Catheter Motor Drive Unit for Single-Fiber FLIm and OCT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical imaging systems face challenges in combining fluorescence-lifetime imaging (FLIm) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) modalities through a single optical fiber due to interface flexibility issues and difficulties in channeling different wavelength signals, making them impractical for intraluminal environments.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal intraluminal imaging system using a catheter with a double-clad optical fiber, a motor drive unit (MDU) incorporating a rotary collimator and dichroic mirrors to combine FLIm and OCT imaging paths, and a multispectral detector for data acquisition, facilitated by a closed-loop control system and air bearings for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate optical fibers are used for FLIm and OCT modalities, then each modality can operate independently, but the system complexity increases and interface flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines FLIm and OCT optical paths into a single double-clad optical fiber. The inner cladding of the fiber transmits UV excitation light for FLIm while the core transmits IR light for OCT, eliminating the need for separate fibers and reducing system complexity while maintaining independent operation of both modalities through wavelength-division multiplexing
2Reliability
If separate optical fibers are used for FLIm and OCT modalities, then each modality can operate independently, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to challenges in combining and registering signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges FLIm and OCT signals through a single optical fiber interface, using a beam combining optics system that integrates both modalities into one physical interface. This eliminates the operational challenges of manually aligning and registering signals from separate fibers, as the single fiber inherently provides co-registered spatial and spectral information
Solution Approach 2:
The double-clad optical fiber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits UV excitation light for FLIm through the inner cladding, transmits IR light for OCT through the core, and provides a single unified interface for both imaging modalities, thereby simplifying operation and signal integration
3Adaptability or versatility
If both short-wavelength ultraviolet FLIm signals and longer-wavelength OCT signals are channeled through the same optical fiber, then a unified interface is achieved, but signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different spatial regions of the double-clad fiber to different wavelength ranges: the inner cladding is optimized for UV transmission (FLIm) while the core is optimized for IR transmission (OCT). This spatial separation of wavelength channels within the same fiber structure prevents signal interference while maintaining a unified interface
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is segmented into functional regions: the inner cladding carries UV FLIm signals while the core carries IR OCT signals. This segmentation of the fiber's light-guiding capacity by wavelength and spatial mode allows simultaneous transmission of both modalities without cross-talk or interference
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single optical fiber is used for both FLIm and OCT modalities, then interface flexibility is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to challenges in channeling different wavelength signals
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system uses local quality by employing wavelength-specific detectors and optics: UV detectors and optics are positioned to collect only inner-cladding (FLIm) signals, while IR detectors and optics collect only core (OCT) signals. This spatial and spectral filtering at the detection stage simplifies wavelength separation despite the unified fiber interface
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented into separate detection channels: one channel processes UV FLIm signals from the inner cladding while another processes IR OCT signals from the core. This segmentation of the detection architecture, combined with wavelength-division multiplexing in the fiber, makes wavelength signal separation straightforward despite using a single unified optical interface
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simultaneous and co-registered FLIm and OCT imaging within restricted environments by minimizing signal interference and ensuring precise alignment, enhancing imaging accuracy and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first dichroic mirror that combines optical paths for the FLIm imaging system and the OCT imaging system into a single optical path
Implementation Method 2
a rotary collimator and a catheter interface, which couples the optical fiber in the catheter to the rotary collimator
Implementation Method 3
an internal optical fiber that carries an optical beam
Implementation Method 4
an optical element, which is coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber and reflects the optical beam substantially orthogonal to the rotational axis of the catheter
Implementation Method 5
air bearings for precise alignment
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes a catheter with an internal optical fiber that carries an optical beam and an optical element, which reflects the optical beam substantially orthogonal to a rotational axis of the catheter and is coupled to the end of the optical fiber. A motor drive unit (MDU) is coupled to the catheter, wherein the MDU comprises: a rotary collimator: a catheter interface, which couples the optical fiber to the rotary collimator; and a drive motor, which rotates the rotary collimator. The MDU also includes a first dichroic mirror that combines optical paths for a fluorescence-lifetime imaging (FLIm) system and an optical coherence tomography system into a single optical path, which is coupled to the optical fiber through the rotary collimator and the catheter interface. The MDU additionally includes a multispectral detector for the FLIm system, which is electrically coupled to a data acquisition unit for the FLIm imaging system.