DE202005009189U1 - Arrangement for conducting con-focal laser-scanning contact endoscopy in larger cavity of body, using water immersion lens - Google Patents

Abstract

A con-focal laser-scanning contact endoscopy is normally conducted at a low depth level as at the skin or the cornea of a patient. The new arrangement can be used for scanning larger cavities like the nostrils, ears, or the mouth. For this purpose the normally used system (2) is combined with an endoscopic optical system assembled of a field lens (3), a projecting element (4) positioned in the path of the laser beam (1) and a miniature water immersion contact lens (6). The unit is provided with two optical joints (8).

Description

The The invention relates to an arrangement for confocal laser scanning Contact endoscopy to the high-resolution in vivo imaging of superficial Tissue structures in narrow and deep openings of the human body This arrangement makes a statement about microscopic cell structures especially in the area of near-surface mucous membranes as well possible Cell changes (tumors) in these. Confocal images with high depth resolution are made for this purpose. Important parameters are e.g. the cell density, tumorous cell changes, exact depth to the surface, Transparency and reflection behavior.

It is known to be compatible with conventional confocal light sources. and laser scanning microscopes from well-known manufacturers succeed, the Skin (body surface including cornea of the eye) in magnification areas to map the cell structure. Due to the size of the devices, this technique is the confocal Microscopy in deeper body cavities so far remained closed.

normal Contact endoscopes reach due to the high level of scattered light the lighting is not the desired one depth resolution and are usually dependent on surface staining (methylene blue).

The Problem of the invention is the development of an arrangement for a rigid / semi-rigid endoscope for coupling to a confocal laser Scanning Ohthalmoscope for a microscopic picture of surface structures through the displacement the laser focus plane to the end of a thin, long lens barrel (Endoscope) as well as the coupling into the tissue by a strongly enlarging High numerical aperture lens and a PMMA contact cap.

Of the Erindung is the object of the invention to provide an arrangement with it after coupling to a confocal laser scanning microscope succeeds in cell structures even in deeper body cavities of the human body analyze and thus also an in vivo-controlled tissue sampling possible becomes.

According to the invention this Task solved by that an endoscope connects to a confocal laser scanning opthalmoscope with high magnification and coupled numerical aperture, in which by a field lens and a projective the image plane (intermediate image / focal plane) of the Microscope in the plane of a person at the end of the endoscope Miniature lens (water immersion version) with high magnification and numerical aperture is shifted. For the exact determination of the depth of the imaged tissue is located at the end of the endoscope small PMMA contact cap which stabilizes the distance to the tissue. By shifting the projective relative to the contact lens can be any magnification and Set depth or a mechanical-electronic z-scan using Stepper motor performed become. Mechanical-optical joints are said to have a certain flexibility (Rotation, swivel) during insertion into the body cavities.

The Original function of the confocal laser microscope is intended by the Endoscopic additive not restricted and be built in the conception of a modular system.

• 1. in vivo-Darstellung der Mikromorphologie von Zellstrukturen in tiefen Körperhöhlen,
• 2. Gezielte Gewebeentnahme bei Tumorverdacht und
• 3. In vivo-Nachkontrolle nach Operation

Achieved advantages of the invention over comparable microscopes are:

• 1. in vivo representation of the micromorphology of cell structures in deep body cavities,
• 2. Targeted tissue sampling in suspected tumors and
• 3. In vivo follow-up after surgery

Reference to an embodiment, the invention will be explained in more detail. The enclosed 1 1 shows a diagram of a rigid / semi-rigid endoscope for a confocal laser scanning microscope on HRT II (Heidelberg Engineering GmbH / Dossenheim)

According to 1 becomes the beam path of the laser 1 Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope HRT II / RCM 2 behind the field lens 3 of the RCM by means of a projection lens 4 so changed, that the laser focus 5 into the thing side of a water immersion objective 6 at the end of an endoscope tube 7 is relocated. The endoscope tube 7 is with two optical joints 8th Mistake. A PMMA cap 9 at the end of the endoscope tube 7 with a diameter of 2-4 mm guaranteed in the contact process by a displacement of the projecting lens 4 or internal z-scans in HRT II / RCM 2 an exact depth adjustment of the laser focus 5 in the tissue to be examined.

1

beam path of the scanning laser

2

confocal Laser Scanning Microscope HRT II / RCM

3

field lens of the RCM

4

Projection Lens

5

Laser Focus

6

Water-immersion objective

7

endoscope tube

8th

optical joint

9

PMMA contact cap

10

Mirror refractor

Claims (4)

Arrangement for confocal laser scanning Contact endoscopy In vivo imaging of superficial tissue structures in the mucosa or tumors in tissue samples in the inaccessible to conventional confocal microscopes body cavities of the human eye, neck, nose and u. Otolaryngology and oral and u. Oral surgery, gynecology and gastroenterology, characterized in that the confocal laser scanning microscope Heidelberg Retina Tomograph HRT II ( 2 ) with an optical endoscope system consisting of a field lens ( 3 ), a projective ( 4 ) in the beam path ( 1 ) of the scanner and a miniature contact lens ( 6 ) and for the purpose of better mobility with at least two optical joints ( 8th ) is provided. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that by moving the projective ( 4 ) the magnification and focus depth position ( 5 ) is varied over a wide range. Arrangement according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that by the use of a PMMA miniature cap ( 9 ) in contact with the water immersion objective ( 6 ) at the end of the endoscope ( 7 ) a defined depth adjustment of the focal plane ( 5 ) in the tissue ( 11 ) is achieved. Arrangement according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that by means of a mirror prism cap ( 10 ) a lateral mapping of the mucosal wall in tubular tissue structures (vessels, ureters, neck, esophagus) is possible.