JP2001299758A - Ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical ultrasonic probe capable of autoclave sterilization by preventing detachment of an acoustic matching layer and an acoustic lens due to heating in the autoclave. SOLUTION: In this ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic piezoelectric vibrator module 20 is provided with a piezoelectric element 21, a first acoustic matching layer 22a and a second acoustic matching layer 22b each being made of a resin member such as epoxy resin, or the like and arranged on one face side of the piezoelectric element 21, an acoustic lens 23 made of silicon resin member and arranged on the front face of the second acoustic matching layer 22b, a packing member 24 molded with an epoxy resin and arranged on the other face side of the piezoelectric element 21 and a housing 25 having a through hole for arranging the packing member 24 and the piezoelectric element 21. The interface between the piezoelectric element 21 and the first acoustic matching layer 22a is bonded with grease 31 which is softened to decrease the viscosity thereof when the autoclave sterilization is carried out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe having a structure corresponding to high-pressure steam sterilization.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an ultrasonic diagnostic system which can obtain information inside a subject by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves without exposing the subject to radiation as in an X-ray apparatus has been widely used for diagnosis and the like. became.

The ultrasonic diagnostic system is composed of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic probe, and a scanning surface of the ultrasonic probe is arranged near a part to be inspected, and an ultrasonic wave is transmitted and received in this state. An ultrasonic image obtained by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is displayed on, for example, a monitor screen provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to perform ultrasonic diagnosis.

[0004] The ultrasonic probe is an extracorporeal type probe which is applied to the body surface for inspection, or a small-diameter ultrasonic probe which is guided into a body cavity through a treatment instrument channel of an endoscope for inspection. There is an internal body type such as an intracavity ultrasonic probe inserted into a body cavity.

[0005] With an extracorporeal ultrasonic probe, the outer surface of the probe is simply disinfected after inspection. In addition, when performing puncture using this extracorporeal ultrasonic probe, after use,
In order to eliminate the need for sterilization of the probe itself, the exterior of the probe is covered with a sterile sheath, and puncturing is performed in this state.

On the other hand, in the case of an ultrasonic probe or the like guided into a body cavity, disinfection and sterilization are indispensable in order to prevent infection after examination, and disinfection and sterilization using a gas such as ethylene oxide gas (EOG), glutaral, and the like. Disinfection and sterilization by immersion in a chemical solution such as aldehyde have been performed.

[0007] As is well known, the sterilization operation using sterilizing gases is complicated. In addition, since it takes a long time for aeration to remove gas adhering to equipment after sterilization, there is a problem that an ultrasonic probe cannot be used immediately after sterilization. Further, there is a problem that the running cost is high.

On the other hand, in the case of a disinfecting solution, the management of the disinfecting solution is complicated, the immersion time in the chemical solution is several tens to several hours, and the disposal of the disinfecting solution is very expensive. Met.

Therefore, it can be used immediately after sterilization without using any sterilizing gas or disinfectant, and without complicated work.
In addition, autoclave sterilization (high-pressure steam sterilization), which has a low running cost and can surely perform sterilization, is widely used for sterilization of medical instruments and surgical instruments such as scalpels.

[0010]

However, an ultrasonic probe used in medical treatment has an acoustic impedance of 30M.
In order to efficiently radiate ultrasonic waves radiated from piezoelectric elements before and after Rayls to a living body having acoustic impedance around 1.5 MRayls, an acoustic matching layer for reducing acoustic impedance step by step is provided, and the ultrasonic waves are focused. Acoustic lens was provided.

In order to transmit and receive a broadband ultrasonic pulse to obtain a high-quality ultrasonic image, it is very important to select the acoustic characteristics of the material forming the acoustic matching layer and the acoustic lens, particularly the acoustic impedance. Therefore, the acoustic matching layer is formed of a resin member such as polyimide or epoxy,
The acoustic lens was formed of a resin member such as silicon or epoxy.

For this reason, the thermal expansion coefficient differs greatly between the piezoelectric element and the acoustic matching layer and acoustic lens formed of a resin member, and when the autoclave sterilization is performed at a high temperature of about 135 ° C., the thermal expansion coefficient differs. When the member is heated, warpage or peeling occurs, and as a result, the ultrasonic probe may be damaged. Therefore, autoclave sterilization could not be adopted as a method for sterilizing a medical ultrasonic probe.

As an ultrasonic probe for industrial use, particularly for use in a nuclear reactor, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-162182 discloses a high-temperature ultrasonic transducer which can be used in a temperature environment of several hundred degrees. Although shown, this high-temperature ultrasonic transducer has a structure for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a metal such as stainless steel, and is not a structure suitable for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to the inside of a human body containing water as a main component. Was.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a medical ultrasonic probe capable of preventing autoclave sterilization by preventing peeling of an acoustic matching layer and an acoustic lens due to heating during autoclave. The purpose is to do.

[0015]

According to the ultrasonic probe of the present invention, an acoustic matching layer and an acoustic lens are arranged on an acoustic radiation surface side of a piezoelectric element, and an ultrasonic wave is absorbed on an opposite surface side of the piezoelectric element. An ultrasonic transducer module provided with a backing material to be used, a medical ultrasonic probe connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and used for imaging inside a living body, wherein at least one of the ultrasonic transducer modules is provided. The components are joined by grease that is solid at room temperature and softens or becomes liquid at the autoclave sterilization temperature.

According to this configuration, the grease fixing the components constituting the ultrasonic probe is softened or becomes liquid when heated in autoclave sterilization. This prevents the acoustic matching layer and the acoustic lens from peeling off. After the autoclave sterilization is completed, when the temperature becomes room temperature, the softened or liquid grease is solidified again to fix the components.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 relate to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope system, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating one configuration example of an ultrasonic transducer module. .

As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic endoscope system according to the present embodiment has an ultrasonic transducer, which will be described later, which is an ultrasonic probe in a distal end cap 15 protruding from a distal end rigid portion 11 of an insertion portion 10. An ultrasonic endoscope 1 having a built-in module, a light source unit (not shown) for supplying illumination light to an illumination optical system provided in the ultrasonic endoscope 1, and a drive for controlling the ultrasonic transducer. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 including a control section and a signal processing section for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the ultrasonic transducer, a monitor 3 for displaying an image signal generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 as an ultrasonic image, and And an image recording device 4 for recording an image displayed on the monitor 3.

The ultrasonic endoscope 1 has a flexible insertion portion 10 inserted into a body cavity, a main operation portion 5 serving also as a grip portion connected to a base end of the insertion portion 10, and Sub-operation unit 7 provided at the rear end of main operation unit 5 and having eyepiece unit 6
And a light source connector 8a that is detachably connected to a light source unit (not shown) at a base end extending from a side portion of the main operation unit 5 and connected to a light source unit (not shown).
And an ultrasonic cord 9 having an ultrasonic connector 9a extending from a side of the sub-operation unit 7 and detachably connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 at a base end thereof. It is mainly composed.

The insertion portion 10 includes, in order from the distal end, a rigid distal end portion 11 formed of a hard member, a curved portion 12 that can be bent in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a flexible tube portion formed of a flexible and elongated sheath. 13 are connected.

A treatment instrument such as a puncture needle is inserted into the main operating section 5 through the insertion section 10, and a treatment instrument outlet (not shown) that opens at the distal end surface of the distal end rigid section 11 serves as an outlet. A treatment tool insertion port 5a serving as an entrance to the insertion channel is provided. The main operation section 5 includes the bending section 1.
2 is provided with a bending operation knob 5b for performing a bending operation on a desired direction, an air supply / water supply button 5c for performing air supply and water supply operations, and a suction button 5d for performing suction.

The tip cap 15 is formed in a bag shape from a resin member such as high-density polyethylene and polymethylpentene having an excellent ultrasonic transmission property, or an elastic material that transmits ultrasonic waves.

As shown in FIG. 2, an ultrasonic transducer module 20 of the present embodiment includes, for example, a piezoelectric element 21 provided with a surface electrode (not shown) on both surfaces, and a piezoelectric element 21 A first acoustic matching layer 22a made of a resin material such as epoxy, for example, and a first acoustic matching layer 22 made of a resin material such as epoxy to increase the frequency response of the child and improve sensitivity.
a of the first acoustic matching layer 22 disposed on the front surface of the first acoustic matching layer to reduce acoustic impedance in order to efficiently radiate the living body.
a) an acoustic matching layer composed of two layers of a second acoustic matching layer 22b formed of the same member as described above, and an acoustic impedance that is disposed on the front surface of the second acoustic matching layer 22b and converges ultrasonic waves is close to a living body; Acoustic lens 2 formed of, for example, a convex shape with a silicone resin member having low acoustic characteristics and high acoustic performance.
3, a backing material 24 disposed on the other surface side of the piezoelectric element 21 and molded of, for example, epoxy resin mixed with ferrite rubber, and a through hole for disposing the backing material 24 and the piezoelectric element 21 on the inner surface side. For example, the housing 25 is formed of a stainless member.

Then, the interface between the piezoelectric element 21 and the first acoustic matching layer 22a is joined to the grease 31 as a joining member.
Has gone by. The grease 31 is a fluorine-based grease having high heat resistance, and softens and decreases in viscosity during autoclave sterilization. Therefore, during the autoclave sterilization, the piezoelectric element 21 and the first acoustic matching layer 22a are slidable, so that the deformation due to the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the constituent members is absorbed.

Next, after the autoclave sterilization is completed, the temperature is returned to normal temperature, so that the dimensions of the piezoelectric element 21 and the first acoustic matching layer 22a, which are constituent members, return to the original size, and the grease 31 also gradually increases in viscosity. The piezoelectric element 21 and the first acoustic matching layer 22a are solidified into an original shape and fixed.

On the other hand, the first acoustic matching layer 22a
The second acoustic matching layer 22b and the second acoustic matching layer 22b are bonded and fixed by an epoxy resin-based adhesive of the same type as the acoustic matching layer so as to avoid separation due to a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion. In addition, the first
The acoustic matching layer 22a and the second acoustic matching layer 22b are formed slightly larger than the piezoelectric element 21. The acoustic matching layers 22a and 22b have substantially the same dimensions as the acoustic matching layers 22a and 22b.
And the outer shape of the housing 25 is formed. The acoustic lens 23 is formed into a convex surface when the sound speed is lower than that of the living body or the acoustic medium (not shown), and is formed into a concave surface when the sound speed is higher than that of the living body or the acoustic medium (not shown).
Although not shown, the ultrasonic transducer module 20 has a coaxial structure in which an inner conductor at one end is connected to a back electrode (not shown) in the housing 25 and an outer conductor is connected to a front electrode (not shown). A cable extends toward the ultrasound system.

As described above, the bonding between the piezoelectric element, which is one of the hard members constituting the ultrasonic transducer module, and the first acoustic matching layer has high heat resistance, and is softened during autoclave sterilization to reduce the viscosity. After the autoclave sterilization is completed,
When the temperature is returned to normal temperature, the grease solidifies and fixes the piezoelectric element and the first acoustic matching layer, thereby absorbing deformation due to a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between components during autoclave sterilization. This provides an ultrasonic transducer module having autoclave resistance and preventing separation between the piezoelectric element and the first acoustic matching layer at a high temperature.

The interface between the second acoustic matching layer 22b and the acoustic lens 23 may be fixed using grease 31. In this case, instead of forming the acoustic lens 23 with a silicone resin, it is formed of a fluororesin of the same system as the grease 31 with high heat resistance, so that the fluorine-based grease 31 and the fluororesin acoustic lens 23 are of the same system. The acoustic matching layer 22b and the acoustic lens 2
3 can be prevented from being separated due to the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion.

As a result, there is provided an ultrasonic vibrator module having an autoclave resistance and capable of preventing separation between components at a high temperature.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining another configuration example of the ultrasonic transducer module according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
3A is a diagram of the ultrasonic transducer module viewed from above, FIG. 3B is a diagram of the ultrasonic transducer module viewed from the side, and FIG. 3C shows the configuration of the ultrasonic transducer module. It is sectional drawing explaining. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer module is of a so-called electronic linear type,
1 is further directly attached to the distal end side. In this configuration, the tip cap 5 shown in the first embodiment described above is used.
Is not provided.

As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, in this embodiment, the housing 25, the acoustic matching layer 22a, and the backing material 24 are provided on the side surface of the housing 25. A grease injection hole 25a communicating with the formed sealed space is formed.
Is closed by a sealing screw 25b.

In place of the grease 31 which softens and becomes less viscous during autoclave sterilization, a silicone grease or the like is provided in a sealed space formed by the housing 25, the acoustic matching layer 22a, and the backing material 24. The grease 31a, which has a lower curing temperature than the softening temperature of the acoustic matching layers 22a and 22b, is relatively susceptible to heat, and has good acoustic characteristics with low viscosity, that is, low ultrasonic attenuation.
Is filled. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, a grease injection hole in which a sealing screw can be arranged is formed, and through this grease injection hole, grease which is relatively weak to heat but has low viscosity and good acoustic characteristics is connected to the housing and By filling the sealed space formed by the acoustic matching layer and the backing material to form the ultrasonic transducer module, grease can be supplied from the grease injection hole during regular maintenance.

[0034] With this, it is possible to confirm the outflow of grease due to low viscosity at the time of regular maintenance, and to replenish grease as necessary, so that the life and performance of the ultrasonic probe can be reduced without any deterioration. An ultrasonic transducer module having autoclave resistance is provided by using grease that is weak to thermal heat but has low viscosity and good acoustic characteristics. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating another configuration of the ultrasonic transducer module according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, a backing material 24 is provided on the other surface of the piezoelectric element 21 as in the first embodiment.
Instead of configuring the ultrasonic transducer module 20, a pressing member 26 formed by, for example, forming a shape memory alloy in a ring shape for pressing and holding the piezoelectric element 21 at a predetermined position,
Grease 31, which also functions as the backing material 24;
Lid 2 forming a sealed space for sealing this grease 31
7 constitute the ultrasonic transducer module 20A.

The pressing member 26 is formed of a shape memory alloy that deforms so as to shrink in the direction of the lid 27 when the temperature rises above a predetermined temperature. The grease 31 has a high viscosity so as to have an effect as a backing material, and is excellent in ultrasonic absorption.

The ultrasonic vibrator module 20A configured as described above is heated during autoclave sterilization to fill the closed space formed by the first acoustic matching layer 22a, the housing 25, and the lid 27. As the grease 31 softens, the pressing member 26 is deformed in a direction in which the height dimension is reduced. This allows the piezoelectric element 2
The pressing force for pressing 1 toward the first acoustic matching layer 22a decreases, so that no external force is applied to the piezoelectric element 21 and the first acoustic matching layer 22 during autoclave sterilization.

Therefore, even when the acoustic matching layers 22a and 22b and the acoustic lens 23 formed of a resin member are soft during autoclave sterilization, the acoustic matching layers 22a and 22b are affected by the pressing force of the pressing member 26. Since there is no plastic deformation, plastic deformation is prevented.

When the temperature returns to room temperature after completion of the autoclave sterilization, the pressing member 26 returns to the original shape and presses the piezoelectric element 21 against the acoustic matching layer, and the grease 31 gradually increases in viscosity and solidifies to the original shape. Then, the piezoelectric element 21 and the first acoustic matching layer 22a are fixed. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, when the temperature rises above a predetermined temperature, the piezoelectric element is deformed so as to contract, and at normal temperature, a pressing member formed of a member such as a shape memory alloy for pressing the piezoelectric element toward the first acoustic matching layer is arranged. By filling grease instead of the backing material into the sealed space formed by the first acoustic matching layer, the housing, and the lid, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the constituent members of the ultrasonic transducer module due to thermal stress Can be prevented. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 5 to 8 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a sectional view for explaining another structure of the ultrasonic vibrator module, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which the ultrasonic transducer module is removed, and FIG. 8 is a view showing a configuration in which a dummy member is provided to perform autoclave sterilization.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasonic vibrator module 20B of the present embodiment comprises an acoustic lens 2 having high temperature resistance.
3a and the second acoustic matching layer 22b are joined by a grease 31 which is solid at room temperature and softens at a high temperature, and between the internal wiring of the ultrasonic transducer module 20B and the signal cable extending from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. , The ultrasonic transducer module 2
A connector 32 for detachably connecting OB is provided.

Reference numeral 33 denotes an ultrasonic probe exterior member. The acoustic matching layers 22a and 22b and the first acoustic matching layer 22a and the piezoelectric element 21, and the piezoelectric element 21 and the backing material 24 are joined by an adhesive such as an epoxy resin. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The operation after the diagnosis by the ultrasonic endoscope in which the ultrasonic transducer module 20B constructed as described above is arranged will be described. First, the ultrasonic endoscope 1 in which the ultrasonic transducer module 20B configured as shown in FIG.
After using, general washing is performed.

After this cleaning, the tip of the ultrasonic endoscope is
Warm to about ° C. Then, in this state, the grease 31 of the ultrasonic transducer module 20B is softened, and the acoustic lens 23a is removed from the second acoustic matching layer 22b as shown in FIG.

Next, the ultrasonic transducer module 20B with the acoustic lens 23a removed is removed from the connector 32. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, only the connector 32 is disposed in the ultrasonic probe exterior member 33.

Here, in order to sterilize the ultrasonic endoscope 1 by autoclaving, and to protect the inside of the ultrasonic probe exterior member 33, the ultrasonic endoscope 1 is formed to have substantially the same outer shape as the ultrasonic transducer module 20B. The dummy member 35 is disposed on the connector 32. Then, autoclave sterilization is performed. At this time, the removed acoustic lens 23a is also autoclaved.

After completion of the autoclave sterilization, the dummy member 35 is removed, and the ultrasonic transducer module 20B and the acoustic lens 23a without the acoustic lens 23a are attached in the reverse order of the removal. At this time, the bonding between the second acoustic matching layer 22b and the acoustic lens 23 is performed with grease 31.

As described above, by constructing the ultrasonic vibrator module constituted by using the piezoelectric element, the acoustic matching layer, and the backing material which are weak to high temperature so as to be detachable from the ultrasonic endoscope, the piezoelectric element, the acoustic matching Autoclave sterilization can be performed without exposing the layer and the backing material to the high temperature of autoclave sterilization.

By preparing a plurality of lenses having different focal lengths as the acoustic lens, the acoustic lens having a focal length according to the intended use is appropriately replaced and arranged to constitute an ultrasonic transducer module. It becomes possible to cope with examinations having different focal lengths with one ultrasonic endoscope.

By making the acoustic lens a disposable type, it is possible to use an acoustic lens made of a soft silicone resin or the like having excellent acoustic characteristics as the acoustic lens.

Further, by using a connector such as a pinless connector having a configuration for preventing vapor from entering the inside of the ultrasonic endoscope, autoclave sterilization can be performed without preparing a dummy member.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to only the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[Appendix] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention as described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained.

(1) An ultrasonic transducer module having an acoustic matching layer and an acoustic lens disposed on the acoustic radiation surface side of the piezoelectric element, and a backing material for absorbing ultrasonic waves disposed on the opposite side of the piezoelectric element. In a medical ultrasonic probe that is connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and used for visualizing the inside of a living body, at least one component and the component of the ultrasonic transducer module are solid at room temperature and are autoclaved. An ultrasonic probe joined by grease that becomes soft or liquid at temperature.

(2) The ultrasonic probe according to appendix 1, wherein the constituent members are a piezoelectric element and an acoustic matching layer, and these are joined using grease.

(3) The ultrasonic probe according to appendix 1, wherein the constituent members are an acoustic matching layer and an acoustic lens, and these are joined using grease.

(4) An ultrasonic vibrator module in which an acoustic matching layer and an acoustic lens are disposed on the acoustic radiation surface side of the piezoelectric element, and a backing material for absorbing ultrasonic waves is disposed on the opposite side of the piezoelectric element. In a medical ultrasonic probe connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and used for visualizing the inside of a living body, the backing material of the ultrasonic vibrator module is solid at normal temperature and softened or liquid at autoclave sterilization temperature. Grease and at least one grease
Ultrasonic probe in which two constituent members are joined together.

(5) The ultrasonic probe according to Appendix 4, wherein the grease is filled in a sealed space, and a pressing member for urging the piezoelectric element to a predetermined position is arranged in the sealed space.

(6) The supplementary note in which the sealed space is constituted by an acoustic matching layer, a housing having a through hole having one opening disposed on one side of the acoustic matching layer, and a lid closing the other opening of the housing. 4. The ultrasonic probe according to 4.

(7) The ultrasonic probe according to Appendix 4, wherein the grease has a curing temperature lower than a softening temperature of the acoustic matching layer.

(8) The ultrasonic probe according to appendix 6, wherein a grease injection hole for injecting grease into the space is provided in the housing so that the closed space communicates with the outside.

(9) The ultrasonic probe has an ultrasonic probe exterior member, and the ultrasonic transducer module is detachably disposed on the ultrasonic probe exterior member.

(10) The ultrasonic probe according to any one of appendix 1, appendix 4, and appendix 9, wherein the grease is made of the same material as the constituent members.

(11) The ultrasonic probe according to any one of supplementary notes 1, 4, and 9, wherein the grease is a fluorine-based grease.

[0066]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a medical ultrasonic probe capable of autoclaving sterilization by preventing the acoustic matching layer and the acoustic lens from peeling off due to heating during autoclaving. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 relate to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
Is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope system

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating one configuration example of an ultrasonic transducer module.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of an ultrasonic transducer module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating another configuration of the ultrasonic transducer module according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 to FIG. 8 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating still another configuration of the ultrasonic transducer module.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which only the acoustic lens is removed from the ultrasonic transducer module.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where an ultrasonic transducer module is removed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration when performing autoclave sterilization by disposing a dummy member.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 20 ultrasonic transducer module 21 piezoelectric element 22a first acoustic matching layer 22b second acoustic matching layer 23 acoustic lens 24 backing material 25 housing 31 grease

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroshi Tatsuno 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Mitsumasa Okada 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Shinya Masuda, Inventor 2-43-2, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Takuya Imabashi, 2-43-2, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 4C061 DD03 JJ11 4C301 EE12 EE13 EE19 FF05 GB04 GB20 GB22 GB24 GB28 GB33 GB34 GB37 GC15 5D019 AA18 BB12 EE05 FF04 GG01 GG03 GG06

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic transducer module comprising: an acoustic matching layer and an acoustic lens disposed on an acoustic radiation surface side of a piezoelectric element; and a backing material for absorbing ultrasonic waves disposed on an opposite surface of the piezoelectric element. In a medical ultrasonic probe connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and used for visualizing an inside of a living body, at least one component and the components of the ultrasonic transducer module are solid at normal temperature and sterilized at an autoclave temperature. An ultrasonic probe characterized in that the ultrasonic probe is bonded by grease which becomes soft or liquid in the above.