SUPPLY OF A SENSOR OF AN INTERVENTIONAL DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to the supply of a sensor of an interventional device. In order to provide an interventional device with improved handling, an interventional device is provided, the device comprising a longitudinal elongated main body with a distal portion and a proximal portion; and a sensor provided on the distal portion. The elongated main body comprises a hollow shaft. The proximal portion of the main body comprises an optical energy generation section, in which the hollow shaft is at least partially provided as a transparent hypotube, and in which a doped material is provided inside the hollow shaft. Further, the doped material is configured to generate light as stimulated emission with a predetermined wavelength upon the doped material being radiated with a pumping wavelength. Still further, the transparent hypotube is configured to receive light from an external light source as a substantially transversal light input providing the pumping wavelength to the doped material. The main body further comprises a light guiding section that comprises an optical fiber arrangement inside the hollow shaft extending from the optical energy generation section toward the sensor for transmitting energy to the sensor.

Claims

1. An interventional device configured for at least partial insertion into a body of a subject, the device comprising: a longitudinal elongated main body with a distal portion and a proximal portion; and a sensor provided at the distal portion of the elongated main body; wherein the elongated main body comprises a hollow shaft; wherein the proximal portion of the main body comprises an optical energy generation section adjacent to a light guiding section, in which optical energy generation section the hollow shaft is at least partially provided as a transparent hypotube, and comprising a doped material inside the hollow shaft, wherein only the hollow shaft of the optical energy generation section comprises the doped material; wherein the doped material is configured to generate light as stimulated emission with a predetermined wavelength upon the doped material being radiated with a pumping wavelength; wherein the transparent hypotube is configured to receive light from an external light source as a substantially transversal light input providing the pumping wavelength to the doped material; and wherein the main body further comprises a light guiding section that comprises an optical fiber arrangement inside the hollow shaft extending from the optical energy generation section toward the sensor for transmitting energy to the sensor.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the light generated by the optical energy generation section is provided for: i) communicating with the sensor via light modulation; and/or ii) supplying the sensor with energy provided by the transmitted light.

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein it is further provided: a first mirror element at a distal transition portion of the optical energy generation section with the doped material to the optical fiber arrangement in the hollow shaft of the light guiding section; and a second mirror element at a proximal end portion of the optical energy generation section with the doped material; wherein the first mirror element is partly reflective for the generated light with a first reflective grade; and wherein the second mirror element is reflective for the generated light with a second reflective grade being higher than the first reflective grade.

4. Device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor provides measurement results as optical signals that are guided by the optical fiber arrangement; and wherein a light scattering section is provided at the proximal portion of the device that comprises a light scattering material to provide the optical signals as scattered light for detection by an external signal detector.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the light scattering section is provided as detachable section at the proximal end of the main body.

6. Device according to claim 1, wherein the light generated by the stimulated emission by the doped material is provided with a first frequency range, and the optical signals from the sensor are provided with a second frequency range; and wherein the first frequency range is different from the second frequency range.

7. Device according to claim 1, wherein the interventional device is at least one of the group of a guidewire, a catheter and a needle; and wherein the sensor is at least one of the group of a pressure sensor, an imaging sensor (ultrasound, OCT), a temperature sensor, a pH-sensor, a biomarker sensor, a chemical sensor, a flow volume sensor, a light absorption sensor, a light scattering sensor and a flow velocity sensor.

8. Device according to claim 1, wherein the distal portion of the device contains a photodiode and an electrical sensor, wherein the photodiode transfers optical energy into electrical energy to power the sensor.

9. Device according to claim 1, wherein the doped material is of rare earth elements comprising erbium and ytterbium ions.

10. An interventional system, comprising: an interventional device according to claim 1; and an external light source; wherein the external light source is provided to supply a substantially transversal light input to the transparent hypotube providing the pumping wavelength to the doped material.

11. System according to claim 10, wherein the light source is provided as a detachable light source.

12. System according to claim 10, wherein the external light source can slide along at least a part of the optical energy generation section of the elongated main body.

13. System according to claim 10, wherein the external light source comprises a plurality of pumping light emitting diodes that are arranged at least along a part of circumferential section of the transparent hypotube; and wherein a shielding is provided that optically shields the outside from the light of the pumping light emitting diodes.

14. System according to claim 13, wherein the external light source has one of a ring-shaped cross-section, an open C-cross section or U-shaped cross-section.

15. System according to claim 10, wherein the external light source is provided integrated with a vascular access port of the interventional device.

16. System according to claim 10, wherein the external light source is an autonomous battery powered sleeve.

17. System according to claim 10, wherein an external signal detector is provided that detects light emitted from the light scattering section.

18. System according to claim 17, wherein the external signal detector is an autonomous battery powered sleeve, configured to communicate wirelessly with a console that further processes the measurement data collected by the sensor at the distal portion of the interventional device.

19. System according to claim 18, wherein the external light source and the external signal detector are integrated in a single battery powered autonomous sleeve, detachable and/or slidable over the optical energy generation section and the light scattering section.

20. A method for supplying energy to a sensor of an interventional device, the method comprising the following steps: a) providing an interventional device configured for at least partial insertion into a body of a subject, the device comprising: a longitudinal elongated main body with a distal portion and a proximal portion; and a sensor provided at the distal portion; b) generating a pumping light with a pumping wavelength and coupling the pumping light as substantially transversal light input into a hollow shaft provided as a transparent hypotube at the proximal portion, inside which hollow shaft a doped material is provided, wherein only the hollow shaft of the optical energy generation section is provided with the doped material; c) stimulating the doped material with the light with the pumping wavelength and thereby generating light as stimulated emission with a predetermined wavelength; and d) transmitting the light by an optical fiber arrangement inside a hollow shaft of the elongated main body toward the sensor for supplying energy to the sensor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in the following with reference to the following drawings:

[0030] FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of an interventional device for intravascular application.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows another example of an interventional device for intravascular application.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a further example of an interventional device for intravascular application.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows an example of an interventional system.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows basic steps of an example of a method for supplying optical energy to a sensor of an interventional device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0035] FIG. 1 shows an example of an interventional device 10 for intravascular application. The device 10 comprises a longitudinal elongated main body 12 with a distal end 14 and a proximal portion 16. The device 10 further comprises a sensor 18 provided near the distal end 14, in a distal portion of the elongated body 12. The main body 12 comprises a hollow shaft 20. The proximal portion 16 of the main body 12 comprises an optical energy generation section 22, in which the hollow shaft 20 is at least partially provided as a transparent hypotube, and in which a doped material 24 is provided inside the hollow shaft 20. The doped material 24 is configured to generate light 25 as stimulated emission with a predetermined wavelength upon the doped material 24 being radiated with a pumping wavelength. The transparent hypotube is configured to receive light from an external light source as a transversal light input 26 providing the pumping wavelength to the doped material 24. The light input 26 is indicated with a plurality of arrows. The main body 12 further comprises a light guiding section 28 that comprises an optical fiber arrangement 30 inside the hollow shaft 20 extending from the optical energy generation section 22 to the sensor 18 for guiding light to the sensor 18.

[0036] It is noted that in FIG. 1, the distal end 14 is shown in a schematic manner. It is indicated that a catheter tip is provided with an atraumatic (e.g. round) shape suitable for insertion and navigation inside a vessel structure.

[0037] As an example, the light generated by the optical energy generation section 22 is provided for communicating with the sensor 18 via light modulation. In addition, or alternatively, the light generated by the optical energy generation section 22 is provided for supplying the sensor 18 with energy provided by the guided light.

[0038] The hollow shaft is provided as a hypotube, which may be opaque along the main portion, and which is transparent in the energy generation section.

[0039] The term “near” the distal end relates to a location directly in the distal end section, e.g. within the last 15 cm, e.g. within the last 10 cm or last 5 cm.

[0040] The hollow shaft part that is provided as the transparent hypotube with the doped material for generating light, is rigidly and permanently connected to the part of the hollow shaft with the optical fiber arrangement inside the shaft for guiding light.

[0041] Since the light to be supplied to the sensor is generated inside the hollow shaft and then guided along the shaft, a precise coupling of light into the hollow shaft is thus not necessary.

[0042] The doped material 24 is irradiated by the pumping light from the external light source. The light of e.g. pumping diodes excites the doped material. The doped material is activated into a higher state and by falling back to a lower state, light is generated.

[0043] For example, the doped material 24 is of rare earth elements comprising erbium and ytterbium ions.

[0044] The doped material inside the hollow shaft provides an integrated in-coupling of light, i.e. a coupling of light into the optical fibers.

[0045] As a result, a freedom-wire-like experience for guidewires with an optical sensor is provided.

[0046] The external light source creates a secondary light beam, and the doped material creates a primary light beam.

[0047] The internal coupling of the light works for any position of the guidewire.

[0048] For receiving the light, in an example, the transparent hypotube is configured to be in close contact with the external light source as the transversal light input providing the pumping wavelength to the doped material.

[0049] For receiving the light, in another example, the transparent hypotube is configured to be functionally connected with the external light source as the transversal light input providing the pumping wavelength to the doped material 24. As an example, the connection is provided as a temporarily attachment, like a detachable mounting of the external light source.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows another example of the interventional device 10 for intravascular application. It is further provided a first mirror element 32 at a distal transition portion, where the optical energy generation section 22 with the doped material 24 is ending and the optical fiber arrangement 30 in the part of the hollow shaft of the light guiding section 28 begins. It is still further provided a second mirror element 34 at a proximal end portion of the optical energy generation section 22 with the doped material 24. The first mirror 32 element is partly reflective for the generated light with a first reflective grade. The second mirror element 34 is reflective for the generated light with a second reflective grade being higher than the first reflective grade.

[0051] The first and second mirror 32, 34 enhance the pumping effect of the light generated by the doped material 24.

[0052] For example, at least the first mirror element 32 is provided as a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) reflector. In an example, the second mirror 34 is a cleaved mirror.

[0053] It is noted that depending on the degree of the optical dopant, i.e. the doped material 24, and the power of the pumping radiation, the supply of the sensor 18 is also possible without the use of such mirrors and/or filters.

[0054] The first and second mirror elements 32, 34 define a cavity that provides a resonator for the light generation. This results in an increase of effectiveness.

[0055] FIG. 2 shows an external transversal light source 36 as an option. The external transversal light source 36 may be provided as part of the interventional device 10, but the external transversal light source 36 may also be provided separate, i.e. in addition to the interventional device 10. In other words, the interventional device 10 is also provided without the shown external transversal light source 36. The transversal light input 26 is then provided from another light source.

[0056] As an example, the external transversal light source 36 comprises a plurality of pumping light emitting diodes 38 that are arranged at least along a part of circumferential section of the transparent hypotube. Further, as an option, a shielding 40 is provided that optically shields the outside from the light of the pumping light emitting diodes 38. The light emitting diodes 38 supply pumping light 42, indicated with a plurality of arrows, to the doped material 24 inside the hollow shaft 20.

[0057] In an example, the external transversal light source 36 is having a ring-shaped cross-section surrounding the elongated intravascular device. In another example, the external transversal light source 36 is having an open C- or U-shaped cross-section such that the elongated intravascular device can be inserted. A releasable closing section may be provided to ensure a proper attachment to the elongated intravascular device.

[0058] The external transversal light source 36 is provided to be slidable along the elongated main body 12 as indicated with a double arrow 44. In an alternative embodiment the external light source is attachable to the outer surface of the elongated main body.

[0059] In an example, the external transversal light source 36 is provided with integrated batteries for electric power supply. The external light source 36 can therefore be an autonomous energy source, in form of a sleeve that can be slid on the optical energy generation section 22 of the interventional device. In another example, the external transversal light source 36 is provided with cable wire connection for the electric power supply. In an option, batteries and a wire connection are provided in combination.

[0060] An arrow 46 indicates the light generated by the doped material 24 passing the first mirror element 32, the light guided towards the sensor 18 (not shown in FIG. 2) having a wavelength around λ1.

[0061] In a further example, also not shown in detail, multiple fibers are going to multiple sensors. The light going to the sensors is the same for all fibers because of the pumping process, but the light going back (if provided as an option) will be different modulated with the individual signals from each sensor.

[0062] FIG. 3 shows a further example of the interventional device 10 for intravascular application. As an option, the sensor 18 (not shown, provided to the left of the figure) at the distal portion of the interventional device provides measurement results as optical signals 48 (illustrated with a simplified single arrow) that are guided by the optical fiber arrangement 30. A light scattering section 50 is provided at the proximal portion of the interventional device that comprises a light scattering material 52 to provide the optical signals as scattered light 54 for detection by an external signal detector 56.

[0063] In such example, a bi-directional communication with the sensor 18 is enabled. The sensor 18 sends light back at the wavelength λ2, indicated with ref. numeral 48. This light is modulated with the measured data. In an example, λ1≠λ2. The proximal mirror, i.e. the second mirror element 34 is also a FBG reflector. For example, it is not reflective for λ2. In an example, the distal mirror, i.e. the first mirror element 32 is not reflective for λ2.

[0064] The fiber ends proximally in a scattering element provided by the scattering material 52 that scatters λ2. As an example for the external signal detector 56, a photo-detector can pick up the scattered light from which the measurement data is extracted. In an example, the external signal detector 56 is not in contact with the wire. The external signal detector 56 may also be integrated into the connector device, from which it can be forwarded wirelessly or by wire to the console, or directly in the console, or it can be a separate (wired or wireless) device. In an example, the distal mirror is not reflective for λ2.

[0065] The light scattering material provides an integrated out-coupling of light to external use.

[0066] In an example, the light scattering section is provided as detachable section at a proximal end of the main body.

[0067] In an example, the light generated by the stimulated emission by the doped material 24 is provided with a first frequency range, and the optical signals 48 from the sensor 18 are provided with a second frequency range. The first frequency range is different from the second frequency range.

[0068] In an example, the first frequency range is adjacent to the second frequency range without overlapping. In an example, the first frequency range is separated from the second frequency range by a gap range.

[0069] In another example, the first and the second mirror elements 32, 34 are each reflective for the optical signals with a third reflective grade being smaller than the first and the second reflective grades. As a result, the optical signals can pass the first and the second mirror elements 32, 34 and can reach e.g. the light scattering section 50.

[0070] In an example, the external signal detector 56 may take a similar sleeve-like form as the external light source 36. In a further option the external signal detector may be an autonomous battery powered sleeve, configured to communicate wirelessly with a console that further processes the measurement data collected by the one or multiple sensors located on the interventional device. In a further optional embodiment, the external light source 36 and the external signal detector 56 are integrated in a single battery powered autonomous sleeve, detachable and/or slidable over the optical energy generation section 22 and the light scattering section 50, respectively. The measurement data read out by the external signal detector portion of the sleeve is communicated wirelessly to the console for further processing of the measurement data.

[0071] In an example, the interventional device 10 is at least one of the group of a guidewire, a catheter and a needle.

[0072] As an option, provided in addition or alternatively to the different device types mentioned above, the sensor 18 is at least one of the group of a pressure sensor, an imaging sensor (ultrasound, OCT), a temperature sensor, a pH-sensor, a biomarker sensor, a chemical sensor, a flow volume sensor, a light absorption sensor, a light scattering sensor and a flow velocity sensor. It is noted that the different types of the interventional device are provided as an additional or as an alternative feature to the different types of the sensor. Hence, in an example, the interventional device is at least one of the group of a guidewire, a catheter and a needle. Further, in addition or alternatively, the sensor is at least one of the group of a pressure sensor, an imaging sensor (ultrasound, OCT), a temperature sensor, a pH-sensor, a biomarker sensor, a chemical sensor, a flow volume sensor, a light absorption sensor, a light scattering sensor and a flow velocity sensor.

[0073] The interventional device may be provided as micro-catheter.

[0074] In an example, not shown in detail, the tip of the device contains a photodiode and an electrical sensor. The photodiode transfers optical energy into electrical energy to power the sensor 18.

[0075] FIG. 4 shows an example of an interventional system 80 that comprises an interventional device 82 for intravascular application according to one of the preceding examples. The system 80 further comprises an external light source 84. The external light source 84 is provided to supply a transversal light input to the transparent hypotube providing the pumping wavelength to the doped material. The external light source 84 is provided for coupling light into the transparent hypotube to activate the doped material.

[0076] The external light source 84 may be connected to a console 85, as indicated by wire connection or wireless. The console 85 may be part of a control unit or may comprise a control unit that controls the operation of the interventional system and/or the interventional device. The console 85 can also be referred to as control unit.

[0077] The interventional device 82 is provided for being inserted into a subject 86, e.g. arranged on a patient support 88. Further, the system 80 may be used in the context of a medical imaging arrangement 90, which is shown as a C-arm based X-ray imaging device.

[0078] The term “subject” may also be referred to as individual. The “subject” may further also be referred to as patient, although it is noted that this term does not indicate whether any illness or disease is actually present with the subject.

[0079] In an example, the external light source 84 is provided as one of the examples of the external transversal light source 36 described above.

[0080] The external light source 84 is connectable to the elongated main body in the region of the transparent hypotube, for example along the transparent hypotube.

[0081] In an example, the external light source has an extension in direction of the elongated main body, and the optical energy generating section has a length equal or larger than the extension of the external light source.

[0082] The length of the optical energy generating section is determined by the desired degree of insertion freedom (i.e. room for maneuvering) with simultaneous light supply of the sensor, if the light source is arranged to be movable in relation to the main body.

[0083] In another example, the light source is non-movable and the length of the optical energy generating section is adapted to the length extension of the external light source.

[0084] In an example, the length of the optical energy generating section is approximately 2 cm. In a further example, the length of the optical energy generating section is approximately in the range of 50 cm to 150 cm.

[0085] The pumping light from the external light source is provided with a third frequency range. In an option, the third frequency range is different from the first frequency range and/or the second frequency range.

[0086] In an example, the third frequency range is adjacent to the first and/or second frequency range without overlapping. In an example, the third frequency range is separated from the first and/or second frequency range by a gap range.

[0087] The first frequency can also be referred to as stimulated frequency or generated frequency.

[0088] The second frequency can also be referred to as signal frequency or measurement frequency.

[0089] The third frequency can also be referred to as pumping frequency or stimulating frequency or initial frequency.

[0090] In an example, the external light source 84 is provided as a detachable light source. For example, the external light source 84 can slide along at least a part of the optical energy generation section of the elongated main body.

[0091] The light source and the elongated main body are movably in relation to each other. For example, the light source can slide along the elongated main body to allow light input at various locations along the optical energy generation section. In another example, the external light source is temporarily fixed in relation to the subject and the elongated main body can slide in relation to the light source. For example, the light input is provided throughout the sliding motion.

[0092] In an option, the external light source is provided integrated with a vascular access port of the interventional device.

[0093] As a result, no additional cables or the like are provided that are moved during use of the interventional device.

[0094] A vascular access port could be a guiding catheter, hemostatic valve, introducer sheath etc.

[0095] A vascular access port could be connected to the patient 86, keeping the external light source in 84 in place while the interventional device 82 is moved.

[0096] The access port can be provided with integrated batteries for power supply of the external light source. In another example, the access port is provided with cables for the energy supply. However, the cables would be installed and not moved as long as the access port is in use at the same location.

[0097] As an option, an external signal detector 92 is provided that detects light emitted from the light scattering section (see also FIG. 3). The external signal detector 92 may be connected to the console 85, as indicated by wire connection or wireless.

[0098] For example, the external signal detector can be provided attached to imaging equipment like the C-arm of an X-ray imaging system, or to lighting equipment in the vicinity of a subject support, e.g. the patient table 88.

[0099] FIG. 5 shows basic steps of an example of a method 100 for supplying optical energy to a sensor of an interventional device.

[0100] In a first step 102, also referred to as step a), an interventional device for intravascular application is provided that comprises a longitudinal elongated main body with a distal end and a proximal portion, and a sensor provided near the distal end.

[0101] In a second step 104, also referred to as step b), a pumping light with a pumping wavelength is generated and the pumping light is coupled as transversal light input into a hollow shaft provided as a transparent hypotube at the proximal portion, inside which hollow shaft a doped material is provided.

[0102] In a third step 106, also referred to as step c), the doped material is stimulated with the light with the pumping wavelength, and thereby light as stimulated emission with a predetermined wavelength is generated.

[0103] In a fourth step 108, also referred to as step d), the light is guided by an optical fiber arrangement inside a hollow shaft of the elongated main body to the sensor.

[0104] The pumping light can also be referred to as activation light.

[0105] In an example, not further shown, the light generated by the optical energy generation section is provided for communicating with the sensor via light modulation. In another example, provided in addition or alternatively, the light generated by the optical energy generation section is provided for supplying the sensor with energy provided by the guided light. In an example, the light is transmitted by an optical fiber arrangement toward the sensor and the light is transformed in electrical energy for powering the sensor. It has to be noted that embodiments of the invention are described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method type claims whereas other embodiments are described with reference to the device type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and the following description that, unless otherwise notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter also any combination between features relating to different subject matters is considered to be disclosed with this application. However, all features can be combined providing synergetic effects that are more than the simple summation of the features.

[0106] While the invention has been illustrated, and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing a claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.

[0107] In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items re-cited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are re-cited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.