibers 1221 included in the second fiber bundle segment 122 can be separated from each other and form a second arc structure. The distal ends of the multiple first sub-fibers 1211 can have the same shape or different shapes, and preferably, the distal ends of the multiple first sub-fibers 1211 can be in the form of multiple thin cylinders. After the distal ends of the multiple first sub-fibers 1211 are separated from each other, the angles formed between the distal ends of the multiple first sub-fibers 1211 can be uniformly distributed, and the positioning angle a of the outermost side of the first arc structure formed by the distal ends of the multiple first sub-fibers 1211 can be greater than or equal to the scanning angle of the ultrasonic transducer 114. The distal ends of the multiple second sub-fibers 1221 can be similar to the distal ends of the multiple first sub-fibers 1211, which will not be repeated here. It is worth noting that the first arc structure formed by the distal ends of the multiple first sub-fibers 1211 and the second arc structure formed by the distal ends of the multiple second sub-fibers 1221 can be the same or different, which will not be specifically limited here. The ultrasonic transducer 114 typically has a circular arc-shaped acoustic window 111, and the first light window 1121 and the second light window 1122 are both arc-shaped and adapted to the acoustic window 111. Such a design can realize that the photoacoustic excitation light and the ultrasonic detection sound path of the ultrasonic transducer 114 are coaxial.

[0054] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7The first structure 1153 can be provided with a plurality of first through holes 11531 corresponding to the distal ends of the plurality of first sub optical fibers 1211 one by one, the axes of the plurality of first through holes 11531 can pass through the center of the first arc-shaped structure, and the distal ends of the plurality of first sub optical fibers 1211 can be fixed in the corresponding first through holes 11531 respectively. The second structure 1154 can be provided with a plurality of second through holes 11541 corresponding to the distal ends of the plurality of second sub optical fibers 1221 one by one, the axes of the plurality of second through holes 11541 can pass through the center of the second arc-shaped structure, and the distal ends of the plurality of second sub optical fibers 1221 can be fixed in the corresponding second through holes 11541 respectively. The first through hole 11531 can match the shape of the distal end of the plurality of first sub optical fibers 1211, and the distal end of the plurality of first sub optical fibers 1211 can be fixedly connected with the plurality of first through holes 11531 in a form of gluing, and the distal end of each subdivided first sub optical fiber 1211 can correspond to a first through hole 11531. The second structure 1154 can be similar to the first structure 1153, and details are not repeated here. This fixing mode not only has a simple structure, but also can protect the distal ends of the plurality of first sub optical fibers 1211 and the distal ends of the plurality of second sub optical fibers 1221 from being changed in position due to external reasons such as collision, thereby improving the stability of the overall device.

[0055] Exemplarily, the distal ends of the plurality of first sub optical fibers 1211 can be respectively provided with first fixing members 12111, and the plurality of first fixing members 12111 can be fixed to the plurality of first through holes 11531 one by one. Exemplarily, the distal ends of the plurality of second sub optical fibers 1221 can be respectively provided with second fixing members 12211, and the plurality of second fixing members 12211 can be fixed to the plurality of second through holes 11541 one by one. Optionally, the first fixing member 12111 and the second fixing member 12211 can be formed by a fiber connector sleeve set on the optical fiber, and can serve as a support structure of the optical fiber. Optionally, the first fixing member 12111 and the second fixing member 12211 can also be hard segments formed by various curing methods. The distal ends of the plurality of first sub optical fibers 1211 are connected to the plurality of first through holes 11531 through the first fixing member 12111, which can not only effectively protect the distal ends of the plurality of first sub optical fibers 1211, but also facilitate fixing the distal end of the first fiber bundle segment 121 to the first structure 1153. The distal ends of the plurality of second sub optical fibers 1221 are connected to the plurality of second through holes 11541 through the second fixing member 12211, which can not only effectively protect the distal ends of the plurality of second sub optical fibers 1221, but also facilitate fixing the distal end of the second fiber bundle segment 122 to the second structure 1154.

[0056] According to another aspect of the present application, an ultrasonic-optical acoustic imaging system is provided. As shown in Figure 1As shown, the ultrasound-optoacoustic imaging system can include any of the ultrasound-optoacoustic compound laparoscopes 100 as described above. Since the ultrasound-optoacoustic compound laparoscopes 100 as described above have the beneficial effects as described above, the ultrasound-optoacoustic imaging system including the ultrasound-optoacoustic compound laparoscopes 100 as described above also has the beneficial effects as described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0057] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation words such as "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "transverse", "vertical", "perpendicular", "horizontal", and "top", "bottom" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and in the absence of contrary description, these orientation words do not indicate and imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the protection scope of the present application; the orientation words "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer of the contour of each component itself.

[0058] For the convenience of description, regional relative terms such as "on", "above", "upper surface", "upper" and the like can be used here to describe the regional positional relationship of one or more components or features shown in the drawings with other components or features. It should be understood that the regional relative terms not only include the orientation of the components described in the drawings, but also include different orientations in use or operation. For example, if the components in the drawings are inverted as a whole, the components "above" or "on" other components or features will include the case of "below" or "under" other components or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below" orientations. In addition, these components or features can also be positioned at other different angles (for example, rotated by 90 degrees or other angles), and all these cases are intended to be included herein.

[0059] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and it should also be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in the specification, there is a feature, step, operation, component, assembly and / or combination thereof.

[0060] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like in the description and claims of the present application and above drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily have to be used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0061] The present application has been described by the above embodiments, but it should be understood that the above embodiments are only for the purpose of example and illustration, and are not intended to limit the present application to the scope of the described embodiments. In addition, those skilled in the art can understand that the present application is not limited to the above embodiments, and more variations and modifications can be made according to the teachings of the present application, which are all within the scope of the present application. The scope of protection of the present application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalent scope.

Claims

1. An ultrasound-photoacoustic composite laparoscopy, comprising a head end, characterized in that, The head end includes a probe housing, an acoustic window, and an optical window. The probe housing, the acoustic window, and the optical window enclose a receiving cavity, and an ultrasonic transducer is disposed within the receiving cavity. The optical window is sealed between the acoustic window and the probe housing, and the optical window has a light emission surface and the acoustic window has a sound emission surface; Wherein, the light emitting surface and the sound emitting surface are on the same first arc surface; or, the light emitting surface forms a second arc surface and the sound emitting surface forms a third arc surface, with the second arc surface being tangent to the third arc surface.

2. The ultrasound-photoacoustic composite laparoscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The probe housing has an outer shell near the sound emission surface, and the outer shell is located on the first arc surface; or The outer surface of the shell forms a fourth arc surface, which is internally tangent to the second arc surface.

3. The ultrasound-photoacoustic composite laparoscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acoustic window includes a window body and two side bodies, with the two side bodies respectively formed on both sides of the window body to at least surround a portion of the ultrasonic transducer.

4. The ultrasound-photoacoustic composite laparoscopy according to claim 3, characterized in that, The window body has a first inner side surface opposite to the sound emission surface, the side body has a second inner side surface away from the probe housing, and the ultrasonic transducer has a first mounting surface and two second mounting surfaces, the first mounting surface and the two second mounting surfaces respectively fitting against the first inner side surface and the two second inner sides of the side body.

5. The ultrasound-photoacoustic composite laparoscopy according to claim 4, characterized in that, The side body has an outer side opposite to the second inner side, and an installation cavity is formed between the outer side and the probe housing. The ultrasound-photoacoustic composite laparoscopy also includes a light guide, at least a portion of which extends into the installation cavity, and the distal end of the light guide is aligned with the light window, and the proximal end of the light guide is connected to a photoacoustic excitation light source.

6. The ultrasound-photoacoustic composite laparoscopy according to claim 5, characterized in that, A light window structure is provided inside the mounting cavity. The first side of the light window structure is in contact with the outer side. The second side of the light window structure adjacent to the first side is connected to the light window. The distal end of the light guide passes through the light window structure and is aligned with the light window.

7. The ultrasound-photoacoustic composite laparoscopy according to claim 5, characterized in that, The light window includes a first light window and a second light window, which are respectively connected to the two sides of the sound window, and the first light window and the second light window are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis of the sound window.

8. The ultrasound-photoacoustic composite laparoscopy according to claim 7, characterized in that, The light guide includes an optical fiber bundle, which branches into a first optical fiber bundle segment and a second optical fiber bundle segment within the mounting cavity. An optical window structure is provided within the mounting cavity. The optical window structure includes a first structure connected to the first optical window and a second structure connected to the second optical window. The distal end of the first optical fiber bundle segment passes through the first structure and is aligned with the first optical window, and the distal end of the second optical fiber bundle segment passes through the second structure and is aligned with the second optical window.

9. The ultrasound-photoacoustic composite laparoscopy according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first optical window and the second optical window are configured to refract the photoacoustic excitation light transmitted by the first optical fiber bundle segment and the photoacoustic excitation light transmitted by the second optical fiber bundle segment toward the central axis of the optical window, respectively.

10. An ultrasound-photoacoustic imaging system, characterized in that, Including the ultrasound-photoacoustic combined laparoscopy as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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