JPH03151943A - Ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain informations based on imaging, etc., in front of a catheter and to contrive an improvement in diagnostic effect by arranging an ultrasonic oscillator array, which is composed of many fine ultrasonic oscillator elements transmitting ultrasonic waves to the front and receiving the reflected ultrasonic waves, at the top of the catheter and by electronically scanning the ultrasonic oscillator array. CONSTITUTION:One or several fine ultrasonic oscillator elements constituting an ultrasonic oscillator array 2 transmit ultrasonic waves in front of a catheter 1 and receive the waves reflected by a subject position in front. The transmission and reception of the ultrasonic waves are carried out while changing over fine ultrasonic oscillator elements electrically in order so that a front region of the catheter 1 is scanned electronically. By arranging the ultrasonic oscillator array 2 composed of the fine ultrasonic oscillator elements at the top of the catheter 1 so as to direct the ultrasonic transmission face toward the front of catheter 1 as mentioned above, the front of catheter 1 is scanned electronically and a two dimensional or three dimensional information in this region can he obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe used at the tip of a catheter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Recently, ultrasonic probes at the tip of catheters have been attracting attention in the medical field of the circulatory system. As the ultrasound probe at the tip of this catheter, for example, PROCEED
ING OF THE IEEE (Proceedings of the IEEE) VOL76゜NO
9, 1988 is known. The conventional ultrasound probe at the tip of a catheter will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a conventional ultrasound probe at the tip of a catheter. In FIG. 11, 111 is a catheter, 112 is an acoustic window formed on the side of the distal end of the catheter 111, and 113 is inside the catheter 111, so that the ultrasound transmission surface is perpendicular to the acoustic window 112 on the front side of the acoustic window 112. an ultrasonic transducer arranged in the direction of 114;
is an acoustic reflection plate that is arranged at an angle behind the acoustic window 112 in the catheter 111 and reflects the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer 113 to the outside of the acoustic window 112.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.

The ultrasound transmitted from the ultrasound transducer 113 is reflected by the acoustic reflection plate 114 in the lateral direction, that is, in the radial direction, of the catheter 111, passes through the acoustic window 112, and travels toward the region to be examined of the subject. The ultrasonic waves reflected from the test site follow the same path as the transmission and are received by the ultrasonic transducer 113. The entire or part of the distal end of the catheter 111 is rotatable, and scanning in the radial direction is performed by this rotation.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in the configuration of the conventional example as described above, since the ultrasonic waves are transmitted in the radial direction of the catheter 111, it is difficult to scan the front of the catheter 111. The problem was that it was difficult to obtain information by visualizing the front of the vehicle.

The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and it is possible to scan the front of the catheter and obtain information by imaging the front of the catheter, thereby increasing the effectiveness of diagnosis. In addition to improving the above-mentioned diagnostic effect, the present invention also provides an ultrasonic probe that is capable of emitting a laser beam to a lesion area as determined by the diagnosis, thereby increasing the effectiveness of treatment. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic probe as described above.

Means for solving the problem The technical solution of the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows:
An ultrasonic transducer array consisting of a large number of micro ultrasonic transducers that transmits ultrasonic waves to the front of the catheter and receives reflected ultrasonic waves is placed at the tip of the catheter, and this ultrasonic transducer array is electronically scanned. It is configured to do so.

The ultrasonic transducer array may consist of a large number of micro ultrasonic transducers arranged in a straight line or form a near array for linear electronic scanning; The children are arranged in a convex array arranged in an arc shape, and electronic scanning is performed in a fan shape.
Alternatively, the ultrasonic transducer array may be constructed by arranging a large number of micro ultrasonic transducers to form a phased array for electronic scanning or fan-shaped electronic scanning.

In addition, an ultrasonic device consisting of a large number of micro-ultrasonic transducers that transmits ultrasound to the front of the catheter at a position that avoids the laser irradiation part at the tip of a catheter that has a laser irradiation part at its tip and receives reflected sound waves. A sonic transducer array is arranged and the ultrasonic transducer array is configured to be electronically scanned.

The ultrasonic transducer array may include a large number of micro ultrasonic transducers arranged in a straight line to form a linear array for linear electronic scanning, or the ultrasonic transducer array may include a large number of micro ultrasonic transducers arranged in a straight line to form a linear array for linear electronic scanning. The ultrasonic transducer array may be configured into a convex array in which a plurality of micro ultrasonic transducers are arranged in an arc shape for electronic scanning in a fan shape, or the ultrasonic transducer array may be configured as a phased array by arranging a large number of micro ultrasonic transducers for electronic scanning, or It is possible to scan in a fan shape.

Therefore, according to the present invention, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the micro ultrasonic transducers of the ultrasonic transducer array to the front of the catheter, and the ultrasonic waves reflected from the test area in front are received, and the ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the front part of the catheter. can be electronically scanned.

In addition, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the micro ultrasonic transducers of the ultrasonic transducer array to the front of the catheter, and the ultrasound reflected from the subject in front is received to electronically scan the front part of the catheter. Laser light can be irradiated from the laser irradiation part at the tip to the treatment area.

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an ultrasonic probe in a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a catheter, and 2 is an ultrasonic transducer array, which is composed of micro ultrasonic transducers, and is arranged at the tip of the catheter 1 so that the ultrasonic transmission surface faces the front of the catheter 1. ing.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.

One or several of the micro ultrasonic transducers constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 2 transmits ultrasonic waves to the front of the catheter 1 and receives ultrasonic waves reflected by the test site in front. Then, the ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received as described above while electrically switching the micro ultrasonic transducers constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 2 in order, and the front region of the catheter 1 is electronically scanned.

According to this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer array 2 composed of micro ultrasonic transducers is arranged at the distal end of the catheter 1 so that its ultrasonic wave transmission surface faces the front of the catheter 1. As a result, the front of the catheter 1 is electronically scanned, and two-dimensional or three-dimensional information in that area is obtained.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Figure 2 (al, (bl) shows an ultrasound probe in the second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 (a) is a front view, Figure 2 (a) is a front view, Figure 2 (
bl is a sectional view taken along the line ■-■ of FIG. 2 fat.

Fig. 2 fal, (in bl, 21 is a catheter, 2
2 is an ultrasonic transducer array, and micro ultrasonic transducers 23
are arranged in a straight line to form a linear array, and are arranged such that the ultrasonic wave transmission surface faces the front of the catheter 21 at the distal end of the catheter 21.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.

One or several of the micro ultrasonic transducers 23 constituting the linear array type ultrasonic transducer array 22 transmits ultrasonic waves to the front of the catheter 21, and the ultrasonic waves are reflected by the test site in front of the catheter 21. Receive sound waves. Then, while electrically switching the micro ultrasonic transducers 23 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 22 in sequence, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received as described above, and the front region of the catheter 21 is linearly electronically scanned.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer array 22 configured in a linear array type with micro ultrasonic transducers 23 is placed at the tip of the catheter 21 so that the ultrasonic wave transmission surface faces the front of the catheter 21. With this arrangement, the front of the catheter 21 is linearly electronically scanned, and two-dimensional information in that area can be obtained.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Fig. 3 (al and fbl show the ultrasonic probe in the third embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 (al is a front view, Fig. 3 (
b) is a sectional view taken along the line "G" in FIG. 3 fal.

Figure 3 (at, (bl is Oite, 31 is catheter, 3
2 is an ultrasonic transducer array, and micro ultrasonic transducers 33
are arranged in an arc shape to form a convex array,
The ultrasonic transmission surface at the distal end of the catheter 31 is arranged so as to face the front of the catheter 31.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.

One or more of the micro ultrasonic transducers 33 constituting the convex array type ultrasonic transducer array 32 transmits ultrasonic waves to the front of the catheter 31, and the ultrasonic waves reflected by the test site in front of the catheter 31 are transmitted. Receive sound waves. Micro ultrasonic transducers 33 forming the ultrasonic transducer array 32
While electrically switching in sequence, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received as described above, and the front region of the catheter 31 is electronically scanned in a fan shape.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, an ultrasonic transducer array 32 configured in a convex array type with micro ultrasonic transducers 33 is placed at the distal end of the catheter 31 so that its ultrasonic wave transmission surface faces the front of the catheter 31. By arranging the catheter 31 in this manner, the front of the catheter 31 is electronically scanned in a fan shape, and two-dimensional information in that area is obtained.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing an ultrasonic probe in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, 41 is a catheter, and 42 is an ultrasonic transducer array, which is composed of micro ultrasonic transducers in a phased array, so that the ultrasonic transmission surface faces the front of the catheter 41 at the distal end of the catheter 41. It is located in

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.

Each of the micro ultrasonic transducers constituting the phased array type ultrasonic transducer array 42 transmits ultrasonic waves in front of the catheter 41 while having an appropriate delay time so that the ultrasonic beams are directed in a set direction. It transmits and receives ultrasound waves reflected by the area to be examined in front of it. After one transmission and reception, the ultrasound is transmitted and received repeatedly by changing the delay time for each micro-ultrasonic transducer so that the ultrasound is transmitted in the next set direction. Scan electronically.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer array 42 which is composed of micro ultrasonic transducers and configured in a 7-aided array type is attached to the distal end of the catheter 41 so that the ultrasonic wave transmission surface faces the front of the catheter 41. By positioning the catheter 41 in this direction, the front of the catheter 41 is electronically scanned, and two
Dimensional or three-dimensional information can be obtained.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 5(a), Tbl shows an ultrasonic probe in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5(a) is a front view, and FIG.
bl is a sectional view taken along the line ■-■ of FIG. 5 (at).

In FIG. 5 (al, (b)), 51 is a catheter;
2 is an ultrasonic transducer array, and micro ultrasonic transducers 53
The catheter 51 is configured in a phased array, and the ultrasonic wave transmission surface at the distal end of the catheter 51 faces the front of the catheter 51.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.

Each of the micro ultrasonic transducers 53 constituting the phased array type ultrasonic transducer array 52 transmits ultrasonic waves to the catheter 5 while having an appropriate delay time so that the ultrasonic beams are directed in a set direction. It transmits forward and receives ultrasound reflected by the examined area in front. After one transmission and reception, the ultrasound is transmitted and received repeatedly by changing the delay time for each micro-ultrasonic transducer 53 so that the ultrasound is transmitted in the next set direction, and the ultrasound is transmitted and received in the forward direction of the catheter 51. is electronically scanned in a fan shape.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer array 52 configured in a 7-aided array type with micro ultrasonic transducers 53 is placed at the tip of the catheter 51 so that the ultrasonic transmission surface is in front of the catheter 51. By arranging the
The front of the catheter 51 is electronically scanned in a fan shape, and two-dimensional information in that area is obtained.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Figure 6 (al, (bl) shows the ultrasonic probe in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 fal is a front view, Figure 6 f
bl is a sectional view taken along the line Vl-Vl in FIG. 6(a).

Fig. 6 (item to al, fbl, 61 is catheter, 6
2 is an ultrasonic transducer array, which includes micro ultrasonic transducers 63
The ultrasonic transducer array 62 is arranged so that the ultrasonic transmission surface at the tip of the catheter 61 faces the front of the catheter 61, and this ultrasonic transducer array 62 avoids the laser irradiation hole 64 which is the laser irradiation part in the center. It is arranged like this. Reference numeral 65 denotes an optical fiber serving as a waveguide for laser light, which is disposed along the axial direction within the catheter 61 , and its tip end is inserted into the laser irradiation hole 64 in the center of the ultrasound transducer array 62 .

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.

Micro-ultrasonic transducers 6 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 62
3, one or several of them transmit ultrasound to the catheter 6.
The ultrasonic wave is transmitted to the front of the body and receives the ultrasonic waves reflected by the test site in front of the body. Then, while electrically switching the micro ultrasonic transducers 63 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 62 in sequence, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received as described above, and the front region of the catheter 61 is electronically scanned. Further, the laser beam that has passed through the optical fiber 65 which is a waveguide is irradiated to the front of the catheter 61 through the laser irradiation hole 64 as well.

According to this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer array 62 composed of micro ultrasonic transducers 63 is arranged at the distal end of the catheter 61 so that its ultrasonic wave transmission surface faces the front of the catheter 61. As a result, the front of the catheter 61 is electronically scanned, and two-dimensional or three-dimensional
Dimensional information can be obtained. Furthermore, by providing the laser irradiation hole 64 together with the ultrasound transducer array 62, diagnosis by ultrasound scanning and treatment of lesions by laser light can be performed simultaneously.

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Figure 7 (al, (bl) shows an ultrasonic probe in the seventh embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 (al is a front view, Figure 7f
bl is a sectional view taken along the line ■-■ of FIG. 7 (at).

In FIG. 7 (at, (bl), 71 is a catheter, 7
2 is an ultrasonic transducer array, and micro ultrasonic transducers 73
are arranged in a straight line to form a linear array, and the ultrasonic transducer array 72 is arranged so that the ultrasonic transmission surface faces the front of the catheter 71 at the distal end of the catheter 71. It is arranged so as to avoid the laser irradiation hole 74, which is the main part of the laser beam. Reference numeral 75 denotes an optical fiber serving as a waveguide for laser light, which is disposed along the axial direction within the catheter 71, and whose tip end is inserted into the laser irradiation hole 74 in the center of the ultrasound transducer array 72.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.

One or several of the micro ultrasonic transducers 73 constituting the linear array type ultrasonic transducer array 72 transmits ultrasonic waves to the front of the catheter 71, and the ultrasonic waves are reflected by the test site in front of the catheter 71. Receive sound waves. Then, while electrically switching the micro ultrasonic transducers 73 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 72 in sequence, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received as described above, and the front region of the catheter 71 is linearly electronically scanned. Further, the laser beam that has passed through the optical fiber 75 which is a waveguide is irradiated to the front of the catheter 71 from the laser irradiation hole 74.

As described above, according to this embodiment, an ultrasonic transducer array 72 configured in a linear array type with micro ultrasonic transducers 73 is placed at the distal end of the catheter 71 so that the ultrasonic wave transmission surface faces the front of the catheter 71. By arranging the catheter 71 in this way, the front of the catheter 71 is linearly scanned by electronic scanning, and two-dimensional information in that area is obtained. Furthermore, by providing the laser irradiation hole 74 together with the ultrasound transducer array 72, diagnosis by ultrasound scanning and treatment of lesions by laser light can be performed simultaneously.

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 8 1al and (bl show the ultrasonic probe in the eighth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8(al is a front view, and FIG. 8(
b) is a sectional view taken along the line ■-■ in FIG. 8 1al.

Figure 8 (al, (bl), 81 is catheter/l/
, 82 is an ultrasonic transducer array, in which minute ultrasonic transducers 83 are arranged in an arc shape to form a convex array, and the ultrasonic transmission surface at the tip of the catheter 81 faces the front of the catheter 81. The ultrasonic transducer array 82 is arranged so as to avoid the laser irradiation hole 84 which is the laser irradiation part in the center. Reference numeral 85 denotes a light 7 eyeper which is a waveguide for laser light, and is arranged along the axial direction inside the catheter 81, and its tip end connects to the laser irradiation hole 84 in the center of the ultrasound transducer array 82.
is inserted into.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.

One or several of the micro ultrasonic transducers 83 constituting the convex array type ultrasonic transducer array 82 transmits ultrasonic waves to the front of the catheter 81, and the ultrasonic waves reflected by the test site in front of the catheter 81 are transmitted. Receive sound waves. Micro ultrasonic transducers 83 forming the ultrasonic transducer array 82
Transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves are performed as described above while switching electrically in sequence, and the front region of the catheter 81 is electronically scanned in a fan shape. Further, the laser beam that has passed through the optical fiber 85 which is a waveguide is transmitted from the laser irradiation hole 84 to the catheter 81.
is irradiated in front of the

As described above, according to this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer array 82 configured in a convex array type with micro ultrasonic transducers 83 is placed at the tip of the catheter 81 so that the ultrasonic wave transmission surface faces the front of the catheter 81. By arranging the catheter 81 in this manner, the front of the catheter 81 is electronically scanned in a fan shape, and two-dimensional information in that area is obtained. Further, by providing a laser irradiation hole together with the ultrasound transducer array 82, diagnosis by ultrasound scanning and treatment of lesions by laser light can be performed simultaneously.

Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

9(a) and 9(b) show an ultrasonic probe in a ninth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9(al is a front view, FIG. 9(a) is a front view,
bl is a sectional view taken along the line IX-■ of FIG. 9 (al).

FIG. 9 (in al, lbl, 91 is a catheter, 9
2 is an ultrasonic transducer play, and a micro ultrasonic transducer 93
The ultrasonic wave transmitting surface at the distal end of the catheter 91 faces the front of the catheter 91, and is arranged at a biased position to avoid laser irradiation at the center. An optical fiber 95 is a waveguide for laser light, and is arranged in the catheter 91 along the axial direction so that its tip reaches the transmission surface of the ultrasound transducer array 92.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.

The individual micro ultrasonic transducers 93 constituting the phased array type ultrasonic transducer array 92 direct the ultrasonic waves to the front of the catheter 91 while each having an appropriate delay time so that the ultrasonic beams are directed in a set direction. and receive the ultrasound waves reflected by the area to be examined in front. When one transmission and reception is completed, the delay time for each micro-ultrasonic transducer 93 is changed so that the ultrasound is transmitted in the next set direction, and the transmission and reception of the ultrasound is repeated. electronically scan. Further, the laser beam that has passed through the optical fiber 95, which is a waveguide, is irradiated to the front of the catheter 91.

As described above, according to this embodiment, an ultrasonic transducer array 92 composed of micro ultrasonic transducers 93 configured in a 7-aided array type is placed at the distal end of the catheter 91 so that the ultrasonic transmitting surface thereof is in front of the catheter 91. By arranging the
The front of the catheter 91 is electronically scanned in a fan shape to obtain two-dimensional or three-dimensional information in that area. Further, by providing a laser irradiation section together with the ultrasound transducer array 92, diagnosis by ultrasound scanning and treatment of lesions by laser light can be performed simultaneously.

Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Figure 10 (al, (bl) shows the ultrasonic probe in the tenth embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 (a) is a front view, Figure 10 (bl is the X of Figure 10 (a) - It is a sectional view along the X-line.

FIG. 10 (al, bl) 101 is a catheter, 102 is an ultrasonic transducer array, configured into a phased array by micro ultrasonic transducers 103, and the ultrasonic transmitting surface at the tip of the catheter 101. is catheter 101
It faces forward and is placed at a biased position to avoid the laser irradiation section in the center.

It is an optical fiber that is a waveguide for the 105 laser beam, and is arranged in the catheter 101 along the axial direction so that its tip reaches the transmission surface of the ultrasound transducer array 102.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.

The individual micro ultrasonic transducers 103 constituting the phased array type ultrasonic transducer array 102 direct the ultrasonic waves in front of the catheter 101 while each having an appropriate delay time so that the ultrasonic beams are directed in a set direction. and send it to
Receives ultrasound waves reflected by the area to be examined in front.

When one transmission and reception are completed, the ultrasonic wave is transmitted and received repeatedly by changing the delay time for each micro ultrasonic transducer 103 so that the ultrasonic wave is transmitted in the next set direction, and the catheter 101 Electronically scans the front of the camera in a fan-like manner. Further, the laser beam that has passed through the optical fiber 105, which is a waveguide, is irradiated to the front of the catheter 101.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer array 102 configured in a phased array type with the micro ultrasonic transducers 103 is placed at the distal end of the catheter 101 so that the ultrasonic wave transmission surface faces the front of the catheter 101. By arranging the catheter 101 in this manner, the front of the catheter 101 is electronically scanned in a fan shape, and two-dimensional information in that area is obtained. Further, by providing a laser irradiation unit together with the ultrasound transducer array 102, diagnosis by ultrasound scanning and treatment of lesions by laser light can be performed simultaneously.

Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, an ultrasonic transducer consisting of a large number of micro ultrasonic transducers that transmits ultrasonic waves to the front of the catheter and receives reflected ultrasonic waves is provided at the tip of the catheter. Since the array is arranged and the ultrasound transducer array is configured to be electronically scanned, it is possible to scan the front area of the catheter using ultrasound and obtain two-dimensional or three-dimensional information about the scanning area. can. Therefore, based on such information, the anterior region of the catheter can be visualized or displayed in three dimensions, which has a great effect on understanding the state inside the tube into which the catheter is inserted, and greatly aids in diagnosis.

In addition, at the tip of a catheter that has a laser irradiation section at its tip, a large number of micro ultrasonic transducers that transmit ultrasound to the front of the catheter and receive reflected ultrasound at a position that avoids the laser irradiation section. The ultrasonic transducer array is configured to electronically scan the ultrasonic transducer array, so in addition to being able to diagnose the inside of the catheter-inserted tube as described above, it also uses laser light. It is possible to simultaneously treat the lesions caused by the disease, which can be highly effective in diagnosis and treatment.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an ultrasonic probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 (at, fbl indicates a second embodiment of the present invention, The same figure (bl is the same figure (
Figure 3 (at, (bl) shows the third embodiment of the present invention, Figure (a) is a front view, Figure (bl is the same figure (at). 1-1 line, FIG. 4 is a front view showing the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 (al,
(bl indicates the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the same figure (al is a front view, the same figure Tbl is a sectional view along the v-■ line of Embodiment 6 of the invention is shown in the same figure (at is a front view, and bl is the same figure (at) -
A sectional view taken along the vt line, FIG. 7(a), and ibl show the seventh embodiment of the present invention;
is a cross-sectional view along the line ■-■ of the same figure (at, Figure 8 (al,
(bl indicates the eighth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9(al) is a front view, FIG. ) shows the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the same figure (al is a front view, the same figure fbl is the same figure (IX of at)
- A sectional view taken along line IX, FIG. A cross-sectional view along the line, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional ultrasonic probe. 1, 21.31.41.51.61.71.81.91
．． 101...catheter, 2.22.32.42.
52.62.72.82°92, 102... Ultrasonic transducer array, 23.33.53.63°73, 83.
93. 103...Micro ultrasonic transducer, 64.74°M...Laser irradiation hole, 65.75.85.95.
105...Optical fiber

Claims (10)

[Claims] (1) consisting of a catheter and a large number of micro ultrasonic transducers arranged at the distal end of the catheter to transmit ultrasonic waves to the front of the catheter and receive reflected ultrasonic waves;
An ultrasonic probe comprising an electronically scanned ultrasonic transducer array. (2) The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer array is a linear array and is subjected to linear electronic scanning. (3) The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer array is a convex array and is electronically scanned in a fan shape. (4) The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer array is a phased array. (5) The ultrasonic probe according to claim 4, wherein the phased array is scanned in a fan-like manner. (6) A catheter having a laser irradiation unit at its tip, and a catheter positioned at a position at the tip of the catheter that avoids the laser irradiation unit to transmit ultrasound to the front of the catheter and receive reflected ultrasound. , an ultrasonic probe comprising a large number of micro ultrasonic transducers and an ultrasonic transducer array that is electronically scanned. (7) The ultrasonic probe according to claim 6, wherein the ultrasonic transducer array is a linear array and is subjected to linear electronic scanning. (8) The ultrasonic probe according to claim 6, wherein the ultrasonic transducer array is a convex array and is electronically scanned in a fan shape. (9) The ultrasonic probe according to claim 6, wherein the ultrasonic transducer array is a phased array. (10) The ultrasonic probe according to claim 9, wherein the phased array is scanned in a fan-like manner.