JP4383108B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates an ultrasonic tomogram based on an ultrasonic signal obtained by transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from a subject.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, an ultrasonic transducer or the like is used to generate a two-dimensional visible ultrasonic tomographic image of a test site in a living body, and the resulting image is observed to diagnose a disease or the like. Various proposals have been made for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses for performing the above and the like, and they are generally put into practical use.
[0003]
In such a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic wave is repeatedly transmitted from an ultrasonic transducer disposed at the tip of the ultrasonic probe toward the living tissue and reflected by the living tissue. It is configured so that the echo (echo) of the pulse can be received by the same or separate ultrasonic transducers.
[0004]
Then, by gradually moving the position for transmitting and receiving this ultrasonic pulse at a predetermined interval (pitch) in a predetermined direction, echo information from a plurality of directions for the test site in the living body is collected. It has become.
[0005]
By performing predetermined signal processing based on the echo information obtained in this way, a two-dimensional visible ultrasonic tomographic image is generated and displayed using a predetermined display device.
[0006]
As an ultrasonic endoscope used in such a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, for example, a small-diameter ultrasonic probe is inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel or the like of an endoscope, and is inserted into a body cavity via the endoscope. Inserted into a body cavity such as one that can be introduced into the endoscope, or one that is configured by fixing a unit that realizes an ultrasonic function, such as an ultrasonic transducer, at a predetermined position of the distal end portion of the endoscope The type is generally put into practical use.
[0007]
In a conventional intracavity ultrasonic endoscope, a single-plate vibrator is disposed at the tip, and the tip is rotated or moved back and forth, so that ultrasonic pulses generated by the single-plate vibrator can be transmitted. Various three-dimensional scanning-type ultrasonic probes have been put into practical use that scan by moving the transmission / reception position, thereby obtaining a three-dimensional ultrasonic tomographic image of the subject.
[0008]
In addition, using an ultrasonic endoscope with a built-in position detection sensor or a type of inserting a probe equipped with a position detection sensor from the forceps opening of an ultrasonic endoscope, while obtaining an ultrasonic tomographic image, Proposals have been made for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to acquire position information of the tip and perform predetermined signal processing based on these pieces of information to perform three-dimensional display of a subject.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in an intracorporeal ultrasonic probe used in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an endoscopic diagnosis and an ultrasonic diagnosis are performed by inserting a small-diameter ultrasonic probe into a treatment instrument insertion channel or the like of an endoscope. In the configuration in which the ultrasonic transducers are simultaneously performed, since the portion where the ultrasonic transducer is disposed is formed in a small diameter, the reach of ultrasonic waves that can be transmitted and received by this, that is, the depth of penetration and the resolution are limited. There is a problem that there is.
[0010]
Moreover, since it is a form which is used by being inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel or the like of an endoscope, there is a problem in that the ultrasonic probe and another treatment instrument cannot be used simultaneously.
[0011]
On the other hand, in general, a mechanical scanning method rotates an ultrasonic transducer, so a Doppler function (a function that applies the Doppler effect that occurs when an ultrasonic wave reflects from a moving object such as an organ) It cannot be realized. Therefore, there is a problem that the display by the Doppler function, that is, the direction and speed of the blood flow, etc. are displayed in color to observe blood flow in various parts including the circulatory organ.
[0012]
Therefore, the present applicant has previously proposed an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that solves these problems by Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-44915.
[0013]
That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus proposed by this Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-44915 includes an ultrasonic overtube composed of a hollow tube having a hollow radial array transducer and a signal cable at the tip. . The ultrasonic overtube is configured so that the endoscope can be detachably disposed in the hollow portion. By inserting the ultrasonic overtube into the endoscope, The endoscope diagnosis and the ultrasound diagnosis can be performed simultaneously.
[0014]
Therefore, according to this, as compared with a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs an endoscopic diagnosis and an ultrasonic diagnosis at the same time by inserting a small-diameter ultrasonic probe into a treatment instrument insertion channel or the like of an endoscope. , Deeper depth and higher resolution can be obtained.
[0015]
In addition, because it is configured as an ultrasonic overtube can be attached to and detached from an existing endoscope, not as a dedicated ultrasonic endoscope configured with an ultrasonic transducer fixed to the tip, There is an advantage that it is easy to contribute to a reduction in manufacturing cost.
[0016]
Furthermore, since a radial array transducer is used for the electronic scanning method, there is also an advantage that a Doppler function can be realized.
[0017]
On the other hand, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to be able to perform three-dimensional display of the subject, the above-described problem is caused when the probe including the position detection sensor is inserted from the forceps port of the ultrasonic endoscope. That is, the problem that the depth of penetration and the resolution are limited and the simultaneous use with other treatment tools cannot be solved.
[0018]
In addition, in the case of using an ultrasonic endoscope with a built-in position detection sensor or the like, in addition to the problem that the Doppler function cannot be realized with a mechanical scanning method, a dedicated ultrasonic endoscope is used. Since it is necessary to configure a mirror, another ultrasonic endoscope capable of realizing the Doppler function must be prepared separately, and there is a problem in that the introduction cost of the user is burdened.
[0019]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to be configured so that it can be used by being attached to a general conventional endoscope and has a deeper depth. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of obtaining a higher resolution, realizing a Doppler function, and performing a three-dimensional display of a subject.
[0020]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first invention is used together with an endoscope that inserts an insertion portion into a body cavity to obtain an endoscopic image, and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a subject. In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to generate and display an ultrasonic image based on an ultrasonic signal obtained in this manner, an array transducer that generates ultrasonic waves of a predetermined frequency and a connection to the array transducer Connected to the endoscope, a signal cable incorporated therein, a hollow sheath which is built in the signal cable and is connected to the array transducer, a position detection means for detecting the position of the array transducer, and the endoscope An ultrasonic overtube having a joint member The array transducer and the hollow sheath are configured so that the insertion portion of the endoscope can be inserted, and the ultrasonic overtube extends from the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope to the vicinity of the proximal end portion. Wear ultrasonic diagnostics An ultrasonic overtube, an ultrasonic observation device that receives and outputs a signal from the array transducer and performs predetermined signal processing to generate and display a three-dimensional ultrasonic tomographic image of the subject; and the ultrasonic overtube; A connection cable for connecting the ultrasonic observation apparatus, and The hollow sheath extends from the array transducer and is composed of at least two tube bodies of an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, and the space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder is kept watertight. The signal cable and the inner cylinder are arranged in a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. The position detecting means The signal cable and the position detecting means are held and fixed by the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. It is characterized by that.
[0021]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the position detecting unit transmits a predetermined signal to the ultrasonic observation apparatus via the joint member and the connection cable. It is comprised by these.
[0022]
The third invention is the first invention. Or the second invention In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, the array transducer is a hollow radial array transducer connected to the sheath.
[0023]
Further, the fourth invention is the first invention. Or the second invention In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, the array transducer is a linear array transducer having a hollow portion connected to the sheath.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing an outline of an ultrasonic overtube that is applied in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment and can realize ultrasonic diagnosis. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the radial array transducer unit taken out of the ultrasonic overtube shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2, showing the configuration of the sheath in the ultrasonic overtube shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, a part of the sheath is broken.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes an endoscope 2 configured to observe a body cavity and perform diagnosis, treatment, and the like, and a distal end side of the endoscope 2. An ultrasonic overtube 11 that is detachably disposed at a predetermined site, and an ultrasonic transducer (radial array transducer unit 12; FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 2) provided at the tip of the ultrasonic overtube 11 3), an ultrasonic observation device 16 that generates and displays an observation image (ultrasonic tomographic image) in a predetermined form by performing predetermined signal processing upon receiving an output signal (ultrasonic signal) from A connection cable 15 for electrically connecting the sound wave observation device 16 and the ultrasonic overtube 11 is formed.
[0026]
The endoscope 2 is a conventional one. That is, an operation unit 2a that is provided with various operation members and the like that is gripped by the operator during use, and an insertion that is an elongated site that is provided with an observation optical system, an imaging element, and the like at the tip and is inserted into the body cavity. The unit 2b, the operation unit 2a, and a predetermined video processor, a light source device, and the like (not shown) are electrically connected to each other so that a predetermined control signal, an output signal of the image sensor, a light flux from the light source device, Are formed by a universal cord 3 or the like which is a connection cable for transmitting the signal, and these are integrally connected.
[0027]
The operation portion 2a and the insertion portion 2b are connected to each other by a connection portion 4, and a joint member 14 (see FIG. 2) of the ultrasonic overtube 11 is fixed to the connection portion 4. .
[0028]
As described above, the conventional endoscope 2 is applied to the endoscope 2 itself, and thus a detailed description of its configuration is omitted.
[0029]
The ultrasonic overtube 11 is detachably disposed with respect to the insertion portion 2b of the endoscope 2 as described above. FIG. 1 shows a state where the ultrasonic overtube 11 is attached to the insertion portion 2b. In this case, the ultrasonic overtube 11 is mounted so as to cover the outer surface of the insertion portion 2b.
[0030]
Moreover, in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic overtube 11 is taken out and shown. The configuration of the ultrasonic overtube 11 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.
[0031]
The ultrasonic overtube 11 has a tube shape having a hollow portion 13a as shown in FIG. 2 and is flexible and has a plurality of signal cables 21 (details will be described later; see FIG. 3) and a position detection coil 31. (See FIG. 4) and the like, and an ultrasonic signal between the ultrasonic overtube 11 and the ultrasonic observation apparatus 16 via the connection cable 15 by fixing the ultrasonic overtube 11 to the insertion portion 2b of the endoscope 2. And a radial array transducer unit 12 (see FIG. 3 for details) provided with an ultrasonic transducer or the like provided at the distal end portion of the sheath 13.
[0032]
In this case, the radial array transducer unit 12 is integrally connected to the distal end portion of the sheath 13, and the joint member 14 is integrally connected to the rear end portion. The ultrasonic overtube 11 is fixed to a predetermined part of the endoscope 2 by connecting the joint member 14 to the connection portion 4 of the endoscope 2.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 3, the radial array transducer unit 12 is interposed between the transducer body 22 having a substantially hollow tube shape and the transducer body 22 and the joint member 14 to electrically connect them. It comprises a plurality of signal cables 21.
[0034]
Among these, the vibrator body 22 includes a plurality of shaped piezoelectric elements 28 as ultrasonic vibrators, and an acoustic matching layer 27 that protects the outer surface side of the shaped piezoelectric elements 28 and that achieves acoustic matching between the piezoelectric elements 28 and the outside. A backing member 29 that protects the inner surface side of the piezoelectric element 28 and restricts unnecessary vibration of the piezoelectric element 28; an electrode 20 that extends from each of the plural piezoelectric elements 28 toward the rear end; It is comprised by the lead wire 21a which connects each electrode 20 and the some signal cable 21. FIG. In this case, the acoustic matching layer 27, the shape piezoelectric element 28, and the backing member 29 are sequentially laminated from the outside to constitute the vibrator body 22.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 4, the sheath 13 has a hollow portion 13 a and is made of, for example, a tube shape such as polyethylene. The sheath 13 has an outer cylinder 13 b that forms an outer surface, and a predetermined gap at a portion inside the outer cylinder 13 b. And the inner cylinder 13c to be fitted. In the space between the outer cylinder 13b and the inner cylinder 13c, the plurality of signal cables 21 are arranged side by side along the circumference.
[0036]
Further, in the space between the outer cylinder 13 b and the inner cylinder 13 c of the sheath 13, for example, the positions of the plurality of radial array transducer units 12 are arranged at predetermined intervals so as to be adjacent to the plurality of signal cables 21. A position detection coil 31 is provided as a position detection means for detection.
[0037]
The position detection coil 31 is disposed at a predetermined position near the distal end of the ultrasonic overtube 11, that is, at a predetermined position from the distal end of the sheath 13. As a result, when the ultrasonic overtube 11 is inserted into the body cavity, the tip thereof, that is, the position of the radial array transducer unit 12 in the body cavity can be detected.
[0038]
In addition, the space between the outer cylinder 13b and the inner cylinder 13c in the sheath 13 is such that a plurality of signal cables 21 disposed therein are connected to the outer cylinder 13b and the inner cylinder so that a watertight state is maintained with respect to the outside. For example, an adhesive or the like is filled so as to be securely fixed to the cylinder 13c.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 2, the joint member 14 is a connection member that is formed in a substantially ring shape and is disposed at the rear end portion of the sheath 13 to ensure connection with the endoscope 2, and a part of the end surface thereof. A plurality of electrical connection portions (not shown) are formed in. The plurality of electrical connection portions correspond to the respective lines of the plurality of signal cables 21 incorporated in the sheath 13, and the joint member 14 is electrically connected to the radial type array transducer unit 12 through the wires. It is connected.
[0040]
Further, one end of the connection cable 15 is connected to the plurality of electrical connection portions described above, and the other end of the connection cable 15 is connected to the ultrasonic observation apparatus 16 as described above.
[0041]
Therefore, the joint member 14 serves to fix the ultrasonic overtube 11 to a predetermined portion of the endoscope 2 and also ultrasonically over the signal cable 21 and the connection cable 15 built in the sheath 13. It serves to ensure an electrical connection between the radial array transducer unit 12 of the tube 11 and the ultrasonic observation device 16. Therefore, the output signal (ultrasonic signal) of the radial array transducer unit 12 is transmitted to the ultrasonic observation device 16 by such a connection configuration.
[0042]
The ultrasonic observation device 16 connects an output signal (ultrasonic signal) from a radial array transducer unit 12 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) that is an ultrasonic transducer provided at the distal end portion of the ultrasonic overtube 11. After receiving the signal via the cable 15 and performing predetermined signal processing on it, an observation image (ultrasonic tomographic image) having a predetermined form is generated, and this is then displayed on a predetermined display device such as an LCD or CRT. It is comprised so that it may display on the display part of this display apparatus.
[0043]
The ultrasonic observation apparatus 16 is further provided with a three-dimensional image processing unit. A three-dimensional image is, for example, a predetermined image for enabling a subject to be displayed three-dimensionally when displaying the shape of the subject composed of a plurality of predetermined members using a display device. A unit that generates a signal.
[0044]
The operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, that is, the operation when performing ultrasonic diagnosis on a subject will be described below.
[0045]
First, as shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic overtube 11 is attached to the insertion portion 2 b of the endoscope 2. In this case, after inserting the insertion portion 2 b into the hollow portion 13 a of the ultrasonic overtube 11, the joint member 14 at the rear end portion of the ultrasonic overtube 11 is inserted into the connection portion 4 of the endoscope 2. Connect and secure. Thereby, the endoscope 2 and the ultrasonic overtube 11 are integrated.
[0046]
Next, one end of the connection cable 15 is connected to the joint member 14 of the ultrasonic overtube 11, and the other end of the connection cable 15 is connected to a predetermined connection terminal of the ultrasonic observation apparatus 16. Here, it is assumed that the universal cord 3 is connected to a light source device or a video processor (not shown).
[0047]
Thereby, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is in a form capable of executing an ultrasonic diagnostic operation. In this state, the endoscope 2 equipped with the ultrasonic overtube 11 is inserted into the body cavity of the patient. Thereby, observation (diagnosis) of the endoscopic image by the endoscope 2 and observation (diagnosis) of the ultrasonic tomographic image by the ultrasonic overtube 11 are arbitrarily performed.
[0048]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, only the ultrasonic overtube 11 is attached to the insertion portion 2b of the conventional general endoscope 2, and the ultrasonic function and the internal capacity are reduced. It is possible to perform observation of a three-dimensional ultrasonic tomographic image of a desired part in a body cavity and observation of an image in an optical body cavity without preparing a dedicated ultrasonic endoscope. Accurate diagnosis based on can be performed.
[0049]
In addition, deeper penetration and higher depth compared to conventional ultrasonic diagnostic devices that perform endoscopic diagnosis and ultrasonic diagnosis simultaneously by inserting a small-diameter ultrasonic probe into the treatment instrument insertion channel or the like Resolution can be obtained.
[0050]
And since the form of the ultrasonic overtube 11 was made into the substantially hollow tube shape, it can be set as efficient wiring, Therefore The diameter reduction as a whole is realizable.
[0051]
In addition, since the ultrasonic transducer is constituted by a radial array transducer as a unit, the Doppler function can be easily realized.
[0052]
Furthermore, an ultrasonic function can be easily added to the existing endoscope apparatus simply by adding the ultrasonic overtube 11 and the components associated therewith, and its manufacturing cost is low. Therefore, the product can be easily supplied at a low price.
[0053]
In addition to this, in the present embodiment, since a plurality of position detection coils 31 (see FIG. 4) are disposed at predetermined positions near the distal end of the ultrasonic overtube 11, even in a state of being inserted into a body cavity. The position of the distal end portion of the endoscope 2 to which the ultrasonic overtube 11 is attached can be grasped, and the position of the subject to be observed and diagnosed in the body cavity can be specified.
[0054]
Next, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
[0055]
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing an outline of an ultrasonic overtube that is applied in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment and can realize ultrasonic diagnosis.
[0056]
The configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and only the form of the transducer unit disposed at the tip of the ultrasonic overtube is different. Therefore, the detailed configuration of each part is omitted from the illustration, and FIGS. 1 to 4 used in the description of the first embodiment are referred to.
[0057]
The ultrasonic overtube 11 applied in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above is an example of a case where a radial scanning system is configured by including a radial array transducer unit 12. On the other hand, the ultrasonic overtube 11A applied to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A in the present embodiment is configured to include the linear array transducer unit 12A, thereby exemplifying the case of the linear scanning method.
[0058]
The ultrasonic overtube 11A applied in the present embodiment can be detachably arranged with respect to the insertion portion 2b of the endoscope 2 in the same manner as the ultrasonic overtube 11 of the first embodiment described above. It is formed into a form. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the ultrasonic overtube 11A is attached to the insertion portion 2b. In this case, the ultrasonic overtube 11A is mounted so as to cover the outer surface of the insertion portion 2b.
[0059]
The ultrasonic overtube 11A is configured in substantially the same manner as the ultrasonic overtube 11 of the first embodiment described above. That is, the sheath 13 is formed of a tube shape having a hollow portion 13a and is flexible and includes a plurality of signal cables (see reference numeral 21 in FIG. 3), a position detection coil (see reference numeral 31 in FIG. 4), and the like. The ultrasonic overtube 11A is fixed to the insertion portion 2b of the endoscope 2 and the joint member 14 that contributes to the transmission of ultrasonic signals to and from the ultrasonic observation apparatus 16A via the connection cable 15 and the sheath 13 The linear array transducer unit 12A (see FIG. 6), etc., which is provided at the distal end portion and is composed of an ultrasonic transducer or the like.
[0060]
In this case, the linear array transducer unit 12A is integrally connected to the distal end portion of the sheath 13, and the joint member 14 is integrally connected to the rear end portion. The joint member 14 is connected to the connecting portion 4 of the endoscope 2, so that the ultrasonic overtube 11 </ b> A is fixed to a predetermined part of the endoscope 2.
[0061]
The linear array transducer unit 12A includes a transducer main body 22Aa arranged in such a form that can perform scanning in a direction along the axial direction (insertion direction) of the endoscope 2 to which the linear array transducer unit 12A is mounted. A plurality of signal cables (21) are interposed between 22Aa and the joint member 14 to electrically connect them.
[0062]
Among these, the configuration of the vibrator main body 22Aa is configured by a plurality of shape piezoelectric elements, acoustic matching layers, backing members 29, electrodes 20, lead wires 21a, and the like, as in the first embodiment.
[0063]
Similarly to the first embodiment, the sheath 13 also has a hollow portion 13a (see FIG. 6). For example, an outer cylinder made of a tube shape such as polyethylene and a predetermined gap are provided inside the outer cylinder. It is comprised by the inner cylinder fitted (refer FIG. 3). The plurality of signal cables (21) are arranged side by side along the circumference in the space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder (see FIG. 4).
[0064]
In addition, in the space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder of the sheath 13, the positions of the plurality of linear array transducer units 12A are detected at predetermined intervals, for example, so as to be adjacent to the plurality of signal cables (21). A position detecting coil (see reference numeral 31 in FIG. 4) is disposed.
[0065]
Thereby, when the ultrasonic overtube 11A is inserted into the body cavity, the tip thereof, that is, the position of the linear array transducer unit 12A in the body cavity can be detected. This is the same as the first embodiment. Other configurations are also substantially the same as those in the first embodiment described above.
[0066]
In the second embodiment configured as described above, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the ultrasonic overtube 11A is attached so as to cover the outer surface of the endoscope 2, and this is covered. An ultrasonic diagnosis is performed by inserting into the body cavity of the examiner, driving the linear array transducer unit 12A, and scanning a desired subject.
[0067]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, even if the transducer of the ultrasonic overtube 11A is configured by the linear array transducer unit 12A, the same effect as that of the first embodiment is obtained. Obtainable.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is configured so that it can be used by being mounted on a general conventional endoscope, and a deeper depth and higher resolution can be obtained, and a Doppler function can be obtained. It is also possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can realize three-dimensional display of a subject.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing an outline of an ultrasonic overtube that is applied in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of FIG. 1 and can realize ultrasonic diagnosis.
3 is a perspective view schematically showing a radial array transducer unit taken out from the ultrasonic overtube shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2, showing the configuration of the sheath in the ultrasonic overtube shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
6 is an enlarged perspective view showing an outline of an ultrasonic overtube that can be applied to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of FIG. 5 and can realize ultrasonic diagnosis.
[Explanation of symbols]
1.1A ... Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment
2. Endoscope
3. Universal code
4 …… Connection
11.11A ... Ultrasonic overtube
12 ... Radial array transducer unit
12A …… Linear array transducer unit
13 …… Sheath
14 …… Joint material
15 …… Connection cable
16.16A ... Ultrasonic observation equipment
20 …… Electrodes
21 …… Signal cable
21a …… Lead wire
22.22Aa …… Vibrator body
31 ... Coil for position detection (position detection means)

Claims (4)

Used with an endoscope that inserts an insertion portion into a body cavity to obtain an endoscopic image, and can generate and display an ultrasonic image based on an ultrasonic signal obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a subject. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured as follows,
An array transducer that generates ultrasonic waves of a predetermined frequency, a signal cable connected to the array transducer, a hollow sheath that incorporates the signal cable and is connected to the array transducer, and the array vibration An ultrasonic overtube having position detecting means for detecting the position of a child and a joint member connected and fixed to the endoscope, wherein the array transducer and the hollow sheath are inserted into the endoscope An ultrasonic overtube for performing ultrasonic diagnosis by attaching the ultrasonic overtube from the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope to the vicinity of the proximal end .
Receiving an output signal from the array transducer and performing predetermined signal processing to generate and display a three-dimensional ultrasonic tomographic image of the subject; and
A connection cable connecting the ultrasonic overtube and the ultrasonic observation device;
Comprising
The hollow sheath extends from the array transducer, and includes at least two tube bodies of an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, and a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder is watertight. The signal cable and the position detecting means are disposed in a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, and the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by holding and fixing a signal cable and the position detecting means .   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position detection unit is configured to transmit a predetermined signal to the ultrasonic observation apparatus via the joint member and the connection cable. . The array transducer, ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterized in that it is a radial type array transducer hollow shape provided continuously to the sheath. 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the array transducer is a linear array transducer having a hollow portion connected to the sheath.

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