JP2001104309A - Ultrasonic probe - Google Patents
Ultrasonic probeInfo
- Publication number
- JP2001104309A JP2001104309A JP29068699A JP29068699A JP2001104309A JP 2001104309 A JP2001104309 A JP 2001104309A JP 29068699 A JP29068699 A JP 29068699A JP 29068699 A JP29068699 A JP 29068699A JP 2001104309 A JP2001104309 A JP 2001104309A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- ultrasonic
- ultrasonic probe
- ultrasonic transducer
- subject
- transducer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/08—Detecting organic movements or changes, e.g. tumours, cysts, swellings
- A61B8/0808—Detecting organic movements or changes, e.g. tumours, cysts, swellings for diagnosis of the brain
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、超音波診断装置に
用いる体腔内用などの超音波探触子に関するものであ
る。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe for use in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, such as an intracorporeal ultrasonic probe.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】脳内の血流速の経時的、相対的な変化を
測定することは、脳循環に対する薬学的な影響等を知る
ために必要とされている。また臨床的には、頚動脈血流
を超音波ドプラ法等で測定することによって、脳動脈血
流を推測していたが、脳内血流以外の血流情報も含むた
め正確な判断はできなかった。2. Description of the Related Art It is necessary to measure the temporal and relative changes in blood flow velocity in the brain in order to know the pharmaceutical effects on cerebral circulation and the like. Clinically, cerebral artery blood flow was estimated by measuring carotid artery blood flow by ultrasonic Doppler method, etc., but accurate judgment could not be made because it includes blood flow information other than cerebral blood flow. Was.
【０００３】従来、これを測定するための方法として、
特開平１-２０４６５５号公報に開示された方法が知ら
れている。図５にこの方法の構成を示す。図５におい
て、生体頭部２０のこめかみに超音波を送受信する超音
波探触子２１を接触し、超音波探触子２１を本体(図示
せず)で駆動して、超音波探触子２１から超音波を、経
頭蓋骨を経由し脳動脈内に送信することにより、ドプラ
効果を利用して血流速を測定していた。Conventionally, as a method for measuring this,
A method disclosed in JP-A-1-204655 is known. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of this method. In FIG. 5, an ultrasonic probe 21 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves is brought into contact with a temple of a living body head 20, and the ultrasonic probe 21 is driven by a main body (not shown) so that the ultrasonic probe 21 Transmitted ultrasonic waves through the transcranial bone into the cerebral artery to measure the blood flow velocity using the Doppler effect.
【０００４】[0004]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、上記従
来の方法では、頭蓋骨によって超音波が減衰されるため
信号が小さくなり、脳内の血流速の経時的、相対的な変
化を正確に測定することが困難であった。また、超音波
探触子２１から目的とする測定部位の脳動脈までの距離
があるため、微小領域の血流の情報を受信し難くなり、
再現性よく継続的に観測することが困難であった。However, in the above-mentioned conventional method, since the ultrasonic wave is attenuated by the skull, the signal becomes small, and the temporal and relative change of the blood flow velocity in the brain can be accurately measured. It was difficult. In addition, since there is a distance from the ultrasonic probe 21 to the cerebral artery at the target measurement site, it becomes difficult to receive information on blood flow in a minute region,
It was difficult to observe continuously with good reproducibility.
【０００５】本発明は、このような従来の問題を解決す
るものであり、脳動脈血流を高感度に測定できる超音波
探触子を提供することを目的とするものである。An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem and to provide an ultrasonic probe capable of measuring cerebral artery blood flow with high sensitivity.
【０００６】[0006]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明の超音波探触子は
超音波を送受信する超音波振動子と超音波振動子に接続
するケーブルとを包囲する可撓性シースとを備え、超音
波振動子の被検体と接触する側と略反対の側に、膨張お
よび収縮可能な構造体を設けた構成を有する。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An ultrasonic probe according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and a flexible sheath surrounding a cable connected to the ultrasonic transducer. The vibrator has a configuration in which a structure that can expand and contract is provided on a side substantially opposite to a side that comes into contact with the subject.
【０００７】このような構成により、鼻の穴（鼻孔）か
ら超音波探触子を目的とする部位まで挿入して、膨張お
よび収縮可能な構造体に気体または液体を注入して膨ら
ませることで、超音波振動子の送受波面側が被検体（鼻
腔壁面）に接触し密着できて、脳動脈流を近くから高感
度で正確に測定でき、しかも安定した状態で密着固定で
きるため長時間測定できるという作用を有する。[0007] With such a configuration, an ultrasonic probe is inserted from a nostril (nostril) to a target site, and gas or liquid is injected into an expandable and contractible structure to expand the structure. The transmitting and receiving surfaces of the ultrasonic transducer contact the subject (the nasal cavity wall) and can be closely attached, and the cerebral artery flow can be measured with high sensitivity and accuracy from near, and can be measured for a long time because it can be stuck and fixed in a stable state. Has an action.
【０００８】また、本発明の超音波探触子は、超音波を
送受信する超音波振動子と超音波振動子に接続するケー
ブルとを包囲する可撓性シースとを備え、超音波振動子
の被検体と接触する側と略反対の側に、気体若しくは液
体を注入して膨張および収縮する弾性体の材料を用いた
膨張および収縮可能な構造体を設けた構成を有する。こ
のような構成により、超音波探触子を鼻孔から挿入し膨
張および収縮可能な構造体に気体または液体を注入して
膨らませることで、超音波振動子の送受波面側が被検体
（鼻腔壁面）に接触し密着できて、脳動脈流を近くから
高感度で正確に測定でき、しかも安定した状態で密着固
定できるため長時間測定できるという作用を有する。An ultrasonic probe according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and a flexible sheath surrounding a cable connected to the ultrasonic transducer. It has a configuration in which an expandable and contractible structure using an elastic material that expands and contracts by injecting a gas or liquid is provided on a side substantially opposite to a side that comes into contact with the subject. With such a configuration, the ultrasonic probe is inserted from the nostril and gas or liquid is injected into the expandable and contractible structure to expand the structure, so that the transmitting and receiving surface side of the ultrasonic transducer is the subject (the nasal cavity wall surface). The cerebral artery flow can be measured accurately and with high sensitivity from a nearby location, and can be measured for a long time because it can be closely adhered and fixed in a stable state.
【０００９】また、本発明の超音波探触子は、超音波を
送受信する超音波振動子と超音波振動子に接続するケー
ブルとを包囲する可撓性シースとを備え、超音波振動子
の被検体と接触する側に柔軟性を有する超音波伝播媒体
を設けた構成を有する。The ultrasonic probe according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and a flexible sheath surrounding a cable connected to the ultrasonic transducer, It has a configuration in which a flexible ultrasonic wave propagation medium is provided on the side that comes into contact with the subject.
【００１０】この構成により、超音波探触子を鼻孔から
挿入し、超音波振動子の送受波面側が柔軟性を有する超
音波伝播媒体を介して被検体（鼻腔壁面）に接触し鼻腔
壁面に密着できて、脳動脈流を近くから高感度で正確に
測定正確に測定でき、しかも安定した状態で密着固定で
きるため長時間測定できるという作用を有する。With this configuration, the ultrasonic probe is inserted from the nostril, and the transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic transducer contacts the subject (nasal cavity wall surface) via the flexible ultrasonic wave propagation medium and closely adheres to the nasal cavity wall surface. As a result, the cerebral artery flow can be accurately measured with high sensitivity from a close distance, and can be measured for a long time because it can be closely fixed in a stable state.
【００１１】[0011]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の実施の形態につい
て、図１〜図４を用いて説明する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
【００１２】図１は、本発明の第１の実施の形態の超音
波探触子の構成を示す。図１において、超音波振動子２
は、超音波を送受信するものであり、ＰＺＴ系、チタン
酸鉛などの圧電セラミックス材料で構成されている。さ
らに超音波探触子は図示はしていないが、その圧電セラ
ミックスを保持するバッキング材と、超音波送受信する
側には音響整合層や音響レンズなどによって構成されて
いる。超音波振動子２は複数個配列して電子的に走査す
る電子走査型アレイタイプと、機械的に走査する機械走
査タイプがあるが、ここでは電子走査型アレイタイプの
超音波振動子の例を図示している。ケーブル３の一端
は、超音波振動子２と電気的に接続され、他端は、超音
波振動子２を駆動し、超音波を送受信して処理し、画像
表示を行う本体(図示せず)に接続されている。FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the ultrasonic transducer 2
Transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and is made of a piezoelectric ceramic material such as PZT or lead titanate. Further, although not shown, the ultrasonic probe is composed of a backing material for holding the piezoelectric ceramics, and an acoustic matching layer and an acoustic lens on the side for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic transducers 2 include an electronic scanning type array type in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged and electronically scanned, and a mechanical scanning type in which scanning is performed mechanically. It is illustrated. One end of the cable 3 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic vibrator 2, and the other end drives the ultrasonic vibrator 2, transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, processes the ultrasonic waves, and displays an image (not shown). It is connected to the.
【００１３】可撓性シース４は、超音波振動子２、ケー
ブル３および注入パイプ６を包囲して、被検体に容易に
挿入しやすくし、被検体に損傷を負わせないようにする
ものであり、鼻孔から挿入できるように太さが約２〜４
ｍｍ程度あり、柔軟性が有り被検体に対して無害なポリ
エチレンなどの高分子材料が用いられる。The flexible sheath 4 surrounds the ultrasonic vibrator 2, the cable 3, and the injection pipe 6, so that it can be easily inserted into the subject and does not damage the subject. Yes, about 2-4 thick so that it can be inserted through the nostrils
A polymer material such as polyethylene, which is about mm, flexible and harmless to the subject, is used.
【００１４】構造体５は、柔軟性を有し膨張および収縮
する材料からなり、気体や液体を充満させることにより
バルーンのような形状に膨らんで超音波振動子２側が被
検体に密着できる機能を有するものである。この構造体
５は、超音波振動子２の超音波送受波面側とは略反対側
に位置する付近に設けることにより、超音波振動子２を
より被検体の面に密着させることができる。 超音波振
動子２と可撓性シース４との間は、超音波が伝播しやす
い液体を設けてもよく、また整合層を構成する固体材料
等と接着剤で接着して固定してもよい。The structure 5 is made of a material which is flexible and expands and contracts. The structure 5 is filled with a gas or a liquid and expands into a balloon-like shape so that the ultrasonic vibrator 2 can adhere to the subject. Have By providing this structure 5 near the side opposite to the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface side of the ultrasonic vibrator 2, the ultrasonic vibrator 2 can be more closely adhered to the surface of the subject. A liquid through which ultrasonic waves can easily propagate may be provided between the ultrasonic vibrator 2 and the flexible sheath 4, or may be fixed to a solid material or the like constituting the matching layer by bonding with an adhesive. .
【００１５】また注入パイプ６は、構造体５の内部に気
体または液体を注入させるためのものである。ここで注
入する気体は、被検体に害を及ぼさないものであればよ
く、空気や窒素、酸素が望ましい。また液体についても
同様で被検体に無害なものであればよく、水などが望ま
しい。The injection pipe 6 is for injecting gas or liquid into the structure 5. The gas to be injected here may be any gas that does not harm the subject, and is preferably air, nitrogen, or oxygen. The same applies to the liquid as long as it is harmless to the subject, and water is desirable.
【００１６】次に上記超音波探触子１の動作について、
図２を用いて説明する。Next, the operation of the ultrasonic probe 1 will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIG.
【００１７】図２は、被検体に超音波探触子を挿入して
診断している状態を示す概略断面図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which an ultrasonic probe is inserted into a subject for diagnosis.
【００１８】本発明の超音波探触子を用いた測定方法の
概要としては、超音波振動子２を有する超音波探触子１
を体内に挿入し、測定対象部位の方向に超音波振動子２
を向けてその近くまで挿入した後、超音波振動子２とは
略反対側に設けた伸縮可能な構造体５を生体の外部から
気体または液体を充填して膨らませる。この方法によ
り、超音波振動子２側の面を生体に密着させ安定した状
態で固定することで、測定対象部位の近くに超音波振動
子２を安定した状態で密着固定することができ、生体情
報を高感度で正確に測定でき、しかも長時間測定できる
ことが可能となる。The outline of the measuring method using the ultrasonic probe of the present invention is as follows.
Is inserted into the body, and the ultrasonic vibrator 2 is
Then, the expandable structure 5 provided on the side substantially opposite to the ultrasonic vibrator 2 is filled with a gas or a liquid from the outside of the living body and expanded. By this method, the surface on the side of the ultrasonic vibrator 2 is brought into close contact with the living body and is fixed in a stable state, so that the ultrasonic vibrator 2 can be closely fixed in a stable state near the measurement target site, It is possible to measure information with high sensitivity and accuracy, and also to measure for a long time.
【００１９】具体的には、図２に示すように、まず、超
音波探触子１を鼻孔７から目的（脳内の血流が測定でき
る部位）とする部位に挿入する。挿入した超音波探触子
１の超音波振動子２の送受波面が脳内８の方向を向くよ
うにして気体または液体用の注入パイプ６を介して外部
から構造体５を膨らませる。これにより、超音波振動子
２が鼻腔壁面に可撓性シース４を介して密着する。Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, first, the ultrasonic probe 1 is inserted from the nostril 7 into a target site (a site where blood flow in the brain can be measured). The structure 5 is inflated from the outside via the gas or liquid injection pipe 6 such that the transmitting and receiving surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2 of the inserted ultrasonic probe 1 faces the direction of the brain 8. As a result, the ultrasonic transducer 2 comes into close contact with the nasal cavity wall via the flexible sheath 4.
【００２０】超音波振動子２と被検体との間に空気など
の気体が介在すると、超音波の送受信の感度が著しく低
下して生体情報の測定が困難になるため、超音波振動子
２を被検体に密着させることは測定する上で極めて重要
である。If a gas such as air is interposed between the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the subject, the sensitivity of the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves is remarkably reduced, and measurement of biological information becomes difficult. Adhering to the subject is extremely important for measurement.
【００２１】その後、超音波振動子を駆動する本体(図
示せず)から超音波振動子２にケーブル３を介して電気
信号を印加して脳内８に超音波を送信する。この送信し
た超音波は組織の音響特性の差から反射した信号を同じ
超音波振動子２で受信し、本体で処理し画像化または数
値表示をする。特に血流に関する情報は良く知られてい
るドプラ効果などを利用することにより得ることができ
る。脳内８の血流、特に動脈の血流情報を正確に測定す
ることは臨床上重要である。Thereafter, an electric signal is applied from a main body (not shown) for driving the ultrasonic vibrator to the ultrasonic vibrator 2 via the cable 3 to transmit an ultrasonic wave to the brain 8. The transmitted ultrasonic wave is received by the same ultrasonic transducer 2 as a signal reflected from the difference in acoustic characteristics of the tissue, processed by the main body, and imaged or numerically displayed. In particular, information on the blood flow can be obtained by using the well-known Doppler effect or the like. It is clinically important to accurately measure the blood flow in the brain 8, particularly the blood flow information in the arteries.
【００２２】なお、超音波探触子１を鼻孔７から引き出
す時は、挿入時とは逆に、気体または液体用の注入パイ
プ６を介して構造体５内の気体または液体を構造体５の
外部へ抜き取ることにより、構造体５を収縮させて鼻孔
７から引き出す。When the ultrasonic probe 1 is pulled out from the nostril 7, the gas or liquid in the structure 5 is removed from the structure 5 through the gas or liquid injection pipe 6, contrary to the insertion. By pulling it out, the structure 5 is contracted and pulled out of the nostrils 7.
【００２３】本発明の第１の実施の形態の超音波探触子
は、脳に極めて近い所から超音波を送受信できる構成に
したものであることと、超音波振動子２を鼻腔壁面に密
着できる構成を有していることのため、脳内８の血流情
報を高感度でしかも精度良く測定でき、しかも長時間安
定して測定できるものである。The ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a structure capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves from a place very close to the brain, and has the ultrasonic transducer 2 closely attached to the nasal cavity wall surface. With such a configuration, blood flow information in the brain 8 can be measured with high sensitivity and high accuracy, and can be stably measured for a long time.
【００２４】以上のように本発明の実施の形態によれ
ば、鼻孔７から挿入できる超音波探触子１で、脳内８に
近い所に超音波振動子２を設け、構造体５を設けること
により、鼻腔壁面に超音波振動子２を密着できるため
に、脳内８の血流情報を高感度でしかも精度良く測定で
きるものである。As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the ultrasonic probe 1 that can be inserted through the nostril 7, the ultrasonic transducer 2 is provided near the brain 8, and the structure 5 is provided. This allows the ultrasonic transducer 2 to be in close contact with the nasal cavity wall surface, so that blood flow information in the brain 8 can be measured with high sensitivity and high accuracy.
【００２５】次に、本発明の第２の実施の形態の超音波
探触子について、図３を用いて説明する。Next, an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
【００２６】図３において、超音波探触子１、超音波振
動子２、ケーブル３、可撓性シース４、構造体５、注入
パイプ６は、第１の実施の形態で説明したものと同様の
機能をもつ。本発明の第１の実施の形態の超音波探触子
では、構造体５として、バルーンのような形状にしたも
のを使用する構成としたが、第２の実施の形態では、膨
張および収縮可能な構造体５の形状が図３に示すような
一部に波形の形状をしたものであり、この構造体５に注
入パイプ６から気体または液体を充満させることによ
り、波形形状部が伸びる構造になっている。In FIG. 3, the ultrasonic probe 1, the ultrasonic transducer 2, the cable 3, the flexible sheath 4, the structure 5, and the injection pipe 6 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. With the function of In the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a structure having a shape like a balloon is used as the structure 5. However, in the second embodiment, the structure can be expanded and contracted. As shown in FIG. 3, the structure 5 is formed into a corrugated shape, and the structure 5 is filled with a gas or a liquid from the injection pipe 6 to extend the corrugated portion. Has become.
【００２７】構造体５の材料としては、天然ゴム、合成
ゴムまたはプラスチック特にポリエチレンのような材料
を用いるのが好ましい。また、構造体５を設ける位置
は、超音波振動子２の超音波送受波面側とはほぼ反対側
に位置する付近に設けることが望ましい。これにより、
超音波振動子２が鼻腔壁面に可撓性シース４を介して密
着させることができる。As the material of the structure 5, it is preferable to use a material such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber or plastic, especially polyethylene. It is desirable that the structure 5 is provided in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer 2 which is located on a side substantially opposite to the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface side. This allows
The ultrasonic transducer 2 can be brought into close contact with the nasal cavity wall via the flexible sheath 4.
【００２８】以上のように本発明の第２の実施の形態の
超音波探触子によれば、鼻孔から挿入できる超音波探触
子１で、脳内８に近い所に超音波振動子２を位置させ、
構造体５を設けることにより、鼻腔壁面に超音波振動子
２を密着できるために、脳内の血流情報を高感度でしか
も精度良く測定できるものである。As described above, according to the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic probe 1 which can be inserted from the nostril is located near the brain 8 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 Position,
The provision of the structure 5 allows the ultrasonic transducer 2 to be in close contact with the nasal cavity wall surface, so that blood flow information in the brain can be measured with high sensitivity and high accuracy.
【００２９】次に、本発明の第３の実施の形態の超音波
探触子について図４を用いて説明する。Next, an ultrasonic probe according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
【００３０】図４において、超音波探触子１、超音波振
動子２、ケーブル３、可撓性シース４は、第１の実施の
形態で説明したものと同様の機能をもつ。超音波伝播媒
体９は超音波振動子２からの超音波を効率よく送受信す
るために、可撓性シース４の表面に接着などにより設け
たものであり、被検体と良好に密着させる機能を持つ。In FIG. 4, the ultrasonic probe 1, the ultrasonic transducer 2, the cable 3, and the flexible sheath 4 have the same functions as those described in the first embodiment. The ultrasonic wave propagation medium 9 is provided on the surface of the flexible sheath 4 by bonding or the like in order to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transducer 2 efficiently, and has a function of making good contact with the subject. .
【００３１】また超音波伝播媒体９は、超音波振動子２
が超音波を送受信する最低の領域をカバーできる大きさ
以上であればよい。そのため超音波伝播媒体９は、音響
インピーダンスが被検体の音響インピーダンスに近い
（１．５〜１．６Mrayl）値を有し、かつ減衰係数が小
さく、さらには密着性を良好にするため、軟らかい材料
が好ましい。この材料としては、高分子材料のポリウレ
タンゲル、シリコーンゲル、ポリビニルアルコールゲ
ル、ポリエチレンオキサイドゲル材料などが好ましい。
また超音波伝播媒体９は、可撓性シース４を介さない
で、超音波振動子２に直接設けるようにしてもよい。The ultrasonic wave propagation medium 9 includes the ultrasonic vibrator 2
Should be larger than the size that can cover the minimum area for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. For this reason, the ultrasonic wave propagation medium 9 has a value whose acoustic impedance is close to the acoustic impedance of the subject (1.5 to 1.6 Mrayl), has a small attenuation coefficient, and has good adhesiveness. Is preferred. As such a material, a polymer material such as polyurethane gel, silicone gel, polyvinyl alcohol gel, or polyethylene oxide gel material is preferable.
Further, the ultrasonic wave propagation medium 9 may be provided directly on the ultrasonic transducer 2 without passing through the flexible sheath 4.
【００３２】以上のように本発明の第３の実施の形態に
よれば、鼻孔から挿入できる超音波探触子１で、脳内に
近い所に超音波振動子２を位置させ、構造体５を設ける
ことにより、鼻腔壁面に超音波振動子２を密着できるた
めに、脳内の血流情報を高感度でしかも精度良く脳内の
血流情報を測定できるものである。As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, with the ultrasonic probe 1 that can be inserted through the nostril, the ultrasonic transducer 2 is positioned near the brain, and the structure 5 Is provided, the ultrasonic transducer 2 can be brought into close contact with the nasal cavity wall surface, so that blood flow information in the brain can be measured with high sensitivity and high accuracy.
【００３３】なお、本発明の超音波探触子は、脳内の血
流情報だけでなく、例えば超音波探触子を食道または気
管等に挿入することで心臓また肺周辺の血流等の、生体
内の臓器の多くの部位において、生体情報の測定を行う
ことができるものである。It should be noted that the ultrasonic probe of the present invention provides not only information on blood flow in the brain but also information on the blood flow around the heart and lungs by inserting the ultrasonic probe into the esophagus or trachea. In addition, biological information can be measured at many parts of an organ in a living body.
【００３４】[0034]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように本発明の超音波探触
子によれば、超音波探触子を目的とする部位まで挿入し
て、脳内に近い所に超音波振動子を位置させ、伸縮可能
な構造体に気体または液体を注入して膨らませること
で、超音波振動子の送受波面側が被検体に接触し密着で
きて、生体情報を高感度で精度良く正確に測定できるも
のであり、しかも長時間測定・情報収集できるというす
ぐれた効果を有する。As described above, according to the ultrasonic probe of the present invention, the ultrasonic probe is inserted to the target site, and the ultrasonic transducer is positioned near the brain. By injecting gas or liquid into the expandable and contractible structure and inflating it, the transmitting and receiving surface side of the ultrasonic transducer can contact and adhere to the subject, and biological information can be measured with high sensitivity and accuracy. It has an excellent effect of being able to measure and collect information for a long time.
【図１】本発明の第１の実施の形態における超音波探触
子の要部断面図FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an essential part of an ultrasonic probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】同超音波探触子の動作を説明するための図FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the operation of the ultrasonic probe.
【図３】本発明の第２の実施の形態における超音波探触
子の要部断面図FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an essential part of an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
【図４】本発明の第３の実施の形態における超音波探触
子の先端部の概略断面図FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a distal end portion of an ultrasonic probe according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
【図５】従来の方法による超音波脳動脈の血流測定法を
説明するための概念図FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method of measuring blood flow in an ultrasonic cerebral artery according to a conventional method.
１ 超音波探触子 ２ 超音波振動子 ３ ケーブル ４ 可撓性シース ５ 構造体 ９ 超音波伝播媒体 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Ultrasonic transducer 3 Cable 4 Flexible sheath 5 Structure 9 Ultrasonic propagation medium
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 斎藤 孝悦 神奈川県横浜市港北区綱島東四丁目３番１ 号 松下通信工業株式会社内 Ｆターム(参考） 4C301 EE06 FF02 FF09 GA20 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Takayoshi Saito 4-3-1 Tsunashima Higashi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture F-term in Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. 4C301 EE06 FF02 FF09 GA20
Claims (6)
超音波振動子に接続されたケーブルとを備え、前記超音
波振動子の被検体と接触する側と略反対の側に、膨張お
よび収縮可能な構造体を設けた超音波探触子。1. An ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and a cable connected to the ultrasonic transducer, wherein expansion and expansion are performed on a side of the ultrasonic transducer substantially opposite to a side in contact with a subject. An ultrasonic probe provided with a contractible structure.
入して膨張および収縮する弾性体材料を用いたものであ
る請求項１記載の超音波探触子。2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein an elastic material which expands and contracts by injecting a gas or a liquid is used as the structure.
ムである請求項２記載の超音波探触子。3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, wherein said elastic material is natural rubber or synthetic rubber.
材料を用いたものである請求項１記載の超音波探触子。4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein a corrugated polymer material is used as said structure.
超音波振動子に接続されたケーブルとを包囲する可撓性
シースとを備え、前記超音波振動子の被検体と接触する
側に柔軟性を有する超音波伝播媒体を設けた超音波探触
子。5. An ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and a flexible sheath surrounding a cable connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and a flexible sheath on a side of the ultrasonic transducer which comes into contact with a subject. An ultrasonic probe provided with a flexible ultrasonic propagation medium.
ンゲル、シリコーンゲル、ポリビニルアルコールゲル、
ポリエチレンオキサイドゲルのいずれかの材料を用いた
ものである請求項５記載の超音波探触子。6. As the ultrasonic wave propagation medium, a polyurethane gel, a silicone gel, a polyvinyl alcohol gel,
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 5, wherein any one of polyethylene oxide gels is used.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP29068699A JP3534016B2 (en) | 1999-10-13 | 1999-10-13 | Ultrasonic probe |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP29068699A JP3534016B2 (en) | 1999-10-13 | 1999-10-13 | Ultrasonic probe |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2001104309A true JP2001104309A (en) | 2001-04-17 |
| JP3534016B2 JP3534016B2 (en) | 2004-06-07 |
Family
ID=17759200
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP29068699A Expired - Fee Related JP3534016B2 (en) | 1999-10-13 | 1999-10-13 | Ultrasonic probe |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3534016B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR20230041414A (en) * | 2021-09-17 | 2023-03-24 | 동의대학교 산학협력단 | Diagnostic probe and medical ultrasound scanner using same |
-
1999
- 1999-10-13 JP JP29068699A patent/JP3534016B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR20230041414A (en) * | 2021-09-17 | 2023-03-24 | 동의대학교 산학협력단 | Diagnostic probe and medical ultrasound scanner using same |
| KR102616368B1 (en) * | 2021-09-17 | 2023-12-20 | 동의대학교 산학협력단 | Diagnostic probe and medical ultrasound scanner using same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3534016B2 (en) | 2004-06-07 |
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