Catheter motor drive unit that facilitates combined optical coherence tomography and fluorescence-lifetime imaging
Inventors
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Assignees
University of California San Diego UCSD
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a leading public research university located in La Jolla, California. Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach, UCSD offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, promoting sustainability, and driving social mobility through education, research, and public service. UCSD is recognized for its contributions to research and innovation, particularly in areas such as climate science, health innovation, and artificial intelligence.
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a leading public research university located in La Jolla, California. Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach, UCSD offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, promoting sustainability, and driving social mobility through education, research, and public service. UCSD is recognized for its contributions to research and innovation, particularly in areas such as climate science, health innovation, and artificial intelligence.
Publication Number
US-12357163-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-15
Expiration Date
2038-04-12
Abstract
The system includes a catheter with an internal optical fiber that carries an optical beam and an optical element, which reflects the optical beam substantially orthogonal to a rotational axis of the catheter and is coupled to the end of the optical fiber. A motor drive unit (MDU) is coupled to the catheter, wherein the MDU comprises: a rotary collimator: a catheter interface, which couples the optical fiber to the rotary collimator; and a drive motor, which rotates the rotary collimator. The MDU also includes a first dichroic mirror that combines optical paths for a fluorescence-lifetime imaging (FLIm) system and an optical coherence tomography system into a single optical path, which is coupled to the optical fiber through the rotary collimator and the catheter interface. The MDU additionally includes a multispectral detector for the FLIm system, which is electrically coupled to a data acquisition unit for the FLIm imaging system.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a multimodal intraluminal imaging system that integrates both optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescence-lifetime imaging (FLIm) modalities through a single catheter containing a double-clad optical fiber. This internal optical fiber carries both UV light for FLIm and coherent infrared light for OCT, transmitted through two concentric light-guiding regions to enable precisely co-registered optical data collection. An optical element coupled to the distal end of the catheter reflects the optical beam substantially orthogonal to the rotational axis, allowing rotational imaging.
The system includes a motor drive unit (MDU) coupled to the proximal end of the catheter that contains a rotary collimator connected to a catheter interface and is driven by a motor. The MDU also includes a first dichroic mirror that combines optical paths for the OCT and FLIm systems into a single path coupled through the catheter interface and rotary collimator to the fiber in the catheter. Additionally, the MDU contains a multispectral detector for the FLIm signals which is electrically connected to an external data acquisition unit.
The problem solved by this invention arises from the challenges in combining both OCT and FLIm imaging modalities in a single flexible catheter suitable for constrained imaging geometries like blood vessels or the gastrointestinal tract. Prior approaches used bulky free-space optics or separate fibers, which are impractical. This invention addresses those issues by employing a single double-clad optical fiber and integrating the optical path combining and rotation functionality in a motor drive unit, thereby facilitating effective multimodal intraluminal imaging.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims cover several inventive features directed to a multimodal intraluminal imaging system and methods that combine OCT and FLIm systems through a catheter with a double-clad fiber and a motor drive unit integrating optical path combining and multispectral detection.
Integration of OCT and FLIm systems with double-clad fiber catheter
A multimodal imaging system that combines an OCT system and a FLIm system using a catheter with an internal double-clad optical fiber transmitting both UV light and coherent infrared light through two concentric light-guiding regions, enabling precisely co-registered optical data for both imaging modalities.
Motor drive unit with rotary collimator and first dichroic mirror
A motor drive unit (MDU) coupled to the catheter that includes a rotary collimator, a catheter interface coupling the catheter fiber to the collimator, a drive motor applying rotary motion, and a first dichroic mirror combining FLIm and OCT optical paths into a single optical path through the rotary collimator and catheter interface.
Use of an air bearing in rotary collimator with closed-loop speed control
A rotary collimator within the MDU that includes an air bearing for low friction and precise positioning, wherein the drive motor is indirectly coupled through a belt or gear train, and an optical encoder on the main shaft is connected to a closed-loop control system that actively controls rotational speed.
Multispectral detector for FLIm signal separation and detection
A multispectral detector within the MDU comprising a second dichroic mirror to separate FLIm excitation and collection signals, additional dichroic mirrors to divide the collection signal into distinct spectral bands, two or more solid state detectors for these bands, and electrical outputs communicating FLIm signals to an external data acquisition unit.
FLIm and OCT excitation and collimation components within the MDU
Inclusion of a FLIm collimator generating collimated UV light from a FLIm excitation laser delivered through fiber optic, and optionally an OCT collimator generating a collimated beam from light received via an optical fiber from an OCT system located externally.
Optical element design for beam reflection orthogonal to catheter axis
An optical element coupled to the distal end of the catheter fiber comprising a curved mirror that reflects and focuses light from the optical fiber in a direction substantially orthogonal to the catheter's rotational axis.
Method for performing multimodal intraluminal imaging
A method involving insertion of the catheter into a patient's blood vessel, concurrent operation of OCT and FLIm systems, and rotation of the optical element via the MDU containing the rotary collimator, drive motor, dichroic mirror combining optical paths, and multispectral detector electrically coupled to an external data acquisition unit.
The claims collectively define a multimodal intraluminal imaging system and method that enable combined OCT and FLIm imaging through a single catheter using a double-clad optical fiber, a motor drive unit with rotary collimation and optical path combining, and a multispectral FLIm detection system with precise rotational control.
Stated Advantages
Uses a single double-clad optical fiber to transmit both UV FLIm signals and infrared OCT signals, facilitating precisely co-registered optical data and reducing the complexity of separate fiber interfaces.
Employs an air bearing in the rotary collimator to achieve precise positioning and reduce run-out error compared to mechanical bearings, improving optical beam alignment and imaging accuracy.
Implements a closed-loop control system using an optical encoder on the rotary collimator main shaft to actively control the drive motor, mitigating errors from vibration and slippage in indirect motor coupling.
Combines FLIm and OCT optical paths into a single path via a dichroic mirror within the motor drive unit, enabling integrated multimodal imaging through the catheter.
Includes a multispectral detector within the MDU that separates FLIm signals into multiple spectral bands and converts them to electrical signals for data acquisition, enhancing biochemical contrast detection.
Documented Applications
Intraluminal imaging within blood vessels, facilitating simultaneous optical coherence tomography and fluorescence-lifetime imaging to characterize biological tissues with limited access.
Use in constrained imaging geometries such as inside gastrointestinal tracts or other tissue lumens where bulky free-space optical systems are impractical.
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