JP2000329534A - Optical imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce unwanted reflected light in a light radiation part or the like which is generated when the relative position in the axial direction of a sheath tube to an optical unit is changed. SOLUTION: A balloon 53 and a tip cap 52 are installed in the circumference of an optical unit 11 at the tip of an optical probe over a wide range in the axial direction as viewed from a light radiation part 32. A light transfer medium is sealed inside the balloon 53 and the tip cap 52. Thereby, even when the optical unit 11 is moved in the axial direction, a state that the light transfer medium is filled around the light radiation part 32 is maintained, and unwanted reflected light is reduced in the boundary face or the optical path of the light radiation part 32 or the like.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical imaging apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image of a subject based on reflected light obtained by scanning low-interference light toward the subject while scanning the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as a light input / output means which is inserted into a body or the like and emitted from a light entrance / exit port while scanning low interference light toward the subject, and the reflected light from the subject enters the subject. OCT for obtaining a tomographic image of an object by utilizing light interference based on an object reflected light from the object obtained by the optical probe, the optical probe having an optical unit at its tip.
An optical imaging device called (optical coherence tomography) is used. As such an optical imaging device, for example, PCT application WO97
No./32182, a light transmitting medium for enclosing a long and thin sheath for rotatably inserting an optical probe and a light transmitting medium which is provided at the distal end of the sheath and fills a space between a light input / output port of an optical unit and a subject. By providing a telescopic balloon as a sealing means at the tip of the optical probe, the difference in the refractive index at the interface between the optical unit and the space is reduced, and unnecessary reflected light at this interface is reduced. For improving the image quality of the image.

[0003]

As described in the prior art, since the optical probe is provided rotatably with respect to the sheath, the optical probe is bent, and the light entrance and exit of the optical unit are thus reduced. , The relative position in the axial direction with respect to the sheath varies. However, PCT application W
In the conventional optical probe having a configuration as shown in FIG. 11A of O97 / 32182, the balloon is disposed in a narrow range near the light entrance / exit, and when the position of the light entrance / exit fluctuates in the axial direction, The relative position of the light entrance / exit port and the balloon in the axial direction is shifted, and a space between the light entrance / exit port and the subject is not filled with the light transmission medium, and the boundary surface between the light entrance / exit port and the space is generated. For example, there is a problem in that unnecessary reflected light is generated and the image quality of the obtained tomographic image is deteriorated. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has been made in consideration of the fact that the relative position of the sheath covering the optical probe and the light input / output unit in the axial direction fluctuates due to the bending of the optical probe. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical imaging device that improves the image quality of an obtained tomographic image by reducing unnecessary reflected light at an emission port or the like.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention relates to a method of inserting a laser beam into a body or the like, scanning low-interference light from a light input / output section toward a subject, and emitting the light to the subject. An optical imaging apparatus, comprising: an optical probe having a light input / output unit at its tip for receiving an object reflected light, and obtaining a tomographic image of the object based on the object reflected light from the object obtained by the optical probe. An elongated sheath through which the optical probe is rotatably and removably inserted, and a light input / output formed at a distal end of the sheath and at least covering an axial movement range of the light input / output unit with respect to the sheath. A light transmitting medium enclosing means for enclosing a light transmitting medium that fills a space between the part and the subject;

[0005]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 9 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the entire configuration of an optical imaging apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a configuration of an optical unit and a flexible shaft. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a connector, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a balloon portion, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a connection portion between a base and a connector. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an appearance of an optical probe in which an optical probe main body and a balloon sheath are connected, FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a light transmission medium is sealed in a balloon portion,
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the light transmitting medium is sealed in the balloon portion, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the light transmitting medium flows out of the balloon portion.

As shown in FIG. 1, an optical imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is inserted into a body or the like, emits low-interference light toward a subject while scanning the same, and reflects reflected light from the subject. A slender optical probe 2 to be obtained, a driving device 3 for transmitting the input / output light of the optical probe 2 while applying a rotational driving force to the optical probe 2 for the optical probe 2 to scan light,
A low interference light is given to the optical probe 2 via the driving device 3, and a tomographic image of the subject is utilized by utilizing a light interference phenomenon based on the reflection light of the subject given from the optical probe 2 via the driving device 3. Signal processing device 4 for obtaining a video signal including an image
And a monitor device 5 for projecting a video signal obtained by the signal processing device 4.

The optical probe 2 has an optical probe main body 6 as a main body of the optical probe 2 and a balloon sheath 7 detachably connected to the optical probe main body 6 and covering the optical probe main body 6. ing.

The optical probe body 6 is detachably connected to the optical unit 11 for inputting / outputting low-interference light and the driving device 3 to transmit light between the driving device 3 and And a flexible shaft 13 that transmits light between the optical unit 11 and the connector 12 and transmits the rotational driving force from the connector 12 to the optical unit 11. It is configured to have.

The balloon sheath 7 has an elongated sheath tube 21 through which the flexible shaft 13 is rotatably inserted, and a base provided on the proximal end side of the sheath tube 21 for detachably connecting to the connector 12. 22, provided at the tip of the sheath tube 21;
It has a balloon section 23 for enclosing a light transmission medium. The base 22 is formed with a flange 24 used when connecting and fixing to the connector 12. As the light transmission medium, a fluid having good light transmittance and a large refractive index as compared with air and reducing the reflection of light between interfaces such as optical members is used, such as water or physiological fluid. Saline, glycerin, deuterium oxide and the like are used.

As shown in FIG. 2, the flexible shaft 13 is inserted through the inside of a coil shaft or the like for transmitting a rotational driving force.
And a single-mode optical fiber 31 for transmitting light to and from the optical fiber.

The optical unit 11 has a substantially cylindrical housing 33 in which a distal end portion of the single mode optical fiber 31 and a light emitting portion 32 which is a window through which light enters and exits the subject are formed in a radial direction. The optical probe 2 is disposed at the position of the light emitting unit 32 in the housing 33 and converts the optical axis of the radial light that enters and exits through the light emitting unit 32 into the optical axis of the optical probe 2 in the axial direction. A prism 34 and a GRIN lens 35 (gradient index lens) for optically connecting the tip of the single mode optical fiber 31 and the prism 34 are configured.

As shown in FIG. 3, the connector 12 comprises:
A substantially cylindrical frame 41 and the frame 41
A positioning pin 42 for fixing a circumferential position of the frame body 41 to the driving device 3 when connecting to the driving device 3; and a connecting portion 43 connected to the driving device 3 and receiving a rotational driving force.
and a rotary member 43 rotatably provided at the rear portion inside the frame body 41 by a bearing or the like, and the outer periphery of the front end of the frame body 41 is screwed with a screwing portion 44, and the balloon sheath is rotated. 7, a substantially cylindrical sheath fixing ring 45 for fixing the base 22 to the connector 12, an inward flange formed at the tip of the sheath fixing ring 45, and a front end surface 46 of the frame body 41. The sheath 2 is provided on the inner periphery of the sheath fixing ring 45 so as to be sandwiched from the base 2.
2, a sheath fixing rubber 47, a liquid injection cap 48 provided in the frame 41 for injecting a light transmission medium, which is a fluid, into the frame 41, and the injection cap 48 provided in the frame 41. An O-ring 49 is provided to prevent the light transmission medium injected from the liquid base 48 into the frame 41 from flowing into the portion where the rotating body 43 is provided, and to prevent the light transmission medium from leaking from the connector 12. It is configured.

As shown in FIG. 4, a balloon portion 23 has a rear end fixed to the distal end of the sheath tube 21 and a substantially cylindrical distal end for fixing the balloon portion 23 to the distal end of the sheath tube 21. A base 51, a front end cap 52 having a rear end fixed to the front end of the front end base 51 and formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a light transmitting material, and a rear peripheral edge fixed to the front end base 51 so as to form the front end cap 52. A balloon 53 formed in a tubular shape and formed of a light-transmitting and stretchable light-transmitting material, and a thread is wound around the back of the balloon 53 and an adhesive is filled from above the back of the balloon. Is fixed to the distal end base 51. The tip cap 52 has a high light transmittance and is transparent, for example, polyethylene,
A space 52a in which the optical unit 11 is disposed is formed inside the tip cap 52, and is formed of a material such as polymethylpentene, PA, or FEP (ethylene tetrafluoride hexafluoropropylene). On the side wall of the cap 52, a side hole 52b communicating the space 52a and the outside of the tip cap 52 is formed, and a cover for closing the space 52a is formed at the tip of the space 52a. A small-diameter groove 52c is formed in front of the groove, and a flange 52 having a suddenly large diameter is formed in front of the groove 52c.
d is formed, and the flange portion 52d is formed so as to gradually decrease in diameter toward the front.

The balloon 53 is made of a material such as latex, silicone rubber, polyimide resin, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or the like which has high light transmittance and is transparent. On the periphery of the front end of the balloon 53,
An O-ring portion 53a is formed.
When the flange 3a is pushed rearward from the slope at the front end of the flange 52d, the O-ring 53a engages with the groove 52c, thereby ensuring the watertightness of the front end of the balloon 53.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. In using the optical imaging apparatus 1, first, the balloon probe 7 is assembled to the optical probe main body 6, and the optical probe 2 is assembled. To attach the balloon sheath 7 to the optical probe body 6, the optical probe body 6 is inserted from the rear end of the base 22 of the balloon sheath 7, and the base 22 is fixed to the connector 12. In order to fix the base 22 to the connector 12, as shown in FIG. 5, the base 22 is fitted from the front of the sheath fixing rubber 47 of the connector 12, and the sheath fixing ring 45 is moved toward the frame 41 side. The fixing ring 45 is rotated. Then, the sheath fixing rubber 47 is formed.
Is compressed from the front and rear by the inward flange at the front end of the sheath fixing ring 45 and the distal end surface 46 of the frame 41, and the compressed sheath fixing rubber 47 tightens the outer periphery of the base 22. At this time, since the flange 24 is formed on the outer periphery of the base 22, the front and rear movement of the base 22 is prevented, and the inner circumferential surface of the sheath fixing rubber 47 and the base 2 are fixed.
Water tightness between the outer peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the connector 12 is ensured, and liquid leakage from the front end side of the connector 12 is prevented. The internal space of the frame 41 communicating with the liquid inlet 48 communicates with the space between the inner circumference of the sheath tube 21 and the outer circumference of the flexible shaft 13. Here, the light transmission medium is injected from the liquid inlet 48. Then, the injected light transmission medium flows into the inner space of the sheath tube 21 communicating with the liquid inlet 48, and FIG.
As shown in the figure, the balloon 5 flows into the space 52a in the distal end cap 52 of the balloon portion 23, and the balloon 5 passes through the side hole 52b.
3 flows into the space.

As described above, the optical probe 2 shown in FIG. 6 is assembled, the assembled optical probe 2 is connected to the driving device 3, and the driving device 3, the signal processing device 4, and the monitor device 5 are connected to each other. By making the connection, the optical imaging device 1 becomes usable. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the optical unit 11 is located in the balloon portion 23, and the light emitting portion 32 of the optical unit 11 has the distal end cap 52 and the balloon 53 over a wide range in the axial direction.
Surrounded by.

Next, when the optical probe 2 is inserted into the body or the like and the injection of the light transmitting medium is continued, the balloon 53 is inflated by the light transmitting medium, as shown in FIG. The space between the optical unit 11 and the body wall including the test site is filled with the light transmission medium. At this time, since the balloon 53 is provided over a wide range in the axial direction as viewed from the light emitting portion 32 of the optical unit 11, the light transmission medium is filled in a space over a wide range in the axial direction as viewed from the light emitting portion 32.

When the driving device 3, the signal processing device 4, and the monitor device 5 are activated, the rotational driving force from the driving device 3 is applied to the optical unit via the connecting portion 43a, the rotating body 43, and the flexible shaft 13. 11 and the optical unit 11 rotates. The low-interference light emitted from the signal processing device 4 is transmitted to the driving device 3, a light transmitting unit (not shown) provided on the rotating body 43, the single mode optical fiber 31 in the flexible shaft 13, the GRIN lens 35, and the prism. 34, the light is radially emitted from the light emitting portion 32 of the rotating optical unit 11, and the emitted light is transmitted through the light transmitting medium filled in the space 52a of the tip cap 52, the tip cap 52, Balloon 5
The target site is irradiated via the light transmission medium filled in 3 and the balloon 53. At this time, since the space between the light emitting unit 32 and the test site is filled with the light transmitting medium, the light emitting unit 32, the tip cap 52, and the balloon 53
Unnecessary reflected light on the surface is prevented. As described above, the subject reflected light reflected from the test site irradiated with the rotationally scanned light enters the light emitting unit 32 by following the irradiation optical path of the irradiation light irradiated on the subject in reverse. At this time, similarly to the case of the irradiation light, the light emitting unit 3 also applies to the reflected light of the subject.
Unnecessary reflected light on the surfaces of the tip 2, the tip cap 52 and the balloon 53 is prevented. Then, the subject reflected light that has entered the light emitting unit 32 is provided to the signal processing device 4 along a path reverse to the irradiation light, and the signal processing device 4 generates light based on the provided subject reflected light. A tomographic image of the test site is constructed using the interference phenomenon described above, and the monitor device 5 displays the tomographic image of the test site.

When the optical probe 2 is inserted into a body or the like to observe a portion to be inspected, the optical probe 2 bends along the insertion path. Then, the flexible shaft 13 advances and retreats relatively to the sheath tube 21 in the front-rear direction, and the position of the light emitting unit 32 relative to the balloon 23 moves in the front-rear direction. However, in the present embodiment, since the distal end cap 52 and the balloon 53 are provided over a wide range in the front-rear direction of the light emitting unit 32,
Even if the light emitting unit 32 moves in the front-rear direction, the state in which the space between the light emitting unit 32 and the subject is filled with the light transmission medium is maintained, and the image quality of the obtained tomographic image is prevented from deteriorating.

On the other hand, the balloon 53 is
When the light transmission medium is excessively supplied into the inside, as shown in FIG. 9, the pressure of the light transmission medium causes the O-ring portion 53a at the front end of the balloon 53 to be disengaged from the groove 52c, and the watertightness secured at the front end of the balloon 53 Is released, and the light transmission medium flows out of the balloon 53 from the front end of the balloon 53. At this time, the O-ring 53a maintains watertightness with the groove 52c under normal pressure of the light transmission medium, and has a tightening strength enough to separate from the groove 52c under the pressure of the excessively supplied light transmission medium. Is formed. This prevents breakage of the balloon 53, such as rupture or falling off.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the relative position in the axial direction between the balloon sheath 7 covering the optical probe main body 6 and the optical unit 11 varies due to the bending of the optical probe 2 or the like. Light emitting part 3 generated by
The effect of reducing unnecessary reflected light in 2 etc. and improving the image quality of the obtained tomographic image is obtained. In addition, balloon 53
The provision of the O-ring portion 53a prevents breakage of the balloon 53 due to excessive injection of the light transmission medium.

(Second Embodiment) FIGS. 10 to 12
FIG. 10 relates to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a distal end portion of a balloon sheath, and FIG.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a balloon sheath in which a balloon portion and a sheath tube are connected. Note that, in the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to portions configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted. In the present embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment,
The balloon sheath 7 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1)
Instead of the balloon sheath 1
01 is provided. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Balloon sheath 10 of the present embodiment
1 is a sheath tube 102 and the sheath tube 1
02 is provided with a balloon section 103 which is detachably attached to the apparatus.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the sheath tube 102 has a lid 121 formed at the distal end thereof.
And the balloon portion 1 formed at the tip of the lid portion 121.
It has an external thread portion 122 for detachably attaching the 03. The sheath tube 102 has an opening 1 over a wide range in the axial direction as viewed from the light emitting section 32.
23 are formed. The balloon portion 10 is provided around the outer periphery of the sheath tube 102 behind the opening 123.
A circumferential groove 124 for engaging the rear end of the sheath tube 3 is formed, and a part of the outer periphery of the sheath tube 102 behind the groove 124 is formed with a groove 125 formed in the axial direction. Instead of forming the opening 123 wide, a portion of the sheath tube 102 covering a wide range in the axial direction as viewed from the light emitting portion 32 is made of the same material as the distal end cap 52 (see FIG. 4) of the first embodiment. May be formed.

The balloon section 103 includes a balloon 111
And a hemispherical member 112 that is engaged with the front end of the balloon 111 and is detachably attached to the external thread portion 122. The balloon 111
Is the balloon 53 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 4).
The O-ring portion 111a and the O-ring portion 111b are formed on the front edge and the rear edge, respectively.
Are formed. The hemispherical member 112 has a groove 112a formed on an outer periphery thereof for maintaining watertightness by engagement of the O-ring 111a, and a female thread 112b for screwing with the male thread 122 has a rear end. Is formed.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be described. To assemble the balloon sheath 101, as shown in FIG. 12, the balloon portion 103 in a state where the O-ring portion 111a at the front end of the balloon 111 is engaged with the groove portion 112a of the hemispherical member 112 is covered from the front of the sheath tube 102, The female thread 112b of the tubular member 112 is screwed to the external thread 122 of the front end of the sheath tube 102. Then, the O-ring portion 111b at the rear end of the balloon 111
Is engaged with the groove 124 of the sheath tube 102. Thereby, watertightness in the balloon 111 is ensured.

Then, as in the first embodiment, when the light transmission medium is injected, the light transmission medium flows into the sheath tube 102 and passes through the balloon 123 through the opening 123 of the sheath tube 102. It flows into 111. At this time, similarly to the first embodiment, the light transmission medium is filled over a wide range in the axial direction as viewed from the light emitting portion 32.

On the other hand, if the light transmission medium is supplied in excess,
Due to the pressure of the light transmitting medium, the O-ring portion 111b at the rear end of the balloon 111 is disengaged from the groove portion 124, and the rear groove portion 125
, The light transmission medium flows out of the balloon 111 from the groove 125, and the balloon 111 is prevented from being damaged. At this time, the O-ring portion 111b maintains watertightness with the groove portion 124 under normal pressure of the light transmission medium, and the O-ring portion 111b is separated from the groove portion 124 under the pressure of the excessively supplied light transmission medium. Strongly formed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the light emitting portion 32 caused by the change in the relative position of the balloon sheath 101 and the optical unit 11 in the axial direction changes.
In such a case, unnecessary reflected light due to the above-described method is reduced, and the image quality of the obtained tomographic image is improved. O-ring 11
By providing the groove 1b, the groove 124, and the groove 125, it is possible to prevent the balloon 111 from being damaged due to excessive injection of the light transmission medium. Further, the O-ring portion 1 which is detachably attached to the sheath tube 102 and is at the front end of the balloon 111
By providing the hemispherical member 112 to which the 11a is detachably attached, the replacement of the balloon 111 can be easily performed.

(Third Embodiment) FIGS. 13 to 18
13 relates to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of an optical probe, FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a proximal end portion of a sheath tube of a balloon sheath, and FIG. 15 is a configuration of a connector. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the balloon portion, FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the structure of the base of the balloon portion, and FIG. 18 is a state in which the light transmission medium flows out of the balloon portion. FIG. In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the present embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment,
An optical probe 201 is provided in place of the optical probe 2 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. The optical probe 201 according to the present embodiment includes an optical probe main body 202 and a balloon sheath 203.

The optical probe body 202 includes an optical unit 11 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and a flexible shaft 1 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.
3. An elongated sheath tube 22 having a sealed end covering the flexible shaft 13 and the optical unit 11.
1 and a connector 222 provided on the base end side of the optical probe main body 202 and detachably attached to the driving device 3 (see FIG. 1). The connector 2
Reference numeral 22 has a connection portion 43a for transmitting the rotational driving force from the driving device 3 to the flexible shaft 13, similarly to the connector 12 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment. Further, a sealing surface for ensuring watertightness at a portion of the connector 222 when the balloon sheath 203 is put on the optical probe main body 202 is formed on an outer periphery of a front end side of the connector 222.

The balloon sheath 203 is connected to the elongated sheath tube 211, a balloon 212 connected to the distal end of the sheath tube 211, and to the connector 222 connected to the proximal end of the sheath tube 211. The connector 213 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 14, the sheath tube 211 is provided at its base end with a base 211a for connecting and fixing the connector 213 while maintaining watertightness. Is the flange 211
b is formed.

As shown in FIG.
Is a connector main body 231 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, a sheath fixing ring 232 having the same configuration as the sheath fixing ring 45 (see FIG. 3) of the first embodiment, and the first embodiment. Sheath fixing rubber 47 in form (see FIG. 3)
A sheath fixing rubber 233 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, an injection connector 234 having the same configuration as the injection connector 48 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3), and a rear end side of the connector main body 231 are provided. By rotating the connector 222, the connector fixing ring 235 for securing the water tightness of the rear end side of the connector 213 while connecting and fixing the seal surface 223 of the connector 222, and the connector fixing ring 235 and the seal surface 223 An O-ring 236 is provided between the connector fixing ring 235 and the seal surface 223, which is fastened and fixed from the outer periphery in accordance with the turning operation of the connector fixing ring 235, and which ensures watertightness.

As shown in FIG. 16, the balloon 21
2 is a substantially cylindrical base 242 having a rear end fixed to the front end of the sheath tube 211; a balloon 241 having a rear end fixed to the front end of the base 242;
1 has a balloon fixing portion 243 for fixing the rear end to the base 242 by winding it with a thread or the like. The balloon 241 is the balloon 53 of the first embodiment.
(See FIG. 4).

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the base 242 is formed over the entire outer periphery of the rear end edge, and a flange 251 for increasing the mounting strength of the front end of the sheath tube 211, and the base 242 is provided on the outer periphery of the front end edge. Formed and balloon 24
A flange 252 for increasing the mounting strength of the rear end and a cutout 253 formed on a part of the circumference of the flange 252 for reducing the mounting strength of the balloon 241 at that portion are formed.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be described. To use the optical probe 201, the sheath tube 211 to which the balloon portion 212 is attached is connected and fixed to the connector 213, and the optical probe main body 202 is inserted from behind the connector 213, and the connector 222 is inserted.
To the connector 213. Sheath tube 21
In order to connect and fix the connector 1 to the connector 213, as shown in FIG.
3 is fitted with a base 211a at the rear end of the sheath tube 211, and the connector 21 is inserted in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
3 While the base 211a is connected and fixed to the front end, watertightness at the front end of the connector 213 is ensured. And
To connect and fix the connector 213 to the connector 222,
As shown in FIG. 15, after the optical probe main body 202 is inserted from the connector 213 into the balloon sheath 203, a rotation operation is performed to move the connector fixing ring 235 to the connector main body 231 side. Then, the O-ring 236 disposed between the rear end face of the connector main body 231 and the inward flange formed at the rear end of the connector fixing ring 235 is tightened. The sealing surface 223 is pressed down from the outer periphery, whereby the connector 222 is connected and fixed to the connector 213, and the rear end of the connector 213 is kept watertight.

When the optical transmission medium is injected from the liquid inlet 234, the balloon 241 is filled with the optical transmission medium. At this time, the balloon 212 is provided over a wide range in the axial direction as viewed from the light emitting portion of the optical unit 11, and the light transmission medium is filled over a wide range in the axial direction as viewed from the light emitting portion of the optical unit 11.

On the other hand, when the light transmitting medium is excessively supplied into the balloon 241, as shown in FIG. 18, the fixing strength to the balloon 241 by the balloon fixing portion 243 at the portion where the cutout portion 253 of the base 242 is formed. Is weak, the fixing of the rear end of the balloon 241 is released at the position where the fixing strength is weak, the light transmission medium flows out from the position where the fixing is released, and the balloon 241 is prevented from being broken or ruptured.
In addition, in the portion of the flange 252 other than the notch portion 253, since the rear end of the balloon 241 is fixed,
The balloon 241 is prevented from falling off from the base 242.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, unnecessary reflected light at the light emitting portion or the like caused by a change in the relative position of the sheath tube 211 and the optical unit 11 in the axial direction fluctuates. The effect is obtained that the image quality is reduced and the image quality of the obtained tomographic image is improved. Also, by forming the flange 252 and the notch 253 at the front end of the base 242,
Breakage of the balloon 241 due to excessive injection of the light transmission medium can be prevented.

(First Modification of Third Embodiment) FIG. 1
9 and 20 relate to a first modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a balloon portion, and FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a structure of a base of the balloon portion. . In this modification, the same reference numerals are given to portions configured in the same manner as in the third embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted. In this modification, points different from the third embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, in this modification, a base 302 is provided in place of the base 242 (see FIG. 17) of the third embodiment. Balloon 241
The shape and the material are the same as those in the third embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment. The notch 253 of the third embodiment (see FIG. 17) is not formed in the base 302 of the present modification, and the fixing strength of the balloon 241 by the balloon fixing part 243 is provided on a part of the outer periphery of the front end of the base 302. Rough surface 30 for strengthening
3 are formed.

Next, the operation of the present modification will be described. In addition,
In this modification, points different from the third embodiment will be described. When the light transmitting medium is excessively supplied into the balloon 241, the balloon 24 by the balloon fixing portion 243 at the portion where the rough surface portion 303 on the outer periphery of the front end of the base 302 is formed.
1 is stronger than the other parts, so that the rear end of the balloon 241 is not fixed at the part where the rough surface part 303 is not formed and the fixing strength is weak, and the light transmission medium flows out from the part where the fixing is released. However, damage such as bursting of the balloon 241 is prevented. Further, since the rear end of the balloon 241 is fixed at the rough surface portion 303, the balloon 241 is prevented from falling off from the base 302.

As described above, according to this modification,
Since the balloon 241 having the same shape and material as that of the third embodiment is provided, a light emitting portion or the like generated by a change in the relative position of the sheath tube 211 and the optical unit 11 in the axial direction is changed. The unnecessary reflected light is reduced, and the image quality of the obtained tomographic image is improved.
Further, by forming the rough surface portion 303 at the front end of the base 302, it is possible to prevent the balloon 241 from being damaged due to excessive injection of the light transmission medium.

(Second Modification of Third Embodiment) FIG. 2
FIGS. 1 and 22 relate to a second modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a balloon portion, and FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a structure of a base of the balloon portion. . In this modification, the same reference numerals are given to portions configured in the same manner as in the third embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted. In this modification, points different from the third embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, in this modification, a base 312 is provided in place of the base 242 (see FIG. 17) of the third embodiment. Balloon 241
The shape and the material are the same as those in the third embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment. The base 312 of this modified example has the flange 252 (see FIG. 17) and the notch 25 of the third embodiment.
3 (see FIG. 17), a groove 313 for increasing the fixing strength of the balloon 241 by the balloon fixing portion 243 is formed in a part of the outer periphery slightly rearward from the front end of the base 302.

Next, the operation of the present modification will be described. In addition,
In this modification, points different from the third embodiment will be described. If the light transmission medium is excessively supplied into the balloon 241, the fixing strength of the balloon fixing portion 243 to the balloon 241 at the portion where the groove 313 is formed on the outer periphery of the base 312 is stronger than the other portions.
The rear end of the balloon 241 is not fixed at a portion where the fixing strength is not formed where the balloon 13 is not formed, and the light transmission medium flows out from the portion where the fixing is released, thereby preventing the balloon 241 from being broken or broken. In addition, at the portion of the groove 313, the balloon 24
Since the rear end is fixed, the balloon 241 is prevented from falling off from the base 312.

As described above, according to this modification,
Since the balloon 241 having the same shape and material as that of the third embodiment is provided, a light emitting portion or the like generated by a change in the relative position of the sheath tube 211 and the optical unit 11 in the axial direction is changed. The unnecessary reflected light is reduced, and the image quality of the obtained tomographic image is improved.
In addition, since the groove 313 is formed in the base 302, it is possible to prevent the balloon 241 from being damaged due to excessive injection of the light transmission medium.

(Third Modification of Third Embodiment) FIG. 2
FIGS. 3 and 24 relate to a third modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the balloon portion, and FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the structure of the balloon. In this modification, the same reference numerals are given to portions configured in the same manner as in the third embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted. In this modification, points different from the third embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, in this modification, a base 323 is provided instead of the base 242 (see FIG. 17) of the third embodiment, and a balloon 241 is provided.
Instead of (see FIG. 16), a balloon 322 was provided.
Other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment. The base 323 is formed in such a shape that the front end flange 252 of the base 242 (see FIG. 17) of the third embodiment is removed. The balloon 322 is configured by providing an arc-shaped O-ring 324 on a part of the rear edge of the balloon 241 of the third embodiment (see FIG. 16). By providing the O-ring 324,
When the rear end portion of the balloon 322 is fixed to the base 323 by the balloon fixing portion 243 using a thread, the O-ring 324 is sandwiched from the front and rear by the thread of the balloon fixing portion 243, and the fixing strength of the balloon 322 at the portion of the O-ring 324 is reduced. It has been strengthened.

Next, the operation of the present modification will be described. In addition,
In this modification, points different from the third embodiment will be described. When the light transmission medium is excessively supplied into the balloon 322, the balloon 3 is fixed by the balloon fixing portion 243 at the rear end of the balloon 322 where the O-ring 324 is formed.
The fixing strength of the balloon 322 is released at a portion where the O-ring 324 is not formed and where the fixing strength is weak because the fixing strength to the portion 22 is higher than other portions, and the light transmission medium flows out of the portion where the fixing is released. However, damage such as bursting of the balloon 322 is prevented. Also, since the rear end of the balloon 322 is fixed at the O-ring 324,
The balloon 322 is prevented from falling off from the base 323. As described above, according to this modification, a balloon 322 having the same shape and material as the balloon 241 of the third embodiment (see FIG. 16) except that the O-ring 324 is formed is provided. Since it is provided, unnecessary reflected light at the light emitting portion or the like caused by a change in the relative position of the sheath tube 211 and the optical unit 11 in the axial direction is reduced, and the image quality of the obtained tomographic image is improved. The effect is obtained. Also, an O-ring 3 is attached to the balloon 322.
The formation of 24 can prevent the balloon 322 from being damaged due to excessive injection of the light transmission medium.

(Fourth Modification of Third Embodiment) FIG. 2
5 relates to a fourth modification of the third embodiment of the present invention,
It is a perspective view showing the structure of a balloon. In the present modification, the same reference numerals are given to portions configured in the same manner as the third modification of the third embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted. Further, in this modification, points different from the third modification of the third embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 25, in this modification, a balloon 331 is provided instead of the balloon 241 of the third embodiment (see FIG. 16). Other configurations are the same as those of the third modification of the third embodiment. The balloon 331 is the same as the balloon 241 of the third embodiment.
It is formed of the same material and the same length as that of FIG. 16 (see FIG. 16), but is provided at a part of the rear end of the thread wound portion fixed to the base 323 (FIG. 23) by the balloon fixing portion 243 (see FIG. 23). The difference is that a notch 332 is formed.
By forming the cutout portion 332, the rear end of the balloon 331 is fixed to the base 3 by the balloon fixing portion 243.
23, the fixing strength of the balloon 331 at the notch 332 is weakened.

Next, the operation of the present modification will be described. In addition,
In this modification, points different from the third modification of the third embodiment will be described. When the light transmission medium is excessively supplied into the balloon 331, the balloon fixing portion 243 at the portion where the cutout portion 332 at the rear end of the balloon 331 is formed.
Is weaker than the other parts of the balloon 331, so that the balloon 33 may be fixed at the part where the fixing strength is weak.
The fixing of the rear end is released, and the light transmission medium flows out of the portion where the fixing is released, thereby preventing the balloon 331 from being broken or ruptured. In a portion where the notch 332 is not formed, the balloon 331 is prevented from falling off from the base 323 because the rear end of the balloon 331 is fixed.

As described above, according to the present modification,
The balloon 241 according to the third embodiment (see FIG. 16)
Since the balloon 331 of the same length and material is provided, the sheath tube 211 and the optical unit 11 are provided.
Unnecessary reflected light at the light emitting portion or the like, which is caused by a change in the relative position in the axial direction with respect to the above, is reduced, and the effect of improving the image quality of the obtained tomographic image is obtained. In addition, balloon 3
By forming the cutout portion 332 in the 31, the breakage of the balloon 331 due to excessive injection of the light transmission medium can be prevented.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, the light applied to the subject is not limited to near-infrared light, but may be visible light.

By the way, for example, PCT application WO97 / 3
A guide wire for smoothly inserting the optical probe into a body or the like is inserted through the optical probe of the conventional optical imaging device shown in No. 2182. However, if a mechanism for inserting a guide wire into the optical probe is provided, the structure of the optical probe becomes complicated, leading to an increase in cost. A first configuration example of an optical probe that has a guide wire with a simple configuration and that can be smoothly inserted into a body or the like will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The optical probe shown in FIG. 26 has an optical probe main body 6 having substantially the same configuration as the optical probe main body 6 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment, and an optical probe according to the first embodiment. It comprises an elongated catheter 401 provided in place of the balloon sheath 7 (see FIG. 1). The parts other than the optical probe are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The catheter 401 includes a lumen 402 for inserting the optical probe main body 6 and a lumen 404 for inserting a guide wire 403. Then, a portion of the catheter 401 in a wide range in the axial direction as viewed from the position where the optical unit 11 is arranged is formed of a light transmitting member. This light transmitting member may be made of the same material as the tip cap 52 (see FIG. 4) of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation of the optical probe shown in FIG. 26 will be described. Here, points different from the first embodiment will be described. In order to insert the optical probe body 6 into a body or the like, a guide wire 403 is inserted into the lumen 404 of the catheter 401, and the catheter 401 is guided into the body or the like by the guide wire 403. In this way, the optical probe main body 6 is easily inserted into a body or the like.

As described above, according to the optical probe shown in FIG. 26, it is possible to obtain an effect that a guide wire is provided with a simple configuration and can be smoothly inserted into a body or the like.

Next, a second configuration example of the optical probe which has a guide wire with a simple configuration and can be smoothly inserted into a body or the like will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to portions configured similarly to the optical probe described with reference to, and description thereof will be omitted.

The optical probe shown in FIG. 27 is provided with a catheter 411 instead of the catheter 401 of the optical probe shown in FIG. The other parts are configured similarly to the optical probe shown in FIG.
The catheter 411 is provided with a lumen 412 that can be inserted by replacing the optical probe body 6 and the guide wire 403, respectively. The portion of the catheter 411 in a wide range in the axial direction as viewed from the position where the optical unit 11 is arranged is formed of a light transmitting member.

Next, the operation of the optical probe shown in FIG. 27 will be described. Here, points different from the optical probe shown in FIG. 26 will be described. In order to insert the optical probe body 6 into a body or the like, first, the lumen 412 of the catheter 411 is inserted.
The guide wire 403 is inserted into the
3 guides the catheter 411 into the body or the like. And
The guide wire 403 is pulled out from the lumen 412, and the optical probe main body 6 is inserted into the lumen 412. In this way, the optical probe main body 6 is easily inserted into a body or the like.

As described above, according to the optical probe shown in FIG. 27, an effect is obtained that a guide wire is provided with a simple configuration and can be smoothly inserted into a body or the like.

Next, a third configuration example of an optical probe which has a guide wire with a simple configuration and which can be smoothly inserted into a body or the like will be described with reference to FIGS.
Note that the same reference numerals are given to portions configured similarly to the optical probe described with reference to FIG. 26, and description thereof will be omitted.

The optical probe shown in FIGS.
A catheter 420 is provided instead of the catheter 401 of the optical probe shown in FIG. The other parts are configured similarly to the optical probe shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the catheter 420 has an insertion hole 421 for inserting the optical probe main body 6, an insertion hole 422 for inserting the guide wire 403, and an optical communication with the insertion hole 421. A lumen 423 for guiding the probe body 6 and the insertion hole 42
2, a lumen 424 for guiding the guidewire 403, an opening 426 for guiding the guidewire from the distal end surface of the distal end 425 of the catheter 420, and the guidewire 403 and the optical probe main body 6 at the distal end 425. A lumen 427 for selectively guiding, and wherein the lumen 427 includes the lumen 423 and the lumen 424
And a branch portion 428 is formed.
The distal end portion 425 of the catheter 420 has a wide range in the axial direction as viewed from the position where the optical unit 11 is arranged.
Is constituted by a light transmitting member.

Next, the operation of the optical probe shown in FIGS. 28 to 30 will be described. Here, points different from the optical probe shown in FIG. 26 will be described. Optical probe body 6
For example, the optical probe main body 6 is inserted through the lumen 423 to a position in front of the branch portion 428, and the guide wire 403 is inserted through the lumen 424, the branch portion 428, and the lumen 427. Then, the guide wire 403 is led out from the opening 426 and brought into the state shown in FIG. Then, the catheter 420 in the state shown in FIG.
Is guided into the body or the like by the guide wire 403. Then, as shown in FIG. 30, the guide wire 403 is pulled back so that the distal end of the guide wire 403 is located before the branch portion 428, and the optical probe main body 6 is moved so that the optical unit 11 is positioned within the distal end portion 425. Push in. In this way, the optical probe main body 6 is easily inserted into a body or the like.

As described above, FIGS.
According to the optical probe described in (1), an effect is obtained that a guide wire is provided with a simple configuration and can be smoothly inserted into a body or the like.

Next, a fourth configuration example of the optical probe which has a guide wire with a simple configuration and can be smoothly inserted into a body or the like will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to portions configured similarly to the optical probe described with reference to, and description thereof will be omitted.

The optical probe shown in FIG. 31 has a configuration in which a catheter 451 is provided instead of the catheter 401 of the optical probe shown in FIG. The other parts are configured similarly to the optical probe shown in FIG.
The catheter 451 has a lumen 452 for inserting the guide wire 403 into the distal end portion of the catheter 451 while inserting the optical probe 6 up to just before the distal end portion of the catheter 451;
Guide wire 403 up to just before the tip of catheter 451
And a guide wire 403 led out from the distal end of the lumen 453.
A notch 454 for introducing a portion located at the tip of the second catheter 451 is formed, and is provided at a position of the lumen 452 closer to the near side than the notch 454.
52 is provided with a seal member 455 for ensuring watertightness, and a balloon 456 for covering a wide range in the axial direction from the position where the optical unit 11 is disposed, and a side hole (not shown) communicating the lumen 452 and the inside of the balloon 456 is formed. It is configured. Then, the catheter 451 covers a wide area in the axial direction as viewed from the position where the optical unit 11 is arranged.
Is constituted by a light transmitting member. The balloon 456 is the same as the balloon 53 of the first embodiment.
(See FIG. 4).

Next, the operation of the optical probe shown in FIG. 31 will be described. Here, points different from the optical probe shown in FIG. 26 will be described. In order to insert the optical probe main body 6 into the body or the like, the optical probe main body 6 is inserted into the lumen 452 so that the optical unit 11 is disposed at the position where the balloon 456 is provided, and the guide wire 403 is connected to the lumen 453. The catheter 451 is extended forward through the notch 454 and the distal end of the lumen 452, and the catheter 451 is guided into the body or the like by the guide wire 403.
In this way, the optical probe main body 6 is easily inserted into a body or the like.

Then, when a light transmitting medium is injected into the lumen 452 from the proximal end side (not shown) of the catheter 451, the periphery of the optical unit in the lumen 452 is filled with the light transmitting medium and further into the balloon 456 from a side hole (not shown). The flowing light transmission medium fills the balloon 456 while inflating the balloon 456. At this time, the catheter 4 is closed by the sealing member 455 disposed on the lumen 452.
The outflow of the light transmission medium from the tip portion of 51 is prevented.

As described above, according to the optical probe shown in FIG. 31, it is possible to obtain an effect that a guide wire is provided with a simple configuration and can be smoothly inserted into a body or the like.

By the way, when the optical probe of the optical imaging device is inserted into the body to observe a tomographic image of the tissue in the body,
Conventionally, there has been a demand for performing a treatment on a body tissue, such as resection of an atheroma caused by the solidification of fat in a blood vessel, while observing the body tissue. However, for example, an optical probe of a conventional optical imaging device as shown in PCT application WO97 / 32182 includes:
There was no provision for removing body tissue. FIG. 32 shows an example of an optical imaging apparatus capable of performing resection of a body tissue while observing a tomographic image of the body tissue.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

An optical imaging device 501 shown in FIG.
The optical probe 502 is inserted into the body and irradiates while scanning low interference light toward the object to obtain the object reflected light reflected by the object. The optical probe 502 is connected to the base end side of the optical probe 502 and An operation unit 503 that operates the optical probe 502 and transmits light that enters and exits the optical probe 502.
Receiving irradiation light to the optical probe 502 via the operation unit 503 and receiving reflected light from the optical probe 502 via the operation unit 503 to obtain a video signal including a tomographic image of the object. Signal processing device 504
And a monitor device 505 for projecting the video signal obtained by the signal processing device 504.

As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the optical probe 502 includes an optical unit 541 for inputting / outputting light to / from a subject, and the optical unit 541 having the optical unit 541 attached to the tip thereof. An elongate flexible shaft 542 that transmits light to and from the operation unit 503 and transmits a rotational driving force from the operation unit 503 to the optical unit 541, and an elongate flexible shaft 542 through which the flexible shaft 542 is rotatably and retractably inserted. A sheath tube 511 and a distal end portion 5 which is provided at the distal end of the sheath tube 511 and in which the optical unit 541 is disposed.
12, a guide wire 513 extending forward from the distal end of the distal end portion 512 to guide the optical probe 502 into the body, and a liquid inlet provided near the base end side of the sheath tube 511 for injecting a fluid into the sheath tube 511. 514 is provided.

The optical unit 541 is provided with a light emitting portion 551 for entering and exiting light, and a cutter 552 for advancing and retreating in the front-back direction to cut off tissue in the body.

The front end portion 512 includes a housing 531 which is a frame of the front end portion 512 and the housing 531.
A front end cover 532 covering the front end of the housing 53;
1 and the sheath tube 51 from the liquid inlet 514.
Balloon 533 for enclosing fluid to be injected through
It is provided with. The housing 531 includes:
A window 534 exposing the cutter 552 is formed on the side.

As shown in FIG. 32, the operation unit 503
A driving device 521 that transmits a rotational driving force when scanning light to the subject to the flexible shaft 542,
A lever arm 522 for moving the cutter 552 of the optical unit 541 forward and backward via the flexible shaft 542 by sliding operation, and a cable 523 for transmitting light between the signal processing device 504 and the signal processing device 504 are provided. .

Next, the operation of the optical imaging apparatus 501 shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 will be described. First, the optical probe 502 is introduced into the body by the guide wire 513.
Then, the optical unit 541 is rotationally driven by the driving device 521, the irradiation light provided from the signal processing device 504 is irradiated to the subject from the light emitting unit 551, and the subject reflected light reflected from the subject is reflected by the light emitting unit 551. The signal is input to the signal processing device 504, and the signal processing device 504 obtains a video signal including a tomographic image of the subject from the reflected light of the subject. The tomographic image of the subject is displayed on the monitor device 505.

Then, when a fluid is injected from the liquid injection port 514, the balloon 533 is expanded by the liquid flowing into the balloon 533 via the sheath tube 511, and the cutter 552 exposed from the window 534 is pressed against the body wall. When the lever arm 522 is slid in this state, the cutter 552 moves back and forth in the front-rear direction, whereby the living tissue is excised.

As described above, according to the optical imaging apparatus 501 shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, an effect is obtained that the in-vivo tissue can be excised while observing the tomographic image of the in-vivo tissue.

[Supplementary Note] (Supplementary Note 1-1) Inserted into the body or the like, scan and emit low-interference light from the light input / output unit toward the subject, and reflect the subject reflected light from the subject. An optical imaging apparatus comprising: an optical probe having a light input / output unit at a tip thereof; and obtaining a tomographic image of the subject based on the reflected light from the subject obtained by the optical probe. And an elongated sheath that is inserted so as to be able to advance and retreat, and is formed in a shape that covers at least the axial movement range of the light input / output unit with respect to the sheath provided at the distal end of the sheath, and the light input / output unit and the subject An optical imaging device, comprising: a light transmitting medium enclosing means that can expand and contract a light transmitting medium that fills a space.

(Additional Item 1-2) In the optical imaging apparatus according to additional item 1-1, the light transmission medium enclosing means is configured to be detachable from the sheath.

(Supplementary item 2-1) Light input / output which is inserted into the body or the like and emitted from the light input / output unit while scanning low interference light toward the subject, and receives the reflected light from the subject. An optical imaging apparatus comprising: an optical probe having a means at a tip thereof; and an optical imaging apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image of the subject based on reflected light from the subject obtained by the optical probe. And an elongated sheath provided at the distal end of the sheath and formed to have a shape covering at least the light input / output unit and filled with a light transmission medium for filling a space between the light input / output unit and the subject. A light transmission medium enclosing means; and a light transmission medium outflow means for causing the light transmission medium to flow out of the light transmission medium enclosing means when the light transmission medium is excessively enclosed in the light transmission medium enclosing means. Octopus The optical imaging device according to claim.

(Additional Item 2-2) The optical imaging device according to Additional Item 1-1, wherein the light transmitting medium enclosing means is provided when the light transmitting medium is excessively sealed in the light transmitting medium enclosing means. And a light transmission medium outflow means for causing the light transmission medium to flow out of the apparatus.

(Additional Item 2-3) The optical imaging apparatus according to additional items 2-1 and 2-2, wherein the light transmission medium outflow means is provided in the light transmission medium enclosing means. Was provided with a valve that creates a gap when excessively sealed.

(Additional Item 2-4) In the optical imaging apparatus according to Additional Item 2-3, the valve is provided in the light transmission medium enclosing means and has an annular shape for ensuring watertightness by contracting force. It was provided with the formed seal member and the member which secures the watertightness between the said seal members by being clamped by the said seal member.

(Additional Item 2-5) The optical imaging device according to Additional Item 2-4, wherein a groove for engaging the seal member is formed in a member for ensuring watertightness with the seal member. did.

(Additional Item 2-6) The optical imaging device according to Additional Item 2-5, wherein the groove for forming a gap between the seal member and the seal member when the seal member comes off the groove is formed. It was formed of a member for ensuring watertightness with the seal member.

(Additional Item 2-7) The optical imaging device according to Additional Item 2-1 and Additional Item 2-2, wherein the first imaging device is sandwiched by a peripheral portion of a hole formed in the light transmitting medium enclosing means. Sealing means, and a second sealing means for fixing the peripheral portion to the first sealing means, when the light transmission medium is excessively sealed, the peripheral portion is partially The fixing strength of the peripheral portion with respect to the first sealing means was changed depending on the position of the peripheral portion so as to be separated from the first sealing means.

(Supplementary item 3-1) Light input / output that is inserted into the body or the like and emitted from the light input / output unit while scanning low interference light toward the subject, and receives reflected light from the subject. An optical probe having means at the tip thereof, for guiding the optical probe into the body or the like in an optical imaging apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image of the object based on the object reflected light from the object obtained by the optical probe. A first lumen for inserting the optical probe, and a second lumen for inserting the wire.
An optical imaging device comprising: a catheter having a lumen.

(Supplementary note 3-2) Light input / output that is inserted into the body or the like and emitted from the light input / output unit while scanning low interference light toward the subject, and the reflected light from the subject is incident on the subject. An optical probe having means at the tip thereof, for guiding the optical probe into the body or the like in an optical imaging apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image of the object based on the object reflected light from the object obtained by the optical probe. An optical imaging device comprising a catheter having a lumen through which the wire and the optical probe can be inserted alternately.

(Additional Item 3-3) The optical imaging apparatus according to additional item 3-1 wherein the first of the catheters
And a third lumen that is provided on the distal end side with respect to the first lumen and the second lumen and communicates with the first lumen and the second lumen via a branch portion.

(Additional Item 3-4) The optical imaging apparatus according to additional items 3-1 to 3-3, wherein the light is formed in a shape provided at the catheter and at least covering the light input / output section. An expandable and contractible light transmission medium enclosing means for enclosing a light transmission medium filling a space between the input / output section and the subject is provided.

(Appendix 4-1) Light input / output means which is inserted into the body, emits low interference light from the light input / output section toward the subject while scanning, and receives the reflected light from the subject. An optical probe having an optical probe at a tip thereof, and an optical imaging apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image of the subject based on reflected light from the subject obtained by the optical probe. Cutting means for cutting off the tissue.

(Additional Item 4-2) The optical imaging apparatus according to Additional Item 4-1, wherein the cutting means is provided on the opposite side to the cutting means with the optical probe near the tip of the optical probe interposed therebetween. For pressing the tissue against the tissue.

(Additional Item 4-3) In the optical imaging device according to Additional Item 4-1, the light input / output unit is provided rotatable about a longitudinal direction of the optical probe as an axis.

[0101]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Unnecessary reflected light at the light entrance / exit port or the like caused by a change in the relative position in the axial direction between the sheath covering the optical probe and the light entrance / exit means due to the bending of the optical probe or the like is reduced and obtained. The effect of improving the image quality of the tomographic image is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 to FIG. 9 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an entire configuration of an optical imaging apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view including a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an optical unit and a flexible shaft.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a connector.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a balloon unit.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a connection portion between the base and the connector.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an appearance of an optical probe in which an optical probe main body and a balloon sheath are connected.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a light transmission medium is sealed in a balloon portion.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a light transmission medium is sealed in a balloon portion.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the light transmission medium flows out of the balloon section.

FIGS. 10 to 12 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a distal end portion of a balloon sheath.

11 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a balloon sheath in which a balloon portion and a sheath tube are connected.

FIGS. 13 to 18 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of an optical probe.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a proximal end portion of a sheath tube of a balloon sheath.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view including a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a connector.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a balloon unit.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a structure of a base of a balloon unit.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the light transmission medium flows out of the balloon section.

FIGS. 19 and 20 relate to a first modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a balloon unit.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a structure of a base of the balloon unit.

FIGS. 21 and 22 relate to a second modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a balloon unit.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a structure of a base of the balloon unit.

FIGS. 23 and 24 relate to a third modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a balloon unit.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the structure of a balloon.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the structure of a balloon according to a fourth modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view including a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a first configuration example of an optical probe including a guide wire.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory view including a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a second configuration example of the optical probe including a guide wire.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory view including a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a third configuration example of the optical probe including a guide wire.

29 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 28.

30 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the distal end of the optical probe shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is an explanatory view including a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth configuration example of the optical probe including a guide wire.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an optical imaging device capable of cutting a living tissue;

FIG. 33 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of the tip of the optical probe of the optical imaging device shown in FIG. 32;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical imaging apparatus 2 ... Optical probe 6 ... Optical probe main body 7 ... Balloon sheath 11 ... Optical unit 21 ... Sheath tube 23 ... Balloon part 32 ... Light emitting part 52 ... Tip cap 53 ... Balloon

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Shuhei Iizuka 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hitoshi Mizuno 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optics Within Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kenji Hirooka 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2F065 AA45 AA52 BB05 BB24 CC16 DD05 DD09 FF04 FF42 GG12 LL02 LL46 4C061 AA00 BB07 CC07 DD03 FF02 FF35 FF36 HH51 HH60

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A light input / output unit which is inserted into a body or the like and emits low interference light from a light input / output unit toward a subject while scanning the same and receives reflected light from the subject at an end thereof. An optical imaging device that includes an optical probe and obtains a tomographic image of the subject based on the subject reflected light from the subject obtained by the optical probe. A sheath, and a light transmission medium that is provided at a distal end of the sheath and is formed in a shape that covers at least an axial movement range of the light input / output unit with respect to the sheath and fills a space between the light input / output unit and the subject. An optical imaging device, comprising: a light transmitting medium enclosing means that can be extended and retracted.