Ultrasonic probe capable of measuring pressure

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ultrasonic probe capable of measuring pressure, which comprises a head end sheathing canal and a connecting sheathing canal, an ultrasonic transducer is arranged in the head end sheathing canal, the connecting sheathing canal is connected with a handle, a spring tube used for supporting the ultrasonic transducer is arranged in the connecting sheathing canal, and an optical fiber type force sensor is arranged at the tail end of the head end sheathing canal. The tail end of the optical fiber type force sensor is connected with the connecting sheathing canal, and the optical fiber type force sensor is used for detecting the compression condition of the head end sheathing canal. The optical fiber type force sensor is arranged at the front end of the ultrasonic probe, so that the resistance borne by the ultrasonic probe when the ultrasonic probe is pushed forwards in a focus can be judged in time, and a standard guiding effect is achieved for follow-up selection of a biopsy scheme. Meanwhile, the optical fiber type force sensor is adopted and arranged at the rear end of the ultrasonic transducer, and detection data of a conventional pressure sensor is effectively prevented from being affected by the ultrasonic transducer by detecting changes of optical signals in a microcavity when the microcavity in the variable elastomer deforms.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ultrasonic probe technology, and in particular relates to an ultrasonic probe capable of measuring pressure. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the improvement of chest CT resolution, early lung cancer screening, and increased awareness of health checkups, the detection rate of pulmonary nodules on chest CT has also increased accordingly. Epidemiological surveys show that 70% of pulmonary nodules are located in the peripheral lung region. Transbronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy is currently a minimally invasive and efficient method for the definitive diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions. Because peripheral lung nodules are not visible under bronchoscopy, this procedure usually requires the use of a radial ultrasound probe to locate the lesion, followed by biopsy using biopsy forceps.

[0003] The study found that the resistance encountered by the radial ultrasound probe as it advances through the lesion can affect the diagnostic rate. Based on operator subjective experience, the resistance was categorized into three types: no resistance and the probe can pass through the lesion (Type I), moderate resistance and the probe can pass through the lesion (Type II), and high resistance and the probe cannot pass through the lesion (Type III). The highest diagnostic rate (87.5%) was found for Type II lesions, followed by Type III lesions at 81.0%, while the diagnostic rate for Type I lesions was only 61.1%. Therefore, when the probe resistance is Type I, a change in biopsy strategy is needed, such as using needle aspiration or cryobiopsy, rather than solely using biopsy forceps. However, the classification of probe resistance in this study is based on operator subjective judgment and lacks quantitative standards, making further generalization difficult.

[0004] Existing radial ultrasound probe systems primarily employ mechanical circumferential scanning, utilizing a micro-motor to drive a flexible connecting rod, causing the ultrasound transducer at the probe's tip to rotate 360° to obtain ultrasound images. If a pressure detector is installed at the transducer's tip, the continuous mechanical force applied during probe rotation, along with the influence of ultrasound waves, will inevitably cause errors in the pressure detector's measurement results and reduce its lifespan. The distal bronchial lumens in the peripheral lung are narrow and complex, the ultrasound probe does not image under direct vision, and the relationship between lesions and bronchi is complex, meaning the force on the probe is often not concentrated at the center of the tip sheath. Radial ultrasound probes are compact, with the outer sheath diameter typically between 1.0-3.5 mm, making it generally impossible to integrate a pressure sensor into the precision probe tip. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide an ultrasound probe that can measure pressure, so as to determine in a timely and accurate manner the resistance encountered by the ultrasound probe in advancing into the lesion, and provide standard guidance for the subsequent selection of biopsy procedures.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows: An ultrasonic probe capable of measuring pressure is provided, comprising an outer sheath serving as a housing, the tail end of which is connected to a handle, and the handle is connected to a main unit. The outer sheath includes a head sheath containing an ultrasonic transducer and a connecting sheath connected to the handle. A spring tube for supporting the ultrasonic transducer is provided inside the connecting sheath. A fiber optic force sensor is provided at the tail end of the head sheath, and the tail end of the fiber optic force sensor is connected to the connecting sheath. The fiber optic force sensor is used to detect pressure in the head sheath. Under pressure, the fiber optic force sensor includes a variable elastic body and an optical fiber. The variable elastic body has several detection microcavities circumferentially. The optical fiber is embedded in the variable elastic body on both sides along the length of the variable elastic body, with the center of each detection microcavity as the midpoint. A rigid partition is provided between the head end sheath and the variable elastic body, and between the variable elastic body and the connecting sheath. The rigid partition and the variable elastic body are annular structures, through which the spring tube passes. The fiber optic force sensor transmits optical signals to the host through an optical fiber signal cable.

[0007] Preferably, the variable elastic body is provided with a flexible wall arranged concentrically therewith, and there is a gap between the flexible wall and the variable elastic body. The two ends of the flexible wall are respectively connected to the head end sheath and the connecting sheath by rigid partitions.

[0008] Preferably, one end of the spring tube is connected to the rotating shaft of the main unit and the other end is connected to the ultrasonic transducer. The spring tube has a cavity for accommodating the ultrasonic signal cable that transmits signals and supplies power to the ultrasonic transducer.

[0009] Preferably, a sandwich layer is provided between the spring tube and the outer sheath tube, and the fiber optic signal cable for transmitting signals through the fiber optic cable in the fiber optic force sensor is located in the sandwich layer.

[0010] Preferably, the handle has a standard interface at its tail for connecting to the host computer.

[0011] The beneficial effects are as follows: This invention incorporates a fiber optic force sensor at the front end of the ultrasound probe, enabling timely assessment of the resistance encountered during the probe's advancement within the lesion, thus providing standardized guidance for subsequent biopsy selection. Simultaneously, this invention utilizes a fiber optic force sensor housed within a variable elastic body at the rear end of the ultrasound transducer. By detecting changes in the optical signal within the microcavities during deformation, the resistance encountered by the sheath at the tip during advancement within the lesion is determined. Furthermore, the ultrasound transducer is solely supported by a spring tube, creating a gap between its rotation mechanism and the variable elastic body, further preventing the data from conventional pressure sensors from being affected by the mechanical forces and ultrasonic waves generated during transducer operation. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic probe capable of measuring pressure.

[0013] Among them, 1-head end sheath; 101-ultrasonic transducer; 102-ultrasonic signal cable; 2-rigid partition; 3-variable elastomer; 301-flexible wall; 302-detection microcavity; 303-optical fiber; 4-connecting sheath; 401-cavity; 402-interlayer; 403-spring tube; 404-optical fiber signal cable. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that after reading the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to the present invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides an ultrasonic probe capable of measuring pressure, comprising an outer sheath serving as the housing, the tail end of which is connected to a handle, and the handle is connected to a main unit. The outer sheath includes a head sheath 1 housing an ultrasonic transducer 101 and a connecting sheath 4 connected to the handle. The connecting sheath 4 contains a spring tube 403 for supporting the ultrasonic transducer 101. A fiber optic force sensor is located at the tail end of the head sheath 1, and its tail end is connected to the connecting sheath 4. The fiber optic force sensor is used to detect the pressure applied to the head sheath 1. A rigid partition 22 is provided between the head sheath 1 and the variable elastic body 3, and between the variable elastic body 3 and the connecting sheath 4. The rigid partition and the variable elastic body have an annular structure, through which the spring tube passes. The fiber optic force sensor transmits optical signals to the main unit via an optical fiber signal cable.

[0016] The conventional ultrasonic probes utilize existing technology, including the Bourdon tube 403, ultrasonic transducer 101, and corresponding ultrasonic signal cable 102. One end of the Bourdon tube 403 is connected to the rotating shaft of the main unit, and the other end is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 101. As part of the ultrasonic probe, the Bourdon tube 403 provides necessary support and protects the internal ultrasonic components. Its elasticity and flexibility allow the ultrasonic probe to adapt to the bends and branches of the bronchi, enabling better 360° omnidirectional scanning. The ultrasonic transducer 101 is used for ultrasonic detection imaging and determining the position of the ultrasonic probe; its specific structure will not be described in detail here.

[0017] Fiber optic force sensors are also widely used in medical devices. With the miniaturization and high precision of medical devices, fiber optic force sensors, due to their characteristics such as immunity to electromagnetic interference, good electrical insulation, corrosion resistance, small size, and good biocompatibility, have been widely used in medical devices, such as cardiovascular monitoring, intracranial pressure monitoring, and gastrointestinal pressure monitoring. The fiber optic force sensor includes a variable elastic body 3 and an optical fiber 303. The variable elastic body has several detection microcavities 302 circumferentially. The optical fiber 303 is embedded in the variable elastic body 3 along both sides of the length direction of the variable elastic body 3, with the center of each detection microcavity 302 as the midpoint. In a specific embodiment, the specific structure and data calculation method of the fiber optic force sensor can be found in the published patent US20230200736A1, and will not be repeated here.

[0018] In one specific embodiment, the variable elastic body 3 is provided with a flexible wall 301 arranged concentrically with it. A gap exists between the flexible wall 301 and the variable elastic body 3. Both ends of the flexible wall 301 are connected to the head-end sheath 1 and the connecting sheath 4 respectively by rigid partitions 2. When the ultrasonic transducer 101 and the spring tube 403 are in operation, they rotate 360 ​​degrees, while the variable elastic body 3 and the rigid partitions 2 remain fixed. The cooperation between the flexible wall 301 and the rigid partitions 22 ensures that the pressure on the head-end sheath 1 is transmitted to the fiber optic force sensor without being shared by the connecting sheath 4, thus preventing any impact on the accuracy of the detection value.

[0019] The handle has a standard interface at its tail for connecting to the main unit. The center of the spring tube 403 has a cavity 401 for accommodating the ultrasound signal cable 102 that transmits signals and powers the ultrasound transducer 101. A sandwich layer 402 is provided between the spring tube 403 and the outer sheath, and the fiber optic signal cable 404 that transmits signals and powers the fiber optic force sensor 303 is located within this sandwich layer 402. The ultrasound signal cable 102 and the fiber optic signal cable 404 are connected to the main unit via the standard interface along the connecting sheath 4, so that the measured data can be displayed on the main unit's screen in a timely manner. This helps the examining physician to promptly determine the resistance encountered by the ultrasound probe in advancing the lesion, providing standard guidance for subsequent biopsy selection.

[0020] When this invention is in operation, the ultrasound probe enters the distal peripheral bronchus of the lung where the lesion is located through the bronchoscope biopsy channel using navigation technologies such as hand-drawn navigation, virtual navigation, or electromagnetic navigation. The assistant turns on the ultrasound probe, activating the ultrasound transducer 101, and displays a real-time image of the cavity on the main unit's display screen. The operator slowly advances or pulls the ultrasound probe backward, judging whether the lesion has been detected based on the real-time ultrasound image on the main unit's display screen. When the lesion is detected, the ultrasound probe is slowly pulled back to be located in the proximal bronchus of the lesion. At this time, the pressure sensor switch of the main unit is turned on, and the operator slowly advances the ultrasound probe, causing resistance to the outer sheath 1 at its tip. This causes corresponding deformation of the detection microcavity 302 within the variable elastomer 3, thereby detecting a change in the light signal within the microcavity 302. This change is transmitted to the main unit via the fiber optic signal cable 404, and the specific resistance encountered by the outer sheath 1 at the tip is displayed on the main unit's screen. After determining that the lesion is a type I, II, or III resistance lesion according to the guidelines, this utility model is withdrawn, and a suitable biopsy tool is selected for biopsy.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe capable of measuring pressure, comprising an outer sheath as a housing, a tail end of the outer sheath being connected with a handle, the handle being connected with a main machine, characterized in that, The outer sheath comprises a head-end sheath provided with an ultrasonic transducer and a connecting sheath connected to the handle, the connecting sheath is provided with a spring tube for supporting the ultrasonic transducer, the tail end of the head-end sheath is provided with an optical fiber type force sensor, the tail end of the optical fiber type force sensor is connected to the connecting sheath, and the optical fiber type force sensor is used for detecting the pressure condition of the head-end sheath, The optical fiber type force sensor comprises a variable elastic body and an optical fiber, a plurality of detection microcavities are opened in the circumferential direction of the variable elastic body, the optical fiber is embedded in the variable elastic body in the direction of the two sides of the variable elastic body along the length direction of the variable elastic body with the center of each detection microcavity as a midpoint, a hard partition is arranged between the head-end sheath and the variable elastic body and between the variable elastic body and the connecting sheath, the hard partition and the variable elastic body are annular structures, the spring tube passes through the annular structures, and the optical fiber type force sensor performs optical signal transmission with the host computer through an optical fiber signal cable.

2. The ultrasonic probe of claim 1, wherein, The variable elastic body is provided with a flexible wall arranged concentrically with the variable elastic body, a gap is arranged between the flexible wall and the variable elastic body, and the two ends of the flexible wall are connected to the head-end sheath and the connecting sheath through hard partitions respectively.

3. The ultrasonic probe of claim 1, wherein, One end of the spring tube is connected to the rotating shaft of the host computer, and the other end is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and the spring tube is provided with a cavity for accommodating an ultrasonic signal cable for transmitting signals and power supply for the ultrasonic transducer.

4. The ultrasonic probe of claim 1, wherein, A sandwich layer is arranged between the spring tube and the outer sheath, and an optical fiber signal cable for transmitting signals of the optical fiber in the optical fiber type force sensor is arranged in the sandwich layer.

5. The ultrasonic probe of claim 1, wherein, The tail part of the handle is provided with a standard interface for plugging with the host computer.

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