Optical fiber catheter and laser ablation system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an optical fiber catheter and a laser ablation system. The optical fiber catheter comprises an optical fiber; the outer tube is arranged on the outer side of the optical fiber in a sleeving mode, one end of the outer tube is a closed end, a first distance exists between the closed end and the far end of the optical fiber, the far end of the optical fiber is the end, close to the closed end, of the optical fiber, and the outer diameter of the outer tube ranges from 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm. Through the scheme disclosed by the invention, the treatment accuracy can be improved, wounds and complications can be reduced, and the comfort level of a patient can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally pertains to the field of medical devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a fiber optic catheter and a laser ablation system. Background Technology

[0002] Laser ablation is a high-precision medical technology that uses laser energy to locally ablate diseased tissue, thereby achieving therapeutic goals. Laser ablation is based on the thermal sensitivity of biological tissues, selectively ablating lesions or structures through the heat released by the laser. This technology can be guided by medical imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to achieve precise localization and treatment. This technology has wide applications in fields such as tumor treatment and vascular disease treatment.

[0003] In laser ablation, optical fibers play a crucial role. They act as the transmission medium for the laser, delivering laser energy to the lesion area within the body. The thermal effect of the laser causes the lesion tissue to coagulate and necrose, or even vaporize, thus achieving the therapeutic goal. The transmission characteristics of optical fibers ensure efficient and lossless transmission of laser energy, enabling high-precision and high-efficiency treatment in laser ablation technology. However, existing optical fibers are generally quite thick, which may cause significant puncture damage during insertion, leading to complications such as pneumothorax and bleeding. Furthermore, thicker fibers are less likely to pass through confined spaces, potentially hindering accurate delivery to the lesion site.

[0004] In view of this, there is an urgent need to provide a solution for fiber optic catheters and laser ablation systems in order to improve the accuracy of treatment and reduce trauma and complications. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to at least address one or more of the technical problems mentioned above, this disclosure proposes a solution for an optical fiber guide and laser ablation system in several aspects.

[0006] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides an optical fiber conduit, comprising: an optical fiber; an outer tube sleeved on the outside of the optical fiber, wherein one end of the outer tube is a closed end, and the closed end is at a first distance from the distal end of the optical fiber, wherein the distal end of the optical fiber is the end of the optical fiber closer to the closed end, and the outer diameter of the outer tube is 1.0-2.5 mm.

[0007] In some embodiments, the optical fiber conduit further includes: an inner tube, which is sleeved on the outside of the optical fiber and located between the optical fiber and the outer tube; and a first channel is formed between the inner tube and the optical fiber, and a second channel is formed between the inner tube and the outer tube.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber is a first shape, the cross-sectional shape of the outer tube is a second shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the inner tube is a third shape, wherein the first shape is different from the third shape, and the second shape is different from the third shape.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second distance between the outer side of the optical fiber and the inner side of the inner tube is 0 to 0.065 mm, wherein the second distance is the distance between the closest points of the outer side of the optical fiber and the inner side of the inner tube; the third distance between the outer side of the inner tube and the inner side of the outer tube is 0 to 0.04 mm, wherein the third distance is the distance between the closest points of the outer side of the inner tube and the inner side of the outer tube.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first shape and the second shape are both circular, and the third shape is polygonal; and the outer side of the optical fiber abuts against the inner side portion of the inner tube, and the outer side of the inner tube abuts against the inner side portion of the outer tube.

[0011] In some embodiments, the optical fiber conduit further includes: a first sealing member disposed at the proximal end of the inner tube for sealing the first channel, wherein the proximal end of the inner tube is the end of the inner tube away from the closed end; and a second sealing member disposed at the proximal end of the outer tube for sealing the second channel, wherein the proximal end of the outer tube is the other end of the outer tube opposite to the closed end.

[0012] In some embodiments, the optical fiber conduit further includes a first connecting tube, one end of which is connected to the inner tube to communicate with the first channel, and the other end of the first connecting tube is externally fitted with a first cooling tube; a second connecting tube, one end of which is connected to the outer tube to communicate with the second channel, and the other end of the second connecting tube is externally fitted with a second cooling tube; wherein a third sealing element is provided between the second connecting tube and the second cooling tube; and / or a fourth sealing element is provided between the first connecting tube and the first cooling tube; wherein the outer surface shape of the third sealing element and / or the fourth sealing element is a single-level or multi-level stepped shape.

[0013] In some embodiments, the optical fiber conduit further includes a marking tube, which includes a marking section and an extension section; the marking section is configured as a straight tube and has graduations; the extension section includes a narrow end and a wide end, the inner diameter of the extension section increases along the direction from the narrow end to the wide end, the narrow end is connected to one end of the marking section, and the other end of the marking section is connected to the first sealing member, so that the optical fiber extends into the inner tube through the marking tube and the first sealing member.

[0014] In some embodiments, a third channel exists between the optical fiber and the outer tube; the outer tube has a fourth channel extending along the axial direction of the outer tube within its wall, and the fourth channel communicates with the third channel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first distance is 0 to 2 mm; and / or the outer diameter of the outer tube is 1.5 to 1.6 mm.

[0016] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the outer tube is 1.55 mm.

[0017] In other embodiments, the optical fiber is movably and / or rotatably connected to the outer tube.

[0018] In some other embodiments, the optical fiber conduit further includes a first fastener and a second fastener; wherein the first fastener is sleeved on the outside of the optical fiber and the outside of the first fastener is connected to the inside of the inner tube; the second fastener is sleeved on the outside of the optical fiber and is located between the proximal end of the optical fiber and the first fastener in the axial direction of the optical fiber, for clamping the optical fiber in the circumferential direction to fix the optical fiber, wherein the proximal end of the optical fiber is the end of the optical fiber away from the closed end.

[0019] In a second aspect, this disclosure provides a laser ablation system including an optical fiber conduit as described in any of the first aspects.

[0020] With the fiber optic catheter and laser ablation system provided above, this embodiment of the invention sets the outer diameter of the outer tube to 1.0-2.5 mm, which reduces the puncture hole diameter and makes it easier to pass through narrow spaces to accurately reach the target position in scenarios such as laser ablation. This helps to improve the accuracy of treatment, reduce trauma and complications, and improve patient comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will become readily apparent upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limitation, and like or corresponding reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 An exemplary structural diagram of an optical fiber conduit according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of an optical fiber conduit according to other embodiments of this disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 An exemplary cross-sectional view of an optical fiber conduit according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown;

[0025] Figure 4 An exemplary cross-sectional view of an optical fiber conduit according to other embodiments of this disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 5 An exemplary structural diagram of an optical fiber conduit including a seal, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, is shown;

[0027] Figure 6 Exemplary cross-sectional views of fiber optic conduits including third and fourth channels, representing other embodiments of this disclosure, are shown.

[0028] Figure 7 A graph showing the relationship between the outer diameter of the fiber optic conduit and the inlet pressure in some embodiments of this disclosure is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0030] It should be understood that the terms “comprising” and “including” used in this disclosure and claims indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0031] It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. As used in this disclosure and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this disclosure and claims refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes such combinations.

[0032] As used in this specification and claims, the term "if" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "when," "once," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, the phrase "if determined" or "if [described condition or event] is detected" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "once determined," "in response to determination," "once [described condition or event] is detected," or "in response to detection of [described condition or event]."

[0033] The specific embodiments disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 Exemplary structural diagrams of optical fiber conduits according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the aforementioned optical fiber conduit may include: an optical fiber 10; an outer tube 20, which is sleeved on the outside of the optical fiber 10, and one end of the outer tube 20 is a closed end, and the closed end and the distal end of the optical fiber 10 are at a first distance L1, wherein the distal end of the aforementioned optical fiber 10 is the end of the aforementioned optical fiber 10 that is closer to the closed end, and the outer diameter D of the outer tube 20 is 1.0-2.5mm.

[0035] In some embodiments, the optical fiber 10 can serve as the primary channel for transmitting laser energy from the laser to the lesion tissue. One end of the optical fiber 10 can be connected to the laser emitter, while the other end can be placed near the lesion tissue so that the laser energy can directly act on the target area. A temperature sensor, such as a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor, can be integrated into the optical fiber 10 to monitor the temperature of the ablation area, thereby enabling more precise treatment. In some embodiments, the outer tube 20 can serve as part of a cooling mechanism, with cooling liquid or cooling gas flowing inside, reducing the risk of overheating of the optical fiber 10 due to the generation of excessive heat during operation.

[0036] In some embodiments, one end of the outer tube 20 can be a closed end (i.e., the end used for insertion near the lesion tissue), while the other end of the outer tube 20 can be provided with a first opening for use as an inlet or outlet for cooling liquid or cooling gas. The surface of the closed end of the outer tube 20 can be a plane, a conical surface, or an arc surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the outer tube 20. Preferably, the closed end of the outer tube 20 can be an arc surface, which facilitates reflection of the cooling liquid or cooling gas upon contact with the arc surface, thereby increasing the flow rate of the cooling liquid or cooling gas.

[0037] In this document, "proximal end" refers to the end closest to the laser, and "far end" refers to the end closest to the closed end of the outer tube 20. For example, the proximal end of the optical fiber 10 can be the end closest to the laser; the far end of the optical fiber can be the end furthest from the laser, in which case the far end of the optical fiber is the end closest to the closed end of the outer tube 20. In some embodiments, there can be a first distance L1 between the closed end and the far end of the optical fiber 10, which can be greater than zero. In other embodiments, the value of the first distance L1 can be in the range of 0-2mm, such as 0mm, 0.4mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm, 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.6mm, 1.8mm, 2mm, etc. It is understood that when the first distance is equal to 0, the far end of the optical fiber conduit can contact the closed end. When the first distance L1 is greater than zero, it facilitates the circulation of coolant in the optical fiber conduit at the closed end, thereby avoiding the problem of decreased heat dissipation efficiency of the optical fiber conduit due to coolant stagnation.

[0038] In some embodiments, the outer diameter D of the outer tube 20 can be 1.0–2.5 mm, for example, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.55 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.65 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.75 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.85 mm, 1.9 mm, 1.95 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.05 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.15 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.35 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.45 mm, or 2.5 mm. The outer tube 20 can be a tubular object with a certain thickness, and the outer diameter D of the outer tube 20 can be the dimension of the outer tube 20 measured from the outside, and can be the radial dimension of the outer circumference of the outer tube. The outer diameter can be measured by instruments or systems such as vernier calipers, outer diameter measuring instruments, ruler measurement, laser measuring instruments, pneumatic measuring instruments or optical measuring systems.

[0039] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the outer tube 20 can be 1.5mm–2.3mm. In other embodiments, the outer diameter of the outer tube 20 can be 1.5mm–1.6mm. Preferably, the outer diameter D of the outer tube 20 can be 1.55mm, which is relatively small, allowing the fiber optic catheter to pass through narrow spaces more easily, thus reaching the lesion site directly and greatly reducing damage to surrounding normal tissues, thereby improving the precision of treatment. Furthermore, a relatively small outer diameter reduces damage from fiber optic catheter puncture and the occurrence of complications. Further, this relatively small size can also reduce patient pain during the procedure and improve patient comfort.

[0040] The above combination Figure 1The optical fiber conduit according to some embodiments of this disclosure has been described exemplaryly, and it is to be understood that the above description is exemplary and not limiting. For example, the optical fiber conduit may not be limited to only including an outer tube and an optical fiber; in other embodiments, the optical fiber conduit may also include an inner tube, which will be discussed below in conjunction with... Figure 2 Further explanation is needed.

[0041] Figure 2 Partial schematic diagrams of fiber optic conduits according to other embodiments of this disclosure are shown. (See attached diagram.) Figure 2 As shown, the optical fiber conduit according to the embodiments of this disclosure may include an optical fiber 10, an inner tube 30 and an outer tube 20, wherein the inner tube 30 may be sleeved on the outside of the optical fiber 10 and located between the optical fiber 10 and the outer tube 20; and a first channel 40 may be formed between the inner tube 30 and the optical fiber 10, and a second channel 50 may be formed between the inner tube 30 and the outer tube 20.

[0042] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the inner tube 30 may be provided with a second opening (not shown in the figure), which can serve as an inlet or outlet for cooling liquid or cooling gas; the distal end of the inner tube 30 may be provided with a third opening, which can serve as an inlet or outlet for cooling liquid or cooling gas. In some embodiments, cooling liquid or cooling gas may flow into the first channel 40 and flow out of the second channel 50; or, cooling liquid or cooling gas may flow into the second channel 50 and flow out of the first channel 40.

[0043] More specifically, in some embodiments, cooling liquid or cooling gas can flow from the first opening of the outer tube 20 into the second channel 50, and after reaching the closed end of the outer tube, it can flow into the first channel 40 through the third opening, and then out through the second opening near the proximal end of the inner tube 30. In some embodiments, cooling liquid or cooling gas can flow from the second opening near the proximal end of the inner tube into the first channel 40, and after reaching the distal end of the inner tube 30, it can flow into the closed end through the third opening, and then into the second channel 50, and finally out through the first opening of the outer tube.

[0044] In some embodiments, the distance from the distal end of the inner tube to the closed end can be a fourth distance L4. In some embodiments, the first distance L1 can be equal to, less than, or greater than the fourth distance L4. Specifically, when the first distance L1 is greater than the fourth distance L4, the distal end of the optical fiber 10 can be located inside the inner tube. When the first distance L1 is equal to the fourth distance L4, the distal end of the optical fiber 10 can be flush with the distal end of the inner tube. When the first distance L1 is less than the fourth distance, the distal end of the optical fiber 10 can extend out of the inner tube.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first distance L1 between the distal end of the aforementioned optical fiber 10 and the aforementioned closed end can be 0-2mm, such as 1mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, 2mm, etc. The fourth distance L4 between the distal end of the aforementioned inner tube and the aforementioned closed end can be 1.5-2.5mm, such as 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, 2.0mm, 2.1mm, 2.2mm, 2.3mm, 2.4mm, 2.5mm, etc.

[0046] Figure 3 Exemplary cross-sectional views of optical fiber conduits according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. Figure 4 Exemplary cross-sectional views of fiber optic conduits according to other embodiments of this disclosure are shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber 10 can be a first shape, the cross-sectional shape of the outer tube 20 can be a second shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the inner tube 30 can be a third shape.

[0047] In some embodiments, the aforementioned cross-section may be a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the aforementioned optical fiber conduit, that is, a cross-section in the radial direction. Specifically, cutting the optical fiber 10 along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the optical fiber 10 can yield a first shape; cutting the outer tube 20 along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the outer tube 20 can yield a second shape; and cutting the inner tube 30 along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the inner tube 30 can yield a third shape.

[0048] In some embodiments, the second distance L2 between the outer side of the optical fiber 10 and the inner side of the inner tube 30 can be 0 to 0.065 mm, wherein the second distance L2 is the distance between the closest points of the outer side of the optical fiber 10 and the inner side of the inner tube 30; the third distance L3 between the outer side of the inner tube 30 and the inner side of the outer tube 20 can be 0 to 0.04 mm, wherein the third distance L3 is the distance between the closest points of the outer side of the inner tube 30 and the inner side of the outer tube 20.

[0049] In some embodiments, the distance between the outer side of the aforementioned optical fiber 10 and the inner side of the inner tube 30 can be equal everywhere, and this distance is the second distance L2. It is understood that when the axes of the optical fiber 10 and the inner tube 30 coincide, and the first shape of the optical fiber 10 and the third shape of the inner tube 30 are the same or similar (e.g., the outer side of the optical fiber 10 and the inner side of the inner tube 30 are both circular or square), the distance between the outer side of the optical fiber 10 and the inner side of the inner tube 30 can be equal everywhere. In this case, the second distance L2 between the outer side of the optical fiber 10 and the inner side of the inner tube 30 can be greater than 0 to allow sufficient flow space for the coolant.

[0050] Similarly, the distance between the outer side of the inner tube 30 and the inner side of the outer tube 20 can also be equal everywhere; this distance is the third distance L3. It can be understood that when the axes of the inner tube 30 and the outer tube 20 coincide, and the third shape of the inner tube 30 is the same as the second shape of the outer tube 20 (for example, both the third shape of the inner tube 30 and the second shape of the outer tube 20 are annular or square), the distance between the outer side of the inner tube 30 and the inner side of the outer tube 20 can be equal everywhere. In this case, the third distance L3 between the outer side of the inner tube 30 and the inner side of the outer tube 20 can be greater than 0 to allow sufficient flow space for the coolant.

[0051] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the first shape is different from the third shape, and the second shape is different from the third shape. In other embodiments, the first shape can be a circle, the second shape can be an annulus, and the third shape can be a polygon.

[0052] Because the first shape and the third shape are different, the distance between the outer side of the optical fiber 10 and the inner side of the inner tube 30 may not be equal at various points, for example... Figure 3 The distance between the outer side of the optical fiber 10 with a medium circular cross-section and the inner side of the vertex of the inner tube 30 with a square cross-section is greater than the distance between the outer side and the inner side of the straight edge of the inner tube 30. The second distance L2 described herein is the closest distance between the outer side of the optical fiber 10 and the inner side of the inner tube 30, for example... Figure 3 The distance between the outer side of the optical fiber 10 and the inner side of the straight edge of the inner tube 30 is shown. Similarly, due to the difference between the second and third shapes, the distance between the outer side of the inner tube 30 and the inner side of the outer tube 20 may also be unequal at various points. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different context.) Figure 3 Taking the cross-sectional view shown as an example, the third distance L3 can be the distance between the outer side of the apex of the inner tube 30 and the inner side of the outer tube 20.

[0053] like Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the outer side of the optical fiber 10 may abut against the inner side of the inner tube 30, and the outer side of the inner tube 30 may partially abut against the inner side of the outer tube 20. Partial abutment here refers to contact in a partial area or position; that is, a partial area / position of the outer side of the optical fiber 10 contacts a partial area / position of the inner side of the inner tube 30; and a partial area / position of the outer side of the inner tube 30 contacts a partial area / position of the inner side of the outer tube 20. Specifically, in some embodiments, the second distance L2 can be 0, in which case a partial area / position of the outer side of the optical fiber 10 contacts a partial area / position of the inner side of the inner tube 30, i.e., the outer portion of the optical fiber 10 abuts against the inner side of the inner tube 30. In other embodiments, the third distance L3 can be 0, in which case a partial area / position of the outer side of the inner tube 30 contacts a partial area / position of the inner side of the outer tube 20, i.e., the outer portion of the inner tube 30 abuts against the inner side of the outer tube 20.

[0054] In some embodiments, the outer side of the aforementioned optical fiber 10 may partially abut against the inner side of the aforementioned inner tube 30 in one or more regions. Further, when partially abutting in multiple regions, these regions may be symmetrically distributed along the inner side of the inner tube 30. In this case, the relative position of the optical fiber 10 and the aforementioned inner tube 30 is relatively stable, and they have good coaxiality. In some embodiments, the outer side of the aforementioned inner tube 30 may partially abut against the inner side of the outer tube 20 in multiple regions. In this case, the relative position of the aforementioned inner tube 30 and the aforementioned outer tube 20 is also relatively stable, and they have good coaxiality.

[0055] Specifically, the aforementioned polygon can be a triangle, rectangle, pentagon, or other regular or irregular polygonal shapes. The aforementioned optical fiber 10 may include a core, cladding, and coating. The inner side of the optical fiber 10 refers to the coating and its interior, while the outer side of the optical fiber 10 refers to the outer side of the coating. The aforementioned inner tube 30 can be a tubular object with a certain thickness. The inner side of the inner tube 30 can be the side closest to the optical fiber, and the outer side of the inner tube 30 can be the side of the tubular object facing the outer tube. In some embodiments, when the third shape is a triangle, the first shape is a circle, and the second shape is an annular, the outer side of the optical fiber 10 can simultaneously abut one, two, or three sides of the inner side of the inner tube 30. When the outer side of the optical fiber 10 abuts three sides of the inner side of the inner tube 30 simultaneously, the aforementioned circle is exactly inscribed within the aforementioned triangle. At this time, the aforementioned optical fiber 10 is relatively stable relative to the aforementioned inner tube 30, and the two have good coaxiality. In some embodiments, one vertex (the vertex is where the two sides of the polygon intersect) on the outer side of the inner tube 30, two vertices, or three vertices can simultaneously abut against the inner side of the outer tube. When the three vertices on the outer side of the inner tube 30 simultaneously abut against the inner side of the outer tube 20, the triangle can be inscribed in the circle. At this time, the inner tube 30 is relatively stable relative to the outer tube 20, and the two can have good coaxiality.

[0056] In some embodiments, when the third shape is rectangular, the first shape is circular, and the second shape is annular, the outer side of the optical fiber 10 can simultaneously abut one, two, three, or four sides of the inner side of the inner tube 30. When the outer side of the optical fiber 10 abuts all four sides of the inner tube 30, the circle is inscribed in the rectangle, and the optical fiber 10 is relatively stable relative to the inner tube 30, with good coaxiality between the optical fiber 10 and the inner tube 30. In some embodiments, one, two, three, or four vertices of the outer side of the inner tube 30 can simultaneously abut the inner side of the outer tube 20. When all four vertices of the outer side of the inner tube 30 abut the inner side of the outer tube 20, the rectangle is inscribed within the circle, and the inner tube 30 is relatively stable relative to the outer tube 20, with good coaxiality between the two.

[0057] The above combination Figure 3 and Figure 4The fiber optic conduit according to the embodiments disclosed herein has been described exemplarily. It is understood that by partially abutting the outer side of the fiber optic cable 10 against the inner side of the inner tube 30, and / or partially abutting the outer side of the inner tube 30 against the inner side of the outer tube 20, the relative positional relationship between the partially abutting components can be stabilized. No additional fixing structure is needed to fix the positional relationship between the fiber optic cable 10 and the inner tube 30, and / or between the inner tube 30 and the outer tube 20. This is beneficial to the overall structural stability of the fiber optic conduit and also ensures good coaxiality between the fiber optic cable 10 and the inner tube 30, as well as between the inner tube 30 and the outer tube 20, which helps improve the precision and accuracy of laser ablation. Furthermore, by partially abutting rather than completely abutting, non-abutting areas still exist between the outer side of the fiber optic cable 10 and the inner side of the inner tube 30, and between the outer side of the inner tube 30 and the inner side of the outer tube 20. Cooling medium (cooling gas / cooling liquid) can flow from these non-abutting areas to ensure a cooling effect.

[0058] It is also understandable that setting the aforementioned second distance L2 within the range of 0 to 0.065 mm and the aforementioned third distance L3 within the range of 0 to 0.04 mm helps to reduce the size of the fiber optic conduit, allowing its outer diameter to reach the range of 1.5 mm to 2.3 mm. In particular, when both the second distance L2 and the third distance L3 are 0, the size of the fiber optic conduit can be further reduced, enabling it to achieve an outer diameter of 1.55 mm or smaller.

[0059] Figure 5 An exemplary structural diagram of an optical fiber conduit including a seal, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, is shown. Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the optical fiber conduit may include an optical fiber 10, an outer tube 20, an inner tube 30, a first seal 31, and a second seal 21. The first seal 31 is disposed at the proximal end of the inner tube 30 to seal the first channel 40, and the proximal end of the inner tube 30 is the end of the inner tube 30 away from the closed end of the outer tube 20. The second seal 21 is disposed at the proximal end of the outer tube 20 to seal the second channel 50, and the proximal end of the outer tube 20 is the other end of the outer tube 20 opposite to the aforementioned closed end.

[0060] In some embodiments, the aforementioned first sealing member 31 can be disposed between the optical fiber 10 and the inner tube 30 to seal the first channel 40. The aforementioned first sealing member 31 can be a silicone material with a certain degree of elasticity. It is understood that the radial dimension of the aforementioned first sealing member 31 can be larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the aforementioned first channel 40, allowing the aforementioned first sealing member 31 to be pressed into the interior of the aforementioned first channel 40 to seal the cooling medium within the aforementioned first channel 40. Based on the same principle, the aforementioned second sealing member 21 can be disposed between the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 30 to seal the second channel 50. The aforementioned second sealing member 21 can also be a silicone material with a certain degree of elasticity. It is understood that the radial dimension of the aforementioned second sealing member 21 can be larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the aforementioned second channel 50, allowing the second sealing member 21 to be pressed into the interior of the aforementioned second channel 50 to seal the cooling medium within the aforementioned second channel 50.

[0061] like Figure 5 As further shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the optical fiber conduit may also include a marking tube 60, which may include a marking section 61 and an extension section 62; the marking section 61 may be configured as a straight tube and has a scale on it; the extension section 62 may include a narrow end and a wide end, the inner diameter of the extension section 62 increases along the direction from the narrow end to the wide end, the narrow end is connected to one end of the marking section 61, and the other end of the marking section 61 is connected to the first sealing member 31, so that the optical fiber 10 extends into the inner tube 30 through the marking tube 60 and the first sealing member 31.

[0062] In some embodiments, the aforementioned marking tube 60 may extend into the optical fiber 10, which can be used to mark the insertion length of the optical fiber 10, so as to determine the implantation position of the optical fiber 10 in treatment scenarios such as laser ablation using the optical fiber conduit. Specifically, the aforementioned optical fiber 10 may pass through the marking segment 61, and the outer surface of the marking segment 61 may be provided with a scale, and the outer surface of the optical fiber 10 may also be provided with a mark. After the optical fiber 10 passes through the marking segment 61, the insertion distance of the optical fiber 10 can be accurately determined according to the scale on the marking segment 61 and the mark on the outer surface of the optical fiber 10.

[0063] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the extension segment 62 increases from the narrow end to the wide end, making the overall shape of the extension segment 62 trumpet-shaped. In some embodiments, the narrow end of the extension segment 62 can be directly connected to the marking segment 61. In other embodiments, the connection between the narrow end of the extension segment 62 and the marking segment 61 can be chamfered, or the connection between the narrow end of the extension segment 62 and the marking segment 61 can be arc-shaped, so that the connection between the narrow end of the extension segment 62 and the marking segment 61 is smooth and without sharp edges.

[0064] When a portion of the optical fiber 10 extends into the marking tube 60, the other portion of the optical fiber 10 extends along the extension section 62 to the outside of the optical fiber conduit. Since the extension section 62 is designed with a gradually increasing inner diameter, the optical fiber 10 can droop smoothly along the direction of the extension section 62. With a marking tube that only has a marking section 61, the optical fiber 10 droops at a near-right angle at the end of the marking section 61, which poses a risk of breakage. Furthermore, as the optical fiber 10 moves, the end of the marking section 61 will cause significant stress friction on the optical fiber 10, increasing its wear and potentially reducing its lifespan. Therefore, compared to a marking tube with only a marking section 61, using the marking tube 60 including the extension section 62 in this embodiment allows for a smooth transition in the drooping angle of the optical fiber 10, effectively reducing the risk of breakage and wear, and thus increasing its lifespan.

[0065] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the optical fiber conduit may further include a second connecting pipe 22, one end of which is connected to the outer pipe 20 to communicate with the aforementioned second channel 50, and the other end of the second connecting pipe 22 may be fitted with a second cooling pipe 23; a first connecting pipe 32, one end of which is connected to the inner pipe 30 to communicate with the aforementioned first channel 40, and the other end of the first connecting pipe 32 may be fitted with a first cooling pipe 33; wherein a third sealing member 24 is provided between the second connecting pipe 22 and the second cooling pipe 23, and / or a fourth sealing member 34 is provided between the first connecting pipe 32 and the first cooling pipe 33; wherein the outer surface shape of the third sealing member 24 and / or the fourth sealing member 34 is a single-stage or multi-stage stepped shape. In some embodiments, the second connecting pipe 22 may be located on a branch / bypass of the outer pipe 20, and may be perpendicularly connected to the outer pipe 20. The other end of the second cooling pipe 23 can be connected to a cooling container holding the cooling medium. A third sealing element 24 is provided between the second connecting pipe 22 and the second cooling pipe 23 to prevent the cooling medium from overflowing between the second connecting pipe 22 and the second cooling pipe 23. The outer surface shape of the aforementioned third sealing element 24 can be set as a single-stage or multi-stage stepped shape. When the outer surface shape of the third sealing element 24 is a single-stage stepped shape, the inner diameter of the lower bottom surface of the single-stage stepped shape can be equal to the outer diameter of the second connecting pipe 22 so that the second connecting pipe 22 can be fitted inside the third sealing element 24; the outer diameter of the upper bottom surface of the single-stage stepped shape can be equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the second cooling pipe 23 so that the third sealing element 24 can be inserted between the second connecting pipe 22 and the second cooling pipe 23. When the outer surface shape of the third sealing element 24 is multi-stage stepped (e.g., ... Figure 5 When the two-level stepped shape shown is used, each level of the stepped shape is the same as or similar to the aforementioned single-level stepped shape, which will not be repeated here.

[0066] In other embodiments, the first connecting pipe 32 may be located on a branch / bypass of the inner pipe 30, and may be perpendicularly connected to the inner pipe 30. The other end of the first cooling pipe 33 may be connected to a cooling container holding the cooling medium. A fourth sealing element 34 is provided between the first connecting pipe 32 and the first cooling pipe 33 to prevent the cooling medium from overflowing between them. The outer surface shape of the aforementioned fourth sealing element 34 may be configured as a single-stage or multi-stage stepped shape, similar to the third sealing element 24, and will not be described further here.

[0067] It is understandable that by setting the aforementioned stepped third and fourth seals, the sealing performance between the second cooling pipe and the second connecting pipe can be increased, as can the sealing performance between the first cooling pipe and the first connecting pipe. This can prevent the loss of cooling medium due to poor sealing, and can also prevent the optical fiber from experiencing inaccurate temperature control and damage to surrounding tissues due to poor cooling effect.

[0068] In some embodiments, the optical fiber 10 is movably and / or rotatably connected to the outer tube 20. Specifically, with the outer tube 20 fixed, the optical fiber 10 can move relative to the outer tube along its axial direction, and / or the optical fiber 10 can rotate within the outer tube 20. In other embodiments, the optical fiber 10 can be movably and / or rotatably connected to the inner tube 30, so that with both the inner tube 30 and the outer tube 20 fixed, the optical fiber 10 can move and / or rotate relative to the inner tube 30.

[0069] In some embodiments, the optical fiber conduit further includes a first fastener and a second fastener; wherein, the first fastener is sleeved on the outside of the optical fiber 10 and the outside of the first fastener is connected to the inside of the inner tube 30; the second fastener is sleeved on the outside of the optical fiber 10 and is located between the proximal end of the optical fiber and the first fastener in the axial direction of the optical fiber, for clamping the optical fiber 10 in the circumferential direction of the optical fiber to fix the optical fiber 10, wherein the proximal end of the optical fiber is the end of the optical fiber away from the closed end of the outer tube.

[0070] In some embodiments, the interior of the first fastener can be connected to the exterior of the optical fiber 10, and the exterior of the first fastener can be connected to the inner thread of the inner tube 30. When using the optical fiber conduit, the inner tube 30 and the outer tube 20 located outside the inner tube can be inserted into the lesion area, and can be connected through the external thread of the first fastener and the internal thread of the inner tube 30, thereby achieving the connection between the first fastener and the inner tube 30, and thus achieving the fixation of the first fastener and the optical fiber 10.

[0071] In other embodiments, the second fastener may be provided with a clamping plate along the axial direction of the optical fiber 10. When the second fastener is rotated, the clamping plate may move inward along the axial direction of the optical fiber 10, thereby clamping the optical fiber 10.

[0072] Figure 6 Exemplary cross-sectional views of fiber optic conduits including third and fourth channels, representing other embodiments of this disclosure, are shown. Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the optical fiber conduit may include an optical fiber 10 and an outer tube 20, wherein the optical fiber 10 and the outer tube 20 have a third channel 70; the outer tube 20 has a fourth channel 80 extending along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 inside its wall, and the fourth channel 80 communicates with the third channel 70.

[0073] The outer tube 20 may include an inner wall 201 and an outer wall 202, and one or more fourth channels 80 parallel to the axis of the outer tube may be provided between the inner wall 201 and the outer wall 202. In some embodiments, the cooling medium may be a coolant or a cooling gas. Preferably, the cooling medium may be a cooling gas, which can prevent the cooling effect from being affected by the small cooling flow rate of the third and / or fourth channels when the cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth channel 80 is small.

[0074] It is understood that in this embodiment, the fiber optic conduit may not contain an inner tube. This arrangement allows for a further reduction in the outer diameter of the fiber optic conduit while ensuring it still provides a cooling channel.

[0075] Figure 7 A graph showing the relationship between the outer diameter of the fiber optic conduit and the inlet pressure in some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. Figure 7 As shown, the smaller the outer diameter of the fiber optic conduit (i.e., the outer diameter of the outer tube), the higher the inlet pressure of the cooling channel (e.g., ...). Figure 5 The pressure at the connection between the first connecting pipe 32 and the inner pipe 30 shown in the diagram is greater. When the outer diameter of the aforementioned outer pipe is less than 1.6 mm, the slope of the curve relating the inlet pressure and the outer pipe diameter begins to change significantly. That is, when the outer pipe diameter is less than 1.6 mm, the change in inlet pressure corresponding to that outer pipe diameter begins to increase significantly. At this time, the degree of change in inlet pressure becomes more sensitive as the outer pipe diameter decreases. For example, when the outer pipe diameter decreases by 0.1 mm, the aforementioned inlet pressure can increase by more than 200,000 Pa. In particular, from Figure 7 As can be seen, when the outer tube diameter is less than 1.5 mm, the relationship curve between the inlet pressure and the outer tube diameter is almost linearly increasing.

[0076] It is understandable that excessive inlet pressure in the cooling channel can lead to reduced cooling efficiency and increased energy consumption. Furthermore, it increases the risk of cooling medium leakage and can cause noise and vibration, potentially damaging the cooling components of the fiber optic conduit. Therefore, in some preferred embodiments disclosed herein, the outer diameter of the outer tube of the fiber optic conduit is set to 1.5 mm or more, which allows for reasonable control of the inlet pressure, thereby ensuring the normal operation and efficient cooling of the fiber optic conduit's cooling components.

[0077] In some preferred embodiments, the outer diameter of the outer tube is 1.5–1.6 mm, for example, 1.5 mm, 1.55 mm, or 1.6 mm. Preferably, the outer diameter of the aforementioned outer tube is 1.55 mm. When the outer diameter of the aforementioned outer tube is in the range of 1.5–1.6 mm, it can ensure that the inlet pressure is relatively low, and it can also allow the optical fiber conduit to have a smaller outer diameter, thereby reducing the puncture orifice diameter.

[0078] In yet another aspect, this disclosure also provides a laser ablation system comprising, as described above in conjunction with... Figures 1-6 The fiber optic conduit described in any of the embodiments. In some embodiments, the laser ablation system may further include a laser, an external control device, etc. The laser may be connected to the aforementioned fiber optic conduit to generate a high-energy laser beam and transmit the laser beam into the fiber optic conduit. The external control device may control the switching on and off of the aforementioned laser and control the flow rate of the aforementioned cooling medium, etc.

[0079] The fiber optic catheter and laser ablation system disclosed herein, by setting the outer diameter of the outer tube to 1.0-2.5 mm, can reduce the puncture hole diameter and make it easier to pass through narrow spaces to accurately reach the target position, thereby improving the accuracy of treatment and reducing trauma and complications.

[0080] While numerous embodiments of this disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many modifications, alterations, and alternatives will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and intent of this disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of this disclosure described herein may be employed in the practice of this disclosure. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of this disclosure and therefore cover equivalents or alternatives within the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. An optical fiber duct, characterized in that, include: Fiber optic (10); An outer tube (20) is sleeved on the outside of the optical fiber (10), and one end of the outer tube (20) is a closed end. The closed end is at a first distance from the far end of the optical fiber (10), wherein the far end of the optical fiber (10) is the end of the optical fiber (10) closer to the closed end, and the outer diameter of the outer tube (20) is 1.0-2.5 mm.

2. The optical fiber conduit according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An inner tube (30) is sleeved on the outside of the optical fiber (10) and located between the optical fiber (10) and the outer tube (20); and A first channel (40) is formed between the inner tube (30) and the optical fiber (10), and a second channel (50) is formed between the inner tube (30) and the outer tube (20).

3. The optical fiber conduit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber (10) is a first shape, the cross-sectional shape of the outer tube (20) is a second shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the inner tube (30) is a third shape, wherein... The first shape is different from the third shape, and the second shape is different from the third shape.

4. The optical fiber conduit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second distance (L2) between the outer side of the optical fiber (10) and the inner side of the inner tube (30) is 0~0.065mm, wherein the second distance is the distance between the outer side of the optical fiber (10) and the inner side of the inner tube (30) at the closest point. The third distance (L3) between the outer side of the inner tube (30) and the inner side of the outer tube (20) is 0~0.04mm, wherein the third distance is the distance between the outer side of the inner tube (30) and the inner side of the outer tube (20) at the closest point.

5. The optical fiber conduit according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The first and second shapes are both circular, and the third shape is a polygon; and The outer side of the optical fiber (10) abuts against the inner side of the inner tube (30), and the outer side of the inner tube (30) abuts against the inner side of the outer tube (20).

6. The optical fiber conduit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The optical fiber conduit also includes: The first sealing element (31) is disposed at the proximal end of the inner tube (30) to seal the first channel (40), wherein the proximal end of the inner tube is the end of the inner tube away from the closed end; The second seal (21) is disposed at the proximal end of the outer tube (20) to seal the second channel (50), wherein the proximal end of the outer tube is the other end of the outer tube opposite to the closed end.

7. The optical fiber conduit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The optical fiber conduit also includes: The first connecting pipe (32) has one end connected to the inner pipe (30) to communicate with the first channel, and the other end of the first connecting pipe (32) is fitted with a first cooling pipe (33). The second connecting pipe (22) has one end connected to the outer pipe (20) to communicate with the second channel, and the other end of the second connecting pipe (22) is externally fitted with a second cooling pipe (23); wherein, A third sealing element (24) is provided between the second connecting pipe (22) and the second cooling pipe (23), and / or a fourth sealing element (34) is provided between the first connecting pipe (32) and the first cooling pipe (33); wherein, The outer surface shape of the third seal (24) and / or the fourth seal (34) is a single-level or multi-level stepped shape.

8. The optical fiber conduit according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, It also includes a marking tube (60), which includes a marking segment (61) and an extension segment (62). The marking segment (61) is configured as a straight tube, and the marking segment (61) is provided with a scale; The extension section (62) includes a narrow end and a wide end. The inner diameter of the extension section increases along the direction from the narrow end to the wide end. The narrow end is connected to one end of the marking section (61), and the other end of the marking section (61) is connected to the first seal (31), so that the optical fiber extends into the inner tube (30) through the marking tube (60) and the first seal (31).

9. The optical fiber conduit according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is a third channel (70) between the optical fiber (10) and the outer tube (20); The outer tube (20) has a fourth channel (80) extending along the axial direction of the outer tube (20) inside its wall, and the fourth channel (80) is connected to the third channel (70).

10. The optical fiber conduit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first distance (L1) is 0~2mm; and / or The outer diameter of the outer tube (20) is 1.5~1.6mm.

11. The optical fiber conduit according to claim 1 or 10, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the outer tube (20) is 1.55 mm.

12. The optical fiber conduit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical fiber (10) is movably connected and / or rotatably connected to the outer tube (20).

13. The optical fiber conduit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The optical fiber conduit further includes a first fastener and a second fastener; wherein... The first fastener is sleeved on the outside of the optical fiber (10), and the outside of the first fastener is connected to the inside of the inner tube (30). The second fastener is sleeved on the outside of the optical fiber (10) and is located between the near end of the optical fiber and the first fastener in the axial direction of the optical fiber. It is used to clamp the optical fiber (10) in the circumferential direction of the optical fiber to fix the optical fiber (10). The near end of the optical fiber is the end of the optical fiber away from the closed end.

14. A laser ablation system, characterized in that, Includes the optical fiber conduit as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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