JP2001245885A - Ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic probe which can be used with ease for both operations and diagnoses and which makes palpation by the operating doctors possible without a risk of disturbing the operation of prostatectomy or the like. SOLUTION: A detachable ultrasonic probe body 13 is connected to the tip of an axle 14a of a probe holder 12 and a transducer accommodation 15 is arranged at the tip side of the probe body 13. A hole part 16 for inserting fingers is put behind the transducer accommodation 15. On the wall part of the hole part 16 for inserting fingers on the probe body 13, a side opening part 17 is fixed, which enables the tip of a finger 18 to appear.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe which can be used by inserting it into a body cavity.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, an ultrasonic probe incorporating a transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves is inserted into a patient's body cavity to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to observe a cross section of a patient's body. Has been done since.

For example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-027128 discloses an ultrasonic probe which can be used by inserting it into a body cavity. By inserting such an ultrasonic probe into the rectum of a patient, a cross section of the prostate can be observed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-295550 discloses a resectoscope device used for treating patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the resectoscope device 1 is used when treating a patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Here, transurethral resection of the prostate gland in which the resectoscope device 1 is inserted into the urethra 2 and the enlarged internal gland 5 of the prostate 4 is resected with the electrode 3 at the tip of the resectoscope device 1 is generally performed. Is being done.

At this time, the surgeon inserts the finger 7 into the rectum 6 to assist the resection with the resectoscope device 1 or proceeds with the operation while confirming the remaining condition of the prostate 4 by the feel of the finger 7. This prevents the electrode at the tip of the resectoscope device 1 from cutting down to the external gland 8 of the prostate 4.

Further, Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 3-9684 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 3-55045 disclose extracorporeal ultrasonic probes. For example, in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-9684, a pair of concave grooves are provided on both side surfaces in the longitudinal direction of an ultrasonic probe, and two fingers are inserted into these concave grooves, so that an ultrasonic wave is formed between the two fingers. An arrangement is shown that allows the probe to be gripped. In this case, the ultrasonic diagnosis and the palpation by the operator's finger can be performed simultaneously.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-55045 discloses that
By providing a detachable grip member on the ultrasonic probe and providing a groove or a hole for inserting a finger into the grip member, the ultrasonic probe held by the grip member can be used even for a narrow part. 1 is shown.

[0008]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention
In transurethral resection of the prostate using the resectoscope device 1 as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 0, it is difficult to confirm the amount of living tissue that has been actually removed. For this reason, it is difficult to know how far the surgery should be performed during the operation, and there is a problem that it is difficult to perform the operation by anyone other than an experienced and skilled person having an appropriate technique.

[0009] If the amount of living tissue to be removed is larger than the appropriate amount to be removed, for example, there is a risk that complications such as perforation or major bleeding may occur. Therefore, when the amount of the living tissue removed is reduced in order to reduce such complications, the enlarged part of the prostatic hyperplasia may remain and the recurrence may easily occur.

Also, at the time of transurethral resection of the prostate using the resectoscope device 1, actual resection is performed in advance.
It is conceivable to insert an ultrasonic probe such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-163, and observe the cross section of the prostate gland 4 to confirm the thickness of the prostate gland 4 to be cut.

However, in this case, there is a problem that the portion of the hand-side operation portion of the ultrasonic probe that is outside the body hinders the operation of the resectoscope device 1 and
Since the operator's fingers cannot be inserted into the rectum 6, there is a problem that the operator's fingers cannot perform assisting work during the excision of the living tissue, and the excision cannot be performed well. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe must be removed from the rectum 6 at the time of the excision, and the operation of inserting and removing the probe is complicated, and there is also a problem that the excision of the living tissue cannot be confirmed in real time.

Further, the ultrasonic probe as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-9684 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 3-55045 has a problem that it cannot be used by inserting it deeply into a thin lumen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object that during surgical operations such as prostatectomy, there is no risk of hindering the surgical operation, and it is possible to perform palpation with the operator's finger. Another object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic probe which can be easily used for both diagnosis and diagnosis.

[0014]

According to the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic probe body in which a grip portion on a hand side is connected to a base end portion of an elongated shaft portion and a vibrator for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves is incorporated. A vibrator housing for accommodating the vibrator is disposed on the distal end side of the ultrasonic probe main body and is detachably connected to the ultrasonic probe main body, and a finger can be inserted on the rear side of the vibrator housing for finger insertion. Characterized in that an opening is provided on the peripheral wall surface of the finger insertion hole in the ultrasonic probe main body, the opening being capable of displaying the tip of the finger inserted into the hole. An acoustic probe. In the present invention, when the ultrasonic probe body is used in a state where the ultrasonic probe body is detachably connected to the distal end portion of the shaft portion, in an outpatient diagnosis,
Obtain an ultrasound image by inserting it into the rectum to determine the degree of prostatic hypertrophy. Furthermore, when the probe body is used in a state of being separated from the distal end of the shaft, the probe body into which a finger is inserted during transurethral resection of the prostate is inserted into the rectum,
During the operation, the remaining thickness of the prostate is checked with an ultrasonic image to determine the amount to be resected, and the tip of the finger inserted into the finger insertion hole of the ultrasonic probe body is inserted into the peripheral wall of the hole. The palpation is performed by protruding from the opening, and assisting resection is performed with the protruding finger.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows an ultrasonic probe 11 according to the present embodiment. The ultrasonic probe 11 is provided with a probe holder 12 and a substantially cylindrical ultrasonic probe body 13 incorporating a transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. Here, the probe holder 12 is provided with an elongated shaft portion 14a and a grip portion 14b on the hand side connected to the base end of the shaft portion 14a. The ultrasonic probe body 13 is detachably connected to the tip of the shaft 14a of the probe holder 12.

A vibrator housing 15 for housing a vibrator (not shown) for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves is disposed on the distal end side of the ultrasonic probe main body 13. Further, a hole 16 for inserting a finger is provided on the rear side of the vibrator accommodating portion 15, as shown in FIG. This hole 1
The lumen 6 has a size that allows a human finger to be inserted, and extends in the axial direction from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the probe main body 13.

Further, on the peripheral wall surface of the finger insertion hole 16 in the ultrasonic probe main body 13, there is provided a side opening 17 through which the tip of the finger inserted into the hole 16 can be exposed. The side opening 17 is provided in the ultrasonic probe body 13.
Is extended substantially in the shape of a long hole along the axial direction on the side surface. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the tip of the finger 18 inserted into the lumen of the finger insertion hole 16 of the ultrasonic probe main body 13 can protrude outward from the side opening 17 as shown in FIG. It has become.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, three annular grooves 19a, 1
9b and 19c are respectively formed. Here, the first
The ring-shaped groove 19a is disposed at the front end position of the transducer accommodating portion 15. Further, the second ring-shaped groove 19b is arranged at the rear end position of the transducer accommodating portion 15, and the third ring-shaped groove 19c is arranged at the rear end position of the side opening 17.

A fluid feed hole 2 for feeding a fluid is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the transducer accommodating portion 15 in the ultrasonic probe body 13.
0 is formed. The fluid feed hole 20 is disposed between the first ring-shaped groove 19a and the second ring-shaped groove 19b.

Further, a pair of substantially L-shaped engaging guide grooves 21 for coupling with the probe holder 12 are provided on the inner peripheral surface on the base end side of the finger insertion hole 16 in the ultrasonic probe body 13.
Are formed.

The distal end of a cable 22 for transmitting and receiving electric signals is connected to the vibrator in the vibrator housing 15 of the ultrasonic probe body 13. The cable 22 passes through the inside of the finger insertion hole 16 of the ultrasonic probe body 13 and extends to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 3, a substantially cylindrical receiving portion 23 is provided at the tip of the shaft portion 14a of the probe holder 12 so as to project forward. The outer diameter and length of the receiving portion 23 are set to such dimensions that the receiving portion 23 can be inserted into the lumen of the probe main body 13. Further, a pair of pins 24 protruding in the radial direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface on the hand side of the receiving portion 23. This pin 24 is set to a size that can be engaged with the engagement guide groove 21 of the probe body 13. When the probe holder 12 is connected to the ultrasonic probe main body 13, the receiving portion 23 of the probe holder 12 is connected to the probe main body 1.
After being inserted into the bore of the third finger insertion hole 16, the pin 24 of the receiving portion 23 is inserted into the engagement guide groove 21 of the probe body 13. At this time, when the pin 24 of the receiving portion 23 is pushed to the innermost portion along the engagement guide groove 21 and rotated, the probe body 13 is rotated.
And the shaft portion 14a are detachably connected and fixed.

The outer diameter of the shaft portion 14a is set to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the probe main body 13, and extends to the hand side. Further, the cable 2 of the probe body 13
2 is slidably inserted into the shaft portion 14a.

Further, the holding portion 14b of the probe holder 12
Is provided with a pair of left and right gripping members 25 having a substantially L-shape. These gripping members 25 are detachably connected to the base end of the shaft portion 14a via a female screw-like connecting ring 26 in a state where the joining end faces are abutted against each other.
Here, the connecting ring 26 is screwed with the grip portion 14b, and can be separated into the shaft portion 14a and the pair of grip members 25 by removing the screw.

A liquid transfer mouthpiece 27 for liquid transfer, which communicates with the fluid supply hole 20 of the ultrasonic probe main body 13, protrudes from the proximal end face of the grip portion 14 b. A cable insertion hole 28 through which the cable 22 is inserted is formed. The cable 22 of the ultrasonic probe body 13 protrudes from the cable insertion hole 28 to the outside. Further, an ultrasonic transmission medium is supplied to the liquid supply port 27 of the grip portion 14b as needed.

The ultrasonic probe 11 of the present embodiment
, A thin elastic tube 29 is detachably inserted outside. The elastic tube 29 has a rounded end and is usually made of an elastic material such as latex rubber or silicone rubber.

Further, on the inner peripheral surface of the elastic tube 29, each ring-shaped groove 19a, 19
Thick ring-shaped engagement projections 29a, 29b, 29c are formed at portions corresponding to b, 19c. The elastic tube 29 is moved from the probe body 13 to the shaft portion 14a.
It is extrapolated so as to be in close contact with the camera. At this time, each ring-shaped engagement protrusion 29 of the elastic tube 29
The a, 29b, and 29c are respectively engaged with the respective ring-shaped grooves 19a, 19b, and 19c of the ultrasonic probe main body 13 so as to be more firmly adhered.

When the ultrasonic transmission medium is supplied from the liquid supply port 27 of the holding portion 14b as required, the ultrasonic transmission medium is discharged from the fluid supply hole 20 of the ultrasonic probe main body 13, and the first ring-shaped groove 19a. An ultrasonic transmission medium is filled between the elastic tube 29 and the vibrator accommodating portion 15 at the tip of the ultrasonic probe main body 13 between the elastic ring 29 and the second ring-shaped groove 19b so that an ultrasonic image can be easily obtained. Has become.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
When performing a transurethral resection of the prostate as shown in FIG. 8 using the ultrasonic probe 11 of the present embodiment,
The ultrasonic probe body 13 is set in a state where it is removed from the probe holder 12 as shown in FIG. In this state, the finger 18 is inserted into the lumen of the finger insertion hole 16 of the ultrasonic probe main body 13 as shown in FIG.

Further, after the resectoscope device 1 is inserted into the urethra 2 as shown in FIG.
Instead of this, as shown in FIG. 4, the probe body 13 of the ultrasonic probe 11 of the present embodiment into which the operator's finger 18 is inserted is inserted into the rectum 6.

During the operation of cutting off the enlarged internal gland 5 of the prostate gland 5 with the electrode 3 at the tip of the resectoscope device 1, if necessary, an ultrasonic wave is applied from the transducer (not shown) of the probe body 13. To obtain a tomographic image of the prostate 4, confirm the thickness of the internal glands 5 and the external glands 8, and grasp how much more should be removed. At this time, the operator contrasts and grasps the actual thickness of the prostate 4 based on the ultrasound image and the feel palpated with the finger 18. During the resection operation, the finger 18 is slightly protruded from the side opening 17 of the ultrasonic probe main body 13 as shown in FIG. 5 to assist the resection of the enlarged inner gland 5 of the prostate 4 easily.

Further, by displaying both the endoscopic image and the ultrasonic image on the same monitor, it is possible to proceed with the resection operation while confirming the resection depth of the enlarged internal gland 5 of the prostate 4 in real time. it can.

Further, at the time of outpatient diagnosis, the shaft portion 14a of the probe holder 12 of the ultrasonic probe 11 and the grip portion 14
2 and the receiving part 23 of the probe holder 12 was inserted into the lumen of the finger insertion hole 16 of the probe main body 13 to connect the probe main body 13 to the receiving part 23 of the probe holder 12 as shown in FIG. Set to state. Then, in this state, the probe body 13 is inserted into the rectum 6 of the patient, and the degree of enlargement of the prostate 4 is diagnosed.

When diagnosing a plurality of patients, a plurality of sterilized elastic tubes 29 are prepared in advance. Then, when another patient is diagnosed after one diagnosis, the elastic tube 29 is replaced and used.

Therefore, the ultrasonic probe 11 of the present embodiment having the above configuration has the following effects. That is,
Shaft 14 of tip probe body 13 and probe holder 12
When the probe body 13 is used in a state of being separated from the distal end portion of the shaft portion 14a, the finger 1a is used during transurethral resection of the prostate.
8 is inserted into the rectum 6, the remaining thickness of the prostate 4 is checked during operation with an ultrasonic image, the amount to be excised is grasped, and the ultrasonic probe body 13 is inserted.
The distal end of the finger 18 inserted into the hole 16 for finger insertion projects from the side opening 17 on the peripheral wall surface of the hole 16 to perform palpation, and the protruding finger 18 can assist the resection. . Therefore, at the time of transurethral resection of the prostate using the resectoscope device 1, the thickness of the prostate 4 to be resected without obstructing the resection operation is confirmed by an ultrasonic image of the remaining thickness of the prostate 4, and the depth to be resected is determined. Therefore, the operation can be performed more easily and reliably.

Further, during the operation of resecting the prostate gland 4 by the resectoscope device 1, the probe body 13 inserted into the rectum 6.
Thereby, the resection depth of the prostate 4 can be confirmed in real time. Therefore, the prostate 4 can be reliably resected to the target depth. Further, since the thickness of the prostate 4 can be confirmed by an ultrasonic image, an endoscope image, and palpation, even a young inexperienced operator can easily perform an operation and also has an effect of providing education and training.

Further, the ultrasonic probe main body 13 can be used for a conventional outpatient diagnosis in a state where the ultrasonic probe main body 13 is detachably connected to the tip of the shaft portion 14a of the probe holder 12. In this case, in an outpatient diagnosis, an ultrasound image can be obtained by inserting it into the rectum 6 and the degree of prostatic hypertrophy can be grasped. Therefore, one ultrasonic probe 11 can be used for outpatient diagnosis, and a total and inexpensive system can be provided.

Further, since the elastic tube 29 can be detachably attached to the probe body 13 and the shaft portion 14a of the probe holder 12, when diagnosing a plurality of patients outpatiently, the ultrasonic tube 29 can be simply replaced by replacing the elastic tube 29. The preparation of the probe 11 is completed. Therefore, a smooth diagnosis can be performed and the time can be shortened.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the ultrasonic probe body 13 of the ultrasonic probe 11 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5) is changed as follows.

That is, the ultrasonic probe body 31 of the present embodiment has a substantially shell shape and a rounded tip. A proximal end of the ultrasonic probe main body 31 is provided with a lumen 32 having a circular cross section and extending in the axial direction, into which the operator's finger 18 can be inserted, as in the first embodiment. The lumen 32 has a closed front end and an open proximal end.

Further, an opening 33 communicating with the lumen 32 is formed on the peripheral surface of the ultrasonic probe main body 31.
The opening 33 extends in the axial direction of the ultrasonic probe main body 31 so that the finger 18 inserted into the lumen 32 can protrude from the opening 33 as in the first embodiment.

At the base end of the ultrasonic probe main body 31, there is formed a substantially ring-shaped fixing portion 34 which forms the proximal end of the opening 33. One end of the fixing portion 34 is connected to the ultrasonic probe main body 31, the other end extends along the inner peripheral surface of the lumen 32, and an overlapping portion 35 overlapping the base end of the ultrasonic probe main body 31 is formed. Is formed.

The fixing portion 34 has elasticity, and the finger 18
When inserted into the lumen 32 of the ultrasonic probe body 31,
The finger 18 can be fixed to the ultrasonic probe main body 31 by the elasticity of the fixing portion 34.

On the side surface of the ultrasonic probe main body 31, a vibrator housing convex portion 36 for housing two vibrators (for example, a radial vibrator and a linear vibrator) for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves extends in the axial direction. Have been. Further, a cable 37 connected to the vibrator for transmitting and receiving an electric signal extends on the hand side of the vibrator housing convex portion 36.

Therefore, in the present embodiment having the above configuration, since the radial and linear vibrators are provided in the vibrator housing convex portions 36 on the side surfaces of the ultrasonic probe main body 31, it is used for transurethral resection of the prostate. In this case, an ultrasonic image of the transverse section and the longitudinal section of the prostate 4 can be obtained. Therefore, this embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effects of the first embodiment.

That is, since the vibrator is arranged beside the finger inserted into the lumen 32 of the ultrasonic probe main body 31, the palpation by the finger and the position of the information on the thickness of the prostate obtained from the ultrasonic image are performed. Is suitable. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe 11 can be used without moving in the rectum 6, and the operation is further simplified.

Further, since a plurality of transducers (for example, a radial transducer and a linear transducer) are provided to simultaneously obtain both longitudinal and transverse images, the state of the prostate 4 can be easily grasped three-dimensionally. And the resection operation can be performed more smoothly.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a third embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is directed to an ultrasonic probe 11 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5).
Is a modification of the configuration of the ultrasonic probe body 13 in the following.

That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, the ultrasonic probe main body 31 of the second embodiment is used.
Is attached to the index finger 42 of the rubber glove 41. Here, the cable 37 connected to the vibrator extends from the near side of the rubber glove 41 to the outside.

Further, the ultrasonic probe main body 31 of the second embodiment is different from the ultrasonic probe main body 31 of the second embodiment.
The frequency can be switched by using different vibrators having different frequencies. The other parts are the same as in the second embodiment.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
In this embodiment, the surgeon uses the rubber gloves 4 at the time of diagnosis or at the time of surgery.
1 is fitted to the hand, and the probe main body 31 is attached to the finger 18 inserted into the index finger 42 of the rubber glove 41.

When the prostate 4 on the rectum 6 is to be resected, the ultrasonic probe 11 is inserted into the rectum 6 to obtain an ultrasonic image at a high frequency. When the abdominal resection is performed, the ultrasonic probe body 31 of the ultrasonic probe 11 is pressed against the lower abdominal wall 43 from outside the body as shown in FIG.

Therefore, in the present embodiment having the above configuration, the second
There are the following effects in addition to the effects of the embodiment. In other words, since the frequency of the transducer of the ultrasonic probe main body 31 can be switched by using different transducers, an ultrasonic image of the prostate 4 can be obtained from both the rectum and the abdomen. Therefore, if the living tissue to be treated is thermally denatured at the time of resection of the prostate 4, it becomes difficult for the ultrasound to reach thereafter, but an image of the prostate 4 can be obtained regardless of that. There is an effect that can be confirmed.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Next, other characteristic technical matters of the present application will be additionally described as follows. (Supplementary note 1) In an ultrasonic probe in which a transducer for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave is incorporated and a cross section of which is substantially circular and extends in the axial direction, a probe main body having a vibrator incorporated at a tip and a hand side of the probe main body are connected An ultrasonic probe, wherein an elongated insertion portion to be inserted is detachable, and a hole for inserting a finger is provided on the hand side of the probe main body when the probe main body and the insertion portion are separated.

(Additional Item 2) In an ultrasonic probe having a substantially circular cross-section and having a distal end and a proximal end in which a vibrator for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves is incorporated, a hole for inserting a finger is provided on the hand side of the ultrasonic probe. , And a side hole communicating with the hole is provided.

(Supplementary note 3) In an ultrasonic probe having an insertion part incorporating a transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and a holding part disposed near the insertion part, the insertion part is the transducer A probe body having a substantially cylindrical portion provided on the distal side of the vibrator,
An insertion hand portion is provided at the near side of the substantially cylindrical portion of the probe body so as to be detachably connected thereto, and a hole through which a finger of an operator can be inserted when detached from the insertion hand portion is provided at the near side of the substantially cylindrical portion. And a hole through which the tip of the operator's finger can be exposed is provided on a side surface of the probe main body.

(Prior arts of supplementary items 1 and 2) (1) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-295550 discloses a resectscope device. For patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, as shown in FIG. 1 of the present application, a transurethral method in which the resectoscope device 1 is inserted into the urethra 2 and the enlarged inner gland 5 of the prostate 4 is excised with the tip electrode. Prostatectomy is commonly performed. At this time, the surgeon inserts the finger 18 into the rectum 6 to assist in resection, or removes the outer gland 8 of the prostate 4 and perforates the prostate 4 with the feel of the finger so as not to perforate. I am grabbing and performing surgery.

(2) Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-027128 discloses an ultrasonic probe which can be used by inserting it into a body cavity. By inserting such an ultrasonic probe into the rectum, it is possible to observe a cross section of the prostate.

(3) JP-A-3-9684 and JP-A-3-55045 disclose extracorporeal ultrasonic probes. In Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-9684, a pair of concave grooves are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction so as to be gripped between two fingers, so that ultrasonic diagnosis and palpation can be performed at the same time. JP-A-3-
In Japanese Patent Publication No. 55045, a grip member having a groove or a hole is provided detachably, and can be used even for a narrow portion.

(Problems to be Solved by Additional Items 1 and 2)
(1) In transurethral prostatectomy using a resectoscope device as disclosed in JP-A-3-295550,
Because it is difficult to know how far to remove, complications such as perforation and major bleeding may occur unless a surgeon has experienced techniques. In addition, if the amount of resection is reduced to reduce complications, there is a risk that the hypertrophy remains and the disease is likely to recur.

(2) Inserting an ultrasonic probe as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-027128 into the rectum during transurethral resection of the prostate and observing the cross section of the prostate to confirm the thickness of the prostate to be resected. Can be considered. However, the proximal operation portion of the ultrasonic probe that is out of the body hinders the operation of the resectoscope, and the operator's finger cannot be inserted into the rectum, and the resection cannot be performed well. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe must be removed at the time of excision, and insertion and removal of the probe are complicated, and further, excision cannot be confirmed in real time.

(3) With an ultrasonic probe as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-9684 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-55045, it was not possible to use the ultrasonic probe inserted into a thin lumen at the back.

(Purpose of Additional Items 1 and 2) ・ Provide an ultrasonic probe which can be palpated by the operator's finger without hindering the operation.

Provision of an ultrasonic probe system that can be easily used for both surgical operation and diagnosis.

(Means for Solving the Problems in Supplementary Items 1 and 2) Similar to the Claim (Operation of Supplementary Item 1) When assembling the probe main body and the insertion portion, the probe body is inserted into the rectum by an outpatient diagnosis and an ultrasonic wave Obtain images to understand the extent of prostatic hypertrophy. When the probe body and the insertion part are separated, the probe body into which the finger was inserted during transurethral resection of the prostate is inserted into the rectum, and during the operation, the remaining thickness of the prostate is confirmed with an ultrasonic image to determine the amount to be removed. Figure out.

(Function of Supplementary Item 2) A probe body into which a finger is inserted during transurethral resection of the prostate is inserted into the rectum, and during the operation, the remaining thickness of the prostate is confirmed by an ultrasonic image, and the amount to be resected is determined. Figure out. Further, a finger is projected from the side hole to perform palpation, and assisting resection is performed by the projected finger.

(Effects of Additional Items 1 and 2) When the ultrasonic probe of the present invention is used, the remaining thickness of the prostate can be determined by an ultrasonic image without obstructing the resection operation during endoscopic transurethral resection of the prostate. You can check and understand the depth to be removed,
Surgery operation can be performed more easily and reliably. Since the insertion part and the probe body are detachable, it can be used for outpatient diagnosis,
A total and inexpensive system can be provided.

[0068]

According to the present invention, the ultrasonic probe main body is detachably connected to the distal end portion of the elongated shaft portion to which the grip portion on the hand side is connected, and the transducer accommodating portion on the distal end side of the ultrasonic probe main body. An opening for providing a finger insertion hole on the rear side of the finger for inserting a finger, and for exposing the tip of the finger inserted into the hole on the peripheral wall surface of the finger insertion hole in the ultrasonic probe body Is provided, there is no danger of interrupting the surgical operation during an operation such as prostatectomy, palpation can be performed by the operator's finger, and the device can be easily used for both the surgical operation and the diagnosis.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing a probe main body of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view showing a state in which a probe main body of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment is detached from a distal end portion of a shaft portion;

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state where a finger is inserted into a finger insertion hole of the probe body of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which the tip of the finger inserted into the finger insertion hole of the probe main body of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment is exposed from the opening;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a probe main body of an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the present invention,
(A) is a perspective view showing a probe body of the ultrasonic probe,
(B) is an explanatory view for explaining transurethral resection of the prostate.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining transurethral resection of the prostate using a conventional resectoscope device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 13 Ultrasonic probe main body 14a Shaft 14b Hand side grip 15 Vibrator housing 16 Finger insertion hole 17 Side opening 18 Finger

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 12, 2000 (2004.1.
2)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 7

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 7

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 8

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 8

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A grip portion on a hand side is connected to a base end portion of an elongated shaft portion, and an ultrasonic probe body incorporating a transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves is detachably connected to a distal end portion of the shaft portion. Along with, a transducer accommodating portion for accommodating the vibrator is disposed on the distal end side of the ultrasonic probe main body, and a hole for finger insertion capable of inserting a finger is provided on the rear side of the vibrator accommodating portion, and An ultrasonic probe, wherein an opening is provided on a peripheral wall surface of the finger insertion hole in the ultrasonic probe main body so that a tip of a finger inserted into the hole can be exposed.