JP2003275207A - Remote diagnostic treatment method due ultrasonic wave and remote diagnostic treatment system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote diagnostic treatment system for performing remote diagnosis of blood circulations at a plurality of positions of a subject and utilizing extracorporeal and noninvasive ultrasonic waves performing treatment by transmitting ultrasonic waves for treatment. <P>SOLUTION: The remote diagnostic treatment system has a step for measuring image data by ultrasonic elements arranged to a subject at a plurality of positions, a step for transmitting image data related to a region discrimination code corresponding to the measured image data along with the ID code of the subject for specifying the subject from the transmitter mounted on the subject, a step for diagnosing the region of the subject on the basis of the received image data and a step for performing the remote control of ultrasonic irradiation for the treatment of the ultrasonic element of the region where abnormality is diagnosed on the basis of the received image data through a network. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic remote diagnosis and treatment method for receiving an image data obtained by measuring the inside of a blood vessel of a subject, and remotely treating a corresponding abnormal portion based on a diagnosis based on the received image data. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote diagnosis / treatment system, and more particularly, to an external and non-invasive ultrasonic diagnosis and treatment system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the diagnosis based on an image taken by an X-ray apparatus has been widely used for the diagnosis inside the blood vessel (in the coronary artery blood vessel). In addition, a method of displaying a photographed image by injecting a contrast medium into a blood vessel with a catheter is generally used. However, it is often necessary to observe the blood vessel wall with an imaging catheter inserted at the same time as the imaging with the X-ray device. Ultrasonic catheter devices are becoming popular for observing blood vessel walls. The ultrasonic catheter device captures an image of the blood vessel wall by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic transmitter attached to the tip of the catheter. The captured image is displayed on the display device, and diagnosis is performed based on the displayed image.

When it is determined as a result of diagnosis that treatment is required, a treatment catheter is used to perform treatment such as removal of the affected area and introduction of a drug. However, even if the affected area is treated, restenosis of the stent often occurs. Overcoming stent restenosis is a major challenge. In recent years, research on clinical treatment using ultrasound has progressed, and intravascular ultrasound irradiation has been used for neointimal proliferation (N
It is evaluated to have an effect of preventing restenosis by suppressing I). Generally, in the treatment of tumors and the like using ultrasonic waves, the focal size of ultrasonic waves is much smaller than that of tumors, and a method of scanning the ultrasonic waves within the tumor to treat the entire tumor has been used. In the ultrasonic therapy device, the focus of the therapeutic ultrasonic waves is long because the ultrasonic focus is adjusted to the therapeutic target by mechanically moving the transducer to the therapeutic target whose depth is different from the body surface. The operability of the subject deteriorates, and the subject feels discomfort due to multiple contact and friction between the living body and the vibrator. On the other hand, in order to perform the treatment accurately and to perform the treatment efficiently, it is possible to clearly see the unirradiated portion and the irradiated portion of the treated ultrasonic wave on the treated area visualization screen. Although a method of color-coding and displaying is proposed, it is difficult to display according to the number of times when irradiation is performed multiple times.

Further, in the example of monitoring the activity state of the circulatory organ at this remote place, PHS (Personal Handyphone System) is used.
Telephone or PDC (Personal Digital Cellular elecom)
munication System) From a telephone to a PHS communication network or PD
The measurement information is transmitted to the monitoring center through the C telephone network, and the remote monitoring is performed.

[0005]

The above-mentioned conventional example has the following disadvantages.

In order for a subject to be diagnosed and treated for blood vessel stenosis and thrombus, it is necessary to obtain a diagnostic information of the affected area by making a diagnosis by X-ray photography or directly inserting a diagnostic catheter into the affected area. Then, the affected area is diagnosed from the information thus directly acquired. The medical treatment performed according to the result of diagnosis includes medical intervention treatment including inserting a catheter into the affected area, injecting a drug solution, deleting an abnormal portion, and / or the like.
Or surgical revascularization is performed. This diagnosis method and treatment method can be performed only by a specialist doctor in a facility such as a hospital. Therefore, the subject is always required to go to a medical facility such as a hospital to undergo such diagnosis and treatment at the time of diagnosis or treatment, which is a heavy burden for the subject having severe disease symptoms. It may be too late in time if urgent treatment is required and the subject is far from the treatment site.

Although a measurement site of a subject is measured by a remote measuring device, there are the following problems.

Since the measurement information of the examinee greatly varies in the daily values of the examinee and greatly depends on the amount of exercise of the examinee at that time, the movement of the examinee is monitored or the measurement information is monitored. Then, the occurrence of physical abnormality in the subject cannot be accurately detected.

Even if an abnormality is diagnosed by remote monitoring, the treatment needs to be performed by a treatment device different from the diagnostic device.

Although it is possible to monitor the occurrence of an abnormality in the subject at a remote place, a PHS communication device is provided by a wired connection to the diagnostic device, and diagnostic information is transmitted from this PHS communication device to the monitoring center through the PHS communication network. . Therefore, the shape of the device when it is worn on or carried by a subject is large and relatively heavy. In other words, it is difficult to obtain the degree of freedom of the subject's activities.

Acceleration information is transmitted to a remote monitoring center using a PHS system or PDC telephone system. Therefore, communication charges are incurred. Particularly, since the diagnostic information is continuously transmitted, the communication fee (charge) of the metered system becomes large.

When the in-house PHS system in the facility is used, diagnostic information is continuously transmitted. Therefore, in order to monitor a large number of subjects as well as the number of accommodated outside lines and extension lines, the device of the in-house PHS system is used. The scale becomes large.

The present invention solves the problems in the prior art as described above, and analyzes the measurement information of blood flow by ultrasonic waves by ultrasonic diagnostic equipment attached to a plurality of sites to be measured in a subject. Then, a more accurate normal state or abnormal state of the body of each subject is remotely diagnosed. Furthermore, when treatment is required, a transducer attached to the measurement site corresponding to the measured abnormal value emits ultrasonic waves for treatment, and palliative treatment for vascular stenosis inhibition of pseudointimal or neovascularization An object of the present invention is to provide a remote diagnosis and treatment method and a remote diagnosis and treatment system using ultrasonic waves for performing the treatment for the creation of the patient.

[0014]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the method of ultrasonic remote diagnosis of the present invention comprises the steps of measuring image data by ultrasonic elements arranged at a plurality of positions of a subject. A step of transmitting, together with a subject ID code for identifying the subject, the measured image data and image information related to a site identification code corresponding to the subject from a transmission device attached to the subject. A step of diagnosing a part of the subject based on the received image data, and a therapeutic ultrasonic wave irradiation through a network to an ultrasonic element of a part where an abnormality is diagnosed based on the received image data And a step of performing remote control of 1.

As a result, an ultrasonic diagnostic device attached to a plurality of sites to be measured in the subject makes a diagnosis based on the measurement information of the image data by ultrasonic waves, and a more accurate normal state of the body for each subject. Alternatively, it is possible to remotely diagnose the abnormal state. Further, when the treatment is required, the ultrasonic element attached to the diagnostic treatment site corresponding to the measured abnormal value can transmit the ultrasonic wave for the treatment to perform the treatment.

Further, the ultrasonic elements arranged at a plurality of positions are provided with a code for identifying the arranged positions. Since the code for identifying the arrangement position is attached, the abnormal portion can be accurately diagnosed and treated.

Furthermore, the measured image data is wirelessly transferred to the measurement management side device via a network. By wirelessly transferring to the measurement management apparatus, a plurality of subjects can be diagnosed on the measurement management apparatus side.

The remote control of the ultrasonic irradiation for the treatment is as follows.
The ultrasonic element irradiates the site with ultrasonic waves of a predetermined frequency for a predetermined time.

It is characterized in that the wireless transfer is transmission by a weak radio wave that does not adversely affect the subject or transmission to a wireless public line network.

Here, the ultrasonic element (hereinafter referred to as a transducer) is transmitted by a weak radio wave because it is worn on the body of the subject. As a result, it is possible to transfer image data that does not adversely affect the subject.

Furthermore, in the method of remote diagnosis and treatment by ultrasonic waves of the present invention, a step of measuring blood flow data at a plurality of positions of a subject by ultrasonic waves, and a subject ID for specifying the subject. A step of transmitting, together with the code, the received blood flow data of the plurality of parts and the blood flow information related to the part identification code corresponding to each of the plurality of parts, from the transmitting device attached to the subject; A step of calculating the blood flow rate of the subject based on, a step of calculating a threshold value of the blood flow rate of the subject based on the blood flow rate, the blood flow rate and the threshold value of the subject. If the blood flow exceeds the threshold value, it is diagnosed that a physical abnormality has occurred in the subject, and the ID code or name of the subject is displayed on the display device. Step and And having the steps of abnormality of the site being more attached performs remote control of ultrasonic wave irradiation for the treatment vibrator sites diagnosed, the steps of the person.

Here, an ultrasonic diagnostic device attached to a plurality of sites to be measured in the subject makes a diagnosis based on the measurement information of blood flow data by ultrasonic waves, and a more accurate body normality for each subject. It is possible to remotely diagnose the condition or the abnormal condition. Further, when the treatment is required, the ultrasonic element attached to the diagnostic treatment site corresponding to the measured abnormal value can transmit the ultrasonic wave for the treatment to perform the treatment.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that when the blood flow exceeds a threshold value, a warning including a screen display and / or a sound display is issued in the surroundings.

Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the identification information of the subject or the name of the subject is notified to the device for managing blood flow measurement and management through communication.

Further, the threshold value is a predetermined value which records the blood flow rate information measured for each subject and includes the minimum value of the recorded blood flow rate.

Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the monitor for comparing the blood flow rate with a threshold value is a threshold value preset for an individual subject having a disease. As a result, a more accurate threshold value that differs for each subject can be set, and diagnosis and treatment can be performed quickly and reliably.

In the method of the present invention, the notification of the identification code of the subject or the subject name is notified by communication to a device in the facility where the subject is located, or outside the facility where the subject is located. It is a feature that the notification is made by communication to the device in the facility.

According to the present invention described above, it is possible to inform the device in the facility where the subject is located or the device in the facility outside the facility by communication, so that various diagnostic treatment systems can be constructed.

Further, the method of the present invention is characterized in that when the blood flow exceeds a threshold value and treatment is required, an image of the treatment site is displayed together with blood flow information of the treatment site.

Furthermore, the therapeutic ultrasonic wave generation instruction from the measurement management side device is characterized in that an ultrasonic wave of a predetermined frequency is transmitted by the transducer.

Here, by displaying the image of the treatment site together with the blood flow information of the treatment site, the diagnosis becomes accurate, and the ultrasonic waves for the treatment can be accurately emitted.

The present invention is characterized in that electrocardiogram data, acceleration information, and biological information are added to the measured blood flow rate and wirelessly transferred. As a result, the normal state or abnormal state of the subject can be surely grasped.

The present invention is characterized in that the wireless transfer is transmission by a weak radio wave that does not adversely affect the subject or transmission to a wireless public line network.

The remote diagnosis and treatment system of the present invention is provided with blood flow rate measuring means for measuring blood flow rate information of a subject and the blood flow rate measuring means, which is attached to the blood flow rate measuring means. Wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting, and receiving blood flow information wirelessly transmitted from the wireless communication means,
When this blood flow information exceeds a threshold value, a monitoring and reporting means for sending a warning through communication, and a vibrator for a portion of a plurality of vibrators attached to a subject, which has been diagnosed as abnormal, is used for treatment. And a therapeutic ultrasonic wave generating means for generating the ultrasonic wave.

Further, it is characterized by further comprising a relay device for receiving the blood flow rate information transmitted by the wireless communication means and transferring it to the monitoring and reporting means.

Further, the present system has a battery as a power source of the blood flow measuring means and the wireless communication means, and a remaining amount monitoring section for monitoring the remaining amount of this battery, and this remaining amount monitoring section has a remaining battery level. When recognizing the decrease in the amount of battery, the remaining amount decrease information is notified to the monitoring and reporting unit through the wireless communication unit, and the monitoring and reporting unit communicates the remaining amount of the battery to the device on the subject side. It is characterized by notifying.

Further, the blood flow measuring means and the wireless communication means are arranged on a wearing article including the underwear of the subject, and the blood flowing measuring means in the wearing article is positioned on a site having an artery. It is characterized by that.

In this system, the wireless communication means is provided with a control section for stopping or starting the operation of the blood flow measuring means, and the control section receives the operation stop or start operation from the monitoring and reporting means. It is characterized in that the control is executed based on the instruction information.

The remote diagnosis and treatment system of the present invention as described above, as well as the invention of the above-mentioned method, can remotely monitor and treat the more accurate normal state or abnormal state of the body of each subject, and The freedom of the activity of the inspector is obtained,
At the same time, it is possible to reduce the cost of transmitting the measurement information, reduce the burden of communication charges, and more accurately grasp the condition of the subject.

[0040]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION As described above, the present invention is
Ultrasonic energy is used externally and non-invasively to a blood vessel stenosis or a blood flow obstruction site in a human body tissue such as a coronary artery or a limb, in place of conventional medical intervention treatment and surgical revascularization, It enables not only blood circulation recovery at a vascular stenosis or an occlusion site but also suppression of the pseudointimal and creation of new blood vessels.

The embodiments of the remote diagnosis and treatment method and the remote diagnosis and treatment system using ultrasonic waves for performing diagnosis and treatment based on the measurement information at the vascular stenosis site and occlusion site of the subject according to the present invention will be described below in detail.

First, the configuration and basic operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, this 1st Embodiment is the whole structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 in a test subject, and the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 which a test subject carries.
And an indoor wireless relay device 2 arranged on the ceiling or the like for relay-transmitting the ID of the subject of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1, the image data of the diagnostic treatment site, and the positional information of the transducer. In this example, an in-facility diagnostic / treatment device 3 arranged in a facility accommodating a subject is provided.

The ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 is used to restore vascular constriction or blood flow obstruction in human tissues such as coronary arteries or limbs, to restore blood circulation, to inhibit the pseudointimal layer, and to create new blood vessels. , Thrombus site image information, and blood flow information (hereinafter referred to as measurement value information) are transmitted by wireless weak radio waves intermittently at fixed intervals according to the condition of the subject,
Alternatively, it is transmitted (continuously) every time measurement value information is obtained. The indoor wireless relay device 2 receives the measurement value from the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 by wireless weak radio waves and relays and transmits (relay transmission) by wired connection or wireless weak radio waves.

Further, when diagnosing a subject from the in-house diagnostic / treatment device 3, the identification number (ID) of the subject and the transducer numbers of the transducers 1a to 1n of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 are designated. Then, the transducers 1a to 1n of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 concerned
Instruct to send ultrasonic waves to the network. The designated transducers 1a to 1n of the plurality of transducers of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 instructed to transmit ultrasonic waves provide measurement value information obtained by irradiating ultrasonic waves for diagnosis in a wireless facility. Device 3
The diagnostician makes a diagnosis based on the displayed measurement value information. The processing of image information by ultrasonic waves is well known and will not be described.

To measure blood flow, electric energy is intermittently applied to the vibrator so that the piezoelectric element sends out ultrasonic waves for a short time. Immediately after such a brief emission or burst of ultrasonic waves, the transducer becomes a receiver waiting for reflected ultrasonic waves or echoes. The cycle is repeated by issuing the next burst at timed intervals. The frequency of burst emission is 200 to 20,
000 / s. Reflected wave data from this burst (the speed of sound passing through the medium and the time of leaving the transducer and hitting the boundary surface and returning as an echo) is received for a predetermined time.

The blood flow is calculated by measuring the blood flow by evaluating the frequency shift of the reflected wave by analyzing the reflected wave data received from the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave with a Toppler diagnostic device (not shown).

The in-facility diagnostic / treatment device 3 is arranged in a facility (for example, a hospital or a medical institution) accommodating a subject and is operated by a plurality of ultrasonic diagnostic treatment devices 1 (a plurality of subjects). The measured value is observed and recorded for each identification code (ID) of each subject.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1. In FIG. 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 irradiates (transmits) ultrasonic waves (20 KHz to 1 MHz, radiant energy is 0.3 to 100 watts / square centimeter) to the diagnosis region of the subject, and the ultrasonic wave is emitted from the diagnosis region. Oscillators 1a to 1n for receiving the reflected waves of, and an oscillator driving circuit 15 for driving irradiation, and the oscillators 1a to 1n.
A receiving circuit 17 is provided for receiving the signal from.

Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 includes a receiving circuit 17, a signal amplifier 18 for amplifying a received signal,
A processing unit 19 that removes noise components and the like, and a wireless transmission unit 20 that adds the identification code (ID) of the subject to the measurement value and wirelessly transmits the weak radio wave are provided. Further, this ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 has an R storing a CPU and a program.
The battery E is provided with a microcomputer 21 including an OM, a working RAM that stores the identification code of the subject, and the like.

The wireless transmission unit 20 transmits by a weak radio wave which is transmission power that does not adversely affect medical equipment and living bodies. For example, the Bluetooth method is applied.

Further, the microcomputer 21 stores the identification code of the subject from an external input operating device (not shown), controls the drive of the transmission drive circuit 15, and the processing section 19.
The blood flow rate is calculated for each sampling rate from the measurement value in. Further, the microcomputer 21 detects the remaining capacity of the battery E by, for example, a voltage drop value or the like, and when the remaining capacity becomes less than or equal to a predetermined remaining capacity, the microcomputer 21 notifies the in-facility diagnostic treatment apparatus 3 together with the identification code of the subject. Further, a command for stopping / starting the measurement is received from the in-house diagnostic / treatment device 3, and the control corresponding to the command is executed.

Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 comprises the transducers 1a to 1n and the receiving circuit for receiving the reflected waves, and the transmission drive circuit 15 for driving the transmission of the transducers 1a to 1n as detectors. , Signal amplifier 18, processing unit 19, wireless transmission unit 20, microcomputer 21, and battery E
Although the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device main body is partially separated and carried by the subject at the same time, the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device main body may be configured such that each unit is integrally configured (stored in one housing).

The transducers 1a to 1n that emit ultrasonic waves and receive the reflected ultrasonic waves have the following configuration. The shape of a substance having a piezoelectric effect is deformed under the influence of an electric field. For example,
When a current is applied to a quartz crystal, the crystal changes according to the direction of the current. As the crystal expands and contracts, compression and thinning, or sound waves, occur. It has the opposite effect.

That is, when a sound wave is applied to the crystal, an electric pulse is generated. In the vibrator having such a basic structure, ceramic, barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, or the like is used as the piezoelectric element.

FIG. 3 shows a basic structure of a vibrator 1a composed of a piezoelectric element in which electrodes 86a and 86b as electric power sources are attached to both sides of the element 85. On the rear side of the piezoelectric element, a backing material 87 is provided to absorb the energy of sound emitted toward the outside and improve the shape of the energy emitted to the front.

Ultrasound is defined as having a frequency above 20,000 cycles per second, ie above the audible range. In fact, frequencies in the millions of cycles / second range are used for medical diagnosis and treatment. The ultrasonic wave can give the ultrasonic wave a directivity on the beam. Ultrasound follows the principles of reflection and refraction. Ultrasonic waves are reflected by small objects. A diagnostic treatment device using ultrasonic waves is configured based on these principles.

As a result, in the ultrasonic treatment system according to the present invention, the intimal proliferation in the coronary arteries is suppressed, the cell proliferation after the medical intervention treatment is reduced, and further the creation of new blood vessels. Can be encouraged.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a schematic electrical configuration of the indoor wireless relay device 2. In FIG. 4, the indoor wireless relay device 2 includes wireless transmitting / receiving units 30, 3
2 and an interface (I / F) unit 31 are provided.

The wireless transmitting / receiving unit 30 is used for the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1.
The weak radio wave is received, and the command for stopping / starting the measurement from the in-house diagnostic / treatment device 3 is relay-transmitted. The wireless transmission / reception unit 30 may be, for example, a Bluetooth device.
h) Method is applied.

The wireless transmission / reception unit 32 sends the measured value, the identification code, and the voltage drop data from the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 to the in-house diagnostic treatment device 3 (collectively, as appropriate, "ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device information"). Is described), and a command such as stop / start of measurement from the in-house diagnostic / treatment device 3 is received. The wireless transmission / reception unit 32 may be, for example, Bluetooth.
wireless transmission / reception using the tooth) method, or a private P inside the facility
An HS (Personal Handyphone System) telephone system or the like is applied. The I / F unit 31 includes the wireless transmission / reception units 30, 3
Handles the exchange of data between the two.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the schematic electrical configuration of the in-house diagnostic / treatment device 3. In FIG. 5, the in-facility diagnostic treatment apparatus 3 has a wireless transmission / reception unit 40 for performing wireless transmission / reception with the indoor wireless relay device 2, an I / F unit 41 for performing interface processing of transmission / reception data, and a computer 42. It has a monitor device 43 and an input operation device 44.

The computer 42 (monitor device 43, input operation device 44) processes the received ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device information and records and monitors the measured value for each subject (for example,
When the abnormality is determined and the abnormality is judged and the treatment is performed, the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 is instructed to irradiate the treatment ultrasonic wave. Furthermore, the remaining capacity of the battery E in the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device information is monitored. Also, the computer 42
A command (stop, start, etc.) is sent to the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1, and a microcomputer (not shown)
The program stored in is executed to perform the processing in this embodiment.

Here, the overall operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flow sequence diagram of the operation of the first embodiment. 1 to 6, here, the diagnostic site of the subject is measured continuously or intermittently (for a specific time) by the in-house diagnostic treatment apparatus 3. The subject is, for example, a sick person in whom coronary artery vascular restenosis or blood flow disorder or thrombosis in a diseased part such as a limb is predicted. The condition of the sick person will be described as an example of diagnosis based on image data and blood flow.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sick person is placed in a band or the like so that the transducers 1a to 1n of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 shown in FIG. 2 are located on the diseased part of the thoracic artery. Install.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1, the microcomputer 21 cooperates with the processing unit 19 to calculate the blood flow of the subject, and the measured value is wirelessly transmitted to the indoor wireless relay device 2 together with the identification code of the subject. It is transmitted (step Sa in FIG. 5).

The indoor wireless relay device 2 wirelessly transmits the measurement information from the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 to the in-house diagnostic treatment device 3. The in-facility diagnostic treatment apparatus 3 receives the measurement value relay-transmitted from the indoor wireless relay apparatus 2 (step S
1), a database (D / B) device (not shown) or the like is recorded corresponding to the identification code of each subject (step S
2).

Computer 42 of the on-site diagnostic treatment device 3
Displays the blood flow rate of each subject on the monitor device 43 and displays a standard value of the blood flow rate (measured value) that is known in advance and a “threshold value” obtained from the record (history) of each subject. (Step S3). As for this threshold, the blood flow information measured for each subject is recorded in the D / B device,
By setting the predetermined value including the recorded minimum value of blood flow as the “threshold value”, it becomes possible to set a more accurate threshold value that differs for each subject.

Then, when the measured value exceeds the threshold value,
Assuming that the subject is abnormal, the monitor device 43
A warning screen is displayed on the screen, and a voice device (not shown)
The alarm sound is output (notified) from (step S4). If necessary, the computer 42 of the in-house diagnostic treatment device 3
The image of the affected area is displayed on the display screen. If the treatment is required, a remote instruction is given to irradiate the ultrasonic wave at the location where the abnormality is generated with ultrasonic waves (20 KHz to 1 MHz) of a predetermined frequency (step S6). The amount of ultrasonic energy to be applied is 0.1 to 100 watts / square centimeter, depending on the treatment site or the purpose of treatment. Upon receiving the instruction, the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 transmits a current for generating an ultrasonic wave of a specified predetermined frequency to the vibrators 1a to 1n arranged at the specified position for a predetermined time (step Sb). ). Then, the fact that the measured value exceeds the threshold value is urgently transmitted to the administrator of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 by a telephone device (not shown) or electronic mail (step S7). Ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 that received this emergency transmission
The manager on the side takes a corresponding action (step Sc).

As a countermeasure for this, the condition of the sick person in whom intravascular stenosis or thrombosis is predicted is monitored through the blood flow volume and the image of the affected area (diagnosis site). To be able to instruct or request the dispatch of a doctor.

The in-facility diagnostic treatment apparatus 3 sends a command such as measurement stop / start to the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment instrument 1 (step S8). The ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 receives a command such as measurement stop / start from the in-facility diagnostic treatment device 3 through the indoor wireless relay device 2 and executes corresponding processing (control) (steps Sd, Se). This is because, for example, the measurement is stopped / started so that the subject may perform the measurement during the non-examination.

Further, when the remaining capacity of the battery E becomes low, the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 transmits a decrease in the remaining capacity to the facility diagnostic treatment apparatus 3 through the indoor wireless relay device 2 (steps Sf, Sg). The in-facility diagnostic / treatment device 3 that has received the information on the decrease in the remaining capacity of the battery E notifies the administrator of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 of the decrease in the remaining capacity of the battery E by a telephone device (not shown) or e-mail. Emergency transmission (step S)
9). The administrator on the side of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 that has received this emergency transmission takes a corresponding action (step Sh).

Next, the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, while the in-facility diagnostic treatment apparatus 3 of the first embodiment is arranged in the same building as the subject, centralized monitoring is performed at a remote place. For example, many facilities (eg, hospitals, nursing homes, nursing homes)
Intensive diagnosis of measured values for each subject from

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of remote diagnosis in the second embodiment. 7, in the second embodiment, a remote diagnosis and treatment device 3A is provided together with the indoor wireless relay device 2A. Further, the indoor wireless relay device 2A and the remote diagnosis and treatment device 3A are connected by a wireless public line network 50 (cell base station 51) and a wired public line network 52.

The indoor wireless relay device 2A includes a wireless transmission / reception unit 30 and an I / F unit 31 similar to those of the first embodiment, as well as a public wireless transmission / reception unit 32a wirelessly connected to the wireless public line network 50 (cell base station 51). It is provided. Further, the remote monitoring device 3A is provided with a line connection device (not shown) connected to the wired public line network 52. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The wireless public line network 50 (cell base station 51) and the public wireless transmission / reception unit 32a are, for example, the PHS system or P
DC (Personal Digital Cellular Telecommunication)
System) method. The line connection device (not shown) of the remote monitoring device 3A is realized by, for example, a network communication control unit (NCU), a digital termination unit (DSU), and a terminal adapter (TA).

In the second embodiment, in the remote diagnosis and treatment apparatus 3A such as a hospital in a remote place, it is possible to perform a centralized diagnosis of measurement values for each subject from a large number of facilities (for example, medical treatment facilities, nursing homes). become.

Further, the third embodiment will be described.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment.
In FIG. 8, in the third embodiment, the measurement value of the subject is directly measured from the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 of the subject, and the wireless public line network 50 is used.
(Cell base station 51). Therefore, together with the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1, a portable terminal for public radio (for example, PHS data terminal) inserted and arranged in the breast pocket of the subject.
60 is provided. The measurement value of the subject is transferred from the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 of the subject to a portable terminal for public wireless (for example, PHS).
(Data terminal) 60, and transmits it to the mobile terminal 60 for public wireless
From the wireless public line network 50 (cell base station 51). Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment shown in FIG. According to this configuration, the subject can leave the facility such as the hospital and go out even during the measurement of the diagnostic region.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the mobile terminal 60 of the third embodiment. In FIG. 9, this example includes a wireless transmission / reception unit 61 for connecting to a cell base station 51 of a wireless public line network 50, a wireless connection processing unit 62, and a codec (encoding / decoding).
The unit 63 includes a microphone 64 for voice communication and a speaker 65. Further, the mobile terminal 60 is an I / F for connecting an external device (ultrasound diagnostic treatment device 1) together with a microcomputer 66 for controlling each unit of the terminal.
A section 67, a display device 68, and an input operation device 69 are provided.

The wireless connection processing unit 62, for example, performs multiplexing processing (TDMA, TDMA / TDD, CDMA) and demodulation / demodulation.
Processing modulation.

The operation of this apparatus is based on the TDMA method,
It is known as the TDMA / TDD system and the CDMA system, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the fourth embodiment. 10, in the fourth embodiment, the electrocardiogram data, acceleration data, and biometric data of the subject are transmitted together with the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device information. The electrocardiogram data from the electrocardiograph 70 is output to the wireless transmission unit 20 of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, the wireless transmitter 2
For the combination with the blood flow rate information at 0, the acceleration information, the biometric information, and the electrocardiogram data, for example, a time division multiplexing (TDMA) method or the like can be applied.

The electrocardiograph 70 has a known structure in which one or more electrodes are brought into contact with the skin of the subject to output biometric information such as electrocardiogram data.

Furthermore, together with the acceleration measuring device 81 and the biological information measuring device 82 which are worn and carried by the subject, the acceleration information for each part of the subject detected by the acceleration measuring device 81 and the biological information measuring device 82 ( Set information of legs, arms, head, chest, and waist), biological information (blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, blood oxygen concentration), and site identification code and subject identification code (collectively, these Inspector information and description)
Are being sent.

The indoor wireless relay device 2 is the acceleration measuring device 1.
Also, the subject information from the biological information measuring device 1b is received by a weak radio wave and relayed (relayed) by a wired connection or a weak radio wave.

The processor receiving the data receives the blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen concentration from the biological information calculated as shown in the above example. When the plurality of pieces of biometric information exceed the thresholds, it is determined that the subject has a physical abnormality. The processor is further configured to perform the motion and / or posture (sleeping, sitting, sitting on a chair, walking, running, etc.) of the subject related to the warning based on the plurality of biological information.
Motion and / or posture in walking on stairs, bathing, eating, and excretion), and the necessity of abnormal treatment is determined based on the measured acceleration values of the plurality of parts. The processor is
Further, along with the ID code or name of the subject, the blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, and biological information of the oxygen concentration in the blood of the subject and the action and / or posture are displayed.

The processor determines the therapeutic treatment for the abnormality of the blood flow by considering the acceleration information and the biological information. If the blood flow volume of the subject increases due to exercise (for example, going up and down stairs), it is determined that it is normal and no action is required.

In the fourth embodiment, the in-facility diagnostic treatment apparatus 3 (remote diagnostic treatment apparatus 3A) of the first embodiment can diagnose electrocardiogram data, acceleration data, and biological data together with the blood flow of the subject. In addition, the condition of the subject can be accurately confirmed.

In this embodiment, the in-facility diagnostic treatment apparatus 3 and the remote diagnostic treatment apparatus 3A compare the threshold value with the transferred measurement value to determine the normal state or abnormal state of the subject. However, this determination may be performed by the microcomputer 21 of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1. In this configuration, the result of this determination is displayed (lighted or non-lighted) on the transducer, and the result of the determination is added to the measurement value information from the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 to the in-facility diagnostic treatment device 3 and remote diagnosis. Transfer to the treatment device 3A.

In this case, the normal or abnormal display of the subject (lighting or non-lighting) on the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 makes it easy to know the occurrence of abnormality in the subject, especially around the subject. Will be able to. When the determination result is added to the measurement value information and transferred to the in-facility diagnostic treatment apparatus 3 and the remote diagnostic treatment 3A, the in-facility diagnostic treatment apparatus 3 and the remote diagnostic treatment apparatus 3 are used.
On the A side, although it is not possible to make an accurate comparison with the history (measured value) of each subject before comparison with the threshold value, provisional alarm notification is possible and more rapid monitoring is possible. Become.

Further, in this embodiment, an example in which the microcomputer of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1, the in-house diagnostic treatment device 3, and the remote diagnostic treatment device 3A executes a program has been described, but the same function is provided. The digital signal processor provided can also control the above-described embodiments. Such modifications are design matters that can be easily created by those skilled in the art, and are included in the present invention.

Portable terminal 60 as shown in the third embodiment
If it is used in the combination of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 and
The subject does not need to stay in a facility such as a hospital to measure blood flow, and can freely move. Furthermore, in the description of the first embodiment of the present invention, although the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 is attached to the subject's chest (shown in FIG. 1), the subject's vascular stenosis, diseases such as thrombus, etc. The ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 may be arranged on any part as long as it is a part, a part for suppressing the pseudointimal part, or a part for creating a new blood vessel.

For this reason, the degree of freedom of activity is increased by arranging the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 on various wearable objects to be worn on the body and wearing the wearable object on the body to enable measurement. You can

Here, an example of the external configuration of the mounted article in which the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 described in the first to fourth embodiments is arranged on the mounted article will be described.

FIG. 11 shows the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 underwear 76.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining an example of an external configuration showing an example of wearing on the body placed in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 is arranged on the undergarment 76 to measure the blood flow rate from the artery of the chest region of the subject, or the electrocardiograph 70 is located on the undergarment 76 facing the heart. It is placed at the center so that the electrocardiogram can be measured. The positions of the transducers 1a to 1n of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 arranged on the undergarment 76 may be predetermined positions for stent placement in the heart and the vicinity thereof. Further, not only one but a plurality may be arranged.

FIG. 12 shows the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 of the best 7 type.
7 is a perspective view for explaining an example of an external configuration showing an example of body wearing arranged in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 is placed in the vest 77, and the blood flow rate is measured from the artery of the chest region of the subject. The positions of the transducers 1a to 1n of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 arranged on the undergarment 76 may be predetermined positions for stent placement in the heart and the vicinity thereof. Further, not only one but a plurality may be arranged. Further, the acceleration measuring device 81 and the biological information measuring device 82 can be attached at the same time.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining an external configuration example showing an example of wearing the body on which the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 is arranged in the brassiere 78. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 is placed in the brassiere 78, and the blood flow rate is measured from the artery of the breast region of the subject. The positions of the transducers 1a to 1n of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 arranged on the brassiere 78 may be predetermined positions for stent placement in the heart and the vicinity thereof. Further, not only one but a plurality may be arranged.

In addition to the above, the same wearing article as described above (for example,
The ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 may be arranged on a subject identification code (ID) band, a hat, or the like. It is also possible to attach various kinds of wearing objects (eg, glasses, bracelets, necklaces, etc.) to a plurality of parts of the body to increase the number of parts for measuring biological information and acceleration information.

FIG. 14 shows an example in which the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1 is attached to the extremities other than the heart, and
Shows an example attached to the upper arm and (b) an example attached to the lower limb.

Blood circulation disorders, blood clots, etc. also occur in areas other than the heart, for example, in the extremities. By mounting the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment apparatus 1 according to the present invention on these diseased areas, It is possible to diagnose and treat the diseased part using the external and non-invasive ultrasonic waves described in the above.

[0102]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the diagnostic treatment system for a subject of the present invention, the measured blood flow information of the subject is transmitted to the inside of a building or a remote place through weak radio waves or a wired communication network. Transferred to the patient for diagnosis. As a result of the diagnosis, ultrasonic waves for treatment can be transmitted to a portion determined to be abnormal to perform treatment.

As a result, there is an effect that the degree of freedom on the side of measuring the blood flow to the subject and the degree of freedom of action on the subject to measure the blood flow can be obtained.

Further, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment method of the present invention, a more accurate threshold value that is different for each subject is set. As a result, it becomes possible to grasp the accurate state of the sick person,
Further, when an abnormality occurs, it has an effect that the treatment can be performed promptly and surely and the accident can be prevented.

In addition, in the method for remote diagnosis and treatment by ultrasonic waves of the present invention, the device in the facility where the subject is located and the device in the facility outside the facility are notified by communication. As a result, there is an effect that various diagnostic treatment systems can be constructed.

Furthermore, according to the ultrasonic remote diagnosis and treatment system of the present invention, diagnosis and treatment is performed by adding biological information such as electrocardiogram data to the blood flow rate. As a result, there is an effect that it is possible to perform diagnosis and treatment capable of grasping various and more accurate normal or abnormal states of a subject.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a blood flow monitoring system for a subject according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a basic configuration diagram of a vibrator including a piezoelectric element in which electrodes of an electric power source are attached to both sides of the element.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining an electrical configuration of the indoor wireless relay device in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining an electrical configuration of the in-facility monitoring device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow sequence diagram of the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of remote monitoring in the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a mobile terminal of a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front view for explaining an external configuration example of a wearing article (underwear) to which the present ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device is attached.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining an external configuration example of a wearing article (best) to which the present ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device is attached.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining an external configuration example of a wearing article (brass) equipped with the present ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device.

FIG. 14 shows an example in which the present ultrasonic diagnostic treatment is attached to a limb region (arm or leg) other than the heart region.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Ultrasonic diagnostic treatment device 1a to 1n oscillator 2 Indoor wireless relay device 2A Indoor wireless relay device 3 In-house diagnostic treatment equipment 3A Remote diagnosis and treatment device 21 Microcomputer 42 Computer 43 Monitor device 60 mobile terminals 70 ECG meter E battery E

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 4C060 JJ25 MM25                 4C301 CC10 DD01 DD07 EE20 FF26                       GA03 JA04 JB27 JC16 KK33                 4C601 DD03 DD15 EE30 FF11 FF16                       GA01 GA03 GD01 GD02 GD04                       JB34 JB35 JB40 JC15 JC20                       KK16 KK33 KK35 LL23

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A step of measuring image data by ultrasonic elements arranged at a plurality of positions of a subject, and a subject ID code for specifying the subject,
A step of transmitting the measured image data and image information related to a part identification code corresponding to the part from a transmitter attached to the subject; and diagnosing the part of the subject based on the received image data. And a remote diagnostic treatment method using ultrasonic waves. 2. A step of measuring image data with ultrasonic elements arranged at a plurality of positions of a subject, and a subject ID code for specifying the subject,
A step of transmitting the measured image data and image information relating to a site identification code corresponding to the site from a transmission device attached to a subject; and a site of an abnormality diagnosed based on the received image data. A remote diagnosis and treatment method using ultrasonic waves, comprising: a step of remotely controlling irradiation of ultrasonic waves for treatment to a sonic element via a network. 3. The ultrasonic elements arranged at a plurality of positions,
The remote diagnostic treatment method by ultrasonic waves according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a code for identifying the arrangement position is attached. 4. The remote diagnostic treatment method using ultrasonic waves according to claim 1, wherein the measured image data is wirelessly transferred to a measurement management side device via a network. 5. The remote control of the irradiation of ultrasonic waves for medical treatment is characterized in that the ultrasonic element irradiates the site with ultrasonic waves of a predetermined frequency for a predetermined time. The method for remote diagnosis and treatment by ultrasonic waves according to [4]. 6. The transmission by weak radio waves, wherein the wireless transfer does not adversely affect the subject,
Alternatively, the method of remote diagnosis and treatment by ultrasonic waves according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method is transmission to a wireless public line network. 7. A step of ultrasonically measuring blood flow data of a plurality of regions of a subject or an ischemic state of a myocardium or a tissue (hereinafter, referred to as “blood flow data”), and for identifying the subject. With the patient ID code of
Transmitting the received blood flow data of the plurality of sites and blood flow information related to the site identification codes corresponding to each of the received blood flow data from a transmitting device attached to a subject, and based on the received blood flow data A step of calculating the blood flow rate of the subject, a step of calculating a threshold value of the blood flow rate of the subject based on the blood flow rate, and comparing the blood flow rate of the subject and the threshold value And a step of diagnosing that the subject has a physical abnormality when the blood flow exceeds the threshold value, and displaying the subject's ID code or name on the display device. And a step of performing remote control of ultrasonic irradiation for treatment to the ultrasonic element of a site where an abnormality is diagnosed among a plurality of sites worn by a subject, Remote diagnosis by sound waves療方 method. 8. When the blood flow exceeds a threshold value,
The method for remote diagnosis and treatment by ultrasonic waves according to claim 7, wherein a warning including a screen display and / or a sound display is issued in the surroundings. 9. The remote diagnostic treatment method using ultrasonic waves according to claim 7, wherein the device for measuring and managing blood flow is notified via communication as notification of the identification information of the subject or the name of the subject. . 10. The ultrasonic wave according to claim 7, wherein the threshold value is a predetermined value that records blood flow amount information measured for each subject and includes a minimum value of the recorded blood flow amount. Remote diagnosis and treatment method. 11. The remote diagnostic treatment by ultrasonic waves according to claim 7, wherein the diagnosis of comparing the blood flow rate with a threshold is a diagnosis of a threshold set in advance for an individual subject having a disease. Method. 12. The notification of the identification code of the examinee or the examinee's name is communicated to a device in the facility where the examinee is located, or a device in a facility outside the facility where the examinee is located. The method for remote diagnosis and treatment by ultrasonic waves according to claim 7, wherein the notification is made by communication with the user. 13. The method according to claim 7, wherein when the blood flow exceeds a threshold value, an image of the treatment site is displayed together with blood flow information of the treatment site. 14. An image measuring means for measuring image data of a plurality of parts of a subject by an ultrasonic element, and a wireless radio provided in parallel with the image measuring means for wirelessly transmitting the image data measured by the image measuring means. When receiving the image data wirelessly transmitted from the communication unit and the wireless communication unit, and the image data is diagnosed to be abnormal,
A remote diagnosis and treatment system using ultrasonic waves, comprising: a warning reporting means for sending a warning through communication. 15. An image measuring unit for measuring image data of a plurality of regions of a subject by an ultrasonic element, and a wireless unit provided in the image measuring unit and wirelessly transmitting the image data measured by the image measuring unit. A communication unit receives image data wirelessly transmitted from the wireless communication unit, and irradiates therapeutic ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic element at a site where abnormality is diagnosed among a plurality of sites worn by a subject. An ultrasonic remote diagnostic treatment system, comprising: 16. The ultrasonic wave according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a relay device for receiving the image data transmitted by the wireless communication means and transferring the image data to the warning notification means. Telediagnosis and treatment system. 17. A battery as a power source for the image measuring unit and the wireless communication unit, and a remaining amount monitoring unit for monitoring the remaining amount of the battery, the remaining amount monitoring unit recognizing a decrease in the remaining amount of the battery. In this case, the remaining amount decrease information is notified to the monitoring notification unit through the wireless communication unit, and the warning notification unit notifies the device on the subject side of the decrease in the remaining amount of the battery through communication. The remote diagnosis and treatment system using ultrasonic waves according to claim 14 or 15. 18. The image measuring means and the wireless communication means are arranged on a wearing article including the subject's underwear, and the image measuring means in the wearing article is positioned on a site to be diagnosed and treated. 16. The method according to claim 14 or 15,
A remote diagnosis and treatment system using ultrasonic waves according to. 19. The wireless communication unit includes a control unit for stopping or starting the operation of the image measuring unit, and the control unit receives an instruction for stopping or starting the operation received from the warning notifying unit. 16. The ultrasonic remote diagnosis and treatment system according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by executing control based on information.