Interventional medical device having data communication

Abstract

To provide an interventional medical device improved in data communication from a camera.SOLUTION: An interventional medical device 100 includes an insertion tube 120 extending between a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104. The distal end is configured to be inserted into internal tissues of a patient during a medical procedure. The insertion tube has a dielectric waveguide 150 extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The interventional medical device includes a transmitter coupled to the dielectric waveguide at the distal end. The transmitter transmits a radio frequency signal along the dielectric waveguide from the distal end to the proximal end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] The subject matter herein relates generally to interventional medical devices.

[0002] Interventional medical devices, such as endoscopes, are used during medical procedures to perform medical procedures on a patient. Endoscopes typically include an elongated tube that can be inserted into the patient's body. A video camera or fiber optic lens is provided at the distal end to view the body tissue as the tube is moved through the patient's body. Various surgical tools can be inserted through the interior of the tube to perform the surgical procedure. For example, some known endoscopes include a needle for performing a biopsy of the patient's tissue.

[0003] Image data from the video camera is transmitted to the image processor through an elongated tube. Some known interventional medical devices use electrical conductors, such as twisted wire pairs, to transmit data from the video camera to the image processor. However, as video quality improves, for example, with higher resolution cameras, higher frame rates, and increased color depth, electrical conductors are approaching their data rate limits. Other known interventional medical devices use optical fibers to transmit signals from the video camera to the image processor. However, optical fiber systems are expensive.

[0004] There is a need for interventional medical devices with improved data communications. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In an embodiment, an interventional medical device is provided. The interventional medical device includes an insertion tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured to be inserted into a patient's internal tissue during a medical procedure. The insertion tube has a dielectric waveguide extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The interventional medical device includes a transmitter at the distal end coupled to the dielectric waveguide. The transmitter transmits a radio frequency signal along the dielectric waveguide from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0006] In another embodiment, an interventional medical device is provided. The interventional medical device includes an insertion tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured to be inserted into an internal tissue of a patient during a medical procedure. The insertion tube has a dielectric waveguide extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The interventional medical device includes an imaging module at a proximal end of the insertion tube. The imaging module images the internal tissue of the patient during the medical procedure. The imaging device generates an imaging signal. The interventional medical device includes a transmitter at the distal end coupled to the dielectric waveguide. The transmitter transmits a radio frequency signal along the dielectric waveguide from the distal end to the proximal end. The radio frequency signal communicates the imaging signal from the imaging device.

[0007] In a further embodiment, an interventional medical device is provided. The interventional medical device includes an insertion tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured to be inserted into an internal tissue of a patient during a medical procedure. The insertion tube has a dielectric waveguide extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The insertion tube includes a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The interventional medical device includes a transmitter at the distal end coupled to the dielectric waveguide. The transmitter transmits a radio frequency signal along the dielectric waveguide from the distal end to the proximal end. The interventional medical device includes a tool received within the lumen. The tool is configured to interact with the patient during a medical procedure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interventional medical device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an interventional medical device showing an imaging system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dielectric waveguide according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide according to an exemplary embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an insertion tube of an interventional medical device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an insertion tube of an interventional medical device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interventional medical device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The interventional medical device 100 is used during a medical procedure to perform a medical procedure on a patient. In various embodiments, the interventional medical device 100 is an imaging device such as an endoscope, a digital ultrasound device, and a smart catheter. However, the interventional medical device 100 may be other types of medical devices, such as a device including a MEMS sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, the interventional medical device 100 is configured to image the internal tissue of a patient during a medical procedure. The interventional medical device 100 transmits image data through a tube or cable to a control unit at the base of the interventional medical device 100. The interventional medical device 100 may perform other tasks, such as drug delivery or tissue sampling or manipulation.

[0010] The interventional medical device 100 extends between a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104. An insertion tube 120 extends between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104. The distal end 104 and the insertion tube 120 are configured to be inserted into a patient's body during a medical procedure. In an exemplary embodiment, a medical device is provided at the distal end 104 to interact with a patient. The medical device may position a sensor, a tool, a camera, or other type of medical device. The tool may be a drug delivery tool, a needle, a forceps, a balloon, an irrigation device, a sensor, or other type of tool. A controller for the medical device may extend through the insertion tube 120. Data from the medical device may be transmitted back to an operator at the proximal end through the insertion tube 120.

[0011] The interventional medical device 100 includes a handle 106 at the proximal end 102. The handle 106 may be used to actuate or manipulate the distal end 104 and / or one or more tools 108 at the distal end 104 for performing a medical procedure. For example, the distal end 104 may be steerable to position the tools 108 for performing a medical procedure, such as, for example, biopsy of damaged tissue or drug delivery. The tools 108 deployed through the working channel and / or controls for the tools 108 may extend within the insertion tube 120 between the handle 106 and the distal end 104. The tools 108 may be flush with the distal end 104 of the insertion tube 120. However, the tools 108 may be embedded within the insertion tube 120 at the distal end 104 or may extend from the distal end 104. The handle 106 can be rotated and / or moved to actuate or manipulate the distal end 104, such as by using pull wires, springs, or other types of actuation elements extending between the handle 106 and the distal end 104. In various embodiments, electrical wires extend between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104 and can power / control the tools 108 or other components of the interventional medical device 100, thereby being routed through one or more internal channels of the insertion tube. The electrical wires may also be used for data transmission.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the interventional medical device 100 includes a display device 110. The display device 110 may include an eyepiece coupled to the handle 106. In various embodiments, the display device 110 may include a display, such as a computer monitor, that displays images. Images or other data may be located or viewable on the outside of the interventional medical device 100, such as, for example, on a remote computer monitor, on an attached display or dial, or elsewhere.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the interventional medical device 100 includes an imaging system 200 for imaging the internal tissue of a patient. The imaging system 200 includes an imaging module 210 at the distal end 104 and a control unit 250 at the proximal end 102. The imaging module 210 may define the tip or imaging end of the medical device 100 (e.g., an endoscope). An insertion tube 120 connects the imaging module 210 and the control unit 250. Data is transmitted between the imaging module 210 and the control unit 250 through the insertion tube 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the insertion tube 120 includes a dielectric waveguide 150 for data transmission between the imaging module 210 and the control unit 250.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the imaging system 200 includes an optical transmitter 202 at the distal end 104 to illuminate internal tissue. The optical transmitter 202 may include one or more optical fibers and / or light pipes routed between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104. The optical transmitter 202 may include a lens or an LED sensor at the distal end 104 that emits light.

[0015] The insertion tube 120 extends between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104. The insertion tube 120 is flexible. The distal end 104 of the insertion tube 120 is configured to be inserted into a patient and manipulated through the internal tissue of the patient's body to a desired location. The insertion tube 120 includes a sleeve 122 on the outside of the insertion tube 120. Other components are routed through the hollow interior of the sleeve 122. The sleeve 122 may be manufactured from a medical grade material, such as a stainless steel material, a nitinol material, or other suitable material. The sleeve 122 may be coated, such as a PTFE spray or a PTFE jacket. The sleeve 122 may include multiple sections. A portion of the sleeve 122 may be rigid. A portion of the sleeve 122 may be flexible, allowing manipulation of the insertion tube 120 within the patient's body.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the various components of the interventional medical device 100 are housed in an insertion tube 120, which extends between the handle 106 and the distal end 104. The sleeve 122 includes one or more internal channels, including at least one working channel 124, which are housed in the components of the interventional medical device 100. For example, the tool 108 may be wired to the distal end 104 through the working channel 124. The optical transmitter 202 may be wired to the distal end 104 through the working channel 124 or through another internal channel. The working channel 124 may be separate or compartmentalized from the other internal channels. The internal channels may be open lumens that extend between both ends of the insertion tube 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric waveguide 150 may be wired to the imaging module 210 at the distal end 104 through the working channel 124. Other components may be routed through the internal channel (or internal channels), such as, for example, air tubes, water tubes, and wiring.

[0017] 2 is a schematic diagram of an interventional medical device 100 displaying an imaging system 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. The interventional medical device 100 includes an insertion tube 120 extending between a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104. An imaging module 210 is provided at the distal end 104 and is used to image the internal anatomy of a patient during a medical procedure. A control unit 250 is provided at the proximal end 102 and is used to control the imaging module 210. In an exemplary embodiment, a dielectric waveguide 150 extends between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104 for transmitting data between the imaging module 210 and the control unit 250.

[0018] The imaging module 210 includes an imaging device, such as, for example, a camera 212, and an integrated circuit 220 operably coupled to the camera 212. The camera 212 may include a sensor 214, such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. The camera 212 may include a lens. The integrated circuit 220 receives a signal from the camera 212. The camera 212 generates an image signal that is sent to the integrated circuit 220. The image signal is a digital signal. The integrated circuit 220 supports digitization of the image signal. The imaging module 210 and / or the integrated circuit 220 may include a processor, such as, for example, an image processor, to digitize the image from the camera 212. In various embodiments, the camera 212 is a high-resolution color camera for capturing images of an interior. The camera 212 may be a high-resolution camera, such as, for example, a 4K or 8K UHDTV video camera. The camera 212 may have a high frame rate, such as, for example, 60 fps or more. In alternative embodiments, other types of imaging devices may be used, such as, for example, an ultrasound probe. The integrated circuit 220 may include a substrate and one or more electrical components mounted on the substrate.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the imaging module 210 includes a transmitter 230 coupled to or integrated with the integrated circuit 220. The transmitter 230 transmits data signals from the imaging module 210 to the control unit 250. For example, the transmitter 230 may transmit signals from the camera 212 to the control unit 250. Optionally, the transmitter 230 may transmit signals from the camera 212 in addition to signals from other components, such as the sensor 214 at the distal end 104. The transmitter 230 is a wireless transmitter. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmitter 230 includes a transmitting antenna 232 coupled to the integrated circuit 220. The transmitting antenna 232 transmits radio frequency signals. For example, the transmitting antenna 232 converts the image signal to a radio frequency signal. The radio frequency signal corresponds to the image signal from the imaging module. For example, an RF signal may be generated from or based on the image signal. The image signal may be modulated within the transmitted radio frequency signal. The image signal may be digitized and serialized into an RF signal. The transmitting antenna 232 may be configured to support data transmission in the gigabit range, e.g., between 3 Gbps and 30 Gbps, or more. The transmitting antenna 232 may be a microwave antenna. In an exemplary embodiment, the radio frequency signal is at a frequency of at least 30 Gbps. For example, the radio frequency signal may be in the extremely high frequency (EHF) range, e.g., between 30 Gbps and 300 Gbps. In various embodiments, the radio frequency signal may be approximately 150 Hz. The transmitter 230 is coupled to the dielectric waveguide 150 to transmit the radio frequency signal along the dielectric waveguide 150. In various embodiments, the transmitter 230 may be a transceiver configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals.

[0020] The control unit 250 includes a processor 252 and an integrated circuit 260 operably coupled to the processor 252. The integrated circuit 260 receives the radio frequency signal from the dielectric waveguide 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 250 includes a receiver 270 coupled or integrated with the integrated circuit 260. The receiver 270 receives the radio frequency signal from the dielectric waveguide 150 and converts the radio frequency signal to a digital signal. For example, the receiver 270 includes a receiving antenna 272 coupled to the dielectric waveguide 150, where the receiving antenna 272 receives the radio frequency signal from the dielectric waveguide 150, and the receiver 270 converts the radio frequency signal to a digital signal. The processor 252 processes the digital signal. The digital signal may be sent to the display 110 for viewing by an operator. In various embodiments, the receiver 270 may be a transmitter configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals.

[0021] FIG 3 is a perspective view of a dielectric waveguide 150 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG 4 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide 150 according to an exemplary embodiment. The dielectric waveguide 150 extends between a proximal end 152 and a distal end 154. The distal end 154 is coupled to an imaging module 210, such as, for example, a transmitter 230 (shown in FIG 2). The proximal end 152 is coupled to a control unit 250, such as, for example, a receiver 270 (shown in FIG 2).

[0022] The dielectric waveguide 150 is flexible. The dielectric waveguide 150 has a small diameter, such as about 1.00 mm. The dielectric waveguide 150 includes one or more dielectric layers 156. The dielectric layers 156 may be concentric about a central axis 158 of the dielectric waveguide 150. Radio frequency signals are transmitted along at least one of the dielectric layers 156. In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric waveguide 150 includes a central core 160 and a cladding 162 surrounding the central core 160. Radio frequency signals are transmitted along the central core 160. The dielectric waveguide may include other layers in alternative embodiments.

[0023] The central core 160 is formed of a solid dielectric material configured to conduct radio waves at millimeter wave frequencies and the frequencies mentioned above. The central core 160 may be manufactured from a first dielectric material, such as a polymeric material including, but not limited to, vinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene, and / or hexafluoropropylene. The central core 160 may be manufactured by an extrusion process. In various embodiments, the central core 160 is filled with a polymeric material. In various other embodiments, the central core 160 may be hollow, for example, forming a lumen that may receive other components or tools of the interventional medical device 100.

[0024] The cladding 162 has a lower relative permittivity or a lower dielectric constant than the core 160 and uses total internal reflection to confine the radio waves. The cladding 162 may have a different dielectric constant than the core 160. The cladding 162 confines the transmitted waves within the core 160. The cladding 162 may be composed of a material that reflects the waves back to the core 160. For example, the cladding 162 may be formed from a material that has a different dielectric constant than the material forming the core 160. The cladding 162 may have a lower dielectric constant than the core 160. In various embodiments, the cladding 162 is a foam cladding, for example, but not limited to, formed from a plastic foam such as polystyrene foam. In various other embodiments, the cladding 162 may be an extruded plastic material formed around the core 160.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide 150 according to an exemplary embodiment. The dielectric waveguide 150 includes a core 160 and a cladding 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the core 160 is hollow with an air core 164 along a central axis 158. In various embodiments, the air core 164 forms a lumen 170 configured to receive other components, such as the tool 108 (shown in FIG. 1) and / or control wires for the tool 108. For example, an inner portion of the dielectric waveguide 150 can function as an actuation lumen. The dielectric waveguide 150 may include a metal shield layer between the inner dielectric layer (e.g., the core 160) and the outer dielectric layer (e.g., the cladding 162). In an alternative embodiment, a metal layer may be provided around the outside of the cladding 162. In other embodiments, an outer jacket or sleeve may be provided around the outside of the dielectric waveguide 150. In alternative embodiments, the working channel disposed in the tool 108 or other component may be defined as a path not through the core 160 of the dielectric waveguide 150, but through separate lumens or internal channels from the dielectric waveguide 150.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide 150 according to an exemplary embodiment. The dielectric waveguide 150 includes a core 160 and a cladding 162. The core 160 includes an air core 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the core 160 includes a plurality of concentric dielectric layers, such as a first layer 174, a second layer 176, and a third layer 178. The second layer 176 is disposed between the first layer 174 and the third layer 178. The layers 174, 176, and 178 may be extruded layers. The second layer 176 is formed of a different dielectric material having a different dielectric constant than the first layer 174 and the third layer 178. In various embodiments, the first layer 176 is formed of a different material than the third layer 178. However, in various other embodiments, the first layer 176 may be formed of the same dielectric material as the third layer 178. First layer 174 and / or second layer 176 and / or third layer 178 are configured to transmit or transmit radio frequencies. In alternative embodiments, core 160 may include more or fewer layers. In alternative embodiments, cladding 162 may include multiple layers.

[0027] 7 is a cross-sectional view of a dielectric waveguide 150 according to an exemplary embodiment. The dielectric waveguide 150 includes a core 160 and a cladding 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the core 160 is a solid core. However, in alternative embodiments, the core 160 may be hollow with an air core.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more conductors 180 may be disposed within the dielectric waveguide 150. The conductors 180 may be electrical or optical conductors. The conductors 180 may extend between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104. The electrical conductors 180 may be electrically connected to components at the proximal and / or distal ends, such as the imaging module 210, the camera 212, the transmitting antenna 232, the sensor 214, or other components. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical conductors 180 include a power conductor 182 and a ground conductor 184. In other embodiments, other types of conductors may be provided, such as, for example, low speed data signal conductors.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical conductor 180 may pass through a channel in the cladding 162. The electrical conductor 180 may be provided on both sides of the dielectric waveguide 150. However, in alternative embodiments, other arrangements are possible. For example, in alternative embodiments, the electrical conductor 180 may be located in the core 160 or in an outer jacket or sleeve (not shown).

[0030] 8 is a cross-sectional view of an insertion tube 120 of an interventional medical device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The interventional medical device 100 may be an endoscope shaft having a working channel 124, a dielectric waveguide 150 within the insertion tube 120, and a number of metal wires or traces 130. The metal wires or traces 130 may be used for control, power supply, and / or data transmission. The insertion tube 120 may include other components inside the insertion tube 120.

[0031] 9 is a cross-sectional view of an insertion tube 120 of an exemplary embodiment of an interventional medical device 100. The interventional medical device 100 may be an ultrasound cable assembly having a dielectric waveguide 150 and a number of metal wires or traces 140 within the insertion tube 120. The metal wires or traces 140 may be used for control, power supply, and / or data transmission. The insertion tube 120 may include other components inside the insertion tube 120.

[0032] It is to be understood that the above description is illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the scope of the present invention without departing from its scope. The descriptions herein of dimensions, types of materials, configurations of various components and locations of various components are intended to define the parameters of particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting, being merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. an insertion tube (120) extending between a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104), the distal end being configured to be inserted into a patient's internal tissue during a medical procedure, the insertion tube having a dielectric waveguide (150) extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a transmitter (230) coupled to the dielectric waveguide at the distal end and configured to transmit a radio frequency signal along the dielectric waveguide from the distal end to the proximal end; Equipped with An interventional medical device (100).

2. a receiver (270) coupled to the dielectric waveguide (150) at the proximal end (102) for receiving the radio frequency signal from the dielectric waveguide. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1.

3. the insertion tube (120) includes a lumen (170) concentric with the dielectric waveguide (150); A tool (108) is received within the lumen; the tool is configured to interact with the patient during a medical procedure; The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1.

4. an imaging module (210) at said distal end (104); a control unit (250) at said proximal end (102) operably coupled to said imaging module; Further equipped with the transmitter (230) is capable of communicating data from the imaging module to the control unit through the dielectric waveguide (150); The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1.

5. The image module (210) includes a camera (212) and an integrated circuit (220) that receives a signal from the camera; the transmitter (230) includes a transmit antenna (232) coupled to the integrated circuit for transmitting the radio frequency signal; the control unit (250) includes an integrated circuit having a receiving antenna (272) configured to receive the radio frequency signal from the dielectric waveguide (150) and convert the radio frequency signal to a digital signal; The control unit includes a data processor for processing the digital signal. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 4.

6. The transmitter (230) includes an integrated circuit (220) for receiving a digital signal; the transmitter includes an antenna (232) coupled to the integrated circuit that converts the digital signal to the radio frequency signal; The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1.

7. Further comprising a sensor at said distal end (104); the transmitter (230) receives a signal from the sensor and converts the signal to the radio frequency signal for transmission via the dielectric waveguide (150) to the proximal end (102). The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1.

8. The dielectric waveguide (150) includes a central core (160) and a cladding surrounding the core; The radio frequency signal is transmitted along the central core. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1.

9. The insertion tube (120) includes an electrical conductor extending between the proximal end (102) and the distal end (104). The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1.

10. The insertion tube (120) includes power and ground wires extending between the proximal and distal ends (102, 104). The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1.

11. The dielectric waveguide (150) includes a plurality of concentric dielectric layers (156). The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1.

12. The dielectric waveguide (150) includes an inner dielectric layer (160), an outer dielectric layer (162), and a metal shield layer between the inner and outer dielectric layers. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1.

13. The dielectric waveguide (150) is flexible. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1.

14. The radio frequency signal is at a frequency of at least 30 GHz. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1.

15. The radio frequency signal is between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. The interventional medical device (100) of claim 1.

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