JP2013180052A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce burdens on an operator in a Doppler mode.SOLUTION: A storage part 20 stores a plurality of positions and widths of sampling gates associated with a plurality of sampling gate condition sets including measuring items on a Doppler mode and diagnostic sites. A setting part 30 sets a plurality of sampling gates respectively corresponding to the plurality of positions and widths associated on the storage part 20 for a sampling gate condition set specified by a user among the plurality of sampling gate condition sets. A transmit-receiving part 40 executes ultrasonic transmission/receiving for Doppler scan with the plurality of set sampling gates as targets via an ultrasonic probe 10. A Doppler processing part 54 calculates Doppler measurement values of the measuring items included in the sampling gate condition set specified by the user for each of the plurality of set sampling gates based on an echo signal from the ultrasonic probe 10.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic program.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the Doppler mode is used to observe the blood flow velocity and the like. Doppler measurement in which a sampling gate is set at the observation site in Doppler mode on a two-dimensional image such as B mode, Doppler scanning is performed at the set sampling gate, the Doppler waveform or Doppler image is observed, and the speed is measured Has been done. As an application of the Doppler mode, there is a dual Doppler mode in which two Doppler waveforms or Doppler images at two sampling gates are observed almost simultaneously and Doppler measurement is performed. The sampling gate is set in different anatomical positions depending on the Doppler measurement item. During the ultrasonic examination, it is a burden on the operator to adjust the position of the sampling gate according to the Doppler measurement item. In the case of dual Doppler, since there are two sampling gates, adjusting the positions of these two sampling gates places a great burden on the operator.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-192708

  An object is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic program that can reduce the burden on the operator in the Doppler mode.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of positions and widths of a sampling gate in association with each of a plurality of sets of measurement items and diagnostic sites related to the Doppler mode, and among the plurality of sets A setting unit that sets a plurality of sampling gates respectively corresponding to a plurality of positions and widths associated on the storage unit, an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic probe A transmitter / receiver for performing ultrasonic transmission / reception of Doppler scanning for the set sampling gates, and each of the set sampling gates based on an echo signal from the ultrasound probe A Doppler processing unit that calculates Doppler measurement values of measurement items included in the set of user instructions.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the display screen in dual Doppler mode displayed by the display part of FIG. The figure which shows the other example of the display screen in dual Doppler mode displayed by the display part of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the sampling gate setting screen displayed by the display part of FIG. The figure which shows the typical flow of the ultrasonic inspection performed under control by the system control part of FIG. The figure which shows the continuation of the typical flow of the ultrasonic inspection of FIG.

  Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic program according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is applicable to any Doppler mode of PWD using a pulse wave and CWD using a continuous wave. However, in order to perform the following description specifically, it is assumed that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment executes PWD.

  In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment sets a plurality of sampling gates, performs Doppler scanning for each of the set sampling gates, observes a plurality of waveforms or Doppler images substantially simultaneously, and performs Doppler scanning. It is assumed that a multi-Doppler mode for performing measurement can be executed. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is applicable to any two or more sampling gates. However, in order to simplify the following description, a dual Doppler mode in which Doppler scanning is performed for two sampling gates, two Doppler waveforms or Doppler images are observed almost simultaneously, and Doppler measurement is performed as a specific example is assumed as a multi-Doppler mode. I will give you.

  Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment can be applied to any part such as the heart, the abdomen, the chest, the head, and the neck. However, in the following description, it is assumed that the site to be diagnosed is a heart with high clinical utility of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 10, a sampling gate condition storage unit 20, a setting unit 30, a transmission / reception unit 40, a signal processing unit 50, an image generation unit 60, a display unit 70, and an internal storage. Unit 80, operation unit 90, and system control unit 100. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a computer device 200. The computer apparatus 200 is connected to the ultrasonic probe 10 via a probe cable. The computer device 200 includes a sampling gate condition storage unit 20, a setting unit 30, a transmission / reception unit 40, a signal processing unit 50, an image generation unit 60, a display unit 70, an internal storage unit 80, an operation unit 90, and a system control unit 100. ing.

  The ultrasonic probe 10 has a plurality of transducers arranged in one or two dimensions. The vibrator receives the transmission drive pulse from the transmission / reception unit 40 and transmits the ultrasonic wave in a beam shape toward the subject. The transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected one after another at discontinuities (echo sources) of the acoustic impedance of the body tissue of the subject. When ultrasonic waves are reflected by a moving body such as a blood flow or a heart, the ultrasonic waves undergo a Doppler frequency shift. The reflected ultrasonic waves are received by the vibrator. The received ultrasonic wave is converted into an echo signal (electric signal) by the vibrator. The echo signal is supplied to the transmission / reception unit 40.

  The sampling gate condition storage unit 20 observes the Doppler waveform or Doppler image substantially simultaneously in each of the plurality of sampling gate condition sets, and stores the positions and widths of the two sampling gates to be Doppler-measured in association with each other. ing. Each sampling gate condition set and the positions and widths of the two sampling gates are associated in a lookup table (LUT). Hereinafter, this LUT is referred to as a sampling gate condition table. The sampling gate condition set includes a Doppler mode measurement item (hereinafter referred to as a Doppler measurement item) and a diagnostic part. The Doppler measurement item according to the present embodiment is applicable to any item that can be measured by Doppler inspection or tissue Doppler inspection. For example, as Doppler measurement items, for example, LVI (left ventricular inflow blood flow), LVO (left ventricular outflow blood flow), E (left ventricular inflow blood flow), e ′ (mitral valve speed) and the like are known. . Each sampling gate condition set includes two Doppler measurement items respectively corresponding to two Doppler waveforms or Doppler images of the two sampling gates. In the dual Doppler mode, the efficiency and effect of inspection are enhanced by combining two Doppler waveforms or Doppler measurement items on a Doppler image. As Doppler measurement items in the dual Doppler mode, LVI / LVO, which is a combination of LVI and LVO, and E / e ′, which is a combination of E and e ′, are known. In other words, the diagnostic part is a name corresponding to the anatomical position of the scanning plane scanned by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. For example, the cardiac diagnostic sites include the apex major axis, apex minor axis, apex two-chamber, apex four-chamber, and left ventricular minor axis. Two Doppler measurement items and one diagnostic part constitute one sampling gate condition set. Each sampling gate condition set is associated with the position and width of two sampling gates on the two-dimensional image. The sampling gate is set on a two-dimensional image (B mode image or color mode image), and Doppler scanning is performed separately from B mode scanning and color mode scanning. In the case of sector scanning, the position of the sampling gate is defined by the angle and depth. The angle is defined, for example, by the swing angle (steering angle) of the scanning line from the center line of the scanning surface. The center line of the scanning surface corresponds to a scanning line with a swing angle of 0 degree. The depth is defined by, for example, the depth position of the sampling gate with respect to the visual field depth. The width is defined in a range in the depth direction of the sampling gate. The center of the width is defined by the depth.

  The setting unit 30 sets two sampling gates in the dual Doppler mode according to an instruction from the user via the operation unit 90. More specifically, the setting unit 30 sets two sampling gates at two positions and widths associated in the sampling gate condition set storage unit 20 with the sampling gate condition set designated via the operation unit 90 from the user. Set.

  The transmission / reception unit 40 performs ultrasonic scanning on the subject via the ultrasonic probe 10 according to control by the system control unit 100. The transmission / reception unit 40, the signal processing unit 50, and the image generation unit 60 can execute B-mode measurement, Doppler measurement, and color Doppler measurement. Note that Doppler measurement is central in this embodiment. Specifically, the transmission / reception unit 40 includes a transmission unit 42 and a reception unit 44.

  The transmission unit 42 supplies transmission drive pulses to the ultrasonic probe in order to transmit a transmission beam from the ultrasonic probe 10.

  Specifically, the transmission unit 42 includes a transmission control signal generator, a transmission delay circuit, and a transmission drive circuit (not shown). The transmission control signal generator repeatedly generates a transmission waveform control signal (transmission pulse) for each channel. The transmission delay circuit gives a delay time necessary for generating a transmission beam with respect to a predetermined transmission direction and transmission focal position to each generated transmission waveform control signal. This delay time is determined for each transducer according to the transmission focal position and the transmission direction. The transmission drive circuit generates a transmission drive pulse at a timing based on each delayed transmission waveform control signal, and supplies the generated transmission drive pulse to each transducer. Each transducer that has received the transmission drive pulse generates ultrasonic waves. As a result, the ultrasonic probe 10 transmits ultrasonic waves related to a predetermined transmission direction and transmission focus, and forms a transmission beam.

  The reception unit 44 processes the echo signal from the ultrasonic probe 10 and generates data corresponding to the reception beam (hereinafter referred to as reception beam data).

  Specifically, the reception unit 44 includes a preamplifier, an A / D converter, and a reception beamformer that are not shown. The preamplifier amplifies the echo signal from the ultrasonic probe 10. The A / D converter converts the amplified echo signal from analog to digital. The digital echo signal is called echo data. The receive beamformer stores echo data in a digital memory. A digital memory is provided for each vibrator, for example. The echo data is stored in an address corresponding to the reception time of the echo data on the digital memory corresponding to the received transducer. On the other hand, the reception beamformer pre-calculates for each transducer a reception delay time necessary for generating a reception beam for each reception focal position on the scanning plane, and calculates a reception focal position and an address (or reception time). It is stored in a table associated with each transducer. The reception beamformer reads and adds an echo signal from an address associated with a predetermined reception focal position on the table. By repeating this addition process while changing the reception focal position along the target reception beam, a set of echo data corresponding to the reception beam, that is, reception beam data is generated. The received beam data is supplied to the signal processing unit 50.

  The signal processing unit 50 performs signal processing corresponding to the video mode on the received beam data from the receiving unit 44. As the video mode according to the present embodiment, B mode, color Doppler mode, and Doppler mode are applicable. In accordance with these video modes, the signal processing unit 50 includes a B-mode processing unit 52, a Doppler processing unit 54, and a color Doppler processing unit 56.

  The B-mode processing unit 52 performs B-mode processing on the received beam data from the receiving unit 44, and generates B-mode data that expresses the intensity of the received beam data with luminance. B-mode processing includes logarithmic transformation and envelope detection. The generated B mode data is supplied to the image generation unit 60.

  The Doppler processing unit 54 performs Doppler processing of the sampling data added in the range gate for each of the two sampling gates set by the setting unit 30 based on the received beam data from the receiving unit 44. The Doppler processing is frequency analysis using FFT analysis. The Doppler processing unit 54 generates Doppler waveform data derived from blood flow or tissue in the sampling gate from the frequency analysis result. The generated Doppler waveform data is supplied to the image generation unit 60. The Doppler processing unit 54 calculates Doppler measurement values of measurement items included in the sampling gate condition set designated by the user from the Doppler waveform data.

  The color Doppler processing unit 56 performs color Doppler processing on the received beam data from the receiving unit 44 to generate color Doppler data that expresses blood flow information in color. Color Doppler processing is frequency analysis using an autocorrelation method. The generated color Doppler data is supplied to the image generation unit 60.

  The image generation unit 60 generates B-mode image data representing the spatial distribution of the amplitude intensity of the echo signal based on the B-mode data from the B-mode processing unit 52. Also. The image generation unit 60 generates color Doppler image data representing the spatial distribution of blood flow information based on the color Doppler data from the color Doppler processing unit 56. Further, the image generation unit 60 generates Doppler diagnostic image data representing the Doppler waveform based on the Doppler waveform data from the Doppler processing unit.

  The display unit 70 displays the B-mode image, color Doppler image, and Doppler diagnostic image from the image generation unit 60. For example, the display unit 70 displays two Doppler diagnostic images corresponding to the two sampling gates side by side. The display unit 70 displays a screen for setting a sampling gate condition set to be described later.

  The internal storage unit 80 stores B-mode image data, color Doppler image data, and Doppler diagnostic image data (image recording, still image storage, or moving image storage). Further, the internal storage unit 80 stores an ultrasonic diagnostic program for causing the computer device 200 to realize the ultrasonic inspection function according to the present embodiment.

  The operation unit 90 inputs various commands and information input that are input via an input device from the user to the system control unit 100. Specifically, the operation unit 90 inputs a sampling gate condition set selection instruction. As an input device, a keyboard, a mouse, various buttons, a touch panel, and the like can be used as appropriate.

  The system control unit 100 functions as the center of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Specifically, in order to execute the ultrasonic examination according to the present embodiment, the system control unit 100 reads out an ultrasonic diagnostic program from the internal storage unit 80, expands it in its own memory, and follows the expanded program. Each part is controlled to cause the computer apparatus 200 to realize the ultrasonic inspection function according to the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an operation example of ultrasonic inspection executed under the control of the system control unit 100 will be described in detail. First, an outline of the dual Doppler mode according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in the dual Doppler mode displayed by the display unit 70. As shown in FIG. 2, the display screen has a display area R1 and a display area R2. In the display region R1, a B-mode image IB that is immediately generated by the image generation unit 60 in the ultrasonic examination is displayed as a moving image. The B-mode image IB includes a heart region CA corresponding to the subject's heart. In the B-mode image IB, two marks M1 and M2 indicating the positions and widths of the two sampling gates in the dual Doppler mode are overlaid. Doppler scanning is performed on the scanning lines of the marks M1 and M2. In the display region R2, two Doppler diagnostic images ID1 and ID2 respectively corresponding to the two sampling gates are displayed side by side. For each sampling gate, a Doppler waveform corresponding to the anatomical position where the sampling gate is set is displayed. Each Doppler diagnostic image ID1, ID2 includes an assigned Doppler waveform. In the Doppler diagnostic image, typically, the horizontal axis is defined by time and the vertical axis is defined by a blood flow parameter such as a blood flow velocity, and shows a time change of the blood flow parameter. Each Doppler diagnostic image is immediately generated by the image generation unit 60.

  Specifically, the diagnostic site in FIG. 2 is the apex long axis, and the arrangement of the two sampling gates corresponds to the Doppler measurement item LVI (left ventricular inflow blood flow) / LVO (left ventricular outflow blood flow). Is set. That is, the sampling gate of the mark M2 corresponds to the Doppler measurement item LVI, and is set at an anatomical position suitable for the Doppler measurement item LVI. Therefore, the Doppler diagnostic image ID2 corresponding to the sampling gate of the mark M2 depicts LVI (left ventricular inflow blood flow) obtained by integrating the Doppler waveform indicating the temporal change in blood flow velocity. Similarly, the sampling gate of the mark M1 corresponds to the Doppler measurement item LVO, and is set at an anatomical position suitable for the Doppler measurement item LVO. Accordingly, the Doppler diagnostic image ID1 corresponding to the sampling gate of the mark M2 depicts an LVO (left ventricular outflow blood flow) obtained by integrating a Doppler waveform indicating a temporal change in blood flow velocity.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another example of the display screen in the dual Doppler mode displayed by the display unit 70. The diagnostic site in FIG. 3 is the apex major axis, and the arrangement of the two sampling gates shows the arrangement in Doppler measurement item E (left ventricular inflow blood flow) / e ′ (mitral valve annulus velocity). That is, the sampling gate of the mark M1 corresponds to the Doppler measurement item E and is set at an anatomical position suitable for the Doppler measurement item E. Therefore, the Doppler diagnostic image ID1 corresponding to the sampling gate of the mark M1 depicts the E value (left ventricular inflow blood flow) obtained by integrating the Doppler waveform indicating the temporal change of the blood flow velocity. Similarly, the sampling gate of the mark M2 corresponds to the Doppler measurement item e ′ and is set at an anatomical position suitable for the Doppler measurement item e ′. Therefore, the Doppler waveform of the Doppler diagnostic image ID2 corresponding to the sampling gate of the mark M2 shows the time change of the e ′ value (priest valve speed).

  As described above, the sampling gate is different in anatomical position to be set according to the sampling gate condition set such as the diagnostic region and the Doppler measurement item. The position of the sampling gate is set by the user operating the input device of the operation unit 90. In dual Doppler, two sampling gates are set. Manually adjusting the positions of the two sampling gates individually is very troublesome for the user.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment displays a setting screen for collectively setting a sampling gate condition set (diagnosis site and Doppler measurement items) and positions and widths of two sampling gates in dual Doppler. To do. Hereinafter, this setting screen is referred to as a sampling gate setting screen. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 supports the setting of the sampling gate by the user using the sampling gate setting screen.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the sampling gate setting screen displayed by the display unit 70. As shown in FIG. 4, the sampling gate setting screen has a plurality of icon ICs. The plurality of icon ICs are stored in the sampling gate condition storage unit 20. The plurality of icons IC are respectively associated with a plurality of sampling gate condition sets in the sampling gate condition table. Each icon IC is an image that schematically represents the diagnostic part of the corresponding sampling gate condition set. Further, each icon IC expresses the position and width of two sampling gates of the corresponding sampling gate condition set so as to be visible. Specifically, marks M3 and M4 indicating the position and width of the sampling gate are shown on the icon IC. In other words, each icon IC is an image representing a schematic diagnostic part in which the positions and widths of the two sampling gates are clearly shown. In other words, the icon IC simulates a superimposed image of the B-mode image IB conventionally used in dual Doppler and the marks M1 and M2 as displayed in the display area R1 of FIGS. It is an image. The mark M1 and the mark M2 are preferably displayed in different colors so as to be visually distinguishable. The user can easily grasp the diagnostic part, the Doppler measurement item, and the position and width of the sampling gate only by looking at the icon IC.

  Each icon IC is displayed by the operation unit 90 so as to be selectable. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the icon IC1 corresponds to the diagnosis site: apex long axis and the Doppler measurement item (1), and the positions and widths of the two sampling gates corresponding to the Doppler measurement item (1). Is associated with the icon IC1 in the sampling gate condition table (diagnostic region, Doppler measurement item). Similarly, the icon IC2 corresponds to the diagnostic site: left ventricular long axis and the Doppler measurement item (2), and the positions and widths of the two sampling gates corresponding to the Doppler measurement item (2) are the icon IC2 in the sampling gate condition table. It is associated. The icon IC3 corresponds to the diagnostic region: apex two cavities and the Doppler measurement item (3), and the positions and widths of the two sampling gates corresponding to the Doppler measurement item (3) are associated with the icon IC3 in the sampling gate condition table. It has been. The icon IC4 corresponds to the diagnosis site: apex long axis and Doppler measurement item (4), and the positions and widths of the two sampling gates corresponding to the Doppler measurement item (4) are associated with the icon IC4 in the sampling gate condition table. ing. The icon IC5 corresponds to the diagnostic site: apex four chambers and the Doppler measurement item (5), and the positions and widths of the two sampling gates corresponding to the Doppler measurement item (5) are associated with the icon IC5 in the sampling gate condition table. It has been. The icon IC6 corresponds to the diagnostic site: left ventricular minor axis and Doppler measurement item (6), and the positions and widths of the two sampling gates corresponding to the Doppler measurement item (6) are associated with the icon IC6 in the sampling gate condition table. It has been.

  For example, the sampling gate setting screen is displayed on the display device in a touch command screen (TCS) format. In this case, the display device is covered with a transparent touch panel so that the displayed sampling gate setting screen can be visually recognized by the user. The operation unit 90 detects the coordinates of the part of the touch panel that is directly pressed by the user. The setting unit 30 selects an icon displayed at the detected coordinates.

  Note that the sampling gate setting screen does not necessarily have to be displayed on the display device in the TCS format as long as the icon can be selected by the operation unit 90. For example, the sampling gate may be displayed on a display device that does not include a touch panel. In this case, the user operates an input device such as a mouse to move the cursor in the display screen. An icon corresponding to the coordinates pointed to by the cursor is selected by the user via the input device.

  When each icon is selected, the setting unit 30 specifies a sampling gate condition set associated with the selected icon. When the sampling gate condition set is specified, the setting unit 30 specifies the positions and widths of the two sampling gates associated with the specified sampling gate condition set on the sampling gate condition table. The setting unit 30 sets the first sampling gate having the specified first width at the specified first position, and sets the specified second width at the specified second position. A second sampling gate is set.

  When the sampling gate is set, the transmission / reception unit 40 performs ultrasonic transmission / reception. Specifically, ultrasonic transmission / reception for the Doppler waveform for the first sampling gate, ultrasonic transmission / reception for the Doppler waveform for the second sampling gate, and scanning are repeated in a predetermined sequence.

  As described above, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 can set two sampling gates corresponding to the selected icon in a lump by selecting a desired icon in the sampling gate setting screen.

  The position and width of each sampling gate can be changed from the position and width set by selecting an icon via the operation unit 90 by the user. For example, the user operates marks (for example, marks M1 and M2 in FIGS. 2 and 3) indicating the position and width of the sampling gate displayed on the B-mode image by the display unit 70 via the operation unit 90. As a result, the position and width of the sampling gate are changed. The position and width of the new sampling gate after the change are set on the B-mode image by the setting unit 30. In this way, by enabling the user to change the position and width of the sampling gate, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 eliminates the positional deviation between the position of the sampling gate and the observation target site caused by body movement of the subject. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the sampling gate setting screen has a registration button BR for each of the plurality of icons IC. The registration button BR is a button for registering the position and width of a new sampling gate in the sampling gate condition storage unit 20. Each registration button BR is associated with the nearest icon IC in the sampling gate setting screen. When the registration button BR is pressed by the user via the operation unit 90, the sampling gate condition storage unit 20 registers the positions and widths of the two new sampling gates that are set at the time of being pressed. The sampling gate condition corresponding to the button BR is associated in the sampling gate condition table.

  At this time, a mark indicating the position and width of the two sampling gates at the time of being pressed may be displayed so as to overlap the icon IC. In this case, a mark indicating the position and width of the initial two sampling gates (hereinafter referred to as an initial mark) and a mark indicating the position and width of the new two sampling gates (hereinafter referred to as a new mark) Should be displayed visually distinctively. As a visual distinction method, for example, there are a method of changing the line type of the initial mark and the new mark, and a method of changing the color. In the case of a line type, for example, an initial mark may be displayed as a dotted line, and a new mark may be displayed as a solid line. In the case of color, for example, the initial mark may be displayed in blue and the new mark may be displayed in red. Moreover, you may combine a line type and a color. It is not always necessary to display both the initial mark and the new mark on the icon. That is, only a new mark may be displayed on the icon.

  In the above description, the icon is an image that schematically represents the diagnostic site, but is not limited thereto. For example, the icon may be a measured B-mode image related to the subject. In this case, the subject to be imaged of the B-mode image serving as an icon and the subject to be subjected to ultrasonic examination may be the same or different. When the subject to be imaged of the B-mode image serving as an icon is the same as the subject to be subjected to ultrasonic examination, an icon based on the B-mode image is generated during the ultrasonic examination. For example, a B-mode image displayed when an initial icon (simulated image) is selected for setting the sampling gate (a B-mode image in which marks indicating the position and width of the sampling gate are overlaid) Should be used for icons. As an icon based on the B-mode image, for example, a reduced image of the displayed B-mode image is preferable. For example, the image generation unit 60 generates a reduced image for an icon based on the displayed B-mode image. The display unit 70 displays the generated reduced image as a new icon.

  The position and width of the new sampling gate are stored in the sampling gate condition storage unit 20 in association with the corresponding sampling gate condition set. Note that the position and width of the new sampling gate may be stored by overwriting the initial value or stored individually. In addition, the user may be allowed to select via the operation unit 90 whether to overwrite and store the initial value or to store the initial value individually. In this case, for example, when the registration button is pressed, the display unit 70 may display a message such as “Do you want to change the initial value?” And a selection button of “YES” / “NO”. When the “YES” button is pressed, the sampling gate condition storage unit 20 stores the new sampling gate position and width set at the time of pressing by overwriting the initial sampling gate position and width. To do. On the other hand, when the “NO” button is pressed, the sampling gate condition storage unit 20 stores the position and width of the new sampling gate in a separate file from the position and width of the initial sampling gate.

  Further, the sampling gate condition storage unit 20 may store the sampling gate condition and an icon in association with each other for each patient information. The patient information is specifically a patient ID and a patient name. When the sampling gate condition is changed in this specification, the sampling gate condition storage unit 20 stores the new sampling gate position and width by overwriting the initial sampling gate position and width in the same manner as described above. Alternatively, it may be stored separately. Even in the case of overwriting storage, when the patient information is changed (that is, when an ultrasonic examination is performed on another patient), the initial sampling gate condition is set at the start of the ultrasonic examination for another patient. Used. When the sampling gate condition is stored for each patient information, a B-mode image of the actual measurement of the patient on which marks indicating the positions and widths of the two sampling gates are displayed may be used as an icon.

  In the above description, the sampling gate setting screen includes an icon corresponding to the sampling gate condition set, but is not limited thereto. For example, the sampling gate setting screen may display a character string representing the contents of the sampling gate condition set instead of the icon. For example, when the sampling gate condition set is diagnosis part: apex long axis, Doppler measurement item LVI / LVO, the character string “diagnosis part: apex long axis” and the character string “Doppler measurement item LVI / LVO” are sampling gate setting screens May be displayed.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can also associate parameters other than the position and width of the sampling gate with the sampling gate condition set in order to further reduce the burden on the operator in the Doppler mode. For example, the sampling gate condition storage unit 20 includes, in each of the plurality of sampling gate condition sets, in addition to the position and width of the sampling gate, a Doppler flow rate detection range (pulse repetition frequency: PRF), Doppler gain (Gain), baseline position, And at least one of the filter characteristics of the MTI filter may be stored in association with each other. The Doppler flow velocity detection range, the Doppler gain, the baseline position, and the filter characteristics of the MTI filter are preset optimally to the corresponding sampling gate condition set or the position and width of the sampling gate. In this case, when a sampling gate condition set is selected by the user via the operation unit 90, the Doppler flow velocity detection range, Doppler gain, baseline position, and filter characteristics of the MTI filter associated with the selected sampling gate condition set are changed. Set by the setting unit 30. For example, when the user selects a desired icon in the sampling gate setting screen, the setting unit 30 sets a sampling gate having a position and a width corresponding to the selected icon, and further corresponds to the selected icon. At least one of a Doppler flow velocity detection range, a Doppler gain, a baseline position, and a filter characteristic of the MTI filter is set. As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment selects the diagnostic part, the Doppler measurement item, the position and width of the sampling gate, the Doppler flow velocity detection range, the Doppler gain, the baseline position, and the MTI filter by selecting the icon. The characteristics can be set collectively, and the burden on the operator can be greatly reduced.

  Next, an operation example of the ultrasonic inspection according to the present embodiment performed under the control of the system control unit 100 will be described. 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating a typical flow of ultrasonic inspection performed under the control of the system control unit 100. FIG. FIG. 6 shows a continuation of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the system control unit 100 reads out an ultrasonic diagnostic program from the internal storage unit 80 in response to an instruction to start ultrasonic examination via the operation unit 90 by the user, and this ultrasonic diagnostic program Start an ultrasound examination according to

  At the start of the ultrasonic examination, first, the system control unit 100 activates the system (step S1). When step S1 is performed, the system control unit 100 waits for a diagnostic site to be selected via the operation unit 90 (step S2). The user selects an arbitrary diagnostic site such as a heart, for example. The selected diagnostic part is set by the setting unit 30. When a diagnosis part is selected in step S2, the system control unit 100 controls the transmission / reception unit 40, the signal processing unit 50, the image generation unit 60, and the display unit 70 to perform B-mode image / inspection and measurement (step). S3). In step S3, the transmission / reception unit 40 scans the scanning plane including the diagnostic region selected in step S2 with an ultrasonic beam. For example, the apex major axis B1 is scanned. The B mode processing unit 52 of the signal processing unit 50 generates B mode data related to the scanning plane based on the received beam data from the receiving unit 44. The image generation unit 60 generates a B-mode image related to the scanning plane based on the generated B-mode data. The display unit 70 immediately displays the generated B-mode image. The user observes the displayed B-mode image.

  When step S3 is performed, the system control unit 100 waits for the Doppler mode to be selected via the operation unit 90 (step S4). When the user wants to perform Doppler scanning and Doppler measurement, the user presses a start button for Doppler mode via the operation unit 90. When the Doppler mode is selected in Step S4, the system control unit 100 displays a sampling gate setting screen on the display unit 70 in order to select a set of the diagnosis region and Doppler measurement items (sampling gate condition set) (Step S5). ). In step S5, the display unit 70 displays a sampling gate setting screen as shown in FIG. The user selects an icon corresponding to a desired sampling gate condition from the plurality of icons displayed on the sampling gate setting screen via the operation unit 90. By selecting this icon, a desired diagnostic region and two Doppler measurement items are selected. For example, the icon corresponding to the diagnostic region: apex long axis and Doppler measurement item LVI / LVO is selected.

  When step S5 is performed, the system control unit 100 causes the setting unit 30 to perform setting processing (step S6). In step S6, the setting unit 30 sets the sampling gate position and width, the Doppler flow velocity detection range, the Doppler gain, the baseline position, and the filter characteristics of the MTI filter corresponding to the icon selected in Step S5.

  When step S6 is performed, the system control unit 100 determines whether or not fine adjustment of the position and width of the sampling gate is necessary (step S7). Typically, the system control unit 100 determines that fine adjustment is necessary when the user performs a fine adjustment operation of the position and width of the sampling gate via the operation unit 90 (step S7: YES), When the fine adjustment operation is not performed, it is determined that the fine adjustment is not necessary (step S7: NO). Specifically, the user operates each sampling gate mark (the mark M1 and the mark M2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) superimposed on the B-mode image via the operation unit 90 to perform each sampling. Fine-tune the gate position and width.

  If it is determined that fine adjustment of the position and width of the sampling gate is necessary (step S7: YES), the system control unit 100 causes the setting unit 30 to perform setting processing (steps S8 and S9). In step S8, the setting unit 30 sets the position and width of the first sampling gate after fine adjustment. Similarly, in step S9, the setting unit 30 sets the position and width of the second sampling gate after fine adjustment.

  When it is determined in step S7 that fine adjustment of the position and width of the sampling gate is not necessary (step S7: NO), or when step S9 is performed, the system control unit 100 performs the Doppler flow rate via the operation unit 90. It is determined whether or not fine adjustment of other parameters such as the detection range, Doppler gain, baseline position, and filter characteristics of the MTI filter is necessary (step S10). Typically, the system control unit 100 performs a fine adjustment operation of parameters such as the Doppler flow velocity detection range, Doppler gain, baseline position, and filter characteristics of the MTI filter via the operation unit 90 (step S10: YES), it is determined that fine adjustment is necessary. If the fine adjustment operation is not performed (step S10: NO), it is determined that fine adjustment is not necessary.

  When the fine adjustment operation is performed (step S10: YES), the system control unit 100 causes the setting unit 30 to perform setting processing (steps S11 and S12). In step S11, the setting unit 30 sets the Doppler flow velocity detection range, the Doppler gain, the baseline position, and the filter characteristics of the MTI filter after fine adjustment regarding the first sampling gate. Similarly, in step S12, the setting unit 30 sets the Doppler flow velocity detection range, the Doppler gain, the baseline position, and the filter characteristics of the MTI filter after fine adjustment regarding the second sampling gate.

  When it is determined in step S10 that fine adjustment of the Doppler flow velocity detection range, Doppler gain, baseline position, and filter characteristics of the MTI filter is not necessary (step S10: NO), or when step S12 is performed, the system control unit 100 Controls the transmission / reception unit 40, the signal processing unit 50, the image generation unit 60, and the display unit 70, and sets the diagnostic part, Doppler measurement item, sampling gate position and width, Doppler flow velocity detection range, Doppler gain, baseline Dual Doppler mode scanning is executed using the position and the filter characteristics of the MTI filter, and Doppler measurement is executed (step S13).

  In the dual Doppler mode, for example, B-mode scanning on the scanning plane, Doppler scanning on the first sampling gate, and Doppler scanning on the second sampling gate are repeatedly performed in a predetermined sequence. In step S13, for example, the apex major axis, which is the same diagnostic part as in step S3, is scanned in the dual Doppler mode.

  Ultrasonic transmission / reception for B-mode scanning is performed while changing the ultrasonic beam direction by a predetermined angle every time the ultrasonic transmission / reception is performed. Ultrasonic transmission / reception for Doppler scanning with respect to the first sampling gate and ultrasonic transmission / reception for Doppler scanning with respect to the second sampling gate are alternately performed between ultrasonic transmission / reception for B-mode scanning.

  Ultrasonic transmission / reception for B-mode scanning is performed by an existing method. That is, in ultrasonic transmission / reception for B-mode scanning, the transmission / reception unit 40 controls the transmission unit 42 and the reception unit 44 to scan the scanning surface with an ultrasonic beam. Then, the B mode processing unit 52 immediately generates B mode data based on the received beam data from the receiving unit 44, and the image generating unit 60 immediately generates a B mode image related to the scanning plane based on the B mode data. Generate automatically. Then, the display unit 70 immediately displays the B mode image.

  In ultrasonic transmission / reception for Doppler scanning, ultrasonic transmission / reception for Doppler scanning for the first sampling gate and ultrasonic transmission / reception for Doppler scanning for the second sampling gate are repeated alternately, for example. In ultrasonic transmission / reception for Doppler scanning with respect to the first sampling gate, the transmission unit 42 transmits a transmission beam to the position of the first sampling gate. The transmit beam is transmitted at a time interval corresponding to the Doppler flow velocity detection range (PRF) for the first sampling gate associated with the sampling gate condition set. The reception unit 44 generates reception beam data related to the reception beam in the reception direction corresponding to the first sampling gate based on the echo signal from the ultrasonic probe. The Doppler processing unit 54 performs Doppler processing according to the first Doppler received beam data corresponding to the first sampling gate based on the generated received beam data, and immediately converts the first Doppler waveform data. To generate. During this Doppler processing, an MTI filter having a filter characteristic related to the first sampling gate associated with the sampling gate condition set is applied to the received beam data. Also, the received beam data is amplified with Doppler gain related to the first sampling gate associated with the sampling gate condition set.

  Similarly, in ultrasonic transmission / reception for Doppler scanning with respect to the second sampling gate, the transmission unit 42 transmits a transmission beam to the position of the second sampling gate. The transmit beam is transmitted at a time interval corresponding to the Doppler flow rate detection range for the second sampling gate associated with the sampling gate condition set. Based on the echo signal from the ultrasonic probe, the reception unit 44 immediately generates reception beam data regarding the reception beam in the reception direction corresponding to the second sampling gate. Then, the Doppler processing unit 54 performs Doppler processing corresponding to the second Doppler reception beam corresponding to the second sampling gate based on the generated reception beam data, and instantaneously converts the second Doppler waveform data. Generate. During this Doppler processing, an MTI filter having a filter characteristic related to the first sampling gate associated with the sampling gate condition set is applied to the received beam data. Further, the received beam data is amplified with Doppler gain related to the second sampling gate associated with the sampling gate condition set.

  In other words, the Doppler processing unit 54 immediately generates the first Doppler waveform related to the first Doppler scan and the second Doppler waveform related to the second Doppler scan corresponding to the selected icon. The image generation unit 60 immediately generates a first Doppler diagnostic image based on the data of the first Doppler waveform, and the display unit 70 displays the first Doppler diagnostic image immediately. At this time, in the first Doppler diagnostic image, a baseline is set at the baseline position related to the first sampling gate associated with the sampling gate condition set. Similarly, the image generation unit 60 immediately generates a second Doppler diagnostic image based on the data of the second Doppler waveform, and the display unit 70 displays the second Doppler diagnostic image immediately. At this time, in the second Doppler diagnostic image, a baseline is set at the baseline position related to the second sampling gate associated with the sampling gate condition set.

  Then, the Doppler processing unit 54 calculates the Doppler measurement value related to the first Doppler measurement item corresponding to the selected icon based on the first Doppler waveform, and is selected based on the second Doppler waveform. A Doppler measurement value related to the second Doppler measurement item corresponding to the icon is calculated. The calculated Doppler measurement value related to the first Doppler measurement item and the Doppler measurement value related to the second Doppler measurement item are displayed on the display unit 70. For example, the Doppler measurement item LVI / LVO is calculated and displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when step S <b> 13 is performed, the system control unit 100 displays a sampling gate setting screen on the display unit 70 in order to change the set (sampling gate condition set) of the diagnostic region and the Doppler measurement item ( Step S14). The user selects an icon corresponding to a desired sampling gate condition from the plurality of icons displayed on the sampling gate setting screen via the operation unit 90. By selecting this icon, the sampling gate condition set is changed. For example, the icon corresponding to the diagnostic part: apex long axis and Doppler measurement item E / e ′ is selected.

  When step S14 is performed, the system control unit 100 causes the setting unit 30 to perform setting processing (step S15). In step S15, the setting unit 30 sets the sampling gate position and width, the Doppler flow velocity detection range, the Doppler gain, the baseline position, and the filter characteristics of the MTI filter corresponding to the icon selected in Step S14.

  When step S15 is performed, the system control unit 100 determines whether or not fine adjustment of the position and width of the sampling gate is necessary as in step S7 (step S16). If it is determined that fine adjustment of the position and width of the sampling gate is necessary (step S16: YES), the system control unit 100 causes the setting unit 30 to perform setting processing (steps S17 and S18). In step S17, the setting unit 30 sets the position and width of the new first sampling gate after fine adjustment. In step S20, the setting unit 30 sets the position and width of the new second sampling gate after fine adjustment. Set.

  When it is determined in step S16 that fine adjustment of the position and width of the sampling gate is not necessary (step S16: NO), or when step S18 is performed, the system control unit 100 performs the Doppler flow rate similarly to step S10. It is determined whether or not fine adjustment of other parameters such as the detection range, Doppler gain, baseline position, and filter characteristics of the MTI filter is necessary (step S19). When the fine adjustment operation is performed (step S19: YES), the system control unit 100 causes the setting unit 30 to perform setting processing (steps S20 and S21). In step S20, the setting unit 30 sets a new Doppler flow velocity detection range, Doppler gain, baseline position, and filter characteristics of the MTI filter after fine adjustment for the first sampling gate. Similarly, in step S21, the setting unit 30 sets a new Doppler flow velocity detection range, Doppler gain, baseline position, and filter characteristics of the MTI filter after fine adjustment for the second sampling gate.

  When it is determined in step S19 that fine adjustment of the Doppler flow velocity detection range, Doppler gain, baseline position, and filter characteristics of the MTI filter is not necessary (step S19: NO), or when step S21 is performed, the system control unit 100 Is similar to step S14, the diagnosis part set in steps S15, S17, S18, S20, and S21, the Doppler measurement item, the position and width of the sampling gate, the Doppler flow velocity detection range, the Doppler gain, the baseline position, the MTI Dual Doppler is executed with the filter characteristics of the filter (step S22). Thereby, the Doppler processing unit 54 generates the first Doppler waveform related to the first sampling gate set in Step S15 or S17 and the second Doppler waveform related to the second sampling gate set in Step S15 or S18. Then, the Doppler diagnostic image related to the first Doppler waveform and the Doppler diagnostic image related to the second Doppler waveform are immediately displayed on the display unit 70.

  Then, based on the first Doppler waveform generated in Step S22, the Doppler processing unit 54 calculates a Doppler measurement value related to the first Doppler measurement item corresponding to the icon selected in Step S14, and in Step S22. Based on the generated second Doppler waveform, a Doppler measurement value related to the second Doppler measurement item corresponding to the icon selected in Step S14 is calculated. The calculated Doppler measurement value related to the first Doppler measurement item and the Doppler measurement value related to the second Doppler measurement item are displayed on the display unit 70. For example, the Doppler measurement item E / e ′ is calculated and displayed.

  When step S22 is performed, the system control unit 100 waits for an inspection end instruction issued by the user via the operation unit 90 (step S23). When the inspection end instruction is not given (step S23: NO), the system control unit 100 returns to step S14 again and repeats step S14 to step S23. If an inspection end instruction is issued in step S23 (step S23: YES), the system control unit 100 ends the ultrasonic inspection according to the present embodiment.

  Above, description of the operation example of the ultrasonic inspection which concerns on this embodiment is complete | finished.

  As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the sampling gate condition storage unit 20, the setting unit 30, the ultrasonic probe 10, the transmission / reception unit 40, and the Doppler processing unit 54. The sampling gate condition storage unit 20 stores a plurality of positions and widths of the sampling gate in association with each of a plurality of sampling gate condition sets of the measurement item relating to the Doppler mode and the diagnostic part. The setting unit 30 sets a plurality of sampling gates respectively corresponding to a plurality of positions and widths associated with each other on the sampling gate condition storage unit 20 as a user-specified sampling gate condition set among the plurality of sampling gate condition sets. . The transmission / reception unit 40 performs ultrasonic transmission / reception of Doppler scanning for a plurality of set sampling gates via the ultrasonic probe 10. Based on the echo signal from the ultrasonic probe 10, the Doppler processing unit 54 performs Doppler scanning and Doppler processing included in the sampling gate condition set designated by the user for each of the set sampling gates, and from the Doppler waveform The Doppler measurement value of the Doppler measurement item is calculated.

  With the above-described configuration, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment designates both the diagnostic region and the Doppler measurement item without manually setting the positions and widths of the plurality of sampling gates in the multi-Doppler mode. It is possible to set the positions and widths of a plurality of sampling gates all together. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can reduce the user's trouble of adjusting the position and width of the sampling gate for each type of Doppler measurement item in the multi-Doppler mode.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic program that can reduce the burden on the operator in the Doppler mode.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, 10 ... Ultrasonic probe, 20 ... Sampling gate condition storage part, 30 ... Setting part, 40 ... Transmission / reception part, 42 ... Transmission part, 44 ... Reception part, 50 ... Signal processing part, 52 ... B Mode processing unit, 54 ... Doppler processing unit, 56 ... Color Doppler processing unit, 60 ... Image generation unit, 70 ... Display unit, 80 ... Internal storage unit, 90 ... Operation unit, 100 ... System control unit, 200 ... Computer device

Claims (7)

A storage unit that associates and stores a plurality of positions and widths of the sampling gate in each of a plurality of sets of measurement items and diagnostic sites related to the Doppler mode;
A setting unit configured to set a plurality of sampling gates respectively corresponding to a plurality of positions and widths associated with the set of user instructions among the plurality of sets on the storage unit;
An ultrasound probe that transmits and receives ultrasound; and
A transmission / reception unit that performs ultrasonic transmission / reception of Doppler scanning for the plurality of set sampling gates via the ultrasonic probe;
Based on an echo signal from the ultrasonic probe, a Doppler processing unit that calculates a Doppler measurement value of a measurement item included in the set of user instructions for each of the set sampling gates;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays an input screen including a plurality of icons respectively corresponding to the plurality of sets for inputting the set by the input unit.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of icons are a B-mode image or a schematic image related to a diagnostic region.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of icons are images that visually represent positions and widths of a plurality of sampling gates in a diagnostic region.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the input screen includes a registration button for registering a position and width of a new sampling gate in the storage unit.   The ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit further stores at least one of a Doppler flow velocity detection range, a Doppler gain, a baseline position, and a filter characteristic of the MTI filter in association with each of the plurality of sets. apparatus. On the computer,
A function of setting a plurality of sampling gates corresponding to a set of user instructions using a table in which a plurality of positions and widths of sampling gates are associated with each of a plurality of sets of measurement items and diagnostic sites related to the Doppler mode;
A function of performing ultrasonic transmission / reception of Doppler scanning through an ultrasonic probe for the set sampling gates;
Based on an echo signal from the ultrasonic probe, a function of calculating a Doppler measurement value of a measurement item included in the set of user instructions for each of the set sampling gates;
A function of displaying the calculated Doppler measurement value;
Ultrasonic diagnostic program that realizes.

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