Catheter rotation device for OCT systems

Abstract

To provide a rotation connection module capable of preventing damage to a cardiovascular inner wall by excessive vibration generated by wobbling of a catheter, and improving accuracy of imaging of a cardiovascular inner part.SOLUTION: A catheter rotation device includes: a rotation connection module 10 including a body part for forming a penetration part through which a sample arm side optical fiber passes at one end, and a catheter side optical fiber passes at the other end, an optical fiber rotary joint arranged at one end on a sample arm side of an OCT system of the body part for connecting the sample arm side optical fiber and the catheter side optical fiber, and a motor part arranged inside the body part, rotating the catheter side optical fiber, and including a male type optical connector for connecting the catheter side optical fiber and a catheter; and the catheter including a female type optical connector 210 connected with the male type optical connector and a cap part fastened to the body part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a catheter rotation device for an OCT system. [Background technology]

[0002] Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is generally used in the treatment of eye, skin, and cardiovascular diseases, and provides an axial resolution of 10μm and a lateral resolution of 20~40μm in the direction of incident light to image the internal structure of human tissue.

[0003] Such optical coherence tomography can use a semiconductor laser light source to generate infrared light, and the laser light (optical energy) is irradiated through a catheter inserted into the human body so that it is incident on the surface of the target body organ. The catheter is composed of a torque coil and nitinol that wraps the torque coil on the proximal side of the catheter, and the torque coil and nitinol rotate together when the catheter is rotated.

[0004] The light reflected from the surface of the body organ travels back along the catheter, interfering with light in a separate reference arm. Through the interaction of the optical interference between the two beams, various optical information can be obtained about the position of the photon and how it was reflected.

[0005] Generally, to obtain OCT cross-sectional images of the cardiac blood vessels, a catheter is placed in the cardiac blood vessel (3-5 mm diameter) to be examined via the femoral artery and aorta, and then rotated 180 times per second and pulled back at a speed of 18 mm / s to capture images of the inside of the cardiac blood vessel in the longitudinal direction of 54 mm (i.e., the vascular cross-sectional images are reproduced at 180 frames per second at intervals of 0.1 mm).

[0006] At this time, when the DC motor rotates and pulls back, the proximal part of the catheter, which is made of a torque coil and Nitinol integrated together, generates wobbling, which swings up and down from side to side. This wobbling becomes more intense during high-speed rotation and is transmitted to the distal side where the optical imaging lens is located, causing distortion of the image. In addition, if the wobbling becomes more intense, the catheter may come into contact with the inner wall of the cardiovascular system, causing damage to the inner wall of the blood vessel, resulting in a problem of reduced accuracy in imaging the inside of the cardiovascular system as a whole.

[0007] Furthermore, there is a problem in that noise is generated due to vibrations generated by the motor when the catheter is rotated at high speed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2316478 (registered on October 15, 2021) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a catheter rotation device in which a catheter is rotated by a hollow motor arranged inside a body portion, a cap portion fastened to the body portion includes an outer cap, an inner cap, and a fixed cap, the fixed cap being formed apart from the inner surface of the inner cap and fastened to a rotating portion so as to rotate together with the catheter when it rotates.

[0010] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a body portion having a through-hole at one end through which a sample arm side optical fiber of an OCT system passes and at the other end through which a catheter side optical fiber passes; a fiber optic rotary joint disposed at one end of the body portion on the sample arm side of the OCT system for connecting the sample arm side optical fiber of the OCT system and the catheter side optical fiber; and a fiber optic rotary joint disposed inside the body portion for rotating the catheter side optical fiber and connecting the catheter side optical fiber and the catheter side optical fiber. female a rotary junction module including a motor section having a type optical connector; female Type optical connector male and a catheter including a cap portion fastened to the body portion. The cap portion may include an outer cap coupled to a through-hole formed in the body portion, an inner cap inserted into the outer cap, and the male type optical connector, a recess formed on the inner surface of the inner cap; The above male and a fixed cap that rotates with the type optical connector as it rotates.

[0012] In one embodiment, the rotary joint module may further include a fastening portion having one end inserted into the through-portion and the other end arranged to face the motor portion, and the inner cap may be coupled to the fastening portion.

[0013] In an embodiment, the rotary joint module may further include a drive unit coupled to the body unit and configured to move the motor unit and the fastening unit in one direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fastening portion may include an inner cap coupling portion that is inserted to connect to an inner circumferential surface of the through portion and has one end coupled to the inner cap, and a drive portion coupling portion that is coupled to the other end of the inner cap coupling portion and is connected to the drive portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the drive unit may include a first drive unit connected to the motor unit to move the motor unit in one direction, and a second drive unit connected to the fastening unit to move the fastening unit in one direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the catheter may be pulled back by the first drive unit causing the motor portion to move backward in one direction and the second drive unit causing the fastening portion to move backward in one direction at the same time.

[0017] In one embodiment, with the fastening portion inserted into the body portion by the second drive unit, the first drive unit may move only the motor portion backward in one direction, thereby releasing the connection between the female optical connector and the male optical connector.

[0018] In one embodiment, the motor unit has the catheter-side optical fiber inserted therein, femaleThe motor may include a hollow motor configured to be coupled to a type optical connector, a fixing ring coupled to the outside of the motor and having a diameter larger than a diameter of the motor, and a housing formed to surround an outer circumferential surface of the fixing ring.

[0019] In an embodiment, the fixing ring may have a plurality of recessed grooves formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof.

[0020] In an embodiment, the motor unit may further include a universal coupler coupled to a rotor of the optical fiber rotary joint to rotate the rotor.

[0021] In one embodiment, the catheter male The catheter may further include a torque coil connected to a catheter-type optical connector and having the catheter-side optical fiber inserted therein to emit light, a first protective sheath disposed on the outside of a proximal side of the torque coil, and a second protective sheath disposed on the outside of the entire torque coil and the proximal side.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first protective sheath and the second protective sheath may be made of a soft material.

[0023] In one embodiment, the outer cap may be rotationally coupled to the penetration.

[0024] In one embodiment, a plurality of locking protrusions may be formed on an outer peripheral surface of the outer cap, and a plurality of locking grooves may be formed on an inner peripheral surface of the through-hole, and the outer cap may be coupled to the through-hole by the plurality of locking protrusions and the plurality of locking grooves. Effect of the Invention

[0025] In a rotary joint module according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cap portion includes an outer cap, an inner cap, and a fixing cap, and the fixing cap includes: male and a type optical connector. male When the catheter is rotated, the optical connector rotates together with the catheter, thereby preventing damage to the inner wall of the cardiovascular system due to excessive vibrations caused by wobbling of the catheter, and improving the accuracy of imaging the inside of the cardiovascular system.

[0026] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2a] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a motor unit or a fastening unit is moved in one direction by a driving unit in a catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2b] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a motor unit or a fastening unit is moved in one direction by a driving unit in a catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2c] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a motor unit or a fastening unit is moved in one direction by a driving unit in a catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing a state in which a motor unit or a fastening unit is moved in one direction by a driving unit in a catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing a state in which a motor unit or a fastening unit is moved in one direction by a driving unit in a catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]1 is a perspective view showing a cap portion in a catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cap portion in a catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing a motor section in a catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, in order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and similar parts are designated by similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0029] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, this does not mean excluding other components, but may further include other components, unless otherwise specified. In addition, throughout the specification, when a part is "connected" to another part, this includes not only direct connection, but also connection via another member between them, and electrical connection with another element between them.

[0030] Furthermore, throughout the specification of this application, when a member is said to be "on" another member, this includes not only when the member is in contact with the other member, but also when there is another member between the two members.

[0031] In addition, the expressions "first", "second", etc. used in this specification may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another component, and do not limit the component, and do not necessarily mean different components. For example, "first direction" and "second direction" may mean the same direction or different directions.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view showing a state before a female type optical connector 210 and a catheter 600 are coupled in the catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a motor unit 200 has advanced in one direction by a driving unit 400 in the catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2c is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a motor unit 200 and a fastening unit 300 have moved backward in one direction by the driving unit 400 and a catheter 600 has been pulled back in the catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3a is a bottom view showing a state in which a motor unit 200 and a fastening unit 300 have moved backward in one direction by the driving unit 400 and a catheter 600 has been pulled back in the catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3b is a bottom view showing a state in which a motor unit 200 has advanced in one direction by the driving unit 400 in the catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] 1-3b, a catheter rotation apparatus for an OCT system according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a rotary junction module 10 and a catheter 600.

[0034] The rotary joint module 10 may include a body portion 100, an optical fiber rotary joint 700, a motor portion 200, a fastening portion 300, and a drive portion 400, and the catheter 600 may include a male type optical connector 610 and a cap portion 500.

[0035] The body portion 100 may have a through-hole 110 formed at one end thereof so that a sample arm optical fiber of an OCT system can pass through, and at the other end thereof so that a catheter optical fiber can pass through.

[0036] The through-hole 110 may be formed at a position corresponding to the central axis of the motor unit 200 disposed inside the body unit 100, and a sample arm side optical fiber of an OCT system may pass through the through-hole 110 formed at one end of the body unit 100, and a catheter side optical fiber may pass through the other end of the body unit 100. A cap unit 500 may be fastened to the front end of the body unit 100, and a part of a male optical connector 610 may be inserted through the cap unit 500.

[0037] A guide rail (not shown) may be formed inside the body part 100 so that the motor part 200 can reciprocate in one direction.

[0038] The optical fiber rotary joint 700 may be disposed at one end of the body portion 100 on the sample arm side of the OCT system, and may connect the optical fiber on the sample arm side of the OCT system to the optical fiber on the catheter side.

[0039] Specifically, the optical fiber rotary joint 700 may include a stator 710 connected to an optical fiber on the sample arm side of the OCT system, and a rotor 720 connected to an optical fiber on the catheter side that passes through the inside of the shaft of the motor unit 200.

[0040] When the optical fiber on the catheter side is rotated through the motor unit 200, the optical fiber on the sample arm side is fixed without rotating through the optical fiber rotary joint 700, and the optical signal of the optical fiber may be transmitted in both directions between the rotor 720 and the stator 710.

[0041] The optical fiber on the sample arm side and the optical fiber on the catheter side may be coated with polyimide and may be configured as a single mode, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured as a multimode.

[0042] The catheter optical fiber may include an optical probe coupled with an optical lens for emitting light.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an OCT system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Episode Transposition module 10 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a motor unit 200.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 6, the motor section 200 is disposed inside the body section 100, rotates the catheter side optical fiber, and may include a female optical connector 210 for connecting the catheter side optical fiber to a male optical connector 610.

[0045] For example, the motor unit 200 may rotate a female optical connector 210 provided on one side of the motor unit 200 to rotate the catheter-side optical fiber connected to the female optical connector 210 .

[0046] The motor section 200 may include a motor 220, a fixing ring 230, and a housing 240. In order to illustrate the internal structure of the motor section 200, the housing 240 is not shown in FIG.

[0047] The motor 220 may be configured to be hollow so that the catheter-side optical fiber can be inserted therein and connected to the female optical connector 210 .

[0048] Fixing rings 230 are coupled to both ends of the motor 220 , and the diameter of the fixing rings 230 may be larger than the diameter of the motor 220 .

[0049] The fixing ring 230 may be made of a highly elastic material such as silicone, rubber, packing, etc., capable of absorbing vibrations and noises of the motor 220, but is not limited thereto.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, the fixing ring 230 may have a plurality of grooves 231 formed on its outer circumferential surface so as to recess inward.

[0051] The grooves 231 are formed at predetermined intervals to minimize the transmission of vibration and noise of the motor 220 along the fixing ring 230 to the housing 240 .

[0052] The housing 240 is formed to surround the outer circumferential surface of the fixing ring 230 and may function as a dustproof wall and a soundproof wall.

[0053] Meanwhile, the housing 240 may further include an encoder (221) for monitoring the rotation speed of the motor 220 inside.

[0054] By further including an encoder (221) inside the housing 240 for monitoring the motor 220, the motor 220 can receive feedback through the encoder (221) to precisely control the rotational speed of the motor 220.

[0055] As described above, the motor section 200 includes the motor 220, the fixing ring 230, and the housing 240, thereby minimizing the transmission of vibrations and noise of the motor 220 to the outside, and a plurality of grooves 231 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the fixing ring 230, thereby further minimizing the transmission of vibrations and noise of the motor 220 transmitted along the fixing ring 230 to the housing 240.

[0056] Meanwhile, the motor unit 200 may further include a universal coupler 211 coupled with the rotor 720 of the fiber optic rotary joint 700 to rotate the rotor 720 .

[0057] In the case of the conventional technology, an optical rotary joint module is extended to the end of the motor unit, which has the effect of extending the length of the shaft of the rotating motor unit, and there is a problem that the wobbling becomes more intense due to centrifugal force as it moves away from the center of the motor unit in the axial direction.

[0058] In the present invention, the rotation of the motor section 200 is controlled by extending a universal coupler 211 instead of an optical rotary joint module to the end of the motor section 200. Axial Rotation direction is Drive unit 400 This allows the rotor 720 of the fiber optic rotary joint 700 to move flexibly along the direction of the rotation axis 120, and allows the rotor 720 of the fiber optic rotary joint 700 to be easily rotated through the motor unit 200 while reducing wobbling.

[0059] For example, the universal coupler 211 has a resistance of 1.1 g / cm 3 ~1.5g / cm 3 The specific gravity of the universal coupler 211 may be 1.1 g / cm 3 If it is less than 1.5g / cm, the durability is poor and 3 If it is higher than this, wobbling may occur and noise may increase.

[0060] Additionally, the universal coupler 211 may include washers with a low coefficient of friction to prevent wear on the parts of the universal coupler 211 when rotating at high speeds. For example, the coefficient of friction of the washers of the universal coupler 211 may be 0.05μ to 0.13μ.

[0061] The motor unit 200 and the fastening unit 300 described later may be moved back and forth in one direction by the drive unit 400 to fasten the cap unit 500 to the body unit 100 and to attach and detach the male optical connector 610 to the female optical connector 210.

[0062] The driving section 400 may include a first driving unit 410 that moves the motor section 200 in one direction, and a second driving unit 420 that moves the fastening section 300 in one direction.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 to 3b, the first driving unit 410 is provided at the bottom of the body part 100, and the motor part 200 is connected to the first rotating shaft 120 included in the first driving unit 410, so that when the first driving unit 410 is operated, the motor part 200 may move forward or backward in one direction.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 to 3b, the second driving unit 420 is provided at the bottom of the body part 100, and the fastening part 300 is connected to the second rotating shaft 120 included in the second driving unit 420, so that when the second driving unit 420 is operated, the fastening part 300 may move forward or backward in one direction.

[0065] In this case, the first driving unit 410 and the second driving unit 420 may be provided on both sides of the lower portion of the body part 100, respectively, to avoid spatial restrictions due to the sizes of the driving units 410 and 420, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3b.

[0066] As shown in Figures 1 to 3b, the driving unit 400 may be provided at the bottom of the body unit 100 and may be driven to allow the motor unit 200 to move back and forth along a guide rail (not shown) formed inside the body unit 100.

[0067] The fastening portion 300 may be inserted into the through-hole 110 and disposed so that the other end faces the motor portion 200, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3b.

[0068] The fastening portion 300 may be moved in one direction by the driving portion 400 along a guide rail (not shown).

[0069] The fastener portion 300 may include an inner cap coupling portion 310 and a driver coupling portion 320 .

[0070] As shown in Figures 2a to 3b, the inner cap coupling portion 310 is inserted so as to be in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 110, and one end of the inner cap coupling portion 310 is coupled to the inner cap 520 described later, thereby preventing the male optical connector 610 from coming off to the outside.

[0071] One end of the actuator coupling part 320 may be coupled to the other end of the inner cap coupling part 310 and the other end may be connected to the actuator 400 .

[0072] For example, the drive unit coupling part 320 may be connected to the rotation shaft 120 included in the drive unit 400, and when the drive unit 400 is operated, the fastening part 300 may move forward or backward in one direction.

[0073] The driving part 400 may be coupled to an upper part of the body part 100 and may move the fastening part 300 in one direction.

[0074] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cap portion 500 in a catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the cap portion 500 in a catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] A male optical connector 610 included in the catheter 600 may be inserted into the cap portion 500 , and the cap portion 500 may be fastened to the body portion 100 .

[0076] The cap portion 500 may be fastened to the body portion 100 with a male optical connector 610 and a torque coil 620 (described later) inserted therein.

[0077] Specifically, the cap unit 500 may include an outer cap 510, an inner cap 520, and a fixing cap 530, as shown in FIGS.

[0078] The outer cap 510 may be rotationally coupled to the through-hole 110 formed in the body portion 100 .

[0079] For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 , one end of the external cap 510 may be extended and gathered in one direction, the diameter of the one end of the external cap 510 may be formed to correspond to the diameter of the torque coil 620 of the catheter 600, and the other end of the external cap 510 may have a diameter sufficient to allow the internal cap coupling portion 310 inserted into the through-hole 110 of the body portion 100 to be inserted therein.

[0080] A space may be formed within the outer cap 510 so that the inner cap 520 can be inserted therein. For example, the inner cap 520 and the outer cap 510 may be formed to be separated from each other when the inner cap 520 is inserted into the outer cap 510.

[0081] The external cap 510 is rotatably coupled to the through-hole 110 formed in the body portion 100, thereby preventing the external cap 510 from coming off the through-hole 110 when the motor portion 200 advances in one direction by the driving portion 400 and the male optical connector 610 comes into contact with the cap portion 500.

[0082] Alternatively, the outer cap 510 may be coupled to the through-hole 110 by a locking protrusion 511 and a locking groove.

[0083] For example, a plurality of locking protrusions 511 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the external cap 510, and a plurality of locking grooves (not shown) may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 110, so that when a portion of the external cap 510 is inserted into the through-hole 110 together with the internal cap 520, the plurality of locking protrusions 511 of the external cap 510 may be engaged with and fixed to the plurality of locking grooves (not shown) of the through-hole 110.

[0084] Meanwhile, when fastening the outer cap 510, the inner cap 520 may be fastened at the same time, or the outer cap 510 may be fastened after fastening the inner cap 520.

[0085] The inner cap 520 may be inserted into the outer cap 510 and coupled with the fastener 300 .

[0086] For example, the inner cap 520 may be formed with a locking portion 521 that protrudes outward along the outer circumferential edge so that when the inner cap 520 is inserted into the fastening portion 300, only a portion of the inner cap 520 is inserted.

[0087] For example, a locking portion 521 is formed on the middle end surface of the inner cap 520 so as to protrude outward along the outer circumferential edge, and when the motor unit 200 advances in one direction by the driving unit 400 to come into contact with the cap unit 500 and the inner cap 520 is inserted into the fastening unit 300, only a portion of the inner cap 520 may be inserted by the locking portion 521.

[0088] In addition, when a part of the inner cap 520 is inserted into the outer cap 510, a plurality of locking protrusions 523 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inserted inner cap 520, and may be engaged and fixed in locking grooves (not shown) formed by recessing the locking protrusions 511 of the outer cap 510 inward. Thus, when the motor unit 200 is pulled back in one direction by the driving unit 400, the inner cap 520 moves together with the motor unit 200.

[0089] Meanwhile, unlike a fixed cap 530 described later, the inner cap 520 does not rotate together with the male optical connector 610 when the male optical connector 610 rotates via the motor unit 200 .

[0090] Here, the female optical connector 210, the fixed cap 530, the male optical connector 610 and the torque coil 620 constitute a rotating part, which may be rotated by the motor unit 200. Meanwhile, the inner cap 520 and the outer cap 510 constitute a fixed part, which does not rotate when the rotating part rotates.

[0091] In this manner, the inner cap 520 prevents the rotating part from being detached to the outside by being coupled to the fastening part 300, and can further reduce wobbling of the rotating part by contacting one end of the fixing cap 530.

[0092] The fixed cap 530 may be formed apart from the inner surface of the inner cap 520 and may be fastened to the male optical connector 610 so as to rotate together with the male optical connector 610 when the male optical connector 610 rotates.

[0093] For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, one end of the fixing cap 530 and the inside of the inner cap 520 may be in contact with each other, and the outer surface of the fixing cap 530 and the inner surface of the inner cap 520 may be spaced apart to form a tolerance.

[0094] A torque coil 620 connected to a male optical connector 610 may be inserted through the inside of the fixing cap 530 , and the male optical connector 610 may be fastened to an inner peripheral surface of the fixing cap 530 and fixed thereto.

[0095] The female optical connector 210 may be coupled when the motor section 200 advances in one direction by the first drive unit 410, as shown in Figures 2a and 2b, and the coupling at this time may be configured by various couplings such as a hook coupling, a bolt coupling, etc.

[0096] In this manner, the fixed cap 530 is formed separate from the inner surface of the inner cap 520 and coupled to the male optical connector 610, and rotates together when the rotating part rotates, thereby reducing wobbling generated in the torque coil 620 of the rotating part.

[0097] Alternatively, the catheter 600 may be a disposable component that emits light and is inserted into a cylindrical organ such as a blood vessel, esophagus, or colon of a human body. Such a catheter 600 may be inserted into a blood vessel of a human body and used to image information about the inside of the blood vessel.

[0098] The catheter 600 only performs the function of emitting light and cannot generate light by itself. Therefore, the catheter 600 may be connected to an optical fiber connected to an OCT system via a female optical connector 210 to receive light.

[0099] Conventional catheters use a Nitinol tube between the female optical connector and the torque coil to reduce wobbling, which occurs when the catheter swings up and down from side to side due to rotation by a motor. However, this is not very efficient at reducing wobbling, and the Nitinol tube makes the catheter expensive.

[0100] The catheter 600 used in the catheter rotation device for an OCT system according to one embodiment of the present invention can reduce the unit cost of the catheter 600 by eliminating the Nitinol tube used in conventional catheters.

[0101] Catheter 600 may further include a torque coil 620 , a first protective sheath 630 , and a second protective sheath 640 .

[0102] The torque coil 620 is connected to the male optical connector 610, and a catheter-side optical fiber may be inserted therein to emit light.

[0103] The torque coil 620 is composed of many layers of multiple coils that allow high-speed rotation and precise rotation control in situ in a blood vessel, thereby improving flexibility and torque transmission characteristics. The first protective sheath 630 may be disposed on the outside of the proximal portion of the torque coil 620 and fixed by a fixing cap 530. When the motor unit 200 rotates, only the torque coil 620 constituting the rotating unit rotates, and the first protective sheath 630 does not rotate.

[0104] For example, the thickness of the first protective sheath 630 may be formed so that friction does not occur when the torque coil 620 is inserted inside the first protective sheath 630 and rotates through the motor unit 200, but is not limited thereto, and may be the same or similar to the thickness of a Nitinol tube used in a conventional catheter. Also, the length of the first protective sheath 630 may be formed longer than the distance traveled when the catheter 600 is pulled back. For example, when the pullback distance is 100 mm, the length of the first protective sheath 630 may be 110 mm to 150 mm, and preferably 110 mm to 120 mm.

[0105] The first protective sheath 630 is disposed outside the proximal portion of the torque coil 620 and is fixed by the internal cap 520 (it does not rotate as described above), thereby minimizing wobbling and vibration of the torque coil 620 included in the rotating portion when the rotating portion rotates through the motor portion 200.

[0106] The first protective sheath 630 may be made of a soft material, for example, nylon and polyimide.

[0107] Second protective sheath 640 may be disposed outside the entire torque coil 620 (including outside first protective sheath 630).

[0108] For example, the second protective sheath 640 may be coupled to an outer cap 510 as shown in FIG. 5, and the first protective sheath 630 may be inserted inside the second protective sheath 640 .

[0109] In this case, the inner surface of the second protective sheath 640 and the outer surface of the first protective sheath 630 may be spaced apart, but is not limited to this, and the inner surface of the second protective sheath 640 and the outer surface of the first protective sheath 630 may be connected.

[0110] A second protective sheath 640 is connected to one end of the outer cap 510 and disposed outside the entire torque coil 620 and the proximal portion, thereby further minimizing wobbling and vibration of the torque coil 620 included in the rotating portion when the rotating portion rotates through the motor portion 200.

[0111] The second protective sheath 640, like the first protective sheath 630, may be made of a soft material, for example, a nylon material.

[0112] As described above, in the catheter rotation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the catheter 600 further includes a first protective sheath 630 and a second protective sheath 640, thereby minimizing wobbling and vibration of the torque coil 620 included in the rotating part when the rotating part rotates through the motor unit 200.

[0113] In other words, the catheter rotation device of one embodiment of the present invention can solve the problems of shaking and vibration of conventional Nitinol tubes during angiography by using an inner cap 520, a first protective sheath 630 and a second protective sheath 640.

[0114] Meanwhile, in the rotary junction module 10, the motor part 200 may be moved backward in one direction by the first driving unit 410, and at the same time, the fastening part 300 may be moved backward in one direction by the second driving unit 420, thereby causing the rotating part to be pulled back.

[0115] In this case, the pullback is a method of imaging the inside of a blood vessel by positioning the torque coil 620 in the blood vessel and then pulling it in one direction. The motor unit 200 and the fastening unit 300 are moved backward in one direction by the driving unit 400, so that the female optical connector 210, the fixing cap 530, the male optical connector 610 and the torque coil 620 included in the rotating unit can be moved backward in one direction, and the inner cap 520 coupled to the fastening unit 300 can also be moved backward in one direction.

[0116] For example, as shown in Figures 2b and 2c, when the first driving unit 410 moves the motor section 200 forward in one direction and the male optical connector 610 and the female optical connector 210 are connected, the motor section 200 and the fastening section 300 may be moved backward in one direction to pull back the rotating section.

[0117] At this time, the outer cap 510 is coupled to the through-hole portion 110 and fixed to the body portion 100, and the inner cap 520 and the fixing cap 530 are coupled to the inner cap coupling portion 310 of the fastening portion 300, so that when the rotating portion is pulled back, the inner cap 520 may move backward together.

[0118] When disconnecting the male optical connector 610 and the female optical connector 210, as shown in Figures 2a to 2b, with the fastening portion 300 inserted into the body portion 100 by the second driving unit 420, only the motor portion 200 may be moved backward in one direction by the first driving unit 410.

[0119] At this time, the fastening portion 300 is fixed in the inserted state in the body portion 100 to prevent the internal cap 520 and the fixing cap 530 from moving together into the inside of the body portion 100 along the female optical connector 210, and the connection between the male optical connector 610 and the female optical connector 210 can be released by moving only the motor portion 200 backward in one direction.

[0120] As described above, according to the catheter rotation device for an OCT system of one embodiment of the present invention, the cap part 500 includes an outer cap 510, an inner cap 520, and a fixing cap 530. The fixing cap 530 is formed separately from the inner surface of the inner cap 520 and is fastened to the male optical connector 610. When the male optical connector 610 rotates, the fixing cap 530 rotates together with the male optical connector 610, thereby reducing wobbling generated in the catheter 600 and preventing contact with the inner wall of the cardiac blood vessel, thereby improving the accuracy of imaging the inside of the cardiac blood vessel.

[0121] In addition, the motor unit 200 includes a motor 220, a fixing ring 230, and a housing 240. The fixing ring 230, which has a diameter larger than that of the motor 220, is attached to the outside of the motor 220, and the housing 240 is formed to surround the outer circumferential surface of the fixing ring 230, thereby reducing noise caused by vibration generated by the motor 220.

[0122] Furthermore, the catheter 600 used in the catheter rotation device for the OCT system is configured with the male optical connector 610 and the torque coil 620, thereby making it possible to reduce the unit cost of the catheter 600.

[0123] In addition, the catheter 600 further includes a first protective sheath 630 and a second protective sheath 640, thereby minimizing wobbling and vibration of the torque coil 620 included in the rotating part when the rotating part rotates through the motor unit 200.

[0124] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed form, and similarly, each component described as a distributed type may be implemented in a combined form.

[0125] Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims set forth below rather than by the above detailed description, and all modifications and variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims, as well as their equivalent concepts, should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10: Rotary joint module 100: Body part 110: Penetration 120: Rotation axis 200: Motor section 210: Female optical connector 211: Universal coupler 220: Motor 230: Fixed ring 231: Groove 240: Housing 300: Fastening part 310: Internal cap joint 320: Drive unit connection part 400: Drive unit 410: First drive unit 420: Second drive unit 500: Cap section 510: External cap 520: Internal cap 521: Locking part 523: Locking protrusion 530: Fixed cap 600: Catheter 610: Male optical connector 620: Torque coil 630: First protective sheath 640: Secondary protective sheath 700: Fiber optic rotary joint 710: Stator 720: Rotor

Claims

1. A catheter rotation device for an OCT system, a body portion having a through-hole at one end thereof through which an optical fiber on the sample arm side of an OCT system can pass and at the other end thereof through which an optical fiber on the catheter side can pass; a fiber optic rotary joint arranged at one end of the body part on the sample arm side of the OCT system for connecting an optical fiber on the sample arm side of the OCT system and an optical fiber on the catheter side; a motor section disposed inside the body section, rotating the catheter-side optical fiber and including a female optical connector for connecting the catheter-side optical fiber and the catheter; a rotary joint module including: a male optical connector coupled to the female optical connector; a cap portion fastened to the body portion; a catheter comprising: Including, The cap portion is an outer cap coupled to a through hole formed in the body; an inner cap inserted into the outer cap; a locking cap coupled to the male optical connector and formed spaced apart from an inner surface of the inner cap for co-rotation as the male optical connector rotates.

2. The rotary joint module comprises: a fastening portion having one end inserted into the through-hole and the other end disposed to face the motor portion, The catheter rotation device of claim 1 , wherein the inner cap is coupled with the fastener.

3. The rotary joint module comprises: The catheter rotation device according to claim 2 , further comprising a drive unit coupled to the body unit for moving the motor unit and the fastening unit in one direction.

4. The fastening portion is an inner cap coupling part that is inserted into the through-hole so as to be connected to an inner circumferential surface of the through-hole and has one end coupled to the inner cap; The catheter rotation device according to claim 3 , further comprising: a drive unit coupling portion coupled to the other end of the inner cap coupling portion and connected to the drive unit.

5. The drive unit is a first drive unit connected to the motor unit to move the motor unit in one direction; The catheter rotation device according to claim 3 , further comprising: a second drive unit coupled to the fastening portion for moving the fastening portion in one direction.

6. The catheter rotation device according to claim 5 , wherein the motor portion is moved backward in one direction by the first drive unit and the fastening portion is moved backward in one direction by the second drive unit, thereby pulling back the catheter.

7. The catheter rotation device of claim 5, wherein when the fastening portion is inserted into the body portion by the second drive unit, the first drive unit moves only the motor portion backward in one direction, thereby releasing the connection between the female optical connector and the male optical connector.

8. The motor unit includes: a motor having a hollow shape, into which the catheter-side optical fiber is inserted and which is connected to the female optical connector; a retaining ring coupled to an exterior of the motor and having a diameter greater than a diameter of the motor; 2. The catheter rotation device of claim 1, further comprising a housing formed to surround an outer circumferential surface of the fixation ring.

9. The catheter rotation device according to claim 8, wherein the fixing ring has a plurality of grooves formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof and recessed therein.

10. The catheter rotation device according to claim 1 , wherein the motor unit further includes a universal coupler coupled with a rotator of the optical fiber rotary joint to rotate the rotator.

11. The motor unit includes: The catheter rotation device of claim 8 , further comprising an encoder coupled to one side of the motor for controlling a rotational speed of the motor.

12. The catheter comprises: a torque coil connected to the male optical connector and having the catheter-side optical fiber inserted therein to emit light; a first protective sheath disposed over a proximal side of the torque coil; a second protective sheath disposed over the entire torque coil and the exterior of the proximal portion; The catheter rotation device of claim 1 further comprising:

13. The catheter rotation device according to claim 12 , wherein the first protective sheath and the second protective sheath are made of a soft material.

14. The catheter rotation device of claim 1 , wherein the outer cap is rotationally coupled to the penetration.

15. The catheter rotation device of claim 1, wherein a plurality of locking protrusions are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the outer cap, and a plurality of locking grooves are formed on an inner peripheral surface of the through-hole, and the outer cap is coupled to the through-hole by the plurality of locking protrusions and the plurality of locking grooves.

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