Opto-acoustic imaging device

FIELD OF INVENTION

0001This invention relates to the field of optical imaging and more specifically to the design of fiber-optic probes for optical coherence tomography (OCT) and other optical imaging technologies, such as ultrasound.

BACKGROUND

0002In recent years, the underlying cause of sudden heart attacks (acute myocardial infarctions or AMI) has been the subject of much attention. The older prevailing theory of gradual occlusion of the coronary artery has been superseded by a new theory based on extensive histopathologic evidence that AMI is the result of a rupture in the coronary artery wall, specifically a rupture of a "vulnerable plaque." A vulnerable plaque, also known as Thin-Capped Fibro-Artheroma (TCFA), is characterized by a thin fibrous cap covering a lipid pool located under the artery wall. Conventional x-ray based angiographic techniques can be used to detect narrowing of the artery. However, directly seeing the surface of the artery wall is essential to detect TCFA. Accordingly, a need therefore exists for a probe design that enables detecting and visualizing subsurface biological tissues and lipid pools.

0003<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US20050288582A"><text>US 2005/0288582</text></patcit> discloses a micro medical-ultrasonic endoscopic OCT probe including a micro ultrasonic motor arranged to rotate both an ultrasonic transducer and an optical prism. <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US5588434A"><text>US 5,588,434</text></patcit> discloses an endoscope with a rotatable ultrasonic transducer. <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US20050101859A"><text>US 2005/0101859</text></patcit> relates to a system for medical examination or treatment having a first sensor for optical coherence tomography and a second sensor for intravascular ultrasound.

SUMMARY

0004The invention relates to apparatus for imaging biological tissues and other materials using optical and acoustic imaging techniques. A combination of Optical Coherent Tomography (OCT), an interferometric imaging technology, and Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), is ideally suited to subsurface visualization of biological tissue, such as the artery wall, via small-diameter probes. The disclosed apparatus are based on a combination of IVUS (Intravascular ultrasound) and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) techniques that advantageously overcomes the weakness of each individual technique. In particular, the combination of both IVUS and OCT allows for a robust probe with many advantages.

0005IVUS is a medium-resolution (∼100 um), medium-penetration (∼2 cm) imaging technique. In contrast, OCT is a high-resolution (5-20 um), shallow-penetration (∼1 mm) technique. Neither technique individually can detect the state of the arterial wall. For example, the cap thickness in a potentially hazardous TCFA can range from ∼25um to ∼100 um. This range is within the measurement resolution of OCT, but beyond the measurement resolution of IVUS.. Conversely, deep lipid pools beneath a thin cap greatly increases the risk of an AMI. OCT cannot be used to readily penetrate such deep lipid pools, but IVUS can readily be used to visualize such pools.

0006It would be desirable -to describe devices - whereby IVUS and OCT can be performed simultaneously. It is a further object of the invention to describe OCT optical sensors and IVUS ultrasound sensors that can be combined into the same catheter delivery system.

0007Embodiments provide for an - aligned nature of the OCT and ultrasound sensors such that co-registration of the cross-sectional images obtained by the two sensors can be obtained with high precision. Previous descriptions of such combined catheters did not provide the co-registration levels needed. Co-registration is important because coronary morphology changes rapidly, often in less than a millimeter of longitudinal distance.

0008It would also be desirable - to describe a sensor structure wherein two probe beams are orientated at substantially the same angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the catheter. Again, this is to facilitate proper co-registration of the images. Differing launch angles of the probe beams implies that the two images diverge each other with depth. Computational correction of this divergence is complex and can lead to errors in image presentation.

0009It would also be desirable - to describe efficient methods of providing both optical and electrical energy to the rotating sensor assembly at the tip of the catheter. Using various torque wire and coated fibers to acts as co-axial signal lines saves valuable space within a catheter body.

0010It would also be desirable - to describe mechanisms and configurations of the probe that will simultaneously reduce unwanted parasitic acoustical and optical back-reflections while still providing an aligned and otherwise functional probe assembly.

0011It would also be desirable - to describe efficient rotary mechanisms for coupling both electrical and optical energy simultaneously into the catheter.

0012It would also be desirable to describe a combined probe utilizing capacitive micro-machined ultrasonic transducers (CMUT) to create a dual element probe such that both the ultrasound and optical beams focus on substantially the same tissue spot simultaneously.

0013The invention provides a probe for medical examination as set out in claim 1.

0014In one aspect, embodiments of the invention relate to a probe which includes a sheath, a flexible, bi-directionally rotatable, optical subsystem positioned within the sheath, the optical subsystem comprises a transmission fiber, the optical subsystem capable of transmitting and collecting light of a predetermined range of wavelengths along a first beam having a predetermined beam size. The probe also includes an ultrasound subsystem, the ultrasound subsystem positioned within the sheath and adapted to propagate energy of a predetermined range of frequencies along a second beam having a second predetermined beam size. In one embodiment, a portion of the first and second beams scan the same region at different points in time. Alternatively, the first beam can be directed to scan a first band of a region that is substantially adjacent to a second band of the region, wherein the second beam scans the second band.

0015In another aspect, embodiments of the invention relate to a system for medical examination. The system includes a first image processing device and a second image processing device. The system also includes a probe, in electrical communication with the first and second image processing devices. In turn, the probe includes a first sensor of an imaging system for optical coherence tomography having an optical fiber for directing and emitting light into an area adjacent to a-catheter tip introduced into an examination area and for directing reflected light from the illuminated examination area to the first image processing device; and a second sensor of an intravascular ultrasound imaging system for transmitting and receiving acoustic signals to a second image processing device as electrical signals. Further, the system also includes a display device for outputting of images processed by the first and the second image processing devices.

0016In yet another aspect, embodiments of the invention relate to an imaging probe adapted for insertion in a lumen. The probe includes a sheath having a core and an endface, an optical subsystem having an optical focus, the optical subsystem positioned within the core; and an array of ultrasound transducers having an acoustic focus, the array disposed on a portion of the endface.

0017Aspects of the disclosure relate to a probe. The probe includes a sheath, a first ultrasound subsystem, the first ultrasound subsystem positioned within the sheath and adapted to propagate energy along a first vector, and a second ultrasound subsystem, the second ultrasound subsystem positioned within the sheath and adapted to propagate energy along a second vector, wherein the first and second vectors are substantially parallel and opposite in direction.

0018Aspects of the disclosure relate to imaging a tissue region, including steps of inserting a combination ultrasound and OCT imaging probe in a lumen, and performing ultrasound imaging, and then performing optical coherence tomography imaging. In one example of this method a flush solution is applied during the optical coherence tomography imaging. In another related method of this aspect, the ultrasound imaging is performed simultaneously with the optical coherence tomography imaging.

0019Aspects of the disclosure relate to imaging a tissue region, comprising inserting a combination ultrasound and OCT imaging probe in a lumen, performing ultrasound imaging simultaneously with optical coherence tomography imaging whereby a flush solution is applied during the imaging.

0020Aspects of the disclosure include methods of fabricating probes that include sensor arrays, wherein each sensor includes an ultrasound transducer and a driver.

0021It should be understood that the terms "a," "an," and "the" mean "one or more," unless expressly specified otherwise.

0022The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, as well as the invention itself, will be more fully understood from the description, drawings, and claims which follow.

<u>BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</u>

0023The objects and features of the invention can be better understood with reference to the drawings described below, and the claims. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. The drawings associated with the disclosure are addressed on an individual basis within the disclosure as they are introduced. <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 1 A</figref> depicts a cross-sectional view of a longitudinally aligned IVUS/OCT probe according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 1B</figref> depicts a probe utilizing a metal coated fiber with a shield tube according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Figure 1C</figref> depicts a probe utilizing the coils of the torque cable assembly as conductors according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;</li><li>Figure ID depicts a cross-sectional view of the probe embodiment depicted in <figref idref="f0003">Figure 1C</figref>;</li><li>Figure IE depicts a probe that includes two transducers adapted for operating at different frequencies according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0006">Figures 2</figref> depicts a rotating coupling mechanism for delivering both RF and optical energy to a rotating probe assembly according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0007">Figure 3</figref> depicts a rotating coupling mechanism wherein the stationary coil is part of the probe interface unit according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0008">Figure 4</figref> depicts a probe tip wherein CMUT technology is employed to achieve a dual focused beam according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0009">Figure 5A</figref> depicts a fused OCT-IVUS schematic according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; and</li><li><figref idref="f0010">Figure 5B</figref> depicts a fused OCT-IVUS image according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.</li></ul>

0024The claimed invention will be more completely understood through the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the attached drawings. In this description, like numbers refer to similar elements within various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0025The following description refers to the accompanying drawings that illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments are possible and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not meant to limit the present invention. Rather, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

0026It should be understood that the order of the steps of the methods of the invention is immaterial so long as the invention remains operable. Moreover, two or more steps may be conducted simultaneously or in a different order than recited herein unless otherwise specified.

0027<figref idref="f0001">Figure 1A</figref> illustrates a portion of an imaging probe 10a, using a conventional IVUS ultrasonic transducer 12, an optical transducer 14 which includes an angled-tip optical lens assembly 16 attached to a single mode fiber 18, a standard miniature RF cable 20 delivering power to the IVUS ultrasonic transducer, and a torque cable 22 providing a stable revolution rate to the assembly.

0028Torque cables are generally preferred in this dual probe catheter as the optical fiber is known to have a very low torsional (rotational) stiffness. For example, a 1 cm length of standard telecomm fiber 125 µm in diameter with approximately 1 millionth of a N-m of applied torque will twist one degree. Therefore, it is unrealistic to expect the fiber to be sufficiently torsionally rigid to drive the complete assembly.

0029In <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1A</figref>, both the optical transducer 14 and the IVUS ultrasonic transducer 12 are angled to minimize unwanted parasitic reflections from reaching the respective transducers, and to create an aligned cross-sectional "cut" through the tissue. As shown, the acoustic beam (ab) emanating from the transducer is parallel to optical beam (ob) emanating from the fiber. The direction of these two parallel beams is rotated by an angle α relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe. As shown in the figure, a small amount of longitudinal displacement is acceptable.

0030As a first order approximation, this allowable displacement is the approximate maximum beam width of the combined probe 10a. In most cases, this will be the width of the ultrasound beam, which typically has a width of ∼100 to 300 um (the OCT beam width is typically 25 um). Keeping the longitudinal displacement below this longitudinal displacement limit ensures the beams remain overlapped. Furthermore, having the two beams at 180 degrees opposite to each other ensures easier real-time or post-processing alignment of the two images for an overlay display.

0031<figref idref="f0002">Figure 1B</figref> depicts a probe 10b for imaging whereby the overall diameter is reduced. Here, a metal coated fiber 24 is shown inside an insulated tube 26. These two cylindrical surfaces (tube and coating), the dielectric constant of the insulation, and the insulation thickness can be configured to form a simple coaxial transmission line for the RF signals. Such RF signals may vary from 10 to 60 MHz depending on the IVUS ultrasonic transducer design.

0032<figref idref="f0003">Figure 1C</figref> illustrates another probe embodiment 10c with a different conduction mechanism. Specifically, in the probe 10c shown, the inner 28 and outer 30 coils of a torque cable 22 form a coaxial transmission line 32. An insulated spacer 34 is inserted between the inner and outer coils to prevent a short circuit condition. The embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0003">Figure 1C</figref> allows RF power to be transmitted using an integral torque wire. In one embodiment, the transducer is coated with epoxy. In one embodiment, both the ultrasound transducer and the optical fiber rotate together, being driven by the same torque wire. The distal tip epoxy encases the optical fiber, the ultrasound transducer and its associated supply wires. Hence, the epoxy is selected for suitable optical and acoustic properties, as well as the required electrical insulation. Various epoxies and silicon compounds can be purchased and/or specifically tailored that meet these requirements.

0033Figure ID illustrates a cross-section of the embodiment of <figref idref="f0003">Figure 1C</figref>. The two wires connected to the transducer shown in <figref idref="f0003">Figures 1C</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">1D</figref> are rigid and rotate with the transducer.

0034Figure IE illustrates another optical probe embodiment wherein two IVUS ultrasonic transducers T₁, T₂ operating at different frequencies are integrated in the device. The lower frequency transducer T₁ allows for ultrasound with s deeper scanning range, but lower resolution. Conversely, the higher frequency T₂ transducer allows for ultrasound with increased resolution but less depth penetration. In one embodiment, one transducer operates at about 5 MHz and the other transducer operates at about 60 MHz. By using transducers with differing frequency ranges, an optical probe gains the advantages of both transducers, and mitigates disadvantages of each transducer, respectively. This dual transducer probe achieves the same overall goals as the combined OCT/IVUS catheter in the case where very high resolution (∼10 um, OCT) is not needed in favor of very high penetration (∼3-5 cm) offered by a lower frequency ultrasound transducer.

0035<figref idref="f0006">Figure 2</figref> depicts a probe embodiment 40 that incorporates a mechanism for transmitting both RF energy and optical energy to the rotating assembly. Specifically, a transformer scheme is used wherein a first coil 42 is attached to the rotating assembly 44, and a second coil 46 is integrated with the connector 48 of the optical probe. This configuration has the advantage that both coils move with the assembly during a 'pull-back' (longitudinal) scan operation. Such pullbacks are used in both OCT and IVUS scans. When coupled with a rotation, a spiral scan pattern is created inside the arterial lumen. However, this approach results in an increased cost for a one-time-use catheter.

0036<figref idref="f0007">Figure 3</figref> illustrates an alternative coupling scheme wherein the fixed coil 42 is part of the drive unit 50 (motorized assembly providing rotational and longitudinal motions). In this embodiment, the fixed coil is permanent, and must be long enough to efficiently couple the RF energy into the rotating catheter coil over the entire pullback length. Although incorporating the fixed coil to the drive unit imposes additional requirements to the drive electronics, the decrease in catheter usage provides an overall cost savings.

0037Currently, conventional slip-ring technology is widely used in the field of optical imaging. Alternatively to <figref idref="f0006">Figures 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0007">3</figref>, slip-ring technology can be used in IVUS probes described herein. However, for a probe with a centered optics configuration, the slip-ring is more difficult to manufacture than in the IVUS-only case.

0038<figref idref="f0008">Figure 4</figref> illustrates an embodiment that includes capacitive micro-machined ultrasonic transducers (CMUT) 52 integrated in a coronary imaging probe 54. The advantage of the CMUT is the small size of the transducer, which is fabricated via conventional electronic CMOS processes. The small size and photolithographic fabrication allows customized arrays of transducers to be built with the drive electronics on the same substrate. In this example, an array is formed in an annular region around the optical transducer. As a result, a co-focused, aligned and combined beam can be formed, which eliminates the need for software registration and removes a potential source of error. However, this probe tip may be larger than the embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005">Figure 1</figref>.

0039<figref idref="f0009">Figure 5A</figref> illustrates a fused OCT-IVUS image 56, wherein the demarcation line 58 is chosen near the OCT penetration limit. As shown, by registering the relative images of the ultrasound 60 and the OCT scans 62, it is possible for a clinician to view a composite image that shows additional physiological data. This approach can be used to image subsurface lipid pools.

0040<figref idref="f0010">Figure 5B</figref> illustrates a fused OCT/IVUS image wherein the OCT portion appears in the image center and the IVUS portion appears in the periphery. The outer boundary indicates approximately the boundary where the two regions intersect.

0041Not shown in the embodiments depicted in the figures is a guide catheter. Typically, the guide catheter is a larger bore catheter used to introduce the smaller imaging catheter into the main arterial trunk. From the guide catheter, a flush solution can be expelled to create a clear, blood-free imaging region when OCT imaging is performed. Alternative embodiments may include a flush lumen within the imaging catheter whereby the flush solution is ejected at the imaging tip rather than from the guide catheter.

0042The aspects and embodiments of the invention can incorporate various components of varying dimension and materials as is known to one of ordinary skill. Various specific dimensions and materials are described herein, however, these exemplary materials are not meant to be limiting, but only to evidence additional more specific embodiments. For all of the measurements discussed below, the dimension given also includes a range of greater than about 10-20% of the dimension given and less than about 10%-20% of the dimension given. In addition, for all of the measurements discussed below, the dimension given also includes a range of greater than about 20-50% of the dimension given and less than about 20%-50% of the dimension given. Further, in addition, for all of the measurements discussed below, the dimension given also includes a range of greater than about 50-100% of the dimension given and less than about 50%-100% of the dimension given.

0043In one probe embodiment, the viewing window used is a transparent epoxy-based window. Further, in another embodiment, the transducers used have a first dimension of about 0.1 mm and a second dimension of about 0.5 mm. The forward viewing angle is about 10 degrees in one embodiment of the probe. The end-cap used in one probe embodiment includes a metal. The probe can include a hollow core that is substantially filled with an epoxy material in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the width of the shield RF cable is about 0.18 mm.

0044It should be appreciated that various aspects of the claimed invention are directed to subsets and substeps of the techniques disclosed herein. Further, the terms and expressions employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.