U.S. patent application number 10/037306 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-03 for catheter probe arrangement for tissue analysis by radiant energy delivery and radiant energy collection.
Invention is credited to Furnish, Simon M..
Application Number | 20030125630 10/037306 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21893623 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030125630 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Furnish, Simon M. |
July 3, 2003 |
Catheter probe arrangement for tissue analysis by radiant energy
delivery and radiant energy collection
Abstract
A catheter tip apparatus arranged in a catheter for the delivery
and collection of a light-energy signal to permit subsequent
computerized analysis of body tissue by the collected signal. The
apparatus comprises an elongated housing supporting a first
reflective surface and a second reflective surface. The first
reflective surface and the second reflective surface are
longitudinally spaced apart from one another. A first flexible,
elongated energy bearing delivery fiber has a distalmost end
arranged adjacent the first reflective surface. A second flexible,
elongated energy bearing collection fiber has a distalmost end
arranged adjacent the second reflective surface. The housing is
rotatably supported on a flexible catheter sheath for insertion of
the catheter into a mammalian body for tissue analysis thereof.
Inventors: |
Furnish, Simon M.; (New
York, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Donald N. Halgren
35 Central Street
Manchester
MA
01944
US
|
Family ID: |
21893623 |
Appl. No.: |
10/037306 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/461 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/0075 20130101;
A61B 5/0084 20130101; A61B 5/0066 20130101; A61B 5/0071
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/461 |
International
Class: |
A61B 008/14 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A catheter tip apparatus arranged in a catheter for the delivery
and collection of an energy signal to permit subsequent light
energy beam analysis of body tissue by the collected signal,
comprising: an elongated housing supporting a first reflective
surface and a second reflective surface, said first reflective
surface and said second reflective surface being longitudinally
spaced apart from one another; a first flexible, elongated energy
bearing delivery fiber having a distalmost end arranged adjacent
said first reflective surface; a second flexible, elongated energy
bearing collection fiber having a distalmost end arranged adjacent
said second reflective surface; and said housing rotatably
supported on a flexible catheter sheath for insertion of said
catheter into a mammalian body for tissue analysis thereof.
2. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said
housing comprises a frame member having a slot arranged therein for
receipt and alignment of said first and said second reflective
surfaces.
3. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said
first reflective surface and said second reflective surface each
comprise a beam redirecting member.
4. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said
slot has shoulders therein to guideably secure and accurately align
said reflective surfaces therein.
5. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said
housing has a proximalmost stem portion for receipt into a catheter
sheath to permit manipulation of said tip from a proximal
location.
6. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said
housing comprises a frame member having a proximal end and a distal
end, with an upstanding proximal block and an upstanding midblock,
each block having a pocket thereadjacent for receipt of a
reflective surface attachable therein.
7. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein said
reflective surface comprises a mirror glued into said pocket.
8. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein each
of said upstanding blocks has a bore therethrough for receipt of
one of said energy bearing fibers.
9. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said
housing comprises an elongated generally cylindrically shaped frame
member with a proximal end and a distal end, said frame member
having at least two steps thereon of decreasing thickness in the
distal direction, each of said steps having a reflective surface
mounted thereon, said proximal end having a stem portion of reduced
diameter, to permit rotative receipt within a catheter sheath.
10. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said
frame member has a cover member arranged to mate over said steps
and said reflective surfaces.
11. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein said
cover member has an axially arranged slot thereon through part of
its longitudinal length, said slot being disposed radially adjacent
each of said reflective surfaces to permit delivery and reflected
collection of an energy beam therethrough.
12. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said
stem portion is secured to a multi-layered, elongated coil spring
arrangement to permit twisting control of said catheter tip within
a mammalian body component.
13. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said
reflective surfaces are unitary portions of said housing.
14. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said
housing has a proximal end and a distal end, and said proximal end
mates with a housing enclosure, said enclosure providing a
securement means for said energy collecting fiber and said housing
provides a securement means for said delivery fiber.
15. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein said
housing enclosure attached to said proximal end of said housing has
a longitudinally directed elongated slot therein, said slot being
in radial alignment with said reflective surfaces formed on said
housing to permit transmission and collection of radiant energy via
said respective reflective surfaces to a computerized analysis
system.
16. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said
housing comprises a cylindrically shaped member having said first
and second reflective surfaces machined thereon, and wherein said
first and second reflective surfaces are non-parallel with respect
to one another.
17. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein said
first and second fibers are diametrically oppositely aligned with
respect to one another about a longitudinal axis of rotation of
said housing, to minimize eccentricity of rotation of said catheter
housing during rotation of said housing in a body tissue.
18. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said
housing includes a reflective surface which is bendable to effect
directional change of an energy beam reflecting therefrom.
19. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein said
housing has accumulation components defining a fiber alignment slot
for miniaturization of said tip.
20. A catheter tip apparatus arranged in a catheter for the
delivery and collection of an energy signal to permit subsequent
computerized analysis of body tissue by the collected signal,
comprising: an elongated housing having a longitudinal axis of
rotation, said housing having a first reflective surface disposed
thereon; a second reflective surface disposed on said housing
distally of said first reflective surface and in axial alignment
therewith; and a first light conductive fiber in light-coupled
communication with said first reflective surface and a second light
conductive fiber in light-coupled communication with said second
reflective surface, said first light conductive fiber in
communication being in communication with a controlled
analytical-light-generating source and said second light conductive
fiber being in communication with a light-collection analysis
device.
21. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said
first reflective surface is dimensionally larger than said second
reflective surface.
22. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said
first reflective surface is curvilinear.
23. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said
first reflective surface is non-parallel with respect to said
second reflective surface.
24. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein at
least one of said first and second reflective surfaces are spaced
apart from said light conductive fibers.
25. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said
first reflective surface is disposed radially within and spaced
from the perimeter of said housing to permit a spreading of a light
beam from said first reflective surface onto said body tissue.
26. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 24, having an
index matching fluid arranged between a distal end of said
conductive fiber and said reflective surface.
27. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 24, wherein said
reflective surface is positioned in a holding pocket arranged in
said housing.
28. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 27, wherein said
reflective surface comprises a mirrored member.
29. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 27, wherein said
holding pocket is utilized to align said reflective surface with
respect to said housing.
30. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said
conductive light fibers are each individually arranged within a
bore disposed within said housing.
31. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said
light delivery fibers are equally diametrically opposed about said
axis of rotation of said housing to provide balance thereto and
minimize eccentricity during rotation thereof.
32. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said
first reflective surface and said second reflective surface are
disposed at an angle proportional to the numerical aperture of said
first and second fibers, to yield a light beam with adjacent edges
that are parallel to one another, to permit a distance independent
delivery reflector-collector reflector separation.
33. A catheter tip apparatus arranged in a catheter for the
delivery and collection of an energy signal to permit subsequent
computerized analysis of body tissue by the collected signal,
comprising: an optically transparent sheath enclosed elongated
housing having a longitudinal axis of rotation, said housing having
a first reflective surface disposed thereon; a second reflective
surface disposed on said housing distally of said first reflective
surface and in axial alignment therewith; a first light conductive
fiber in light coupled communication with said first reflective
surface and a second light conductive fiber in light coupled
communication with said second reflective surface, said first light
conductive fiber in communication being in communication with a
controlled analytical-light generating source and said second light
conductive fiber being in communication with a light-collection
analysis device; and a generally curvilinear cover arranged to mate
over a distal portion of said housing to enclose said reflective
surfaces, said cover having at least one opening on an annular
surface thereof to permit light delivery to said body tissue, and
to permit light collection therethrough upon reflection from said
body tissue.
34. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 33, wherein at
least one of said reflective surfaces comprises a mirrored
member.
35. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 34, wherein each
of said light conductive fibers has a distal end arranged within
said housing, and said at least one of said light conductive fibers
is in abutting relationship with a non-reflective surface of said
mirrored member.
36. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 33, wherein at
least one of said reflective surfaces is disposed in a holding
pocket.
37. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 36, wherein said
reflective surface is secured in said holding pocket by an
adhesive.
38. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 33, wherein an
index matching fluid is disposed about said reflective surfaces to
minimize back reflections thereto, from said outer sheath.
39. A catheter tip apparatus arranged in a catheter for the
delivery and collection of an energy signal to permit subsequent
computerized analysis of body tissue by the collected signal,
comprising: an optically transparent sheath enclosed elongated
housing having a longitudinal axis of rotation, said housing having
a first reflective light delivery surface disposed thereon; a first
reflective light collection surface disposed on said housing
distally of said first reflective light delivery surface and in
axial alignment therewith; a first light conductive fiber in light
coupled communication with said first reflective light delivery
surface and a second light conductive fiber in light coupled
communication with said first reflective light collection surface,
said first light conductive fiber in being in communication with a
controlled analytical-light generating source and said second light
conductive fiber being in communication with a light-collection
analysis device; and a second reflective light collection surface
disposed on said housing distally of said first reflective light
collection, said second reflective collection surface also in
communication with said controlled analytical-light generating
source and in axial alignment therewith; said first and second
reflective surfaces arranged to permit deep tissue light energy
penetration and collection and analysis thereby.
40. The catheter tip apparatus as recited in claim 39, wherein said
first and second light collection surfaces collect light emitted
from a common light delivery source.
41. A method of delivering and collecting a tissue-striking light
energy signal from a first light bearing member and adjacent
delivery beam redirecting member and returning said light energy
signal to a collection beam redirecting member adjacent a second
light bearing member for analysis and tissue treatment, in a light
bearing arrangement, including: spacing said collection beam
redirecting member distally of said delivery beam redirector member
in a sheath enclosed elongated catheter housing tip, said housing
having a longitudinal axis; disposing said beam redirecting members
at an angle with respect to said longitudinal axis of said
elongated housing proportional to a numerical aperture of said
first and second energy fibers.
42. The method as recited in claim 41, including: bathing said
reflectors in an index matching fluid to minimize back reflection
in said sheath enclosed housing.
43. The method as recited in claim 41, including: directing said
delivery light energy signal and said collection light energy
signal so as to yield adjacent edges thereof that are parallel.
44. The method as recited in claim 41, including: delivering and
collecting light from common fibers in said light fiber bearing
arrangement.
45. The method as recited in claim 41, wherein said numerical
apertures for each of said beam redirectors are different from one
another.
46. The method as recited in claim 41, wherein said beam
redirectors are reflectors.
47. The method as recited in claim 41, wherein said beam bearing
members comprise optical fibers.
48. The method as recited in claim 41, wherein said beam bearing
members comprise waveguides.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This application relates to photo-medical devices, and more
particularly to photo-medical devices that deliver and collect
radiant energy to permit body tissue analysis and/or treatment, and
is co-pending with commonly assigned patent application Ser. No.
______, entitled "Multi-Fiber Catheter Probe Arrangement for Tissue
Analysis or Treatment" (InFraReDx-14) which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] The sensing and treating of various tissue characteristics
in the in vivo intravascular environment is desirous for many
reasons yet difficult because it is a very harsh environment in
which to conduct such analysis or treatment. The presence of blood
and its constituents such as cholesterol may effect scattering and
absorption of energy signals transmitted within an organ. Diagnosis
and treatment of various tissues within the human body using an in
vivo probe necessitates adaptive characteristics for that probe
when it is inserted into a mammalian body organ.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a probe
for insertion within a mammalian body which overcomes the
disadvantages of the prior art.
[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
minimally invasive device for light energy transmitting (i.e.
infrared through ultraviolet) diagnosis and treatment of mammalian
tissue through the use of endoscopes, catheters and other minimally
invasive devices. It is still yet a further object of the present
invention to provide optical probe tip arrangement which
facilitates optimum delivery and retrieval of energy signals within
the human body tissue.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides several preferred embodiments
of apparatus and of method of use of that apparatus to analyze body
tissue using an energy spectrum analysis distributed and received
by an elongated probe introducable through a catheter into that
body tissue. That introduction of the body probe may be done
through an endoscope, or other catheter-like devices for such
energy diagnosis and treatment of tissue. That energy analysis and
treatment may include near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy,
Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, photodynamic drug
activation, photonic ablation or thermal treatments, and optical
coherence tomography.
[0008] The probe of the present invention comprises an elongated,
generally cylindrically shaped housing having a first or distal end
and a second, or proximal end. The proximal end has a stem thereon
of reduced diameter from the diameter of the distalmost portion
thereof. An elongated groove is arranged to extend from the
proximal end of the stem through towards the distal end of the
housing. The groove is disposed through only one side of the
housing, and has an arrangement of angled shoulders therein for
providing snug receipt of the collector and the delivery fiber
arrangement.
[0009] The collector fiber arrangement in this particular
embodiment includes an elongated flexible collection fiber having a
distal end to which a reflector or reflective surface (i.e., a
mirror member) is attached. The collection fiber has an outer
buffer such as a sheath for protection of the fiber and to minimize
stray radiation therefrom. A mirror member has an angularly
disposed reflective surface thereon. The delivery reflector (or
mirror member) is attached to an optical delivery fiber which is
enclosed similarly by an outer buffer such as a sheath for
protection of the fiber and for minimization of light leakage. The
delivery reflector or mirror member has an angled reflective
surface thereon. The collection fiber and reflector and the
delivery fiber and reflector jointly mate within the elongated
receiving groove within the stem and tip housing. The elongated
groove is preferably shaped to effect accurate positioning of the
respective reflectors or mirror members therein, so as to emit
radiation from the delivery reflector (or mirror member) and
receive radiation reflected back from a body tissue sample in the
collection reflector (or mirror member). Once the collection and
delivery fibers are within the housing, those joint fibers may be
inserted within an elongated catheter shaft or rotatable coil as
will be described hereinbelow.
[0010] A further embodiment of the present invention is disclosed
by a elongated support frame having a proximal end and a distal
end. The proximal end includes and upstanding portion through which
a collection fiber channel is arranged (i.e., molded, drilled,
machined). A rectilinearly-shaped holding pocket is arranged distal
of the first upstanding member and is arranged to receive a
reflective mirrored surface for example, a collection prism,
thereon. A midblock portion is arranged centrally in the support
frame and has a delivery fiber channel arranged therewithin, the
delivery fiber channel extending parallel and adjacent the
collection fiber channel. A second holding pocket is similarly
arranged adjacent the delivery fiber channel for receipt of a
second reflector such as a reflective mirrored surface, such as for
example, a mirror member, having a mirrored surface thereon. The
holding pockets are constructed so as to accurately receive and
align the respective first and second mirror members to the desired
angle for the desired photon delivery and photon collection from a
target body tissue. The elongated support frame is arranged within
an elongated housing, having an elongated channel for receipt
thereof. A delivery fiber and a collection fiber would be inserted
within their respective channels and the respective reflectors
(i.e. mirror members) would be secured (i.e. affixed by adhesive)
within their respective holding pockets.
[0011] A further embodiment of the optical probe arrangement of the
present invention is characterized by a generally cylindrically
shaped frame member having a stepped down stem portion on its
proximal end thereof. The frame member is arranged so as to define
a series of distal step portions, the first portion of which is
arranged to receive a collection reflector (i.e. mirror member or
reflective surface) and second stepped portion receives a delivery
reflector (i.e. mirror member or reflective surface). A bore or
channel is arranged through the frame member for servicing each
particular reflector. Each respective channel receives an optical
fiber which is arranged to abut one surface of its respective
reflector. The distal cover may be arranged so as to mate over the
respective collection reflector and the delivery reflector while
having a slot for passage of a photonic signal therethrough. The
delivery reflector is thus permitted to emit photonic radiation and
the collection reflector is permitted to receive photonic radiation
when the frame member is assembled with the cover, and the stem is
attached in holding the particular fiber, and those fibers are
inserted within a hollow torqueable transmission shaft such as a
counterwound, multifilar drive shaft coil arrangement proximal of
that frame member.
[0012] A further embodiment of the probe arrangement is shown by an
elongated frame member having a proximal end and a distal end. The
proximal end of that frame member is arranged so as to define an
angled reflective surface thereat, the distal end of that frame
member having a second reflective surface angularly disposed
thereon with an oval end cap thereon. A bore is arranged through
the proximal end of the elongated frame member to define a
receiving channel for a delivery fiber to be inserted therewithin.
The entire elongated frame member is inserted into an elongated
cylindrically shaped housing having a proximal end and a distal
end. The proximal end of the housing has a stem of stepped down
diameter, which stem encloses an energy delivery fiber and an
energy collection fiber. The stem of the housing is arranged to
receive the collection fiber which is arranged to receive
reflective signals from its reflector surface arranged onto the
elongated frame member. The housing has an opening arranged
longitudinally therein, so as to receive the elongated frame
member. The housing also has a slot cut through a side portion
thereof so as to permit the energy signal to be delivered and
received by the respective reflective surfaces contained
therewithin. The end cap on the distalmost end of the elongated
frame member abuts the distalmost end of the elongated housing to
define a smooth continuous surface therearound.
[0013] A further embodiment of the present invention resides in a
one piece housing of generally cylindrical shape having a proximal
portion of stepped down diameter defining a stem. A first
reflective collection surface is disposed at a particularly desired
angle adjacent the stem of the elongated housing, and a second
reflective surface is arranged into the elongated housing adjacent
its distalmost end. A first bore is arranged through the housing
through the stem so as to receive a collection fiber. A second bore
is also arranged through the elongated housing so as to support a
delivery fiber therethrough. The stem may be received in a pair of
hollow, flexible, counterwound coils which function as a torqable
transmission shaft which is secured to the stem and surrounds the
delivery and collection fibers received therethrough. The first and
second reflective surfaces arranged in the housing, in this
embodiment, may be skewed (non-parallel or curvilinear) so as to
emit and receive signals from any particular direction with respect
to its adjacent reflective surface.
[0014] A yet further embodiment of the present invention relates to
a method of constructing a catheter tip arrangement for support of
a plurality of optical fibers, which support construction permits
minimization of component size and adaptive angularity of
reflection of the delivery and collection beams. Such a support may
be accomplished by micromachining construction where additive
processing such as for example: plating, sputtering, vapor
deposition, and subtractive processing such as for example:
etching, laser cutting and ablation, permits finite adjustment to
the dimensions. The support comprises a base upon which an
arrangement of parallel bosses are "grown", the bosses defining
between them, a pair of parallel slots into which a delivery and a
collection fiber may be mated. A mirror surface and support struts
are spaced at the distalmost location of the fibers, which mirror
surface may be curved or manipulably bent to the desired angle for
maximizing optical analysis and tissue treatment thereby. This
embodiment contemplates the use of index-matching fluids added to
any gap between a catheter sheath surrounding the fibers to reduce
any back reflections from the interior of the protective
sheath/transmission window.
[0015] The invention thus comprises a catheter tip apparatus
arranged in a catheter for the delivery and collection of a light
energy signal to permit subsequent computerized analysis of body
tissue by the collected signal. The apparatus comprises an
elongated housing member supporting a first reflective surface and
a second reflective surface. The first reflective surface and the
second reflective surface are longitudinally spaced apart from one
another. A first flexible, elongated, light energy bearing delivery
fiber has a distalmost end arranged adjacent the first reflective
surface. A second flexible, elongated energy bearing collection
fiber has a distalmost end arranged adjacent the second reflective
surface. The housing member is rotatably supported on a flexible
catheter sheath for insertion of the catheter into a mammalian body
for tissue analysis thereof. The housing may comprise a frame
member having a slot arranged therein for receipt and alignment of
the first and the second reflective surfaces. The first and the
second reflective surfaces may comprise prism members. The slot may
have shoulders therein to secure and accurately align the
reflective surfaces therein. The housing may have a proximalmost
stem portion for receipt into a catheter sheath to permit
manipulation of the tip from a proximal location. The housing may
be comprised of a frame member having a proximal end and a distal
end, with an upstanding proximal block and an upstanding midblock,
each block having a holding pocket thereadjacent for receipt of a
reflective surface attachable therein. The reflective surface may
comprise a prism fixedly attached into the pocket. Each of the
upstanding blocks may have a bore therethrough for receipt of one
of the energy bearing fibers. The housing may comprise an elongated
generally cylindrically shaped frame member with a proximal end and
a distal end, the frame member having at least two steps thereon of
decreasing thickness in the distal direction, each of the steps
having a reflective surface mounted thereon, the proximal end
having a stem portion of reduced diameter, to permit rotative
receipt within a tubular catheter sheath. The frame member may have
a cover member arranged to mate over the steps and the reflective
surfaces of the housing. The cover member may have an axially
arranged slot thereon through part of its longitudinal length, the
slot being disposed radially adjacent each of the reflective
surfaces to permit delivery and reflected collection of an energy
beam therethrough. The stem portion may be secured to a
multi-layered, elongated coil spring arrangement to permit twisting
control of the catheter tip within a mammalian body component. The
reflective surfaces may be unitary portions of the housing. The
housing has a proximal end and a distal end, and the proximal end
may mate with a housing enclosure, the enclosure providing a
securement means for the energy collecting fiber and the housing
providing a securement means for the energy delivery fiber. The
housing enclosure attached to said proximal end of said housing may
have a longitudinally directed elongated slot therein, the slot
being in radial alignment with the reflective surfaces formed on
the housing to permit transmission and collection of radiant energy
via the respective reflective surfaces to a computerized analysis
system. The housing may comprise a cylindrically shaped member
having its first and second reflective surfaces machined thereon,
and wherein the first and second reflective surfaces are
non-parallel with respect to one another. The first and second
fibers may be diametrically oppositely arranged with respect to the
longitudinal axis of rotation of the housing, to minimize any
undesired motion of the housing during its rotation in a body
tissue. The housing may include a reflective surface which is
bendable to effect directional change of an energy beam reflecting
therefrom. The housing may be made of "accumulation" or "deletion"
components defining a fiber alignment slot for miniaturization of
the tip.
[0016] The present invention also comprises a catheter tip
apparatus arranged in a catheter for the delivery and collection of
an energy signal to permit subsequent computerized analysis of body
tissue by the collected signal. The apparatus comprises an
elongated housing having a longitudinal axis of rotation, the
housing having a first reflective surface disposed thereon, a
second reflective surface disposed on the housing distally of the
first reflective surface and in axial alignment therewith; and a
first light conductive fiber in light coupled communication with
the first reflective surface and a second light conductive fiber in
light coupled communication with the second reflective surface, the
first light conductive fiber in communication being in
communication with a controlled analytical-light generating source
and the second light conductive fiber being in communication with a
light-collection analysis device. The first reflective surface may
be dimensionally larger than the second reflective surface. The
first reflective surface may be curvilinear. The first reflective
surface may be non-parallel with respect to the second reflective
surface. At least one of the first and second reflective surfaces
may be spaced apart from the light conductive fibers. The first
reflective surface may be disposed radially within and spaced from
the perimeter of the housing to permit a spreading of a light beam
from the first reflective surface onto the body tissue. An index
matching fluid may be arranged between a distal end of the
conductive fiber and the reflective surface. The reflective surface
may be positioned in a holding pocket arranged in the housing. The
reflective surface may be comprised of a mirrored surface. The
holding pocket may be utilized to align the reflective surface with
respect to the housing. The conductive light fibers may be each
individually arranged within a bore disposed within the housing.
The light delivery fibers may be equally diametrically opposed
about the axis of rotation of the housing to provide balance
thereto and minimize eccentricity during rotation thereof.
[0017] The invention may also comprise a catheter tip apparatus
arranged in a catheter for the delivery and collection of an energy
signal to permit subsequent computerized analysis of body tissue by
the collected signal, the apparatus comprising an elongated housing
having a longitudinal axis of rotation, the housing having a first
reflective surface disposed thereon, a second reflective surface
disposed on the housing distally of the first reflective surface
and in axial alignment therewith. A first light conductive fiber
may be in light-coupled communication with the first reflective
surface and a second light conductive fiber in light-coupled
communication with the second reflective surface, the first light
conductive fiber in communication being in communication with a
controlled analytical-light generating source and the second light
conductive fiber being in communication with a light-collection
analysis device. A curvilinear cover may be arranged to mate over a
distal portion of the housing to enclose the reflective surfaces,
the cover having at least one opening on an annular surface thereof
to permit light delivery to the body tissue, and to permit light
collection therethrough upon reflection from the body tissue. At
least one of the reflective surfaces may comprise a mirror or
polished surface. Each of the light conductive fibers has a distal
end arranged within said housing, and the at least one of the light
conductive fibers is in abutting relationship with a non-reflective
surface of the member containing the reflective surface. At least
one of the reflective surfaces may be disposed in a holding pocket.
The reflective surface may be secured in the holding pocket by an
adhesive.
[0018] The invention also comprises a catheter tip apparatus having
a first reflective surface and said second reflective surface which
are disposed at an angle proportional to the numerical aperture of
the first and second foptical ibers, to yield a light beam with
adjacent edges that are parallel to one another, to permit a
distance independent delivery reflector-collector reflector
separation.
[0019] The invention may also comprise a catheter tip apparatus
arranged in a catheter for the delivery and collection of an energy
signal to permit subsequent computerized analysis of body tissue by
the collected signal, comprising an optically transparent sheath
enclosed elongated housing having a longitudinal axis of rotation,
the housing having a first reflective surface disposed thereon, a
second reflective surface disposed on the housing distally of the
first reflective surface and in axial alignment therewith, a first
light conductive fiber in light coupled communication with the
first reflective surface and a second light conductive fiber in
light coupled communication with the second reflective surface, the
first light conductive fiber in communication being in
communication with a controlled analytical-light generating source
and the second light conductive fiber being in communication with a
light-collection analysis device. A generally curvilinear cover may
be arranged to mate over a distal portion of the housing to enclose
the reflective surfaces, the cover having at least one opening on
an annular surface thereof to permit light delivery to the body
tissue, and to permit light collection therethrough upon reflection
from the body tissue. At least one of the reflective surfaces may
comprise a mirrored member. Each of said light conductive fibers
may have a distal end arranged within the housing, and the at least
one of the light conductive fibers is in abutting relationship with
a non-reflective surface of the mirrored member. At least one of
the reflective surfaces may be disposed in a holding pocket. The
reflective surface may be secured in the holding pocket by an
adhesive. An index matching fluid may be disposed about the
reflective surfaces to minimize back reflections thereto, from the
outer sheath.
[0020] The invention may also comprise a catheter tip apparatus
arranged in a catheter for the delivery and collection of an energy
signal to permit subsequent computerized analysis of body tissue by
the collected signal, comprising an optically transparent sheath
enclosed elongated housing having a longitudinal axis of rotation.
The housing may have a first reflective light delivery surface
disposed thereon and a first reflective light collection surface
disposed on the housing distally of the first reflective light
delivery surface and in axial alignment therewith. A first light
conductive fiber is in light coupled communication with the first
reflective light delivery surface and a second light conductive
fiber is in light coupled communication with the first reflective
light collection surface, the first light conductive fiber in being
in communication with a controlled analytical-light generating
source and the second light conductive fiber being in communication
with a light-collection analysis device, and a second reflective
light collection surface may be disposed on the housing distally of
the first reflective light collection, the second reflective
collection surface may also be in communication with the controlled
analytical-light generating source and in axial alignment
therewith. The first and second reflective surfaces are thus
arranged to permit deep tissue light energy penetration and
collection and analysis thereby. Reflectors may otherwise be known
as beam redirecting members comprised of aspheric members, planar,
spherical, convex surfaces, concave surfaces, comprised of mirrors,
dielectric mirrors, refractive index interfaces or diffractive
optical elements.
[0021] The invention may also include a method of delivering and
collecting a tissue-striking light energy signal from a first light
fiber and adjacent delivery reflector and returning said light
energy signal to a collection reflector adjacent a second light
fiber for analysis and tissue treatment. The method includes
spacing the collection reflector distally of the delivery reflector
in a sheath enclosed elongated catheter housing tip, the housing
having a longitudinal axis; disposing the reflectors at an angle
with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated housing
proportional to a numerical aperture of the first and second energy
fibers. The method may include bathing the reflectors in an index
matching fluid to minimize back reflection in the sheath enclosed
housing, and directing the delivery light energy signal and the
collection light energy signal so as to yield adjacent edges
thereof that are parallel.
[0022] Thus what has been shown as a unique arrangement of
structures for supporting energy carrying fibers such as flexible
optical fibers to permit particular radiation to be delivered from
one reflective surface and collected on a second adjacent
reflective surface and analyzed in a computer apparatus at the
proximal end of those fibers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The objects and advantages of the present invention will
become more apparent when viewed in conjunction with the following
drawings in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a probe housing and an optical
fiber arrangement adaptable for insertion into a mammalian
body;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, showing the fiber
components arranged within the elongated housing;
[0026] FIG. 3 is an exploded view in perspective, of a prism and
support frame arrangement and a housing for that support frame, for
attachment on the distal end of a set of optical fibers;
[0027] FIG. 4a is a view of a collection and delivery probe
arranged on the distal end of a transmission coil in a perspective
view thereof;
[0028] FIG. 4b is an exploded view of the coil and probe components
shown in FIG. 4a;
[0029] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of an assembly of an elongated
housing having a pair of reflective surfaces arranged
therewithin;
[0030] FIG. 5b is a view similar to FIG. 5a showing the frame
components thereof without the surrounding elongated housing;
[0031] FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a probe assembly showing a
one piece housing arrangement with optical fibers in a counterwound
coil;
[0032] FIGS. 6b, 6c and 6d are side elevational views of the
housing shown in FIG. 6a;
[0033] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a fiber supporting
catheter tip housing arrangement manufactured by additive and
subtractive methods;
[0034] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of multiple
collection fibers in a housing; and
[0035] FIGS. 9a and 9b show reflectors arranged in their elongated
housing for parallel light reflective beams.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] Referring now to the drawings in detail, and particularly to
FIG. 1, there is shown a first embodiment of the present invention
which comprises a catheter tip apparatus 10 and a method of use of
that apparatus 10 to provide an analysis of body tissue using an
energy spectrum analysis distributed and received by an elongated
probe 12 introducable through a catheter sheath 14 into that body
tissue. That introduction of the catheter sheath 14 and body probe
12 may be done through an endoscope, or other catheter-like
devices, not shown, for such energy diagnosis and treatment of
tissue by a proper computer apparatus 15. The energy analysis and
treatment might include fluorescence spectroscopy, near infrared
(NIR) reflectance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and optical
coherence tomography, photodynamic drug activation, photonic
ablation and thermal treatments.
[0037] The probe 12 of the present invention comprises an
elongated, generally cylindrically shaped housing 16, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, having a first or distal end 18 and a second or
proximal end 20. The proximal end 20 has a stem 22 thereon of
reduced diameter from the diameter of the distalmost 18 portion
thereof. An enlongated groove 24 is arranged to extend from the
proximal end 20 of the stem 22 through towards the distal end 18 of
the housing 16, as may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. The groove 24
extends only through one side of the housing, and has an
arrangement of angled shoulders 26 and 28 therein for providing
snug receipt of the collector fiber 30 and the delivery fiber
32.
[0038] The collector fiber arrangement in this particular
embodiment includes the elongated flexible collection fiber 30
having a distal end 34 to which a reflector or reflective surface
36 (i.e. mirrored/polished member) is attached. The collection
fiber 30 has an outer buffer 38, for protection of the fiber and to
minimize stray radiation therefrom. The reflector 36 has an
angularly disposed reflective surface 40 thereon.
[0039] The delivery reflector 42 is attached to an optical delivery
fiber 44 which is enclosed similarly by an outer buffer 46 such as
a sheath for protection of the fiber and for minimization of light
leakage. The delivery reflector 42 has an angled reflective surface
48 thereon. The collection fiber 30 and attached reflector 36 and
the delivery fiber 44 and its attached reflector 42 jointly mate
within the elongated receiving groove 24 within the stem and tip
housing 16. The elongated groove 24 is preferably shaped to effect
accurate positioning of the respective reflectors 36 and 42
therein, so as to emit radiation from the delivery reflector 42 and
receive radiation reflected back from a body tissue sample through
the collection (reflector) 36. Once the collection and delivery
fibers 30 and 44 are within the housing 16, those joint fibers 30
and 44 may be inserted within the elongated catheter shaft 14 or
rotatable coil as will be described hereinbelow. A further
embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3 and is
disclosed as an elongated support frame 50 having a proximal end 52
and a distal end 54. The proximal end 52 includes an upstanding
portion 56 through which a collection fiber support and alignment
channel 58 is arranged (i.e. molded, drilled, machined). A
rectilinearly-shaped holding pocket 60 is arranged distal of the
first upstanding member 56 and is arranged to receive a reflective
mirrored surface 62, (for example, a reflective collection member)
having a reflecting surface 64 thereon. An upstanding midblock
potion 66 is arranged centrally of the support frame 50 and has a
delivery fiber support and alignment channel 68 arranged
therewithin. The delivery fiber channel 68 extends parallel and
adjacent the collection fiber channel 58. A second holding or
receiving pocket 70 is similarly arranged distally adjacent the
midblock portion 66 for adhesive receipt of a second reflector or
mirrored surface (i.e. mirror or reflective member) 72 having a
mirrored surface 74 thereon. The holding pockets 60 and 70 are
constructed so as to accurately receive and align the respective
first and second reflector arrangements (i.e. mirrors or reflective
members) 62 and 72 to the desired angle for the desired photon
delivery and photon collection from a target body tissue, not shown
for clarity. The elongated support frame 50 is arranged within an
elongated generally U-shaped housing 76, having an elongated
channel 78 for receipt thereof. A delivery fiber and a collection
fiber would be inserted within their respective channels 68 and 58
and the respective reflectors (i.e. reflective members/mirrors) 72
and 62 would be secured (i.e. affixed by adhesive) within those
respective holding pockets 70 and 60.
[0040] A further embodiment of the optical probe arrangement of the
present invention is shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) and is
characterized by a generally cylindrically shaped frame member 80
having a stepped down stem portion 82 on its proximal end thereof,
as may be seen in FIG. 4(b). The frame member 80 is arranged so as
to define a series of distal step portions 84 and 86, the first
portion 84 of which is arranged to receive a collection reflector
(i.e. reflective member or reflective surface) 88 and the second
stepped portion 86 receives a delivery reflector (i.e. reflective
member or reflective surface) 90. A bore or channel 92 and 94 is
arranged through the frame 80 for servicing each particular
reflector 88 and 90. Each respective channel 92 and 94 receives a
collection fiber 96 or an optical fiber 98 which is arranged to
abut a planar surface 100 and 102 of its respective reflector 88
and 90. A distal cover 104 as shown in FIG. 4(a) may be arranged so
as to mate over the respective collection reflector 88 and delivery
reflector 90 while having a slot 106 for passage of a delivered or
received photonic signal therethrough. The delivery reflector 90 is
thus permitted to emit photonic radiation and the collection prism
88 is permitted to receive photonic radiation when the frame 80 is
assembled with the cover 104 and the stem 82 is attached and
holding the particular fibers 96 and 98, and those fibers 96 and 98
are inserted within a hollow, torqueable transmission shaft such as
a counter wound multifilar drive shaft coil arrangement 108
proximal of that frame member 80 and secured to the stem 82.
[0041] A further embodiment of the probe arrangement of the present
invention is shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) by an elongated frame
member 116 having a proximal end 118 and a distal end 120, as may
be best seen in FIG. 5(b). The proximal end 118 of that frame
member 116 is arranged so as to define an first angled reflective
surface 122 at an upright portion 124 thereof, the distal end 120
of that frame member 116 having a second upright portion 125 with a
second reflective surface 126 angularly disposed thereon with an
oval end cap 128 thereon. A bore 130 is arranged through the
upright portion 124 on the proximal end 118 of the elongated frame
member 116 so as to define a receiving channel for a delivery fiber
132 to be inserted therewithin. The entire elongated frame 116 is
inserted into an elongated housing 134, as shown in FIG. 5(a),
having a proximal end 136 and a distal end 138. The proximal end
136 of the housing 134 has a stem 140 with a stepped down diameter
which encloses the delivery fiber 132 and a collection fiber 142.
The stem 140 of the housing 134 is arranged to receive the
collection fiber 142 which is arranged to receive reflective
signals from its reflection surface 122 arranged onto the
upstanding portion 124 of the elongated frame member 116. The
housing 134 has an opening 144 arranged longitudinally therein, as
shown in FIG. 5(a), so as to receive the elongated frame member
116. The housing 134 also has a slot 146 cut through its side
portion thereof so as to permit the photonic energy signal to be
delivered and received by the respective reflective surfaces 126
and 122 contained therewithin. The end cap 128 on the distalmost
end 120 of the elongated frame member 116 abuts the distalmost end
138 of the elongated housing 134 to define a smooth continuous
surface therearound.
[0042] A further embodiment of the present invention resides in a
one piece housing 150 of generally cylindrical shape, (as may be
seen in FIGS. 6(a), 6(b), 6(c) and 6(d)), having a proximal portion
152 of stepped down diameer defining a reduced-diameter
fiber-enclosing stem 154. A first reflective collection surface 156
is disposed at a particularly desired angle near the stem 154 of
the housing 150, and a second reflective surface 158 is disposed
onto the elongated housing 150 adjacent its distalmost end 160. A
first channel or bore 162 is arranged through the proximal end 152
of the housing 150 adjacent the stem 154 so as to snugly and
alignably receive a signal collection fiber 164. A second channel
or bore 166 is also arranged through the proximal half of the
elongated housing 150 so as to alignably support a delivery fiber
168 therethrough. The stem 154 may be received in a pair of hollow,
flexible, counterwound coils 170, as shown in FIG. 6(a), which
coils 170 that function as a torqueable transmission shaft, is
secured to the stem 154 and surrounds the delivery and collection
fibers 168 and 164 received therethrough. The first and second
reflective surfaces 156 and 158 arranged into the housing 150, in
this embodiment, and which is depicted by light energy waves E1 and
E2 reflecting with respect thereto, may be skewed (non parallel or
curvilinear) with respect to one another so as to emit and receive
signals from any particular direction with respect to the surface
of an adjacent reflective tissue "T". FIG. 6(c) represents the
housing 150 with the respective reflective surfaces 156 and 158
being spaced further longitudinally apart than is depicted in FIG.
6(b). This permits different scattering patterns E1 and E2 to be
delivered and hence received by the catheter tip apparatus 10. FIG.
6(d) represents the manufactured reflective surfaces 156 and 158 at
a skewed angle with respect to one another to present further
signal delivery and collection characteristics with respect
thereto. The fiber bores 154 and 162 are oppositely aligned and
diametrically disposed across the longitudinal axis of rotation "R"
of the housing 150. This minimizes eccentric rotation of the
housing 150, the fibers borne therein and signal distortion during
rotation of the housing 150 in a body vessel during analysis of
tissue "T".
[0043] A yet further embodiment of the present invention is shown
in FIG. 7, wherein a platform 180 relates to a method of
constructing a catheter tip arrangement 10 for support of a
plurality of two or more optical delivery and collection fibers 182
and 184, which "support" construction permits minimization of
component size and adaptive angularity of reflection of the
delivery and collection beams B1 and B2. Such a support platform
180 may be accomplished by micro-machining construction where
additive or subtractive processing such as for example: etching,
plating, sputtering, vapor deposition and subtractive processing
such as etching, laser cutting and ablation permits finite
adjustment to the dimensions. The support platform 180 comprises a
base 186 upon which an arrangement of elongated, parallel bosses
188, 190 and 192 are "grown", the bosses 188, 190 and 192 defining
between them, a pair of parallel slots 194 and 196 into which a
delivery and a collection fiber 182 and 184 may be respectively
mated. A mirror surface 198 and 200 and support struts 200 and 202
are spaced at the distalmost location of the fibers 182 and 184,
which mirror surfaces 198 and 200 may be curved or manipulably bent
to the desired angle for maximizing optical analysis and tissue
treatment thereby. This embodiment shown in FIG. 7 contemplates the
use of index-matching fluids 206 added to any gap between a
catheter sheath 204 surrounding the fibers 182 and 184, to reduce
any back reflections from the interior of the protective
sheath/transmission window.
[0044] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a catheter tip
disposed elongated housing 210 having an optical energy delivery
fiber 212 and a first optical energy collection fiber 214 and a
second optical energy collection fiber 216 in optical communication
with a mammalian tissue "T8". Each fiber 212, 214 and 216 have a
reflective surface 218, 220 and 222 disposed distally thereof
respectively, as shown in FIG. 8. The reflective surfaces 218, 220
and 222 are axially spaced apart from one another. Multiple
collection fibers 214 and 216 with axially spaced apart collection
reflective surfaces 220 and 222 permit collection and analysis of
light that has penetrated more deeply into the tissue "T8". The
reflective surfaces 218, 220 and 222 may be aspheric volumes, or
flat, convex, concave or curved members having an arcuate surface
to present a straight reflective beam, a spread-out beam, a focused
beam which may overlap one another, be parallel to one another, or
in alignment with one another. Multiple collectors 220 and 222
permits the receiving or collection of light emitted from a single
source but collected from more than one collector arranged at
spaced apart locations within the tissue being investigated. The
beams may have a delivery numerical aperture NA of between NA=0.1
and NA=0.6 and a collection numerical aperture NA of between NA=0.1
and NA=0.7. Bean redirecting members such as mirrors preferably
have separations of about 0.1 mm and 2 mm.
[0045] A more preferential delivery and collection beam geometry is
shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b having a catheter tip disposed elongated
housing 230 having an optical delivery fiber 232 and an optical
energy collection fiber 234 in optical communication with mammalian
tissue "9a". A reflective surface 236 delivers a generally radially
delivered light beam L9 and a reflective surface 238 collects the
generally radially directed returning light beam L9. Adjacent
portions of the delivered beam and the returning beam in this
embodiment are parallel, because the delivery and collection
reflectors 236 and 238 are disposed at chosen angles proportional
to the numerical aperture of the delivery and collection fibers 232
and 234 to yield energy beam having edges that are parallel to
permit distance independent delivery-collector separation, such
angularity of the reflectors 236' and 238' being shown at a less
steep angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A9, in an
elongated housing 230', represented in FIG. 9b. It is also
contemplated that each fiber may be utilized for both delivery and
collection of light energy.
[0046] Thus what has been shown as a unique arrangement of
structures for supporting energy carrying fibers or waveguide
elements to permit particular radiation to be delivered from at
least one beam redirecting member such as a reflective surface and
collected on the same or at least a second adjacent beam
redirecting member such as a second reflective surface and analyzed
in a light signal analyzer computer apparatus connected to the
proximal end of those fibers, waveguides or beam bearing
members.
* * * * *