JP5194839B2 - Rotating light irradiation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a rotary light irradiation apparatus that irradiates a target with light while performing radial scanning.

  In recent years, cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction are increasing. It is considered that the myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction is one of the factors that cause the coronary blood vessels to become clogged by the deposition of so-called atherosclerotic plaque. Conventionally, as a minimally invasive examination of a coronary blood vessel, an examination using an intravascular ultra sound (IVUS) method in which an ultrasound terminal is inserted into a blood vessel has been performed.

  An inspection apparatus for performing the intravascular ultrasonic inspection method includes a catheter, an ultrasonic irradiation unit that includes an ultrasonic transducer and is disposed inside the catheter, and the ultrasonic irradiation unit is arranged in a radial direction of the catheter. And a drive mechanism for rotating. Intravascular ultrasonography is performed as follows. That is, the catheter is inserted into a coronary blood vessel to be examined. The ultrasonic transducer is driven to irradiate ultrasonic waves into the coronary blood vessel, and the drive mechanism is driven to rotate the ultrasonic irradiation unit (radial scanning). The ultrasonic transducer receives the reflected wave reflected by the body tissue. Based on the received signal, processing such as amplification and detection is performed, and a cross-sectional image of the coronary blood vessel to be examined is output based on the intensity of the generated ultrasonic echo.

  However, the intravascular ultrasonography can only obtain a two-dimensional image of a section within a coronary blood vessel. In order to obtain a more accurate three-dimensional image of the coronary blood vessel by this intravascular ultrasonography, a two-dimensional image of a large number of cross sections is taken while the catheter is pulled out, and a three-dimensional image is obtained from the many pieces of imaging data. Need to build. The construction of this three-dimensional image requires advanced technology, which takes time and effort. Further, the resolution is limited due to the characteristics of ultrasonic waves, and it is difficult to obtain a three-dimensional image of a minute portion.

  Therefore, in recent years, a technique has been developed in which optical coherence tomography (OCT) using near infrared light, which noninvasively inspects the fundus and retina, is applied to an inspection method inside a blood vessel.

  Hereinafter, optical coherence tomography will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an outline of the OCT inspection method. As shown in FIG. 9, first, the near-infrared low interference beam (wavelength 850 nm) emitted from the light source (super luminescent diode) Ld is split into two by the beam splitter Bs. One beam is reflected by the beam splitter Bs, travels toward the reference mirror Cm, is reflected by the reference mirror Cm, and returns toward the beam splitter Bs as reference light (control light) Co.

  The other near-infrared low-interference beam passes through the beam splitter Bs and is applied to the object (here, the eye) Tg as measurement light. The measuring light So is reflected by each layer of the object Tg and returns as reflected light having different intensities with a delay. The reference light Co transmitted through the beam splitter Bs and the measurement light So reflected by the beam splitter Bs are merged and detected by the detector Pd. The near-infrared low interference beam is a wave, and an interference phenomenon occurs when the measurement light So and the reference light Co overlap. Due to the interference between the measurement light So and the reference light Co, the intensity and temporal deviation of the measurement light So are detected. A tomographic image of the object can be obtained by converting the information on the intensity and the time lag into a spatial positional relationship. The resolution of the OCT inspection method is 10 μm to 20 μm.

  An inspection apparatus using this optical coherence tomography in an inspection method for inspecting the inside of a blood vessel includes a catheter, a light irradiation unit at a distal end portion of the catheter, a drive mechanism for rotating the light irradiation unit around an axis, and the catheter And an optical fiber that guides near-infrared light emitted from a light source to the light irradiation unit. The light irradiation unit separates near-infrared light guided by the optical fiber in a perpendicular direction.

  A method for applying the optical coherence tomography to the examination in the blood vessel is performed as follows. In a state where the near infrared light is introduced into the light irradiation unit by the optical fiber, the light irradiation unit is rotated in the radial direction of the catheter by the drive mechanism. Near-infrared light is irradiated toward the coronary blood vessel from the light irradiation unit and reflected by the living tissue. The reflected light reflected by the living tissue is guided to the image processing unit via the optical fiber. In the image processing unit, a cross-sectional image of the annular blood vessel is formed based on the reflected light using light interference in the same manner as the optical coherence tomography (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-95624).

  In the inspection apparatus using the optical coherence tomography, a drive mechanism for driving the light irradiation unit is disposed inside the catheter. As the driving mechanism, a power attached to the light irradiation unit and driven by electromagnetic force (an electric actuator such as a motor) or the catheter, connected to the light irradiation unit, and disposed outside the catheter A device provided with a coupling mechanism that mechanically transmits the driving force output from the source is used.

In addition, a light irradiator is inserted into the narrow tube and the light is irradiated in the radial direction of the thin tube, which is used in addition to the optical coherence tomography, and seems to be used in the optical coherence tomography A flexible tube (catheter) having a light irradiation unit and a drive mechanism is used.
JP 2005-95624 A

  In recent years, it has been required to form a cross-sectional image of a blood vessel that is thinner than a coronary blood vessel, and a tube (catheter) inspection device that is thinner than a conventional inspection device is required to reduce the invasiveness. However, in the case of a conventional drive mechanism using an electromagnetic force, a signal line for controlling the drive of the drive mechanism is required in addition to the signal line for transmitting and receiving the inspection signal. Simplification and downsizing of the device are difficult. In addition, since an electric signal is transmitted through the signal line, troubles such as damage to body tissues due to electric leakage, or unstable driving due to interference from external electromagnetic waves may occur. Sufficient defensive measures must be used to prevent common failures, and it is difficult to narrow the tube.

  In the case where the rotary light irradiation device includes a coupling mechanism that transmits a rotational driving force output from a power source provided outside, the transmission mechanism deforms following a tube (catheter) even if it is bent. In addition, it has a complicated shape that can rotate in the axial direction, and it is difficult to reduce the size. Moreover, when inserting into a complicated intricate tube, it may be difficult to rotate the transmission mechanism stably. In addition, when the transmission mechanism becomes long, mechanical distortion such as torsion may occur, and the accuracy of rotation of the light irradiation unit may decrease.

  In addition, when an electric drive mechanism is driven inside a narrow tube filled with a flammable substance (gas, liquid, powder, etc.), there is a risk of igniting the flammable substance due to discharge from a signal line or electric leakage. Therefore, sufficient safety measures must be taken and miniaturization is difficult.

  Therefore, the present invention has a simple configuration, is inserted into a thin tube such as a blood vessel, and irradiates light in the radial direction of the thin tube, and can be safely inserted into a thin tube smaller than a conventional thin tube. It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotary light irradiation device capable of precisely irradiating light in the radial direction of the narrow tube.

  Furthermore, the present invention is less susceptible to interference by electromagnetic waves from the outside of the device or from the device itself or the atmosphere of the inserted thin tube, and as it is, it is possible to irradiate light precisely and smoothly in the radial direction of the thin tube. It aims at providing a light irradiation apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a light irradiation unit that irradiates an object with irradiation light, a rotation drive unit that rotationally drives the light irradiation unit, and a light transmission unit that transmits light to the light irradiation unit. A rotating light irradiation device that irradiates the object with irradiation light while rotating, and the rotation driving unit is deformed by the irradiation of the driving light and generates a rotational driving force by the deformation The light irradiation unit divides a part of transmitted light as the irradiation light, and the light transmission unit includes a common signal line for transmitting the irradiation light and the driving light. It is characterized by.

  According to this configuration, since the driving light for driving the rotation driving unit and the irradiation light for irradiating the object are transmitted from the common light transmission unit, an independent signal line for transmitting a driving signal to the rotation driving unit is provided. It is unnecessary. This can suppress the occurrence of a problem that a plurality of signal lines are entangled or rubbed and short-circuited. Further, it is driven by light, is not easily affected by electromagnetic waves from the outside, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems that cause the influence of electromagnetic waves to the outside. In addition, it is driven by light, and there is no risk of electric discharge or leakage, and safety is high.

  In addition, since the light transmission unit transmits the irradiation light and the drive light through a common signal line, the configuration can be simplified, and the size can be reduced accordingly. An example of the signal line is an optical fiber.

  In the above configuration, the light irradiation unit includes a light dividing unit that reflects a part of the light transmitted from the light transmission unit and transmits the remaining light, and the rotation driving unit includes the light irradiation unit. You may arrange | position so that the remaining light which permeate | transmitted may be irradiated. Moreover, the rotation center axis | shaft of the said rotation drive part and the optical axis of the remaining light which permeate | transmitted the said light irradiation part can be mentioned.

  In the above configuration, the light irradiation unit causes the inspection light reflected from the object to be incident on the light transmission unit, and the light transmission unit uses the same signal line as the irradiation light and the driving light are transmitted. The inspection light may be transmitted. According to this configuration, since a common signal line can be used for transmission of irradiation light, driving light, and inspection light, a simple configuration can be achieved. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the size of the rotary light irradiation device and to suppress the occurrence of a problem involving the signal line.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said light irradiation part may be provided with the light extraction part which takes out the said irradiation light from the light transmitted from the said light transmission part. According to this, when light other than irradiation light is harmful to the object irradiated with the irradiation light, it is possible to prevent problems caused by irradiation with light other than irradiation light. For example, in the case where the rotary light irradiation device is inserted into a living body and irradiates light, ultraviolet light is often harmful to living tissue and can be used safely because the ultraviolet light can be removed. It is. Furthermore, even when the rotary light irradiation device is used in a liquid, gas, or the like that reacts with light of a predetermined wavelength (wavelength range), the light of that wavelength (wavelength range) is removed, and the necessary irradiation light is removed. Can be irradiated.

  In the above-described configuration, the rotation driving unit includes a plurality of the light deformation elements and a spectroscopic unit that emits the drive light limitedly in a predetermined direction. The spectroscopic unit emits the drive light in part. The light shielding part which suppresses that may be formed, and irradiation of the said drive light with respect to these light deformation elements and a stop may be repeated in order by rotation of the said rotational drive part.

  According to this configuration, the light deforming element can be deformed in a timely manner without switching between irradiation and stopping of the driving light transmitted by the light transmitting unit, and the configuration and operation control can be simplified. It is. An example of the spectroscopic unit is a regular triangular pyramid prism. In the case of using a regular triangular pyramid prism, the composite light may be incident from the bottom surface of the regular triangle shape and emitted from any one of the three side surfaces. In addition, the optical element is not limited to a triangular pyramid prism, and an optical element that can irradiate the light with good timing can be widely used.

  Further, as the light shielding portion, any one of the triangular side surfaces may be processed so as to block light. As described above, since the light shielding portion is formed on one surface, the drive light that is periodically irradiated to the light deformation element is blocked, and at least one light deformation element is restored. By rotating the spectroscopic unit, the restored light deforming element is again irradiated with driving light and deformed. Thereby, the optical deformation element is continuously deformed / restored, and accordingly, a rotational driving force is generated in the rotational driving unit, and the rotational driving unit can be rotated smoothly and stably.

  Moreover, you may make it the part from the edge part of the rotation direction front side of all the side parts to the part facing the said projection part be the said light-shielding part. According to this, the light deforming element is restored by blocking the driving light applied to the light deforming element, and the light deforming element and the protruding portion are in contact with each other when the driving light is irradiated again. Therefore, the rotational driving force can be generated stably. Further, since the light driving element is restored and deformed and pushes the protrusion when facing each side surface, the switching timing of the deformation / restoration is accelerated, and a large rotational driving force is obtained compared to the one that shields one surface. Can occur.

In the above-described configuration, the rotation driving unit includes a pedestal portion, a rotating body rotatably supported by the pedestal portion, and a protrusion protruding from the rotating body, and a part of the light deformation element is the While being fixed to the pedestal portion, the rotating body may generate a rotational driving force by pressing the projection portion against the light deformation element. According to this, since the light deforming element pushes the protrusion, the force due to the deformation of the light deforming element is reliably transmitted to the rotating body, so that the rotation driving unit is rotated efficiently and stably. It is possible.

  Examples of the light deformation element include those using a PLZT element, those using a photochromic molecular crystal, and those using an azobenzene polymer film.

  In the above-described configuration, a catheter cover having a sealed tip is provided, the rotation driving unit and the light irradiation unit are arranged at the tip of the catheter cover, and the light transmission unit is arranged inside the catheter cover. It may transmit light from the rear end portion of the catheter cover to the front end portion.

  According to the present invention, it has a simple configuration, is inserted into a thin tube such as a blood vessel, and irradiates light in the radial direction of the thin tube, and can be inserted into a thin tube that is thinner than a conventional thin tube. It is possible to provide a rotary light irradiation apparatus capable of precisely irradiating light in the radial direction.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, rotation that is less susceptible to interference from electromagnetic waves from the outside of the device or from the device itself or the atmosphere of the inserted thin tube, and can radiate light precisely in the radial direction of the thin tube safely and smoothly. A mold light irradiation apparatus can be provided.

  Hereinafter, a rotary light irradiation apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic layout diagram of an example of a rotary light irradiation apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary light irradiation apparatus A includes a light source 1, a light transmission unit 2, a light irradiation unit 3, and a rotation driving unit 4.

  The light source 1 emits at least irradiation light that the light irradiation unit 3 irradiates to the outside and driving light that drives the rotation driving unit 4. When the irradiation light and the driving light are light having the same wavelength, light having a single wavelength is emitted. Further, it may emit light of two wavelengths, that is, irradiation light and driving light, and a composite light having a wavelength region including components from the wavelength of the irradiation light (wavelength region) to the wavelength of the driving light (wavelength region). It may be emitted. Examples of the light source 1 include a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode and a laser diode, and a light emitting element that uses a discharge such as a cold cathode tube and a xenon lamp. Moreover, it is not limited to these, The thing which can radiate | emit the light of a predetermined wavelength and intensity | strength can be employ | adopted widely.

  The light transmission unit 2 transmits the light emitted from the light source 1 to the light irradiation unit 3 and the rotation driving unit 4. Although not limited to it as the light transmission part 2, here, the optical fiber 2 is used. The first end 21 of the optical fiber 2 is arranged to face the light source 1, and the second end 22 is arranged to face the light irradiation unit 3.

  The light irradiation unit 3 includes a mirror 31 and a light extraction unit 32. The mirror 31 is a half mirror, and half of the light incident on the mirror 31 is transmitted and half is reflected. The mirror 31 is arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle (here, 45 °) with respect to the light emitted from the second end 22 of the optical fiber 2. The mirror 31 is connected to the rotation drive unit 4 on the side opposite to the side facing the optical fiber 2, and the mirror 31 is also rotated when the rotation drive unit 4 rotates. In the present embodiment, a half mirror is used as the mirror 31, but an optical element such as a beam splitter capable of transmitting a part of incident light and reflecting a part thereof may be used.

  The light extraction unit 32 is a so-called wavelength selecting element that selects light having a predetermined wavelength from the light reflected by the mirror 31. For example, a wavelength plate that has the function of transmitting only light of a specific wavelength, or a wavelength selection element that transmits light of a specific wavelength using the light interference phenomenon and reflects light of other wavelengths is used. Thus, light having a specific wavelength can be selected. The light extraction unit 32 is arranged so that the light reflected by the mirror 31 is transmitted, is fixed to the mirror 31, and rotates with the rotation of the mirror 31.

  Below, the rotation drive part 4 is demonstrated in detail. 2 is a front view of a rotation driving unit used in the rotary light irradiation apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a side view of the rotary light irradiation apparatus shown in FIG. The rotation drive unit 4 includes a pedestal 41, a rotating body 42, a light deformation element 43, a spectroscopic unit 44, and a central axis 45.

  The pedestal portion 41 is a disk-shaped member and is not limited thereto, but here is manufactured by integral molding of resin. The rotator 42 is a rotator formed so as to allow light to pass therethrough, and is not limited thereto, but here, like the pedestal portion 41, is a member formed of resin. The rotating body 42 includes a disk-shaped main body 421 and three protrusions 422 extending in the normal direction from the outer peripheral wall of the main body 421 and having the same shape. The three protrusions 422 protrude from three points at which the outer peripheral wall is equally divided into three in the circumferential direction, that is, the center angle between adjacent points with respect to the center of the rotating body 42 is 120 °. Although not limited thereto, here, the main body 421 and the protrusion 422 of the rotating body 42 are integrally formed. Note that the protrusion 422 may be formed separately from the main body 421 and fixed to the outer peripheral wall of the main body 421.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the central axis 45 passes through the center of the rotating body 42. The rotating body 42 and the center shaft 45 are fixed, and the end portion of the center shaft 45 is rotatably supported by the pedestal portion 41. Further, the end of the central shaft 41 opposite to that supported by the pedestal 41 is connected to the mirror 31 of the light irradiation unit 3. The mirror 31 and the central axis 45 are fixed so as not to rotate relatively. The rotating body 42 and the central shaft 45 and the mirror 31 and the central shaft 45 are fixed by a well-known method such as adhesion or press fitting.

  The optical deformation element 43 is an element using PLZT (lead lanthanum zirconate titanate). PLZT is a ceramic obtained by adding La2O3 (lanthanum oxide) to a solid solution of PbZrO3 (lead zirconate) and PbTiO3 (lead titanate) and sintering by hot pressing. PLZT is a kind of piezoelectric material and has a piezoelectric effect. This material also has a photovoltaic effect that generates an electromotive force when irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength. Due to the superposition effect of the piezoelectric effect and the photovoltaic effect, an optical strain effect is generated that generates mechanical strain at high speed.

  The PLZT element has a long rectangular parallelepiped shape and is formed with a bimorph structure. While the drive light (ultraviolet light) is irradiated, the PLZT element is deformed into a bent state in accordance with the electric field generation direction due to the photodistortion effect. When the irradiation with the driving light is stopped, the photovoltaic power becomes 0 and the element returns to the original straight state.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, three light deforming elements 43 having the same shape are fixed to the pedestal portion 41 and protrude from the pedestal portion 41 so as to be parallel to the central axis 45. The light deformation element 43 and the pedestal portion 41 are fixed by a conventionally well-known method such as press fitting or adhesion. As shown in FIG. 3, the light deformation element 43 is arranged so as to overlap with the locus of the protrusion 422 when the rotating body 42 rotates.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the spectroscopic unit 44 is a regular triangular pyramid prism. The spectroscopic unit 44 includes a regular triangular bottom surface 441 and a triangular side surface 442 connected to each side of the bottom surface 441. The three side portions 442 have the same shape. The spectroscopic unit 44 refracts the light incident from the bottom surface part 441 and emits it from the side surface part 442, and the light beam incident from the bottom surface part 441 is divided and emitted uniformly from the three side surface parts 442. Is. The angle of light emitted from the side surface portion 442 is determined by the angle between the bottom surface portion 441 and the side surface portion 442.

  One surface of the side surface portion 442 is subjected to a surface treatment for preventing light incident on the spectroscopic portion 44 from being transmitted to form a light shielding portion. A central axis 45 passes through the spectroscopic portion 44 so as to pass through a vertex portion 443 where three side surface portions 442 are gathered and to be orthogonal to the bottom surface portion 441. The spectroscopic unit 44 and the central axis 45 are fixed. Here, a regular triangular pyramid-shaped prism is used as the spectroscopic unit 44, but is not limited thereto, and a wide range of those that can evenly disperse the light transmitted through the mirror 31 in the radial direction. It is possible.

  The drive operation of the rotation drive unit 4 will be described. For convenience of explanation, the first protrusion 422a, the second protrusion 422b, the third protrusion 422c, and the three light deformation elements respectively correspond to the three protrusions protruding from the rotating body 42. Names are given as the first light deformation element 43a, the second light deformation element 43b, and the third light deformation element 43c. Further, the side surface portion 442 of the spectroscopic portion 44 is also named as the first side surface portion 442a, the second side surface portion 442b, and the third side surface portion 442c, and the third side surface portion 442c has a surface that prevents light from being transmitted therethrough. Processing has been applied.

  In the light source 1, irradiation light (near infrared light) irradiated from a light irradiation unit 3 to an object (not shown), driving light (ultraviolet light) used for driving the light deformation element 43 of the rotation driving unit 4, and It is possible to emit composite light that is light including both of these lights. Here, a light source 1 that emits composite light in a wavelength region from an ultraviolet light region to a near infrared light region is employed.

  In the initial state of the rotation drive unit 4, the rotating body 42 is stationary. The first protrusion 422a of the rotating body 42 and the first side surface 442a of the spectroscopic unit 44, the second protrusion 422b and the second side surface 442b, and the third protrusion 422c and the third side surface 442c face each other. As described above, the rotating body 42 and the spectroscopic unit 44 are connected via the central axis 45. In the initial state, the first light deformation element 43a and the first protrusion 422a, the second light deformation element 43b and the second protrusion 422b, and the third light deformation element 43c and the third protrusion 422c are in contact with each other. It is arranged to be stationary. The rotating body 42 is formed so that the protrusion 422 and the light deformation element 43 come into contact with each other and stop when stopped.

  When composite light is irradiated from the light source 1, the composite light is guided to the mirror 31 through the optical fiber 2. A part of the composite light irradiated to the mirror 31 is reflected by the mirror 31, and the rest is transmitted through the mirror 31 as it is. The ratio of reflection and transmission is not limited to this, but is half each. It is well known that the ratio of reflection and transmission can be changed by changing the optical characteristics of the mirror 31. The light transmitted through the mirror 31 is incident on the bottom surface 441 of the spectroscopic unit 44 as drive light. The light incident on the bottom surface portion 441 is refracted by the spectroscopic portion 44 and emitted from the first side surface portion 442a and the second side surface portion 442b other than the third side surface portion 442c subjected to the surface treatment.

  The light emitted from the first side surface portion 442a and the second side surface portion 442b is irradiated to the first light deformation element 43a and the second light deformation element 43b, respectively. The light applied to the first light deforming element 43a and the second light deforming element 43b includes ultraviolet light (driving light), and the first light deforming element 43a and the light including the driving light are irradiated with the light. The second light deformation element 43b is deformed from a straight state to a bent state.

  As the first light deforming element 43a and the second light deforming element 43b are deformed from the straight state to the bent state, the first projecting part 422a and the second projecting part 422b receive a rotational driving force so as to be repelled and rotate. The body 42 is rotated in the radial direction around the central axis 45. Further, the mirror 31 connected to the rotating body 42 via the central shaft 45 is also rotated in the radial direction.

  When the rotation driving unit 4 rotates by a certain angle (120 ° in this case), the third side surface portion 442c moves to a position facing the first light deformation element 43a, and the light to the first light deformation element 43a is blocked. The first light deformation element 43a returns from the bent state to the straight state. At this time, the third protrusion 422c and the first light deformation element 43a come into contact with the rotation of the rotating body 42. However, no force is generated when the light deforming element 43 returns from the bent state to the straight state, or when the light is not irradiated with the driving light and is in a straight state. There is no great resistance to the rotation of.

  On the other hand, the second light deformation element 43b and the third light deformation element 43c are irradiated with the driving light transmitted from the first side surface portion 442a and the second side surface portion 442b, respectively, and are deformed into a bent state. In the rotating body 42, the first protrusion 422a and the second protrusion 422b are repelled by the second light deformation element 43b and the third light deformation element 43c, and the rotational driving force is continuously urged.

  That is, when the rotation drive unit 4 rotates, the third side surface part 442c where the drive light is blocked moves, and the drive light to sequentially different light deformation elements is blocked. At this time, the light deformation element from which the driving light is blocked returns from the bent state to the straight state. At the same time, the remaining light deformation elements are irradiated with driving light from the first side surface portions 442a and 442b, and the rotation driving force is urged to the protrusions 422 by the deformation, so that the rotation driving unit 4 is centered on the central axis 45. It is continuously rotated in the radial direction.

  The light guided to the mirror 31 by the optical fiber 2 is composite light in a wavelength region from ultraviolet light to near infrared light, and a part thereof is reflected by the mirror 31. The composite light reflected by the mirror 31 enters the light extraction unit 32. The light extraction unit 32 transmits only near-infrared light from the composite light as irradiation light. The light extraction unit 32 is rotated integrally with the mirror 31, and the irradiation light is continuously irradiated in the radial direction over 360 ° by the rotation of the mirror 31.

  The rotary light irradiation apparatus A according to the present embodiment does not use a mechanical drive mechanism such as a gear or a crank or an electric circuit in the rotation drive unit, and therefore generates heat due to friction, sparks due to contact of components or discharge. Can be prevented.

  In addition, since the rotation drive unit 4 is used, members that are difficult to miniaturize such as electric wiring and permanent magnets are not employed, so that the rotation drive unit can be formed small, and the rotary light irradiation device can be downsized. Can be promoted. Furthermore, since the signal line is only one optical fiber, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a problem that the signal line is entangled or twisted.

  In addition, the structure can be simplified as compared with a connection structure that mechanically transmits a rotational driving force for rotating the light irradiation unit in the radial direction from a power source provided outside.

(Second Embodiment)
Another example of the rotary light irradiation apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a front view of a rotation driving unit used in the rotary light irradiation apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the rotational drive unit 4A has the same configuration as that of the rotational drive unit 4 except that the rotational drive unit 4A includes a spectral unit 46 instead of the spectral unit 44. The detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The spectroscopic unit 46 shown in FIG. 4 has a bottom surface 461 and a side surface 462. The spectroscopic unit 46 is connected to the rotator 42 via the central axis 45, and the protrusions 422 of the rotator 42 overlap the center of each side of the bottom surface 461 of the spectroscopic unit 46 in the radial direction of the rotator 42. Are arranged as follows. A surface treatment for preventing the light incident on the bottom surface portion 461 from being transmitted is applied to the region from the front side in the rotational direction of the rotation driving unit 4 to the center portion of each of the three side surface portions 462, and the light shielding portion. 463 is formed.

  When composite light (driving light) is irradiated to the rotation driving unit 4A, the composite light incident from the bottom surface part 461 is emitted from a part of the side surface part 462 where the light shielding part 463 is not formed. The composite light emitted from the side surface portion 462 is applied to the light deformation element 43, and the light deformation element 43 is deformed. When the light deformation element 43 is deformed, the rotating body 44 is driven to rotate by the projection 442 being pushed by the light deformation element 43. At this time, the three light deformation elements 43 simultaneously play the three protrusions 442.

  When the rotating body 42 rotates at a position where the light shielding portion 463 and the light deforming element 43 are aligned in the radial direction of the rotating body 42, irradiation of the composite light to the light deforming element 43 is blocked, and the light deforming element 43 is straight from the bent state. Restored to state.

  When the rotating body 42 is rotated, the protrusion 422 pushes the light deformation element 43 away. When the light deforming element 43 exceeds the protruding portion 422, the light shielding portion 463 of the side surface portion 462 is displaced from the position aligned with the light deforming element 43 in the radial direction. The light deformation element 43 is irradiated with composite light from a portion of the side surface portion 462 where the light blocking portion 463 is not formed, the light deformation element 43 is deformed, and the light deformation element 43 repels the protrusion 442.

  By irradiating the composite light including the wavelength component of the drive light, the optical deformation element 43 is repeatedly deformed / restored, and the rotational driving force is continuously urged to the rotating body 42. Thereby, the rotation drive unit 4A is smoothly and stably rotated.

  By using this rotational drive unit 4A, the projections 422 are rotationally driven simultaneously by the three light deformation elements 43, so that it is possible to efficiently generate rotational drive force. The light shielding portion 463 is not limited to half of the side surface portion, and is formed so that the light deformation element 43 efficiently repels the projection portion 422 in accordance with the positional relationship between the projection portion 422 and the side surface portion 462. If it is.

(Third embodiment)
Another example of the rotary light irradiation apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of a rotary drive unit used in the rotary light irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an XX cross-sectional view of the rotary drive unit shown in FIG. In addition, about parts other than a rotation drive part, it has the same structure as the rotary light irradiation apparatus A, and the same code | symbol is used for the substantially same part. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the rotation driving unit 5 includes a pedestal 51, a rotating body 52, a central shaft 53, and a light deformation element 54.

  The pedestal 51 is a disk-shaped member. The rotating body 52 is a cylindrical member, and includes a cylindrical portion 521, a lid-like portion 522 that is integrally connected to an end portion of the cylindrical portion 521, and a protruding portion that protrudes inward from the inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion 521. 55. The protrusions 55 are arranged so that adjacent ones form an equal center angle when viewed from the center line of the cylindrical part 521. Although not limited thereto, twelve protrusions are provided here.

  A central shaft 53 passes through the center of the lid-like portion 522. The lid-like portion 522 and the central shaft 53 are firmly fixed so as not to slip when the rotating body 52 is rotated. Further, the central shaft 53 is rotatably supported by the pedestal portion 51. In the rotating body 52, at least the lid-shaped portion 522 is formed so as to be able to transmit light. The light can be transmitted through all or part of the light, such as a transparent material, a mesh, or a wire-shaped member arranged radially. In addition, it is possible to employ a wide range of materials that have sufficient strength and can reliably connect the cylindrical portion 52 and the central shaft 53.

  The mirror 31 of the light irradiation unit is fixed to the tip of the central shaft 53 opposite to the pedestal 51 supported by the pedestal 51. The mirror 31 and the central shaft 53 are firmly fixed by a conventionally well-known method such as adhesion or welding (see FIG. 6).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 55 is inclined from the inner wall surface of the rotator 52 toward the rear in the rotation direction, and from the rear side in the rotation direction of the front inclination 551. It has the back side inclination part 552 arrange | positioned in parallel with a diameter, and the vertex part 553 where the front side inclination part 551 and the back side inclination part 552 cross | intersect.

  The photodeformable element 54 uses a photochromic molecular crystal. When the photochromic molecular crystal is irradiated with ultraviolet light as the first driving light in the first state, it is rapidly deformed to the second state. The photochromic molecular crystal deformed to the second state maintains the second state even when the irradiation with ultraviolet light is stopped. In addition, the photochromic molecular crystal has a property that can be reversibly deformed, and when the photochromic molecular crystal in the second state is irradiated with visible light as the second driving light, the photochromic molecular crystal is deformed into the first state. Here, the light deformation element 54 is a rod-like member, and the first state will be described as a straight state, and the second state will be described as a bent state (a state that cannot be further deformed).

  The optical deformation element 54 is a rod-shaped member, and a fixed portion 541 fixed to the pedestal portion 51 is formed at one end portion. Further, a free end portion 542 that is not fixed is formed at an end portion of the optical deformation element 54 opposite to the fixing portion 541. The light deformation element 54 is disposed in a region surrounded by the cylindrical portion 521, and the light fixing portion 541 is fixed to the side close to the center of the pedestal portion 51.

  When the irradiated composite light includes reference light and first drive light (ultraviolet light), the light deformation element 54 is deformed from a straight state to a bent state by the irradiation of the composite light. Further, when the composite light applied to the light deformation element 54 includes reference light and second drive light (visible light), the light deformation element 54 is deformed from the bent state to the straight state by the irradiation of the composite light.

 The rotational drive of the rotary light irradiation apparatus of this embodiment will be described in more detail. FIG. 7 is a timing chart of composite light for rotating the rotation drive unit of the present embodiment.

  In the initial state, the rotation drive unit 5 is in a state where the rotating body 52 is stationary. The free end portion 542 of the optical deformation element 54 and the rear inclined portion 552 of the projection portion 55 are in contact with each other. The rotating body 52 is always formed such that the free end portion 542 of the light deformation element 54 and the rear inclined portion 552 of the projection 55 come into contact with each other and come to rest.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when composite light including irradiation light (near infrared light) and first drive light (ultraviolet light) is irradiated from the optical fiber 2 to the mirror, a part of the composite light is mirror 31. And the rest passes through the mirror 31. The composite light that has passed through the mirror 31 passes through the lid 522 and is irradiated to the light deformation element 54. At this time, the second drive light is stopped.

  When the light deformation element 54 is irradiated with the composite light including the first drive light, the light deformation element 54 is deformed from a straight state to a bent state. The rear inclined portion 552 of the protrusion 55 is bounced by the free end 542 of the light deformation element 54 and receives a rotational driving force, and the rotating body 52 is rotated about the central axis 53.

  Thereafter, composite light including irradiation light and second driving light is irradiated. At this time, the first drive light is stopped. When the light deformation element 54 is irradiated with the composite light including the second drive light, the light deformation element 54 is deformed from the bent state to the straight state.

  When the rotating body 52 is rotated when the light deforming element 54 is in a straight state, the free end 542 of the light deforming element 54 comes into contact with the front inclined portion 551 of the protruding portion 55 and slides on the top end portion 553. Get over. At this time, the free end 542 hinders the rotation of the rotating body 52, but the inclination of the front-side inclined portion 551 is loose, so that the rotating body 52 acting on the protrusion 55 from the free end 542 rotates in the reverse direction. The force to be damped is attenuated, and there is no major obstacle to rotation.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the light deformation element 54 is reversibly deformed between a straight state and a bent state by irradiating the composite light containing the first drive light and the second drive light alternately. It is possible. Thereby, since the protrusion 55 is continuously pressed, the rotating body 51 can be smoothly and continuously rotated. Although illustration is omitted, it is possible to change the rotation speed of the rotation drive unit 5 by changing the irradiation timing of the first drive light and the second drive light.

  As the rotating body 52 rotates, the mirror 31 is also rotated. The mirror 31 is irradiated with the composite light while the rotation drive unit 5 is driven, and a part of the composite light is reflected by the mirror 31 and enters the light extraction unit 32. When the composite light passes through the light extraction unit 32, light having a wavelength (irradiation light) to be applied to the object is extracted. As the mirror 31 rotates and the irradiation light is emitted from the light extraction unit 32, the rotary light irradiation device can continuously irradiate the object with the irradiation light in the radial direction.

  By using the rotary light irradiation apparatus of the present embodiment, it is possible to drive with one light deformation element and to have a simple structure. In addition, it is possible to arrange the light deformation element inside the region surrounded by the cylindrical portion, and it is possible to make a thin and small rotary drive portion. By using a thin and small rotary drive unit, the rotary light irradiation device can be downsized.

  In this embodiment, a photochromic molecular crystal is used for the light deformation element, but an azobenzene polymer film that performs the same deformation may be used. Further, in the present embodiment, the example in which the protruding portion protrudes inside the cylindrical portion is described, but the protruding portion may protrude outward. Further, a plurality of light deformation elements may be provided.

  Also, a PLZT element may be used as the light deformation element. In this case, since it is not necessary to prepare two types of drive light as described above, the drive control is simple.

(Fourth embodiment)
Another example of the rotary light irradiation apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the rotary light irradiation apparatus according to the present invention. The rotary light irradiation apparatus B shown in FIG. 8 is arranged inside the catheter cover 6 having flexibility and light transmittance. The rotating light irradiation apparatus B shown in FIG. 8 has the same configuration as the rotating light irradiation apparatus A described in the first embodiment except for the light source device and the catheter cover, and substantially the same parts are the same. The code | symbol is attached | subjected.

  The rotary light irradiation apparatus B shown in FIG. 8 is used for OCT inspection, and the OCT inspection method is the same as that conventionally used, so detailed description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 8, the rotary light irradiation device B includes a light source device 1 b, an optical fiber 2, a light irradiation unit 3, a rotation driving unit 4, and a catheter cover 6. The light source device 1b includes a light source 11b, a beam splitter Bs used for OCT inspection as shown in FIG. 9, a reference mirror Cm, and a photodetector Pd.

  The catheter cover 6 is a cylindrical member made of resin. The catheter cover 6 is inserted into a blood vessel, and a biocompatible material is used. Examples of the biocompatible material include a polymer of PDMS (Poly-dimethylsiloxane). Moreover, it is not limited to this, The material which has biocompatibility and can permeate | transmit light can be employ | adopted widely. The surface of the catheter cover 6 is subjected to a surface treatment for waterproofing. This surface treatment is performed by a method that does not adversely affect the surface treatment when it is inserted into a living body. In addition, it is inserted into a blood vessel, and the tip is formed in a curved shape so as not to damage the inside of the blood vessel.

  In the rotary light irradiation apparatus B, the light irradiation unit 3 is disposed at the distal end 61 inside the catheter cover 6. The light source device 1b is disposed on the end 62 side opposite to the side on which the light irradiation unit 3 is disposed. The optical fiber 2 is disposed inside the catheter cover 6, and the optical fiber 2 is disposed along the central axis of the catheter cover 6. The light emitted from the distal end of the optical fiber 2 is emitted in the direction along the central axis of the catheter cover 6 at the distal end.

  The mirror 31 of the light irradiation unit 3 is disposed at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the optical axis of the light emitted from the tip side of the optical fiber 2. The light emitted from the optical fiber 2 is bent by the mirror 31 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the catheter cover 6. The mirror 31 is rotated in the radial direction about the central axis of the catheter cover 6 by the rotation drive unit 4.

  The light extraction unit 32 is a so-called wavelength selection element that selects a predetermined wavelength from the light reflected by the mirror 31. For example, a wavelength plate that has the function of transmitting only light of a specific wavelength, or a wavelength selection element that transmits light of a specific wavelength using the light interference phenomenon and reflects light of other wavelengths is used. Thus, it is possible to use a wavelength selection element that can select light of a specific wavelength. The light extraction part 32 should just be arrange | positioned so that the light reflected by the mirror 31 may be irradiated, and when the mirror 31 of the side of the catheter cover 6 rotates to a radial direction, what is fixed to the mirror 31 You may arrange | position to the whole area | region to which light is irradiated. In this embodiment, what is fixed to the mirror 31 and rotates integrally with the mirror 31 is used.

  The pedestal portion 41 of the rotation drive unit 4 is a disk-shaped member formed of PDMS which is a polymer having the same biocompatibility as the catheter cover 6. Here, the pedestal 41 is shown as being formed separately from the catheter cover 6, but may be formed integrally (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  The rotating body 42 is formed so that light can be transmitted therethrough, and is not limited thereto, but here, like the pedestal portion 41, it is a member formed by PDMS. The optical deformation element 44 is an element using PLZT (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  The light source device 1b emits light having both wavelengths of measurement light (near infrared light) used for the OCT inspection and drive light (ultraviolet light) used to drive the light deformation element 43 of the rotation drive unit 4. It is something that can be done. Here, a light source device 1b that emits composite light including wavelength components from the ultraviolet light region to the near infrared light region is employed.

  The operation of the rotation drive unit will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rotary drive unit 4 is in an initial state, and the rotating body 42 is stationary. The rotating body 42 and the spectroscopic unit 44 are arranged so that the first projecting part 422a and the first side surface part 442a, the second projecting part 422b and the second side surface part 442b, and the third projecting part 422c and the third side surface part 442c face each other. Are connected via a central axis 45. Further, the first light deformation element 43 and the first protrusion 422a, the second light deformation element 43b and the second protrusion 422b, and the third light deformation element 43c and the third protrusion 422c are brought into contact with each other and come to rest. Has been placed. The rotating body 42 is formed so that the protrusion 422 and the optical deformation element 43 always come into contact with each other and stop. Surface treatment for preventing light from being transmitted through the third side surface portion 442c is performed.

  When the composite light is irradiated from the light source device 1 b, the light is guided to the mirror 31 through the optical fiber 2. A part of the composite light irradiated to the mirror 31 passes through the mirror 31 as it is, and the rest is reflected by the mirror 31. The light transmitted through the mirror 31 is incident on the rotation drive unit 4 to drive the light deformation element 43 and rotate the rotation drive unit 4. The rotational drive of the rotational drive unit 4 is as described above, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The light guided to the mirror 31 by the optical fiber 2 is a composite light including wavelength components from the ultraviolet light region to the near infrared light region, and a part of the light is reflected by the mirror 31. The composite light reflected by the mirror 31 enters the light extraction unit 32. The light extraction unit 32 removes ultraviolet light harmful to the living tissue from the composite light, and transmits near-infrared light used for OCT inspection as inspection light. The light extraction part 32 is rotated integrally with the mirror 31, and the inspection light is continuously irradiated over the blood vessel in which the catheter cover 6 is inserted over the 360 ° in the radial direction by the rotation of the mirror 31. . Near-infrared light reflected from the living tissue is reflected by the mirror 31 as measurement light, and returns to the light source device 1 b via the optical fiber 2.

  The measurement light is superimposed on the reference light in the light source device 1b, detected by the photodetector Pd disposed in the light source device 1b, and information on the spatial positional relationship at the position where the inspection light is irradiated can be obtained. it can. The measurement light is repeatedly sent to the light source device 1b through the optical fiber 2 to rotate the mirror 31, and a tomographic image of the blood vessel is obtained.

  As described above, since the rotation drive unit 4 is used in the OCT inspection apparatus, members that are difficult to miniaturize such as electric wiring and permanent magnets are not employed, so the rotation drive unit can be formed small and rotated. It is possible to promote downsizing of the mold light irradiation device. In addition, it is possible to make the catheter cover thinner because the drive light for driving the rotary drive unit and the irradiation light for irradiating the object can be accompanied by a single optical fiber without requiring electrical wiring. It is. Furthermore, since the signal line is only one optical fiber, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a problem that the signal line is entangled or twisted.

  Further, the rotation drive unit 4 does not have a connection structure that mechanically transmits the rotation drive force for rotating the light irradiation unit 3 in the radial direction from a power source provided outside the catheter cover 6, and the catheter It is possible to reduce the size of the rotary light irradiation device including the cover 6. In addition, since a drive shaft having a complicated shape is not required, even when the catheter cover 6 is inserted into a part that is complicatedly deformed, the rotation drive unit 4 can be stably and smoothly rotated. , It is possible to irradiate light continuously and uniformly in the radial direction.

  In the present embodiment, the rotary light irradiation device in which the light irradiation unit 3, the optical fiber 2, and the rotation driving unit 4 are disposed inside the catheter cover 6 is used for the OCT inspection device, but is not limited thereto. Injecting a photosensitizer into the body in advance and irradiating the lesion such as tumor tissue or plaque with light activates the photosensitizer and necroses the cells in the lesion to treat the lesion. It can also be used for photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this case, the beam splitter Bs, the reference mirror Cm, and the photodetector Pd of the light source device 1b are unnecessary. Moreover, you may provide the light source which can radiate | emit the light of the wavelength corresponding to each so that it can use for any treatment method of OCT treatment and PDT treatment.

  The present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to those described in the embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. .

  The rotary light irradiation apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus capable of continuously irradiating light in the radial direction, and has advantages such as small size, simple structure, and being less susceptible to external environments such as electromagnetic waves and flammable substances. Medical inspection devices (for OCT treatment and PDT treatment) that irradiate the inner wall of blood vessels with irradiation light, optical inspection devices that are inserted into thin tubes such as gas tubes, etc. Therefore, it can be used as a light irradiation device that irradiates light to the surroundings.

1 is a schematic layout diagram of an example of a rotary light irradiation apparatus according to the present invention. It is a front view of the rotation drive part used for the rotary light irradiation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a side view of the rotary light irradiation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a front view of the rotation drive part used for the rotary light irradiation apparatus concerning this invention. It is front sectional drawing of the rotational drive part used for the rotary light irradiation apparatus concerning this invention. It is XX sectional drawing of the rotation drive part shown in FIG. It is a timing chart of compound light for rotating the rotation drive part of this embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the rotary light irradiation apparatus concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline of an OCT inspection method.

Explanation of symbols

1 Light source 2 Light transmission part (optical fiber)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Light irradiation part 31 Mirror 32 Light extraction part 4 Rotation drive part 41 Base part 42 Rotating body 421 Main body part 422 Projection part 43 Light deformation element 44 Spectroscopic part 441 Bottom surface part 442 Side surface part 45 Central axis 46 Spectroscopic part 461 Bottom surface part 462 Side surface Part 5 Rotation drive part 51 Pedestal part 52 Rotating body 521 Cylindrical part 522 Lid-like part 53 Central axis 54 Optical deformation element 55 Projection part 551 Front side inclined part 552 Rear side inclined part 6

Claims (11)

A light irradiation unit for irradiating the object with irradiation light;
A rotation drive unit for rotating the light irradiation unit;
A rotating light irradiation device that irradiates the object with irradiation light while rotating and having a light transmission unit that transmits light to the light irradiation unit;
The rotational drive unit is deformed by irradiation of drive light, and includes a light deformation element that generates a rotational drive force by deformation,
The light irradiation unit divides a part of transmitted light as the irradiation light,
The rotating light irradiation apparatus, wherein the light transmission unit includes a common signal line for transmitting the irradiation light and the driving light. The light irradiation unit includes a light dividing unit that reflects a part of the light transmitted from the light transmission unit and transmits the remaining light,
The rotary light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation driving unit is disposed so that the remaining light transmitted through the light irradiation unit is irradiated.   The rotary light irradiation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a rotation center axis of the rotation driving unit and an optical axis of the remaining light transmitted through the light irradiation unit are parallel. The light irradiating unit causes the inspection light reflected from the object to enter the light transmitting unit,
4. The rotary light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light transmission unit transmits the inspection light using the same signal line through which the irradiation light and the driving light are transmitted.   The rotary light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light irradiation unit includes a light extraction unit that extracts the irradiation light from light transmitted from the light transmission unit. The rotation drive unit is a pedestal unit,
A rotating body rotatably supported by the pedestal portion;
A protrusion protruding from the rotating body,
The light deforming element is partially fixed to the pedestal portion,
The rotary light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a rotational driving force is generated when the rotating body pushes the protruding portion against the light deformation element. The rotational drive unit includes a plurality of the light deformation elements and a spectroscopic unit that emits the drive light in a predetermined direction in a limited manner.
The spectroscopic part is formed with a light-shielding part that suppresses the drive light from being emitted in part.
The rotary light irradiation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the rotation driving unit rotates, and irradiation and stop of the driving light to the plurality of light deformation elements are repeated in order.   The rotary light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light deformation element uses a PLZT element.   The rotary light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the light deformation element uses a photochromic molecular crystal.   The rotary light irradiation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the light deformation element uses an azobenzene polymer film. A catheter cover with a sealed tip,
The rotation drive unit and the light irradiation unit are arranged at the distal end portion of the catheter cover,
The rotary light irradiation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the light transmission unit is disposed inside the catheter cover and transmits light from a rear end portion of the catheter cover to a front end portion.

Images