DE3224290A1 - Operating method for a device for examining the female breast with ultrasound, and associated control device - Google Patents

Abstract

In such a device, an ultrasonic transducer system is arranged in a movable fashion inside a water-filled applicator. The transducer system can rotate about the axis of symmetry of the applicator and can be swivelled about such an axis of rotation situated near the plane of the applicator opening, for which purpose the transducer system is arranged inside the applicator on a swivellable bracket. In the operating method provided, the ultrasonic transducer system rotates continuously or in steps about the central axis (I) in a prescribable angular position with respect to the application opening, it being possible in each azimuthal angular position of the ultrasonic transducer system (125) to change the imaging angle by tilting about the foot of the bracket (120). In the reproduction of the image on the viewing screen (31) of an image signal processing device (30), it is possible to generate a three-dimensional impression of the image, especially by swivelling to and fro in the angular range provided. For this purpose, for example a function generator (182), in particular a triangular wave oscillator is connected to the nominal-frequency selector (180) in the associated control device (175). As an alternative to this, a control device can be realised by a processor system (190) to which the prescribed functions are fed in a software fashion. <IMAGE>

Description

Operating procedure for a device for under-

search of the female breast with ultrasound, as well as associated control device The invention relates to an operating method for a device for examination the female.

Breast ultrasound, with an ultrasound applicator and with one movable therein and arranged to be rotatable at least about the axis of symmetry of the applicator Transmitting / receiving system for ultrasound and a water supply line, with the Ultrasonic applicator an opening closed with a film for receiving and for coupling the breast to the water supply section, and wherein the um the axis of symmetry of the applicator rotatable ultrasonic transducer system within of the applicator is attached to a bracket, which including the transducer system is pivotable about such a rotation axis which is close to the plane of the applicator opening lies, as well as an associated control device.

As part of preventive examinations are currently in practice mostly mammography devices that work with X-rays are used. It However, there is a need to also realize mammography devices with ultrasound, because ultrasound can be used safely at all times in terms of radiation exposure can be. There are already devices for examining the female breast been suggested with ultrasound. On the one hand, the well-known Ceräto are based on such a concept in which the Patient on her stomach a bed and the chest through an opening in the bed in a darwlter immersed in the water tank in which an ultrasonic transducer system is used Scanning of the breast is arranged over the water flow path. By using It is customary to use membranes to protect the immersed breast with a certain amount of counterpressure to compress what is desirable for obtaining a reliable diagnostic statement is.

Specially from the European patent vatEht2shng 00 32 751 is a Such a device is previously known in which the ultrasonic transducer in the liquid bath is mechanical is suspended and appropriate movement to realize a parallel scan or a sector scan.

On the other hand, there are also nammography devices for ultrasound have been proposed with which examinations on a siren patient can be carried out are. At least for the medical professional, such facilities are more convenient because here Preliminary and follow-up examinations carried out directly on the seated patient can be. Such a device in particular is known from DE-OS 31 36 037. This device consists of a watertight and pressure-tight box, with a through a flexible ultrasonically transparent film with a watertight sealed opening, a water inlet and outlet, a venting device and one in the box movably arranged waterproof transducer system. The entire box is as a Applicator movably arranged on a stand.

In the latter prior art, the is not yet optilnal solved Guidance of the ultrasonic transducer Systems. It's a commitment for that intended for the applicator, which has a comparatively complex mechanical structure and in which the converter system is in mechanical slides for displacement or Tilting is performed. In addition, there is a television camera to show the position of the ultrasound system relative to the organ being examined.

In a new device for examining the female breast with ultrasound, consisting of an ultrasound applicator and a movable one in it and a transmitting / receiving system arranged at least so as to be rotatable about the axis of symmetry of the applicator for ultrasound as well as a water supply section, the ultrasound applicator an opening closed with a film for receiving and coupling the breast to the Wasservorlaufatrecke, it is proposed that that around the axis of symmetry of the applicator rotatable ultrasonic Wahdler system within the applicator is attached to a bracket, which including the transducer system around such The axis of rotation is pivotable, which is close to the plane of the applicator opening.

The latter device already suffices in terms of its structure demands to be made today. The ultrasonic transducer system is one linear array for the electronic generation of a parallel and / or electronic Sector scans. However, a mechanical sector scanner could also be used.

The object of the invention is now to provide an operating method for the last to specify the device described and to create an associated control device with which an optimal mammography is possible.

The object is achieved according to the invention in that the ultrasonic transducer system in a pre-blown angular position to the applicator opening continuously or step by step rotated around the central axis for scanning the breast and correspondingly on the viewing screen an image signal processing device that changes continuously or gradually Image can be displayed, and that in every aziniutal angular position of the ultrasonic transducer system by tilting the transducer system around the base of the bracket a change the imaging angle is possible.

With the specified operating method, the tilt angle can be between two predefinable end positions can be changed continuously or gradually.

The change in the tilt angle can correspond to a given time function.

Overall, with such an operating mode, the cyclical Display of the ultrasound images on the screen of an image signal processing device result in a three-dimensional image impression.

The control device necessary for such an operating mode is characterized in that a setpoint generator for the motor to change of the tilt angle of the converter system apart from a controlled system for the actual value / setpoint adjustment a function generator is assigned. Alternatively, the control device be characterized in that a controlled system for a given pivot the converter system by a processor system, preferably a microprocessor with associated Saving, is realized, to which predefinable operating functions can be supplied in software are.

The control device can alternatively be in analog technology or realize in digital technology with suitable software; especially when using of stepper motors for the mechanical swivel drive, this can advantageously be digital operated with a microprocessor control.

Further details and advantages of the invention emerge from the The following description of the figures based on the drawing in conjunction with the subclaims.

The figures show: FIG. 1 schematically the entire device arrangement, FIG. 2 and 3 two mutually perpendicular cuts through the applicator, FIG. 4 shows the bin field on the applicator in a schematic representation and FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment the control device for the one provided in the operating method according to the invention Pendulum movement of the ultrasonic transducer system and FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment the control device according to Figure 5 using a microprocessor.

In the schematic representation of FIG. 1, 1 is an ultrasonic applicator designated. This is approximately as a rotationally symmetrical, cylindrical vessel an application part 2 and is based on Figures 2 and 3 in detail described. A control panel 3 is located on the rear of the ultrasonic applicator 1 appropriate.

The applicator 1 is at lateral pivot points 4 and 41 by means of a Fork 5 is pivotably supported, which is brought together to form a vertical support tube 6 is.

The entire applicator 1 is freely movable on a stand arrangement 10 hung up. This stand arrangement 10 consists in detail of a rigid box 11 for various supply units, on which a vertically movable tripod post 12 is arranged. A horizontal cross member 13 is horizontal on the stand post 12 articulated displaceably, of which a horizontal arm 14 au at right angles day On the boom 14, a slide 15 is movably attached, which the holder 6 for the fork 5 together with the applicator 1 carries.

A water hose 21 leads from the applicator 1, on the one hand, as well as electrical ones Connection lines 22 on the other hand to the stand box 11 with the various operating devices for the applicator, such as the pump for the liquid system in applicator 1.

The ultrasound control and image processing units are preferred housed in a separate device unit, which is not shown.

With the entire stand part 10 is a console 19 with a patient seat 20 connected. A patient P is indicated on the seat 20.

One of the examiner is the one held on the tripod 10 Applicator 1 can be moved freely in all spatial directions. The applicator 1 can thereby be brought into the appropriate position to the patient, so that the to be examined Breast fully coupled to the ultrasound examination system in terms of volume is. In this spatial position, the applicator 1 can use magnetic brakes of the stand arrangement be fixed.

There is an advantage of this device arrangement with a seated patient that the doctor as the person examining before or after the actual ultrasound examination can perform tactile examinations and the like in the same sitting position. Because of the Freely movable tripods are not hindered by parts of the device.

In Figures 2 and 3, the housing of the applicator 1 is shown in FIG 1 and 2 denoted by 100. The applicator housing 100 consists of an upper part 101 and a lower part 102, which are both joined together in a liquid-tight manner are. A cylindrical vessel is thereby formed, with the cylinder axis runs in each case in the display plane. The housing part is in the upper area closed, in the lower resp.

front area, however, open; the identifier 103 denotes the Applicator opening. This opening is closed by a membrane 104.

The entire applicator housing 100 is provided with an ultrasonic conductive Liquid, for example water, filled. It is via a water inlet 105 and a fluid system connected to an external fluid supply I <: ## ä # ter. Normally the membrane is the Along applicator opening 103 the general line 103. When coupling the membrane 1S4 aneitr Breast gives way according to the breast contour. By controlling the amount of water filled In the applicator 100 there is sufficient coupling of the breast volume by means of the membrane 104 guaranteed to the fluid system. At the same time, the membrane 104 Depending on the tension and water pressure, a certain compression of the chest is achieved.

From Figure 2 it can be seen that the applicator 100 by means of a Bracket 106 can be hung on a tripod. The bracket 106 engages with fasteners 107 into the connection of the housing shells, whereby a pivot bearing 108 is formed will.

A liquid-tight capsule is located in the applicator housing 100 110, which is rotationally symmetrical to the axis I of the cylindrical applicator housing 100 is stored. This capsule located in the applicator liquid is via a Rotary mechanics with a drive unit located outside the applicator housing 100 130 and control unit 140 connected.

The feedthroughs through the applicator housing 100 are liquid-tight executed.

From the capsule located in the applicator housing 100 on the housing base is eccentric a boom 115 to about the base of the applicator, i.e. to at the level of the applicator opening 103. With this eccentric leadership when the entire arrangement of boom 115 and housing-internal capsule is rotated 110 guide the base of the arm 115 around the outer circumference of the applicator, the inner area of the applicator opening 103 being kept free. At the Base point of the boom 115, a bracket 120 is articulated, which is initially parallel to the boom 115 out and then below the capsule 110 approximately at right angles to the middle is cranked. At the cranked end of the bracket 12D there is a holder part 122 for an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving system 125.

The bracket 120 hinged to the boom 115 is thus about an axis The plane of the applicator opening 103 can be pivoted. By means of a guide part 121, the distance between the transducer system and the applicator opening 103 can be changed.

In the watertight capsule 110 is a stepping motor 112 with a drive 113 arranged. About a gear train consisting of gears 116 and 117 and the associated toothed belt 118 are used to drive the movement of the bracket 120 transfer.

The Wandlerhaltsmg122 is in Figure 3 specifically for holding a linear arrays. Such an array is through appropriate electronic Control of a parallel scan or, if necessary, an electronic sector scan realizable. However, a movable ultrasound head can just as well be placed on the HaRsnzE 122 be arranged to implement a mechanical sector scan, although in the latter case a further movement mechanism would have to be present. The electric Control lines for the ultrasonic transducer system are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 not shown.

In the capsule 130: # outside the applicator housing is another There is a stepping motor 131 with a toothed belt drive through which the rotation is achieved will. In one 136 and 137 again denote the 7ahnrrider and 138 the associated toothed belt. The rear of the unit 140 is used for receiving from Betat; ifJungselemente 151 to 153 of the control for the ultrasonic transducer system 125 according to the given schedule.

With the mechanical structure of Figures 2 and 3, the desired Perform movement of the ultrasonic transducer system without causing excessive great effort is necessary. Normally, the bracket 120 is in an angular position deflected by about 45 °, so that, for example, with a parallel scan of the ultrasonic transducer system 125 a large part of the breast is covered. By means of the rotary drive the converter then performs an eccentric flotation movement around the axis of symmetry of the applicator, with corresponding areas of the breast being detected in each case. In the same way, however, the angular position can also be changed by external control of the transducer array possible. This change can make the examination area for example, can be adapted to the anatomical conditions; It is also during an examination with a fixed azimuthal angular position of the transducer array the examination field can be changed in a direction perpendicular to it. Furthermore, the Distance of the transducer system from the examination organ by moving it in the guide part 121 can be adapted to the given circumstances.

Stepper motors were used for the rotary and swivel drives. In principle, a continuous drive is also possible. The usage of Stepper motors ### dnAdvantage of good reproducibility and easy determination the current position of the transducer array. Separate wetting agents are then not for it more needed.

A special embodiment of the applicator 100 has been found, for example proven with a 20 mm wide and 120 mm long linear array for parallel scanning, which has an ultrasonic frequency of 3.5 MHz.

The distance between the pivot axis II for the linear array is from of the applicator opening 103, for example 25 mm. With such a geometric The arrangement is usually an almost complete scan of the chest volume possible.

In the figure 1 is the entire device from applicator 1 and stand arrangement 10 is assigned an image signal processing device 30, which is only indicated schematically is. On the device housing are a screen 31 for the image display and a Row of controls 32bs 36 arranged. Via an operating cable 40 with a cable connector 41 is the ultrasound machine 125 and the image signal processing device 30 with associated Control circuit connected. In FIG. 4, 150 denotes the control panel with individual buttons 151 to 166, which are located on the back of the applicator 100 in are arranged favorable grip position for the person being examined.

In the 4 x 3 matrix there are 12 keys 151 to 162 with which the ultrasonic transducer system, hereinafter referred to as the scanner, is controlled. Laterally there are two buttons 163 and 164 as well as 165 and 166 on the lower level arranged with which on the one hand the water filling in the applicator 1 in adaptation is controlled to the breast volume to be examined and with which on the other hand the Parking brakes in the stand 10 for the Applii <ator 1 are released or fixed can.

These function keys are not used in the present context Meaning.

When the device is switched on, the scanner runs to an end position and stay there. When the buttons 151 or 153 are pressed, the scanner performs a slow operation Swivel within the scan plane in the specified? Direction out as long as the button is pressed. A complete pan takes about 1 minute.

With the keys 152 and 154 the same flank n becomes higher Speed reached; a complete movement now takes approx. 2 seconds the keys 155 and 156 can be used to change the scan plane in the specified direction will.

By pressing the buttons 157 and 158, a previously specified one is set Scan plane approached, which can be indicated by an illuminated display. the Scan planes that can be selected using keys 157 and 158 are set by default and can be called up by pressing the individual buttons accordingly.

By activating the list 159 the current position of the scanner becomes saved within the scan plane. A maximum of 99 positions can be saved and be canceled again. When the button 160 is pressed, the scanner moves into the next saved position in the given level, if previously one or several positions have been saved. It can turn through light indicators indicates that the scanner is in the desired position. With button 161 clears the stored positions.

The most important Fudthn key for the explanation of the present invention is the key 162. When this key is pressed, the scanner first moves for example, 25 steps into the first direction from the present Position, then returns to the starting position and carries out a corresponding For example, move 25 steps in the other direction. During operation button 162 repeats the described movement of the scanner cyclically. It becomes a kind of pendulum movement by pivoting the scanner back and forth realized, with an image in the image signal processing device for each angular position is produced. As a result, slice images with are cyclically changing on the viewing screen Scan direction shown. Studies have shown that by such cyclic change of the scan direction a three-dimensional image impression can be generated is. In the device described here, this is done by simple control means possible.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, 170 denote a schematically indicated one Scanner, consisting of the ultrasonic transducer system described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, which can be pivoted in the applicator close to the plane of the application opening. To the Scanner 170 is assigned a motor 176 for the pivoting movement, which is controlled by a driver stage 178.

In the analog circuit of Figure 5, the motor is 176 and the driver stage incorporated into a control system 175. An actual value encoder 177 is assigned to the motor 176, which detects the angular position and a Rogel amplifier 179 with actual value / setpoint comparison i leads back to the turbo stage 178. The so @ worth for the Rogel amplifier 179 is set on a setpoint generator 180. A triangular oscillator 182 is now still a triangular function that corresponds to the setpoint is superimposed.

The signals from the setpoint generator 180 and the triangular oscillator are used for this purpose 182 is fed to the control amplifier 179 via an adder 181. At 184 is a Switch for the adder 181, with which the cyclic forward and backward movement of the scanner and thus the panning back and forth of the image field is switched on.

In FIG. 6, 190 denotes a microprocessor which consists of a Central processing unit 191 with associated storage units exists. The microprocessor 190 input and output units 192 and 193 are connected upstream.

The input unit 192 can have switches indicated, for example 197 to 199 are controlled and continue to be assigned to the stepping motor 176 Control line that is activated when a specified end position is reached a corresponding switch 196 is closed. It's the data bus from the Input unit 192 to central unit 191 and also to output unit 193 are shown. The driver stage 178 is then activated by the output unit.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the scanner is digital controlled. In this case, the limit switch 196 implements the actual value transmitter, since due to the use of the stepper motor from the microprocessor 190 is those implemented by the scanner Steps can be counted. The panning motion of the scanner to reach the three-dimensional image impression is then carried out by appropriate software Forward or

Generated down counting from one position. In particular, can by the microprocessor 190 the enumerated number of steps of the stepper motor movement to the Transmitted ultrasonic device 30 of Figure 1 and displayed there will. It is also possible after the calculation in the microprocessor 190 the corresponding angle size as numerical and / or symbolic information the display screen 31 to represent.

6 Figures 11 claims L e r s e i t e

Claims (11)

Operating method for a device for examination of the female breast with ultrasound, with an ultrasound applicator and with a movable therein and arranged to be rotatable at least about the axis of symmetry of the applicator Transmit / receive system for ultrasound as well as a water supply line, whereby the Ultrasonic applicator an opening closed with a film for receiving and for coupling the breast to the water flow path, and wherein that around the axis of symmetry of the applicator rotatable ultrasonic transducer system within of the applicator is attached to a bracket, which including the transducer system is pivotable about such a rotation axis which is close to the plane of the applicator opening lies that the ultrasonic transducer system is not (125) in a predeterminable angular position to the applicator opening x: 93) continuously or gradually rotated around the central axis for palpation of the breast and accordingly on the display screen (31) of an image signal processing device (30) a continuously or a step-by-step changing image can be displayed, and that in each azimuthal Angular position of the ultrasonic transducer system (125) by tilting the transducer system (125) around the base of the bracket (125) a change in the imaging angle is possible is. 2. Operating method according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h e t that in every azimuthal angle # position the tilt angle between two end positions can be changed continuously or gradually. 3. Operating method according to claim 2, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the change in the tilt angle corresponds to a predeterminable Zeitfunkt.Lon as a pendulum movement by pivoting the converter system back and forth (125) is feasible. 4. Operating method according to claim 3, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that due to the cyclic reproduction of the ultrasonic slice images on the display screen (31) of the image signal processing device (30) a three-dimensional Image impression is achievable. 5. Control device for performing the method according to claim 1 or one of claims 2 to 4, d u r c h g e k e n n n z e i c h n e t, that a setpoint generator (180) for the motor to change the tilt angle of the converter system (125, 170) in addition to a controlled system (175) for adjusting the actual value / setpoint value, a function generator (182) is assigned. 6. Control device according to claim 5, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z It is noted that the function generator (182) is a triangular oscillator. 7. Control device for carrying out the operating method according to Claim 1 or one of Claims 2 to 4, d a d u r c h g e k e n n n z e i c h n e t that a controlled system for a given swivel of the converter system (125) by a processor system (190), preferably a microprocessor with associated memories, is realized, the specifiable operating functions can be supplied in software. 8. Control device according to claim 7, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the processor system (190) the individual steps of stepper motors (112, 131) used as a drive for the converter system (125) can be counted up and down. 9. Control device according to claim 8, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z E i c h n e t that the stepper motor (112) has a limit switch for the pivoting movement (196), which defines the reference point for tiie pivoting movement and the processor system (190) as information. 10. Control device according to claim 7, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h e t that the number of steps enumerated by the processor system (190) is direct and / or after processing by the processor system as numeric or symbolic Information can be displayed on the display screen (31) of the image signal processing device (30) is. 11. Control device ii-ach claim 7, d a d u r c h g e k e n n notices that an input unit (191) for the processor system (190) A control program can be preselected using the corresponding function keys (197 - 199) is.