JP2004033476A - Method and device for ultrasonic irradiation - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method or a device for applying high energy locally to an object with a liquid present at least partly in the periphery of the object by irradiating ultrasonic waves to the object. <P>SOLUTION: The method for ultrasonic irradiation is the method for applying high energy locally to the object with a liquid present at least partly in the periphery of the object by irradiating ultrasonic waves to the object. In the first process, the object is irradiated with the high-frequency ultrasonic waves to generate and grow bubbles or a bubble group in a limited area of the liquid present at least partly in the periphery of the object. In the second process after the first process, the object is irradiated with the low-frequency ultrasonic waves to apply high energy locally to the object by resonating and breaking the bubbles or the bubble group generated and grown in the liquid present at least locally in the periphery of the object. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of irradiating an ultrasonic wave toward an object in which a liquid exists in at least a part of the surroundings. The present invention also relates to an ultrasonic irradiation device that can irradiate an object with ultrasonic waves having a frequency based on set frequency information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, it has been desired to improve the quality of life (QOL) of patients after surgery. In such a trend, Minimally Invasive Treatment (MIT) has attracted attention. In particular, since the 1980s, the study of a calculus crushing apparatus by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which irradiates a calculus with a shock wave formed by strong ultrasonic waves or the like from outside the body and non-invasively crushes the calculus, has been conducted since the 1980s. It has been put to practical use in medical practice. Kidney stones, urinary stones and gallstones are considered to be one of the modern diseases caused by animal protein intake, considering that the number of patients is small in vegetarians and developing countries, and that there are many patients in developed countries. Types of stones include stones formed by calcium oxalate dihydrate or monohydrate, calcium phosphate stones, infected stones, uric acid stones, and cystine stones. Gallstones include cholesterol gallstones and pigmented gallstones (calcium compounds). Among them, the calculus due to the calcium compound accounts for about 90% of the total calculus, and crushing these calcium compounds is a major goal of the calculus crushing apparatus. In addition, cystine stones and gallstones, which are considered to be the hardest stones, are hard to be crushed.
[0003]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-131454 discloses that it is effective to frequency-modulate ultrasonic waves in a therapeutic ultrasonic device.
[0004]
First, the frequency modulation disclosed in JP-A-8-131454 will be specifically described below.
[0005]
It is most preferable to drive the piezo element at a resonance frequency f0 specific to the thickness of the piezo element and generate a therapeutic ultrasonic wave at the resonance frequency f0 from the viewpoint of the conversion efficiency of electric signal / mechanical vibration. However, when the therapeutic ultrasonic waves are continuously irradiated for a relatively long time while being fixed at the resonance frequency f0, cavitation (bubbles) gradually grow to a size depending on the wavelength.
[0006]
Therefore, it is proposed to change the frequency fm of the drive signal with time in the range of f0−Δf / 2 ≦ fm ≦ f0 + Δf / 2 with the resonance frequency f0 as the center. Note that the frequency of the drive signal and the frequency of the therapeutic ultrasound generated from the ultrasound source are equivalent, and the “drive signal” and “therapeutic ultrasound” can be interchanged.
[0007]
FIGS. 14 (a), 15 (a), 16 (a), and 17 (a) show time waveforms of various types of drive signals, and FIGS. 14 (b), 15 (b), and FIG. 16 (b) and FIG. 17 (b) show (time changes in) the frequencies of the corresponding drive signals.
[0008]
The drive signal in FIG. 14A is generated such that its frequency changes sinusoidally. The drive signal shown in FIG. 15A is generated such that its frequency changes stepwise. The drive signal of FIG. 16A is generated such that its frequency continuously changes from a low frequency (f0−Δf / 2) to a high frequency (f0 + Δf / 2) with a constant gradient. The drive signal in FIG. 17A is generated such that a period in which the frequency is fixed at the resonance frequency f0 and a period in which the frequency changes sinusoidally occur.
[0009]
The change over time of the frequency disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-131454 suppresses the growth of cavitation, disrupts the grown cavitation, reduces the cavitation in the growth process, and thereby reduces the therapeutic effect of cavitation. It is intended to wipe out the negative effects.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The effect of cavitation generated by ultrasonic waves is that the large pressure generated from cavitation bubbles damages tissues or cells in the living body, and secondly, the generated cavitation bubbles scatter ultrasonic waves, Thirdly, it may be an obstacle when transmitting ultrasonic energy to the region, and thirdly, the temperature may increase at an unintended part around the cavitation bubble.
[0011]
Since ESWL devices currently in practical use converge high-pressure shock waves (including high-intensity ultrasonic waves) over a wide area in the body, cavitation phenomena occur in a wide area in the body, and unintended portions of the body are not affected. Tissue or cell damage has occurred. On the other hand, the generation of high pressure due to the collapse of cavitation bubbles or cavitation bubbles is considered to be possible for the crushing of the calculus itself, but for that purpose, cavitation bubbles or cavitation bubbles are generated only in the very vicinity of the calculus. Therefore, technology to break this down is needed.
[0012]
Furthermore, in the ESWL device currently in practical use, since the crushed pieces are large, there is also a problem that the patient is distressed when it is discharged outside the body through the urethra after treatment. That is, there is a demand for a technique for making crushed pieces as fine as possible.
[0013]
The invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-131454 has a main focus on reducing cavitation during the growth process. By removing the cavitation from the ultrasonic wave propagation site, it is intended to effectively converge the ultrasonic wave only in a target region and avoid the above three problems. As a result, it is possible to obtain an efficient temperature rise in a target area where the ultrasonic waves are focused.
[0014]
However, when ultrasonic waves are used for calculus crushing, the calculus bubbles or cavitation bubble groups collapse and the calculus is crushed (here, the collapse of the bubbles or bubble groups means the bubble or bubble group). However, when implosion occurs due to fluctuations in the surrounding pressure, high energy is concentrated near the center of the bubble or bubble group, and a shock wave with a very large pressure is generated. It does not refer to the process of disappearing.) That is, the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-131454 is intended to dissipate bubbles or bubbles, which is a contradiction to efficiently performing crushing of calculi. Technology cannot be used for efficient calculus breaking.
[0015]
Furthermore, in the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-131454, the generation region of cavitation bubbles or cavitation bubble groups is not sufficiently considered. Since cavitation is generated and grown for the purpose of calculus breaking, it is sufficient to generate and grow only in the vicinity of the calculus. On the other hand, the occurrence and growth of cavitation at a position away from the calculus increases the risk of destroying or damaging unwanted in vivo tissues or cells.
[0016]
That is, according to the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-131454, although the destruction and damage of tissue or cells in a living body due to cavitation are avoided, cavitation bubbles or a group of cavitation bubbles are collapsed. High energy that is sometimes concentrated cannot be used efficiently. In order to efficiently use high energy at the time of collapse of cavitation bubbles or cavitation bubble groups, it is necessary to use only the treatment site without using a technique for reducing cavitation such as the invention described in JP-A-8-131454. There is a need for a technique that locally generates and grows cavitation bubbles or cavitation bubbles and effectively causes the cavitation bubbles and cavitation bubbles to collapse only at the site.
[0017]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and irradiates an ultrasonic wave toward an object in which liquid is present in at least a part of the surroundings to locally apply high energy to the object. It is intended to provide a method or apparatus that can perform the method. The present invention can be used for crushing gallstones, which are considered difficult to crush in existing calculus crushing devices, in addition to calculus crushing. In addition, the present invention can be used in a wide range of applications.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is a method of locally applying high energy to an object by irradiating an ultrasonic wave toward an object where liquid is present in at least a part of the surroundings. Irradiation toward the object to generate and grow cavitation bubbles (hereinafter referred to as bubbles) or cavitation bubbles (hereinafter referred to as bubbles) in a limited region of the liquid existing at least partially around the object. One step and, after the first step, irradiating the object with low-frequency ultrasonic waves to generate and grow bubbles in a liquid existing at least partially around the object. Alternatively, there is provided a second step of locally applying high energy to the object by causing the bubbles to resonate and collapse, thereby providing an ultrasonic irradiation method.
[0019]
According to the present invention, by irradiating a high-frequency ultrasonic wave toward an object, a bubble or a group of bubbles is generated and grown in a limited region of a liquid existing at least partially around the object. Then, by irradiating a low-frequency ultrasonic wave toward the object to resonate and collapse bubbles or bubbles that have been generated and grown in the liquid existing at least partially around the object. Thus, high energy can be locally applied to the object. That is, energy can be applied to the target object very efficiently.
[0020]
In summary, while the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-131454 was intended to reduce cavitation, the present invention concentrates cavitation in a very narrow area spatially, This is to achieve efficient high energy concentration by effectively utilizing high energy at the time of cavitation collapse.
[0021]
Alternatively, the present invention is a method of locally applying high energy to an object by irradiating an ultrasonic wave toward an object in which liquid is present in at least a part of the surroundings, the method comprising: A first step of irradiating an ultrasonic wave toward the object; and a second step of irradiating the object with a low-frequency ultrasonic wave after the first step, and the irradiation is performed in the first step. The frequency of the ultrasonic wave is 100 kHz or more, and the frequency of the ultrasonic wave applied in the second step is not more than half the frequency of the high frequency ultrasonic wave applied in the first step. This is an ultrasonic irradiation method.
[0022]
According to the present invention, by irradiating a high frequency ultrasonic wave of 100 kHz or more toward an object, bubbles or a group of bubbles are formed in a limited region of the liquid existing at least partially around the object. Can be generated and grown. Then, by irradiating the object with low-frequency ultrasonic waves having a frequency equal to or less than half of the frequency of the high-frequency ultrasonic waves, the liquid is generated in the liquid existing at least partially around the object. In addition, the bubble or bubble group that has been grown can resonate and collapse. Thereby, high energy can be locally applied to the target object.
[0023]
Preferably, the frequency of the high-frequency ultrasonic wave in the first step is 1 MHz or more and 10 MHz or less, and the frequency of the low-frequency ultrasonic wave in the second step is a high-frequency ultrasonic wave applied in the first step.周波 数 or less of the frequency.
[0024]
In this case, by irradiating a high frequency ultrasonic wave of 1 MHz or more and 10 MHz or less toward the object, a bubble or a group of bubbles is formed in a limited region of the liquid existing at least partially around the object. Can be generated and grown. Then, by irradiating the object with low-frequency ultrasonic waves having a frequency equal to or less than half of the frequency of the high-frequency ultrasonic waves, the liquid is generated in the liquid existing at least partially around the object. In addition, the bubble or bubble group that has been grown can resonate and collapse. Thereby, high energy can be locally applied to the target object. The wavelength of the ultrasonic wave becomes shorter as the frequency becomes higher, and accordingly, the focal region formed by the ultrasonic wave becomes narrower. That is, by increasing the frequency of high-frequency ultrasonic waves to generate and grow bubbles or bubbles, in the liquid present at least partially around the object, the region where bubbles or bubbles are generated, It can be even narrower. This makes it possible to further narrow the region where high energy is locally applied to the target object.
[0025]
Preferably, the second step is performed substantially continuously after the first step.
[0026]
Irradiation of ultrasonic waves is preferably performed in such a manner that the ultrasonic waves converge in the vicinity of the object. As a source of the converging ultrasonic wave, for example, a concave piezoelectric element can be used.
[0027]
Preferably, the region where bubbles or a group of bubbles is generated in the first step is a region where the distance from the periphery of the object is 1 mm or less. When air bubbles or air bubbles are locally formed in the vicinity of such an object, energy can be more efficiently applied to the object.
[0028]
Preferably, after the second step, an interval step of not irradiating the ultrasonic wave toward the object is further provided. The interval step is a calming step for temporarily dissipating bubbles or groups of bubbles that have resonated or collapsed in the second step. In the interval step, an ultrasonic wave having an intensity that does not induce the generation and growth of bubbles may be applied. By using the acoustic stream generated thereby, it is possible to promote the dissipation of bubbles or bubbles existing around the object. Further, it is possible to promote the effect of causing the fragments of the object or the foreign matter removed from the object to flow away from the periphery of the object.
[0029]
Preferably, the duration of the interval step is a time sufficient for the remaining bubbles to dissolve and diffuse after the second step. For example, the duration of the interval step is 100 μsec or more.
[0030]
Preferably, the first step, the second step, and the interval step are periodically repeated in the order. As a result, in a local region near the object, the cycle of generation, growth, resonance, collapse, and dissipation (calming) of bubbles is repeated, and energy is efficiently applied to the object repeatedly.
[0031]
The duration of the first step and the second step is, for example, about 100 μsec. This is a time corresponding to about 100 1 MHz ultrasonic waves. The duration of the first step and the second step may be determined by detecting an actual bubble formation state or the like. The bubble formation state can be detected, for example, from the state of the generated sound.
[0032]
Specifically, when the object is any of a calcium compound, a magnesium phosphate compound, an ammonium phosphate compound, a crystal of uric acid, a crystal of an amino acid, and a crystal of cholesterol present in the living body of an animal other than a human, the second step May be a step of crushing the object by locally applying high energy to the object.
[0033]
Alternatively, when foreign matter is attached to the object, the second step may be a step of locally applying high energy to the object to peel or remove the foreign matter from the object.
[0034]
Alternatively, the second step may be a step of locally applying high energy to the object to change characteristics of the object.
[0035]
Alternatively, the second step may be a step in which high energy is locally applied to a living body of an animal other than a human to cause thermal denaturation of tissues or cells in the living body.
[0036]
Further, the present invention, based on the set frequency information, an ultrasonic generation source that generates an ultrasonic wave of a frequency corresponding to the frequency information, a frequency control unit for setting the frequency information in the ultrasonic generation source, The first frequency control is configured to set the frequency information that the high frequency continues in the first predetermined time and the low frequency continues in the second predetermined time following to the ultrasonic generation source. The high frequency in the first predetermined time is 100 kHz or more, and the low frequency in the second predetermined time is less than half the high frequency in the first predetermined time. Device.
[0037]
According to the present invention, by irradiating a high frequency ultrasonic wave of 100 kHz or more toward an object, bubbles or a group of bubbles are formed in a limited region of the liquid existing at least partially around the object. Can be generated and grown. Then, by irradiating the object with low-frequency ultrasonic waves having a frequency equal to or less than half of the frequency of the high-frequency ultrasonic waves, the liquid is generated in the liquid existing at least partially around the object. In addition, the bubble or bubble group that has been grown can resonate and collapse. Thereby, high energy can be locally applied to the target object. That is, energy can be applied to the target object very efficiently.
[0038]
Preferably, the high frequency in the first predetermined time is 1 MHz or more and 10 MHz or less, and the low frequency in the second predetermined time is a half of the frequency of the high frequency ultrasonic wave in the first predetermined time. 1 or less.
[0039]
In this case, by irradiating a high frequency ultrasonic wave of 1 MHz or more and 10 MHz or less toward the object, a bubble or a group of bubbles is formed in a limited region of the liquid existing at least partially around the object. Can be generated and grown. Then, by irradiating the object with low-frequency ultrasonic waves having a frequency equal to or less than half of the frequency of the high-frequency ultrasonic waves, the liquid is generated in the liquid existing at least partially around the object. In addition, the bubble or bubble group that has been grown can resonate and collapse. Thereby, high energy can be locally applied to the target object. The wavelength of the ultrasonic wave becomes shorter as the frequency becomes higher, and accordingly, the focal region formed by the ultrasonic wave becomes narrower. That is, by increasing the frequency of high-frequency ultrasonic waves to generate and grow bubbles or bubbles, in the liquid present at least partially around the object, the region where bubbles or bubbles are generated, It can be even narrower. This makes it possible to further narrow the region where high energy is locally applied to the target object.
[0040]
Alternatively, the present invention is based on frequency information to be set, based on the frequency information, an ultrasonic wave generating source that generates ultrasonic waves corresponding to the frequency information, and a frequency control unit for setting the frequency information in the ultrasonic wave generating source And the frequency control unit sets frequency information that the high frequency continues for a first predetermined time and the low frequency continues for a second predetermined time thereafter in the ultrasonic wave generation source. For the third predetermined time after the second predetermined time, ultrasonic waves are not irradiated, or ultrasonic waves having such an intensity that does not induce the generation and growth of bubbles or bubble groups are irradiated. An ultrasonic irradiation apparatus characterized in that:
[0041]
According to the present invention, by irradiating high-frequency ultrasonic waves toward an object in which liquid is present in at least a part of the periphery, a limited region of the liquid present in at least part of the periphery of the object Bubbles or groups of bubbles can be generated and grown therein. Then, by irradiating the object with low-frequency ultrasonic waves, the bubbles or bubbles that have been generated and grown in the liquid existing at least partially around the object resonate and collapse. Can be done. Furthermore, by not irradiating the ultrasonic waves during the third predetermined time thereafter, the resonated or collapsed air bubbles or air bubbles can be once dissipated. Alternatively, during the third predetermined time, ultrasonic waves having such an intensity that does not induce the generation and growth of bubbles may be applied. By using the acoustic stream generated thereby, it is possible to promote the dissipation of bubbles or bubbles existing around the object. Further, it is possible to promote the effect of causing the fragments of the object or the foreign matter removed from the object to flow away from the periphery of the object. Thereby, while high energy can be locally applied to the target object, it is possible to prevent objects around the target object from being damaged by collapse of bubbles or bubbles.
[0042]
Preferably, the third predetermined time is a time sufficient for the remaining air bubbles to dissolve and diffuse after the second predetermined time. For example, the third predetermined time is 100 μsec or more.
[0043]
Also, preferably, the ultrasonic irradiation device comprises: a first irradiation step of high-frequency ultrasonic waves for a first predetermined time, and a subsequent second irradiation step of low-frequency ultrasonic waves for a second predetermined time. An interval step of not irradiating ultrasonic waves for the third predetermined time period thereafter, or irradiating only ultrasonic waves having such an intensity that does not induce generation and growth of bubbles, is repeatedly performed. Has become. As a result, in a local region near the object, the cycle of generation, growth, resonance, collapse, and dissipation (calming) of bubbles or a group of bubbles is repeated, and energy is efficiently applied to the object repeatedly.
[0044]
Specifically, according to the present invention, based on frequency information to be set, an ultrasonic generation source that generates ultrasonic waves having a frequency corresponding to the frequency information, and a frequency for setting frequency information to the ultrasonic generation source A frequency controller that sets a frequency information indicating that a high frequency continues for a first predetermined time and a low frequency continues for a second predetermined time that follows. Irradiation of high-frequency ultrasonic waves for a first predetermined period of time, the calcium compound, magnesium phosphate compound, ammonium phosphate compound, uric acid crystal, amino acid crystal, cholesterol crystal existing in the living body A bubble or group of bubbles is generated and grown in any of the surrounding confined regions, and the subject is irradiated with low frequency ultrasonic waves for a second predetermined time. An ultrasonic irradiation apparatus characterized in that high-energy is locally applied to the target object to crush the target object by resonating and collapsing bubbles or bubbles that have been generated and grown around the object. is there.
[0045]
Alternatively, according to the present invention, based on the set frequency information, an ultrasonic wave having a frequency corresponding to the frequency information is generated toward the inside of the liquid storage chamber, based on the set frequency information. And a frequency control unit for setting frequency information to the ultrasonic generation source, wherein the high frequency continues for a first predetermined time, and the second The frequency information that the low frequency continues for a predetermined time is set in the ultrasonic wave generating source, and the irradiation of the high frequency ultrasonic wave for the first predetermined time causes the vicinity of the object to which the foreign matter adheres to the object. Bubbles and bubbles are generated and grown in a limited area of the liquid, and the bubbles or bubbles that have been generated and grown around the object by low-frequency ultrasonic irradiation for a second predetermined time. Is an ultrasound irradiation device, characterized in that the peel or remove foreign matter from the object by applying the locally high energy to said object by disrupting resonate bubbles group.
[0046]
Alternatively, the present invention provides a liquid storage chamber in which an object can be fixed, and an ultrasonic wave that generates, based on the set frequency information, an ultrasonic wave having a frequency corresponding to the frequency information toward the inside of the liquid storage chamber. A sound wave source, and a frequency control unit for setting frequency information to the ultrasonic wave source, wherein the frequency control unit continues the high frequency for a first predetermined time and the second predetermined time that follows. The low frequency continues, the frequency information that the low frequency continues, is set to the ultrasonic generation source, the irradiation of the high frequency ultrasonic for a first predetermined time, the liquid around the object is limited A bubble or bubble group is generated and grown in the region, and the bubble or bubble group generated and grown around the object is resonated and collapsed by irradiation of low-frequency ultrasonic waves for a second predetermined time. An ultrasonic irradiation apparatus characterized by changing the properties of the object by applying the locally high energy to the object by.
[0047]
Alternatively, the present invention is based on frequency information to be set, based on the frequency information, an ultrasonic wave generating source that generates ultrasonic waves corresponding to the frequency information, and a frequency control unit for setting the frequency information in the ultrasonic wave generating source And the frequency control unit sets frequency information that the high frequency continues for a first predetermined time and the low frequency continues for a second predetermined time thereafter in the ultrasonic wave generation source. The high-frequency irradiation for a first predetermined time generates and grows bubbles or a group of bubbles in a limited region of a tissue or cells existing in a living body, and the low-frequency irradiation for a second predetermined time. By irradiating ultrasonic waves, bubbles or bubbles that have been generated and grown in a limited area of a tissue or cells in a living body resonate and collapse, thereby causing local The high energy imparted to an ultrasonic irradiation apparatus characterized by causing thermal denaturation to the object.
[0048]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0049]
First, FIG. 1 is a simulation result showing a frequency characteristic of a maximum pressure generated in a bubble with respect to a pressure wave applied around the bubble when the bubble is formed in a cloud shape.
[0050]
In this simulation, a bubble group (bubble cloud) formed in a convergent sound field that converges at a focal point when the concave bubble generating actuator vibrates at a vibration frequency of 3 MHz is assumed. In the focal region, the ultrasonic waves converge, the water is torn by a large negative pressure, and bubbles are generated in the liquid due to the cavitation phenomenon. It was assumed that the individual bubbles in the generated bubble group grew to a bubble diameter having a resonance frequency of 3 MHz. Specifically, the radius of the bubble cloud is 0.75 mm, the radius of each bubble is 1.0 μm, the void ratio (volume ratio of the bubbles to the total volume of the fluid) is 0.1%, the initial ambient pressure is 101.3 kPa, The initial temperature is 293K. The pressure waves applied around the bubbles were sine waves, and the amplitudes were 10 kPa, 50 kPa, and 100 kPa.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 1, when the ambient pressure of the bubble cloud is increased, the maximum pressure inside the bubble rapidly increases, and the frequency band reaching high pressure is also widened. Specifically, the maximum pressure for a 110 kHz pressure wave having an amplitude of 100 kPa is 500 MPa.
[0052]
That is, the bubble group resonates at 110 kHz, which is the resonance frequency of the bubble group, instead of the resonance frequency of a single bubble. On the other hand, it is understood that the pressure in the bubble does not substantially increase at 3 MHz (the resonance frequency of a single bubble) which is the vibration frequency of the bubble generating actuator.
[0053]
That is, in order to generate bubbles locally, it is preferable to use high-frequency ultrasonic waves. However, even if irradiation with high-frequency ultrasonic waves is continued, energy is scattered by the generated bubbles, and bubbles are generated. No group resonance and collapse occur.
[0054]
Based on the results of FIG. 1, the present inventor first generates bubbles locally using high-frequency (100 kHz or more) ultrasonic waves, and then generates low-frequency (2 minutes of high-frequency ultrasonic waves). It has been found that a process of generating high energy by causing the bubbles to resonate and collapse by using ultrasonic waves (1 or less) can be realized.
[0055]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of a process found by the present inventor. In this process, first, as shown in FIG. 2A, high-frequency (short-wavelength) ultrasonic waves are used to generate bubbles or bubbles in a local region near an object (a spherical object in FIG. 2). Spawn and grow groups. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2B, bubbles or bubbles generated and grown near the object are resonated and collapsed by using low-frequency (long-wavelength) ultrasonic waves, and the collapse is performed. Is applied to the target object to crush the target object, for example.
[0056]
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an actually manufactured ultrasonic irradiation apparatus. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 3 includes an ultrasonic generation source 10, an analysis system 20, a circulation system 30, and a camera system 40.
[0057]
The ultrasonic generator 10 includes a function generator 11, an ultrasonic amplifier 12, and a piezo transducer 13. The function generator 11 is connected to a PC (personal computer) 21 of the analysis system 20 and outputs a waveform edited by the PC 21.
[0058]
More specifically, the waveform editing software used in the PC 21 is Agilent BenchLink Arb. Using this software, it is possible to create a sine wave, a square wave, a triangular wave, and a waveform obtained by taking the sum, difference, and product of these waveforms. On the other hand, the function generator 11 is an arbitrary waveform generator 33120A of Agilent.
[0059]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the piezo transducer 13. The piezoelectric transducer 13 shown in FIG. 4 uses a C-213 material (PZT) manufactured by Fuji Ceramics as a concave piezoelectric element, has a radius of curvature of 80 mm, an opening radius of 40 mm (Fnumber = 1.0), and is unique. The frequency is 500 kHz. The electrode of the concave piezoelectric element is a silver electrode, and the electrode is connected to the function generator 11 via the ultrasonic amplifier 12.
[0060]
Such a concave piezoelectric element is adhered to a hollow flange made of aluminum to form a piezo transducer 13. The resonance frequency of the entire piezo transducer 13 is 534 kHz. Therefore, due to the characteristics of the piezo element, an ultrasonic wave having a frequency of 534 kHz × (2n + 1) (n is an integer) can be generated with a relatively large amplitude as a higher-order mode. The frequency corresponding to the (2n + 1) times mode of the used piezo transducer is determined by actually measuring the output from the piezo transducer. The frequency of the 3 times mode is 1.632 MHz, and the frequency of the 5 times mode is 2.726 MHz and 7 times. The frequency of the mode is 3.815 MHz.
[0061]
The ultrasonic waves emitted from the piezo transducer 13 travel through the water stretched in the acrylic water tank 31 and converge at a focal position of 80 mm from the surface of the concave piezoelectric element. The acrylic water tank has a shape obtained by cutting the back of a rectangular parallelepiped of 200 mm x 200 mm x 550 mm at an angle of 45 degrees, and prevents ultrasonic waves from reflecting on the wall surface and disturbing the sound field near the focal point.
[0062]
As shown in FIG. 3, the water stretched in the acrylic water is circulated in the order of the pure water device 32 and the degasser 33 to maintain a suitable purity and deaeration. The degree of deaeration is monitored by a DO meter 36 (OM-10 manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.).
[0063]
The camera system 40 includes an ultra-high-speed camera 41 capable of capturing an image with an exposure time of at least 5 ns and an interframe of 5 ns.
[0064]
Other features of the ultrasonic irradiation apparatus shown in FIG. 3 are described in detail in Chapter 7 of the master's thesis "Medical application of focused ultrasound" by Susumu Yoshizawa, one of the present inventors. Will be omitted here. The contents of the master's thesis “Medical Application of Convergent Ultrasound” are incorporated herein by reference.
[0065]
Now, bubbles generated when the 534 kHz ultrasonic wave is irradiated on a spherical object (set near the focal point of the ultrasonic wave in the water tank 31) as a model stone using the ultrasonic irradiation apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows a group of images captured by the ultra-high-speed camera 41 with respect to the state of formation.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the 534 kHz ultrasonic wave is continuously irradiated, large bubbles are formed in a group and formed in a relatively wide area in front of the spherical object. The energy of the bubble group that grows and collapses in a region far from the spherical object is not sufficiently transmitted to the spherical object, resulting in an energy loss. In particular, when the purpose is crushing of a calculus in a living body, the collapse of air bubbles at a location away from the calculus leads to damage to tissues or cells in the living body unrelated to the calculus.
[0067]
On the other hand, a group of images taken by the ultra-high-speed camera 41 is shown for the bubble formation state when a 3.815 MHz ultrasonic wave, which is a mode seven times that of the piezo transducer, is irradiated to a spherical object as a model stone. It is shown in FIG.
[0068]
As shown in FIG. 6, when the 3.815 MHz ultrasonic wave is continuously irradiated, a bubble group including fine bubbles is formed only in a relatively narrow range on the front side of the spherical object. In this case, the bubble group is formed only in a region from the periphery of the target object to 1 mm on the near side. Such a bubble group does not collapse even when the irradiation of the 3.815 MHz ultrasonic wave is continued. Thus, of course, no energy is transmitted to the spherical object.
[0069]
Next, according to an embodiment of the method of the present invention, a spherical object as a model stone is irradiated with 175 ultrasonic waves at 3.815 kHz, which is seven times the vibration mode of the piezo transducer, and then at 545 kHz. (The ultrasonic wave at 545 kHz is one seventh of 3.815 MHz. The actual resonance frequency of the piezo transducer is 534 kHz, but 545 kHz is used for the sake of simplicity of the experiment. Also, the frequency of 534 kHz and 545 kHz are used. It has been confirmed that the pressure amplitude of the ultrasonic wave at the focal point obtained at the frequency of (1) is substantially equal.) FIG. . The ultrasonic frequency is switched from 3.815 MHz to 545 kHz between the fifth frame and the sixth frame.
[0070]
As shown in FIG. 7, in the case of the present embodiment, after a bubble group composed of fine bubbles is generated and grown only in a relatively narrow range in front of the spherical object, the bubble group resonates and collapses. However, sufficiently high energy can be applied to the spherical object.
[0071]
Here, the present inventor has found that it is preferable to repeatedly perform irradiation of high-frequency ultrasonic waves and irradiation of low-frequency ultrasonic waves in order to continuously apply energy to an object. .
[0072]
FIGS. 8 and 9 show two specific embodiments in which the irradiation of high-frequency ultrasonic waves and the irradiation of low-frequency ultrasonic waves are repeatedly performed.
[0073]
In the case shown in FIG. 8, after irradiation of 175 waves of a sine waveform of 3.815 MHz (first step), an interval of about 50 μs is provided, and irradiation of five waves of a 545 kHz sine waveform is performed (second step). This is a control cycle (after the second step, there is an interval of about 100 ms (burst frequency is 10 Hz)).
[0074]
In the case shown in FIG. 9, after the irradiation of the sine waveform of 175 waves of 3.815 MHz, the irradiation of 5 waves of the 545 kHz sine wave is continuously performed, and thereafter, a control cycle in which an interval of about 100 ms is provided.
[0075]
According to each control cycle of FIGS. 8 and 9, a model stone crushing experiment was performed. The model stone used here is a model stone used for a performance test of an ESWL device made of alumina and has a diameter of about 13 mm.
[0076]
8 and 9, the burst frequency is 10 Hz (that is, the time of the interval step is about 100 ms). In each case of FIGS. 8 and 9, each control cycle was repeated continuously for 30 minutes.
[0077]
FIG. 10 shows the crushing result when the control cycle of FIG. 8 is used. On the other hand, the crushing result when the control cycle of FIG. 9 is used is shown in FIG.
[0078]
As shown in FIG. 10, when a long interval of 50 μs is provided between the first step and the second step, bubbles or bubbles formed in the first step are dissipated, and the purpose of the present invention is considered. Effect is not sufficiently obtained.
[0079]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, when the first step and the second step are continuously performed and an interval is provided after the second step, the bubbles or bubble groups generated and grown in the first step are removed by the first step. While resonating and collapsing in the two steps to break the model stone very efficiently, the bubbles or bubbles are calmed down in the 100 ms interval step after the second step, so that the local destruction of the stone model is prevented. Can continue.
[0080]
When a control cycle in which an interval step of about 100 ms is provided after irradiation of 175 sine waves of 3.815 MHz (a control cycle in which the second step is not performed), the model stone is not crushed at all. Was.
[0081]
Further, from other experimental results by the present inventor, it has been found that the interval time necessary for calming the air bubbles after the second step is preferably 100 μsec or more.
[0082]
FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating that the generation and growth of bubbles are not induced when the intensity of the ultrasonic pressure is relatively small. This is obtained by measuring the pressure amplitude (value from the negative peak to the positive peak) of the focal point in water when a 3 MHz ultrasonic wave is generated from the piezo transducer by the hydrophone 50. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 12 represents the pressure amplitude under the same condition in a region where no bubble or bubble group is generated and the waveform of the ultrasonic wave is not distorted, and is proportional to the output of the ultrasonic wave. The vertical axis is the pressure amplitude measured by the hydrophone 50 at the geometric focus of the piezo transducer 13. In FIG. 12, as the ultrasonic output (corresponding to the horizontal axis) is increased, the value of the pressure amplitude of the ultrasonic wave at the focal point (corresponding to the vertical axis) deviates from the straight line with the threshold at about 6.8 MPa. Is saturated at about 7 MPa. This indicates that bubbles or bubbles are generated by the cavitation phenomenon, and the pressure amplitude cannot further increase. That is, if the ultrasonic wave does not exceed the threshold value of the pressure amplitude (about 7 MHz in this case), no bubble or bubble group is generated.
[0083]
FIG. 13 is a photograph taken by the high-speed camera 41 of a state near the focal point when an ultrasonic wave having a relatively weak pressure amplitude having a frequency of about 3 MHz is generated from the piezo transducer. The shaded line in the photograph is due to 3 MHz ultrasonic waves. According to this, it can be seen that no bubble or bubble group is generated in the case of the ultrasonic wave having a relatively weak pressure amplitude applied at this time. That is, by irradiating the object with ultrasonic waves having a relatively weak pressure amplitude after the second step, an acoustic stream generated by the ultrasonic waves can be used, and the bubbles or bubbles remaining around the calculus can be dissipated. Can be promoted. Further, it is possible to promote the effect of flowing the crushed pieces of the calculus crushed in the second step from around the calculus.
[0084]
Although the above embodiments have been described with reference to crushing a calculus, the method of the present invention is applied to a calcium compound such as a calculus in which an object is present in a living body of an animal other than a human, a magnesium phosphate compound, an ammonium phosphate compound, The second step is a step of crushing the object by locally applying high energy to the object, which is a crystal of uric acid, a crystal of an amino acid, or a crystal of cholesterol. possible.
[0085]
In this case, an apparatus for implementing the method includes, based on the set frequency information, an ultrasonic generation source (for example, a function generator 11) that generates an ultrasonic wave having a frequency corresponding to the frequency information, A frequency control unit (for example, PC 21) for setting frequency information to the source. Then, the frequency control unit is configured to set the frequency information that the high frequency continues in the first predetermined time and the low frequency continues in the subsequent second predetermined time in the ultrasonic wave generation source, Any of calcium compounds, magnesium phosphate compounds, ammonium phosphate compounds, crystals of uric acid, crystals of amino acids, and crystals of cholesterol present in the living body of an animal other than a human by irradiation of high-frequency ultrasonic waves for a first predetermined time A bubble or bubble group is generated and grown in a limited area around the object, and the bubble or bubble group generated around the object by irradiation of low-frequency ultrasonic waves for a second predetermined time. By resonating and collapsing to locally apply high energy to one of the objects to crush the object. Such a device is also used when the object is any of calcium compounds such as stones, magnesium phosphate compounds, ammonium phosphate compounds, crystals of uric acid, crystals of amino acids, and crystals of cholesterol present in the human body. It is possible.
[0086]
Alternatively, the method of the present invention is applicable to an object to which foreign matter is attached, and the second step is a step of locally applying high energy to the object to peel or remove the foreign matter from the object. Can be
[0087]
In this case, an apparatus for implementing the method includes a liquid storage chamber into which an object to which foreign matter adheres can be charged, and an ultrasonic wave having a frequency corresponding to the frequency information based on the set frequency information. An ultrasonic wave source (for example, the function generator 11) generated toward the inside of the room, and a frequency control unit (for example, the PC 21) for setting frequency information to the ultrasonic wave source are provided. Then, the frequency control unit is configured to set the frequency information that the high frequency continues in the first predetermined time and the low frequency continues in the subsequent second predetermined time in the ultrasonic wave generation source, Irradiation of high-frequency ultrasonic waves for a first predetermined time generates and grows bubbles or a group of bubbles in a limited region of the liquid around the object on which the foreign matter has adhered, and the second predetermined time. By irradiating low-frequency ultrasonic waves, bubbles or bubbles that have been generated and grown around the object are resonated and collapsed, thereby locally applying high energy to the object and applying energy to the object from the object. It is characterized in that foreign matter is removed or removed.
[0088]
According to this, a so-called ultrasonic cleaning process can be realized with extremely high efficiency.
[0089]
Alternatively, the second step may be a step of locally applying high energy to the object to change the characteristics of the object.
[0090]
In this case, the device for realizing the method includes a liquid storage chamber in which an object can be fixed, and, based on the set frequency information, an ultrasonic wave having a frequency corresponding to the frequency information in the liquid storage chamber. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic generation source (for example, function generator 11) generated inward, and a frequency control unit (for example, PC 21) for setting frequency information to the ultrasonic generation source. Then, the frequency control unit is configured to set the frequency information that the high frequency continues in the first predetermined time and the low frequency continues in the subsequent second predetermined time in the ultrasonic wave generation source, Irradiation of high frequency ultrasonic waves for a first predetermined time generates and grows bubbles or bubbles in a limited area of the liquid around the object, and generates low frequency ultrasonic waves for a second predetermined time. By irradiating sound waves, bubbles or bubbles that have been generated and grown around the object resonate and collapse, thereby locally applying high energy to the object and changing the characteristics of the object. It is characterized by the following.
[0091]
According to this, a so-called cavitation peening process can be realized with extremely high efficiency.
[0092]
Alternatively, the second step may be a step of locally applying high energy to an object to cause thermal degeneration of tissues or cells in a living body.
[0093]
In this case, an apparatus for implementing the method includes, based on the set frequency information, an ultrasonic generation source (for example, a function generator 11) that generates an ultrasonic wave having a frequency corresponding to the frequency information, A frequency control unit (for example, PC 21) for setting frequency information to the source. Then, the frequency control unit is configured to set the frequency information that the high frequency continues in the first predetermined time and the low frequency continues in the subsequent second predetermined time in the ultrasonic wave generation source, Irradiation of high-frequency ultrasonic waves for a first predetermined time generates and grows bubbles or bubbles in a limited region of a tissue or cells existing in a living body, and generates low-frequency waves for a second predetermined time. By applying ultrasonic waves, bubbles or bubbles that have been generated and grown in a limited area of tissue or cells existing in a living body resonate and collapse, thereby locally applying high energy to the object. It is characterized in that the object is thermally denatured by applying.
[0094]
According to this, so-called thermocoagulation therapy or heat coagulation therapy can be realized with extremely high efficiency.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a graph showing a simulation result of a frequency response of a maximum pressure in a bubble to a surrounding pressure wave for a group of bubbles formed in a cloud shape.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of the method of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing one embodiment of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an appearance of a piezo transducer.
FIG. 5 is a group of images showing a state of formation of a bubble group when the low-frequency ultrasonic wave of 534 kHz is continuously irradiated.
FIG. 6 is a group of images showing a state of formation of a bubble group when a high-frequency ultrasonic wave of 3.815 MHz is continuously irradiated.
FIG. 7 is a group of images showing the state of formation of a bubble group when a high-low ultrasonic wave of 3.815 MHz is irradiated after irradiating a low-frequency ultrasonic wave of 545 kHz.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a control cycle in a case where an interval is provided between irradiation of high-frequency ultrasonic waves and irradiation of low-frequency ultrasonic waves.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a control cycle when an interval is provided after irradiation of high-frequency ultrasonic waves and irradiation of low-frequency ultrasonic waves.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a calculus model crushed by applying the control cycle according to FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a calculus model crushed by applying the control cycle according to FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating that relatively weak ultrasonic waves do not generate bubbles or bubble groups.
FIG. 13 is a high-speed camera photograph showing that bubbles or bubbles are not generated by relatively weak ultrasonic waves.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a conventional example of a temporal waveform of a frequency-modulated drive signal and a temporal change in frequency.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a conventional example of a temporal waveform of a frequency-modulated drive signal and a temporal change in frequency.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a conventional example of a temporal waveform of a frequency-modulated drive signal and a temporal change of a frequency.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a conventional example of a temporal waveform of a frequency-modulated drive signal and a temporal change in frequency.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Ultrasonic manufacturing equipment
10 Ultrasonic source
11 Function Generator
12 Ultrasonic Amplifier
13 Piezo transducer 13
20 Analysis system
21 Personal computer (PC)
30 Circulation system
31 Aquarium
32 Pure water equipment
33 Degassa
40 camera system
41 Super High Speed Camera
50 Hydrophone

Claims (23)

A method of locally irradiating the object with high energy by irradiating an ultrasonic wave toward an object in which a liquid is present in at least a part of the surroundings,
A first step of irradiating a high-frequency ultrasonic wave toward the object to generate and grow bubbles or bubbles in a limited region of the liquid present at least partially around the object,
After the first step, the object is irradiated with low-frequency ultrasonic waves to resonate bubbles or bubbles that have been generated and grown in a liquid existing at least partially around the object. A second step of locally applying high energy to the object by causing the object to collapse.
An ultrasonic irradiation method, comprising: A method of locally irradiating the object with high energy by irradiating an ultrasonic wave toward an object in which a liquid is present in at least a part of the surroundings,
A first step of irradiating high-frequency ultrasonic waves toward an object;
After the first step, a second step of irradiating the object with low-frequency ultrasonic waves,
With
The frequency of the ultrasonic wave applied in the first step is 100 kHz or more,
An ultrasonic irradiation method, wherein the frequency of the ultrasonic wave applied in the second step is equal to or less than half the frequency of the ultrasonic wave applied in the first step. The frequency of the ultrasonic wave applied in the first step is 1 MHz or more and 10 MHz or less,
The ultrasonic irradiation method according to claim 2, wherein the frequency of the ultrasonic wave applied in the second step is equal to or less than half the frequency of the ultrasonic wave applied in the first step. The ultrasonic irradiation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second step is performed substantially continuously after the first step. The ultrasonic wave according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a region in which bubbles or a group of bubbles are generated and grown in the first step can be controlled to a region having a distance from a periphery of the object of 1 mm or less. Irradiation method. After the second step, further comprising an interval step of not irradiating the ultrasonic waves toward the object or irradiating only ultrasonic waves having such an intensity that does not induce the generation and growth of bubbles. Item 6. An ultrasonic irradiation method according to any one of Items 1 to 5. The ultrasonic irradiation method according to claim 6, wherein the duration of the interval step is a time sufficient for the remaining air bubbles to dissolve and diffuse after the second step. The ultrasonic irradiation method according to claim 6, wherein the duration of the interval step is 100 µsec or more. The ultrasonic irradiation method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first step, the second step, and the interval step are periodically and repeatedly performed in this order. The target object is any one of a calcium compound, a magnesium phosphate compound, an ammonium phosphate compound, a crystal of uric acid, a crystal of an amino acid, and a crystal of cholesterol, which are present in the living body of an animal other than a human,
The ultrasonic irradiation method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second step is a step of locally applying high energy to the object to crush the object. Foreign matter is attached to the object,
The ultrasonic wave according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second step is a step of locally applying high energy to the object to separate or remove foreign matter from the object. Irradiation method. The ultrasonic irradiation method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second step is a step of locally applying high energy to the object to change characteristics of the object. . The object is any tissue or cell present in the living body of an animal other than a human,
The ultrasonic irradiation method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second step locally applies high energy to the object to cause thermal denaturation of the object. Based on the frequency information to be set, an ultrasonic generation source that generates an ultrasonic wave having a frequency corresponding to the frequency information,
A frequency control unit for setting frequency information in the ultrasonic source,
The frequency control unit is configured to set the frequency information that the high frequency continues in the first predetermined time and the low frequency continues in the subsequent second predetermined time in the ultrasonic wave generation source,
The frequency of the ultrasonic wave applied in the first step is 100 kHz or more,
An ultrasonic irradiation apparatus, wherein the frequency of the ultrasonic wave applied in the second step is equal to or less than half the frequency of the ultrasonic wave applied in the first step. The frequency of the ultrasonic wave applied in the first step is 1 MHz or more and 10 MHz or less,
The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the frequency of the ultrasonic wave applied in the second step is equal to or less than half the frequency of the ultrasonic wave applied in the first step. Based on the frequency information to be set, an ultrasonic generation source that generates an ultrasonic wave having a frequency corresponding to the frequency information,
A frequency control unit for setting frequency information to the ultrasonic source,
With
The frequency control unit is configured to set the frequency information that the high frequency continues in the first predetermined time and the low frequency continues in the subsequent second predetermined time in the ultrasonic wave generation source,
During the third predetermined time after the second predetermined time, it is possible to irradiate the object with no ultrasonic waves, or to irradiate only ultrasonic waves with such an intensity that does not induce the generation and growth of bubbles. An ultrasonic irradiation apparatus characterized in that the ultrasonic irradiation apparatus can perform the operation. 17. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the third predetermined time is a time sufficient for the remaining air bubbles to dissolve and diffuse after the second predetermined time. 17. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the third predetermined time is 100 μsec or more. A first irradiation step of high-frequency ultrasonic waves for a first predetermined time;
A second irradiation step of low-frequency ultrasonic waves for a second predetermined time period thereafter;
Subsequent steps for a third predetermined time period according to any of claims 16 to 18,
The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein a cycle consisting of: is repeatedly performed. Based on the frequency information to be set, an ultrasonic generation source that generates an ultrasonic wave having a frequency corresponding to the frequency information,
A frequency control unit for setting frequency information to the ultrasonic source,
With
The frequency control unit is configured to set the frequency information that the high frequency continues in the first predetermined time and the low frequency continues in the subsequent second predetermined time in the ultrasonic wave generation source,
A high-frequency irradiation for a first predetermined time period causes a limited area around any of calcium compounds, magnesium phosphate compounds, ammonium phosphate compounds, uric acid crystals, amino acid crystals, and cholesterol crystals present in the living body. Generate and grow bubbles or bubbles inside,
Irradiation with low-frequency ultrasonic waves for a second predetermined time generates and grows around any of the calcium compound, magnesium phosphate compound, ammonium phosphate compound, uric acid crystal, amino acid crystal, and cholesterol crystal. By causing the bubbles or bubbles to resonate and collapse, the high energy is locally applied to any of the calcium compound, the magnesium phosphate compound, the ammonium phosphate compound, the uric acid crystal, the amino acid crystal, and the cholesterol crystal to apply the energy. An ultrasonic irradiation apparatus characterized by crushing any one of a calcium compound, a magnesium phosphate compound, an ammonium phosphate compound, a crystal of uric acid, a crystal of an amino acid, and a crystal of cholesterol. A liquid storage chamber into which an object to which a foreign object has been attached can be inserted,
Based on the set frequency information, an ultrasonic generation source that generates an ultrasonic wave having a frequency corresponding to the frequency information toward the inside of the liquid storage chamber,
A frequency control unit for setting frequency information to the ultrasonic source,
With
The frequency control unit is configured to set the frequency information that the high frequency continues in the first predetermined time and the low frequency continues in the subsequent second predetermined time in the ultrasonic wave generation source,
Irradiation of high-frequency ultrasonic waves for a first predetermined time generates and grows bubbles or bubbles in a limited region of the liquid present around the object to which the foreign matter is attached,
By irradiating low-frequency ultrasonic waves for a second predetermined time, bubbles or bubbles that have been generated and grown around the object to which the foreign matter has adhered resonate and collapse, thereby causing the foreign matter to be locally applied to the object. An ultrasonic irradiation apparatus characterized in that high energy is applied to a target to separate or remove foreign matter from the object. A liquid storage chamber in which an object can be fixed,
Based on the set frequency information, an ultrasonic generation source that generates an ultrasonic wave having a frequency corresponding to the frequency information toward the inside of the liquid storage chamber,
A frequency control unit for setting frequency information to the ultrasonic source,
With
The frequency control unit is configured to set the frequency information that the high frequency continues in the first predetermined time and the low frequency in the subsequent second predetermined time continues in the ultrasonic generation source,
Generating and growing bubbles or bubbles in a limited area of the liquid around the object by irradiating the low frequency ultrasonic waves for a first predetermined time;
By irradiating the low-frequency ultrasonic waves for the second predetermined time with the bubbles or bubbles generated and growing around the target object to resonate and collapse, high energy is locally applied to the target object. An ultrasonic irradiation device, wherein the ultrasonic irradiation device changes the characteristics of the object by giving the object. Based on the frequency information to be set, an ultrasonic generation source that generates an ultrasonic wave having a frequency corresponding to the frequency information,
A frequency control unit for setting frequency information to the ultrasonic source,
With
The frequency control unit is configured to set the frequency information that the high frequency continues in the first predetermined time and the low frequency continues in the subsequent second predetermined time in the ultrasonic wave generation source,
Generating and growing bubbles or a group of bubbles in a limited region of a tissue or a cell existing in the living body by the irradiation of the high frequency for a first predetermined time;
By irradiating low-frequency ultrasonic waves for a second predetermined time, bubbles or bubbles that have been generated and grown in a limited region of a tissue or cells existing in the living body resonate and collapse, and An ultrasonic irradiation device that locally imparts high energy to an object and thermally denatures the object.

Images