Rotating Probe Extender Minimizes NURD in SEE OCT Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) systems face challenges with Non-Uniform Rotational Distortion (NURD) due to flexible drive shafts, leading to inferior image quality, particularly in medical applications where a bulky Probe Interface Unit (PIU) is inconvenient and often compromises image fidelity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rotating probe extender and repeater system that keeps the bulky Rotary Junction (RJ) away from the point of use, using a flexible hollow wound drive shaft with a repeater rotary drive synchronized with the RJ motor, and employing a solid or semi-rigid drive shaft to minimize NURD, allowing for improved image quality and easier handling of the PIU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible drive shaft is used to rotate the probe from a distant Rotary Junction, then the Probe Interface Unit can be kept away from the point of use, but Non-Uniform Rotational Distortion occurs leading to inferior image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotation system into multiple independent segments: a stationary Rotary Junction at the console and a separate Repeater Rotary Drive at the Probe Interface Unit. This segmentation allows the PIU to be positioned away from the point of use while maintaining rotation quality through local drive capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a Repeater Rotary Drive as an intermediary component between the Rotary Junction and the imaging probe. This intermediary receives rotational commands and locally generates rotation, eliminating the need for long flexible drive shafts and preventing NURD.
2Manufacturing precision
If the PIU is placed close to the imaging spot to reduce NURD, then image quality improves, but the bulky PIU becomes inconvenient to handle and position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the rotation generation function from the probe assembly, placing it in the Probe Interface Unit. This allows the PIU to be positioned optimally for image quality while maintaining ease of handling through wireless or wired communication control from the console.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection (flexible drive shaft) between the Rotary Junction and probe with an electromagnetic communication system. The PIU receives rotation commands electronically and executes them locally, eliminating the mechanical coupling that limited PIU positioning.
3Length of moving object
If a long flexible drive shaft is used to extend the probe reach, then the probe can access distant imaging locations, but rotational distortion increases compromising image fidelity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotation system into stationary and mobile segments. The Rotary Junction remains stationary at the console while the PIU with its own drive mechanism moves to the imaging location. This eliminates the need for long flexible drive shafts that cause rotational distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the PIU dynamically positionable with local rotation capability. Instead of a static mechanical connection, the system allows the PIU to move freely and generate its own rotation, adapting to different imaging locations without compromising image fidelity.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for characterizing, examining and/or diagnosing, and/or measuring viscosity of, a sample or object are provided herein. Such information may be obtained in application(s) using a system that includes a rotary junction, an elongated extender or at least one repeater attached to the rotary junction and a rotatable probe attached to the elongated extender and/or the at least one repeater. Examples of such applications include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, for Gastro-intestinal, cardio and/or ophthalmic applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments. The extenders and/or repeaters may be used with one or more forms of imaging, such as, but not limited to, Spectrally Encoded Endoscopy (“SEE”) and Optical Coherence Tomography (“OCT”).