Image diagnosis device

Abstract

An image diagnosis device according to the present disclosure can be connected to a diagnostic imaging catheter provided with an imaging unit including an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit, and can generate an intraluminal image. The image diagnosis device is provided with: a drive motor that can rotationally drive the imaging unit; a slip ring that can be electrically connected to the imaging unit and can rotate together with the imaging unit; and a brush that is electrically connected to the slip ring by contacting the slip ring. The slip ring and the contact part of the brush are disposed in a sealed space filled with a liquid lubricant.

Description

diagnostic imaging equipment

[0001] The present disclosure relates to diagnostic imaging devices.

[0002] Conventionally, diagnostic imaging catheters that utilize intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to acquire images for diagnosing diseased areas in a living body have been known. Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasound probe used in this type of diagnostic imaging catheter.

[0003] The ultrasonic probe described in Patent Document 1 includes a rotatable rotor, an ultrasonic vibrator mounted on the rotor and converting ultrasonic signals into electrical signals and vice versa, a slip ring connected to the rotor so that its rotation axis is coaxial, and a brush that contacts the slip ring and transmits electrical signals to the ultrasonic vibrator.

[0004] JP 2013-48802 A

[0005] An IVUS-based imaging catheter is used in connection with an imaging diagnostic device, which is capable of generating intraluminal images based on ultrasound signals acquired from the imaging diagnostic catheter.

[0006] The diagnostic imaging device preferably includes a slip ring and brushes as disclosed in Patent Document 1. By doing so, when the diagnostic imaging device generates an intracavity image based on an ultrasound signal acquired from a diagnostic imaging catheter using IVUS, it is possible to maintain electrical connection between the ultrasound transmitting / receiving unit as a rotating body and the diagnostic imaging device as a stationary body while suppressing physical twisting of the part connecting the two.

[0007] On the other hand, there is a risk of wear particles being generated at the contact points between the slip ring and the brushes, which may become trapped at the contact points between the slip ring and the brushes, resulting in image noise in the ultrasound image due to electrical noise.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an imaging diagnostic device that can suppress wear at the contact points between the slip ring and the brush.

[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides an imaging diagnostic device: (1) An imaging diagnostic device that can be connected to an imaging diagnostic catheter equipped with an imaging unit including an ultrasound transmitting / receiving unit, and that can generate intracavity images, comprising: a drive motor that can rotate the imaging unit; a slip ring that can be electrically connected to the imaging unit and can rotate together with the imaging unit; and a brush that is in contact with the slip ring and thereby electrically connected to the slip ring, wherein the contact portion of the slip ring and the brush is disposed in an enclosed space filled with a liquid lubricant.

[0010] An imaging diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (2) the imaging diagnostic device according to (1) above, which is provided with a capture unit that is disposed in the sealed space and is capable of capturing wear powder from the brush.

[0011] An imaging diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the imaging diagnostic device described in (3) or (2) above, in which the slip ring includes a conductive ring that forms the contact portion by contacting the brush, and an insulating member that holds the conductive ring.

[0012] An imaging diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (4) the imaging diagnostic device described in (3) above, wherein the conductive ring is held by the insulating member so that the central axis of the outer peripheral surface of the conductive ring becomes the axis of rotation of the conductive ring caused by the drive motor.

[0013] An imaging diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the imaging diagnostic device described in (5) or (4) above, in which the outer surface of the conductive ring forms a surface flush with the outer surface of the insulating member in the central axis direction along the central axis of the outer surface of the conductive ring.

[0014] An imaging diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (6) the imaging diagnostic device according to any one of (3) to (5) above, in which the conductive ring and the insulating member are integrally molded.

[0015] An imaging diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (7) the imaging diagnostic device described in any one of (3) to (6) above, which is provided with a support shaft that penetrates the insulating member, supports the insulating member, and is rotatable together with the imaging unit.

[0016] An imaging diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the imaging diagnostic device described in (7) above, which is provided with a partition that defines the sealed space therein, and the support shaft penetrates the partition in a central axis direction along the central axis of the outer circumferential surface of the conductive ring.

[0017] An imaging diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the imaging diagnostic device described in (8) above, which is provided with a sealing member that seals between the support shaft and the partition body, and the contact area between the sealing member and the support shaft is smaller than the contact area between the sealing member and the partition body.

[0018] An imaging diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the imaging diagnostic device described in any one of (7) to (9) above, wherein the support shaft defines a through-hole therein that penetrates in the central axis direction along the central axis of the outer peripheral surface of the conductive ring.

[0019] An imaging diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (11) the imaging diagnostic device according to any one of (7) to (10) above, in which the conductive ring, the insulating member, and the support shaft are integrally molded.

[0020] An imaging diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the imaging diagnostic device described in any one of (3) to (6) above, (12) comprising a partition that partitions the sealed space therein, and the insulating member penetrates the partition in a central axis direction along the central axis of the outer peripheral surface of the conductive ring.

[0021] An imaging diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the imaging diagnostic device described in (12) above, which is provided with a sealing member that seals between the insulating member and the partition, and the contact area between the sealing member and the insulating member is smaller than the contact area between the sealing member and the partition.

[0022] An imaging diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the imaging diagnostic device described in (12) or (13) above, wherein the insulating member defines a through hole therein that penetrates in the central axis direction along the central axis of the outer peripheral surface of the conductive ring.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an imaging diagnostic device that can suppress wear at the contact points between the slip ring and the brush.

[0024] 2A is a diagram showing an imaging diagnostic system including an imaging diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an imaging diagnostic catheter alone of the imaging diagnostic system shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which a probe and an inner tube are pushed in; FIG. 2C is a diagram showing an imaging diagnostic catheter alone of the imaging diagnostic system shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which a probe and an inner tube are pulled out; FIG. 2D is a diagram showing a distal end of the imaging diagnostic catheter shown in FIG. 2A; FIG. 2D is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a slip ring and a brush of the imaging diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken at the position of line II in FIG. 4; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken at the position of line II-II in FIG. 4; FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the slip ring, the brush, and the support shaft shown in FIGS. 5 and 6; FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of a portion of the seal member in FIG. 5; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a modified example of the slip ring.

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an imaging diagnostic apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, in which the same components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an imaging diagnostic system 100 including an imaging diagnostic device 120 as one embodiment of the imaging diagnostic device according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the imaging diagnostic system 100 includes an imaging diagnostic catheter 110 and the imaging diagnostic device 120. Fig. 1 shows a state in which the imaging diagnostic catheter 110 is connected to the imaging diagnostic device 120.

[0027] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 shown in FIG. 1 alone. As will be described in detail later, FIGS. 2A and 2B show different positions of the probe 10 in the longitudinal direction A within the sheath 20. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the distal end (hereinafter referred to as the "distal end") of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110. The diagnostic imaging catheter 110 is configured to be able to acquire tomographic images of a lumen, such as a blood vessel. As shown in FIG. 1, the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 is driven by being connected to a diagnostic imaging device 120. More specifically, in this embodiment, the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 is connectable to a drive unit 120a of the diagnostic imaging device 120.

[0028] The diagnostic imaging device 120 is connectable to a diagnostic imaging catheter equipped with an imaging unit including an ultrasound transmitter / receiver. The diagnostic imaging device 120 of this embodiment is connectable to a diagnostic imaging catheter using IVUS and a dual-type diagnostic imaging catheter using both IVUS and OCT or OFDI. However, the diagnostic imaging device 120 may be connectable to a diagnostic imaging catheter equipped with an imaging unit including an ultrasound transmitter / receiver but not an ultrasound transmitter / receiver. The diagnostic imaging device 120 of this embodiment is configured to be connectable to a diagnostic imaging catheter using IVUS, a dual-type diagnostic imaging catheter using both IVUS and OCT or OFDI, as well as a diagnostic imaging catheter using OCT or OFDI without IVUS. The diagnostic imaging device 120 of this embodiment is capable of generating intraluminal images using at least one of ultrasound and light, depending on the diagnostic imaging catheter connected.

[0029] 1 to 3, an example of a diagnostic imaging catheter connectable to the diagnostic imaging device 120 will be described. In this embodiment, a dual-type diagnostic imaging catheter 110 that uses both IVUS and OCT or OFDI will be described as an example of a diagnostic imaging catheter connectable to the diagnostic imaging device 120.

[0030] Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 will be referred to as the "longitudinal direction A." Furthermore, the side of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 in the longitudinal direction A that is inserted into a living body will be referred to as the "distal side." Furthermore, the side of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 in the longitudinal direction A that is operated outside the living body will be referred to as the "proximal side." The direction from the proximal side to the distal side of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 may be simply referred to as the "insertion direction A1." Furthermore, the direction from the distal end side to the proximal end side of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 may be simply referred to as the "removal direction A2."

[0031] 1 to 3, the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 includes a probe 10, an elongated sheath 20, an inner tube 30, and an outer tube 40. Each part of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 will be described in detail below.

[0032] 3, the probe 10 includes an imaging unit 60, a shaft 13, and an electric signal line 14a and an optical transmission line 14b extending within the shaft 13. The imaging unit 60 includes an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit 61a, an optical transmitting / receiving unit 61b, a contrast marker member 61c, a housing 61d, and a protective member 61e.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3 , the imaging unit 60 is fixed to the distal end of the shaft 13. The ultrasound transmitting / receiving unit 61a of the imaging unit 60 includes an ultrasound transducer 62. The ultrasound transducer 62 is capable of transmitting ultrasound waves based on a pulse signal through a cavity in a living body and receiving ultrasound waves reflected from biological tissue surrounding the cavity. The ultrasound transducer 62 may include, for example, a main body and an electrode. The main body may include a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric material such as ceramics or quartz. The ultrasound transmitting / receiving unit 61a can transmit and receive ultrasound waves using the ultrasound transducer 62. The ultrasound transmitting / receiving unit 61a shown in FIG. 3 is located distal to an optical element 61b1 (described later) of the optical transmitting / receiving unit 61b.

[0034] The optical transceiver 61b continuously transmits the transmitted light into the lumen and continuously receives the light reflected by the biological tissue surrounding the lumen. The optical transceiver 61b shown in Fig. 3 includes an optical element 61b1. The optical element 61b1 is connected to the distal end of the optical transmission line 14b and has a lens function for focusing light and a reflecting function for reflecting light.

[0035] The optical element 61b1 shown in FIG. 3 is a ball lens including a flat portion inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction A and a spherical portion. The flat portion is coated with a reflective coating that reflects light propagating from the optical transmission line 14b. The material of the reflective coating is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of reflecting light, and examples thereof include aluminum. The light propagating from the optical transmission line 14b is reflected from the flat portion, collected from the spherical portion, and transmitted to the lumen. The light reflected by the biological tissue surrounding the lumen is collected from the spherical portion, reflected from the flat portion, and propagated to the optical transmission line 14b. In this way, the optical transceiver 61b can transmit and receive light via the optical element 61b1.

[0036] The radiopaque marker member 61c has radiopaque properties. Specifically, the radiopaque marker member 61c is formed of a material that is highly radiopaque. Specifically, the radiopaque marker member 61c can be made of a material that is highly radiopaque, such as platinum, gold, iridium, or tungsten.

[0037] 3 is disposed proximal to the optical element 61b1 of the light transmitting / receiving unit 61b The radiopaque marker member 61c is fixed to the housing 61d.

[0038] The housing 61d directly or indirectly supports the ultrasound transmitting / receiving unit 61a, the light transmitting / receiving unit 61b, and the contrast marker member 61c. The proximal side of the housing 61d is connected to the shaft 13. The housing 61d may be integrated with the shaft 13. Therefore, the housing 61d may be directly connected to the shaft 13 by adhesive or the like, or may be indirectly connected to the shaft 13 via a connector or the like.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3 , a transmitting / receiving opening 61d1 is formed in the housing 61d. The transmitting / receiving opening 61d1 allows the passage of ultrasonic waves transmitted and received by the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit 61a and light transmitted and received by the optical transmitting / receiving unit 61b. That is, the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit 61a can transmit ultrasonic waves based on pulse signals to the lumen through this transmitting / receiving opening 61d1. The ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit 61a can also receive ultrasonic waves reflected from the biological tissue surrounding the lumen through this transmitting / receiving opening 61d1. Furthermore, the optical transmitting / receiving unit 61b can transmit light to the lumen through this transmitting / receiving opening 61d1. The optical transmitting / receiving unit 61b can also receive light reflected from the biological tissue surrounding the lumen through this transmitting / receiving opening 61d1.

[0040] The ultrasonic transmitter / receiver unit 61a may be supported by the housing 61d via a backing member. The backing member scatters and attenuates ultrasonic waves traveling from the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver unit 61a to the opposite side of the transmitter / receiver opening 61d1 of the housing 61d. The configuration for fixing the backing member to the housing 61d is not particularly limited. The backing member may be fixed to the housing 61d by, for example, bonding with an adhesive.

[0041] The housing 61d may be formed by, for example, cutting out a metal block or by metal injection molding (MIM).

[0042] The protective member 61e is attached to the housing 61d in a state covering the distal end of the housing 61d. The protective member 61e has a substantially hemispherical outer shape that is convex in the insertion direction A1. Providing the protective member 61e reduces friction and snagging with the inner surface of the sheath 20, thereby reducing damage to the sheath 20 caused by the housing 61d. The protective member 61e may be made of, for example, a resin material. The protective member 61e may also include, for example, a coil. The protective member 61e may also be, for example, a resin tube member that is fitted onto and fixed to the housing 61d.

[0043] 2A, 2B, and 3, the shaft 13 extends through the inside of the sheath 20, the inner tube 30, and the outer tube 40. As described above, the distal end of the shaft 13 is connected to the housing 61d of the imaging unit 60. The proximal end of the shaft 13 is held by the hub 32 (described below) that constitutes the proximal end of the inner tube 30.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3 , the electrical signal line 14 a extends within the shaft 13. When the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 is connected to the diagnostic imaging device 120 (see FIG. 1 ), the electrical signal line 14 a electrically connects the ultrasound transmission / reception unit 61 a of the imaging unit 60 to the diagnostic imaging device 120 (see FIG. 1 ). A plurality of electrical signal lines 14 a are provided, and each electrical signal line 14 a is connected to an electrode of the ultrasound transmission / reception unit 61 a of the imaging unit 60. For convenience of explanation, only one electrical signal line 14 a is shown in FIG. 3 . The plurality of electrical signal lines 14 a may be formed, for example, by a twisted pair cable in which two electrical signal lines 14 a are twisted together. Each electrical signal line 14 a may be a flexible thin wire member having an outer diameter greater than 0 mm and equal to or less than 0.1 mm. Each electrical signal line 14 a may be formed, for example, by a conductor and a covering material formed of an insulating material that covers the conductor.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 3, the optical transmission line 14b extends inside the shaft 13. The optical transmission line 14b optically connects the optical transmitter / receiver 61b of the imaging unit 60 to the diagnostic imaging device 120 (see Fig. 1). As shown in Fig. 3, the optical transmission line 14b is connected to the optical element 61b1 of the optical transmitter / receiver 61b of the imaging unit 60. The optical transmission line 14b includes, for example, an optical fiber as an optical transmission path.

[0046] [Sheath 20] The sheath 20 is an elongated member that is inserted into a lumen such as a blood vessel. As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 3, the sheath 20 includes a main body 20a and a guidewire insertion portion 20b. A first hollow portion 21a is defined inside the main body 20a. A second hollow portion 21b is defined in the guidewire insertion portion 20b. The first hollow portion 21a of the main body 20a houses the probe 10. The probe 10 can move back and forth in the longitudinal direction A within the first hollow portion 21a. A guidewire W can be inserted into the second hollow portion 21b of the guidewire insertion portion 20b. As shown in Figure 3, the guidewire insertion portion 20b may be provided with a contrast marker portion 23 that is radiopaque. The contrast marker portion 23 can be configured, for example, by a metal pipe or metal coil having high radiopacity, such as platinum, gold, iridium, or tungsten. The tubular guidewire insertion portion 20b shown in Fig. 3 is adjacent to the distal end of the tubular main body portion 20a so as to be parallel to each other. The main body portion 20a and the guidewire insertion portion 20b may be formed by joining different tubular members together by heat fusion or the like.

[0047] Furthermore, a communication hole 22a1 that connects the inside and outside of the first hollow portion 21a is formed at the distal end of the main body portion 20a. Furthermore, a reinforcing member 22 for firmly joining and supporting the guidewire insertion portion 20b may be provided at the distal end of the main body portion 20a. A communication passage 22a that connects the inside of the first hollow portion 21a, which is located proximal to the reinforcing member 22, with the communication hole 22a1 is formed in the reinforcing member 22. However, the reinforcing member 22 does not necessarily have to be provided at the distal end of the main body portion 20a.

[0048] The communication hole 22a1 is a priming solution discharge hole for discharging the priming solution. When the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 is used, a priming process is performed in which the priming solution is filled into the main body 20a of the sheath 20. When performing the priming process, the priming solution is discharged to the outside through the communication hole 22a1, and gas such as air can be discharged from the main body 20a of the sheath 20 together with the priming solution.

[0049] The sheath 20 and the reinforcing member 22 are preferably formed of a flexible material, but the material is not particularly limited. Examples of the constituent materials include various thermoplastic elastomers, such as styrene-based, polyolefin-based, polyurethane-based, polyester-based, polyamide-based, polyimide-based, polybutadiene-based, trans-polyisoprene-based, fluororubber-based, and chlorinated polyethylene-based elastomers. Combinations of one or more of these (polymer alloys, polymer blends, laminates, etc.) may also be used. The outer surface of the sheath 20 may also be provided with a hydrophilic lubricating coating layer that exhibits lubricity when wet.

[0050] [Inner Tube 30 and Outer Tube 40] The inner tube 30 accommodates the proximal end of the shaft 13 and is movable within the outer tube 40 together with the shaft 13. As shown in Figures 1, 2A, and 2B, the inner tube 30 includes an inner tube body 31 and a hub 32. The inner tube body 31 is inserted within the outer tube 40 so as to be movable back and forth. The hub 32 is connected to the proximal side of the inner tube body 31.

[0051] 1 , 2A, and 2B , the outer tube 40 is fixed to the proximal end of the sheath 20. The outer tube 40 of this embodiment includes an outer tube main body 41, a distal connector 42, and a proximal connector 43. The outer tube main body 41 is located radially outside the inner tube main body 31, and the inner tube main body 31 moves back and forth within the outer tube main body 41. The distal connector 42 connects the proximal end of the main body 20a of the sheath 20 to the distal end of the outer tube main body 41. The proximal connector 43 is fixed to the proximal end of the outer tube main body 41.

[0052] The shaft 13, the electrical signal line 14a, and the optical transmission line 14b of the probe 10 described above extend from the main body 20a of the sheath 20, through the outer tube 40 connected to the proximal side of the main body 20a, to the hub 32 that constitutes the proximal end of the inner tube 30.

[0053] The probe 10 and inner tube 30 are connected to each other so that they can integrally move forward and backward in the longitudinal direction A. Therefore, for example, when the inner tube 30 is pushed in the insertion direction A1, the inner tube 30 is pushed into the outer tube 40 in the insertion direction A1. When the inner tube 30 is pushed into the outer tube 40 in the insertion direction A1, the probe 10 connected to the inner tube 30 moves in the insertion direction A1 within the main body portion 20a of the sheath 20. This results in the pushed-in state shown in FIG. 2A. When the inner tube 30 is pulled in the withdrawal direction A2 from the pushed-in state shown in FIG. 2A, the inner tube 30 is withdrawn from the outer tube 40 in the withdrawal direction A2. When the inner tube 30 is withdrawn from the outer tube 40 in the withdrawal direction A2, the probe 10 connected to the inner tube 30 moves in the withdrawal direction A2 within the main body portion 20a of the sheath 20. This results in the withdrawn state shown in FIG. 2B.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 1 , with the hub 32 of the inner tube 30 of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 connected to the diagnostic imaging device 120, the diagnostic imaging device 120 can move the probe 10 and the inner tube 30 in a removal direction A2 while rotating the probe 10 from the pushed-in state shown in Fig. 2A to the pulled-out state shown in Fig. 2B . Hereinafter, this operation may be referred to as a "pull-back imaging operation." Based on the ultrasound signals and optical signals acquired by the ultrasound transmitting / receiving unit 61 a and the optical transmitting / receiving unit 61 b ​​of the imaging unit 60 during this pull-back imaging operation, the diagnostic imaging device 120 can generate a tomographic image of a lumen, such as a blood vessel, as an intraluminal image over a predetermined range in the longitudinal direction A.

[0055] <Diagnostic Imaging Apparatus 120> Next, details of the diagnostic imaging apparatus 120 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 , the diagnostic imaging apparatus 120 includes a first drive motor 121, which is a power source for rotating the probe 10 (see FIG. 2A , etc.) of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110. That is, the imaging unit 60 of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 is rotationally driven by the first drive motor 121 and is rotatable around the central axis O of the shaft 13 (see FIG. 3). Also, as shown in FIG. 1 , the diagnostic imaging apparatus 120 includes a second drive motor 122, which is a power source for moving the probe 10 and the inner tube 30 (see FIG. 2A , etc.) in the longitudinal direction A. The rotational motion of the second drive motor 122 is converted into axial motion by, for example, a ball screw 123 connected to the second drive motor 122. In this way, the diagnostic imaging apparatus 120 can perform a pull-back imaging operation in which the probe 10 and the inner tube 30 are moved in the removal direction A2 while rotating the probe 10 of the connected diagnostic imaging catheter 110.

[0056] More specifically, the imaging diagnostic device 120 of this embodiment includes a drive unit 120a, a control unit 120b, and a display unit 120c capable of displaying an image generated by the control unit 120b based on the ultrasonic and light reception signals received from the imaging diagnostic catheter 110.

[0057] The first drive motor 121, the second drive motor 122, and the ball screw 123 of this embodiment are provided in a drive unit 120a. The operation of this drive unit 120a is controlled by a control unit 120b. The diagnostic imaging catheter 110 can be connected to the drive unit 120a.

[0058] The driving unit 120a includes a connection detector 124 that can detect connection of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110. Furthermore, the connection detector 124 may detect the presence or absence of the ultrasound transmitter / receiver 61a of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 based on an electrical connection with the ultrasound transmitter / receiver 61a (see FIG. 3 ) of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110. Furthermore, the connection detector 124 may detect the presence or absence of the optical transmitter / receiver 61b of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 based on an optical connection with the optical transmitter / receiver 61b (see FIG. 3 ) of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110. In other words, the diagnostic imaging device 120 may use the connection detector 124 to detect whether the connected diagnostic imaging catheter 110 includes the ultrasound transmitter / receiver 61a and whether the connected diagnostic imaging catheter 110 includes the optical transmitter / receiver 61b in addition to detecting the connection of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110.

[0059] The control unit 120b includes a processor, such as a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The control unit 120b executes processes related to the operation of the diagnostic imaging apparatus 120 while controlling each unit of the diagnostic imaging apparatus 120. Specifically, the control unit 120b controls the operation of the first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122 of the drive unit 120a. As described above, the control unit 120b can generate a lumen image based on the ultrasound and light reception signals received from the diagnostic imaging catheter 110. Furthermore, the control unit 120b can control the display unit 120c to display the generated lumen image on the display unit 120c. The control unit 120b may further include a storage unit, such as a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM).

[0060] The display unit 120c is, for example, a display. The display unit 120c may be, for example, an LCD, an organic EL display, or an HMD. "LCD" is an abbreviation for Liquid Crystal Display. "EL" is an abbreviation for Electro Luminescence. "HMD" is an abbreviation for Head-Mounted Display.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1 , in the diagnostic imaging device 120, the drive unit 120a and the control unit 120b are electrically connected. Furthermore, in the diagnostic imaging device 120, the display unit 120c and the control unit 120b are also electrically connected. More specifically, the diagnostic imaging device 120 of this embodiment includes a drive unit called an MDU, including the drive unit 120a, a processing unit including the control unit 120b, and a display serving as the display unit 120c. "MDU" is an abbreviation for Motor Drive Unit. In this embodiment, the drive unit and the processing unit are connected by a cable. The cable is used to connect the drive unit and the processing unit to transmit and receive information. The processing unit and the display may also be connected by any cable. In other words, the diagnostic imaging device 120 of this embodiment is configured such that the drive unit, the processing unit, and the display are connected by a cable. However, the diagnostic imaging device 120 is not limited to this configuration. The diagnostic imaging device 120 may also be configured as a single device including the drive unit 120a, the control unit 120b, and the display unit 120c described above.

[0062] Furthermore, the image diagnostic apparatus 120 is not limited to the configuration shown in this embodiment, and may be configured to further include an external input unit such as a keyboard.

[0063] 1 , the diagnostic imaging device 120 includes a slip ring 130 and a brush 140. More specifically, in this embodiment, the driving unit 120 a of the diagnostic imaging device 120 includes the slip ring 130 and the brush 140.

[0064] Fig. 1 schematically shows the arrangement of the slip ring 130 and the brush 140 in the diagnostic imaging device 120. The arrangement of the slip ring 130 and the brush 140 in the diagnostic imaging device 120 will be described in detail below. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the slip ring 130 and the brush 140 in the drive unit 120a of the diagnostic imaging device 120. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 4.

[0065] 4 to 6, the diagnostic imaging device 120 of this embodiment includes, in addition to the slip ring 130 and the brush 140, a support shaft 150, a partition 170, a seal member 190, and a liquid lubricant X. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the slip ring 130, the brush 140, and the support shaft 150 shown in Figs.

[0066] As shown in Figures 1 and 5 to 7, the imaging diagnostic device 120 is provided with a slip ring 130 and a brush 140, which makes it possible to maintain electrical connection between the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit 61a (see Figure 3) as a rotating body of the imaging diagnostic catheter 110 and the imaging diagnostic device 120 as a stationary body while suppressing physical twisting of the connecting portion.

[0067] More specifically, the slip ring 130 is electrically connected to the ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit 61a (see FIG. 3) of the imaging unit 60 when the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 is connected to the drive unit 120a of the diagnostic imaging device 120 (see FIG. 1). The slip ring 130 of this embodiment is electrically connected to the ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit 61a (see FIG. 3) via a conductive member 201 (described later) and an electrical signal line 14a (see FIG. 3) of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110. The slip ring 130 also rotates with the rotational motion of the first drive motor 121. That is, the slip ring 130 can be rotated together with the imaging unit 60 (see FIG. 3) of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 by the first drive motor 121. As shown in FIG. 1, the slip ring 130 is fixed to a holder 160 that can hold the shaft 13 of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 when it is connected to the drive unit 120a of the diagnostic imaging device 120. More specifically, the slip ring 130 of this embodiment is indirectly fixed to the holder 160 via the support shaft 150 (see FIGS. 4 to 7) held by the holder 160. This allows the slip ring 130 to rotate together with the imaging unit 60 (see FIG. 3) by the first drive motor 121.

[0068] 5 to 7 , the slip ring 130 of this embodiment includes a metallic conductive ring 131 and an insulating member 132. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the conductive ring 131 comes into contact with the brush 140 to form a contact portion 180. The insulating member 132 holds the conductive ring 131. More specifically, the insulating member 132 of this embodiment is cylindrical, and the conductive ring 131 is held on an outer surface 132 a of the insulating member 132.

[0069] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, in the diagnostic imaging device 120, the direction along the central axis O of the outer circumferential surface 131a of the conductive ring 131 will be referred to as the "central axis direction B." Also, in the diagnostic imaging device 120, the direction around the central axis O of the outer circumferential surface 131a of the conductive ring 131 will be referred to as the "circumferential direction C." Furthermore, in the diagnostic imaging device 120, the radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis O of the outer circumferential surface 131a of the conductive ring 131 will be referred to as the "radial direction D."

[0070] In this embodiment, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) conductive rings 131 are arranged at intervals in the central axis direction B on the outer surface 132 a of the insulating member 132 .

[0071] In this embodiment, the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 are integrally molded. Specifically, the metallic conductive ring 131 is integrally molded on the outer surface 132a of the cylindrical resin insulating member 132. The metallic material constituting the conductive ring 131 is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive, and may be, for example, a bronze, brass, silver, or gold alloy. The resin material constituting the insulating member 132 is not particularly limited as long as it is insulating, and may be, for example, polycarbonate or FRP-based resin. "FRP" stands for Fiber Reinforced Plastic. The conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 are integrally molded, so that the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 are in close contact with each other, with no gaps formed between them. Therefore, the liquid lubricant X contained in the sealed space S defined by the partition 170 (described later) is unlikely to penetrate between the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132. However, the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 are not limited to being integrally molded. The conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 may be bonded, for example, via an adhesive. This allows the adhesive to act as a seal between the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132, preventing the liquid lubricant X from penetrating between the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132. When the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 are integrally molded, the relative positional accuracy of the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 can be improved. On the other hand, when the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 are not integrally molded but are joined via a seal such as an adhesive, the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 can be easily manufactured, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the slip ring 130.

[0072] Furthermore, the conductive ring 131 of this embodiment is held by the insulating member 132 so that the central axis O of the outer circumferential surface 131a of the conductive ring 131 coincides with the axis of rotation of the conductive ring 131 by the first drive motor 121. This stabilizes the position in the radial direction D of a contact portion 180 between the outer circumferential surface 131a of the conductive ring 131 and a brush 140, which will be described later. In other words, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in contact pressure at the contact portion 180 between the conductive ring 131 and the brush 140, which will be described later. As a result, it is possible to suppress wear at the contact portion 180.

[0073] In this embodiment, the central axis of the support shaft 150 (described later) serves as the rotation axis of the conductive ring 131. Therefore, for example, during the manufacturing process of the diagnostic imaging apparatus 120, the outer surface of the slip ring 130 supported by the support shaft 150 is ground while the support shaft 150 is rotated around its central axis. This allows the central axis of the support shaft 150, which serves as the rotation axis of the conductive ring 131, to be aligned with the central axis O of the outer peripheral surface 131a of the conductive ring 131. In this manner, the rotation axis of the conductive ring 131 and the central axis O of the outer peripheral surface 131a of the conductive ring 131 can be easily aligned. However, the central axis O of the outer peripheral surface 131a of the conductive ring 131 and the rotation axis of the conductive ring 131 caused by the first drive motor 121 may be aligned by a method other than the above-described method.

[0074] 5, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 131a of the conductive ring 131 forms a flush surface with the outer surface 132a of the insulating member 132 in the central axis direction B. More specifically, in this embodiment, the conductive ring 131 is embedded in the outer surface 132a of the insulating member 132 so that the outer peripheral surface 131a forms a flush surface with the outer surface 132a of the cylindrical insulating member 132. Since the outer peripheral surface 131a of the conductive ring 131 and the outer surface 132a of the insulating member 132 form a flush surface in this manner, a step between the outer peripheral surface 131a of the conductive ring 131 and the outer surface 132a of the insulating member 132 can prevent the liquid lubricant X and air bubbles from accumulating in the sealed space S (described later). The term "flush surface" used here refers to a range that can prevent the accumulation of the liquid lubricant X and air bubbles, and includes not only a configuration in which no step is formed at all, but also a step of 0.1 mm or less.

[0075] In this embodiment, the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 are integrally molded as described above. Therefore, in this embodiment, the conductive ring 131 is embedded in the outer surface 132a of the insulating member 132, so that the outer peripheral surface 131a of the conductive ring 131 and the outer surface 132a of the insulating member 132 form a flush surface. However, the method for forming this flush surface is not particularly limited. For example, the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132, whose outer surface 132a has an annular recess formed thereon, may be formed separately. Then, the conductive ring 131 may be disposed in the annular recess on the outer surface 132a of the insulating member 132. In this manner, the outer peripheral surface 131a of the conductive ring 131 and the outer surface 132a of the insulating member 132 may form a flush surface.

[0076] 6 and 7 , the brush 140 is electrically connected to the slip ring 130 by contacting the slip ring 130. More specifically, the brush 140 of this embodiment forms a contact portion 180 with the slip ring 130 by contacting the conductive ring 131 held on the outer surface 132 a of the insulating member 132. The slip ring 130 and the brush 140 are electrically connected by this contact portion 180.

[0077] The brush 140 is configured to be slidable on the outer circumferential surface of the slip ring 130, which is rotated by the first drive motor 121. More specifically, the brush 140 of this embodiment is slidable on the slip ring 130 by means of a contact portion 180 that comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface 131 a of the conductive ring 131 of the slip ring 130.

[0078] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, a plurality of brushes 140 in this embodiment are arranged at intervals in the central axial direction B. The positions of the brushes 140 in the central axial direction B correspond to the positions of the conductive rings 131 in the central axial direction B. Therefore, each brush 140 comes into contact with the conductive ring 131 arranged at the corresponding position. Also, as shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, two brushes 140 come into contact with one conductive ring 131. That is, in this embodiment, two contact portions 180 are formed for one conductive ring 131. These two contact portions 180 are formed at positions that are approximately opposite to each other in the radial direction D.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 , the brush 140 of this embodiment includes an elongated brush body 141 that contacts the conductive ring 131 of the slip ring 130, and a holder 142 that holds the brush body 141. The brush body 141 of this embodiment is composed of a metal wire member that is cantilevered by the holder 142 so that its tip end can be elastically bent. The metal material that makes up the brush body 141 may be, for example, a copper-silver alloy. In this embodiment, the brush body 141 is brought into contact with the conductive ring 131 located on the outer surface of the slip ring 130 so that the brush body 141 can be elastically bent. In this manner, in this embodiment, the restoring force of the brush body 141 in its elastically bent state is utilized to ensure a predetermined contact pressure between the brush body 141 and the slip ring 130.

[0080] 5 to 7 , the support shaft 150 passes through the insulating member 132 of the slip ring 130 and supports the insulating member 132. As described above, the support shaft 150 of this embodiment is held by the holder 160 (see FIG. 1 ). The support shaft 150 rotates together with the holder 160 by the first drive motor 121. In other words, the support shaft 150 can rotate together with the imaging unit 60 (see FIG. 3 ) by the first drive motor 121. In addition, the slip ring 130 is supported by the support shaft 150 so as to be rotatable together with the support shaft 150.

[0081] 5 and 6 , the support shaft 150 of this embodiment defines a through-hole 150a therein that penetrates in the central axial direction B. For example, an optical transmission member 200 that is optically connected to the optical transceiver 61b (see FIG. 3 ) of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 may be disposed in this through-hole 150a. The optical transmission member 200 of this embodiment can be optically connected to the optical transceiver 61b via the optical transmission line 14b.

[0082] 5 and 6, in addition to the through hole 150a described above, the support shaft 150 of this embodiment is formed with an accommodation hole 150b in which a conductive member 201 is accommodated. Three accommodation holes 150b are formed around the through hole 150a in the support shaft 150 of this embodiment. The conductive member 201 accommodated in the accommodation hole 150b can electrically connect the conductive ring 131 of the slip ring 130 and the electrical signal line 14a (see FIG. 3) of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110.

[0083] 5, the support shaft 150 penetrates the partition body 170 in the central axial direction B. More specifically, the support shaft 150 of this embodiment penetrates the partition body 170 in the central axial direction B so as to pass through the sealed space S defined inside the partition body 170.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support shaft 150 is integrally molded with the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132. That is, in this embodiment, the conductive ring 131, the insulating member 132, and the support shaft 150 are integrally molded. Specifically, in this embodiment, the metal support shaft 150, the resin insulating member 132 supported on the outer surface of the support shaft 150, and the metal conductive ring 131 supported on the outer surface 132a of the insulating member 132 are integrally molded. Therefore, the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 are in close contact with each other, with no gap formed between them. Furthermore, the insulating member 132 and the support shaft 150 are in close contact with each other, with no gap formed between them. Therefore, the liquid lubricant X contained in the sealed space S defined by the partition body 170 (described later) is unlikely to penetrate between the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 and between the insulating member 132 and the support shaft 150. However, the conductive ring 131, the insulating member 132, and the support shaft 150 are not limited to being integrally molded. The conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 may be bonded to each other, for example, via an adhesive. The insulating member 132 and the support shaft 150 may also be bonded to each other, for example, via an adhesive. In this manner, the adhesive serves as a seal between the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 and between the insulating member 132 and the support shaft 150. This prevents the liquid lubricant X from penetrating between the conductive ring 131 and the insulating member 132 and between the insulating member 132 and the support shaft 150. When the conductive ring 131, the insulating member 132, and the support shaft 150 are integrally molded, the relative positional accuracy of the conductive ring 131, the insulating member 132, and the support shaft 150 can be improved. On the other hand, if the conductive ring 131, insulating member 132, and support shaft 150 are not integrally molded but are joined via a sealing member such as an adhesive, the conductive ring 131, insulating member 132, and support shaft 150 can each be easily manufactured, and the manufacturing efficiency of the slip ring 130 and support shaft 150 can be improved.

[0085] The support shaft 150 in this embodiment is made of metal, but may also be made of resin.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , the partition 170 defines an enclosed space S therein. More specifically, the enclosed space S in this embodiment is defined by the partition 170 and the holder 142 of the brush 140. The enclosed space S is filled with a liquid lubricant X. As shown in FIG. 6 , the contact portions 180 of the slip ring 130 and the brush 140 are disposed in the enclosed space S, which is filled with the liquid lubricant X. In this manner, wear at the contact portions 180 can be suppressed. As a result, the generation of wear powder from the contact portions 180 can be suppressed.

[0087] Furthermore, suppressing wear at the contact portion 180 can eliminate periodic maintenance such as replacing the brush 140. Furthermore, heat generation at the contact portion 180 can be suppressed.

[0088] The type of liquid lubricant X is not particularly limited as long as it can reduce the sliding resistance at the contact portion 180 between the slip ring 130 and the brush 140. As the liquid lubricant X, for example, "Special Solvent Vertrel (registered trademark) XF" by Chemours Inc. can be used.

[0089] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the partition 170 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical body 171, a first wall 172 that closes one end of the cylindrical body 171, and a second wall 173 that closes the other end of the cylindrical body 171. The internal space surrounded by the cylindrical body 171, the first wall 172, and the second wall 173 is a sealed space S. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, an opening 171a that communicates with the internal space is formed in the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body 171 of this embodiment. The brush 140 is fixed to the cylindrical body 171 so that the brush main body 141 enters the internal space through the opening 171a of the cylindrical body 171 and the plate-shaped holder 142 closes the opening 171a of the cylindrical body 171. 5 and 6, a sealing member 143 such as a rubber member is sandwiched between the edge of the opening 171a of the cylindrical body 171 and the holder 142 of the brush 140. In this manner, an enclosed space S is defined by the partition body 170 and the holder 142 of the brush 140.

[0090] 5 , the first wall 172 and the second wall 173 are formed with insertion holes 172a and 173a through which the support shaft 150 passes. A bearing member 176 that rotatably supports the support shaft 150 is provided in the insertion holes 172a and 173a of the first wall 172 and the second wall 173, respectively. That is, the support shaft 150 extends in the central axial direction of the cylindrical body 171 so as to pass through the sealed space S, and passes through the insertion holes 172a and 173a of the first wall 172 and the second wall 173, respectively. The support shaft 150 is rotatably supported by the bearing member 176 provided in the insertion holes 172a and 173a of the first wall 172 and the second wall 173, respectively.

[0091] As described above, the partition 170 of this embodiment is configured to include the cylindrical body 171, the first wall body 172, and the second wall body 173, but is not limited to this configuration. Any other configuration may be used as long as it is configured to partition the sealed space S in which the slip ring 130 and the contact portion 180 of the brush 140 are disposed.

[0092] Furthermore, although the partition body 170 in this embodiment is made of metal, it may also be made of resin.

[0093] 6 , the partition 170 of this embodiment is disposed in the sealed space S and includes a capture portion 175 capable of capturing wear powder from the brush 140. Even if wear powder is generated from the contact portion 180, the capture portion 175 can capture the wear powder, thereby preventing the wear powder from floating in the sealed space S. Specifically, the cylindrical body 171 of the partition 170 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical main body 174 and a capture portion 175 that protrudes from the inner surface of the cylindrical main body 174 toward the sealed space S. The capture portion 175 includes a capture main body portion 175a that protrudes from the inner surface of the cylindrical main body 174 inward in the radial direction of the cylindrical main body 174 (a direction substantially equal to the radial direction D), and a bent portion 175b that protrudes from the tip of the capture main body portion 175a in the circumferential direction C of the cylindrical main body 174. As shown in FIG. 6 , the bent portion 175b protrudes from the capture main body 175a in a direction C2 opposite to the rotation direction C1 during the pullback imaging operation of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 (see FIGS. 1 to 3 ) by the first drive motor 121 (see FIG. 1 ). When the slip ring 130 and the support shaft 150 rotate in the rotation direction C1, a laminar flow of the liquid lubricant X toward the rotation direction C1 is generated in the sealed space S. Because the bent portion 175b protrudes in the direction C2 opposite to the rotation direction C1, the wear powder that moves along the laminar flow and is captured by the capture main body 175a is more likely to remain captured by the capture main body 175a. In other words, the bent portion 175b prevents the wear powder captured by the capture main body 175a from being released back into the sealed space S from the capture main body 175a.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the partition 170 is configured to include the capture portion 175, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The capture portion 175 may be configured, for example, by a capture member that is arranged in the sealed space S separately from the partition 170.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 5 , the seal member 190 seals between the support shaft 150 and the partition body 170. More specifically, the seal member 190 of this embodiment seals between the outer surface of the support shaft 150 and the inner surfaces of the insertion holes 172a and 173a of the first wall body 172 and the second wall body 173 of the partition body 170 at the insertion holes 172a and 173a of the first wall body 172 and the second wall body 173, respectively. This configuration further prevents the liquid lubricant X filled in the sealed space S from leaking out of the sealed space S through the insertion holes 172a and 173a of the first wall body 172 and the second wall body 173. In other words, the liquid-tightness of the sealed space S can be further improved. The seal member 190 of this embodiment is a ring-shaped member that extends endlessly in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 150.

[0096] 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the seal member 190 in FIG. 5 . As shown in FIG. 8 , the ring-shaped seal member 190 of this embodiment includes, in a cross-sectional view along its central axis, a first contact portion 191 that contacts the support shaft 150 and a second contact portion 192 that contacts the partition body 170. The first contact portion 191 and the second contact portion 192 are disposed to face each other in the radial direction D and are connected via a bent portion 193. The first contact portion 191 and the second contact portion 192 are displaced toward each other in the radial direction D by increasing the degree of bending of the bent portion 193. Conversely, the first contact portion 191 and the second contact portion 192 are displaced away from each other in the radial direction D by decreasing the degree of bending of the bent portion 193. The seal member 190 of this embodiment is sandwiched between the outer surface of the support shaft 150 and the inner surfaces of the insertion holes 172a, 173a of the partition body 170, with the degree of bending of the bent portion 193 increased against the elastic restoring force. Therefore, the first contact portion 191 and the second contact portion 192 of the seal member 190 are brought into close contact with the outer surface of the support shaft 150 and the inner surfaces of the insertion holes 172a, 173a of the partition body 170 due to the elastic restoring force of the bent portion 193 trying to return to its original shape. This allows the seal member 190 of this embodiment to seal between the support shaft 150 and the partition body 170.

[0097] 8 , in this embodiment, the contact area of ​​the contact surface Y1 between the seal member 190 and the support shaft 150 is smaller than the contact area of ​​the contact surface Y2 between the seal member 190 and the partition body 170. This allows the support shaft 150 to rotate easily relative to the partition body 170 while still achieving sealing between the support shaft 150 and the partition body 170 by the seal member 190. As shown in FIG. 8 , in the seal member 190 of this embodiment, the second contact portion 192 does not have a protrusion that protrudes outward in the radial direction D (upward in FIG. 8 ), whereas the first contact portion 191 has a protrusion 191 a that protrudes inward in the radial direction D (downward in FIG. 8 ). Therefore, in the seal member 190 of this embodiment, the second contact portion 192 contacts the inner surfaces of the insertion holes 172a, 173a over a wide area in the central axial direction B, while the first contact portion 191 contacts the outer surface of the support shaft 150 over a narrow area in the central axial direction B, only at the position of the protrusion 191a. In this manner, the above-mentioned relationship in size of the contact areas is achieved in this embodiment. However, the configuration of the seal member 190 is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment. With a seal member 190 having a shape different from that of this embodiment, the contact area of ​​the contact surface Y1 between the seal member 190 and the support shaft 150 may be smaller than the contact area of ​​the contact surface Y2 between the seal member 190 and the partition body 170.

[0098] Next, referring to Fig. 9, a slip ring 230 will be described as a modified example of the above-described slip ring 130. The slip ring 230 shown in Fig. 9 includes a conductive ring 131 and an insulating member 232. The conductive ring 131 of this embodiment has the same configuration as that described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0099] The insulating member 232 has a different configuration from the insulating member 132 (see FIG. 5 , etc.). Specifically, the insulating member 232 of this embodiment differs from the insulating member 132 (see FIG. 5 , etc.) in that the insulating member 132 (see FIG. 5 , etc.) and the support shaft 150 (see FIG. 5 , etc.) are formed integrally from a resin material. That is, in this embodiment, the metal support shaft 150 (see FIG. 5 , etc.) is not provided, and the insulating member 232 functions as the insulating member 132 (see FIG. 5 , etc.) and also functions as the metal support shaft 150 (see FIG. 5 , etc.). The other configurations of the diagnostic imaging device 120 shown in FIG. 9 are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

[0100] 9, the insulating member 232 penetrates the partition 170 in the central axis direction B along the central axis O of the outer circumferential surface 131a of the conductive ring 131, similarly to the support shaft 150 described above (see FIG. 5, etc.). The support structure of the insulating member 232 by the partition 170 is similar to the support structure of the support shaft 150 by the partition 170 described above (see FIG. 5, etc.).

[0101] 9, the seal member 190 seals between the insulating member 232 and the partition body 170. Similar to the relationship between the contact surfaces Y1 and Y2 in the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 8), the contact area of ​​the contact surface Y3 between the seal member 190 and the insulating member 232 is smaller than the contact area of ​​the contact surface Y4 between the seal member 190 and the partition body 170.

[0102] 9, the insulating member 232 defines a through-hole 232a therein, penetrating in the central axial direction along the central axis O of the conductive ring 131. Similar to the through-hole 150a of the support shaft 150 described above (see FIG. 5, etc.), for example, an optical transmission member 200 optically connected to the optical transceiver 61b (see FIG. 3) of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 may be disposed in this through-hole 232a. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, in addition to the through-hole 232a described above, the insulating member 232 is formed with an accommodating hole 232b in which a conductive member 201 is accommodated. The conductive member 201 accommodated in the accommodating hole 232b can electrically connect the conductive ring 131 of the slip ring 130 and the electrical signal line 14a (see FIG. 3) of the diagnostic imaging catheter 110.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 9, the outer peripheral surface 131a of the conductive ring 131 forms a surface flush with the outer surface 232c of the insulating member 232 in the central axial direction B.

[0104] In this way, the insulating member 232 of the slip ring 230 itself may be configured to double as the support shaft 150 (see FIG. 5, etc.) of the above-described embodiment.

[0105] The diagnostic imaging device according to the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configuration shown in the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and combinations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. In the above-described embodiment, the diagnostic imaging catheter 110 including both the ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit 61 a and the optical transmitting and receiving unit 61 b ​​is connected to the diagnostic imaging device 120, but a diagnostic imaging catheter including the ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit 61 a but not the optical transmitting and receiving unit 61 b ​​may be connected to the diagnostic imaging device 120.

[0106] The present disclosure relates to diagnostic imaging devices.

[0107] 10: Probe 13: Shaft 14a: Electric signal line 14b: Optical transmission line 20: Sheath 20a: Main body 20b: Guide wire insertion section 21a: First hollow section 21b: Second hollow section 22: Reinforcing member 22a: Communication path 22a1: Communication hole 23: Radiographic marker section 30: Inner tube 31: Inner tube main body 32: Hub 40: Outer tube 41: Outer tube main body 42: Distal connector 43: Proximal connector 60: Imaging section 61a: Ultrasound transmitting / receiving section 61b: Optical transmitting / receiving section 61b1: Optical element 61c: Radiographic marker member 61d: Housing 61e: Protective member 62: Ultrasound vibrator 100: Diagnostic imaging system 110: Diagnostic imaging catheter 120: Diagnostic imaging device 120a: Driving section 120b: Control unit 120c: Display unit 121: First drive motor 122: Second drive motor 123: Ball screw 124: Connection detection unit 130, 230: Slip ring 131: Conductive ring 131a: Outer surface of conductive ring 132, 232: Insulating member 132a: Outer surface of insulating member 140: Brush 141: Brush body 142: Holder 143: Seal member 150: Support shaft 150a: Through hole 150b: Accommodation hole 160: Holder 170: Partition body 171: Cylindrical body 171a: Opening 172: First wall body 172a: Insertion hole 173: Second wall body 173a: Insertion hole 174: Cylindrical body 175: Capture portion 175a: Capture body portion 175b: Bent portion 176: Bearing member 180: Contact portion 190: Sealing member 191: First contact portion 191a: Protrusion 192: Second contact portion 193: Bent portion 200: Optical transmission member 201: Conductive member 232a: Through hole 232b: Accommodation hole 232c: Outer surface of insulating member A: Longitudinal direction of diagnostic imaging catheter A1: Insertion direction A2: Removal direction B: Central axis direction C: Circumferential direction C1: Rotation direction during pull-back imaging operation C2: Opposite direction to the rotation direction during pull-back imaging operation D: Radial direction O: Central axis S: Sealed space W: Guidewire X: Liquid lubricant Y1 to Y4: Contact surfaces

Claims

1. An imaging diagnostic device that can be connected to an imaging diagnostic catheter equipped with an imaging unit including an ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit and can generate intracavity images, comprising: a drive motor that can rotate the imaging unit; a slip ring that can be electrically connected to the imaging unit and can rotate together with the imaging unit; and a brush that is in contact with the slip ring and thereby electrically connected to the slip ring, and the contact portion of the slip ring and the brush is disposed in an enclosed space filled with a liquid lubricant.

2. The imaging diagnostic device of claim 1, further comprising a capture portion disposed in the sealed space and capable of capturing wear powder from the brush.

3. An imaging diagnostic device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the slip ring comprises: a conductive ring that forms the contact portion by contacting the brush; and an insulating member that holds the conductive ring.

4. An imaging diagnostic device as described in claim 3, wherein the conductive ring is held by the insulating member so that the central axis of the outer circumferential surface of the conductive ring becomes the axis of rotation of the conductive ring by the drive motor.

5. An imaging diagnostic device as described in claim 3, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the conductive ring forms a surface flush with the outer surface of the insulating member in a central axis direction along the central axis of the outer peripheral surface of the conductive ring.

6. The imaging diagnostic device according to claim 3, wherein the conductive ring and the insulating member are integrally molded.

7. The imaging diagnostic device according to claim 3, further comprising a support shaft that passes through said insulating member, supports said insulating member, and is rotatable together with said imaging unit.

8. The imaging diagnostic device according to claim 7, further comprising a partition which defines the sealed space therein, and the support shaft penetrates the partition in a central axial direction along the central axis of the outer circumferential surface of the conductive ring.

9. The imaging diagnostic device according to claim 8, further comprising a seal member for sealing between the support shaft and the partition body, the contact area between the seal member and the support shaft being smaller than the contact area between the seal member and the partition body.

10. The imaging diagnostic device according to claim 7, wherein the support shaft defines a through hole therein, the through hole penetrating in the central axis direction along the central axis of the outer circumferential surface of the conductive ring.

11. The imaging diagnostic device according to claim 7, wherein the conductive ring, the insulating member and the support shaft are integrally molded.

12. An imaging diagnostic device as described in claim 3, further comprising a partition that defines the sealed space therein, and the insulating member penetrates the partition in a central axial direction along the central axis of the outer circumferential surface of the conductive ring.

13. The imaging diagnostic device according to claim 12, further comprising a sealing member for sealing between the insulating member and the partition, wherein the contact area between the sealing member and the insulating member is smaller than the contact area between the sealing member and the partition.

14. The imaging diagnostic device according to claim 12, wherein the insulating member defines therein a through hole penetrating in the central axial direction along the central axis of the outer peripheral surface of the conductive ring.

Images