JP4476124B2 - Multi-fiber catheter probe device for tissue analysis or treatment - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION This application relates to optical medical devices, and more particularly to optical medical devices that deliver and collect radiant energy to enable analysis and / or treatment of body tissue, and as a reference. By the same applicant of US patent application Ser. No. 09 / yyy, xxx entitled “Catheter probe device for radiant energy delivery and radiant energy collection” (InFraReDx-12), which is incorporated herein in its entirety. And is pending.

Prior Art Detecting and treating various tissue features in an in vivo intravascular environment is still difficult to perform such analysis or treatment due to the extremely harsh environment within the vessel. It is desired. The presence of blood and its components, such as cholesterol, will affect the scattering and absorption of energy signals transmitted through the tissue. Diagnosis and treatment of various tissues in the human body using an in vivo probe requires adaptive characteristics when the probe is inserted into an organ of a mammalian body.

  The object of the present invention is to provide a probe for insertion into a mammalian body that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a less invasive tool suitable for wave energy transfer (ie photonic) diagnosis and treatment using endoscopes, catheters and other less invasive tools. .

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an optical probe tip device that facilitates optimal delivery and retrieval of energy signals within human tissue.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a catheter probe device having a plurality of signal delivery and collection fabs that are dimensionally and angularly adaptable with respect to the body tissue to be analyzed and / or treated.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a catheter probe apparatus for analyzing body tissue using components of an energy spectrum for analysis, wherein energy is distributed and received by an elongated multi-fiber probe that can be introduced into the body tissue through a catheter, and A method of using a catheter probe device is provided. The introduction of such a body probe may be through an endoscope or other catheter-like device for energy diagnosis and treatment of the tissue.

  The probe of the present invention includes an elongated, generally cylindrical housing having a first or distal end and a second or proximal end. The housing of the first preferred embodiment has a central hole therethrough that can be characterized as a lumen for receiving other elongate devices such as guide wires or signal transmission fibers. The housing has an outer peripheral surface thereon having a plurality of alignment grooves spaced apart and parallel to the longitudinal direction. A stepped ledge or step may be placed transverse to the longitudinal axis of the alignment groove to function as a receiving surface or stop surface for each flexible signal fiber installed in each alignment groove. Good.

  A large, generally radial flange is disposed at the leading edge of the alignment groove at the leading edge of the probe housing. The flange may have a reflective surface thereon for directing light energy rays transmitted by the signal transmission fiber, as disclosed herein below. It is contemplated that 8-12 or more alignment grooves will be present around the outer surface of the housing of the probe of the present invention. The ledges or steps located in the alignment groove troughs may be aligned in a common radial plane with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing, or in a plurality of parallel, spaced radial planes. May be aligned. The ledge or step may vary the radial distance in the height direction and may be angled to transpose the fiber tip radially from the radial inner surface of each angular groove in which it is located. May be attached.

  A further aspect of the housing that includes the elongate probe includes a central hole or lumen through which the signal delivery fiber may be disposed to be longitudinally adjustable. The delivery fiber preferably has a polished conical tip at its distal end. The elongated housing of this embodiment will have a plurality of alignment grooves spaced apart from one another in parallel and longitudinally around its outer surface, each alignment groove being adjustable longitudinally therein. A return fiber is placed. Each return fiber will have a polished tip face that is positioned at an angle to its own longitudinal axis. The polished surface will function as a reflective surface for incident light energy rays that are reflected into the longitudinal return path in the return fiber. The probe or elongate housing would be translatable longitudinally into the outermost catheter sheath.

  A further aspect is contemplated for a generally cylindrical housing having a central hole that serves as a lumen for a guidewire or additional light energy carrying fiber. The outer surface of the elongate probe has a plurality of elongate alignment channels or grooves as described above, each elongate groove having a flexible light carrying fiber therein. Alternatively, the fibers disposed circumferentially in this aspect may have a delivery fiber and a return signal fiber. Each of the delivery signal fiber and the return signal fiber may have a polishing surface at its distal end, each surface being disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to its longitudinal axis. It is also conceivable to transpose each light transmission or return signal fiber individually in each alignment groove in the longitudinal direction to adjust the desired analysis and / or treatment on the mammalian body tissue to be treated. .

  Another further aspect of the present invention is an elongate having a reduced diameter proximal end, a plurality of generally parallel spaced apart alignment grooves disposed about the outer surface thereof, and a leading edge. Generally, a cylindrical probe is intended. The front-most leading edge preferably has a forward-graded edge and a backward-graded edge. A sloped back-facing edge in the form of an angle is a reflective surface. A device of optical signal carrying fiber will be placed in each alignment groove. A signal fiber is transmitted through an optical signal and / or is reflected and received at a reflective angle plane at a rearwardly graded edge at the front edge portion of the elongated housing Would have. The conical portion of the leading edge of the elongated housing at the tip of the alignment groove may also be translatable longitudinally relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated housing. The reflective surface is slightly arcuate or shaped to change the angle of the optical energy signal sent to or received from the elongate probe within the tip of the catheter in which tissue analysis / treatment is performed. It may be a segmented cross section or may have an angled reflective portion thereon.

  Yet another aspect of the invention contemplates an elongated, generally cylindrical housing having a proximal end with a reduced diameter. A central hole extends through the elongated housing and extends out of its tip. The distal half of the elongate housing has a plurality of generally parallel, spaced circumferentially aligned alignment grooves formed therein. The alignment groove is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated housing. In this aspect, the axis length of each alignment groove is not the same. The reflective leading edges of adjacent alignment grooves are longitudinally separated, allowing for greater energy collection and / or delivery to the optical signal carrying fiber disposed therein. In this embodiment of the elongated housing, the leading edge of each alignment groove has a mirror surface angled therein. The arched segments defining the mirror surface for each alignment groove are preferably arched (circumferential) greater than the arch (circumference) width of each alignment groove. This longitudinal displacement of adjacent optical signal carrying fibers can increase the light dispersion and collection (collection) path of the analysis of the tissue being examined or treated.

  Another embodiment, generally similar to the above embodiment, contemplates a mirror at the tip of the alignment groove having the same arch dimensions as the respective alignment groove in which it fits.

  Yet another aspect contemplated for an elongate probe at the tip of a catheter may include a single elongate protrusion having a hole therethrough, in this example the tip of the protrusion is A probe component is defined. The component probe further includes a plurality of axially aligned alignment grooves on the outside of the protrusion, each alignment groove having a fiber spaced therein. A conical reflector is provided spaced apart at the fiber alignment groove and the distal end of the fiber therein. A ball tip may be mounted over the tip of the delivery fiber and / or return fiber required with the alignment groove of the probe housing. The ball tips expand and change the spread of the light beams of light energy delivered or returned through their respective fibers. The central lumen within the protrusion may have a guide wire for delivering the probe into the body conduit, or the central lumen may include one or more energies for delivering optical signal energy to the probe location. A delivery fiber may be included.

  Yet another aspect contemplates an elongate probe including therein an elongate housing having a plurality of alignment grooves made thereabout. In this embodiment, the alignment grooves increase the number of fibers or increase the density of the fibers to better control each of the signal fibers and the light energy rays they send or receive, and at the same time increase the fiber density. In order to be able to change the spacing, it is arranged on the inner surface of the annular housing adjacent to the outer peripheral surface of the housing containing the signal fibers and in an alternating manner. The annular housing in which the alignment groove is made coincides with the outer periphery of the elongated protrusion having a central hole therethrough. In this aspect, the annular row of lens prisms is disposed at the tip of the annular alignment groove housing. Each lens prism in the annular array of lens prisms may function with an adjacent signal fiber to direct energy signals to and from those signal fibers. Such an annular array of lens prisms will allow the energy signals sent and / or received through adjacent signal fibers to be superimposed. Each fiber, of course, communicates with the energy generator, the light energy sent through various body tissues outside the catheter probe, reflected, and received through the appropriate return fiber for computer analysis and reporting. They have their proximal ends in communication with an energy receiving analyzer for analyzing the signal.

  Yet another aspect of the probe of the present invention contemplates an elongate housing disposed on the outer periphery of a perforated central protrusion. The elongated housing has a leading edge located adjacent to the protruding core tip. The elongate housing has a proximal half end portion having a plurality of longitudinal alignment grooves parallel thereto. The alignment groove in this embodiment has a tip that defines a reflective surface created in the housing portion. Each reflective leading edge of the alignment groove is disposed at a different angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of each optical signal fiber disposed within the alignment groove. This causes the reflective surface to preferably deliver a narrow energy beam and return a broad energy beam reflected from adjacent tissue on the emitting surface in which the elongated probe is placed. This allows for more local energy input and a wider collection area, allowing more available signals (photons) to be collected. In this way, the numerical apertures of alternating reflective surfaces are larger and the numerical aperture between these larger ones is smaller.

  Thus, what has been disclosed is a unique elongate probe that can be placed within the distal end of a catheter that is plugged into mammalian body tissue, such as an optical fiber or optical waveguide. And a plurality of optical energy collecting members such as optical fibers or optical waveguides. The collector members (fibers / waveguides) are preferably arranged in an annular array around the central protrusion and at various intervals in the longitudinal direction, with respect to yet another aspect thereof. The central protrusion may include a hole or lumen for additional fibers or guide wires to facilitate entry into the body lumen. The spectrum of energy delivered and received by the annular array of fibers can range from ultrasound to ultraviolet or more. The proximal ends of these elongate energy carrying fibers are in communication with an energy delivery source and a computer that receives and analyzes the energy to properly analyze the tissue in the mammal's body for subsequent treatment.

  In this manner, the present invention may include a catheter tip device that is disposed within a catheter for delivery and collection of energy signals that enables analysis and / or treatment of body tissue with the energy signals. The apparatus includes a plurality of annularly disposed elongated grooves disposed thereon; and an elongated housing having a flexible energy carrying fiber disposed in each of the elongated grooves, each fiber being an energy delivery source or A proximal end is in communication with the signal analysis center.

  Each fiber directs energy analysis light to the body tissue where the catheter is placed, or for optical energy treatment, eg, parabolic, convex, concave or aspheric shaped mirrors, dielectric mirrors, refractive index interfaces or It has a leading edge in communication with a light redirecting member such as a flat or curved reflector of the diffractive optical element. The groove may be disposed on the outer surface of the housing. The groove may be disposed on the inner surface of the housing. The most advanced part of the fiber has a reflective surface. The leading edge of the fiber may be directed to a redirecting member such as an angled reflective surface. The housing preferably has a longitudinal hole extending through it and centrally located. The energy carrying fiber may be placed in the hole of the housing. An elongate guidewire may be placed through the hole to allow orientation of the catheter tip device within the body lumen. The energy carrying fiber disposed in the hole may be transposable in the longitudinal direction in the hole. The fiber may be transposable in the longitudinal direction in the groove of the housing. Each groove may have a ledge at its distal end to provide an abutment for the fiber disposed in the groove. The grooves in the housing may not have the same axial length. The reflective surface may include an annular reflective surface. The annular reflecting surface may be transposable in the vertical direction with respect to the tip of the groove. Each reflecting surface may have an arch width equal to the width of each groove. Each reflecting surface may have an arch size larger than the arch size of each groove. At least one reflective surface of the fiber may include a ball. The reflective surface may be disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fiber. The housing may include a proximal portion having a reduced diameter relative to the housing including the groove. The redirecting member will thus include an annular array of reflectors such as the redirecting member as described above. At least one of the annular rows of prisms may communicate with at least two fibers. The reflective surface may include a conical reflector disposed circumferentially adjacent to the groove. The adjacent reflective surfaces of the circumference may not be the same. The reflective surface may be a longitudinal arch.

  The present invention also includes a catheter tip device that is disposed within the catheter for delivery and collection of optical energy signals, allowing analysis and / or treatment of body tissue adjacent to the catheter tip device with the energy signals. The apparatus includes an elongate housing having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of annularly arranged elongate grooves disposed thereon; and an optical fiber or waveguide (in order to simplify the fiber disposed in each elongate groove). Including a flexible light energy carrying member.

  Each fiber has a proximal end in communication with an optical energy delivery source or optical signal analysis center. Each fiber communicates in spaced optical communication with a reflector device for redirecting the body tissue illumination to treat the energy of the body tissue in which the catheter is placed and to analyze the tissue. Having a leading end surface. The fibers in each groove may include an annular row of light carrying fibers disposed along the axis.

  The reflector may include a single annular surface disposed at the tip adjacent to the surface end of each fiber. The reflector may include a discontinuous independent reflective surface disposed at the tip adjacent to each face end of each fiber, such as an annular row of adjacent reflectors. The reflector may include a prism. The reflector may include an annular prism disposed at the tip adjacent to the end face of each fiber. Adjacent reflectors in the annular array may have different surface characteristics. Adjacent reflectors in the annular row may be arranged at different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Adjacent reflectors in the annular array of fibers may carry different optical signals. The housing may have a central lumen extending therethrough, and an elongated optical signal fiber may be disposed therein. The fiber disposed within the central lumen may be translatable longitudinally relative to the elongated housing probe. Each independent reflective surface may be located at a different longitudinal position relative to the elongated housing. At least one of the annular rows of fibers may have a ball tip thereon to disperse and transmit light. The reflector device may be transposed longitudinally with respect to the surface end of the light energy carrying fiber.

  The present invention may also include a catheter tip device disposed within the catheter for delivery and collection of an optical energy signal that enables analysis and / or treatment of body tissue adjacent to the catheter tip device by means of the energy signal. Good. The apparatus may include an elongated housing having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of annularly disposed elongated grooves disposed thereon; and a flexible light energy carrying fiber disposed within each elongated groove. Each of the fibers has a proximal end portion that communicates with an optical energy transmission source or an optical signal analysis center, and each of the fibers has a distal end surface that communicates with a body tissue at a distance from each other, and each groove The fibers within may be assembled to form an annular array of axially arranged light carrying fibers. Each of the light collection fibers may have tips that are vertically spaced from one another. Each light-carrying fiber may be arranged to collect light energy at the same time as it is sent to the body tissue to be analyzed. Each light carrying fiber may have a light conversion member in its optical path. The light-carrying fiber may collect a wider range of light energy rays than the light energy rays delivered to the body tissue.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Turning now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 (A), 1 (B) and 1 (C), an elongated, having a first or distal end 22 and a second or proximal end 24 A first preferred embodiment of the present invention comprising a generally cylindrical housing 20 is shown as an end view. The housing 20 of the first preferred embodiment has a central hole 26 extending axially therethrough, such as a guide wire or a signal carrying member such as a fiber or waveguide. It may also be characterized as a lumen that houses other elongated devices. The housing 20 has a plurality of parallel, longitudinal alignment grooves 30 spaced apart thereon and an outer peripheral surface 28 extending axially along a central portion of the axial length of the housing 20. . FIG. 1A discloses eight such grooves 30, FIG. 1B discloses ten such grooves 30, and FIG. 1C discloses twelve such fiber support grooves 30. ing. A stepped protrusion or step 32 is disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis “L” of the alignment groove 30 and the receiving surface of each flexible optical signal transmission fiber “F” disposed in each alignment groove 30 Alternatively, it may function as a stop surface.

  In this preferred embodiment, an enlarged annular flange 34 is disposed longitudinally adjacent to the leading edge of the alignment groove 30 adjacent to the leading edge 22 of the probe housing 20. The flange 34 may have an inclined reflective surface 36 for diverting light energy rays from or to the optical signal carrying fiber “F”, as disclosed in further detail below. . The ledges or steps 32 disposed in the troughs of the alignment grooves 30 may be aligned in a common radial plane with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing 20 or may be parallel, spaced apart, as disclosed below. May be aligned in a radial plane with a gap. The ledges or steps 32 may vary in radial height to adjust a particular fiber “F”, as shown in FIG. 1 (C), and angled to each fiber “F”. May be displaced slightly in the radial direction from the radial inner surface of each annular groove 30 in which it is disposed.

  A further embodiment of a generally cylindrical housing 20 including an elongate probe is shown in FIG. 2, which may be positioned so as not to move the optical signal delivery fiber 42 therein. Or a central bore or lumen 40 that may be adjustable in the longitudinal direction. The delivery fab 42 will preferably have a polished conical tip 44 at its distal end. The elongated housing 20 of this embodiment has a plurality of circumferentially spaced, parallel, longitudinal alignment grooves 46 around it, each alignment groove 46 adjusting longitudinally therein. A return optical signal carrying fiber 48 is provided. Each return fiber 48 has a polishing surface 50 disposed at an angle with respect to its longitudinal axis “L1”. The polishing surface 50 will function as a reflective surface for incident energy rays “E” reflected from the tissue “T” into the longitudinal return path in the return fiber 42. The probe or elongate housing 20 may be transposed longitudinally within the outermost catheter sheath 52, which sheath 52 is not shown for simplicity of illustration, but by suitable analysis and / or treatment equipment. The body of the mammal will be advanced for analysis and / or treatment by light energy waves.

  A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3, which is intended for a generally cylindrical housing 20 having a central hole 54 that serves as a lumen for a guidewire or further energy transfer fiber 56. Yes. The outer surface of the elongate probe or housing 20 has a plurality of the elongate, circumferentially disposed alignment channels or grooves 58 formed therein (by extrusion, molding or machining), the elongate groove 58 being Each has a light carrying fiber 60 therein. In this embodiment, the circumferentially disposed light carrying fiber 60 may be replaced with a light delivery fiber 60D and a collection or return signal fiber 60R. Each of the delivery signal fiber 60D and the return signal fiber 60R may have a polished leading edge surface 62 having an angle of about 45 degrees relative to its longitudinal axis “L3”. In order to adjust the analysis and / or treatment desired for the mammalian body tissue to be treated, each optical transmission or return signal fiber 60D or 60R is transposed longitudinally within the respective alignment groove 58. You may think further.

  4 (A), 4 (B) and 4 (C) show a proximal end 64 having a small diameter with respect to the outer surface 66 of the central portion 68 of the housing probe 20, a circumference generally parallel to the circumference thereof Intended for an elongated, generally cylindrical housing probe 20 having a central portion 68 with a plurality of optical energy carrying fiber alignment grooves 70 spaced apart from each other, and a housing probe 20 also having a leading edge 72 Represents another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The leading edge 72 preferably has a front end 74 that is inclined forward or tapered and an edge 76 that is inclined rearward or tapered. The tapered rearward edge 76 depicted at an angle in FIG. 4B is a reflective surface. The optical signal carrying fiber 78 will be placed in each alignment groove 70 as shown in FIG. 4 (B). The signal fiber 78 has a leading edge surface 80 that transmits and / or receives the optical energy signal “E4” by reflection at a reflection angle surface of a tapered rearward edge 76 at the leading edge 72 of the elongated housing 20. . The energy “E4” provides a source of energy signals and an analysis device for analysis / diagnosis and treatment of mammalian tissue “T4” for illustration of all embodiments of the present invention, and The analyzer 79 may send and / or return through appropriate circuitry 81. The front edge 72 of the elongated housing 20 at the distal end of the alignment groove 70 may be transposed longitudinally along the longitudinal axis “L4” of the elongated housing 20 as indicated by the arrow “A”. The rearward edge 76 consists of a reflective surface 77 with a slightly arched or segmented cross section, or may have an angled reflective portion thereon as shown in FIG. 4 (C) , Thereby longitudinally adjusting the leading edge portion 72 to deliver or receive energy signals “to or received from tissue adjacent to the elongated probe housing 20 at the distal end of the catheter where the tissue analysis / treatment is performed. Change the angle of “E4” and change it.

  5 (A) and 5 (B) are further illustrations of the present invention that contemplate an elongated, generally cylindrical housing 86 having a proximal end 88 that is smaller in diameter than the distal half 90 of the housing 86. An aspect is shown. The central hole 92 extends through the elongated housing 86 and extends out to its distal end 90. . The most distal half 90 of the elongated housing 86 has a plurality of generally parallel, spaced circumferentially aligned alignment grooves 94 made therein. The alignment groove 94 is parallel to the longitudinal axis “L5” of the elongated housing 86. In this embodiment, the axial length of each alignment groove 94 is not the same as shown in FIGS. 5 (A) and 5 (B). The leading edges of adjacent alignment grooves 94 are longitudinally separated so that energy collection / delivery with respect to fibers (not shown in these figures) disposed therein can be expanded. The leading edge of each alignment groove 94 of the elongated housing 86 in this embodiment has a polished mirror surface 96 angled therein. As shown in FIG. 5 (A), the arched segment defining the mirror surface 96 for each alignment groove has an arch shape (circumferential shape) larger than the width of the arch shape (circumferential shape) of each alignment groove 94. Preferably there is. Such longitudinal differences between adjacent signal carrying fibers, which appear as longitudinal axial differences in the grooves 94, allow the fibers to increase the analysis path of the body tissue to be examined or treated.

  Another embodiment that is generally similar to the above embodiment is that the mirror 100 at the tip of the alignment groove 94 has the same arcuate shape (width) as each of the alignment grooves in which they fit, as shown in FIG. ) Intended to be dimensions.

  FIG. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment intended for an elongate probe housing 102 at the distal end of the catheter 103 that may include a single elongate protrusion 104 having a hole 106 extending longitudinally therethrough. In this example, the tip of the protrusion defines a probe component 102. The housing probe 102 in this component further includes a plurality of axially aligned alignment grooves 108 on the outer surface of the projection 104, each alignment groove 108 having a fiber 110 spaced therein. . A conical reflector 112 is spaced from the tip of the fiber alignment groove 108 and the tip of the fiber 110 contained therein. The ball tip 114 may be attached to the distal end of the delivery fiber 110 and / or the return fiber 110 contained in the alignment groove 108 of the housing 102 of the probe 102. The ball tip 114 preferably provides a lens device or an alternative reflector device for enlarging and changing the spread of light energy transmitted or returned through the respective fiber 110. The central lumen 106 in the protrusion 104 may have a guide wire 116 for feeding the probe 102 into the body conduit, or the central lumen 106 is not shown for clarity but at its probe position. One or more energy delivery fibers may be included for delivering optical signal energy.

  FIG. 7 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention that contemplates an elongate probe 120 that includes a protruding elongate housing 122 having a plurality of external and internal alignment grooves 124 and 128 made on the circumference of its outer surface. The alignment groove 124 in this manner increases the number of fibers 130 or increases the density of the fibers to better control the signal fibers 130 and each light energy beam they send or receive, and the fiber spacing. Are arranged on the inner surface 127 of the annular housing 122 adjacent to and simultaneously with the outer peripheral surface 126 of each housing 122 in which the signal fiber 130 is accommodated. The annular housing 122 in which the alignment grooves 124 and 128 are made conforms to the outer periphery of the elongated protrusion 122 having a central hole 136 extending therethrough. In this embodiment, the annular row of lens prisms 138 is disposed at the distal end of the annular alignment groove housing 120. Each lens prism 140 in the annular array of lens prisms 138 functions with more than one adjacent signal fiber 130 to direct energy signals to and from them. Such an annular row of lens prisms 138 will allow for the superposition of energy signals sent and / or received through adjacent signal fibers 130. Each fiber 130 communicates with the energy generator 133 through a suitable circuit 135, and through a suitable circuit 139 through various body tissues "T7" external to the catheter probe 120, reflected, and computer. They have their proximal ends in communication with an energy receiving analyzer 137 for analyzing the light energy signal received through a suitable return fiber for analysis and reporting.

  Yet another preferred embodiment of the probe of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 8 (A), 8 (B), 8 (C) and 8 (D), which are of the central protrusion 152 having an inner hole 154. Contemplated is an elongate housing 150 disposed around and encased in an energy ray transmissive catheter sheath 155. The elongated housing 150 has a leading end portion that is disposed adjacent to the tip end portion of the protruding core portion 152. The elongate housing 150 has a proximal most half-end portion 156 having a plurality of longitudinally aligned circumferentially aligned alignment grooves 158 therein. The alignment groove 158 of this embodiment has a tip 160 that defines a reflective surface 162 made in the housing portion 156 thereof. Each reflective front end portion 160 of the matching groove 158 is disposed at a different angle with respect to the longitudinal axis “L8” of each signal fiber 164 installed in the matching groove 158. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 8 (B), 8 (C) and 8 (D), the reflective surface 162 emits a wider light energy “D8” beam and has an elongated probe. The light energy “R8” reflected from adjacent tissue on the radiation surface will return as a narrower ray. In this way, the numerical aperture “NA” of the alternating reflecting surfaces is large, and the numerical aperture “NA” between large ones is small. The delivery numerical aperture NA may range from NA = 0.1 to NA = 0.6, while the collection numerical aperture NA may be NA = 0.1 to NA = 0.7. Ray redirecting members such as mirrors, lenses, derivative lenses, and diffractive optical elements may be about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm apart.

  Thus, a unique elongate probe that can be placed within the distal end of a catheter that is inserted into mammalian body tissue, such as an energy delivery member such as an optical fiber or optical waveguide, and an optical fiber or optical waveguide, etc. An elongate probe having a plurality of such energy collecting members has been disclosed. The collector members (such as fibers) are preferably arranged annularly around the central protrusion. The central protrusion may include a hole or lumen for another fiber or guide wire that facilitates insertion into the body lumen. The spectrum of energy delivered and received from the annular array of fibers can be from ultrasound to ultraviolet or higher. The proximal ends of these elongated energy transfer fibers are, of course, in communication with an energy delivery source and a computer that properly analyzes the tissues in the mammal and receives and analyzes energy to allow subsequent treatment. The delivery of light energy may be done with a single fiber and collected from multiple spaced apart collectors, or it may be sent from multiple fibers and collected with a single collection fiber. Alternatively, in a further aspect, each light carrying member such as a fiber may function as both a light delivery member (such as a fiber) and a light collection member (such as a fiber).

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent when viewed in conjunction with the following drawings.
FIGS. 1A-C are elevational views of a proximal end of an elongated housing of the present invention adapted to support a plurality of fibers. FIGS. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the distal end of an elongate probe housing having a center delivery fiber and a plurality of return fibers spaced longitudinally around the center delivery fiber. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further aspect of the present invention showing an elongate probe having a central lumen and a plurality of alignment grooves spaced about the center lumen. 1 is a perspective view of an elongate probe having a central hole therethrough and a fiber groove segment spaced adjacent to the conical tip of the probe. FIG. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the housing shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B is a diagram similar to FIG. 4B in a further embodiment thereof. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an elongate probe having an alignment groove therein. FIG. 5B is a diagram similar to FIG. 5A in another embodiment thereof. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a protruding central lumen of an elongate probe having an alignment groove and an optical signal fiber in a further embodiment thereof. FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 with another embodiment of the alignment groove arrangement. FIG. 10 is a side view of the distal end of an elongate probe having an alignment groove therein, according to another aspect thereof. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8B-8B in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8C-8C in FIG. 8A. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an elongated probe showing optical energy signals emitted and received from the elongated probe.

Claims (43)

A catheter tip device disposed within a catheter for delivering and collecting energy signals and enabling energy signal analysis and / or energy signal treatment of body tissue with the energy signals, including:
An elongated housing having a plurality of annularly disposed elongated open grooves disposed on the housing; and a flexible energy carrying member disposed within each of the elongated open grooves, the energy carrying member Each of which has a proximal end in communication with an energy delivery source or signal analysis center and is in communication with a light converter member for directing energy analysis or energy treatment of the body tissue on which the catheter is placed. A flexible energy carrying member having a tip.   2. The catheter tip device according to claim 1, wherein the groove is disposed on an outer surface of the housing.   2. The catheter tip device according to claim 1, wherein the groove is disposed on the inner surface of the housing.   2. The catheter tip device of claim 1, wherein the most distal portion of the energy carrying member includes an optical fiber together with a light redirecting device.   2. The catheter tip device according to claim 1, wherein the most distal portion of the energy carrying member is directed to an angled reflecting surface.   2. The catheter tip device of claim 1, wherein the housing has a longitudinal hole disposed through the center thereof.   7. The catheter tip device of claim 6, comprising an energy carrying member disposed within the bore of the housing.   7. The catheter tip device of claim 6, comprising an elongate guidewire disposed through the hole to allow orientation of the catheter tip device within the body lumen.   8. The catheter tip device of claim 7, wherein the energy carrying member includes a fiber disposed in the hole and capable of being displaced longitudinally within the hole.   The catheter tip device according to claim 1, wherein the energy carrying member includes an optical fiber, and the optical fiber can be transposed in a longitudinal direction in a groove of the housing.   2. The catheter tip device of claim 1, wherein each of the grooves has a ledge at its distal end to provide an abutment for an energy carrying member disposed within the groove.   2. The catheter tip device according to claim 1, wherein the grooves in the housing have the same axial length.   5. The catheter tip device according to claim 4, wherein the light beam redirecting member includes a reflecting surface including an annular reflecting surface.   14. The catheter tip device according to claim 13, wherein the annular reflecting surface is transposable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the tip of the groove.   14. A catheter tip device according to claim 13, wherein each of the reflective surfaces has an arcuate width equal to the respective width of the groove.   14. The catheter tip device of claim 13, wherein each of the reflective surfaces has an arcuate dimension that is greater than the respective arcuate dimension of the groove.   14. The catheter tip device of claim 13, wherein the light redirecting member on the at least one fiber comprises a ball.   5. The catheter tip device according to claim 4, wherein the reflecting surface is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fiber.   2. The catheter tip device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a proximal end portion having a small diameter with respect to the housing containing the groove.   5. The catheter tip device of claim 4, wherein the reflecting surface includes an annular row of lens prisms.   21. The catheter tip device of claim 20, wherein at least one of the annular rows of prisms is in communication with at least two fibers.   14. The catheter tip device of claim 13, wherein the reflecting surface includes a conical reflector disposed circumferentially adjacent to the groove.   14. The catheter tip device according to claim 13, wherein the reflecting surfaces adjacent to the circumference are not identical to each other.   14. The catheter tip device according to claim 13, wherein the reflecting surface has an arch shape in the vertical direction. A catheter tip device disposed within a catheter for delivering and collecting a light energy signal and enabling analysis and / or treatment of body tissue adjacent to the catheter tip device with the energy signal, including:
An elongate housing having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of annularly disposed elongated open grooves disposed on the housing; and a flexible light energy carrying fiber disposed in each of the elongated open grooves A proximal end where each of the fibers communicates with an optical energy delivery source or optical signal analysis center, and a reflector device for directing energy analysis or treatment of the body tissue in which the catheter is placed A flexible light energy carrying fiber having a distal end surface in light communication communication, wherein the fibers in each groove comprise an annular array of light carrying fibers arranged axially.   26. The catheter tip device of claim 25, wherein the reflector includes a single annular surface disposed at the tip adjacent to the surface end of each fiber.   26. The catheter tip device of claim 25, wherein the reflector includes discontinuous independent reflective surfaces disposed at the tip adjacent each fiber end as an annular row of adjacent reflectors.   26. The catheter tip device of claim 25, wherein the reflector includes a lens prism.   26. The catheter tip device according to claim 25, wherein the reflector includes an annular lens prism disposed at a tip adjacent to an end face of each fiber.   28. The catheter tip device of claim 27, wherein adjacent reflectors in the annular row have different surface characteristics.   28. The catheter tip device of claim 27, wherein adjacent reflectors in the annular row are arranged at different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing.   26. The catheter tip device of claim 25, wherein adjacent fibers in the annular array of fibers carry different optical signals.   26. The catheter tip device of claim 25, wherein the housing has a central lumen extending therethrough and an elongated optical signal fiber disposed therein.   34. The catheter tip device of claim 33, wherein the fiber disposed within the central lumen is translatable longitudinally relative to the elongated housing probe.   28. The catheter tip device of claim 27, wherein each of the independent reflective surfaces is disposed at a different longitudinal position relative to the elongated housing.   26. The catheter tip device of claim 25, wherein at least one of the annular arrays of fibers has a ball tip thereon for the transmission of dispersed light.   26. The catheter tip device of claim 25, wherein the reflector device can be transposed longitudinally with respect to the surface end of the optical energy carrying fiber. A catheter tip device disposed within a catheter for delivering and collecting a light energy signal and enabling analysis and / or treatment of body tissue adjacent to the catheter tip device with the energy signal, including:
An elongate housing having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of annularly disposed elongate open grooves disposed on the housing; and a flexible light energy carrying fiber disposed in each of the elongate open grooves Each of the fibers has a proximal end in communication with a light energy delivery source or an optical signal analysis center, and a distal end surface in communication with the body tissue at a distance, and the fibers in each groove A flexible light energy carrying fiber that collectively comprises an annular array of light carrying fibers arranged axially.   39. The catheter tip device of claim 38, wherein each of the light collection fibers has a distal end spaced longitudinally from one another.   39. The catheter tip device of claim 38, wherein each of the light carrying fibers is arranged to deliver and collect light energy with respect to the tissue to be analyzed.   39. The catheter tip device of claim 38, wherein each of the light carrying fibers has a light redirecting member in its optical path.   39. The catheter tip device of claim 38, wherein the light carrying fiber collects light energy rays that are wider than the light energy rays delivered to the body tissue.   42. The catheter tip device of claim 41, wherein the light redirecting member may be convex, concave, aspherical, planar, parabolic for optimal light energy ray direction.

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