WO2022141108A1

WO2022141108A1 - Photoacoustic imaging probe and photoacoustic imaging system

Info

Publication number: WO2022141108A1
Application number: PCT/CN2020/141064
Authority: WO
Inventors: 杨芳; 刘福生; 柯昌星; 朱磊
Original assignee: 深圳迈瑞生物医疗电子股份有限公司
Priority date: 2020-12-29
Filing date: 2020-12-29
Publication date: 2022-07-07
Also published as: CN116456907A

Abstract

Provided are a photoacoustic imaging probe and a photoacoustic imaging system. The photoacoustic imaging probe comprises: an ultrasonic transducer, a light transmission component and an accommodation structure, wherein the light transmission component is disposed on the circumferential side of the ultrasonic transducer, and the accommodation structure is at least used for accommodating the ultrasonic transducer and the light transmission component; an optical fiber connection interface is arranged at the rear end of the accommodation structure, and a light outlet end of an optical fiber is detachably connected to the optical fiber connection interface; and a laser emitted by the light outlet end of the optical fiber is incident to the light transmission component, and the light transmission component guides the laser to the front end of the accommodation structure and transmits the laser to tissue of an object to be examined.

Description

Photoacoustic imaging probe and photoacoustic imaging system

technical field

The invention relates to the field of photoacoustic imaging, and relates to, but is not limited to, a photoacoustic imaging probe and a photoacoustic imaging system.

Background technique

The dual-mode probe in photoacoustic imaging, that is, a hand-held array probe with both traditional ultrasonic imaging and photoacoustic imaging modes, is implemented by coupling optical fibers on the traditional ultrasonic array probe. The optical fiber transmits the pulsed laser light to both sides of the ultrasound probe to irradiate the tissue.

In clinical practice, different frequency probes are used for photoacoustic imaging to meet different usage scenarios and application sites. If the dual-mode probe is made into an integrated type (the optical fiber is built into the probe housing and cannot be removed), there will be a need to unplug the optical fiber at the laser end when switching between different probes and replace it with the optical fiber of another probe. Considering the safety, operability and economy, this design is not advisable; if the dual-mode probe is made into a separate type (clamps are used to clamp the optical fiber and the probe is coupled), the clamps need to be removed to switch the probes. However, due to the different probe sizes and appearances , it is difficult to make one fiber, suitable for all probes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present application provide a photoacoustic imaging probe and a photoacoustic imaging system, which can improve the convenience of replacing the photoacoustic imaging probe.

The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application are implemented as follows:

The embodiment of the present application provides a photoacoustic imaging probe, the photoacoustic imaging probe includes: an ultrasonic transducer, a light-transmitting component, and a accommodating structure, wherein:

The light-transmitting component is arranged on the peripheral side of the ultrasonic transducer, and the accommodating structure is at least used for accommodating the ultrasonic transducer and the light-transmitting component;

The rear end of the accommodating structure is provided with an optical fiber connection interface, and the light outlet end of the optical fiber is connected with the detachable interface of the optical fiber connection interface;

The laser light emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the light-transmitting component, and the light-transmitting component conducts the laser light to the front end of the accommodating structure and emits it into the tissue of the detection object.

An embodiment of the present application provides a photoacoustic imaging probe, the photoacoustic imaging probe comprising: an ultrasonic transducer and a light-transmitting component, wherein:

The light-transmitting component is connected with the peripheral side of the transducer, the rear end of the light-transmitting component is provided with an optical fiber connection interface, and the light outlet end of the optical fiber is connected with the light-transmitting component through the optical fiber connection interface;

The laser light emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the light-transmitting component, and the light-transmitting component conducts the laser light into the tissue of the detection object.

The embodiment of the present application provides a photoacoustic imaging system, the photoacoustic imaging system includes: a laser emitting device, the above-mentioned photoacoustic imaging probe, a processor and a display device, wherein:

The laser emitting device is connected to the light entrance end of the optical fiber, the photoacoustic imaging probe is connected to the outlet end of the optical fiber, and the laser light emitted by the laser emitting device is transmitted to the photoacoustic imaging probe through the optical fiber, and is transmitted to the tissue of the detection object by the photoacoustic imaging probe, and the photoacoustic imaging probe receives the photoacoustic signal generated by the tissue of the detection object in response to the laser and transmits it to the processor;

a processor, configured to generate a photoacoustic image of the tissue of the detection object according to the photoacoustic signal;

A display device for displaying the photoacoustic image.

Embodiments of the present application provide a photoacoustic imaging probe and a photoacoustic imaging system. The photoacoustic imaging probe includes: an ultrasonic transducer, a light-transmitting component, and a accommodating structure, wherein: the light-transmitting component is arranged on the ultrasonic transducer The accommodating structure is at least used for accommodating the ultrasonic transducer and the light-transmitting assembly; the rear end of the accommodating structure is provided with an optical fiber connection interface, and the light outlet end of the optical fiber is connected to the optical fiber through the optical fiber connection interface. the optical fiber connection interface is a detachable interface; the laser light emitted through the light outlet end of the optical fiber is incident on the light-transmitting component, and the light-transmitting component conducts the laser light to the front end of the containing structure and emitted into the tissue of the test object. Since the optical outlet end of the optical fiber and the optical fiber connection interface are detachably connected, when the user replaces the probe according to clinical needs, he only needs to release the connection between the optical outlet end of the optical fiber and the optical fiber connection interface on the accommodating structure, without having to The laser end operates the fiber, which improves the ease and safety of changing probes.

Description of drawings

1 is a schematic structural diagram of a split-type composite probe in the related art;

2 is a schematic structural diagram of a photoacoustic imaging probe provided by an embodiment of the present application;

3 is another schematic structural diagram of the photoacoustic imaging probe provided by the embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a light-transmitting component provided by an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 is another schematic structural diagram of the light-transmitting component provided by the embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6 is another schematic structural diagram of the photoacoustic imaging probe provided by the embodiment of the present application;

7 is a schematic diagram of the composition and structure of a photoacoustic imaging probe provided by an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a spot beam expansion structure provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 9 is a light spot comparison diagram of the photoacoustic imaging probe before and after setting the light spot beam expansion structure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a photoacoustic imaging system provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed ways

In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments should not be regarded as limitations of the present application, and those of ordinary skill in the art do not make any creativity All other embodiments obtained under labor conditions fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

In the following description, reference is made to "some embodiments" which describe a subset of all possible embodiments, but it is understood that "some embodiments" can be the same or a different subset of all possible embodiments, and Can be combined with each other without conflict.

In the following description, the term "first\second\third" is only used to distinguish similar objects, and does not represent a specific ordering of objects. It is understood that "first\second\third" is used in Where permitted, the specific order or sequence may be interchanged to enable the embodiments of the application described herein to be practiced in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

Spatial relational terms such as "under", "below", "under", "under", "above", "above", etc., are used herein for convenience Description is used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to other elements or features shown in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, then elements or features described as "below" or "beneath" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms "below" and "under" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatial descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

In the context of this application, descriptions of a first feature being "on" a second feature may include embodiments in which the first feature and the second feature are formed in direct contact, and may also include further features being formed over the first feature. Embodiments between the feature and the second feature such that the first feature and the second feature may not be in direct contact.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this application belongs. The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application.

In order to better understand the embodiments of the present application, the photoacoustic imaging probe and the photoacoustic imaging system in the related art are first described.

The photoacoustic imaging probe is a handheld array probe with two modes of traditional ultrasonic imaging and photoacoustic imaging. The photoacoustic imaging probe includes an optical fiber bundle and an ultrasonic probe. In the implementation, the optical fiber bundle is coupled to the traditional ultrasonic array probe, and the optical fiber bundle is used to transmit the pulsed laser to both sides of the acoustic head to irradiate the tissue. The ultrasonic probe (ie, the ultrasonic transducer) has the function of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals, which ensures the traditional gray-scale or Doppler blood flow imaging. The photoacoustic imaging probe adopts a two-divided optical fiber beam to conduct laser light transmission, and the regions where the two outgoing laser light beams are irradiated to the tissue are overlapped. The design of the photoacoustic imaging probe is similar to the conventional ultrasonic probe in appearance, which is convenient for clinical use and more easily accepted by doctors.

In the related art, the photoacoustic-ultrasonic dual-modal imaging system includes a laser, a fiber coupler, a fiber bundle, an ultrasound device and an ultrasound probe, wherein the laser emitted by the laser is conducted to both sides of the ultrasound probe through the fiber coupler through the fiber bundle, and irradiated onto the tissue surface.

In clinical practice, different frequency probes are used for photoacoustic imaging to meet different usage scenarios and application sites. In the related art, the ultrasonic probe and the optical fiber bundle of the integrated composite probe are integrated in the housing, that is to say, the optical fiber is built into the probe housing and cannot be disassembled. The optical fiber bundle of a probe, because the laser energy directly emitted from the laser end is highly concentrated in time and space, when the human eye directly faces the laser emitted from the laser due to carelessness, it will cause great damage to the eyes. Consider In terms of safety, operability and economy, the design of this one-piece composite probe is not desirable. FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a split-type composite probe in the related art. As shown in FIG. 1 , the split-type composite probe includes an ultrasonic probe 101 , an optical fiber bundle 102 and a fixed fixture 103 , and the fixed fixture clamps the optical fiber bundle 102 and couples with the ultrasonic probe 101 , the switch probe only needs to remove the fixing fixture 103 . However, due to the different sizes and appearances of different probes, it is difficult to make a single fiber bundle suitable for all probes, and the universality is poor.

Based on the problems existing in the photoacoustic-ultrasonic composite probe in the related art, an embodiment of the present application provides a photoacoustic imaging probe. FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the photoacoustic imaging probe provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 2 , the The photoacoustic imaging probe includes: an ultrasonic transducer 201, a light-transmitting component 202 and a accommodating structure 203, wherein:

The light-transmitting component 202 is disposed on the peripheral side of the ultrasonic transducer 201, and the accommodating structure 203 is at least used to accommodate the ultrasonic transducer 201 and the light-transmitting component 202;

In the embodiments of this application, "front" refers to the direction close to the detection object, and "rear" refers to the direction away from the detection object. For example, the front end of the ultrasonic transducer refers to the end of the ultrasonic transducer that is close to the detection object. The rear end of the transducer refers to the end of the ultrasonic transducer away from the detection object; the front end of the accommodating structure refers to the end of the accommodating structure that is close to the detection object, and the rear end of the accommodating structure refers to the end of the accommodating structure that is far from the detection object, etc.

The peripheral side of the ultrasonic transducer 201 can be understood as the front end of the ultrasonic transducer and the side surface between the front end of the ultrasonic transducer and the rear end of the ultrasonic transducer. The shape of the accommodating structure 203 can be flexibly set based on the use of the photoacoustic imaging probe and the ease of handling, for example, the shape of the accommodating structure can be a cylinder, a polygon, a rectangular parallelepiped with a convex surface, or the like.

The rear end of the accommodating structure 203 is provided with an optical fiber connection interface 204 , and the light outlet end of the optical fiber is detachably connected to the optical fiber connection interface 204 .

In the embodiment of the present application, the light-transmitting component 202 may be a cylinder made of transparent material, and the cylinder is coaxial with the optical fiber connection interface.

In other embodiments, the light-transmitting component may include a lens group, and the laser light emitted from the light outlet end of the optical fiber connected to the laser may be irradiated to the lens group, and after being transmitted through the lens group, it exits from the front end of the accommodating structure; The component can also include an optical fiber, and the laser light emitted from the light outlet end of the optical fiber connected with the laser can be irradiated to the optical fiber, and after being conducted through the optical fiber, it exits from the front end of the accommodating structure, and the optical fiber connected with the laser can also be connected with the light-transmitting structure. The included optical fibers are transferred through the optical fiber connection interface to reduce the loss of laser light between the two optical fibers.

In actual implementation, the optical fiber connection interface is provided with a first connector, the light outlet end of the optical fiber is provided with a second connector, and the first connector is detachably connected with the second connector.

In some embodiments, the optical fiber connection interface is one of a small (Small A Type, SMA) interface and a ferrule connector (Ferrule Connector, FC) interface.

The FC interface is a round threaded interface. The external reinforcement method is a metal sleeve, and the fastening method is a turnbuckle. The metal connector can be plugged and unplugged more times than plastic. The FC interface generally has one form, that is, one end is "external thread + hole", and the other end is "internal thread + needle". When the optical fiber connection interface is an FC interface, the first connector can be "external thread + hole". , the second connector is "internal thread + needle", or the first connector is "internal thread + needle", and the second connector is "external thread + hole", which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of this application .

There are two forms of SMA interface. The standard SMA is "external thread + hole" at one end and "internal thread + needle" at the other end; reverse polarity RP-SMA is "external thread + needle" at one end and "internal thread + needle" at the other end. In the actual implementation process, the optical fiber connection interface can be a standard SMA interface or a reverse polarity SMA interface. Thread + hole", the second connector is "internal thread + needle", or the first connector is "internal thread + needle", and the second connector is "external thread + hole", when the optical fiber connection interface is When the reverse polarity SMA interface is used, the first connector can be "external thread + pin", the second connector is "internal thread + hole", or the first connector can be "internal thread + hole", the second connector is "internal thread + hole" The connector is "external thread + needle", which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application. .

In the embodiment of the present application, the first connector and the second connector are detachably connected. In this way, when the medical staff is testing the test object, when the photoacoustic imaging probe needs to be replaced due to the different test parts, No matter what type of fiber bundle the second connector is connected to, or no matter what type and state of the photoacoustic imaging probe the first connector is fixed on, as long as the first connector and the second connector are compatible The optical fiber bundle is separated from the current photoacoustic imaging probe through the optical fiber connection interface, and then the photoacoustic imaging probe that needs to be replaced can be connected to complete the replacement of the photoacoustic imaging probe, so that the optical fiber bundle can be easily and quickly The disassembly of the photoacoustic imaging probe ensures that users can easily replace different probes.

At the same time, the light outlet end of the optical fiber is detachably connected to the accommodating structure through the optical fiber connection interface, so that when the user replaces the probe according to clinical needs, it is only necessary to release the connection between the light outlet end of the optical fiber and the optical fiber connection interface on the accommodating structure, without the need for Operate the fiber at the laser end. Under the accidental condition of forgetting to turn off the laser, dismantling the optical fiber at the optical fiber connection interface, compared with directly unplugging the optical fiber at the laser end, the laser energy at the optical outlet of the optical fiber is smaller, and the direction of the output is easier to control. It is safer to unplug the fiber directly at the laser end.

In the embodiment of the present application, the laser light emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the light-transmitting component 202 , and the light-transmitting component 202 conducts the laser light to the front end of the accommodating structure 204 and emits it to the detection object In the tissue, in the embodiment of the present application, the light-transmitting component 202 can deflect the laser light emitted from the exit end of the optical fiber, so as to deflect the laser light to the front of the ultrasonic transducer.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , the light-transmitting component 202 includes a beam deflecting structure 2021 . After the laser light emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the beam deflecting structure 2021 , it exits according to a preset deflection angle. into the tissue of the test object.

FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a light-transmitting assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application, and FIG. 5 is a structural schematic diagram of another light-transmitting assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application. In the actual application process, the implementation of the beam deflection structure It can include but is not limited to the following two as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5:

1. The reflective prism 211A shown in FIG. 4, and in FIG. 4, the angle α1 between the reflective surface 701 of the reflective prism and the plane 702 where the front end of the accommodating structure is located is _an obtuse angle, so that the reflective surface reflects The emitted laser is emitted toward the front of the ultrasonic transducer.

2. The reflecting mirror 211B shown in FIG. 5, as shown in FIG. 5, the angle _α2 between the reflecting mirror 211B and the plane 702 where the front end of the accommodating structure is located is an obtuse angle, so that the laser light reflected by the reflecting surface is directed toward The front of the ultrasonic transducer exits.

In actual implementation, the reflective prism or mirror can be arranged on a supporting structure with a suitable size, the supporting structure can also be a supporting part inside the accommodating structure, and the reflective prism or mirror is fixed on the supporting part inside the accommodating structure .

The front of the ultrasonic transducer, that is, the direction in which the ultrasonic transducer is close to the detection object, since the light-transmitting component is arranged on the peripheral side of the ultrasonic transducer, the beam deflection structure can realize the direction of the laser (also called the beam) toward the detection object. And deflect toward the axis direction of the ultrasonic transducer, so as to ensure that the laser irradiation area coincides with the detection area of the ultrasonic probe. When the biological tissue of the detection object is irradiated by the laser, the substances with strong optical absorption properties (such as blood) in the biological tissue absorb the light energy and cause local heating and thermal expansion, and ultrasonic waves are generated and propagated outward, so that they are detected by the ultrasonic transducer. . In the embodiment of the present application, the laser is emitted toward the front of the ultrasonic transducer, so that the irradiation position of the laser is basically coincident with the scanning position of the ultrasonic transducer, so that the ultrasonic transducer can receive the ultrasonic waves generated by the biological tissue under the action of the laser. .

In some embodiments, the light-transmitting component 202 can also expand the laser beam emitted from the exit end of the optical fiber. Beam expansion is to expand the diameter of the input beam, so that a beam with a larger diameter is output. The light-transmitting component 202 can Expands the irradiation area of the laser irradiated on the detection target tissue. Since the diameter of the laser emitted through the optical fiber exit port is small, expanding the laser beam through the light-transmitting component can expand the diameter of the laser beam, thereby ensuring that the irradiation area of the beam matches the size of the ultrasonic transducer as much as possible.

When the laser beam is expanded by the light-transmitting component, the light-transmitting component may include a spot beam expanding structure 2022 as shown in FIG. 3 , so that the laser light emitted through the light outlet end of the optical fiber passes through the spot beam expanding structure. , forming an expanded beam.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , the spot beam expanding structure 2022 includes a first lens 221 and a second lens 222 , wherein the laser light incident on the spot beam expanding structure first passes through the first lens 221 and then passes through the second lens 222 , forming the beam after beam expansion; that is, the first lens 221 is located behind the second lens 222, and the first lens 221 has a divergent effect, that is, the first lens 221 has an angular magnification characteristic; the second lens 222 has a converging effect, to convert the divergent light passing through the first lens into parallel light. It should be noted that the parallel light here is not required to be parallel light in the strict sense, but may also refer to approximately parallel parallel light.

In actual implementation, the first lens 221 may be a concave lens, and the concave lens may further include a bi-concave lens, a plano-concave lens, and a convex-concave lens. A cylindrical lens, and the concave surface of the plano-concave lens faces the rear end of the accommodating structure; the second lens 222 can be a convex lens, and the convex lens can include a biconvex lens, a plano-convex lens, and a meniscus lens. The second lens 222 may be a plano-convex lens, or may also be a plano-convex cylindrical lens, and the convex surface of the plano-convex lens faces the front end of the accommodating structure; and, in the embodiment of the present application, the first lens and the second lens The focal point is coaxial, that is, the focal point of the plano-concave lens and the plano-convex lens are coaxial.

In actual implementation, the first lens and the second lens may be disposed on a support structure with a size that matches. For example, the support structure may be a support part inside the accommodating structure, and the first lens and the second lens are fixed inside the accommodating structure. On the support part of the first lens and the second lens; when the cross-sectional area of the first lens and the second lens is circular, the support structure can be a hollow cylinder, the first lens and the second lens can be fixed in the hollow cylinder, the The hollow cylinder is accommodated in the accommodating structure. And the distance between the first lens and the second lens can be less than one-third of the length of the photoacoustic imaging probe, so as to ensure that the beam deflection structure has enough space for installation. In some embodiments, when the photoacoustic imaging probe is not When the beam deflection structure is arranged, the distance between the first lens and the second lens may be less than half of the length of the photoacoustic imaging probe. In some embodiments, the distance between the first lens and the second lens also needs to satisfy that the outgoing light obtained after the laser light emitted from the first lens passes through the second lens is parallel light.

In some embodiments, the light-transmitting component may also be a solid structure made of a material with high optical transmission properties, such as a glass cylinder, wherein the spot beam expanding structure and the beam deflecting structure may be hollowed out in the glass cylinder Or fill the optical path structure formed by materials with different refractive index, the optical path structure formed by hollowing out or filling with different refractive index materials can make the laser incident on the optical path structure refract or reflect, so as to achieve the effect of laser beam expansion or laser beam deflection.

It should be noted that the above description of the distance between the first lens and the second lens is only exemplary, and in actual implementation, the distance between the first lens and the second lens can be set within a reasonable range according to actual needs It can be set freely, and is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

In practical applications, the first lens, the second lens and the reflecting prism are made of plexiglass material, and can also be made of other materials with high optical and acoustic transmission properties, such as glass or quartz.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the light-transmitting component 202 may include a beam deflecting structure 2021 and a spot beam expanding structure 2022; and after the laser emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the spot beam expanding structure 2022, a beam expanding structure is formed. After the beam-expanded laser is incident on the beam deflection structure 2021, it is emitted into the tissue of the detection object according to a preset deflection angle, that is to say, in FIG. The rear of structure 2021.

The implementation process of photoacoustic imaging is described below with the photoacoustic imaging probe shown in FIG. 3 . When the laser emitted from the laser exit end is incident on the photoacoustic imaging probe shown in FIG. 3 , the laser is incident on the first lens 221 , and an angle-expanded diverging beam is emitted from the first lens 221 , and the diverging beam is then incident on the first lens 221 . The second lens 222 emits the expanded parallel beam from the second lens 222, and the parallel beam is then incident on the beam deflection structure 2021. The beam emitted by the beam deflection structure 2021 is incident on the tissue of the detection object according to a preset deflection angle.

In some embodiments, the spot beam expanding structure in the light-transmitting component may also be located in front of the beam deflecting structure. At this time, after the laser emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the beam deflecting structure, the beam deflecting structure is formed according to the preset Angle-deflected laser light, after the laser light deflected according to a preset angle is incident on the spot beam expanding structure, the beam-expanded laser light is formed and emitted into the tissue of the detection object.

The laser is injected into the light-transmitting component from the light-emitting port end of the optical fiber, and is incident into the tissue of the inspection object through the specific structure of the light-transmitting component. After the blood) absorbs the light energy, it causes local heating and thermal expansion, thereby generating ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic signals) and propagating outward, so as to be detected by the ultrasonic transducer, and the photoacoustic signals detected by the ultrasonic transducer are transmitted to the photoacoustic imaging system. The processor processes the received photoacoustic signal to obtain a photoacoustic image.

In the photoacoustic imaging probe shown in FIG. 3 , the light-transmitting component includes both the beam deflecting structure and the spot beam-expanding structure. As other implementations, the light-transmitting component may only include the beam-deflecting structure, or only the spot beam-expanding structure.

It should be noted that the laser incident referred to in this article includes direct incident and indirect incident, and the laser exit also includes direct exit and indirect exit. After the beam deflecting structure, it is emitted into the tissue of the detection object according to the preset deflection angle, in which the laser light emitted from the light exit end of the optical fiber can be directly incident on the beam deflecting structure, or can be incident on the beam deflecting structure after passing through other optical components; similar , the laser is emitted into the tissue of the detection object according to the preset deflection angle. The laser can be directly irradiated into the tissue of the detection object after being emitted from the beam deflecting structure, or the laser can be emitted from the beam deflecting structure and passed through other optical components. and then irradiated into the tissue of the test object.

In the embodiment of the present application, the photoacoustic imaging probe includes a plurality of the light-transmitting components, and the laser light emitted through the plurality of light-transmitting components is concentrated at the same position in front of the ultrasonic transducer, so as to ensure the laser light The irradiation area coincides with the detection area of the ultrasonic probe, and the laser energy is concentrated in the overlapped area. When implemented, the plurality of light-transmitting components may be independent of each other, for example, the lens or mirror in each lens component is independent of the other lens component. Each lens combination may correspond to an optical fiber connection interface, and the beam expansion structures and/or beam deflection structures included in the multiple light-transmitting components may be the same or different.

In some embodiments, the photoacoustic imaging probe may also include only one light-transmitting component, and the one light-transmitting component may include a plurality of lens combinations, wherein a lens combination may include a spot beam expanding structure and/or a light beam Deflection structure, the spot beam expansion structure and/or beam deflection structure included in different lens combinations can be the same or different, for example, the one light-transmitting component can be a circular glass column surrounding the ultrasonic transducer, the The glass column can be further hollowed out and filled to form a plurality of lens combinations, and each lens combination can correspond to an optical fiber connection interface.

An embodiment of the present application further provides a photoacoustic imaging probe. FIG. 6 is another schematic structural diagram of the photoacoustic imaging probe provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 6 , the photoacoustic imaging probe includes: an ultrasonic transducer 601 and light-transmitting assembly 602, wherein:

The light-transmitting component 602 is connected to the peripheral side of the transducer 601 , the rear end of the light-transmitting component is provided with an optical fiber connection interface 603 , and the light outlet end of the optical fiber is connected to the light-transmitting component 602 through the optical fiber connection interface 603 . connect;

The laser light emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the light-transmitting component 602 , and the light-transmitting component 602 conducts the laser light into the tissue of the detection object.

In the embodiment of the present application, the light-transmitting component 602 includes a casing, wherein the casing can form a hollow cylinder by itself, that is, the side wall of the casing itself is closed. In some embodiments, the casing can also form a hollow cylinder together with the side wall of the ultrasonic transducer, that is, the side wall of the casing is not closed, and is connected to the side wall of the ultrasonic transducer at the Together they form a closed hollow cylinder.

In some embodiments, the inner wall of the hollow cylinder is coated with a light-reflecting material, the laser light emitted from the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the hollow cylinder, and after being reflected in the hollow cylinder, it is emitted to the detection in the organization of the object. If the hollow cylinder is jointly formed by the shell of the light-transmitting component and the side wall of the ultrasonic transducer, the side wall of the super-energy transducer is also a part of the inner wall of the hollow cylinder, that is to say, the ultrasonic transducer The side wall of the energy device is also coated with a light-reflecting material. At this time, the light-transmitting component can be understood as a hollow cylinder coated with a light-reflecting material. , when the laser is irradiated to the inner wall of the hollow cylinder, the laser is continuously reflected, and finally exits from the front end of the ultrasonic transducer at a certain angle.

In some embodiments, the light-transmitting component may be a glass cylinder made of a light-transmitting material and disposed on the peripheral side of the ultrasonic transducer, and the rear end of the glass cylinder is provided with an optical fiber connection interface.

In some embodiments, the light-transmitting component includes a spot beam expanding structure, and after the laser emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the spot beam expanding structure, the expanded laser beam is emitted into the tissue of the detection object. , in order to expand the irradiation area of the laser irradiated on the detection target tissue.

In some embodiments, the spot beam expanding structure includes a first lens and a second lens, wherein the laser light emitted from the light exit end of the optical fiber first passes through the first lens and then passes through the second lens to form an expanded beam. The light beam, that is, the first lens is located behind the second lens, and the first lens has a diverging effect, and the second lens has a converging effect to convert the diverging light passing through the first lens into parallel light.

In actual implementation, the first lens is a concave lens, and further, the first lens may be a plano-concave lens, and the concave surface of the plano-concave lens faces the rear end of the receiving structure; the second lens is a convex lens, further, the second lens The lens may be a plano-convex lens, and the convex surface of the plano-convex lens faces the front end of the receiving structure; and, in the embodiment of the present application, the focal points of the first lens and the second lens are coaxial, that is, the plano-concave lens and the plano-convex lens The focus is coaxial.

In some embodiments, the light-transmitting component may include a beam deflecting structure, and after the laser light emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the spot beam expanding structure, an expanded laser beam is formed. After the laser is incident on the beam deflection structure, it is emitted into the tissue of the detection object according to the preset deflection angle, so as to deflect the laser to the position in front of the ultrasonic probe, which can ensure that the laser irradiation area coincides with the detection area of the ultrasonic probe.

In the embodiments of the present application, the beam deflecting structure may be a mirror, and the light beam reflected by the reflecting surface of the mirror exits toward the front of the ultrasonic transducer. In some embodiments, the beam deflecting structure may be a The incident direction of the reflective prism is perpendicular to the incident surface of the reflective prism, and the angle between the laser and the emitting surface of the reflective prism is an obtuse angle, so that the beam reflected by the reflective surface exits toward the front of the ultrasonic transducer, thereby ensuring that the laser The irradiation area coincides with the detection area of the ultrasonic probe.

In some embodiments, the light-transmitting component may include both a spot beam expanding structure and a beam deflecting structure, so that the irradiated area can be enlarged at the same time, and the laser irradiated area coincides with the detection area of the ultrasonic probe.

When the light-transmitting component includes a spot beam expanding structure and/or a beam deflecting structure, the spot beam expanding structure/or the beam deflecting structure may be fixed in the hollow cylinder, that is to say, the light-transmitting component includes a hollow cylinder and a beam expanding structure. Beam structure/or beam deflection structure.

In some embodiments, the spot beam expanding structure and/or the beam deflecting structure can be accommodated in a hollow cylinder coated with a light reflective material, that is to say, the light-transmitting component includes a hollow cylinder coated with a light reflective material, and Including beam expanding structure and/or beam deflecting structure. The optical path of the laser light passing through the photoacoustic imaging probe is described below by taking the light-transmitting component including a hollow cylinder coated with a light-reflecting material, a light spot beam expanding structure and a beam deflecting structure as an example. When the laser is incident on the first lens of the spot beam expanding structure, a divergent beam with an angle expansion is emitted from the first lens, the divergent beam is then incident on the second lens of the spot beam expanding structure, and the expanded beam is emitted from the second lens. The parallel beam is incident on the beam deflection structure again, and the beam emitted by the beam deflection structure is incident on the tissue of the detection object according to the preset deflection angle. It will be reflected by the light reflective material on the inner wall of the hollow cylinder, and then reflected to the spot beam expansion structure and/or beam deflection structure, and finally incident into the tissue of the detection object, so as to fully utilize the laser energy.

In the embodiment of the present application, the photoacoustic imaging probe may include a plurality of the light-transmitting components, and the light beams emitted from the light beam deflection structures of the plurality of light-transmitting components are concentrated in front of the ultrasonic transducer At the same location, thereby achieving energy accumulation.

In some embodiments, the optical fiber connection interface 603 is a detachable interface, the optical fiber connection interface is provided with a first connector, the outlet end of the optical fiber is provided with a second connector, and the first connector is connected with the second connector The components can be detachably connected. In actual implementation, the optical fiber connection interface 603 can be one of an SMA interface and an FC interface. When the medical staff is testing the test object, when the photoacoustic imaging probe needs to be replaced due to the different detection parts, the fiber bundle is separated from the current photoacoustic imaging probe through the optical fiber connection interface, and then the photoacoustic imaging probe that needs to be replaced is separated. The replacement of the photoacoustic imaging probe can be completed after the connection, so that the light outlet end of the optical fiber bundle can be easily and quickly disassembled from the photoacoustic imaging probe, which can ensure that the user can easily replace different probes.

The embodiment of the present application further provides a photoacoustic imaging probe. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the composition and structure of the photoacoustic imaging probe provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 7 , the photoacoustic imaging probe includes one input and two outputs. The optical fiber bundle 701, the pluggable interface 702, the sound head 703 and the lens group 704, the light exit port of the optical fiber bundle 701 is a circular light spot. In the embodiment of the present application, the light outlet end of the optical fiber bundle 701 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer through a detachable interface, so it can be easily and quickly disassembled from the ultrasonic transducer head, thereby ensuring that the user can easily replace different probes.

In the embodiment of the present application, in order to ensure that the irradiated area of the light spot matches the size of the sound head as much as possible, it is necessary to increase the beam expansion optical path inside the probe. In actual implementation, the lens group may include a spot beam expansion structure as shown in FIG. 8 , and the beam spot beam expansion structure may adopt a combination of a plano-concave cylindrical lens 801 and a plano-convex cylindrical lens 802 . When the laser is emitted from the exit end of the optical fiber bundle 701, a small circular light spot as shown in 901 in Fig. 9 will be formed without going through the spot beam expansion structure, and when the lens group includes the optical spot beam expansion structure, the laser light is emitted from the exit end of the optical fiber bundle 701. After the light spot beam expansion structure, an oval long light spot as shown in 902 in FIG. 9 will be formed to match the size of the ultrasonic circulator. In the embodiments of the present application, the light spot formed by the laser passing through the light-transmitting component is related to the shape and size of the cross-section of the ultrasonic transducer. For example, a rectangular or elongated ultrasonic transducer selects a corresponding lens component to allow the laser to pass through. A rectangular or elongated light spot is formed after the corresponding lens assembly, and a corresponding light-transmitting assembly is selected for the linear array ultrasonic transducer, so that the laser passes through the corresponding lens assembly to form a point-shaped spot.

At the same time, in order to ensure that the light field directly under the sound head has the strongest energy, the light beam needs to be incident along a certain deflection angle. Therefore, the lens assembly can also include a beam deflection device. In the implementation, a mirror can be used, as shown in Figure 5. As shown, a deflection prism can also be used, as shown in FIG. 4 .

In some embodiments, the lens assembly may only include the spot beam expanding structure, or may include both the spot beam expanding structure and the beam deflecting structure. In addition, the optical fiber bundle 701 may be in the form of one in and two out as shown in FIG. 7 , or may be in the form of one in and one out.

An embodiment of the present application further provides a photoacoustic imaging system. FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of the photoacoustic imaging system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 10 , the photoacoustic imaging system includes: a laser emitting device 1001 , a For example, the photoacoustic imaging probe 1002, the processor 1003 and the display device 1004 are provided, wherein:

The laser emitting device 1001 is connected to the light entrance end of the optical fiber, the photoacoustic imaging probe 1002 is connected to the outlet end of the optical fiber, and the laser light emitted by the laser emitting device 1001 is transmitted to the photoacoustic through the optical fiber. The imaging probe 1002 is transmitted to the tissue of the detection object by the photoacoustic imaging probe 1002, and the photoacoustic imaging probe 1002 receives the photoacoustic signal generated by the tissue of the detection object in response to the laser and transmits it to the processor 1003;

a processor 1003, configured to generate a photoacoustic image of the tissue of the detection object according to the photoacoustic signal;

The display device 1004 is used for displaying the photoacoustic image.

It should be noted that the optical fibers mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be an optical fiber bundle composed of multiple optical fibers, or may be a single high-energy multimode optical fiber.

In the embodiments of the photoacoustic imaging probe and the photoacoustic imaging system of the present application, the light outlet end of the optical fiber is detachably connected to the accommodating structure through the optical fiber connection interface, so that the probe can be conveniently replaced at the light outlet end of the optical fiber, without the need for an integrated The optical fiber is plugged and inserted at the laser end like a type composite probe, which improves the safety of the photoacoustic imaging probe. Further, the light-transmitting component expands and/or deflects the laser light emitted from the light outlet end of the optical fiber, so that the size and angle of the laser light incident on the tissue of the test object meet clinical requirements. The light-transmitting components in the same photoacoustic imaging probe match the size and performance of the ultrasonic transducer. Therefore, when the ultrasonic probe needs to be replaced for photoacoustic inspection, there will be no split composite probe. The problem of incompatibility in size, the light-transmitting component in the photoacoustic imaging probe and the ultrasonic transducer in the embodiment of the present application are as a whole, and it is only necessary to replace the optical fiber connected to the optical fiber connection interface, which is connected to the optical fiber connection interface. The optical fiber can be a standard optical fiber, which realizes the adaptation of different probes and optical fibers.

It is to be understood that reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic associated with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Thus, appearances of "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It should be understood that, in various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the sequence of execution, and the execution sequence of each process should be determined by its functions and internal logic, and should not be dealt with in the embodiments of the present application. implementation constitutes any limitation. The above-mentioned serial numbers of the embodiments of the present application are only for description, and do not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the embodiments.

It should be noted that, herein, the terms "comprising", "comprising" or any other variation thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, It also includes other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element qualified by the phrase "comprising a..." does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article or apparatus that includes the element.

The above is only the embodiment of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited to this. Covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Industrial Applicability

The photoacoustic imaging probe provided in the embodiment of the present application includes: an ultrasonic transducer, a light-transmitting component, and a accommodating structure, wherein: the light-transmitting component is arranged on the peripheral side of the ultrasonic transducer, and the accommodating structure at least uses to accommodate the ultrasonic transducer and the light-transmitting assembly; the rear end of the accommodating structure is provided with an optical fiber connection interface, and the light outlet end of the optical fiber is detachably connected to the optical fiber connection interface; through the light outlet of the optical fiber The laser light emitted from the end is incident on the light-transmitting component, and the light-transmitting component conducts the laser light to the front end of the accommodating structure and emits it into the tissue of the detection object. Through the present application, the detachable connection between the optical fiber bundle and the photoacoustic imaging probe is realized, and the convenience of replacing the photoacoustic imaging probe is improved.

Claims

A photoacoustic imaging probe, characterized in that the photoacoustic imaging probe comprises: an ultrasonic transducer, a light-transmitting component and a accommodating structure, wherein:

The light-transmitting component is arranged on the peripheral side of the ultrasonic transducer, and the accommodating structure is at least used for accommodating the ultrasonic transducer and the light-transmitting component;

The rear end of the accommodating structure is provided with an optical fiber connection interface, and the light outlet end of the optical fiber is detachably connected to the optical fiber connection interface;

The laser light emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the light-transmitting component, and the light-transmitting component conducts the laser light to the front end of the accommodating structure and emits it into the tissue of the detection object.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting component includes a beam deflecting structure, and after the laser light emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the beam deflecting structure, a preset The deflection angle exits into the tissue of the test object.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting component comprises a spot beam expanding structure, and the laser light emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the spot beam expanding structure, forming a beam expanding structure. The beam-expanded laser is emitted into the tissue of the test object.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting component comprises a beam deflecting structure and a spot beam expanding structure;

After the laser light emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the spot beam expanding structure, an expanded laser beam is formed. After the beam expanded laser is incident on the beam deflection structure, the beam is deflected according to a preset deflection angle. exit into the tissue of the test subject; or,

After the laser light emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the beam deflection structure, a laser beam deflected according to a preset angle is formed. The laser beam after the beam is emitted into the tissue of the detection object.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the spot beam expanding structure comprises a first lens and a second lens, wherein the laser light incident on the spot beam expanding structure first passes through the first lens , and then through the second lens to form the expanded laser beam;

The first lens has a diverging effect, and the second lens has a converging effect to convert the diverging light passing through the first lens into parallel light.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 5, wherein the first lens is a concave lens, and the second lens is a convex lens.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 6, wherein the first lens is a plano-concave lens, and the concave surface of the plano-concave lens faces the rear end of the accommodating structure;

The second lens is a plano-convex lens, and the convex surface of the plano-convex lens faces the front end of the accommodating structure;

The plano-concave lens is coaxial with the focal point of the plano-convex lens.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the beam deflecting structure comprises: a reflecting prism or a reflecting mirror, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflecting prism or reflecting mirror is located where the front end of the accommodating structure is located. The angle between the planes is an obtuse angle, so that the laser light reflected by the reflection surface is emitted toward the front of the ultrasonic transducer.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the photoacoustic imaging probe comprises a plurality of the light-transmitting components, and the laser light emitted through the plurality of light-transmitting components is concentrated at at the same position in front of the ultrasonic transducer.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the optical fiber connection interface is provided with a first connector, the light outlet end of the optical fiber is provided with a second connector, and the optical fiber is provided with a second connector. The first connector is detachably connected to the second connector.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting component comprises a lens group.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting component comprises an optical fiber.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 10, wherein the optical fiber connection interface is one of an SMA interface and an FC interface.
A photoacoustic imaging probe, characterized in that the photoacoustic imaging probe comprises: an ultrasonic transducer and a light-transmitting component, wherein:

The light-transmitting component is connected to the peripheral side of the ultrasonic transducer, the rear end of the light-transmitting component is provided with an optical fiber connection interface, and the light outlet end of the optical fiber is connected to the light-transmitting component through the optical fiber connection interface;

The laser light emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the light-transmitting component, and the light-transmitting component conducts the laser light into the tissue of the detection object.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 14, wherein the optical fiber connection interface is a detachable interface.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 14, wherein the light-transmitting component comprises a casing, and the casing itself forms a hollow cylinder, or the casing and the side walls of the transducer A hollow cylinder is formed together. The inner wall of the hollow cylinder is coated with a light reflective material. The laser light emitted from the light outlet end of the optical fiber is incident on the hollow cylinder, and after being reflected in the hollow cylinder, it exits to the hollow cylinder. In the tissue of the detection object.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the light-transmitting component comprises a spot beam expanding structure, and the laser light emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the spot beam expanding After the structure is formed, the expanded laser beam is emitted into the tissue of the detection object.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 17, wherein the light-transmitting component further comprises a beam deflecting structure, and after the laser light emitted through the light exit end of the optical fiber is incident on the spot beam expanding structure, The beam-expanded laser is emitted, and after the beam-expanded laser is incident on the beam deflection structure, it is emitted into the tissue of the detection object according to a preset deflection angle.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 17, wherein the spot beam expanding structure comprises a first lens and a second lens, wherein the laser light emitted from the light exit end of the optical fiber first passes through the first lens, Then through the second lens, the beam-expanded laser is formed;

The first lens has a diverging effect, and the second lens has a converging effect to convert the diverging light passing through the first lens into parallel light.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 19, wherein the first lens is a concave lens, and the second lens is a convex lens.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 20, wherein the first lens is a plano-concave lens, and the concave surface of the plano-concave lens faces the rear end of the accommodating structure;

The second lens is a plano-convex lens, and the convex surface of the plano-convex lens faces the front end of the accommodating structure;

The plano-concave lens is coaxial with the focal point of the plano-convex lens.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 18, wherein the beam deflection structure is a reflecting prism or a reflecting mirror.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the photoacoustic imaging probe comprises a plurality of the light-transmitting components, which are emitted from a plurality of beam deflection structures of the light-transmitting components The laser is concentrated at the same position in front of the ultrasonic transducer.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the optical fiber connection interface is provided with a first connector, the light outlet end of the optical fiber is provided with a second connector, and the optical fiber is provided with a second connector. The first connector is detachably connected to the second connector.
The photoacoustic imaging probe according to claim 24, wherein the optical fiber connection interface is one of an SMA interface and an FC interface.
A photoacoustic imaging system, characterized in that the photoacoustic imaging system comprises: a laser emitting device, the photoacoustic imaging probe described in any one of claims 1 to 13 or any one of claims 14 to 25, and a processor and display means, wherein:

The laser emitting device is connected to the light entrance end of the optical fiber, the photoacoustic imaging probe is connected to the outlet end of the optical fiber, and the laser light emitted by the laser emitting device is transmitted to the photoacoustic imaging probe through the optical fiber, and is transmitted to the tissue of the detection object by the photoacoustic imaging probe, and the photoacoustic imaging probe receives the photoacoustic signal generated by the tissue of the detection object in response to the laser and transmits it to the processor;

a processor, configured to generate a photoacoustic image of the tissue of the detection object according to the photoacoustic signal;

A display device for displaying the photoacoustic image.