Optical coherence tomography imaging catheter and diagnosis and treatment system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an optical coherence tomography imaging catheter and a diagnosis and treatment system, the optical coherence tomography imaging catheter comprises a twisting control tube and a developing part, and the twisting control tube is provided with a connecting end face located at one axial end of the twisting control tube; the developing part is fixedly connected to the connecting end face, and the outer diameter of the developing part is at least not larger than the outer diameter of the twisting control pipe at the position where the developing part is located. According to the optical coherence tomography imaging catheter, the developing part is connected and fixed to the connecting end face of the twisting control pipe, stable connection between the developing part and the twisting control pipe is guaranteed, meanwhile, the wall thickness of the developing part cannot additionally occupy the radial space of the twisting control pipe, and therefore the radial size of the optical coherence tomography imaging catheter cannot be increased; the optical coherence tomography imaging catheter can be designed to be thin according to actual requirements, image distortion can be reduced or even completely eliminated, and the diagnosis and treatment quality is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to an optical coherence tomography imaging catheter and diagnostic system. Background Technology

[0002] Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses the principle of light interference to acquire high-resolution cross-sectional images of biological tissues. Existing diagnostic and treatment systems based on OCT imaging generally include an OCT catheter and a rotation-retraction mechanism. The OCT catheter typically consists of an optical fiber, a torsion control tube sleeved on the outside of the optical fiber, and a contrast ring. The proximal end of the torsion control tube is directly or indirectly connected to the rotation-retraction mechanism, while the distal end is connected to the contrast ring, and it is used for insertion into the patient's body during the diagnostic and treatment process. Driven by the rotation-retraction mechanism, the torsion control tube retracts the optical fiber and the contrast ring together.

[0003] The torsion control tube is typically used to provide stable torque and protection for the rotation of the optical fiber inside the OCT catheter, effectively preventing fiber breakage and image distortion caused by uneven fiber rotation. The imaging ring is typically used to help locate and guide the OCT catheter at specific positions within the body. The imaging ring is generally designed with optical properties to ensure it is clearly visible in OCT images, thus helping doctors accurately determine the position and orientation of the OCT catheter. Current technology typically assembles the imaging ring by directly welding it to the outside of a section of the torsion control tube. Because the imaging ring itself has a certain wall thickness, this assembly method can easily lead to an increase in the outer diameter of the OCT catheter at the imaging ring location, potentially causing the torsion control tube to jump during high-speed rotation, resulting in image distortion, reduced diagnostic quality, and compromised diagnostic reliability. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to propose an optical coherence tomography imaging catheter and diagnostic system, which aims to solve the problem of reduced diagnostic reliability caused by unreasonable assembly of imaging components in traditional technologies.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes an optical coherence tomography imaging catheter, comprising:

[0006] A torsion control tube, the torsion control tube having a connecting end face located at one of its axial ends; and...

[0007] A developing element is connected and fixed to the connecting end face, and the outer diameter of the developing element is at least no greater than the outer diameter of the torsion control tube at its location.

[0008] Optionally, the developing element has a mating end face located at one end of its axial direction, and the mating end face is fixedly connected to the connecting end face.

[0009] Optionally, the mating end face is welded and / or bonded to the connecting end face.

[0010] Optionally, one of the connecting end face and the mating end face is provided with a protrusion, and the other is provided with a groove, wherein the protrusion and the groove are connected in a concave-convex manner.

[0011] Optionally, the wall thickness of the developing element is not less than 0.1 mm at least at the mating end face.

[0012] Optionally, the torque control tube has a connecting protrusion protruding axially at the connecting end face;

[0013] The developing element is fixed in a ring shape at the connecting protrusion, and the central axis of the developing element, the central axis of the connecting protrusion, and the central axis of the torsion control tube are collinear.

[0014] Optionally, the outer diameter of the connecting protrusion gradually increases in the direction near the connecting end face; and / or,

[0015] The inner diameter of the developing element gradually increases in the direction close to the connecting end face.

[0016] Optionally, the maximum outer diameter of the connecting protrusion is not less than the maximum inner diameter of the developing element.

[0017] Optionally, the axial length of the connecting protrusion is not greater than 1.5 mm.

[0018] Furthermore, to achieve the above objectives, this utility model also provides an optical coherence tomography (OCT) diagnostic and treatment system, including an OCT imaging catheter, wherein the OCT imaging catheter comprises:

[0019] A torsion control tube, the torsion control tube having a connecting end face located at one of its axial ends; and...

[0020] A developing element is connected and fixed to the connecting end face, and the outer diameter of the developing element is at least no greater than the outer diameter of the torsion control tube at its location.

[0021] In the technical solution provided by this utility model, by connecting and fixing the imaging element to the connecting end face of the torsion control tube, a stable connection between the imaging element and the torsion control tube is ensured. The wall thickness of the imaging element does not additionally occupy the radial space of the torsion control tube, thus not increasing the radial dimension of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging catheter. This allows the OCT imaging catheter to be designed with a smaller size according to actual needs, and helps to reduce or even completely eliminate image distortion, improving diagnostic and treatment quality. Furthermore, sufficient space is reserved at the connecting end face for the imaging element connection. While ensuring that the outer diameter of the imaging element is not greater than the outer diameter of the torsion control tube at its location, the wall thickness of the imaging element's annular surface can be appropriately increased according to actual needs. This helps to enhance the structural strength of the imaging element and the connection strength between the imaging element and the torsion control tube, thereby improving the overall quality of the product. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the optical coherence tomography imaging conduit structure provided by this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the torsion control tube and developing element when not assembled;

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the torsion control tube and developing element when not assembled;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the torsion control tube in its unassembled state;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the developing component when it is not assembled;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the fifth embodiment of the torsion control tube and developing element when not assembled.

[0029] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0030] 100 Torque control tube; 110 Connecting end face; 120 Connecting protrusion; 130 Protrusion; 200 Developing part; 210 Dating end face; 220 Groove.

[0031] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0033] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0034] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 6 This invention provides an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging catheter and an OCT diagnostic and treatment system thereof. The OCT diagnostic and treatment system can be, but is not limited to, diagnostic and treatment devices used in ophthalmology, cardiology, dermatology, dentistry, and other medical fields.

[0036] Specifically, the optical coherence tomography imaging catheter includes a torsion control tube 100 and a imaging element 200. The torsion control tube 100 has a connecting end face 110 located at one of its axial ends; the imaging element 200 is connected and fixed to the connecting end face 110, and the outer diameter of the imaging element 200 is at least no greater than the outer diameter of the torsion control tube 100 at its location.

[0037] In the technical solution provided by this utility model, by connecting and fixing the imaging element 200 to the connecting end face 110 of the torsion control tube 100, a stable connection between the imaging element 200 and the torsion control tube 100 is ensured. At the same time, the wall thickness of the imaging element 200 will not occupy additional radial space of the torsion control tube 100, thus not increasing the radial dimension of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging catheter. This allows the OCT imaging catheter to be designed to a smaller size according to actual needs, and helps to reduce or even completely eliminate image distortion, thereby improving the quality of diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the connecting end face 110 also reserves sufficient space for the imaging element 200 to be connected. Under the premise of ensuring that the outer diameter of the imaging element 200 is not greater than the outer diameter of the torsion control tube 100 at its location, the wall thickness of the annular surface of the imaging element 200 can be appropriately increased according to actual needs. This helps to enhance the structural strength of the imaging element 200 and the connection strength between the imaging element 200 and the torsion control tube 100, thereby improving the overall quality of the product.

[0038] It is understood that the torsion control tube 100 is elongated and has a proximal end and a distal end that are opposite to each other in its axial direction. The proximal end of the torsion control tube 100 is used to connect to, for example, a rotation retraction mechanism in an optical coherence tomography (OCT) diagnostic system. The end face of the distal end of the torsion control tube 100 can directly form the aforementioned connection end face 110.

[0039] There are several ways in which the developing element 200 can be fixed to the connecting end face 110:

[0040] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 2 In the structure shown, the developing element 200 has a mating end face 210 located at one end along its axial direction, which is connected and fixed to the connecting end face 110. The axial direction of the developing element 200 is aligned with the axial direction of the torsion control tube 100, and the end face of the developing element 200 near the torsion control tube 100 along its axial direction constitutes the mating end face 210. The mating end face 210 can directly contact the connecting end face 110, and at the contact point, it can be fixed by, for example, welding, bonding, or both. The welding method could be, for example, laser welding. This ensures a stable connection between the mating end face 210 and the connecting end face 110, and because the welding point is located along the axial direction of the torsion control tube 100 rather than radially, the weld layer formed during the welding process does not additionally increase the radial dimension of the optical coherence tomography imaging guide tube.

[0041] It should be noted that the specific structure of the developing element 200 is not limited in the above embodiments, and any suitable developing structure capable of performing the developing function is within the scope of protection of this design. Specifically, the developing element 200 can be a solid or hollow block structure, forming a sufficiently large mating end face 210 to achieve more thorough surface contact with the connecting end face 110. Alternatively, the developing element 200 can be a ring-shaped block, which can be accurately installed at the distal end of the torsion control tube 100 by aligning the central axis of the developing element 200 with the central axis of the torsion control tube 100, for example, with the aid of a fixture.

[0042] It is understood that the connecting end face 110 and / or mating end face 210 in the above embodiments can be flat surfaces with high flatness, which helps to align the torque control tube 100 and the developing element 200. Alternatively, in a further embodiment, an uneven structure can be formed at the connecting end face 110 and / or mating end face 210. The uneven structure can increase the surface roughness of the connecting end face 110 and / or mating end face 210, thereby helping to increase the volume of the adhesive and expand the bonding area of ​​the adhesive between the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210 when the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210 are, for example, bonded together, thereby helping to enhance the connection strength between the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210.

[0043] Furthermore, in one embodiment, one of the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210 is provided with a protrusion 130, and the other is provided with a recess 220, with the protrusion 130 and the recess 220 connected in a recessed manner. The matching arrangement of the protrusion 130 and the recess 220 can play a certain positioning role during the assembly process of the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210, ensuring that the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210 are aligned with each other, thereby helping to improve the coaxiality between the torque control tube 100 and the developing element 200. In addition, after the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210 are assembled, the protrusion 130 and the recess 220 can also play a certain circumferential limiting role, preventing relative rotation between the torque control tube 100 and the developing element 200, thereby helping to improve the marking accuracy of the developing element 200.

[0044] The protrusion 130 and groove 220 can be provided in one set between the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210, or at least two sets can be provided as needed, specifically, two to four sets. When at least two sets of protrusion 130 and groove 220 are provided between the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210, it is not limited to the connecting end face 110 having only protrusion 130 or only groove 220; correspondingly, it is not limited to the mating end face 210 having only groove 220 or only protrusion 130. In a feasible solution, both groove 220 and protrusion 130 can be provided on the connecting end face 110, with the mating end face 210 adapted accordingly. Furthermore, when two sets of protrusion 130 and groove 220 are provided between the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210, the two sets of protrusion 130 and groove 220 can be arranged opposite each other along the radial direction of the torque control tube 100. When at least three sets of protrusions 130 and grooves 220 are provided between the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210, each set of protrusions 130 and grooves 220 can be equally spaced along the circumference of the torsion control tube 100.

[0045] The outer diameter of the protrusion 130 and the inner diameter of the groove 220 can be set to be approximately the same, which helps to improve the alignment accuracy of the protrusion 130 and the groove 220.

[0046] Alternatively, when the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210 are bonded and fixed separately or auxiliaryly as described above, the inner diameter of the groove 220 can be appropriately larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 130, so that a certain amount of adhesive space is reserved between the inner wall of the groove 220 and the outer wall of the protrusion 130. This adhesive space allows the adhesive to overflow, so that the protrusion 130 and the groove 220 form the aforementioned concave-convex structure. Of course, the aforementioned adhesive space should be formed as close as possible to the bottom wall of the groove 220 and the end wall of the protrusion 130, avoiding the formation of excessively large gaps between the side walls of the groove 220 and the side walls of the protrusion 130, which would affect the coaxiality of the torque control tube 100 and the developing element 200.

[0047] Alternatively, the inner diameter of the groove 220 can be appropriately smaller than the outer diameter of the protrusion 130. Correspondingly, after the protrusion 130 and the groove 220 are aligned, the protrusion 130 can be embedded into the groove 220 by means of, for example, mechanical clamping, to enhance the interlocking strength between the protrusion 130 and the groove 220, thereby helping to enhance the connection strength between the torque control tube 100 and the developing element 200. In this case, in the direction where the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210 approach each other, the outer diameter of the protrusion 130 and / or the inner diameter of the groove 220 can be set to decrease sequentially. Specifically, this can be a gradual decrease or a multi-stage step-like decrease. In this way, by adjusting the insertion depth of the protrusion 130 and the groove 220, a more suitable interlocking tightness can be achieved between them.

[0048] Based on the above embodiments, when the developing element 200 and the torsion control tube 100 are simply connected and fixed through the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210, preferably, the wall thickness of the developing element 200 at the mating end face 210 is not less than 0.1 mm. This helps to prevent the connection area between the mating end face 210 and the connecting end face 110 from being insufficient due to the wall thickness of the developing element 200 being too thin, thereby reducing the welding strength between the two.

[0049] Based on any of the above embodiments, please refer to... Figures 3 to 6 In a further embodiment, the torsion control tube 100 has a connecting protrusion 120 axially protruding at the connecting end face 110; the developing element 200 is annularly sleeved and fixed at the connecting protrusion 120, and the central axis of the developing element 200, the central axis of the connecting protrusion 120, and the central axis of the torsion control tube 100 are collinear. Specifically, the torsion control tube 100 and the connecting protrusion 120 can be integrally formed. For example, the torsion control tube 100 and the connecting protrusion 120 can be directly formed from the same material using the same process; or the torsion control tube 100 can be formed first, and the connecting protrusion 120 can be formed at the distal end of the torsion control tube 100 by processes such as cutting. In this case, the materials of the torsion control tube 100 and the connecting protrusion 120 are basically the same. Of course, the torsion control tube 100 and the connecting protrusion 120 can also be obtained by detachable or non-detachable connection forming after separate forming. Non-detachable connection methods include welding and hot pressing; detachable connection methods include bonding and snap-fitting. In this case, the materials of the torsion control tube 100 and the connecting protrusion 120 can be set differently according to actual needs.

[0050] Taking the connecting protrusion 130 as an example, which is formed by machining the distal section of the torsion control tube 100, the central axes of the connecting protrusion 130 and the torsion control tube 100 are basically collinear, that is, as Figure 3 T1 is shown. The developing element 200 is roughly annular, with its central axis at T2. After the developing element 200 is fitted onto the connecting protrusion 130, T1 and T2 should be as collinear as possible. There are several ways to achieve this:

[0051] Specifically, as described above, a protrusion 130 can be provided on one of the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210, and a groove 220 can be provided on the other. The coaxiality of the torque control tube 100 and the developing element 200 can be improved through the adaptive connection of the groove 220 and the protrusion 130.

[0052] Or in one embodiment, see Figure 4 In the direction near the connecting end face 110, the outer diameter of the connecting protrusion 120 gradually increases. In this case, the connecting protrusion 120 can be a tapered column with a gradually changing outer diameter. Alternatively, the connecting protrusion 120 can also be a multi-stage stepped column with a stepped outer diameter. And / or please refer to... Figure 5 In the direction near the connecting end face 110, the inner diameter of the developing element 200 gradually increases. Similarly, the inner hole structure of the developing element 200 can be a tapered hole with a gradually changing inner diameter, or a multi-stage stepped hole with a stepped inner diameter. Thus, during the insertion process of the connecting protrusion 120 and the developing element 200, the coaxiality of the connecting protrusion 120 and the developing element 200 can be gradually adjusted, and a relatively suitable insertion point can be gradually found, ensuring that they are coaxial and properly inserted. At this time, during the insertion process of the connecting protrusion 130 and the developing element 200, mechanical clamping can also be used to help provide sufficient external force to enhance the tightness of the insertion.

[0053] Continuing from the above, the maximum outer diameter of the connecting protrusion 120 is not less than the maximum inner diameter of the developing element 200. This ensures that during the insertion of the connecting protrusion 130 and the developing element 200, a point where the outer wall of the connecting protrusion 130 abuts against the inner annular wall of the developing element 200 can be found, avoiding any installation gap between the outer wall of the connecting protrusion 130 and the inner annular wall of the developing element 200. Of course, if an installation gap is unavoidable, an adhesive can be applied between the outer wall of the connecting protrusion 130 and the inner annular wall of the developing element 200 to fill the installation gap.

[0054] The axial length of the connecting protrusion 120 mentioned above is preferably no more than 1.5 mm. If the axial length of the connecting protrusion 120 is too long, the distal part of the connecting protrusion 120 may be prone to breakage, and the structural design dimensions of the developing element 200 will be increased; conversely, if the axial length of the connecting protrusion 120 is too short, the connection strength between the connecting protrusion 120 and the developing element 200 may be insufficient, and it may be inconvenient to operate.

[0055] It should be noted that when a connecting protrusion 120 is provided on the connecting end face 110 as described above, the same can be achieved. Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the connection and fixing operation between the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210 is achieved. Specifically, for example, welding and / or bonding can still be performed between the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210. Furthermore, a protrusion 130 and a groove 220 can still be provided between the connecting end face 110 and the mating end face 210. That is, as... Figures 1 to 6 The various embodiments shown can be selected according to actual needs, or at least two embodiments can be combined.

[0056] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A catheter for optical coherence tomography imaging, characterized in that, include: A torsion control tube, the torsion control tube having a connecting end face located at one of its axial ends; and... A developing element is connected and fixed to the connecting end face, and the outer diameter of the developing element is at least no greater than the outer diameter of the torsion control tube at its location.

2. The optical coherence tomography imaging catheter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The developing element has a mating end face located at one end of its axial direction, and the mating end face is fixedly connected to the connecting end face.

3. The optical coherence tomography imaging catheter as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The mating end face is welded and / or bonded to the connecting end face.

4. The optical coherence tomography imaging catheter as described in claim 2, characterized in that, One of the connecting end face and the mating end face is provided with a protrusion, and the other is provided with a groove, wherein the protrusion and the groove are connected in a concave-convex manner.

5. The optical coherence tomography imaging catheter as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the developing element is not less than 0.1 mm at least at the mating end face.

6. The optical coherence tomography imaging catheter as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The torque control tube has a connecting protrusion protruding axially at the connecting end face; The developing element is fixed in a ring shape at the connecting protrusion, and the central axis of the developing element, the central axis of the connecting protrusion, and the central axis of the torsion control tube are collinear.

7. The optical coherence tomography imaging catheter as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the connecting protrusion gradually increases in the direction near the connecting end face; and / or, The inner diameter of the developing element gradually increases in the direction close to the connecting end face.

8. The optical coherence tomography imaging catheter as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The maximum outer diameter of the connecting protrusion is not less than the maximum inner diameter of the developing element.

9. The optical coherence tomography imaging catheter as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The axial length of the connecting protrusion is no more than 1.5 mm.

10. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) diagnostic system, characterized in that, Includes the optical coherence tomography imaging catheter as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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