Rotary Probe Interfaces for Combined OCT and IVUS Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intravascular imaging technologies, such as IVUS and OCT, have limitations in penetration depth and resolution, necessitating a system that combines their advantages without their disadvantages.

Innovation Solution

A patient interface unit (PIU) that integrates optical and ultrasound data collection probes, featuring a rotary joint and sacrificial connector joint to facilitate simultaneous data transmission and rotationally balanced components for synchronized data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If IVUS is used for imaging, then penetration depth is improved, but resolution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration depthVSAvoidresolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines IVUS and OCT imaging systems into a single integrated platform that shares common components including the catheter delivery system, image processing architecture, and display interfaces. This merging allows the system to leverage the penetration depth advantage of IVUS while maintaining the high resolution capability of OCT, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters through synergistic integration rather than separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If OCT is used for imaging, then resolution is improved, but penetration depth deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresolutionVSAvoidpenetration depth

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating OCT and IVUS into a unified imaging system, the patent enables the system to achieve both high resolution (from OCT) and deep penetration (from IVUS). The combined system processes both optical and ultrasound signals through shared computational resources and display systems, eliminating the need to choose between the complementary strengths of the two modalities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If a rotary joint is used to transmit data during rotation, then data transmission capability is improved, but mechanical wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidmechanical wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical rotary joints with a magnetic coupling system that transmits rotational motion and data without direct mechanical contact between rotating and stationary components. The magnetic field couples the rotating probe to the stationary receiver, eliminating wear-prone mechanical interfaces while maintaining continuous data transmission during catheter rotation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors are integrated into the PIU, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector varietyVSAvoidPIU structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal connector interface in the PIU that can accommodate multiple probe types (OCT, IVUS, and combined modalities) through a single standardized mechanical and electrical interface. The universal connector incorporates magnetic coupling mechanisms and modular electrical contacts that work across different probe configurations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated connectors for each imaging modality while reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 high-resolution imaging with enhanced penetration depth by combining IVUS and OCT data, reducing mechanical wear and electromagnetic interference, and allowing for rapid image acquisition.

Implementation Method 1

The PIU is configured to relay optically collected data (in an optical format or a converted format)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

an electrical signal coupling subsystem which includes a rotatable transformer component and a stationary transformer component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4316382B1Interface devices, systems and methods for multimodal probes

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 LIGHTLAB IMAGING LLC

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AI summary

In one aspect, the invention relates to one or more rotatable elements and one or more stationary element such that the elements are arranged along a common axis of rotation co-linear with or substantially parallel to an optical path. The optical path is a portion of a sample arm of an interferometer. Further, the rotatable and stationary elements are configured to couple electrical signals and optical signals between a data collection probe and an interface unit or other component of an imaging system. In one embodiment, the data collection probe is a combination ultrasound and OCT probe. In one aspect, the invention relates to a rotary joint in which the optical fiber and fiber optic rotary joint lie in the center of one or more conductive elements of an electrical rotary joint which are annularly disposed around one or both of the optical fiber and optical rotary joint.