Medical fluorescence probe and medical fluorescence fiber thermometer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of fluorescent optical fiber temperature measurement, specifically relates to a kind of medical fluorescent probe and medical fluorescent optical fiber thermometer, including probe tube, fluorescent sensitive head and medical transmission optical fiber;Fluorescent sensitive head, encapsulated in the head of medical transmission optical fiber;Probe tube is the tubular structure of two ends opening, and probe tube includes the needle tube main body and sharp portion of through;Needle tube main body is set on the fluorescent sensitive head and medical transmission optical fiber after encapsulation;Fluorescent sensitive head extends to sharp portion, and the inner diameter of sharp portion is greater than the outer diameter of fluorescent sensitive head.The utility model medical fluorescent probe can be punctured to intervene into human tissue to carry out the accurate temperature measurement of tumour ablation surgical site, avoid the problem that the existing traditional electrical temperature sensor is susceptible to electromagnetic interference and leads to the distortion of measurement signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fluorescent fiber optic temperature measurement technology, specifically to a medical fluorescent probe and a medical fluorescent fiber optic thermometer. Background Technology

[0002] In minimally invasive interventional treatments such as microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and high-frequency electrosurgical excision, real-time and precise temperature monitoring is crucial to ensure effective ablation of the lesion while avoiding thermal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Clinical studies have confirmed that precisely controlling the temperature of the target human tissue within the range of 42℃–44℃ during tumor hyperthermia can achieve ideal therapeutic effects while maximizing the protection of normal tissue. However, the presence of high-intensity electromagnetic fields in such surgical environments makes traditional electrical temperature sensors (such as thermocouples and resistance temperature detectors) susceptible to electromagnetic interference, leading to distorted measurement signals and severely impacting the reliability and safety of the treatment.

[0003] Fluorescent fiber optic temperature sensing technology, with its inherent resistance to electromagnetic interference, offers a feasible technical direction for addressing the aforementioned challenges. Chinese invention patent CN202110311576.X discloses a fiber optic thermometer based on the fluorescence intensity ratio method. This thermometer uses a measuring unit composed of a transmitting fiber, a receiving fiber, and a reflector. It calculates temperature using the ratio of dual-path light intensity, exhibiting strong anti-interference capabilities and suitability for general industrial environments. However, this type of industrial fluorescent fiber optic thermometer cannot be directly applied to medical settings due to the following obstacles:

[0004] 1. Industrial probes are typically flat rod-shaped structures with rounded or flat tips. They are mainly used to measure the surface temperature of objects or the ambient temperature inside equipment such as reaction vessels. They cannot accurately penetrate human tissue for precise temperature measurement at ablation sites.

[0005] 2. Industrial probes are relatively large, with a probe diameter of around 3.0mm. They are also equipped with protective metal armor and sealing structures, which further increases the overall size. Moreover, the complex structure has gaps and dead corners, making it difficult to achieve thorough sterilization through medical sterilization methods such as high temperature and high pressure, ethylene oxide, or radiation. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the technical problem mentioned in the background art that existing industrial fluorescent probes are limited by their structure and size and cannot be directly applied to medical scenarios, this utility model provides a medical fluorescent probe and a medical fluorescent fiber optic thermometer.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A medical fluorescence probe includes: a probe tube, a fluorescence-sensitive head, and a medical transmission optical fiber;

[0009] The fluorescent sensing head is encapsulated in the head of the medical transmission optical fiber;

[0010] The probe tube is a tubular structure with openings at both ends, and the probe tube includes a through-hole needle body and a spike.

[0011] The needle body is fitted onto the encapsulated fluorescent sensitive head and medical transmission optical fiber;

[0012] The fluorescent sensing head extends to the spike portion, and the inner diameter of the spike portion is larger than the outer diameter of the fluorescent sensing head.

[0013] Furthermore, the spike is a beveled needle tip or a triangular needle tip.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer wall of the needle body is provided with depth scale lines for marking the insertion depth.

[0015] Furthermore, the probe tube also includes a fixed end, which is disposed at one end of the needle tube body relative to the spike portion. The medical transmission optical fiber extends to the outside of the needle tube body and is detachably connected to the fixed end.

[0016] Furthermore, the fixing end is a rod-shaped structure extending integrally from the needle tube body, and the fixing end is connected to the medical transmission optical fiber via a cable tie.

[0017] Furthermore, the probe tube is also provided with a handle, which is located near the fixed end.

[0018] Furthermore, the probe tube is a medical stainless steel probe tube; the outer diameter of the probe tube is no greater than 1.8 mm.

[0019] Furthermore, the medical transmission optical fiber is a single multimode quartz optical fiber; the outer surface of the multimode quartz optical fiber is provided with retraction scale lines for marking the retraction length of the probe tube.

[0020] A medical fluorescent fiber optic thermometer, characterized in that it comprises:

[0021] The fluorescent fiber optic thermometer main unit and the aforementioned medical fluorescent probe, wherein the fluorescent fiber optic thermometer main unit is optically connected to the medical fluorescent probe;

[0022] The main unit of the fluorescent fiber optic thermometer includes:

[0023] The microcontroller is used to match the temperature value based on the fluorescence signal returned by the medical fluorescence probe and to determine whether the temperature value exceeds the set temperature threshold.

[0024] In addition, an over-temperature alarm module is electrically connected to the microcontroller and is used to issue an alarm when the temperature value exceeds a set temperature threshold.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0026] 1. This utility model of a medical fluorescence probe includes a fluorescence-sensitive head, a medical transmission optical fiber, and a probe tube with a spike at the end. The spike allows the probe tube to carry the fluorescence-sensitive head and the medical transmission optical fiber like a standard medical puncture needle, enabling accurate, minimally invasive, and reliable puncture and intervention into human tissue for precise temperature measurement at the tumor ablation site. Furthermore, it fully utilizes the temperature sensitivity of the fluorescence-sensitive head and the electromagnetic interference resistance of the optical fiber to ensure accurate temperature monitoring in environments with strong electromagnetic interference, such as microwave ablation and radiofrequency ablation, avoiding the problem of measurement signal distortion caused by electromagnetic interference in existing traditional electrical temperature sensors.

[0027] 2. This utility model has a simple structure, is easy to sterilize and disinfect, avoids the risk of causing rejection or allergic reactions in the human body, ensures the safety of parts that come into direct or indirect contact with human tissues, and has high medical applicability.

[0028] 3. This utility model's medical fluorescent fiber optic thermometer can match temperature values ​​based on the fluorescence signal returned by the aforementioned medical fluorescent probe, inheriting the accuracy and safety of temperature monitoring in environments with strong electromagnetic interference, such as microwave ablation and radiofrequency surgery. Simultaneously, an over-temperature alarm module is added. The microcontroller judges the measured temperature value; if it exceeds the set temperature threshold, an audible and visual alarm is issued to promptly alert medical personnel, providing safety assurance for surgery and improving the ease of use for medical staff. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a medical fluorescence probe;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the probe tube structure;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the medical transmission fiber structure after the fluorescent sensor head is packaged;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a medical fluorescent fiber optic thermometer;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a system block diagram of the main unit of the fluorescent fiber optic thermometer;

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 1. Medical fluorescence probe;

[0036] 11. Probe tube; 110. Needle tube body; 111. Spike; 112. Fixed end; 113. Handle;

[0037] 12. Fluorescent sensor head;

[0038] 13. Medical transmission fiber optic cable;

[0039] 14. ST optical connectors;

[0040] 2. Fluorescent fiber optic thermometer main unit; 21. ST fiber optic interface. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solution of this utility model will be further explained and described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but this utility model is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] Reference Figures 1 to 3 This embodiment provides a medical fluorescence probe 1, including: a probe tube 11, a fluorescence sensing head 12, and a medical transmission optical fiber 13; the fluorescence sensing head 12 is encapsulated in the head of the medical transmission optical fiber 13.

[0044] The fluorescence sensor 12 is formed by fixing phosphor (fluorescent indicator) to the end of an optical fiber. When excitation light shines on the phosphor through the optical fiber, the phosphor emits fluorescence. Its fluorescence lifetime changes with the temperature of the target substance. By detecting the change in fluorescence lifetime, the temperature of the target substance can be measured.

[0045] The medical transmission fiber 13 is a single-strand multimode silica fiber. This multimode silica fiber simultaneously performs the tasks of "uploading" and "receiving," transmitting the excitation pulse light from the light source of the fluorescent fiber optic thermometer host 2 to the fluorescent sensing head 12, and then returning the fluorescence signal emitted by the excited fluorescent sensing head 12 to the fluorescent fiber optic thermometer host 2. Common single-strand medical fibers have an outer diameter of 400μm, 600μm, or 1mm, preferably 1mm. Furthermore, the outer surface of the medical transmission fiber 13 is provided with retraction scale lines for marking the retraction length of the probe tube 11, with a graduation value of 1mm. Further, a fiber optic connector, preferably an ST optical connector 14, is provided at one end of the medical transmission fiber 13 opposite to the fluorescent sensing head 12. The ST optical connector 14 has a detachable protective cap.

[0046] In this embodiment, the optical fiber filling method is used to fix and seal the phosphor and medical transmission optical fiber 13 directly with medical-grade optical adhesive, forming a fluorescent sensing head 12 at the head of the medical transmission optical fiber 13; the medical-grade high-strength adhesive is preferably epoxy resin adhesive.

[0047] Specifically, the port of the medical transmission fiber optic cable 13 is sealed with optical adhesive, and then phosphor is filled into medical epoxy resin adhesive to form a hemispherical structure protruding from the end of the medical transmission fiber optic cable 13, thereby enhancing the collection and reflection capabilities of fluorescence. Then, the phosphor is sealed again with medical epoxy resin adhesive to form a fluorescent sensing head 12, which has a diameter of approximately 1.5 mm after encapsulation.

[0048] In practice, a co-sintering method can also be used. The aforementioned fluorescent sensitive head 12 is formed by co-sintering rare earth-doped fluorescent materials with a biocompatible glass substrate. Further, it is preferable to co-sinter europium-doped magnesium fluorogermanate as a phosphor with glass powder and medical transmission optical fiber 13 (quartz), forming an integrated structure similar to "welding" with the optical fiber, eliminating the risk of detachment.

[0049] The probe tube 11 includes an integrally formed spike portion 111, a needle tube body 110, and a fixed end 112; the spike portion 111 and the fixed end 112 are respectively disposed at both ends of the needle tube body 110. The probe tube 11 is made of medical-grade stainless steel 316L, which can avoid the risk of causing rejection or allergic reactions in the human body and ensure the safety of the parts that come into direct or indirect contact with human tissue.

[0050] The needle body 110 is fitted over the encapsulated fluorescent sensitive head 12 and medical transmission optical fiber 13. It has an outer diameter of 1.8 mm and an inner diameter of 1.6 mm. The outer wall of the needle body 110 is provided with depth scale lines for marking the insertion depth, with a graduation value of 1 mm, which makes it easy for medical personnel to determine the depth of the medical fluorescent probe 1 entering human tissue. The fluorescent sensitive head 12 extends to the tip 111. The top of the hemispherical structure of the fluorescent sensitive head 12 is aligned with the zero mark of the needle body 110. The medical transmission optical fiber 13 extends to the outside of the needle body 110.

[0051] The spiking part 111 is designed as a beveled needle tip or a triangular needle tip, which can cut through the skin and tissue layers, control the puncture path, form a minimally invasive intervention channel for ablation surgery, and carry the internal fluorescent sensitive head to accurately puncture the tumor target point, avoiding tearing and pulling of normal tissue.

[0052] The fixed end 112 is a rod-shaped structure that extends integrally from the needle body 110. It is used to fix the medical transmission fiber optic cable 13 and the probe tube 11. During puncture, the fixed end 112 is fixed to the medical transmission fiber optic cable 13 with a cable tie. This makes it easier for the probe tube 11 to carry the fluorescent sensitive head 12 into the tumor target site.

[0053] Further optimization involves providing a handle 113 on the needle body 110, with the handle 113 located near the fixed end 112. The handle 113 is preferably made of medical-grade polytetrafluoroethylene and is fixed to the tail of the probe tube 11 with a medical-grade high-strength adhesive. The handle 113 facilitates medical personnel in inserting the probe tube 11 into human tissue.

[0054] In this embodiment, the probe tube 11, carrying the fluorescent sensing head 12 and the medical transmission optical fiber 13, is inserted into the target human tissue where the tumor target is located. The depth of insertion of the probe tube 11 is determined by referring to the depth scale lines on the surface of the probe tube 11. Afterwards, the probe tube 11 needs to be withdrawn outside the tumor target to prevent the stainless steel probe tube 11 from heating up in the high-frequency microwave environment and burning normal human tissue. At the same time, the withdrawal depth of the probe tube 11 is determined by referring to the withdrawal scale value on the outer surface of the medical transmission optical fiber 13 to ensure that the fluorescent sensing head 12 is at the tumor target.

[0055] Compared to existing technologies, the medical fluorescence probe in this embodiment has a spike at the end, which makes the probe tube 11 like a standard medical puncture needle, carrying a fluorescence sensitive head 12 and a medical transmission optical fiber 13, so as to accurately, minimally invasively and reliably puncture and intervene in human tissue to perform precise temperature measurement at the tumor ablation site.

[0056] The medical fluorescence probe in this embodiment fully utilizes the temperature sensitivity of the fluorescence-sensitive head and the electromagnetic interference resistance of optical fiber to ensure the accuracy of temperature monitoring in environments with strong electromagnetic interference such as microwave ablation and radio frequency ablation, and avoids the problem of measurement signal distortion caused by electromagnetic interference in existing traditional electrical temperature sensors.

[0057] Meanwhile, the probe has a simple overall structure. The probe tube 11 can be removed, and the fluorescent sensitive head 12 and medical transmission optical fiber 13 can be cleaned as a whole. After that, it can be disinfected and sterilized in the pulsed vacuum sterilizer in the hospital supply room to avoid the risk of human rejection or allergic reaction and ensure the safety of the parts that come into direct or indirect contact with human tissue. It has high medical applicability.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] Combination Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a medical fluorescent fiber optic thermometer, comprising:

[0060] The fluorescent fiber optic thermometer host 2 and the medical fluorescent probe 1 in Example 1 are optically connected to the fluorescent fiber optic thermometer host 2.

[0061] The aforementioned fluorescent fiber optic thermometer main unit 2 includes:

[0062] The microcontroller, pulsed light source module, narrowband filter, communication module, photoelectric detection module, signal processing module, display module, and storage module are electrically connected to the microcontroller.

[0063] The pulse light source module is used to generate pulsed excitation light with a certain period; in this embodiment, an LED lamp with a wavelength of 400nm is used.

[0064] Narrowband filters filter stray light by selecting light of a specific wavelength.

[0065] The communication module includes a fiber optic interface module and an electrical signal interface module. Specifically, in this embodiment, the fiber optic interface module is equipped with a 4-channel ST fiber optic interface 21, which is matched with the ST optical connector 14 mentioned above. The electrical signal interface module includes an RJ-45 interface (or RS-232 interface) for connection to the host computer, and / or an HDMI interface for connection to an external display screen.

[0066] The photoelectric detection module converts optical signals into electrical signals; in this embodiment, it is specifically a PIN Si (silicon) photodiode.

[0067] The signal processing module amplifies the electrical signal and sends the amplified signal to the microcontroller.

[0068] The microcontroller is used to compare the fluorescence lifetime with the electrical signal sent by the signal processing module, and match the corresponding temperature value according to the relationship curve between fluorescence lifetime and temperature; and send the matched temperature value to the display module for display; or it can send the matched temperature value to the host computer or an external display screen.

[0069] The display module receives the temperature value from the microcontroller and displays it.

[0070] The storage module records and stores temperature data.

[0071] The aforementioned fluorescent fiber optic thermometer main unit is the HQ-16 / 18 high-precision fluorescent fiber optic thermometer commercially available from Xi'an Heqi Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd.

[0072] In a further optimization, this embodiment adds an over-temperature alarm module. This module is electrically connected to the microcontroller and is used to receive alarm signals from the microcontroller and issue an alarm. Specifically, an audible and visual alarm is preferred.

[0073] The microcontroller (STM32H743XIH6 microcontroller) sets a temperature threshold (in practice, to avoid damaging human tissue, the minimum temperature is 35℃ and the maximum temperature is 45℃; the temperature threshold can also be set according to the actual type of surgery). The microcontroller compares the matched temperature value with the set temperature threshold and determines whether it exceeds the set temperature threshold. If the matched temperature value exceeds the temperature threshold, an alarm signal is sent to the audible and visual alarm.

[0074] When using this embodiment:

[0075] 1. Preoperative preparation stage:

[0076] The probe tube 11 is fitted onto the encapsulated fluorescent sensing head 12 and the medical transmission optical fiber 13. The medical transmission optical fiber 13 is fixed to the fixed end 112 of the probe tube 11 using cable ties. The fluorescent sensing head 12 extends to the tip 111 and is located at the zero mark of the needle tube body 110.

[0077] The medical transmission fiber optic cable 13 is connected to the fluorescent fiber optic thermometer host 2 via the ST optical connector 14 and the ST fiber optic interface 21.

[0078] 2. During the surgery:

[0079] Medical staff use a probe tube 11 carrying a fluorescence-sensitive head 12 and a medical transmission fiber optic cable 13 to insert into the target human tissue where the tumor target is located. Referring to the depth scale lines on the surface of the probe tube 11, the insertion depth of the probe tube 11 is determined. Then, the probe tube 11 is withdrawn outside the tumor target. Referring to the withdrawal scale value on the outer surface of the medical transmission fiber optic cable 13, the withdrawal depth of the probe tube 11 relative to the medical transmission fiber optic cable 13 is determined to ensure that the fluorescence-sensitive head 12 is at the tumor target.

[0080] The pulsed light source module inside the fluorescent fiber optic thermometer host 2 emits pulsed excitation light. After being filtered by a narrow-band filter, the excitation light is transmitted to the fluorescent sensitive head 12 through the medical transmission fiber optic cable 13, and excites the fluorescent material to produce fluorescence.

[0081] The fluorescence is transmitted through the medical transmission fiber 13 to the narrowband filter and then enters the photoelectric detection module.

[0082] The photoelectric detection module converts the optical signal into a weak electrical signal and sends it to the signal processing module. The signal processing module amplifies the received electrical signal and sends the amplified electrical signal to the microcontroller.

[0083] The microcontroller compares the fluorescence lifetime with the electrical signal sent by the signal processing module, matches the corresponding temperature value based on the fluorescence lifetime versus temperature curve, and sends the matched temperature value to the display module for display.

[0084] Temperature thresholds are set in the microcontroller (e.g., in radiofrequency hyperthermia surgery, medical staff can set 42℃ as the minimum temperature threshold and 45℃ as the maximum temperature threshold). The microcontroller judges the measured temperature value. If the temperature exceeds the set threshold, the audible and visual alarm will immediately sound a buzzer and flash a red light to remind medical staff to take appropriate measures to avoid damage to human tissue temperature.

[0085] 2. After the surgery:

[0086] Disconnect the medical transmission fiber optic cable 13 from the fluorescent fiber optic thermometer host 2, put a protective cap on the ST optical connector 14, clean the medical fluorescent probe 1, and then disinfect and sterilize it in the pulsed vacuum sterilizer in the hospital supply room to prevent cross-infection.

[0087] This embodiment provides a medical fluorescent fiber optic thermometer that, while inheriting the advantages of fiber optic temperature measurement against electromagnetic interference, addresses the shortcomings of existing industrial designs in terms of compatibility, aseptic protection, and clinical application in medical settings. This enables safe, accurate, and reliable monitoring of human tissue temperature in surgical environments with strong electromagnetic interference.

[0088] In summary, this invention addresses the problem that existing industrial fluorescent probes, limited by their structure and size, cannot be directly applied to medical scenarios. It provides a medical fluorescent probe that is small in size and, like a standard medical puncture needle, carries a fluorescent sensing head and medical transmission fiber optic cable. This allows for accurate, minimally invasive, and reliable puncture and intervention into human tissue for precise temperature measurement at the tumor ablation site. Furthermore, its simple structure facilitates sterilization and avoids the risk of rejection or allergic reactions in the human body. Moreover, utilizing the aforementioned medical fluorescent probe, a medical fluorescent fiber optic thermometer incorporating this probe is provided. This ensures accurate temperature measurement and biosafety in medical settings while also featuring an over-temperature alarm function specifically designed for medical applications, thus improving the ease of use for medical personnel in multiple ways.

[0089] The preferred embodiments of this utility model are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent changes made to the structure, shape, and principle of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A medical fluorescence probe, characterized in that, include: Probe tube (11), fluorescence sensing head (12), and medical transmission fiber (13); The fluorescent sensing head (12) is encapsulated in the head of the medical transmission optical fiber (13); The probe tube (11) is a tubular structure with openings at both ends; The probe tube (11) includes a through-hole needle tube body (110) and a spike (111); The needle body (110) is sleeved on the encapsulated fluorescent sensitive head (12) and the medical transmission optical fiber (13); The fluorescent sensor (12) extends to the spike (111), the inner diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the fluorescent sensor (12).

2. The medical fluorescence probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spike (111) is a beveled needle tip or a triangular needle tip.

3. The medical fluorescence probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer wall of the needle body (110) is provided with depth scale lines for marking the insertion depth.

4. The medical fluorescence probe according to claim 3, characterized in that, The probe tube (11) also includes a fixed end (112), which is disposed at one end of the needle tube body (110) relative to the spike (111); the medical transmission optical fiber (13) extends to the outside of the needle tube body (110), and the medical transmission optical fiber (13) is detachably connected to the fixed end (112).

5. The medical fluorescence probe according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fixed end (112) is a rod-shaped structure integrally extended from the needle tube body (110), and the fixed end (112) is connected to the medical transmission optical fiber (13) by a cable tie.

6. The medical fluorescence probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, The probe tube (11) is also provided with a handle (113), which is located near the fixed end (112).

7. The medical fluorescence probe according to claim 6, characterized in that, The probe tube (11) is a medical stainless steel probe tube; The outer diameter of the probe tube (11) is no greater than 1.8 mm.

8. The medical fluorescence probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medical transmission optical fiber (13) is a single multimode quartz optical fiber; the outer surface of the multimode quartz optical fiber is provided with a retraction scale line for marking the retraction length of the probe tube (11).

9. A medical fluorescent fiber optic thermometer, characterized in that, include: The fluorescent fiber optic thermometer host (2) and the medical fluorescent probe (1) according to any one of claims 1-8 are optically connected; The fluorescent fiber optic thermometer main unit (2) includes: The microcontroller is used to match the temperature value based on the fluorescence signal returned by the medical fluorescence probe and to determine whether the temperature value exceeds the set temperature threshold. In addition, an over-temperature alarm module is electrically connected to the microcontroller and is used to issue an alarm when the temperature value exceeds a set temperature threshold.

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