Apparatus and method for aligning optical fiber slip ring

Abstract

This apparatus for scanning blood vessel walls at high speed comprises: a motor part that provides rotational power; a rotational joint part that connects an OCT light source and an imaging catheter; and a stage that supports at least one side of the motor part and moves the imaging catheter in the direction of a rotation axis. The rotational joint part includes: a collimator for transmitting light to the imaging catheter; a tilting part surrounding the collimator; and a plurality of fastening parts that pass through the outer surface of the tilting part and adjust the alignment direction of the collimator.

Description

Fiber optic slip ring alignment device and method

[0001] The present invention relates to a fiber optic slip ring alignment device and a method thereof. Specifically, the present invention relates to a technology for scanning the cardiovascular system at high speed, and more specifically, to a fiber optic slip ring alignment device used in a high-speed scanning device for imaging the inner wall of a blood vessel in a human coronary artery within a short period of time using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) or Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging technology.

[0002] In modern medicine, vascular diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, are considered one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases significantly improve patient survival rates, and to this end, various diagnostic devices and methods are being developed. Among these, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) plays a crucial role in evaluating lesions and structures within blood vessels, as it can provide detailed images of the inside of the blood vessels through high resolution.

[0003] OCT technology is a device capable of imaging the inside of blood vessels in real time, boasting very high resolution compared to conventional ultrasound or X-rays. OCT utilizes laser light to image cross-sections of tissues, allowing for the accurate determination of factors such as the thickness of blood vessel walls. Thanks to these characteristics, OCT is particularly useful for the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease.

[0004] Meanwhile, to acquire high-resolution images within a limited imaging time, improving only the imaging speed has limitations, and the speed of the scanning part used in the imaging process also needs to be further improved as it is an important determining factor.

[0005] Meanwhile, in the process of transmitting light between the OCT system and the catheter, the manager manually aligns the rotation axis and the direction of both collimators only once, and fixes both collimators with epoxy so that the light passes between the two collimators with high and uniform light efficiency.

[0006] However, this conventional method carries the problem that aligning the two collimators becomes difficult over time. The traditional method described above cannot overcome the issues of increased production time due to the curing time of the epoxy adhesive and the impossibility of maintenance when alignment is misaligned during prolonged high-speed rotation.

[0007] In addition, the above configuration has the disadvantage that it is difficult to miniaturize the tool for aligning collimators, etc., and the high-speed scanning device, and that there is a significant process involved in removing the alignment tool after alignment, making maintenance difficult.

[0008] A prior art document related to this is Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1731728 (April 24, 2017).

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber slip ring alignment device and a method thereof.

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problem, a device for scanning a blood vessel wall at high speed is disclosed. A high-speed blood vessel wall scanning device according to embodiments comprises: a motor unit that provides rotational power; a rotary joint unit that connects the motor unit and an imaging catheter; and a stage that supports at least one side of the motor unit and moves the imaging catheter in the direction of a rotational axis; wherein the rotary joint unit comprises: a collimator that irradiates light onto the imaging catheter; a tilting unit provided to surround the collimator; and a plurality of fastening units that penetrate the outer surface of the tilting unit and adjust the alignment direction of the collimator.

[0011] Here, the plurality of fastening parts according to the embodiments may be characterized by each applying pressure to the collimator in a different direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the rotational joint according to the embodiments may further include a stopper portion that is connected to the tilting portion and fixes the collimator so that it does not move in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0013] Furthermore, the tilting portion according to the embodiments may include a plurality of hollow portions configured such that at least one fastening portion passes through the outer surface to press the collimator.

[0014] In addition, the tilting portion according to the embodiments may have three hollow portions in the first row spaced 120 degrees apart, and two hollow portions facing each other in the second row.

[0015] Meanwhile, the rotational joint according to the embodiments may further include a base portion coupled to the stage on one side; and a linear motion portion connecting the base and the tilting portion; wherein the linear motion portion moves in a first vertical direction relative to the rotation axis with respect to the base portion, and the tilting portion moves in a second vertical direction relative to the rotation axis with respect to the linear motion portion.

[0016] Additionally, the linear motion member according to the embodiments is provided with two facing hollow sections configured such that at least one fastening member passes through the outer wall of the linear motion member and pressurizes the collimator.

[0017] Additionally, the base portion according to the embodiments may be provided to surround the tilting portion and the linear motion portion, and may be provided so as to expose a plurality of hollow portions provided in the tilting portion and the linear motion portion.

[0018] The alignment device for aligning optical fiber slip rings according to the present invention provides the effect of enabling easy maintenance when maintenance is required, as it allows for real-time adjustment of the alignment direction and position using a fastening part (e.g., a screw, etc.) and thus does not use epoxy. Furthermore, by combining the fastening part at the rotary joint, the alignment function itself is miniaturized, and by integrating the collimator, miniaturization is made possible.

[0019] Figure 1 shows a system for capturing and analyzing medical images of blood vessels.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the scanning unit according to the embodiments.

[0021] Figure 3 shows the process and configuration of two optical fibers being joined by an optical fiber collimator.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the configuration of an alignment device for aligning optical fiber slip rings according to embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of each component of an alignment device for aligning optical fiber slip rings according to embodiments.

[0024] FIGS. 6(A) to 6(B) show a front view and a plan view of an optical fiber slip ring alignment device according to embodiments.

[0025] FIGS. 6(C) to 6(D) are drawings illustrating how each fixed part is adjusted in a specific axial direction.

[0026] Figure 7 shows a method for aligning optical fiber slip rings.

[0027] Figure 8 shows a method for aligning optical fiber slip rings.

[0028] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0029] Terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described items or any of the multiple related described items.

[0030] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0031] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a system for capturing and analyzing medical images of blood vessels (hereinafter, a medical image analysis system according to embodiments).

[0034] A medical image analysis system according to the embodiments may be composed of an OCT system (101) for acquiring OCT images of the inner wall of a blood vessel of a patient (100), a high-speed scanning device (102a to 102c) that supports high-speed rotation and parallel movement of a catheter (102d) so that the catheter (102d) can photograph the inner wall of a blood vessel to acquire OCT images, an analysis system (103) for AI-based analysis of the acquired OCT images, an image management system (104) for managing the acquired OCT images, and a medical professional terminal device (105) that communicates with medical staff (106) and provides analysis results of the OCT images and diagnostic assistance results. Meanwhile, the OCT system (101), analysis system (103), image management system (104), and medical professional terminal device (105) according to the embodiments may be embedded within a single device or server, or each component may exist as a separate server.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the OCT system (101) includes a light source unit that generates light to be irradiated onto blood vessel wall tissue. The OCT system (101) transmits the light generated from the light source unit to an imaging catheter (102d) mounted on a high-speed scanning device (102a to 102c).

[0036] High-speed scanning devices (102a to 102c) are connected to an imaging catheter (102d) and support high-speed rotation and parallel movement (retraction or advancement in the direction of the rotation axis) of the catheter (102d) with respect to a rotation axis, thereby capturing images of the inside of the blood vessel of the patient (100). By rotating the catheter (102d) at high speed, the high-speed scanning devices (102a to 102c) support an imaging device (e.g., a camera and a light source scanning unit, etc.) equipped at one end to image the blood vessel wall based on an optical coherence tomography (OCT) technique.

[0037] The catheter (102d) may be an imaging catheter configured to take OCT images and may continuously communicate with one or more medical devices (101) to take images of the inside of the blood vessels of the patient (100). The catheter (102d) includes a shooting unit and a light source irradiation unit at one end inserted into the patient (100), and the other end is connected to high-speed scanning devices (102a to 102c).

[0038] Here, when a catheter (102d) is inserted into the blood vessels, etc., inside the patient (100) and irradiates light onto a point on the blood vessel wall, the OCT system (101) can obtain information in the depth direction of the blood vessel wall all at once through backscattered light and perform tomography. At this time, the catheter (102d) irradiates light onto the blood vessel wall and obtains a cross-sectional image of the blood vessel while rotating once during the process of receiving backscattered light, but in order to obtain a three-dimensional image of the blood vessel wall, the catheter (102d) needs to rotate and simultaneously move in balance.

[0039] The device provided for the rotation and balance movement of the catheter (102d) is a high-speed scanning device (102a to 102c). The high-speed scanning device (102a to 102c) includes a stage (102a), a power supply unit (102b), and a rotational joint unit (102c).

[0040] The rotational joint (102c) is a structure capable of being connected to a catheter (102d), and can transmit light received from the OCT system (101) to the catheter (102d) while simultaneously rotating the catheter (102d). Additionally, to further support the parallel movement of the catheter (102d), the rotational joint (102c) is mounted on a stage (102a) while the catheter (102d) is connected.

[0041] Specifically, the rotational joint (102c) fixes the collimator so that the tilt adjustment ball (slipring) and the collimator provided at one end of the catheter (102d) rotate about the rotation axis, and rotates together with the collimator through rotational power provided by the power supply unit (102b).

[0042] The power supply unit (102b) provides power to rotate the rotational joint (102b) connected to the catheter (102d).

[0043] The stage (102a) is a structure capable of equilibrium movement, and by mounting a rotational joint (102b) connected to the catheter (102d) on the stage (102a), the catheter (102d) is supported to move equilibriumly within the blood vessel of the patient (100).

[0044] The OCT system (101) acquires medical images (such as OCT images) of the inside of the patient's (100) cardiovascular system with the configuration described above. The OCT system (101) allows the image management system (104) to store or manage the acquired medical images.

[0045] The OCT system (101) acquires the above-mentioned OCT images, and the AI-based medical image analysis system (103) can analyze the acquired medical images (100a) using an artificial intelligence model. The AI-based medical image analysis system (103) can capture or analyze medical information (or information related to diagnosis / disease) such as the size, shape, presence of plaque, biochemical information, tissue characteristics, phenotype, presence of calcification, and various diagnosis-related indicators (e.g., Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), etc.) inside the patient's (100) cardiovascular system.

[0046] Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 1, not only the OCT system (101) but also a system that captures images using other techniques (e.g., a Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIm) system, etc.) may be included. That is, throughout this specification, the light transmitted through the optical fiber and the catheter (102d) is not interpreted as being limited to light of a wavelength required to capture an OCT image, but may be interpreted as being replaced with or including light of multiple wavelengths used in the FLIm system.

[0047] Meanwhile, the medical image analysis system according to the embodiments may include an image management system (104) configured to systematically store or manage medical images (100a) of a patient (100) so that they can be reanalyzed or reused upon the request of a patient (100) or medical staff (106), etc. The image management system (104) stores or manages medical images of a patient (100) captured by one or more medical devices (101).

[0048] A cardiovascular medical image analysis system according to the embodiments can transmit medical information analyzed by an AI-based medical image analysis system (103) to a medical professional (106). Specifically, the cardiovascular medical image analysis system according to the embodiments can transmit the analyzed medical information to an interface or terminal device (105) that the medical professional (106) can use, and the medical information can be processed into a form such as a diagnostic report (105a) and provided to the medical professional (106).

[0049] With this configuration, the cardiovascular medical imaging analysis system according to the embodiments can effectively reduce the burden and effort of medical personnel regarding diagnosis. Furthermore, with this configuration, the cardiovascular medical imaging analysis system according to the embodiments enables the reduction of unnecessary labor by medical personnel and minimizes potential misdiagnosis, thereby providing the effect of improving the quality of essential medical care.

[0050] Meanwhile, the term 'blood vessel' generally described in this specification may refer to various blood vessels present in the body, and may refer to a blood vessel capable of taking OCT images (i.e., a blood vessel whose interior can be photographed by an imaging catheter (102d)).

[0051] Meanwhile, a preferred example of the ‘blood vessel’ generally described in this specification refers to the cardiovascular system. In this case, the ‘cardiovascular system’ refers to blood vessels attached to the heart, composed of major blood vessels that assist in the function of the heart, and plays the role of supplying blood to the heart and circulating blood throughout the body. Major cardiovascular systems include coronary arteries, the aorta, pulmonary arteries, pulmonary veins, and vena cava.

[0052] Although the above description is based on the cardiovascular system, it is not limited to the cardiovascular system and can be applied to various blood vessels capable of OCT imaging.

[0053] Meanwhile, although the present specification generally presupposes a configuration for capturing OCT images of blood vessels, it is not limited to OCT imaging. For instance, the OCT system (101) mentioned in the present specification may refer to a system utilizing other light sources (e.g., a Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) system, etc.). Furthermore, the light transmitted through the optical fiber and catheter (102d) throughout the present specification is not limited to light of a wavelength required for capturing OCT images, but can be interpreted as being replaced with light of multiple wavelengths used in the FLIm system.

[0054] From FIG. 2 onwards, the specific configuration and functions of the AI-based medical image analysis system (103) (or the device thereof) of FIG. 1 will be described.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the scanning unit according to the embodiments.

[0056] FIG. 2(A) is a perspective view of the high-speed scanning device (102) described in FIG. 1. FIG. 2(B) is a cross-sectional view of the high-speed scanning device (102) described in FIG. 1.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2(A) and FIG. 2(B), the high-speed scanning device (102) includes a stage (201), a power supply unit (202), a moving tilting unit (203), and a rotating joint unit (204).

[0058] The stage (201) refers to the stage (102a) described in FIG. 1 and supports the parallel movement of a catheter (102d) mounted and aligned on a rotational joint (204). Specifically, the stage (201) is connected to a movement tilting part (203) and configured so that the movement tilting part (203) slides in a first direction on the stage. The stage (201) is provided with one or more stoppers so that the movement tilting part (203) moves only within a certain range in a specific direction.

[0059] A power supply unit (202) is provided at one end of a moving tilt unit (203), and power is transmitted to a rotational joint unit (204) through the moving tilt unit (203). The power supply unit (202) may be equipped with one or more motors that support rotational movement. A module of a catheter (102d) is mounted and connected to the other end of the power supply unit (202), and supports rotational movement of the catheter (102d).

[0060] Meanwhile, the catheter (102d) is mounted on the other end of the power supply unit (202), although it is not shown in FIG. 2(A).

[0061] The movable tilting member (203) slides in a first direction on the stage (201). The movable tilting member (203) is connected to a power supply member (202) at one end and to a rotational joint member (204) at the other end.

[0062] The rotational joint (204) fixes and aligns one end of a first optical fiber (205) that guides light generated by the OCT system (101) and one end of a second optical fiber provided in the catheter (102d). Specifically, the rotational joint (204) fixes the first optical fiber (205) to one end of the rotational joint and fixes it to surround a tilt adjustment ball (slipring) provided at one end of the second optical fiber. With this structure, the rotational joint (204) facilitates the movement of light generated by the OCT system (101) through the first optical fiber (205) to the second optical fiber. The rotational joint may be referred to as a fiber-optic slipring.

[0063] Meanwhile, the second optical fiber of the catheter (102d) passes through the moving tilting section (203) and / or the power supply section (202) and extends to the end inserted into the patient (100), and light generated from the OCT system (101) is guided into the inside of the patient's blood vessel through the second optical fiber. At this time, the first optical fiber (205) guides the light to the catheter while remaining fixed without performing rotational movement, and the catheter performs rotational movement according to the rotational movement provided by the power supply section (202) to capture an omnidirectional image of the blood vessel wall at the end inserted into the patient (100).

[0064] The process and principle of the first optical fiber (205) and the second optical fiber guiding light and the light from the first optical fiber (205) being transmitted to the collimator provided in the second optical fiber will be explained in detail in FIG. 3.

[0065] Meanwhile, when the catheter (102d) rotates at high speed, the alignment direction of the rotation axis, the tilt adjustment ball (slipring), and the collimator may differ. In this case, the high-speed scanning device (102), including the catheter (102d), may shake or vibrate severely, and may cause problems such as unstable rotational movement.

[0066] Accordingly, the high-speed scanning device (102) according to the embodiments is provided with a rotational joint (204) to allow a manager to finely adjust the alignment direction of the rotation axis, the tilt adjustment ball (slipring), and the collimator, and to support stable rotational movement by fixing the rotation axis and the alignment direction so that they continue to coincide.

[0067] The rotational joint (204) is provided at the other end of the moving tilting part (203) and supports and aligns the rotational axis so that the catheter (102d) rotates about a fixed axis. The rotational joint (204) is provided with a plurality of fastening parts so that the manufacturer of the high-speed scanning device (102) can finely adjust the rotational axis.

[0068] The rotational joint (204) includes a collimator that guides light generated from the OCT system (101) to a catheter, a tilting part provided to surround the collimator, a linear motion part coupled to one end of the tilting part and supporting the fine movement of the tilting part, and a base part coupled to one end of the linear motion part and supporting the fine movement of the linear motion part. The base part, the linear motion part, and the tilting part receive rotational power provided by the power supply part (202) and rotate together with the collimator.

[0069] The rotational joint (204) may further include a housing portion that is coupled to the other end of the movable tilting portion (203) and surrounds the base portion, linear motion portion, and tilting portion without rotating.

[0070] The specific configuration of the rotational joint (204) is explained in detail in FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0071] Figure 3 shows the typical process and configuration in which two optical fibers are joined by an optical fiber collimator.

[0072] Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates the process and principle in which light generated by an OCT system (101) is typically received by a first optical fiber and transmitted to a second optical fiber of a catheter.

[0073] Typically, light generated by the OCT system (101) is transmitted to the first optical fiber (300a). The first optical fiber (300a) is equipped with a first collimator at its end, and the light passes through the first collimator and is guided to a second collimator provided at one end of the optical fiber (300b) of the catheter.

[0074] Meanwhile, since the catheter rotates at high speed, the second optical fiber (300b) needs to stably withstand the high-speed rotation and receive light stably from the first optical fiber (300a). Therefore, typically, an administrator manually aligns the rotation axis and the direction of both collimators only once, and fixes both collimators with epoxy or the like so that light passes between the two collimators with high light efficiency.

[0075] However, this conventional method carries the problem that aligning the two collimators becomes difficult over time. The traditional method described above cannot overcome the issues of increased production time due to the curing time of the epoxy adhesive and the impossibility of maintenance when alignment is misaligned during prolonged high-speed rotation.

[0076] In addition, the above configuration has the disadvantage that removing the alignment tool after alignment involves a significant process and is difficult to maintain.

[0077] The alignment device for aligning optical fiber slip rings according to the present invention provides the effect of enabling easy maintenance when maintenance is required, as it can adjust the alignment direction and position in real time using a fastening part (e.g., a screw, etc.) and does not use epoxy.

[0078] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the configuration of an alignment device for aligning optical fiber slip rings according to embodiments.

[0079] Specifically, FIG. 4(A) shows an exploded view of a rotational joint (204) (excluding the housing portion surrounding the rotational joint) according to embodiments. FIG. 4(B) shows an assembled view of a rotational joint (204) according to embodiments.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 4(A), the rotational joint (204) according to the embodiments includes a base part (400), a linear movement part (401), a tilting part (402), and a fixed part (403). At this time, the optical fiber (206a) or the tilting adjustment ball (206b) equipped with a collimator penetrates all of the base part (400), the linear movement part (401), the tilting part (402), and the fixed part (403) of the rotational joint (204). The optical fiber (206a) described in FIG. 4 is the second optical fiber described in FIG. 2 and can be aligned by a plurality of fastening parts that are fastened to the rotational joint (204).

[0081] The above collimator includes an optical fiber (206a) that guides light from one end to the other (or in the opposite direction), and a tilt adjustment ball (206b) provided at one end of the collimator and fixed by a fixing part (403) and provided in a sphere shape to support tilting movement.

[0082] The base portion (400) is connected to one end of the moving tilt portion (203). The base portion (400) is provided with a structure that encloses a portion of the linear motion portion (401) and the tilt portion (402), and includes a protrusion on the inner side of the base portion (400) that is coupled with the linear motion portion (401). The specific configuration of the base portion (400) is described in FIG. 5(A).

[0083] The linear motion part (401) is provided with a groove on one side to be coupled to a protrusion provided inside the base part (400), and on the other side to be coupled to a tilting part (402). The linear motion part (401) is coupled to the base part (400) and can be moved and finely adjusted in a first direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the rotation axis (Z-axis direction).

[0084] For example, an administrator, etc., can finely adjust the relative positions between the collimators by moving the linear motion unit (401) in the X-axis direction as described above. At this time, the base unit (400) may be provided with two first base hollows (400a) exposed in the X-axis direction in the first row so that the administrator can push the linear motion unit (401) coupled to the base unit (400) in the X-axis direction or the opposite direction.

[0085] A groove is provided on one side of the tilting part (402) to be coupled to a protrusion of the linear motion part (401), and on the other side, it is connected to a fixing part (403). The tilting part (402) is coupled to the linear motion part (401) and can be moved and finely adjusted in a second direction (Y-axis direction) that is perpendicular to both the rotation axis (Z-axis direction) and the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0086] For example, an administrator, etc., can finely adjust the position of the collimator and the tilt adjustment ball (206b) by moving the tilting part (402) in the Y-axis direction as described above. Likewise, the base part (400) that encloses a part of the tilting part (402) may be provided with two second base hollow parts (400b) exposed in the Y-axis direction in a second row so that the administrator can push the tilting part (402) combined with the linear motion part (401) in the Y-axis direction or the opposite direction.

[0087] The fixing part (403) fixes the tilt adjustment ball (206b) provided at one end of the catheter (102d) so that it does not move in the rotational axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0088] The rotational joint (204) according to the embodiments is provided with a base part (400), a linear motion part (401), a tilting part (402), and a fixing part (403) as described above, and supports the alignment direction and alignment position of the catheter collimator and tilt adjustment ball (206b) to be correctly adjusted.

[0089] Meanwhile, during the process of aligning the tilt adjustment ball (206b) and the collimator, it is necessary to adjust not only the position on the X-axis and Y-axis planes but also the angle at which light is transmitted. If the rotation axis and the optical axis of the tilt adjustment ball (206b) are different, the light efficiency during the rotation process is low, and the light efficiency may not be constant depending on the rotation angle, thereby providing an unstable shooting environment. Therefore, the rotation joint (204) may include a plurality of fastening parts for finely adjusting the alignment angle (or direction) of the tilt adjustment ball (206b) and the collimator.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4(B), the rotational joint (204) includes a plurality of fastening parts (401a-1, 401a-2, 402a-1, 402a-2, 402b-1, 402b-2, 402b-3, 403a-1, 403a-2, 403a-3) that penetrate a plurality of hollow parts (401a, 402a, 402b, 403a, etc.) provided in the base part (400), linear motion part (401), tilting part (402), and fixed part (403).

[0091] Specifically, the linear motion unit (401) has a first connecting hollow (401a) through which a first fastening unit (401a-1) provided to press the tilt adjustment ball (206b) and / or collimator in the X-axis direction passes, and a second connecting hollow (not shown) through which a second fastening unit (401a-2) provided to press the tilt adjustment ball (206b) and / or collimator in the -X-axis direction passes. The first connecting hollow (401a) and the second connecting hollow (not shown) may be exposed by two first base hollows (400a) provided in the base unit (400). Accordingly, the manager can fine-adjust the alignment direction of the tilt adjustment ball (206b) and / or collimator by fine-adjusting the fastening units exposed in the first base hollows (400a).

[0092] Additionally, the tilting portion (402) is provided with a first supporting hollow portion (402b) through which a third fastening portion (402a-1) is provided to press the tilting adjustment ball (206b) and / or collimator in the Y-axis direction, and a second supporting hollow portion (402b) through which a fourth fastening portion (402a-2) is provided to press the tilting adjustment ball (206b) and / or collimator in the -Y-axis direction. The first supporting hollow portion (402b) and the second supporting hollow portion (402b) may be exposed by two second base hollow portions (400b) provided in the base portion (400). Accordingly, the manager can fine-adjust the alignment direction of the tilting adjustment ball (206b) and / or collimator by fine-adjusting the fastening portions exposed in the second base hollow portions (400b).

[0093] Furthermore, the tilting portion (402) may further be provided with three hollow portions (402c) configured to apply pressure to the optical axis (Z-axis) in a vertical direction at 120-degree intervals. And, in order to expose the fastening portions (402b-1, 402b-2, 402b-3) penetrating the three hollow portions (402c) to the outside so that an administrator can finely adjust them, the base portion (403) may be provided with three second base hollow portions (400c) in the third row.

[0094] Due to this configuration, the rotational joint (204) according to the embodiments is provided as described above to support the alignment angle and alignment position of the collimator and the tilt adjustment ball (206b) to be correctly adjusted.

[0095] FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section and a front view of each component of an alignment device for aligning optical fiber slip rings according to embodiments.

[0096] FIG. 5(A) shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view (a longitudinal cross-sectional view cut along the YZ plane) of a base portion (400) according to embodiments. Referring to FIG. 5(A), the base portion (400) has a protrusion that is long and distributed in the Y-axis direction on the inside. The protrusion is coupled with a groove portion provided on one side of the linear motion portion (401). FIG. 5(B) shows a front view (a front view viewed in the -X-axis direction) of the linear motion portion (401) according to embodiments. Referring to FIG. 5(B), the linear motion portion (401) has the aforementioned groove portion provided on one side (the left side of FIG. 5(B)) (not shown in FIG. 5(B)) and includes a protrusion that is long and distributed in the X-axis direction on the other side.

[0097] At this time, the width of the protrusion of the base part (400) is smaller than the width of the groove of the linear motion part (401). With this configuration, the base part (400) supports the linear motion part (401) to move vertically in the X-axis direction and the -X direction by the difference in width.

[0098] Here, the base portion (400) includes sliding pins (401-1, 401-2) that support the linear motion portion (401) to move vertically in the X-axis direction and the -X direction, but fix the linear motion portion (401) so that it cannot move in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The sliding pins pass through both the hollow portion on the side of the groove portion of the linear motion portion (401) and the hollow portion on the side of the protrusion portion of the base portion (400), thereby fixing the linear motion portion (401) so that it moves vertically only in the X-axis direction and the -X direction.

[0099] Meanwhile, FIG. 5(C) shows a front view (a front view viewed in the direction of the -X axis) of a tilting portion (402) according to embodiments. Referring to FIG. 5(C), the tilting portion (402) is provided with a groove portion (402-1) on one side (the left side of FIG. 5(C)).

[0100] As described above, the width of the protrusion of the linear motion part (401) is provided to be smaller than the width of the groove of the tilting part (402) (the gap between 402-1). With this configuration, the tilting part (402) supports vertical movement of the tilting part (402) in the Y-axis direction and the -Y direction by the difference in width.

[0101] Here, the linear motion part (401) includes second sliding pins (402-2) that support the tilting part (402) to move vertically in the Y-axis direction and the -Y direction, but fix the tilting part (402) so that it cannot move in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The sliding pins (402-2) pass through both the hollow portion on the side of the groove portion of the linear motion part (401) and the hollow portion on the side of the protrusion portion of the base part (400), thereby fixing the linear motion part (401) so that it moves vertically only in the Y-axis direction and the -Y direction.

[0102] Due to the above configuration, the rotational joint according to the embodiments fixes the catheter and each component of the rotational joint so that they cannot move in the rotational axis direction (Z-axis), while simultaneously helping to finely adjust the alignment position of the catheter (position on the X-axis and Y-axis).

[0103] FIGS. 6(A) to 6(B) show a front view and a plan view of an optical fiber slip ring alignment device according to embodiments.

[0104] FIG. 6(A) shows a front view (-X-axis direction front view) with the base part (400), linear motion part (401), tilting part (402), and fixed part (403) combined. FIG. 6(B) shows a plan view (-Z-axis direction plan view) with the base part (400), linear motion part (401), tilting part (402), and fixed part (403) combined.

[0105] FIGS. 6(C) and FIGS. 6(D) are drawings showing how each fixed part is adjusted in a specific axial direction.

[0106] FIGS. 6(C) and FIGS. 6(D) show a front view in which only the linear motion part (401) and the tilting part (402) are combined, and the tilting part (402) is connected to the linear motion part (401) and performs vertical movement in the Y-axis direction. FIG. 6(C) shows an embodiment in which the tilting part (402) moves in the -Y direction relative to the linear motion part (401), and FIG. 6(D) shows an embodiment in which the tilting part (402) moves in the +Y direction relative to the linear motion part (401).

[0107] As described above, the groove portion of the tilting portion (402) is coupled to engage with the protrusion portion of the linear motion portion (401), and the tilting portion (402) can be moved in the Y-axis direction based on the difference between the width of the protrusion portion and the width of the groove portion. At this time, a second sliding pin (400b-1) may be provided so that the tilting portion (402) cannot be moved in directions other than the Y-axis and -Y-axis.

[0108] Figure 7 shows a method for aligning the coupling modules of optical fiber slip rings.

[0109] FIG. 7(A) shows a combined module (500) in which a base part (400), a linear motion part (401), and a tilting part (402) are combined, and FIG. 7(B) shows the process of mounting a collimator and a tilting adjustment ball (206b) at one end of a catheter. When the collimator and the tilting adjustment ball (206b) at one end of the catheter are combined (206c), the collimator and the tilting adjustment ball (206b) are fixed by applying an adhesive through the combined gap.

[0110] FIG. 7(C) shows the process of mounting a catheter (102d) equipped with a fiber optic module (206c) combined with a collimator and a tilt adjustment ball (206b) so as to penetrate a coupling module (500), and FIG. 7(D) shows the process of attaching a fixing part (403) to the coupling module (500) on which the catheter (102d) is mounted.

[0111] Figure 8 shows a method for aligning optical fiber slip rings.

[0112] FIG. 8(A) illustrates an embodiment in which three fastening parts penetrate the third base hollows (400c) provided in the third row of the base part (400) and the three hollows provided in the tilting part (402) to finely adjust the alignment direction of the optical fiber module (206) provided at one end of the catheter (102d). By finely adjusting the three fastening parts as described above, the administrator can finely adjust the alignment direction of one end of the catheter (e.g., yaw, pitch, and roll, etc.).

[0113] FIG. 8(B) illustrates an embodiment in which two fastening parts penetrate the first base hollows (400a) provided in the first row of the base part (400) and two hollows (401a) provided in the linear motion part (401) to finely adjust the alignment position of the catheter in the X-axis direction. FIG. 8(B) also illustrates an embodiment in which two fastening parts penetrate the second base hollows (400b) provided in the second row of the base part (400) and two hollows (401b) provided in the tilting part (402) to finely adjust the alignment position of the catheter in the Y-axis direction. By finely adjusting the four fastening parts as described above, the administrator can finely adjust the alignment position of one end of the catheter (102d).

[0114] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed in this specification and drawings are provided merely as specific examples to facilitate the explanation of the technical content of the present invention and to aid in understanding the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that other variations based on the technical concept of the present invention are possible in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0115] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

[0116] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A device for scanning blood vessel walls at high speed, Motor section providing rotational power; A rotary joint connecting the motor unit and the imaging catheter; and A stage that supports at least one side of the motor unit and moves the imaging catheter in the direction of the rotation axis; comprising The above rotational joint is, A collimator that irradiates light onto the above imaging catheter; and, A tilted portion provided to wrap around the above-mentioned collimator; A plurality of fastening parts penetrating the outer surface of the tilted portion and adjusting the alignment direction of the collimator; comprising High-speed scanning device for blood vessel walls.

2. In Paragraph 1, The plurality of fastening parts are each characterized by pressing a tilt adjustment ball connected to the collimator in a different direction. High-speed scanning device for blood vessel walls.

3. In paragraph 1, the rotational joint A fixing part connected to the tilting part above, which fixes the collimator so that it does not move in a direction other than the rotation axis direction; further comprising High-speed scanning device for blood vessel walls.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned tilting portion includes a plurality of hollow portions configured such that at least one fastening portion passes through the outer surface to press the collimator, and High-speed scanning device for blood vessel walls.

5. In paragraph 4, the above-mentioned inclination part is, Three hollow sections are provided in the first row at 120-degree intervals, and Two hollow sections facing each other are provided in the second row, High-speed scanning device for blood vessel walls.

6. In paragraph 1, the rotational joint A base portion coupled to the stage on one side; and Further including a linear motion part connecting the base and the tilting part; The above linear motion part moves in a first vertical direction relative to the rotation axis with respect to the above base part, and The above-mentioned tilting part is characterized by moving in a second vertical direction relative to the rotation axis with respect to the above-mentioned linear motion part. High-speed scanning device for blood vessel walls.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above linear motion unit is provided with two facing hollow portions configured such that at least one fastening portion passes through the outer wall of the linear motion unit to press the collimator. High-speed scanning device for blood vessel walls.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above base portion is provided with a first protrusion protruding along the second axis direction, and The above linear motion part is provided with a first recessed part on one side into which the first protrusion is inserted, and a second protrusion protruding along the first axis direction on the other side. The above-mentioned tilting portion is provided with a second recess on one side into which the second protrusion is inserted. High-speed scanning device for blood vessel walls.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above linear motion part includes one or more sliding pins so that the first protrusion slides in the first axis direction within the first depression, and The above-mentioned tilting portion includes one or more sliding pins so that the second protrusion slides in the second axis direction within the second recess. High-speed scanning device for blood vessel walls.

10. In paragraph 6, the above base part It is provided to surround the above-mentioned tilting part and the above-mentioned linear motion part, and A plurality of hollow portions provided in the tilting portion and the linear motion portion are provided so as to be exposed, High-speed scanning device for blood vessel walls.

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