Endoscope accessories

Abstract

An endoscopic accessory (20) is provided. The endoscopic accessory includes a first flexible substrate (21) having a first side surface (201) and a second side surface (202), and a second substrate (26) having a first surface (203) and a second surface (204). The first flexible substrate further includes a window (24) defining an opening between the first side surface and the second side surface thereof. The first surface of the second substrate includes at least one radiating element (25), and the radiating element is coupled to a transmission line (27). The second substrate (26) is attached to the first flexible substrate (21) with its first surface (203) adjacent to the first flexible substrate (21). The radiating element (25) is at least partially aligned with the window (24) of the first flexible substrate. Some embodiments disclose a slot antenna printed or etched on a rigid substrate, and a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) type slot antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of medical systems for detecting diseases. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system for the prevention and diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, for example colorectal cancer, among a number of symptoms.

Background Art

[0002] Most cancers originate from precursor lesions. For example, colorectal cancer develops in the order of adenoma-carcinoma from adenomatous polyps. In recent years, many improvements have been made to the image quality provided by currently available endoscopes, HD endoscopes, electronic dye endoscopes, and complementary functions such as multi-lens colonoscopes and image magnification. Using these resources makes scanning difficult and requires special training for endoscopists. Due to these limitations of conventional endoscopy, more innovative complementary technologies such as computer vision have emerged. Such technologies are based on automatically processing colonoscopy images, and most of the research is based on the description of morphological features such as shape or texture for determining the presence of polyps.

[0003] Another non-invasive emerging technology is microwave imaging. This technology does not rely on optical images. Microwave signals penetrate optically opaque materials and operate a new contrast mechanism based on the dielectric properties of tissues. Each tissue has its own dielectric properties that change according to its state (such as hypoxia, ischemia, tumor, etc.). A microwave imaging system can sense the dielectric properties of the human body and obtain an image representing the spatial distribution of the pathological state of the tissue without the need for direct contact. Microwaves have been applied in the medical field since the 1980s in both treatment (hyperthermia and resection) and diagnosis. The detection of breast cancer and cerebral hemorrhage are the best-known applications. The main advantages of microwaves are safety (non-ionizing and low-power radiation) and low cost, making microwaves a powerful technology for monitoring and prevention.

[0004] The microwave imaging system can provide information in many endoscopic or catheter-based mapping applications. Currently, systems based on microwaves are designed to provide a small assembly.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and device based on microwave technology for the prevention and diagnosis of diseases such as cancer (e.g., colorectal cancer among several types of cancer), and a system and device that enable integration with a small design.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic accessory, A first flexible substrate having a first side surface and a second side surface, the first flexible substrate being a window, and further comprising a window that defines an opening between the first side surface of the first flexible substrate and the second side surface of the first flexible substrate, the first flexible substrate, and A second substrate including a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the second substrate including at least one radiating element, the radiating element being coupled to a transmission line, the transmission line being connected to a connector, and the transmission line being configured to transmit an electrical signal and an associated electromagnetic wave therein toward the radiating element, the second substrate, The second substrate is attached to the first flexible substrate with the first surface of the second substrate adjacent to the first flexible substrate, An endoscopic accessory is provided in which the radiating element is at least partially aligned with the window of the first flexible substrate.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a system for detecting polyps is provided, the system comprising an accessory according to the present disclosure and an external unit operable to generate, receive, and process microwave signals and operable to activate a warning when a polyp is detected.

[0009] In a third aspect, a method of manufacturing an endoscopic accessory according to the present disclosure comprises: providing a first flexible substrate; cutting out at least one window on the first flexible substrate, the window defining an opening between a first side surface and a second side surface of the first flexible substrate; including at least one radiating element on a second substrate; attaching or soldering a second substrate including at least one radiating element to the first flexible substrate such that at least one radiating element is at least partially aligned with at least one window; coupling the radiating element to a transmission line; connecting the transmission line to a connector.

[0010] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, several examples will be described through non-limiting examples.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

[0012]

Figure 2

[0013]

Figure 3

[0014]

Figure 4

[0015]

Figure 5

[0016]

Figure 6A

[0017]

Figure 6B

[0018]

Figure 7A

[0019]

Figure 7B

[0020]

Figure 8

[0021]

Figure 9

[0022]

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The present disclosure relates to an accessory. FIG. 1 shows an accessory 10 for an endoscope 12, in which the endoscope 12 is inserted into a colon 11 presenting a polyp 13. The accessory 10 can be small so that the normal dimensions of the endoscope are not impaired or are impaired within a minimum allowable range. The endoscope 12 should be understood as a long and thin flexible tube having a light and one or more cameras at one end. FIG. 2 shows an accessory 20 for an endoscope according to the present disclosure, i.e., an endoscope accessory.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the accessory 20 includes a first flexible substrate 21 configured to be wound around a part of the endoscope tube. Being configured to be wound around a part of the endoscope tube includes enabling the first flexible substrate to be at least partially received in a part of the surface of the endoscope tube, or providing the malleability or flexibility that enables the substrate to at least partially cover a part of the surface of the endoscope tube. A part of the surface of the endoscope tube may be the end portion including the light and the camera, and preferably, during use, the camera and the light are not covered by the accessory wound around the endoscope tube. The first flexible substrate 21 may have a thickness of less than 0.2 mm, may have a loss tangent of less than 0.004, and may be made of a dielectric material. The first flexible substrate 21 may be at least partially metallized. In the present disclosure, metallization may be understood to be at least partially covered by a metal material or at least partially covered by a metal layer. The first flexible substrate 21 may be coated with copper on the first side surface 201 and on the second side surface 202. The thickness of the copper may be 18 μm or less, and may have a surface roughness with an RMS roughness of about 2.8 μm on the dielectric side. The first flexible substrate 21 may include a board of a flexible substrate that can have dimensions suitable for being at least partially wound around a part of the surface of the endoscope tube.

[0025] The first flexible substrate 21 of the accessory 20 includes a first side surface 201 and a second side surface 202 as seen in the display indicated by the letter A in FIG. 2, and the second side surface 202 is the second side surface 202 that is displayed on the right side of FIG. 2 as seen in the display indicated by the letter B. The side surface B becomes visible after turning the accessory over as seen from the first side surface A. In the present disclosure, the second side surface 202 is the side surface that faces or contacts the endoscope when the accessory is at least partially wound around a part of the surface of the endoscope tube during use, and thus may be called the inner side. In the present disclosure, the first side surface 201 is the side surface that faces the colonic tissue when the accessory is at least partially wound around a part of the surface of the endoscope tube during use, and thus may be called the outer side. The first flexible substrate 21 further includes a window 24, and the window defines an opening or a hole between the first side surface 201 of the first flexible substrate 21 and the second side surface 202 of the first flexible substrate.

[0026] The accessory 20 further includes a second substrate 26 including a first surface 203 and a second surface 204, and the first surface 203 of the second substrate 26 includes at least one radiating element 25 coupled to a transmission line 27. The second substrate may be made of a dielectric material including, for example, ceramic, glass, or plastic. The radiating element 25 may be defined as a unit within an antenna capable of radiating or receiving radio frequency energy by itself. In this specification, an antenna may be formed by the radiating element 25, or an antenna may be formed by the radiating element 25 and additional elements. An assembly of the second substrate 26 and the radiating element 25 may form an antenna. The second substrate 26 is attached to the first flexible substrate 21 at the first surface 203 of the second substrate adjacent to the inside of the first flexible substrate 21, and the radiating element 25 is aligned with, i.e., matches, coincides with, conforms to, or corresponds to the window 24 of the first flexible substrate 21 in such a way that any radiation performed by the radiating element can pass through the window 24. The radiating element is coupled to the transmission line 27 to receive the radiated signal and / or transmit the received signal via the transmission line 27. In this specification, the radiating element may be a metal element, patch, slot, or etching element on the metallized first surface 203 of the second substrate 26, or any kind of printed radiating element. Being coupled to the transmission line 27 includes being in electrical communication or being electrically connected. The transmission line 27 or a plurality of transmission lines may be included in the first flexible substrate 21. In an embodiment where the first flexible substrate is at least partially metallized, the (plural) transmission lines may be etched on a metal layer or metal material. In an embodiment, the (plural) transmission lines may be printed metal lines on the first flexible substrate. The radiating element may be printed on the second substrate. What is printed on the second substrate may include metal lines printed on the second substrate made of a dielectric material. Alternatively, what is printed on the second substrate may include lines or slots etched on a metallized or at least partially metallized second substrate. What is printed, or printing, may include techniques such as laser printing, and / or photolithography, and / or screen printing.

[0027] In FIG. 2, the radiation element 25 is on the first surface 203 of the second substrate 26. The transmission line 27, i.e., the power supply line, is connected to the connector 28. The transmission line 27 may be a printed circuit capable of transmitting an electrical signal and an associated electromagnetic (EM) wave, or may be part of a printed circuit. The electrical signal may be transmitted toward the radiation element 25 via the transmission line 27 (also called a printed circuit). The transmission line 27, i.e., the printed circuit, may be provided on both sides of the first flexible substrate 21. A ground plane may be included on the opposite side. In an embodiment, the first side surface 201, i.e., the outer side, of the first flexible substrate 21 includes the transmission line 27, i.e., the printed circuit, and the second side surface 202, i.e., the inner side, includes a ground plane not shown in FIG. 2. In an embodiment, the first side surface 201, i.e., the outer side, of the first flexible substrate 21 includes a ground plane not shown in FIG. 2, and the second side surface 202, i.e., the inner side, of the first flexible substrate 21 includes the transmission line 27, i.e., the printed circuit. One advantage of including a ground plane on the first side surface 201, i.e., the outer side, of the first flexible substrate 21 is that, when wrapped around the endoscope tube during operation, interference between any radiation emitted by the (plural) transmission lines, i.e., the (plural) printed circuits, and the radiation emitted by the (plural) radiation elements, i.e., the (plural) antennas, is avoided. The transmission line 27 may be printed on the second side surface 202 of the first flexible substrate 21, and may be connected to the first surface 203 of the second substrate 26, preferably by welding technology, for transmitting and receiving signals using the radiation element 25 or antenna and transmitting and / or receiving signals via the transmission line 27.

[0028] The second substrate 26 is attached to the first flexible substrate 21 such that the first surface 203 of the second substrate 26 is adjacent to, in particular, adjacent to or abuts against the second side surface 202 of the first flexible substrate 21. In the present disclosure, the terms "attached" and "adjacent" may include contact. In some embodiments, the first flexible substrate 21 and the second substrate 26 are attached by soldering techniques. In the present disclosure, the terms "attached" and "adjacent" may include at least partial contact. In the present disclosure, the terms "attached" and "adjacent" may include being separated by different materials, such as a layer of adhesive. Advantageously, attaching and contacting the first substrate to the second substrate can reduce at least one dimension of the accessory.

[0029] The radiation element 25 or the antenna is, in use, aligned with, i.e., coincides with, conforms to, corresponds to, or matches the window 24 of the first flexible substrate 21 in such a way that the accessory 20 is wrapped around a part of the endoscope tube and during operation the radiation element 25 or the antenna is exposed through the window 24 and radiates outwards, i.e., towards the side opposite to the inside of the first flexible substrate 21. In other words, any radiation performed by the radiation element can pass through the window 24. Although FIG. 2 shows a rectangular window 24, the window may adopt different shapes such as circular, oval, pentagonal, hexagonal or square.

[0030] As described above, the first surface 203 of the second substrate 26 includes the radiation element 25. The first surface 203 faces outward when the accessory is wound around the endoscope tube during use. In such a configuration, the radiation element 25 or the antenna radiates, i.e., transmits and receives, outward from the endoscope tube. As can be understood, the dimensions of the first surface 203 of the second substrate 26 do not have to match the dimensions of the window 24. For example, the first surface 203 of the second substrate 26 may exhibit a height and / or width that exceeds the height and / or width of the window 24. The radiation element 25 is included within the window, which means that, as shown in the figure, the effective height and effective width of the radiation element 25 are less than the height and width of the window 24. The accessory described herein can be used in the practice of microwave imaging. The radiation element may transmit a signal within the colon and / or the radiation element may receive a signal reflected by the colon to provide an image that can be analyzed, for example, to detect or diagnose the presence of a polyp. The described accessory enables the transmission of a microwave signal to the inner portion of the colon and the reception of the reflected microwave signal. The transmitted signal and the received signal may be compared or analyzed to detect any abnormalities. For example, a single radiation element or a single antenna may be used for transmission and reception using a circulator.

[0031] In some embodiments, the second substrate 26 is metallized and includes a metallized first surface 203, a metallized second surface 204, and a metallized second edge 205, and at least the edge 29 of the window 24, for example, one edge 29 or, for example, the four edges of the window 24, includes a metallized portion 22. The edge 29 of the window defines the window and may be defined as the edge through which the first flexible substrate 21 passes from the first side surface 201 to the second side surface 202 or vice versa. In some embodiments, one edge 29 of the window 24 includes a metallized portion. In some embodiments, two or more or all of the edges of the window are metallized or covered by a metal layer. By metallizing at least the edges of the window, an electrical connection between the first side surface 201 and the second side surface 202 of the first flexible substrate 21 becomes possible. Such an electrical connection avoids radiation being transmitted to the dielectric of the first flexible substrate during operation. By metallization, the radiation of the radiating element or antenna is made more efficient. The thickness of the window is the thickness of the first flexible substrate. In an embodiment where the first side surface 201 and the second side surface 202 of the first flexible substrate 21 are metallized and the edge 29 of the window 24 includes a metallized portion, the first side surface 201 and the second side surface 202 of the first flexible substrate 21 are interconnected so that an electric field cannot propagate inside the first flexible substrate 21 where it may affect radiation during operation.

[0032] In some embodiments, the metallized second edge 205, i.e., the second edge 205 of the second substrate 26, may function as a waveguide for signals transmitted and / or received by the radiating element 25 or antenna. The waveguide may be formed by the metallized second edge 205 of the second substrate 26 and the metallized surfaces 204 and 203 of the second substrate 26. Such a configuration may correspond to a substrate integrated waveguide configuration of the radiating element of the antenna or accessory 20. In some embodiments, the edge of the second substrate 26 includes a non-metallized portion aligned with the transmission line 27 so that an electrical bridge is avoided between the waveguide and the transmission line 27. Otherwise, the edge is short-circuited to the transmission line 27.

[0033] The accessory may further include a multi - antenna array that transmits and receives microwave signals that interact with the dielectric properties of the colon tissue during colonoscopy to sense tissue distribution and detect any pathological conditions that may occur in any part around the colon. In an embodiment, the accessory includes two or more receiving radiator elements or antennas and two or more transmitting radiator elements or antennas. In this case, a first multiplexer may be used to select one transmitting radiator element and a second multiplexer may be used to select one receiving radiator element. The transmitted signal transmitted by the transmitting radiator element and the received signal received by the receiving radiator element can be processed using an algorithm so that the dielectric properties of the colon are obtained. The processing of the transmitted and / or received signals may include quantitative restoration of the dielectric properties of the colon and / or restoration of the contrast of the dielectric properties. The multiplexer can continuously and periodically select the radiator elements or antennas so that a 360 - degree microwave image of the colon tissue is obtained. The accessory may include a multiplexer, and the multiplexer may be located outside the accessory, for example, within an external unit, as further described below.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows a first side A of the exemplary accessory 30 and a second side B, i.e., the inner side B, of the exemplary accessory 30. The side B becomes visible after turning the accessory over as seen on the first side A. In some embodiments such as FIG. 3, the accessory 30 includes at least two radiating elements 31, 32 included on a second substrate 33a and on a second substrate 33b. An assembly of the second substrate and each of the radiating element 31 and the radiating element 32 forms either antenna, where the first antenna is a receiving antenna and the second antenna is a transmitting antenna. The side B of the exemplary accessory 30 shows a first connector 34a and a second connector 34b. In this case, the radiating element 31 is connected to the first connector 34a via a first transmission line 35a, and the radiating element 32 is connected to the second connector 34b via a second transmission line 35b. Any additional radiating elements may be connected to additional connectors via additional transmission lines. Other embodiments described below may provide different configurations including a multiplexer MUX that can avoid having one connector per antenna or per radiating element, as in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0035] In some embodiments, the antenna is a meandering slot antenna, where the radiating element is a meander etched on a second substrate. FIG. 4 shows an example of an accessory 40 including a meandering slot antenna. The accessory 40 includes six meandering radiating elements that form part of three receiving antennas 44 and three transmitting antennas 45. FIG. 4 shows a first flexible substrate 41 and three second substrates 42a, 42b, 42c (also referred to as 42). A pair of transceiver antennas are provided on each of the three second substrates 42a, 42b, 42c. One or more of the second substrates 42a, 42b, 42c include a plurality of metallized via holes 43, which are between the radiating elements on each side of the via holes. In the illustrated embodiment, any of the radiating elements may be the receiving antenna 44 and the transmitting antenna 45. The (plurality of) via holes 43 act as a metal wall, enabling suppression of the electromagnetic field inside the dielectric of the second substrate corresponding to each radiating element, thus avoiding interference between the transmitting and receiving electromagnetic fields. The via holes 43 may be arranged at a substantially equal distance from the transceiver radiating elements or antennas at the substantially center of the second substrates 42a, 42b, 42c. In other embodiments, the via holes 43 may be arranged at a first distance from one end of the second substrate 42 and at a second distance from the other end of the second substrate 42. By having an equipotential line of the via holes 43, the behavior of the transceiver radiating elements can be made uniform. The via holes 43 may have a diameter within a range of, for example, [0.1 to 1] mm, and preferably the via holes 43 exhibit a diameter of 0.6 mm. The via holes 43 may be metallized or covered with a metal layer. The transmitting antenna 45 in FIG. 4 is coupled to a first multiplexer 46, and the receiving antenna 44 is coupled to a second multiplexer 47. The antenna may be coupled to one or more multiplexers via respective transmission lines 48a ··· 48f to select a signal entering and exiting one of the three antennas in FIG. 4. This configuration including a multiplexer MUX can avoid having one connector for each antenna or each radiating element, as in the case of the embodiment in FIG. 3.

[0036] Figure 4 represents an external component of an accessory showing an antenna through a window in the display indicated by the character A. As can be seen, in the external component shown at A, via hole 43 is hidden behind the first side surface 401 of the first flexible substrate 41, so the via hole is not shown. The via hole 43 is visible from the internal display B showing the second substrate 42 on the second side surface 402 of the first flexible substrate 41. The via hole 43 passes through the second flexible substrate 42.

[0037] The frequency of emission of the transceiver antenna may be included within the range of 1 GHz to 20 GHz. As is known, a microwave antenna emits waves over a range of approximately 1 meter to 1 millimeter corresponding to frequencies where the wavelength λ is from 300 MHz to 300 GHz, where λ is defined as "propagation speed / frequency". The frequency of emission may be around 7.5 GHz for the use of the accessory of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the size of the radiating element, which is a meandering slot, can vary according to the diameter of the endoscope around which the accessory is wound. Some endoscopes may exhibit a diameter of 13 mm. Advantageously, antennas separated by λ / 2 or less are used for imaging purposes.

[0038] FIG. 5 represents a three-dimensional view of an exemplary accessory 50 according to some examples of the present disclosure. The accessory 50 includes a first flexible substrate 51 including a first side surface 501 and a second side surface 502. The first flexible substrate 51 includes a window 53 for finding at least a part of the second substrate 52 from the second side surface 502. FIG. 5 shows 16 windows 53, each window having one radiating element (not shown), and 16 antennas are formed. In this embodiment, among such 16 antennas 53, 8 may be receiving antennas and 8 may be transmitting antennas. By constructing 8 pairs of antennas, the balance between the obtained microwave image resolution and the size of the antennas is improved. The window 24 of the accessory in FIG. 5 may exhibit a length varying in the range of 0.1λ to 0.5λ, where λ represents the length of the wavelength of the microwave signal transmitted and / or received by the accessory during use. In one example, the window 24 exhibits a length of 6.4 millimeters (mm), which is substantially 0.16λ. The window 24 may exhibit a width varying, for example, in the range of 0.1λ to 0.5λ, or may exhibit a width of, for example, 4.8 mm, that is, 0.12λ. The window 24 may exhibit a thickness varying in the range of 0.01λ to 0.05λ, or may exhibit a thickness of, for example, 0.81 mm, that is, 0.02λ. Other configurations or combinations of transmitting and / or receiving antennas are also possible. During use, the accessory is wrapped around the endoscope tube, and each radiating element or antenna radiates such that the corresponding emission beam spreads from each antenna covering a 360-degree field of view, ensuring visualization of the entire circumference of the colon.

[0039] In some embodiments, the antenna is etched on the first side surface of the second substrate. When the second substrate includes a dielectric and is covered with a metal layer, the etched antenna is formed by removing the metal layer and leaving the dielectric visible. The electromagnetic field propagates within the dielectric and is used to transmit and receive signals by the antenna. In such an embodiment, when the antenna is a meandering antenna, the meandering is etched on the second substrate. The second substrate may include a dielectric or a substrate made of several types of high-frequency circuit materials such as a glass-reinforced hydrocarbon / ceramic laminate.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second side surface of the first flexible substrate is electrically coupled to the ground plane of the antenna by at least a part of the edge section of the edge of the window.

[0041] FIG. 6A shows accessory 60A. More precisely, FIG. 6 shows the second side surface 602 of the first flexible substrate 61, where the second substrate 62 is disposed or mounted. The second substrate 62 includes via holes 63. The first flexible substrate 61 includes a first multiplexer 64 and a second multiplexer 65 on the second side surface 602. The multiplexers 64 and 65 receive signals from the antenna in the second substrate 62 via corresponding transmission lines or microstrips. As can be seen, the transmission lines or microstrips are connected to connectors 66a or 66b via either multiplexer 64 or 65. In some embodiments, multiplexer MUX64 receives signals from the receiving antenna and MUX65 transmits signals to the transmitting antenna. In other embodiments, other configurations or other operating modes are possible. The selection of signals transmitted from connector 66, for example radio frequency connector 66, to MUX (64, 65) and from MUX (64, 65) to radio frequency connector 66 may be indicated by an external unit connected to the multiple connector 67. The radio frequency connector 66 may be used to connect the accessory to an external unit (not shown in FIG. 6A). FIG. 6B shows accessory 60B having connectors 68 for each antenna. Accessory 60B includes a total of 16 connectors referred to as 68_1 to 68_16 in FIG. 6B. In the embodiment of FIG. 6B, the MUX is not included in the accessory 60B, in which case the radio frequency signal may be transmitted from the accessory to one or more MUXs external to the accessory. In the embodiment of FIG. 6B, a pair of multiplexers may be included in the external unit for selecting the antenna.

[0042] The transmission line may include a transmission line for transmitting a radio frequency signal and a transmission line for transmitting a control signal for the MUX.

[0043] As can be seen, some embodiments describe a slot antenna printed or etched on a rigid substrate. More specifically, a Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) type slot antenna significantly reduces manufacturing costs. Some embodiments describe a meandering slot antenna. Some embodiments include a SIW (Substrate Integrated Waveguide) type slot antenna constructed with a negative order resonance, for example n = -1, which miniaturizes the overall size of the accessory. The SIW technology is based on creating a waveguide using the antenna substrate itself.

[0044] Figures 7A and 7B show two modified examples in which the antenna may be included in the second substrate. Figure 7A shows a second substrate 70A including a metallization layer shown as a gray region 75. The metallization layer may be a layer of copper covering the substrate. The substrate may be a dielectric. The gray region 75 is etched to illustrate a meandering portion of the dielectric, and the meandering portion is represented as a white meander 71. The illustrated meandering portion of the dielectric may be an antenna or a radiating element that may be part of an antenna. The electromagnetic field of the signal propagated by the antenna propagates through the dielectric. Figure 7B shows a second substrate 70B including a metallization layer shown as a gray region 76. The metallization layer may be a layer of copper covering the substrate. The substrate may be a dielectric. The gray region 76 is etched to show two meandering portions 72, 73 of the dielectric, and the meandering portions are represented as white meanders 72 and 73. The illustrated meandering portions of the dielectric may be one antenna or two antennas, or two radiating elements that may be part of one antenna or two antennas. The second substrate 70B is perforated such that the second substrate 70B includes via holes 74. In some embodiments, the radiating elements may form a multi-circular array of antennas that can cover the entire circumference of the colon, i.e., 360 degrees, when the endoscopic accessory is wrapped around the endoscope. Each radiating element may be configured to radiate in one direction towards the colon wall while radiating at a frequency in the range of 5 - 8 GHz that satisfies providing sufficient resolution and contrast between the colon mucosa and the polyp. The radiating elements may form a multi-circular array of electrically small antennas at low cost. As can be seen, the endoscopic accessory is configured to radiate a signal or a microwave signal towards the mucosa or the inner or innermost layer of the colon via one or more transmitting radiating elements or transmitting antennas, and to receive the reflected signal scattered or reflected by the colon via one or more receiving radiating elements or receiving antennas, enabling a device. The final dimensions of the endoscopic accessory or the acquisition device may be such that the length is 28 mm to 33 mm, preferably 30 mm, the diameter is 15 mm to 25 mm, preferably 20 mm, and the total thickness is 2 mm to 5 mm, preferably 3 mm.The dimensions and shape of the device ensure that there is no obstruction at the tip of the colonoscope, avoiding the camera being lost, injuring the patient, or interfering with the operability of the colonoscope.

[0045] In some embodiments, the accessory may form part of a system for detecting polyps, as seen in FIG. 8. The system 80 may comprise any accessory 81 of an embodiment of the present disclosure and an external unit 82. The external unit 82 may be configured to generate a microwave signal, transmit it towards the accessory 81, and receive it, and may comprise a processing unit 83 configured to activate a warning when a polyp is detected.

[0046] In some embodiments, the system 80 may comprise one or more multiplexers 84 for selecting, receiving, and / or transmitting signals, or for selecting signals emitted by one of the antennas provided in the accessory 81.

[0047] In some embodiments, the (single or plural) multiplexer is provided in the accessory. In some embodiments, the external unit 82 comprises one or more multiplexers 84. The external unit 82 may, in some embodiments, generate a signal for managing the multiplexer and control which pair of transmitting and receiving antennas should be activated.

[0048] FIG. 8 shows a medical system 80 based on microwave imaging for polyp detection. One of the exemplary accessories 81 disclosed herein is attached to the distal end of a colonoscope 85. The medical system 80 improves the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer by detecting polyps that can be pre-cancerous lesions. The accessory 81 is connected to an external unit 82 via a cable. The external unit includes a signal processing and generation unit 83. As shown in FIG. 8, the accessory 81 may be cylindrical and may be configured to be attached to a conventional colonoscope 85 by its cylindrical shape. The accessory 81 may be connected to the external unit 82 via a cable. FIG. 8 shows an exemplary system 80 that uses different transmission paths for two different parts of the system 80. The accessory 81 may further include a first transmission path 86. The accessory including the first transmission path 86 may be connected to a connection point 87 (e.g., from the connector 66 shown in FIG. 6A), and a second transmission path 88 may connect the connection point 87 to the external unit 82. The advantage of using different transmission paths for two different parts of the system is that the first part including the accessory 81 further including the first transmission path 86 may be disposable or may not be reusable, and the hygienic safety of the process of detecting polyps is enhanced. If the second part includes the connection point 87, the colonoscope and the second transmission path 88 may or may not be reusable. In some embodiments, the intermediate connector 87 includes one or more multiplexers. Advantageously, when the first part including the accessory 81 and the first transmission path 86 is disposable and the MUX is not included in the accessory, the intermediate connector 87 including the MUX provides the advantage that three wires are required to transmit signals from the intermediate connector 87 to the external unit as compared to 16.

[0049] The accessory 81 may include a set of antennas that transmit and receive microwave signals that interact with the dielectric properties of the colon tissue while a colonoscopy is being performed. The signals from the set of antennas may be multiplexed by a multiplexer. The accessory 81 may include one or more multiplexers. The external unit 82 may include a multiplexer instead of the accessory 81. If the accessory does not include a multiplexer, the accessory may include one connector for each antenna or for each radiating element connected to the corresponding transmission line (as seen in FIG. 6B). The accessory may include 16 connectors (as seen in FIG. 6B) connected to 16 transmission lines or cables (not shown). The 16 transmission lines may be connected to the external unit 82 or the connection point 87.

[0050] The external unit 82 may include a set of coaxial cables connected to the accessory 81 that conduct microwave signals to the accessory. According to one embodiment, the coaxial cables of the set of coaxial cables may exhibit a length of about 400 cm. For transmitting a microwave signal of 7.5 GHz, a coaxial cable having a minimum diameter of 1.13 mm may be used. The connectors for the coaxial cables may include small IPEX MHF4L and / or SMA connectors and / or Samtec CONN SOCKET 40POS SMD GOLD. Although any wireless communication technology may be used between the antenna and the external unit, an optical fiber may be used as the transmission line. Planar transmission lines such as microstrips and strip line types may also be used.

[0051] The signal emitted by the antenna may reach the external unit 82 via one or more transmission paths, and the processing unit or CPU 83 arranged in the external unit 82 may process such a signal by a special algorithm. The processing may be executed in real time. When the algorithm indicates the presence of a polyp, an acoustic signal may be emitted, but other types of warnings may be included, such as visual warnings, communication warnings via wireless communication, warnings on a smartwatch or wearable, etc. The system 80 automates the detection of polyps by generating a warning when a polyp is detected, and can increase the field of view to 360 degrees when the antenna surrounds the distal end of the colonoscope 85 in a 360-degree range. The system 80 can distinguish different types of polyps from healthy colonic mucosa according to the algorithm implemented by the CPU 83 and can indicate the location of the polyp without changing the current clinical practice.

[0052] The external unit may include one or more of the following elements, namely, an antenna array control system, and a hardware (or radio frequency RF hardware) module for generating and receiving microwave signals, and other RF components such as an amplifier or a directional coupler for adjusting the microwave signal, and a central processing unit (CPU) having a real-time operating system, where the operating system can execute an acquisition algorithm that can communicate with the RF circuit, a signal processing algorithm (which may include calibration, imaging, and detection), data management (able to store, delete, control access to, and manage errors of data), system configuration, system update, and a graphical interface, the central processing unit, and a housing having a USB port for software update (such as system update) or data storage, a power on / off button, and a screen to facilitate the interaction between the endoscopist and the system, and cables and interfaces for connecting accessories, and a buzzer for generating an acoustic signal a power supply, and may include one or more of

[0053] As used herein, a hardware or RF hardware module may be understood as a device that can apply a stimulation wave to an accessory and perform a series of measurements and calculations. A two-port hardware module can measure both the reflected signal from the accessory and the transmitted signal to the accessory. Further, the hardware module can calculate the S-parameters and other related parameters of the accessory, where the S-parameters describe the input-output relationship between two ports within the hardware module. The hardware module can repeat this procedure using different frequencies and / or power levels to measure the desired characteristics of the accessory or colon during operation.

[0054] The hardware or RF hardware module may be included in either the external unit or the accessory of the present disclosure, and may include an integrated hardware module for generating and receiving microwave signals, such as a chip, a vector network analyzer (VNA), or an ultra-wideband sensor. The external unit may be powered via a medical AC / DC adapter connected to the power grid as a power supply. The dimensions of the external unit may be 48×32×16 cm or less.

[0055] The antenna array control system may generate a series of control signals for controlling a multiplexer that plays a role in selecting the transmission of signals to the antenna and the reception of signals from the antenna. The control system can select an active pair of transmitting and receiving antennas at any given instant using the control signals. The interconnection between the input port and the output port may be performed based on at least a 3-bit digital signal.

[0056] The RF hardware module for generating and receiving microwave signals may include a vector network analyzer (VNA) for measuring the amplitude and phase of the transmission coefficient and reflection coefficient from the accessory at the end of the RF cable.

[0057] The CPU can execute acquisition, calibration, imaging, and detection algorithms. The acquisition algorithm can communicate with the RF hardware module and the control system of the antenna array, and can generate and receive the transmission coefficient and the reflection coefficient in a synchronized manner. The calibration algorithm may determine whether the accessories are functional, may compensate for the performance differences between antenna pairs due to design and manufacturing tolerances, and may eliminate all undesirable effects on the transmission coefficient and the reflection coefficient not generated by the target (polyp). The imaging algorithm may process the calibrated transmission coefficient and reflection coefficient to obtain a cross-sectional image of the colon using a radar-based algorithm or a backscattering algorithm. The detection algorithm may generate a warning if the image contains a polyp. The CPU may store data and manage errors. The CPU may enable configuration of the system, system updates, access control, and management of the graphical interface. The CPU can integrate a machine-readable storage medium or data storage. Such a medium may be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that contains or stores executable instructions. Thus, the machine-readable storage medium may be, for example, random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a storage device, an optical disk, etc. In some implementations, the machine-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, and the term "non-transitory" does not include transitory propagation signals. The machine-readable storage medium may be encoded by a series of instructions executable by a processor. The instructions may cause the processor to execute any of the algorithms described in this disclosure.

[0058] The external unit may be housed within a housing that may include one or more of an on / off button, a power supply or cable connected to the power grid, a touch screen, an audible / visual / communication warning, and a USB port for software updates or data collection. The dimensions of the housing may be approximately 46×32×16 cm.

[0059] In some embodiments, the accessory includes eight receiving antennas and eight transmitting antennas. In some embodiments where the accessory includes eight receiving antennas and eight transmitting antennas, the processing unit includes a multiplexer, and the accessory does not include a multiplexer. In some embodiments, the accessory includes, as shown in FIG. 6, eight receiving antennas, eight transmitting antennas, and one or more multiplexers.

[0060] As can be seen, system 80 includes a combination of hardware components and software components. The hardware is constituted by 1) a cylindrical ring-shaped acquisition device or endoscopic accessory designed to be attached to the tip of a conventional colonoscope, and 2) an external unit, namely, an external unit including a microwave transceiver, a control unit, and a processing unit. The acquisition device is connected to the external unit via a cable. The acquisition device may include two multiplexed arrays or switchable arrays of eight antennas woven into two rings, one of which includes transmitting antennas and the other of which includes receiving antennas powered by microstrip lines. The array may be cylindrical in shape, and the antennas may be assembled on a polyamide flexible printed circuit board that may include a microstrip feed line and two radio frequency switches or multiplexers. The antenna applicator is designed to be safe for the patient, easy to operate for the endoscopist, and at the same time avoid interfering with the optical visualization system at the tip of the endoscope. To meet these requirements, the endoscopic accessory may be designed as a small cylindrical array attached to the tip of a conventional colonoscope.

[0061] The accessory 81 may be contained within a capsule. This capsule may provide a protective enclosure that coats the accessory 81 and ensures biocompatibility, protection of the patient's mucosa, electrical safety, liquid tightness, a sterilizable material, and resistance to the passage of time. Since the front portion of the distal end of the endoscope is the location where the passageway and the camera are located and it is convenient if it is not obstructed, the enclosure may be designed as a two-piece internal casing and external casing, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0062] Figure 9 shows an accessory 91, an outer casing 92, and an inner casing 93. The inner casing 93 is in the form of a cylindrical ring. The accessory 91 may be inserted onto the outer casing 92, and during use, the colonoscope tube may be inserted through the inner casing 93. The purpose of the inner casing 93 may be to provide a solid or non-flexible base to the first flexible substrate of the accessory 91 so that it can be wound up and adapted to the endoscope. The inner casing may be made of a biocompatible resin. Fixing means, such as a silicone coating or a rubber coating, or an O-ring, are included in the inner casting to allow for a good fit and gripping of the endoscope to prevent it from moving or being removed during the examination. The outer casing 92 may be made of a heat-shrinkable material such as polyolefin or a biocompatible resin for temporary in-vivo application. The accessory 91 may be coated with an insulating material, which may be a biocompatible resin, to ensure that moisture from the colon does not damage the circuit configuration and electrical safety. The wiring and tubing assembly of the endoscope may be covered with a biocompatible plastic sleeve or cover during the examination to ensure that the wiring does not damage the patient's mucosa. The plastic sleeve may be fixed around the outer casing with a biocompatible tape. In Figure 9, reference numeral 94 represents a recess for accommodating the antenna of the accessory 91 in the space, and reference numeral 95 represents a realizable window for creating a space for the second substrate with each pair of antennas and / or passing a transmission line therethrough.

[0063] An exemplary implementation may include an accessory device in the form of a cylindrical ring attached to the distal end of a colonoscope. The colonoscope may include a flexible tube having a diameter of about 13 mm configured to be inserted through the rectum into the patient's colon.

[0064] An accessory 100, an endoscope tube 101, a first group 102 of coaxial cables (including four coaxial cables in FIG. 10, although the coaxial cable group may include, for example, 16 coaxial cables), a sleeve 103 represented by a dotted line, a connection point 104, a second group 105 of coaxial cables and bus-type cables, and an external unit 300 are shown in an exemplary system presented in FIG. 10. The external unit 300 includes an on / off button 301, an enclosure box 302, an LCD screen 303, a microwave transducer 304, a USB port 305, and connection means 306. The system shown in FIG. 10 includes disposable elements such as the accessory 100, the endoscope tube 101, the first group 102 of coaxial cables, the sleeve 103, etc. In an embodiment, the first flexible substrate may include two layers, namely, an upper layer that is a ground plane and a lower layer that includes a transmission line. Among them, the printed circuit may include an antenna array including a window formed by eight rectangular punchers where antenna components are soldered, a transmission line with a length of 2000 mm, and a connector. In FIG. 10, one or more of the accessory 100, and / or the endoscope tube 101, and / or the first group 102 of coaxial cables, and / or the sleeve 103, and / or the connection point 104, and / or the second group 105 of coaxial cables and / or bus-type cables may be disposable, single-use, or not reusable.

[0065] A method for manufacturing an accessory according to any embodiment is providing a first flexible substrate, cutting at least one window on the first flexible substrate, wherein the window defines an opening between a first side surface of the first flexible substrate and a second side surface of the first flexible substrate, and the window may be cut from the first flexible substrate, including (including making) at least one radiating element on a second substrate, where including (including making) may include printing the radiating element on the second substrate, A step of attaching a second substrate including at least one radiation element to a first flexible substrate in such a way that at least one radiation element is at least partially aligned with at least one window, where the attaching may include welding or soldering. A step of coupling the radiation element to a transmission line, where the transmission line may be included on the first flexible substrate.

[0066] An example of the manufacturing method includes, before the step of soldering the second substrate, A step of metallizing at least an edge of at least one window of the first flexible substrate, which may include metallizing four edges of the window. A step of metallizing the second substrate.

[0067] In some embodiments, the method further includes a step of drilling via holes, such as 0.6 mm via holes, on the second substrate and a step of metallizing the via holes. Some embodiments further include a step of metallizing an edge of the second substrate.

[0068] In some embodiments, the method further includes a step of drilling via holes on the second substrate and a step of metallizing the via holes.

[0069] In some embodiments, the method further includes a step of printing one or more transmission lines on the first flexible substrate.

[0070] In some embodiments, the method further includes a step of printing a radiation element on the second substrate before the step of soldering the second substrate to the first substrate. The printing may include techniques such as laser printing, and / or photolithography, and / or screen printing.

[0071] The foregoing description has been presented to illustrate and describe particular embodiments. Multiple sets of embodiments are described. These may be applied individually or in combination and may produce synergistic effects. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit these principles to any precise form disclosed. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It should be understood that any feature described in connection with any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with any other feature described, and may also be used in combination with any feature of any other embodiment or any combination of any other embodiments.

Explanation of Signs

[0072] 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60A, 60B, 81, 100 Endoscope Accessories 20 Endoscope Accessories 21 First Flexible Substrate 22 Metallized Portion 24 Window 25 Radiation Element 26 Second Substrate 27 Transmission Line 28 Connector 29 Edge of Window 43 Via Hole 80 System 81 Endoscope Accessories 82, 300 External Unit

Claims

1. In the endoscope accessory (20), A first flexible substrate (21) having a first side surface (201) and a second side surface (202), wherein the first flexible substrate further comprises a window (24), the window defining an opening between the first side surface (201) and the second side surface (202) of the first flexible substrate, A second substrate (26) having a first surface (203) and a second surface (204), wherein the first surface (203) of the second substrate includes at least one radiating element (25), the radiating element is coupled to a transmission line (27), the transmission line (27) is connected to a connector (28), and the transmission line is configured to transmit an electrical signal toward the radiating element (25), and Equipped with, The second substrate (26) is attached to the first flexible substrate (21) such that the first surface (203) of the second substrate is adjacent to the first flexible substrate (21). The endoscopic accessory is characterized in that the radiating element (25) is at least partially aligned with the window (24) of the first flexible substrate (21).

2. The endoscope accessory according to claim 1, wherein the radiating element is printed on the second substrate.

3. The endoscope accessory according to claim 1, wherein the second substrate (26) is metallized, and at least the edge (29) of the window (24) is provided with a metallized portion (22).

4. The endoscope accessory according to claim 3, wherein the edge (29) of the window (24) is provided with a non-metallic portion aligned with the transmission line.

5. The endoscopic accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising at least two radiating elements.

6. The endoscope accessory according to claim 5, wherein the second substrate further comprises a plurality of metallized via holes (43) between the at least two radiating elements.

7. The endoscope accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the window (24) has a width and length that falls within the range of 0.1λ to 0.5λ, where λ represents the wavelength of the microwave signal transmitted and / or received by the endoscope accessory during use.

8. The endoscopic accessory according to claim 5, further comprising a multiplexer that selects a signal received from one of the at least two radiating elements.

9. The endoscope accessory according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the radiating element is etched onto the first surface (203) of the second substrate (26).

10. The endoscope accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second side surface (202) of the first flexible substrate (21) is provided with the transmission line, and the first side surface (201) of the first flexible substrate (21) is provided with a ground plane.

11. A system for detecting polyps, An endoscope accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A system comprising an external unit capable of generating, receiving, and processing microwave signals, and capable of triggering an alert when a polyp is detected.

12. Further comprising one or more multiplexers, The external unit (82) comprises one or more multiplexers and / or The connection points (87, 104) for connecting the endoscope accessory to the external unit (82, 300) include one or more multiplexers. The system according to claim 11.

13. A method for manufacturing an endoscope accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The steps include providing a first flexible substrate, A step of cutting out at least one window on the first flexible substrate, wherein the window defines an opening between a first side surface of the first flexible substrate and a second side surface of the first flexible substrate, The steps include including at least one radiating element on the second substrate, The steps include: attaching or soldering at least one second substrate to the first flexible substrate in such a manner that the second substrate includes at least one radiating element and the at least one radiating element is at least partially aligned with the at least one window; The steps include coupling the radiating element to the transmission line, A method for manufacturing an endoscope accessory, comprising the step of connecting the aforementioned transmission line to a connector.

14. Before the step of soldering the second substrate, The steps of metallizing at least the edge of at least one window of the first flexible substrate, The step of metallizing the second substrate, A method for manufacturing an endoscope accessory according to claim 13, further comprising the above.

15. The steps include drilling via holes in the second substrate, The steps include: A method for manufacturing an endoscope accessory according to claim 13, further comprising:

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