Helical Scan Photoacoustic-Ultrasonic Endoscope for 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photoacoustic-ultrasonic endoscopy devices are limited to two-dimensional imaging due to mechanical scanning limitations and require complex optical alignment and electrical path connections, making probe replacement time-consuming and difficult.
Innovation Solution
A helical scan photoacoustic-ultrasonic endoscope with a probe and driving unit using a standard ceramic ferrule and FC/PC connector for precise optical and electrical alignment, allowing easy separation and connection, and incorporating a radial shaft seal and pullback shaft for three-dimensional scanning without fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotating body with torque coil and optical system is used for mechanical scanning, then two-dimensional rotational motion is achieved, but only two-dimensional tomographic images are provided and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional rotational scanning to three-dimensional helical scanning by adding the pullback motion dimension. The scanning tip performs helical movement through combined rotation and axial pullback, enabling volumetric imaging capability while maintaining a relatively simple probe structure without complex mechanical scanning components
2Measurement precision
If optical alignment is performed manually for probe replacement, then precise optical coupling is achieved, but it takes considerable time and is difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-aligns the optical fiber with the ceramic ferrule and secures it with UV-curable adhesive before probe assembly. This preliminary optical alignment eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment during probe replacement, allowing rapid connection while maintaining precise optical coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with a automated UV-curing process. The optical fiber position is fixed using UV-curable adhesive applied to the ceramic ferrule, and the alignment is sealed by UV curing, substituting the need for manual mechanical adjustment during probe replacement
3Reliability
If electrical paths are connected manually during probe replacement, then complete electrical signal transmission is achieved, but the connection process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical fiber alignment and electrical path connection into a single integrated probe assembly. Both the optical fiber and electrical conductors are pre-positioned and secured together during probe manufacturing, allowing simultaneous connection of both optical and electrical paths when the probe is attached to the endoscope, significantly reducing connection time while ensuring complete signal transmission
4Reliability
If radial shaft seal is placed at driving unit side, then fluid containment is achieved, but separation and connection become difficult and leakage occurs during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radial shaft seal from the driving unit and relocates it to the probe assembly. This segmentation allows the seal to be positioned at the probe's rotating interface, maintaining fluid containment during rotation while enabling easy separation and connection of the probe from the driving unit without compromising sealing integrity
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 quick and stable optical coupling, accurate three-dimensional imaging, reduces production costs, and minimizes probe damage during procedures, facilitating efficient and cost-effective medical examinations.
Implementation Method 1
a probe-side optical fiber that passes through the interior of the pullback shaft
Implementation Method 2
a torque coil that surrounds the probe-side optical fiber and is engaged with the pullback shaft
Implementation Method 3
the electrical pulses required for ultrasound imaging, are detected by an ultrasonic transducer
Implementation Method 4
a shaft seal that is interposed between the fastening nut and the pullback shaft and surrounds the pullback shaft around a central axis of the through hole of the fastening nut
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a photoacoustic-ultrasonic endoscope capable of three-dimensional helical scanning, including a probe and a driving unit providing rotational power and pullback translational motion to the probe, wherein the probe includes a catheter tubing extending in one direction and having an interior that is hollow, one end of the catheter tubing being closed and the other end of the catheter tubing being open, a fastening nut that is fastened to the other end of the catheter tubing and has a through hole corresponding to the interior of the catheter tubing, a pullback shaft extending into the interior of the catheter tubing through the through hole of the fastening nut and having an interior that is hollow, and a radial shaft seal interposed between the fastening nut and the pullback shaft and surrounding the pullback shaft around a central axis of the through hole of the fastening nut.