WO1990013836A1

WO1990013836A1 - Easy to use device for connection of optical fibres, and apparatus for generating shock waves provided with such connector device

Info

Publication number: WO1990013836A1
Application number: PCT/FR1990/000328
Authority: WO
Inventors: François Lacoste; Eric Durand; Philippe Pereyron
Original assignee: Technomed International
Priority date: 1989-05-12
Filing date: 1990-05-10
Publication date: 1990-11-15
Also published as: FR2646927B1; WO1990013837A1; FR2646927A1; IL94366A0; IL94365A0

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical fibre connector device. Said connector device is comprised of a holding piece (12) for holding the optical fibre (14), and is characterized in that it has a support member (30) with which said holding piece (12) is at least temporarily integral, the support member (30) being provided with a sleeve (32) mounted coaxial and integral with respect to an external connection element (36) while defining a space (40) wherein is arranged a coaxial ring (34) translationally movable with respect to the assembly external connection element (36)-support element (30). Owing to this invention, the connection is made easier.

Description

Easy-to-use optical fiber connector device and shock wave generation device equipped with such a connector device.

The present invention essentially relates to a disposable optical fiber operative device and an apparatus for generating shock waves equipped with such a connector device, for the destruction of targets, in particular tissues, lithiasis or concretions. We know that in lithotripsy, various devices are now available for the destruction of tissues, lithiasis or concretions, intended to be removed from inside the human body.

Is known for example from US Patent RIEBER 2,559,227, a high frequency shock wave generator comprising a truncated ellipsoidal reflector (80) generating shock waves at the first focus of the ellipsoid which are focused at the second focus of the ellipsoid where the target to be destroyed is located. This device is used in the medical field, in particular for destroying tissues, and can also be used to destroy lithiasis or concretions.

We also know the destruction of lithiasis or concretions by shock waves produced by ultrasound (see in particular DE-A-31 19 295 = US-A-4 526 168). Finally, devices are also known for generating shock waves for destroying targets, in particular lithiasis or concretions, from laser radiation. For example, document WO-A-86/06269 describes the use of laser for the destruction of lithiasis or concretions, as well as other materials to be removed from the human body. The laser radiation is transmitted to the concretion to be destroyed via an optical fiber. The laser used delivers pulses having a wavelength, energy, intensity and duration of pulses capable of causing the destruction of the concretions, without the energy delivered being sufficient to cause damage to other tissues in the neighborhood. This document also corresponds to FR-A-2 580 922. It is pointed out therein that the laser is preferably of the dye type, the pulses of which have durations of at least 10 nanoseconds (preferably between 0.05 and 5 microseconds), and the energy of the Pulse does not exceed 0.200 Joules. The fiber is flexible and has a core diameter which does not exceed 1,000 micrometers and which is preferably between 60 and 600 micrometers, and more precisely 200 micro¬ meters. The laser pulses are applied in short bursts, preferably having a frequency greater than 10 Hertz, and the remaining fragments are destroyed by single pulses.

The wavelength used is preferably between 350 and 550 nanometers in the case of urinary calculi. Particularly preferred wavelengths are 251, 504 to 450 nanometers (see page 2 Lines 1 to 20 of FR-A 2 580 922).

A device for transferring (16,18) the radiation (20) emitted by the laser (22) comprises means for focusing the ray or optical beam (20) at a focal point, by means of a lens (18). focusing, constituting focusing means, and a device (16) for mounting the optical fiber (12) so that it receives optical radiation. The fiber (12) naturally passes through a uteroscope (14) to be brought close to the fiber to be destroyed, such as a lithiasis or concretion (10) (see page 3, Lines 6 to 28). The mounting device (16) is not detailed in the application but is said to be of the SP2 type, available from Newport Corporation (page 3, lines 14-15).

One can also cite as an earlier document "Lasers in Surgery and Medicine", vol. 5, No. 2, 1985, page 160, abstract 82 and page 178, abstract 133, and page 189, abstract 163.

Another document is also constituted by The review Photonics Spectra of September 1986 having for title "The Dyes Laser's SurgicaL Successes" written by Ronald L. CARROLL, or the review "Lasers and Applications", of April 1987, pages 69-70 . Lasers have also been used to treat angioplasties (see EP-A-225 913 from international application WO 86/0642).

It has been observed that with the known devices the transfer of the optical radiation emitted by the laser to the optical fiber was carried out in an imprecise manner, which resulted in a reduction in the energy emitted and therefore in a loss of destruction destruction efficiency. target.

A solution has been provided to this technical problem by a previous request from the applicant, not published to date, FR-88-07251 which provides a device for transferring a radiation or optical beam (12) coming from a laser ( 10) on an optical fiber (42) comprising means for positioning (106 ⁾ the free end (42a) of the optical fiber (42), comprising means for moving (108) the end (42a) of the optical fiber (42), which is intended to receive the radiation or optical beam (12) in a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. The displacement means (108) preferably comprise a set of two crossed plates (110, 112) preferably of micrometric type, moving respectively in two perpendicular directions (see claims).

The positioning means (106) advantageously comprise a member (124) supporting the optical fiber, coming into a receiving member (122) of the support member, which is integral in displacement with the displacement means ( 110,112). The support member (124) comprises a substantially cylindrical sleeve (130) provided with a central through hole (132) having an axial narrowing (134) of appropriate diameter to allow the optical fiber to pass substantially without play, while leaving the front end of Free optical fiber. This narrowing (134) is preferably located substantially close to the end (130a) of the sleeve (130) intended to be located on the receiving side of the optical radiation (12). This transfer device provides a considerable technical improvement over the previously known transfer devices.

However, it has been observed that the maintenance of the end (42a) of the optical fiber by the narrowing (134) of the support (124) was in some cases insufficient to precisely maintain the optical fiber. The free end (42a ⁾ can thus be slightly off-center anyway and thus no longer transmit the laser light optimally. In addition, the fiber is exposed to mechanical breakage.

Fiber optic centering parts are also offered by certain manufacturers, including La Société Amphenol or Stratos. In general, these centering pieces are made of metal or ceramic. In these materials, the centering piece is quickly attacked by laser pulses which are very brief and of high power to be able to fragment the concretions. The material thus torn from this centering piece is deposited on the end of the optical fiber. These deposits absorb the following laser pulses which destroy it quickly.

To avoid the destruction of the optical fiber, a method which is generally employed consists in bringing out the optical fiber from the centering piece, which brings back to the aforementioned drawback a lack of protection of the end of the fiber which is thus exposed to frequent mechanical breakage as well as a lack of optimal centering.

Furthermore, in the previously known procedures, there is no connector device of simple design allowing easy use for connection of the optical fiber.

The present invention therefore aims to solve the new technical problem of providing a solution for extremely precise connection of the front end or optical face of an optical fiber, so as to increase the life of the optical fiber while protecting the optical fiber against mechanical breakage, while being easy to use.

The present invention also aims to solve this new technical problem with the help of a solution guaranteeing optimal transmission of optical radiation, in particular very short pulsed laser pulses of high power.

These new technical problems are solved for the first time by the invention in an extremely simple manner, easy to implement on an industrial scale.

Thus, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides an easy-to-use optical fiber connector device allowing the transmission of very short, high-power light pulses from a pulsed laser for an extended period of time, comprising a optical fiber holding piece, characterized in that it comprises a support member for the holding piece to which said holding piece is at least temporarily secured, this support member comprising a sleeve mounted coaxially and integral with respect to an external member connection by defining a space in which is arranged a coaxial movable ring, mounted displaceable in translation relative to the external connection member-support member assembly.

Advantageously, the aforementioned sleeve is substantially cylindrical provided with a central through hole in which the holding part is introduced; advantageously, the movable ring has a protruding front part relative to the free end of the optical fiber before protecting the latter.

According to an alternative embodiment, this external connection member comprises means of connection with a reception member of the external connection member.

According to another variant, this receiving member is part of a device for transferring optical radiation from a suitable pulsed laser source, preferably consisting of that described in FR-88-07251. According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the retaining part comprises an element produced at least in part from an optically transparent material, and having a hardness sufficient to resist said light pulses, and an optical index preferably higher than glass. Preferably, this material consists of sapphire which has all of the above characteristics.

Advantageously, the optical face of the optical fiber slightly protrudes from the front edge of the holding part. This excess of the optical fiber is preferably less than the distance separating the surface of the piece from retaining the focal point, and more preferably makes it possible to cover approximately 100% of the diverging light radiation after the focal point. Usually, this excess is of the order of 1 to a few millimeters depending on the diameter of the optical fiber.

The retaining piece advantageously comprises a hollow cylinder in which is embedded towards the front face of the latter. The aforementioned transparent material, which is of substantially annular shape. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the connector device of the invention, means for recognizing the type of optical fiber used are provided. These recognition means comprise for example one or preferably several breakers or micro-breakers well known to man, in particular arranged circumferentially on the receiving member at different radii with respect to the axis of the optical fiber. .

According to a particular characteristic. The abovementioned breakers cooperate with one or preferably several annular grooves provided on the face opposite the external connection member, in particular a flange, according to different radii corresponding to the radii of the breakers.

According to another particular characteristic, the external connection member, in particular the flange, has on its front face, one or more annular grooves according to a function code of the type of optical fiber used.

Advantageously, there are also provided means for transmitting information given by the aforementioned recognition means, in a command center comprising for example, a computer, which uses this information to adjust the power parameters of a pulsed laser. emitting the desired light pulses. In this way, an extremely simple means of adjusting the power of the optical radiation is obtained as a function of the type of optical fiber used. The present invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to an apparatus for generating shock waves for destroying targets, in particular tissues, lithiasis or concretions, comprising a device for generating an optical beam or radiation which generates very short, high power light pulses, characterized in that it comprises a connector device according to the invention as defined above. Preferably, this shock wave generation apparatus is characterized in that the aforementioned rayonne¬ ment or optical beam generation device comprises at least one dye laser of the pulsed type, preferably pumped by flash.

This device can also include an auxiliary laser to materialize the optical axis for permanent observation of the target and the adjustments.

According to the invention, the optical fibers are so-called "standard" optical fibers.

Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clear in the light of the explanatory description which follows, given with reference to a currently preferred embodiment of a connector device according to the invention given simply by way of illustration and which therefore cannot in any way limit the scope of the invention. In the drawings: FIG. 1 represents a general view of a connector device according to the invention combined with an optical fiber; Figure 2 is a sectional view along the trace lines II-II of Figure 1 of the connector device, in a clearly enlarged view to allow a better understanding of the structure;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail view of the retaining part used in the connector device according to the invention, with partial cutaway for better understanding; and FIG. 4 represents the connector device according to the invention connected to a reception member preferably comprising a plate of the ceLle type described in FIG. 3 of the prior application of the applicant FR-88-07251 which is incorporated here by reference.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, a connector device according to the invention is represented by a general reference number

(10). This connector device comprises a retaining part (12) proper, clearly visible in FIG. 3, of an optical fiber (14).

According to a characteristic of the invention, this retaining part (12) comprises an element (16) made at least in part from an optically transparent material having a hardness sufficient to resist light pulses, and an optical index preferably higher than Glass. Such a material preferably consists of a sapphire. Preferably, the optical face (14a) or front face of the optical fiber (14) protrudes

Slightly from the front edge (12a) of the holding piece (12). Since the sapphire (16) itself is flush with the front edge (12a) of

The retaining part (12), The optical face (14a) of the fiber (14) protrudes only slightly from the front face (16a) of the sapphire (16), thus making it possible to achieve extremely precise maintenance and therefore centering optical fiber (14). According to a particular embodiment, as shown, the retaining part (12) comprises a hollow cylinder (18) in which is embedded, towards its front face, the sapphire (16), which is clearly visible on the Figure 3. The sapphire (16) thus has a substantially annular shape which is advantageously of high precision. It will be observed that the optical fiber (14) is stripped inside the sapphire (16) by removing its sheath (20). The optical fiber is advantageously according to the invention a so-called "standard" fiber in general produced in si lice / si li cone. According to another characteristic of the invention, opposite to the sapphire (16), provision can be made to secure the optical fiber ⁽ 14) by its sheath (20) inside the hollow cylinder (18) of the workpiece. holding (12) by the interposition of a plastic sleeve (22) whose internal surface, coming into contact with the sheath (20 ⁾ comprises a thread so as to ensure mechanical retention of the optical fiber (14) and cushion the stresses following crimping of the retaining part (12) on the optical fiber (14). The assembly and disassembly of the optical fiber assembly 14 / holding part (12) can be carried out in a conventional manner by an external clip.

According to an inventive characteristic of the connector device according to the invention, the holding part (12) is secured at least temporarily to a support member (30) clearly visible in FIG. 2. According to the invention, this support member comprises a sleeve (32) mounted coaxial and secured, for example by bonding, to an external connection member (36) by defining a space (40) in which is arranged a movable ring (34) coaxial, mounted displaceable in translation relative to the external assembly (36) of connection-support member (30).

It is naturally understood that the holding part ⁽ 12) is mounted coaxially inside the support member (30) as is clearly visible in FIG. 2.

The holding part (12) can be secured to an intermediate member (37) provided with an anti-rotation element (38) such as a polygonal nut, for example hexagonal, cooperating with an internal wall also of polygonal shape of the support member (30 ⁾ . The movable ring (34) can be pushed unilaterally towards the optical face of the optical fiber (14) by unilateral pushing means (42) such as a spring. The forward movement of the movable ring (34) can be limited conventionally to prevent the movable ring (34) from being ejected outside the external member (36), for example by means of a shoulder (32a) cooperating with another internal shoulder (80) of the movable ring (34).

In addition, the front part (35) of the movable ring ⁽ 34) may include an annular shoulder (35a) so as to abut against the front edge (36a) of the external member (36). The external member (36) can also include a relatively large flange (44) which makes it possible to constitute means of connection with a receiving member (50). This receiving member (50) may for example comprise a set of two discs (52, 54) which can be joined to the set of plates (110, 112) movable in a plane in X and Y, represented in FIG. 3 of La Applicant's earlier application FR88-07251, which is incorporated herein by reference. The intermediate disc (52) is secured with clearance (70) to the disc (54) by a fastening means (53), such as a screw, around which a return means (55) can be provided, such as 'a spring, tending to separate the discs (52) and (54) from each other, arranged in a suitable housing (58a) (58b). Due to the play (70), the disc (52) catches misalignments between the flange (44) and the disc (54).

Preferably, and according to another inventive characteristic, means (60) are provided for recognizing the type of optical fiber (14) used. These recognition means (60) comprise for example one or preferably, several breakers (62) or micro-breakers well known to those skilled in the art, arranged circumferentially on the receiving member (50) in particular on the disc (52), at different radii with respect to the axis of the disc (52) and therefore of the optical fiber (14). These breakers (62) are provided to cooperate with one or preferably, several annular grooves (64) provided on the opposite face ⁽ 44a) of the flange (44), according to different radii corresponding to the radii of the breakers (62). These flanges have annular grooves (64) according to a function code of the type of optical fiber (14) used. Thus, the type of fiber used is automatically detected. This detected information is transmitted by information transmission means (not shown) to a control center comprising, for example, a computer, which uses this information to adjust the power ^parameters of a laser (not shown), emitting the light pulses sought. In this way, an extremely simple means of adjusting the power of the optical radiation is obtained as a function of the type of optical fiber used. Thanks to such a connector device according to the invention, an easy connection and perfect centering of the optical face (14a) of the optical fiber (14) are obtained, which allows the laser light to be transmitted optimally. In addition, thanks to the presence of the sapphire (16) transmitting the light in an optimal way in particular without absorption, the holding part (12), even subjected to very brief light pulses and of very strong power of a pulsed laser like those which are capable of fragmenting any occlusions in a lumen of the human or animal body, for example in the context of the therapeutic treatment of blood vessels (angiopLasty), the treatment of lithiasis or concretions (Lithotrypsia), the treatment of bones (osteo- tritie), does not undergo material tearing, so that the optical fiber remains intact for an extended period of time, which further increases the life of the optical fiber. In addition, thanks to the perfect maintenance and positioning of the optical fiber, the transmission of light pulses is perfect and there is no longer any mechanical breakage. The laser pulses are preferably focused.

This is particularly advantageous in the context of devices for generating shock waves which constitute a preferred application of the connector device according to the invention. In the context of these devices, it is preferred that the light is emitted by a dye laser of the puLsé type, pumped by flash, such as that which is described in the prior application of the applicant FR-88-07251, incorporated herein by reference.

According to another inventive characteristic of the connector device, the front part (35 of the movable ring (34) is prominent relative to the free end of the optical fiber (14) as clearly visible in the figures, in order to protect the optical fiber 14 This front part (35) is also prominent with respect to the external connection member (36), as shown. The movable ring (34) can rotate freely in the space (40).

It will thus be understood that the invention solves the technical problems previously stated and therefore constitutes particularly important technical improvements, unexpected and not obvious to a person skilled in the art.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the embodiment forming the object of FIGS. 1 to 4 forms an integral part of the present invention in all its characteristics and therefore the integral parts of this description.

Naturally, the invention includes all the means constituting technical equivalents of the means described as well as their various combinations.

Claims

1. Easy-to-use fiber optic connector device for transmitting very short, high-power light pulses from a pulsed laser for an extended period of time, comprising a holding piece (12 ⁾ of La optical fiber (14), characterized in that it comprises a support member (30) of the holding piece (12) to which said holding piece (12) is at least temporarily secured, the support member (30) comprising a sleeve (32) mounted coaxial and integral relative to an external connection member (36) by defining a space (40) in which is arranged a coaxial movable ring (34), mounted displaceable in translation relative to the external connection member assembly (36) -support member (30).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support member (30) comprises a sleeve (32) substantially cylindrical provided with a central through hole in which is introduced the holding part (12); advantageously, the movable ring (34) has a front portion (35) protruding with respect to the free end (14a) of the optical fiber in order to protect the latter.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the external connection member (36) comprises connection means (44) with a receiving member (50).

4. Device according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the holding part (12) of the optical fiber (14) comprises an element (16) made at least in part from an optically transparent material, having a hardness sufficient for resist said light pulses and an optical index preferably higher than glass.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the material of the holding part (12) consists of sapphire.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, caracté¬ ized in that the optical face (14a) of the optical fiber (14) slightly exceeds the front edge of the holding piece (12), preferably this protrusion of optical fiber is less than the

05 distance separating the surface of the piece from which the focal point is held, and more preferably makes it possible to cover approximately 100% of the diverging light radiation after the focal point.

7. Connector device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises means (60) for recognizing

10 sance of the type of optical fiber (14) used.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the aforementioned recognition means (60) comprise one or preferably several, breakers (62) or micro-breakers, arranged circumferentially on the receiving member (50), at rays

15 different from the axis of the optical fiber (14).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the abovementioned breakers (62) cooperate with one or preferably several annular grooves (64) provided on the opposite face (44a) of the external connection member (36), especially one

20 flange (44), according to different radii corresponding to the radii of the switches (62).

10. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the external connection member (36), in particular the colle¬ rette (44), present on its front face (44a), one or more

25 annular grooves (64) according to a function code of the type of optical fiber (14) used.

11. Device according to claim 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises means for transmitting information given by the recognition means (60)

"30 aforesaid to a command center comprising for example a computer, which uses this information to adjust the power parameters of the aforementioned pulsed laser, emitting the light pulses sought, thereby making it possible to adjust in an extremely simple manner the power of the optical radiation 35 depending on the type of optical fiber used.

12. Device according to one of claims 7 to 11, charac¬ terized in that the aforementioned receiving member (50) comprises ^* a set of two discs (52, 54) which can come to join a set of movable plates in an X and Y plane.

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that one of the two aforementioned discs (52, 54) constitutes an intermediate disc (52) secured with clearance (70) to the other disc (54) by a securing means (53) around which a return means (55) can be provided, tending to separate the discs (52) and (54) from one another, this joining means (53) being advantageously ^¬ placed in a suitable housing (58a, 58b).

14. Apparatus for generating shock waves for the destruction of targets, in particular tissues, occlusions in a lumen of a human or an animal, in particular fatty, calcium deposits, lithiasis or concretions , comprising a device for generating an optical beam or radiation, preferably of the pulsed laser type, characterized in that it comprises a connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Apparatus for generating shock waves according to claim 14, characterized in that the aforementioned device for generating radiation or optical beam comprises at least one dye laser, of the pulsed type, preferably pumped by flash.

16. Apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the above-mentioned optical fibers (14) are so-called "standard" optical fibers.