WO2022036400A1 - Sonde optique et système de traitement - Google Patents

Sonde optique et système de traitement Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022036400A1
WO2022036400A1 PCT/AU2021/050912 AU2021050912W WO2022036400A1 WO 2022036400 A1 WO2022036400 A1 WO 2022036400A1 AU 2021050912 W AU2021050912 W AU 2021050912W WO 2022036400 A1 WO2022036400 A1 WO 2022036400A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
probe
sheath
processing system
signal processing
signal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2021/050912
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Robert Alan Pattie
Christopher Gerard Byrne
Steby Rodriguez
Kamal Madapathala
Lindsay Bussau
Peter Pavlicek
Paul Unwin
Hiran Jayetileke
Original Assignee
Optiscan Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2020902979A external-priority patent/AU2020902979A0/en
Application filed by Optiscan Pty Ltd filed Critical Optiscan Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2022036400A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022036400A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
    • A61B5/0062—Arrangements for scanning
    • A61B5/0068—Confocal scanning
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/00004—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by electronic signal processing
    • A61B1/00006—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by electronic signal processing of control signals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/00011—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by signal transmission
    • A61B1/00013—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by signal transmission using optical means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/00039—Operational features of endoscopes provided with input arrangements for the user
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/0008—Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features
    • A61B1/00096—Optical elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/0008—Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features
    • A61B1/00101—Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features the distal tip features being detachable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00112—Connection or coupling means
    • A61B1/00117—Optical cables in or with an endoscope
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00131—Accessories for endoscopes
    • A61B1/00137—End pieces at either end of the endoscope, e.g. caps, seals or forceps plugs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00131—Accessories for endoscopes
    • A61B1/0014—Fastening element for attaching accessories to the outside of an endoscope, e.g. clips, clamps or bands
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00142—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with means for preventing contamination, e.g. by using a sanitary sheath
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00163—Optical arrangements
    • A61B1/00165—Optical arrangements with light-conductive means, e.g. fibre optics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00163—Optical arrangements
    • A61B1/00172—Optical arrangements with means for scanning
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
    • A61B1/045—Control thereof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/06—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
    • A61B1/07—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
    • A61B5/0082—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence adapted for particular medical purposes
    • A61B5/0084—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence adapted for particular medical purposes for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
    • G02B23/24—Instruments or systems for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes
    • G02B23/2407—Optical details
    • G02B23/2461—Illumination
    • G02B23/2469—Illumination using optical fibres
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
    • G02B23/24—Instruments or systems for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes
    • G02B23/26—Instruments or systems for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes using light guides
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B26/00—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements
    • G02B26/08—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
    • G02B26/10—Scanning systems
    • G02B26/103—Scanning systems having movable or deformable optical fibres, light guides or waveguides as scanning elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B2017/00367—Details of actuation of instruments, e.g. relations between pushing buttons, or the like, and activation of the tool, working tip, or the like
    • A61B2017/00371—Multiple actuation, e.g. pushing of two buttons, or two working tips becoming operational
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B2017/00367—Details of actuation of instruments, e.g. relations between pushing buttons, or the like, and activation of the tool, working tip, or the like
    • A61B2017/00389—Button or wheel for performing multiple functions, e.g. rotation of shaft and end effector
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
    • A61B2560/02—Operational features
    • A61B2560/0266—Operational features for monitoring or limiting apparatus function
    • A61B2560/028—Arrangements to prevent overuse, e.g. by counting the number of uses

Definitions

  • the invention generally relates to probes used for optical imaging, such as in endomicroscopy.
  • the field of endomicroscopy provides for microscopic imaging of living tissues of humans and animals and other subjects without the previously required removal of tissue for physical sectioning into thin slices for examination under a bench microscope.
  • a miniature objective lens couples the plane traversed by the scanning fibre tip to an objective imaging plane at or beneath the surface of the tissue in front of the device. This lens is used bidirectionally, forward coupling the illumination source from fibre to sample, and then collecting fluorescent or reflected light from the focal plane and projecting it back into the source optical fibre for transmission back to the proximal detection unit.
  • a contact window at the tip of the device in front of said lens provides a reference plane of tissue contact
  • an actuation mechanism included in the imaging head moves the focal plane of the optical system to different distances beyond the contact window (thus effecting optical sectioning at dynamically variable depth relative to the surface of the tissue contacting the window), either by moving part of the optical system to shift the focal plane, or by moving the whole scanning mechanism and lens system relative to the window.
  • an optical probe for use with an imaging system, the probe comprising: a housing; and a scanning tip extending from a distal end of the housing, wherein the scanning tip is configured to emit and receive electromagnetic radiation via a window at its distal end and pass said electromagnetic radiation between the window and a cable affixed, in use, to a proximal end of the housing via a waveguide, such that, in use, the scanning tip is optically coupled to a signal processing system via said cable, the housing further comprising user interaction means coupled to the signal processing system via a signal line, wherein the user interaction means is configured to enable a user of said probe to, in use, control the signal processing system.
  • the imaging system is an endomicroscopy imaging system or a confocal endomicroscopy imaging system.
  • the user interaction means may comprise one or more buttons.
  • two or more buttons are arranged along a longitudinal symmetry axis of the housing.
  • the one or more buttons may be configured to communicate a state selected from released and depressed to the signal processing system.
  • the optical probe may comprise a rocker selector corresponding to two buttons.
  • the signal line comprises an electrical wiring integrated into the cable.
  • the waveguide comprises one or more optical fibres.
  • a method of imaging using the above probe comprising the steps of: operating the user interaction means to control the signal processing system.
  • an imaging system comprising: an optical probe comprising a housing and a scanning tip extending from a distal end of the housing; a cable affixed, in use, to a proximal end of the housing; and a signal processing system, wherein the scanning tip is configured to emit and receive electromagnetic radiation via a window at its distal end and pass said electromagnetic radiation between the window and the cable, such that, in use, the scanning tip is optically coupled to the signal processing system via said cable, wherein the housing further comprises user interaction means coupled to the signal processing system via a signal line, wherein the user interaction means is configured to enable a user of said probe to, in use, control the signal processing system.
  • the signal processing system is configured to control an electromagnetic output of the probe by selectively generating electromagnetic radiation and optically communicating the electromagnetic radiation to the probe via the cable.
  • the signal processing system is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal from the probe and to generate an image from the received electromagnetic signal.
  • the user interaction means may comprise one or more buttons, and the processing system may be configured to: identify communication of a button signal associated with actuation of a particular button; and determine a command associated with the particular button and the particular button signal.
  • At least one button is configured to produce a plurality of button signals in dependence of an action of the user.
  • the plurality of button signals may include at least two, and preferably all, of: single press signal; double press signal; and hold signal.
  • Each button signal may be selectively associated with a command, such that the particular command associated with a particular button signal is dependent on a current configuration mode of the signal processing system.
  • At least one button signal may be associated with a command to change between configuration modes.
  • a particular button signal may be, for every configuration mode in an active mode, associated with the command to change between configuration modes.
  • the probe may comprise four or fewer buttons, preferably three buttons.
  • the imaging system may comprise the optical probe of the first embodiment.
  • a sheath for use with an optical probe, the optical probe comprising a housing; and a scanning tip extending from a distal end of the housing, wherein the scanning tip is configured to emit and receive electromagnetic radiation via a window at its distal end, the sheath comprising: a distal end comprising a sheath window; and a proximal end comprising an opening, wherein the opening is configured to receive the scanning tip of the optical probe, wherein the sheath comprises a sheath magnetic element configured to interact magnetically with a complementary probe magnetic element of the probe such that, in a in-use configuration in which the scanning tip of the probe is inserted into the sheath, the complementary magnetic elements interact to secure the scanning tip within the sheath.
  • the sheath magnetic element comprises a ferromagnetic material.
  • the sheath magnetic element may comprise a permanent magnet.
  • the sheath further comprises a sheath locking element for interacting with a complementary probe locking element of the probe, wherein, when the sheath is in an in-use configuration, it is prevented from rotation with respect to the probe due to an interaction between the sheath locking element and the probe locking element.
  • the probe locking element may comprise a pin and the sheath locking element may comprise a slot to receive said pin.
  • the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” as well as the word “include” and variations such as “includes” or “including” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 1 shows an imaging system including a probe, sheath, and signal processing system
  • Figure 2A shows a cross-section view of the probe
  • Figure 2B shows a top-down view of the probe
  • FIG. 2C shows schematically details of the cable interfaced with the probe
  • Figure 3 shows an arrangement of the sheath in relation to the scanner tip
  • FIG. 4 shows schematically various modules of the signal processing system according to an embodiment
  • Figures 5A to 5G show examples of different configuration modes for several buttons and button actions
  • Figure 6 shows a table of example commands for assigning to particular button signals
  • Figures 7A and 7B relates to a method of monitoring use of a sheath.
  • FIG. 1 shows an imaging system 10 according to an embodiment comprising a probe 11 with a scanner tip 12, a separate sheath 13, and a signal processing system 15.
  • a cable 14 is shown connecting probe 11 with the signal processing system 15.
  • the imaging system 10 comprises features similar to those described in, for example, Applicant’s US patents 7,920,312 B2, 9,456,734 B2, and 10,194,788 B2, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. It should be understood that the cited references may use different terminology for the same features described herein — it will be clear to the skilled person which features are equivalent.
  • the arrows having dotted lines indicate a direction of install for placing the sheath 13 over the scanner tip 12.
  • such probes 11 comprise an electromagnetic waveguide (not shown), typically an optical fibre (as assumed herein), which is oscillated by an actuator (not shown).
  • the scanner tip 12 can comprise an arrangement of one or more lenses (not shown), arranged such that light exiting the optical fibre is transmitted through the lenses and focused onto a target area. Reflected and/or fluorescent light is received by the same lenses from the target area and passed to the optical fibre.
  • the optical fibre itself extends from the probe to the signal processing system 15 via cable 14.
  • the signal processing system 15 comprises analogue and digital electronics configured to control electromagnetic radiation output to the scanner 12 via the cable 14 and to process received electromagnetic radiation.
  • the disclosures cited herein may be referenced for examples of such signal processing systems 15.
  • the signal processing system 15 is configured to capture images (which can include video) of a target area (e.g. of a patient).
  • the signal processing system 15 typically comprises a controllable laser source, such as a 488 nm laser. Although shown as a unitary system, the signal processing system 15 can comprise physically discrete components.
  • the signal processing system 15 is controllable between an active mode, where the electromagnetic source is on and coupled to the probe 11, and an inactive mode when the electromagnetic source is off and/or not-coupled to the probe 11.
  • FIG. 2A shows a cross-section view of the probe 11 according to an embodiment.
  • the probe 11 comprises a housing 20 comprising user interaction means in the form of buttons 23a- 23c (note that, in the embodiment shown, buttons 23a and 23b are complementary ends of a rocker-type selector).
  • said buttons 23a- 23c are located substantially along a longitudinal axis of symmetry 29 extending from the distal end 90 to the proximal end 91 of the housing 20, which may advantageously provide for comparable use with either the left hand or right hand of the user.
  • scanner tip 12 extends from the distal end 90 of the housing 20.
  • buttons 23 are configured to minimise click/snap type actions —that is, the buttons 23 should travel smoothly when being pressed and released.
  • silicone keypad buttons with carbon pill contacts can be utilised.
  • buttons 23 without a noticeable click or snap action (or at least minimised) may reduce unwanted movement of the probe 11 in certain situations, such as when capturing an image of the target area.
  • Figure 2C shows a schematic representation of cable 14, which comprises an optical line 26, a control line 27, and a signal line 28 interfaced with the probe 11 and the signal processing system 15.
  • Optical line 26 comprises the electromagnetic waveguide, for example the optical fibre referred to above, that extends from a distal end of the probe 11 (such as from within the scanner tip 12) to the signal processing system 15.
  • the control line 27 provides an electrical connection between the signal processing system 15 and the actuator, thereby enabling the signal processing system 15 to control the operation of the actuator.
  • the signal line 28 provides an electrical connection between the buttons 23 and the signal processing system 15, thereby enabling signals indicating a state of each button 23 to be communicated to the signal processing system 15.
  • the control line 27 and the signal line 28 can, in some embodiments, share at least one connection (e.g. a ground connection), however this is not required in other embodiments.
  • the cable 14 can be permanently affixed to the probe 11, as shown, or can be removably attachable (not shown).
  • Figure 3 shows an arrangement of the sheath 13 in relation to the scanner tip 12 and the distal end of the housing 20, according to an embodiment.
  • the sheath 13 is configured to provide a protective barrier between the scanner tip 12 and the target area.
  • the sheath 13 comprises a transparent window 40 at a distal end 92 (that is, at an end opposite to the housing 20 when attached to the probe 11).
  • the window 40 is transparent to wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation utilised by the imaging system 10.
  • the window 40 can be a plain flat glass window with an anti-reflection coating on the inside.
  • the sheath 13 is removeable from the probe 11. This enables removal of one sheath 13 and attachment of another sheath 13. For example, as a sheath 13 can, when in use, come into contact with a patient, it is important to maintain hygiene standards between uses. Therefore, each sheath 13 can require cleaning to suitable standards between uses — replacement sheaths 13 can therefore allow for the imaging system to be continuously in use, with used sheaths 13 cleaned before reuse.
  • the housing 20 is provided with securing means to enable a sheath 13, when placed over the scanner tip 12, to be securely held in place.
  • the securing means utilises a magnetic force between the sheath 13 and housing 20, for example comprising a magnet 21, in this case, in the form of a ring.
  • the magnet 21 is configured to magnetically interact with the sheath 13 — for example, the sheath 13 can itself comprise a magnet or a material, such as steel, which interacts with the magnet 21.
  • the magnetic interaction between the sheath 13 and the magnet 21 provides a securing force — thus, when the sheath 13 is correctly positioned on the housing 20, it is securely held in place by the magnetic interaction.
  • the magnet 21 and sheath 13 should be selected such as to provide a sufficient force to maintain attachment of the sheath 13 during use while allowing for manual removal, by hand, of the sheath 13 by a user when not in use.
  • An advantage of a magnet 21 as the securing means can be that it provides a pull force when attaching the sheath 13 to the probe 11, thereby assisting the user in placing the sheath 13 onto the probe 11 and achieving critical positioning relative to the scanner tip 12.
  • the magnet 21 is located on the sheath 13 and the housing 20 comprises a material, such as steel, which interacts with magnet 21.
  • the sheath 13 must be secured to the housing 20 in a particular orientation (that is, angular orientation with respect to an axis parallel to the probe 11). Accordingly, a locking means is provided for locking the sheath 13 against rotations when the sheath 13 is correctly attached to the housing 20.
  • the locking means is a locking pin 22 in the form of a dowel pin extending from the housing 20.
  • the sheath 13 comprises a complementary slot 42 configured to engage the locking pin 22 when the sheath 13 is correctly attached to the housing 20, thereby restricting the sheath 13 from rotation and advantageously ensuring a correct rotational alignment between sheath 13 and scanner tip 12 when in use.
  • Insert I of Figure 2A shows the magnet 21 and the locking pin 22 in further detail.
  • Insert II shows a higher detail view of the extremity of the scanner tip 12 including, in the present embodiment, scanner tip window 25.
  • window 25 is transparent to wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation utilised by the imaging system 10.
  • the window 25 can be a plain flat glass window with an anti -reflection coating on the inside.
  • FIG. 4 shows schematically various modules of the signal processing system 15, according to an embodiment.
  • the signal processing system 15 can comprise the functionality of a generally programmable computer — for example, as an application running on said computer.
  • the signal processing system 15 can also, or instead, comprise dedicated hardware for implementing the modules discussed below.
  • the signal processing system 15 can comprise a processing module 60, which can be embedded into dedicated hardware, an optical signal generation module 61 (“generation module 61”), and an optical signal capture and processing module 62 (“reception module 62”).
  • the processing module 60 is typically interfaced with the generation module 61 to control generation of an optical signal for transmission to the scanner 12 via the cable 14 — the generation module 16 includes an electromagnetic signal generator (e.g. a laser).
  • the processing module 60 is also typically interfaced with the receiving module 62, which is configured to process the received electromagnetic signal (emitted by the target area) and to generate image data — this image data can then be presented on a display 63 of the signal processing system 15.
  • the display 63 is part of a second computing system (not shown) which is interfaced, for example via a data bus, to a dedicated hardware module (not shown).
  • the dedicated hardware module passes data to the second computing system.
  • the signal processing system 15 also comprises a user interface module 64 —this can include a touchscreen interface associated with the display 63 and/or features integrated into dedicated hardware. Typically, the user interface module 64 also comprises other input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse interfaced with the second computing system. The user input module 64 enables a user to control operation of the imaging system 10, in particular, the operation of the signal processing system 15.
  • the user input module 64 can comprise a footswitch interface to enable a user to interact with the signal processing system 15 via use of said footswitch.
  • the signal processing system 15 is interfaced with the buttons 23 via the signal line 28 of cable 14 — the processing system 15 is therefore able to receive signals indicative of a state of each button 23a, 23b, 23c. These signals typically indicate that one or more of the buttons are depressed.
  • the signals can be received by user interface module 64.
  • the processing system 15 is configurable to define a function of each button 23a-23c; therefore, the operator may be advantageously able to define a preferred mode of operation of the probe assembly 10.
  • the signals can be passed to the dedicated hardware directly, where such hardware is utilised.
  • the signal processing system 15 is configured to distinguish between different actions by the user when pressing buttons 23. According to an embodiment, each button 23 is associated with three different button actions: 1) single press; 2) double press; and 3) hold press.
  • the single press action corresponds to the user depressing the relevant button 23 and removing the pressure shortly after.
  • the double press action corresponds, in effect, to two single press actions within quick succession — that is, there is little delay between each depression.
  • the hold press action effectively corresponds to a single depression where the user does not remove the pressure within the time associated with the single press action — that is, the user maintains the button in a depressed state for an extended period.
  • the processing system 15 can be preconfigured to distinguish between single press action, double press action, and hold action from each button 23a, 23b, 23c, and therefore, to identify a particular button signal being communicated from the user interaction means.
  • the user interface module 64 can be configured to determine a time for which a button 23 is depressed and a time between successive instances of a button 23 being depressed.
  • buttons 23 on the housing 20 advantageously allows for single-handed use and control of the probe assembly 10 and signal processing system 15. That is, with one hand, the user can utilise the probe assembly 10 for imaging and control the signal processing system 15 through actuation of the buttons 23. Additionally, as previously mentioned, the symmetrical alignment of the buttons 23 can advantageously allow for identical left and right- handed usage.
  • each button signal is selectively associated with a command. Therefore, each button 23a, 23b, 23c can be associated with up to three different commands, each button signal associated with the particular button 23a, 23b, 23c.
  • the signal processing system 15 can be configured, therefore, to change the particular command associated with a particular button signal and button 23. The change can be in response to a user input via the user input module 64.
  • a button signal can be associated with a command to effect a change in the command associated with one or more button signals.
  • the signal processing system 15 is preconfigured with a plurality of button assignment modes.
  • Each button assignment mode defines particular commands associated with each button signal — therefore, changing from one button assignment mode to another effectively changes the commands associated with each button signal. It should be noted that different button assignment modes can specify the same command for one or more buton signals (in this case, the effect of changing modes does not change the command associated with these particular buton signals).
  • Figures 5A to 5G show examples of different buton assignment modes and the corresponding commands associated with each buton signal.
  • each buton signal is identified by its buton 23a, 23b, or 23c and the particular action (single press, double press, or hold).
  • the icon shown for each combination of buton 23a, 23b, 23c and action indicates the associated command.
  • Figure 6 shows a table of possible commands according to a particular embodiment which can be associated with particular buton signal.
  • the command associated with the third buton 23c and hold action is the cycle-mode command — thus, the user is enabled to configure the buton signals based on selecting a desired buton assignment mode, by holding down the third buton 23 while still operating the probe 11.
  • the graphics shown in Figures 5A to 5G can be presented on the display 63 when the associated buton assignment mode is selected.
  • rocker e.g. butons 23a and 23b as shown in Figure 1
  • particular actions of the rocker butons 23 a, 23b can be associated with independent commands (e.g. effectively as two independent butons 23) or for related commands.
  • buton 23a can increase a parameter while buton 23b decreases the same parameter — hence the two commands are related.
  • buton 23a can increase the brightness of the electromagnetic source (single press action) and buton 23b can decrease the brightness of the electromagnetic source (single press action).
  • the rocker configuration can advantageously provide a tactile and visual que to the user that the functions of the butons 23a and 23b can be related.
  • Embodiments of the probe 11 comprising user interaction means can advantageously reduce or remove the need to have a support person such as a nurse to assist in operating the imaging system 10 — for example, by removing the need for the support person to interact with the signal processing system 15 on behalf of the user of the probe 11.
  • the arrangement can allow the user of the probe 11 to keep their hand on the probe at all times throughout an imaging procedure.
  • the arrangement can advantageously reduce or eliminate the need for the probe 11, which in many applications should be sterile, to be picked up and placed down repeatedly throughout an imaging procedure.
  • the arrangement can advantageously allow a user of the probe 11 to also keep one hand on the patient while using the probe 11.
  • the number of butons 23 is smaller than a number of functions implementable by the user interaction means, thereby allowing for a relatively small number of buttons, for example four or fewer and preferably three buttons.
  • a button signal can allow cycling of different functional assignments to each button signal by cycling through different button assignment modes (e.g. according to a sequence), advantageously enabling a large number of functions implemented by a relatively small number of buttons 23.
  • the signal processing system 15 is configured to capture an image of the target area after a predefined delay, for example, in response to a button action by the user signalling an image capture event.
  • a delay may allow the operator to stabilise the probe 11 after instigating image capture.
  • the signal processing system 15 when actively scanning, is configured to implement an image roll-back buffer.
  • the image roll-back buffer actively stores images obtained from the probe 11 , despite an image command not being made by the user.
  • the roll-back buffer enables the user, via the user interface module 64, to review images stored prior to the command issuing and selectively capture images of interest.
  • the image roll-back buffer may enable the user to select an image that has not been distorted due to the action of the user in selecting the image capture command.
  • a typical image roll-back buffer is configured to maintain images stored for a predetermined time or predetermined number of frames, with images exceeding the criteria removed from memory (thereby providing memory capacity for newly stored images).
  • the signal processing system 15 further comprises a sheath usage module 65 , configured to monitor usage of particular sheaths 13.
  • the sheath usage module 65 can be configured to disable operation of the signal processing system 15, for example, the generation module 61 and/or reception module 62, in response to determining that a particular sheath 13 has exceeded a usage threshold.
  • the sheath usage module 65 is required to receive information indicating the particular sheath 13 to be used during the active mode.
  • the sheath usage module 65 requests that a unique identity (ID) code be provided. The request can be overt (for example, via a request presented on the display 63) or can be implied (for example, the signal processing system 15 can be barred from entering active mode until said ID code is provided).
  • the sheath usage module 65 receives the ID code.
  • the sheath usage module 65 compares the ID code to a database of previously used ID codes maintained by the sheath usage module 65. If the ID code is identified within the database, a use-record is obtained from the database, at step 103. The use-record provides an indication of an amount of use of the sheath 13 with respect to a threshold requirement.
  • the use-record specifies a number of times that the sheath 13 has been used and the threshold specifies a maximum number of uses of the sheath 13. If the usage record indicates that the threshold has been met (i.e. the number of uses equals the maximum number of uses), then the sheath usage module 65 bars the sheath 13 from being used with the signal processing system 15, at step 104 — i.e. the signal processing system 15 is barred from entering active mode. Otherwise, according to this implementation, the use-record is updated, at step 105, upon the signal processing system 15 entering active mode to indicate a further use of the particular sheath 13 — the signal processing system 15 is enabled to enter active mode.
  • the sheath usage module 65 determines that the sheath 13 is being used for a first time, at step 106. In this case, a record is created in the database associated with the ID code indicating that the sheath 13 has been used once, in response to the signal processing system 15 entering active mode, at step 107. If the ID code presented at step 106 is incorrect, for example indicating possible incompatibility with the probe 11, then a new record is not created, and the sheath usage disallowed by not entering the active mode.
  • the user can be enabled to enter the ID code of the sheath 13 via the user interface module 64 — the ID code can be located on the sheath 13, for example, as a laser marking.
  • the sheath 13 can also, or instead, comprise a machine-readable feature comprising the ID code.
  • the signal processing system 15 comprises a suitable reader for reading said machine- readable feature.
  • a user can be enabled, via the user interface module 64, to obtain use information of a particular sheath 13.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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  • Endoscopes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une sonde optique destinée à être utilisée avec un système d'imagerie, la sonde comprenant : un boîtier ; et une pointe de balayage s'étendant à partir d'une extrémité distale du boîtier, la pointe de balayage étant configurée pour émettre et recevoir un rayonnement électromagnétique par l'intermédiaire d'une fenêtre au niveau de son extrémité distale et laisser passer ledit rayonnement électromagnétique entre la fenêtre et un câble fixé, lors de l'utilisation, à une extrémité proximale du boîtier par l'intermédiaire d'un guide d'ondes, de telle sorte que, lors de l'utilisation, la pointe de balayage est couplée optiquement à un système de traitement de signal par l'intermédiaire dudit câble, le boîtier comprenant en outre un moyen d'interaction d'utilisateur couplé au système de traitement de signal par l'intermédiaire d'une ligne de signal, le moyen d'interaction d'utilisateur étant configuré pour permettre à un utilisateur de ladite sonde d'utiliser, lors de l'utilisation, le système de traitement de signal.
PCT/AU2021/050912 2020-08-21 2021-08-18 Sonde optique et système de traitement WO2022036400A1 (fr)

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AU2020902979 2020-08-21
AU2020902979A AU2020902979A0 (en) 2020-08-21 Optical probe and processing system

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Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140142436A1 (en) * 2012-11-19 2014-05-22 Christopher Hutchins Interface Devices, Systems and Methods for Multimodal Probes
EP2848276A1 (fr) * 2012-05-08 2015-03-18 Prodol Meditec, S.A. Dispositif optique, gaine et système d'intubation endotrachéale
US20160143512A1 (en) * 2014-11-24 2016-05-26 Gyrus Acmi, Inc. D.B.A Olympus Surgical Technologies America Adjustable endoscope sheath
US20160143511A1 (en) * 2014-11-24 2016-05-26 Gyrus Acmi, Inc. D.B.A Olympus Surgical Technologies America Adjustable endoscope sheath
JP2017023604A (ja) * 2015-07-27 2017-02-02 オリンパス株式会社 内視鏡システム
EP3342457A1 (fr) * 2016-12-30 2018-07-04 Wipro Limited Uretèroscope et avec un laser un procédé de poudrage de calculs dans une cavité corporelle
US20190008601A1 (en) * 2017-07-06 2019-01-10 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Scope devices and methods
WO2019157763A1 (fr) * 2018-02-15 2019-08-22 Covidien Lp Ensemble gaine pour endoscope rigide
WO2020054723A1 (fr) * 2018-09-10 2020-03-19 オリンパス株式会社 Dispositif d'observation d'agression thermique, système d'endoscope, système d'observation d'agression thermique et procédé d'observation d'agression thermique
WO2020053136A1 (fr) * 2018-09-12 2020-03-19 3Shape A/S Gaine pour un embout d'un dispositif de balayage et son système
WO2020124405A1 (fr) * 2018-12-19 2020-06-25 Covestro Deutschland Ag Catalyseur thermolatent pour la polymérisation d'isocyanates

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2848276A1 (fr) * 2012-05-08 2015-03-18 Prodol Meditec, S.A. Dispositif optique, gaine et système d'intubation endotrachéale
US20140142436A1 (en) * 2012-11-19 2014-05-22 Christopher Hutchins Interface Devices, Systems and Methods for Multimodal Probes
US20160143512A1 (en) * 2014-11-24 2016-05-26 Gyrus Acmi, Inc. D.B.A Olympus Surgical Technologies America Adjustable endoscope sheath
US20160143511A1 (en) * 2014-11-24 2016-05-26 Gyrus Acmi, Inc. D.B.A Olympus Surgical Technologies America Adjustable endoscope sheath
JP2017023604A (ja) * 2015-07-27 2017-02-02 オリンパス株式会社 内視鏡システム
EP3342457A1 (fr) * 2016-12-30 2018-07-04 Wipro Limited Uretèroscope et avec un laser un procédé de poudrage de calculs dans une cavité corporelle
US20190008601A1 (en) * 2017-07-06 2019-01-10 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Scope devices and methods
WO2019157763A1 (fr) * 2018-02-15 2019-08-22 Covidien Lp Ensemble gaine pour endoscope rigide
WO2020054723A1 (fr) * 2018-09-10 2020-03-19 オリンパス株式会社 Dispositif d'observation d'agression thermique, système d'endoscope, système d'observation d'agression thermique et procédé d'observation d'agression thermique
WO2020053136A1 (fr) * 2018-09-12 2020-03-19 3Shape A/S Gaine pour un embout d'un dispositif de balayage et son système
WO2020124405A1 (fr) * 2018-12-19 2020-06-25 Covestro Deutschland Ag Catalyseur thermolatent pour la polymérisation d'isocyanates

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