CN113520294A

CN113520294A - Bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe

Info

Publication number: CN113520294A
Application number: CN202110851293.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马欢; 王干一; 王社锋; 王帅; 黄超
Original assignee: Zhengzhou Guangchao Medical Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Zhengzhou Guangchao Medical Technology Co ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-27
Filing date: 2021-07-27
Publication date: 2021-10-22

Abstract

The invention provides a bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe, which comprises: a probe base; the probe tube is detachably connected to the probe seat; the probe tube is internally provided with a first channel for configuring an OCT scanning optical path, the first channel is eccentrically arranged with the probe tube, a second channel for configuring an endoscope assembly is formed on the outer side of the first channel, the endoscope assembly is electrically connected with the probe seat through a terminal, and a window of the OCT scanning optical path, a camera of the endoscope assembly and an LED lighting element are fixedly arranged at a port of the probe tube. The high-resolution OCT scanning imaging can be satisfied, and meanwhile, the cervical surface image can be recorded clearly in a short distance.

Description

Bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of medical equipment, in particular to a bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe.

Background

Cervical cancer is the third largest female malignancy worldwide, the second most common malignancy in women in china. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate, there are more than 47 million new cases of cervical cancer worldwide each year, and china accounts for 28%. By 2025, the incidence of asian cervical cancer will rise by 40% in the absence of appropriate and effective screening methods and preventive measures.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the main culprit of cervical cancer, and is a very common virus, and as high as 75 percent of women can be infected with HPV at a certain stage of life, and most women can eliminate the virus by means of autoimmunity; however, if the cervical part is infected with HPV continuously for a long time, the cervical part is in a repeated infection state, and cells are mutated to cause canceration. The HPV persistent infection is the main cause of cervical cancer and precancerous lesion thereof, namely Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN), and the heavier the cervical lesion degree is, the higher the high-risk HPV infection rate is.

Fortunately, cervical cancer has a definite etiology and a long, reversible premalignant lesion stage in its development, and is the only malignancy that can reduce morbidity and mortality through medical intervention. This means that cervical cancer is largely a preventable disease.

At present, cervical cancer screening and diagnosis mainly adopts a three-step mode: a first step, cervical cytology examination (TCT) and/or HPV virus detection; secondly, performing colposcopy; third, cervical pathology biopsy, biopsy for short. Among them, cytology, virology and colposcopy all have the problem of low comprehensive accuracy, and the pathological biopsy is the only method capable of making an exact diagnosis conclusion, and is called "gold standard".

In the pathological biopsy, in order to make an accurate diagnosis of a diseased region, it is necessary to take out a part of diseased tissue from a patient body by means of cutting, clamping, or puncturing, and the like, and to perform procedures such as fixing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and the like, to prepare a section, and to observe the section under a microscope, thereby making a pathological diagnosis. Biopsy provides important basis for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis judgment of clinicians. However, biopsy is an invasive examination method, cannot be used as a conventional screening means, and has a complicated process and a long result time. In addition, biopsy has a certain miss rate due to the limited location available for sampling. In recent years, advanced optical image detection means, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), have been rapidly developed, and resolution close to that of pathological examination has been obtained. The optical imaging detection method does not need to cut or specially process a tissue sample, and can noninvasively acquire a high-resolution image of in-vivo tissue in real time, so that a doctor is helped to quickly and accurately acquire a diagnosis basis, unnecessary biopsy is reduced, or the biopsy accuracy is improved, and the optical imaging detection method has great clinical application value. Recent clinical tests show that the comprehensive accuracy of the OCT on the cervical cancer detection exceeds the traditional cytology and virology detection, and better consistency of pathological results is kept.

OCT is a high-resolution noninvasive optical imaging technology, and the basic principle of the OCT is a low-coherence light interference technology, and the OCT utilizes low-coherence near-infrared light to irradiate biological tissues and obtains two-dimensional cross-sectional images or three-dimensional reconstruction images with micron-scale resolution of the biological tissues by carrying out interference measurement on scattered light signals. In OCT, image contrast is generated by the optical refractive index mismatch of tissue structures, without the need for exogenous contrast agents, and the depth of imaging in tissue is about 2-3 mm. OCT is well suited for surface applications such as retinal imaging, and with the development of OCT probe catheter technology in recent years, OCT is increasingly being used in endoscopic fields including cardiovascular, digestive tract, lung, laryngeal and urogenital systems, among others. In order to apply these optical detection techniques to screening and diagnosis of various diseases, an important step is to transmit and focus a light beam to a target tissue region, and collect a returned light signal and transmit the light signal to a collection device. In the process, the quality of light beam transmission and focusing directly determines important indexes such as resolution, signal-to-noise ratio and the like of the optical image. To achieve this goal, we have previously designed an optical scanning probe for gynecological examinations (utility model patent publication No.: CN 212261344U; invention patent publication No.: CN 111568377A). The probe has micron-scale high resolution, and cell-level imaging is obtained in living tissues for the first time.

While OCT has been well developed in the field of gynecological cervical examinations, in clinical use, we have also found some problems. Biopsy is still the gold standard of cervical detection at present, and OCT is an important role in clinical use, accurately judges suspicious parts before biopsy, provides guidance for biopsy, improves the accuracy of the biopsy, and reduces the missed diagnosis rate of the biopsy. However, in clinical examination, OCT and colposcope are usually performed simultaneously, and OCT can only determine its sampling position by naked eyes or colposcope during sampling, and in actual operation, because the observer is far away from the cervical surface, and due to the shielding of devices such as specula, it is often difficult to accurately determine the OCT sampling position and observe the surface characteristics of the sampling point, so the guiding effect on biopsy is affected. In order to solve the problem, a bimodal optical scanning endoscopic probe integrating OCT and electronic endoscope is invented. The probe has the advantages that the function of an electronic endoscope is added while high-resolution OCT scanning imaging is met, an endoscopic camera positioned at the front end of the probe can clearly record images on the surface of the cervix in a short distance under LED white light illumination, and the function of a colposcope is achieved while OCT scanning sampling positions are accurately recorded. Because of the short working distance, close to the cervical surface, the endoscopic camera can provide even more detailed image information than a common colposcope.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is directed to solving, at least to some extent, one of the technical problems presented in the related art.

Therefore, the invention aims to provide a bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe which can meet the requirement of high-resolution OCT scanning imaging and can record a cervical surface image in a short distance clearly.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe, comprising: a probe base; the probe tube is detachably connected to the probe seat; the probe tube is internally provided with a first channel for configuring an OCT scanning optical path, the first channel is eccentrically arranged with the probe tube, a second channel for configuring an endoscope assembly is formed on the outer side of the first channel, the endoscope assembly is electrically connected with the probe seat through a terminal, and a window of the OCT scanning optical path, a camera of the endoscope assembly and an LED lighting element are fixedly arranged at a port of the probe tube.

According to the bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe provided by the invention, the first channel and the second channel are arranged in the probe tube, the OCT scanning optical path is arranged in the first channel, the endoscope component is arranged in the second channel, and two imaging modes of OCT and endoscope are integrated in the same probe tube, so that the high-resolution OCT scanning imaging can be met, and meanwhile, the surface image of the cervix can be recorded clearly in a short distance.

In addition, the bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe provided by the invention can also have the following additional technical characteristics:

further, the probe tube has a connector that interfaces with the probe base, the connector being secured to the probe base by a threaded collar.

Furthermore, the connecting piece encloses the periphery of first passageway to form with the draw-in groove of probe seat joint.

Furthermore, a clamping head matched with the clamping groove is formed in the probe seat.

Furthermore, the outer wall of the connecting piece forms an outward convex limiting strip, and the limiting strip is clamped with a limiting groove on the inner side of the probe seat.

Further, the limiting strip is parallel to the axis of the probe tube.

Furthermore, the terminals are respectively and correspondingly arranged on the clamping head and the clamping groove.

Further, the thread clamping ring is screwed on the probe seat.

Drawings

The foregoing and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the probe tube of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a connection port of the probe tube of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an attachment port of the probe block of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a port of the probe tube of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the probe tube port of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a measured en face image of an OCT scan using the dual-modality optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a resolution live view of an endoscopic camera using the bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a computer screen shot of a dual-modality optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe used with an embodiment of the present invention to simultaneously acquire an OCT image and an endoscopic image;

reference numerals:

100. a bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe;

110. a probe base;

111. a connecting port; 1111. an accommodating chamber; 1112. clamping a head; 1113. a second terminal; 1114. a limiting groove;

120. a probe tube;

121. a first channel; 122. a second channel; 123. a connecting member; 1231. a card slot; 1232. a limiting strip; 124. a first terminal; 125. a window; 126. a camera; 127. an LED lighting element;

130. a threaded collar.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar function throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are illustrative and intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

A bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in fig. 1 to 6, the present invention provides a bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe 100, which includes a probe holder 110 and a probe tube 120.

Specifically, the connection port of the probe tube 120 is mated with the connection port 111 of the probe holder 110 and fastened by the screw retainer 130, the screw retainer 130 is screwed to the connection port 111 of the probe holder 110, and the probe tube 120 is fastened to the probe holder 110 by the screw retainer 130, so that the probe tube 120 is detachably connected to the probe holder 110.

In the present embodiment, a first channel 121 for disposing the OCT scanning optical path is formed inside the probe tube 120, the first channel 121 and the probe tube 120 are eccentrically disposed, a second channel 122 for disposing the endoscope assembly is formed outside the first channel 121, the endoscope assembly and the probe holder 110 are electrically connected by terminals (1113, 124), and a window 125 of the OCT scanning optical path, a camera 126 of the endoscope assembly, and an LED illumination device 127 are fixedly attached to a port of the probe tube 120.

For example, an inner tube is inserted into the probe tube 120 to form a first channel 121, the inner tube and the probe tube 120 are eccentrically disposed, and a gap between the inner tube and the probe tube 120 forms a second channel 122.

The OCT scan light path is disposed in a first predetermined path in the first channel 121 and the endoscope assembly is disposed in a second predetermined path in the second channel 122.

Compared with the probe tube in the related art, the probe tube 120 integrates two imaging modes of OCT and endoscope into the same probe tube, and can record the cervical surface image clearly in a short distance while meeting the requirement of high-resolution OCT scanning imaging.

It will be appreciated that after the probe tube 120 is removed, a sealing cap (not shown) may be screwed on to seal the probe tube 120 for immersion cleaning or sterilization. The inside of the sealing cover can be provided with a waterproof sealing structure to avoid water entering the probe tube 120 during cleaning.

In this embodiment, the connection port 111 of the probe holder 110 has an accommodation chamber 1111 for insertion of the connection port of the probe tube 120, a collet 1112 having a fan-shaped structure is formed on the inner periphery of the accommodation chamber 1111, the narrower end of the collet 1112 is located on the side close to the axis, and the second terminal is provided on the surface of the collet 1112.

A connecting piece 123 is arranged on a connecting port of the probe tube 120, the connecting piece 123 is sleeved on the periphery of the first channel 121, the connecting piece 123 forms a fan-shaped clamping groove 1231 matched with the clamping head 1112, and the first terminal 124 is provided with the surface of the clamping groove 1231.

For example, the connector 123 has a cylindrical shape as a whole and is provided coaxially with the probe tube 120.

The locking groove 1231 extends from the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 123 to the outer wall of the first passage 121.

In the present embodiment, the stopper 1232 is formed on the outer surface of the connecting member 123, and the stopper 1232 is parallel to the axis of the probe tube 120, for example.

A limiting groove 1114 matched with the limiting strip 1232 is formed in the accommodating cavity 1111 of the probe seat 111.

In this embodiment, the position-limiting strip 1232 is aligned with the position-limiting groove 1114, the clamp 1112 is aligned with the clamp groove 1231, the probe tube 120 is inserted into the receiving cavity 1111 of the probe holder 110, and the first terminal 124 is electrically connected to the second terminal 1113 for electrically connecting the endoscope assembly to the probe holder 110.

As shown in FIG. 7, the actual measured en face image of the probe OCT scan of the present application is targeted at the USAF 1951 optical resolution board. As can be seen, OCT maintained a high resolution, up to group 7, element No. 3, corresponding to a single line width of 3.11 microns.

As shown in fig. 8, the resolution real image of the endoscopic camera head of the probe of the present application is targeted to a USAF 1951 optical resolution board. As can be seen from the figure, the resolution of the endoscopic camera can reach the No. 3 element of the 4 th group, and the corresponding single line width is 24.8 microns.

As shown in fig. 9, a computer screen shot of the OCT image and the endoscope image was taken at the same time, and the target was coordinate paper. The image is seen to have a certain distortion from the endoscopic image, which can be corrected by optimizing the optical design of the endoscopic lens and post image processing. When the images in the two modes are recorded simultaneously, the scanning position of the OCT on the tissue can be accurately known, more accurate guidance is provided for subsequent biopsy, the details of the scanning part can be more clearly seen, the acquisition process of a doctor can be known, and an auditor can conveniently make judgment once misoperation occurs.

It will be appreciated that the proposed bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe 100 according to the present invention combines both OCT and endoscopic imaging in one probe. On one hand, the phenomenon that the position record of the original collection point is not accurate enough is solved, the accuracy rate of biopsy can be improved, and missed diagnosis is reduced. On the other hand, it functions as a colposcope to a certain extent, can accurately find the acquisition point position even without the colposcope, and can provide a cervical surface image with more details than the colposcope due to the close working distance. Finally, because the endoscope can record the operation process of the doctor, the less skilled doctor can look back at the operation process, and technical guidance can be provided in time once misoperation occurs.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it should be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and not to be construed as limiting the present invention, and that changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to the above embodiments by those of ordinary skill in the art within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe, comprising:

a probe base;

the probe tube is detachably connected to the probe seat;

the probe tube is internally provided with a first channel for configuring an OCT scanning optical path, the first channel is eccentrically arranged with the probe tube, a second channel for configuring an endoscope assembly is formed on the outer side of the first channel, the endoscope assembly is electrically connected with the probe seat through a terminal, and a window of the OCT scanning optical path, a camera of the endoscope assembly and an LED lighting element are fixedly arranged at a port of the probe tube.

2. The bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe of claim 1,

the probe tube is provided with a connector which is butted with the probe seat, and the connector is fastened on the probe seat through a threaded retainer ring.

3. The bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe of claim 2,

the connecting piece encloses and locates the periphery of first passageway to form with the draw-in groove of probe seat joint.

4. The bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe of claim 3,

and a clamping head matched with the clamping groove is formed in the probe seat.

5. The bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe of claim 4,

the outer wall of the connecting piece forms an outward convex limiting strip, and the limiting strip is clamped with a limiting groove on the inner side of the probe seat.

6. The bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe of claim 5,

the limiting strip is parallel to the axis of the probe tube.

7. The bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe of claim 6,

the terminals are respectively and correspondingly arranged on the clamping head and the clamping groove.

8. The bimodal optical coherence tomography endoscopic probe of claim 2,

the thread retainer ring is screwed on the probe seat.