JP2004230182A - Ultrasonograph - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonograph capable of improving the operability of puncture by displaying the puncture direction limit of a biopsy needle. <P>SOLUTION: This ultrasonograph is provided with a bloodstream position detection means for detecting a bloodstream position on an ultrasonographic image; a needle position detection means for detecting the needle tip position of the biopsy needle on the ultrasonographic image; and a comparing means for comparing the bloodstream position from the bloodstream position detection means with the needle tip position from the needle position detection means. When the comparing means determines the approach of the bloodstream position and needle tip position within a prescribed distance, a stop signal is outputted to a biopsy needle advancing/retreating part provided with a means for impeding further advance of the biopsy needle upon receiving the stop signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal to and from a subject in a body cavity to obtain an ultrasonic diagnostic image and puncture the subject with a biopsy needle.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the medical field, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been used for observing a tissue, blood flow dynamics, and the like in a living body. In general, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus mainly includes an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from an observation site in a living body, and a diagnostic apparatus main body to which the probe is connected. In addition, in such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when extracting a body fluid or cells of a subject to be an observation site, a biopsy needle that punctures the subject is used. The biopsy needle is typically mounted on an adapter that is removably attached to the probe. In a device equipped with this biopsy needle, for example, when performing puncture while observing a B-mode image, a biopsy guide indicating the direction of insertion of the biopsy needle with respect to a desired observation site is displayed on a monitor screen. There is something to display.

  A conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for displaying such a biopsy guide is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. Hei 3-173542 and Hei 5-176922.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in JP-A-3-173542 is based on the premise that an operator can visually identify the traveling direction of a biopsy needle based on a guide groove provided in a puncture adapter. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-176922, an allowable error in a direction in which a biopsy needle is to be advanced is indicated by two lines when a site for performing a biopsy is specified. . It is stated that the operator can easily perform a biopsy by arranging and inserting a biopsy needle in a direction that matches the set biopsy guide. However, this invention is also based on the premise that the operator can visually identify the traveling direction of the biopsy needle. Therefore, both JP-A-3-173542 and JP-A-5-176922 require the operator to be able to visually identify the direction of travel of the biopsy needle. It becomes. Here, when changing the direction in which the biopsy needle comes out after insertion into a body cavity of a living body, as in an ultrasonic endoscope, the operator could not visually identify the traveling direction of the biopsy needle. .

  That is, the invention of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in JP-A-3-173542 and JP-A-5-176922 cannot be applied to an ultrasonic endoscope.

  Among the technologies for displaying the moving direction of the biopsy needle and the position of the biopsy needle on the ultrasonic diagnostic image with graphics and marks, those applicable to an ultrasonic endoscope are disclosed in JP-A-8-299344, And Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-271472.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-299344 discloses an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that matches the advance angle of a biopsy needle with the display direction of a biopsy guide.

  JP-A-8-229042 and JP-A-9-271472 describe a technique for detecting and displaying the tip position of a biopsy needle on an ultrasonic tomography.

  However, such a conventional apparatus that obtains an ultrasonic diagnostic image and enables the use of a biopsy needle cannot display the position where the biopsy needle finally reaches, and the operator can safely use the biopsy needle with the biopsy needle. Inspection failed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of displaying a limit of a puncture direction of a biopsy needle and improving operability of puncture.

  The first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic probe to a subject, performs ultrasonic scanning, and displays an echo signal from the subject as an ultrasonic diagnostic image. In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for examining a subject, a blood flow position detecting means for detecting a blood flow position on the ultrasonic diagnostic image, and a needle position for detecting a needle tip position of a biopsy needle on the ultrasonic diagnostic image Detecting means, and comparing means for comparing the blood flow position from the blood flow position detecting means with the needle tip position from the needle position detecting means, wherein the blood flow position and the needle tip are compared in the comparing means. When it is determined that the position has approached within a predetermined distance, when the stop signal is received, the stop signal is output to a biopsy needle advance / retreat unit including means for preventing the biopsy needle from further proceeding. It is characterized by the following.

  The second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the needle position detecting unit searches for a linear echo having a predetermined length or more from the ultrasonic diagnostic image, The tip of the linear echo is calculated as the needle point position.

  A third ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the needle position detecting means is provided with an angle changing means for changing a projection angle of the biopsy needle. Protrusion angle information from a detector that detects the protrusion angle set by the angle variable unit, and a biopsy needle advance / retreat unit that advances / retreats the biopsy needle are provided in the biopsy needle advance / retreat unit. A tip position of the biopsy needle is calculated based on advance / retreat length information from a detection unit to be detected.

  According to the present invention, since the limit of the puncture direction of the biopsy needle can be displayed, the operability of puncture is improved, and the operator can perform a biopsy with the biopsy needle at ease.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First Embodiment)
FIGS. 1 to 6 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a distal end portion of an ultrasonic endoscope, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an adjustment limit of an angle variable device at the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope, FIG. 4 is a side view showing a configuration example of a biopsy needle advance / retreat unit and a biopsy needle, and FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a first display example of an image to be displayed, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a second display example of an image output to the monitor by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

(Constitution)
First, the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an ultrasonic endoscope 2, an ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 11, and a monitor 12, and transmits and receives an ultrasonic signal to and from a subject in a body cavity. By doing so, an ultrasonic diagnostic image is obtained.

  The ultrasonic endoscope 2 has an insertion section 21 to be inserted into a body cavity, an operation section 22, and a connection cord 23.

  The ultrasonic endoscope 2 includes an ultrasonic probe 25 and a biopsy needle outlet 26 at the distal end 24 of the insertion section 21.

  The ultrasonic endoscope 2 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 11 and transmits and receives an ultrasonic signal to and from a living body by the ultrasonic probe 25.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 11 controls the ultrasonic probe 25 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2, processes a signal obtained from the ultrasonic probe 25, and generates an ultrasonic diagnostic image by a known technique. Is generated and displayed on the monitor 12.

  The biopsy needle advance / retreat unit 3 is attached to the operation unit 22 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2. The biopsy needle advance / retreat unit 3 is used to advance / retract the biopsy needle 4 back and forth. The biopsy needle 4 penetrates the insertion portion 21 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 from the biopsy needle advance / retreat portion 3, and the tip of the biopsy needle protrudes from the biopsy needle outlet 26 of the distal end portion 24 of the insertion portion 21 to puncture the subject. It is supposed to.

  The monitor 12 displays an image corresponding to the ultrasonic diagnostic image output from the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 11. In this case, the monitor 12 serves as display means for displaying the biopsy needle 4 on the ultrasonic diagnostic image. The ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 11 serves as superimposing means for superimposing the advance limit of the biopsy needle 4 in the puncturing direction on the display of the monitor 12.

  Next, the distal end portion 24 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  An ultrasonic probe 25 and a biopsy needle protrusion 26 are provided at a distal end portion 24 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2.

  An angle variator 27 for adjusting the angle at which the biopsy needle 4 comes out of the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 is provided behind the biopsy needle protrusion 26. In this case, the angle variable device 27 is attached so as to be rotatable by a rotation shaft 28 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 21. Further, the angle variable device 27 is configured to rotate between one and the other adjustment limit positions by operating the operation unit 22 shown in FIG.

  Here, in FIG. 2, the case where the biopsy needle 4 projects from the distal end portion 24 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 at one adjustment limit position of the angle variable device 27 is indicated by a solid line. The broken line shows the position when the biopsy needle 4 is at the other adjustment limit position.

  The angle variable device 27 and the biopsy needle 4 are in a state where the angle is the smallest with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion section 21 at one adjustment limit position. In this case, the angle at which the biopsy needle 4 comes out of the distal end portion 24 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 is a known amount because it is determined by the type of the ultrasonic endoscope 2.

  In FIG. 3, the case where the biopsy needle 4 projects from the distal end portion 24 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 at the other adjustment limit position of the angle variable device 27 is shown by a solid line. The broken line indicates the position of the biopsy needle 4 at one adjustment limit position. The angle variator 27 and the biopsy needle 4 are at the largest angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion section 21 at the other adjustment limit position. Also at this time, the angle at which the biopsy needle 4 comes out of the distal end portion 24 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 becomes a known amount.

  With such a structure, the angle variable device 27 is provided in the insertion section 21 and serves as a change unit that changes the puncture direction of the biopsy needle 4 by moving.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 11 superimposes the moving range of the angle variable device 27 on the ultrasonic diagnostic image on the monitor 12.

FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration example of the biopsy needle advance / retreat unit 3 and the biopsy needle 4.
The biopsy needle advance / retreat unit 3 includes a biopsy needle advance / retreat unit exterior 31 and a piston unit 32. The biopsy needle 4 is attached to the piston portion 32, and has a structure in which the biopsy needle 4 advances and retreats as the piston portion 32 moves forward and backward.

  In a state where the biopsy needle advance / retreat portion 3 is attached to the ultrasonic endoscope 2 shown in FIG. 1, when the operator pushes the piston portion 32, the biopsy needle 4 protrudes from the distal end portion 24 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2. I do.

  Although FIG. 4 shows an example of the simplest configuration of the biopsy needle advance / retreat unit 3, the biopsy needle advance / retreat unit 3 is not limited to the biopsy needle advance / retreat unit having the configuration shown in FIG. A biopsy needle advance / retreat unit provided with a stopper for preventing the user from being pushed in, or a biopsy needle advance / retreat unit in which the piston advances by a preset stroke by operating a button can be used.

(Action)
FIG. 5 shows a display example of an image output from the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 11 to the monitor 12.

In FIG. 5, a fan-shaped ultrasonic diagnostic image 14 is displayed on a screen 13 of the monitor 12. The biopsy needle image 10 is an ultrasonic image corresponding to the biopsy needle 4 displayed on the ultrasonic diagnostic image 14, and is displayed as a linear high-brightness echo. The display or non-display of the biopsy guide 15 can be arbitrarily selected. When the display is selected by a changeover switch (not shown) of the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 11, the biopsy guide 15 is displayed so as to overlap the ultrasonic diagnostic image 14. You. Biopsy guide 15 is composed of biopsy guidelines 16 and 17. The biopsy guideline 16 indicates the direction in which the biopsy needle image 10 is displayed on the ultrasonic diagnostic image 14 when the angle variable device 27 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 is at one of the adjustment limit positions as shown in FIG. Match. As described above, if the type of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 is determined, the angle at which the biopsy needle 4 comes out when the angle variable device 27 is at one of the adjustment limit positions is a known amount, and thus matches the direction. The biopsy guideline 16 may be displayed in the direction. In the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 11, the means for specifying the type of the connected ultrasonic endoscope 2 can be easily performed by using a known technique. Similarly, the biopsy guideline 17 indicates the direction in which the biopsy needle image 10 is displayed on the ultrasonic diagnostic image 14 when the angle variable device 27 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 shown in FIG. Match. Therefore, the biopsy needle image 10 is always displayed inside the area surrounded by the biopsy guidelines 16 and 17.
In addition, since the piston portion 32 of the biopsy needle advance / retreat portion 3 shown in FIG. 4 is mainly operated manually by the operator, the biopsy guidelines 16 and 17 have a scale as a measure of the length of pushing the piston portion 32. 18 is displayed.

  As an alternative to or in combination with the display of the scale 18, dot marks 19 may be displayed at predetermined intervals within a range surrounded by the biopsy guidelines 16 and 17, as shown in FIG. Displaying the dot mark 19 makes it easier for the operator to recognize the length of the biopsy needle image 10 even when the biopsy needle image 10 is apart from the biopsy guidelines 16 and 17.

(effect)
According to the first embodiment, by displaying the biopsy needle final arrival position 20 on the ultrasonic diagnostic image 14, the limit of the puncture direction of the biopsy needle can be displayed, thereby improving the operability of puncture. The operator can perform a biopsy with a biopsy needle with ease.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, even when the operator cannot directly visually identify the traveling direction of the biopsy needle as in an ultrasonic endoscope, the operator can display the biopsy needle by displaying the biopsy guide 15. The biopsy can be performed with confidence because the range in which the disease progresses can be visually recognized.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the scale 18 shown in FIG. 5 and the dot mark 19 shown in FIG. 6 are displayed, so that no matter where the biopsy needle advances within the range of the biopsy guide, the travel length It becomes easy to confirm.

(Second embodiment)
7 and 8 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. FIG. 8 shows a display example of an image output by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to a monitor. FIG. In the description of FIGS. 7 and 8, the same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

(Constitution)
7, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 5 includes an ultrasonic endoscope 2, an ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing apparatus 6, a biopsy needle advance / retreat unit 7, and a monitor 12.

  An example in which the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 6 can be combined with a biopsy needle advance / retreat unit 7 having a mechanism for detecting the maximum protrusion amount of the biopsy needle 4 is shown.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 6 includes a maximum protrusion amount detection unit 61, a biopsy guide display generation unit 62, an ultrasonic image generation unit 63, and a synthesis processing unit 64.

  The biopsy needle advance / retreat section 7 includes a biopsy needle advance / retreat section exterior 71, a piston section 72, and a stopper 73. The biopsy needle 4 is attached to the piston 72.

  A stopper 73 is attached to the base end side of the biopsy needle advance / retreat exterior 71 so that the position can be adjusted. The stopper 73 is for preventing the piston portion 72 from being pushed in more than a preset stroke by position adjustment.

  A sensor 74 is built in the stopper 73. The sensor 74 outputs data corresponding to the fixed position of the stopper 73 to the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 6.

  The sensor 74 is formed of, for example, an encoder, and converts the amount of movement of the stopper 73 in the front-rear direction into a pulse number and outputs the number of pulses. Or a magnet that measures the distance from the end of the piston 72 by detecting the magnetic strength formed by a magnet embedded in one end of the piston 72 by detecting the potential difference between both ends of the piston 72. It can be constituted by a sensor or the like.

  The data output from the sensor 74 is input to the maximum protrusion amount detection unit 61 inside the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 6. The maximum protrusion amount detection unit 61 detects the set position of the stopper 73, that is, the maximum protrusion amount, based on the data from the sensor 74.

  The data of the detection result of the maximum protrusion amount detection unit 61 is sent to the biopsy guide display generation unit 62. The biopsy guide display generation unit 62 generates an image of a biopsy guide with a biopsy needle final arrival position, which will be described later, based on data from the maximum protrusion amount detection unit 61.

  The ultrasonic image generation unit 63 processes a signal obtained from the ultrasonic endoscope 2, generates an ultrasonic diagnostic image by a known technique, and outputs the ultrasonic diagnostic image to the synthesis processing unit 64.

  The image of the biopsy guide with the biopsy needle final arrival position by the biopsy guide display generation unit 62 is synthesized by the synthesis processing unit 64 with the ultrasonic diagnostic image generated by the ultrasonic image generation unit 63, and displayed on the monitor 12. Is done.

(Action)
FIG. 8 shows a display example of a biopsy guide with a biopsy needle final arrival position.
As shown in FIG. 8, a biopsy guide 15 is displayed on the ultrasonic diagnostic image 14 on the screen 13 of the monitor 12, and further, a biopsy needle final arrival position 70 which is the puncture direction progress limit is displayed. The biopsy needle final arrival position 70 is displayed as an arc-shaped dotted line or solid line.

  When the operator changes the position of the stopper 73 of the biopsy needle advance / retreat unit 7, the position of the stopper 73 is detected by the above configuration, and the final biopsy needle arrival position 70 is updated in conjunction with the movement of the stopper 73.

(effect)
According to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 can be obtained, and also in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 5 in which the stop position of the biopsy needle 4 can be changed. The position where the biopsy needle 4 finally reaches can be displayed in conjunction with the stopper 73 serving as a mechanism for stopping the mechanism biopsy needle 4.

  The biopsy guides according to the first and second embodiments are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8, and the solid line may be replaced with a dotted line or a broken line.

(Third embodiment)
When the direction in which the biopsy needle comes out after insertion into a body cavity of a living body is changed, as in an ultrasonic endoscope, the operator cannot directly visually identify the traveling direction of the biopsy needle. Conventionally, there has not been a biopsy guide display such as an ultrasonic endoscope that indicates a protruding direction with respect to a biopsy needle for which an operator cannot specify a traveling direction. Therefore, conventionally, the operator of the ultrasonic endoscope has no means for knowing the direction from which the biopsy needle comes out, so that the biopsy cannot be performed with confidence.

The third embodiment addresses such a problem.
9 to 11 relate to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and FIG. 10 is a first example of an image output from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to a monitor. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a second display example of an image output to the monitor by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In the description of FIGS. 9 to 11, the same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Parts not shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Constitution)
9, the ultrasonic endoscope 9 has a built-in angle output unit (not shown) for outputting the set angle of the angle variable unit 27 shown in FIG. The angle output unit is integrated with or separate from the angle variable device 27 of the distal end portion 24 of the endoscope 2 shown in FIG. 2, and outputs a set angle as a pulse output by an encoder, a resistance value change by a variable resistor, or the like. It has become.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 100 includes an angle detection unit 101, a biopsy guide display generation unit 102, an ultrasonic image generation unit 103, and a synthesis processing unit 104.

  The data output from the angle output unit is sent to the angle detection unit 101 of the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 100. The angle detection unit 101 calculates the angle of the angle variable device 27 based on the data sent from the angle output unit. The angle of the angle variable device 27 calculated by the angle detection unit 101 is sent to the biopsy guide display generation unit 102. The biopsy guide display generation unit 102 generates a biopsy guide described later.

  On the other hand, the ultrasonic echo of the ultrasonic endoscope 9 is sent to the ultrasonic image generation unit 103 of the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 100. The ultrasonic image generation unit 103 generates an ultrasonic diagnostic image from the transmitted ultrasonic echo. The synthesis processing unit 104 synthesizes the ultrasonic diagnostic image generated by the ultrasonic image generation unit 103 and the biopsy guide generated by the biopsy guide display generation unit 102, and outputs the synthesized biopsy guide to the monitor 12.

(Action)
FIG. 10 shows an example of an image output from the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 100 to the monitor 12.

  As described above, since the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 100 detects the angle of the angle variable device 27 of the ultrasonic endoscope 9, the biopsy guide 85 displayed on the monitor 12 can display the biopsy needle image 80. Is displayed in the direction that matches the direction of travel.

  When the operator changes the angle of the angle changer 27, the direction of the biopsy guide 85 changes, for example, as shown in FIG. The interval between the biopsy guidelines 86 and 87 is determined in consideration of the accuracy of the angle output unit built into the ultrasonic endoscope 9 and the calculation error of the angle detection unit 101. Generally, it is displayed in a width several times to about 10 times the biopsy needle image 80. Further, if necessary, the dot marks 89 may be displayed at predetermined intervals.

(effect)
As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to display a biopsy guide in a direction coinciding with the direction of travel of the biopsy needle. When using the biopsy needle whose direction can be changed, the direction from which the biopsy needle comes out can be surely known by the biopsy guide 85 displayed on the monitor 12, and the biopsy can be performed with confidence.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the description of FIG. 12, the same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

(Constitution)
In FIG. 12, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 111 displays a biopsy guide that matches the traveling direction of the biopsy needle when combined with the ultrasonic endoscope 2 having no angle output unit that outputs the angle of the angle variable unit. It is possible to do.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 120 includes a biopsy needle angle detection unit 121, a biopsy guide display generation unit 122, an ultrasonic image generation unit 123, and a synthesis processing unit 124.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 120 generates an ultrasonic diagnostic image in the ultrasonic image generator 123 based on the ultrasonic echo from the ultrasonic endoscope 2. The biopsy needle angle detection unit 121 calculates the orientation of the biopsy needle based on the ultrasonic diagnostic image generated by the ultrasonic image generation unit 123 as follows.

(Action)
When the biopsy needle is present on the ultrasonic diagnostic image, the biopsy needle is displayed as a linear high-brightness echo as shown in the biopsy needle image 10 in FIG. The biopsy needle angle detection unit 121 detects the presence or absence of a linear high-intensity echo that is longer than a predetermined length by image processing.

  Here, in the biopsy needle angle detection unit 121, the length of the linear echo used as a criterion for determining the presence or absence of a biopsy needle image is predetermined to be about 1 cm. The length can be arbitrarily set by the operator using a switch (not shown) on the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 120.

  When the biopsy needle angle detection unit 121 does not detect a linear echo longer than the reference length, it is determined that the biopsy needle is not displayed. Thereby, the biopsy guide display generation unit 122 displays on the monitor 12 the biopsy guide 15 having the biopsy guideline 16 and 17 at both ends of the biopsy needle angle adjustment limit position as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. When the biopsy needle angle detection unit 121 detects a linear echo longer than the reference length, it determines that the biopsy needle is present on the ultrasonic diagnostic image, and the calculation result of the angle information is sent to the biopsy guide display generation unit 122. Sent. The method for displaying the biopsy guide on the monitor after the biopsy guide display generation unit 122 receives the angle calculation information of the biopsy needle is performed by generating the biopsy guide display of the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. The configuration is the same as that of the unit 102. Therefore, the biopsy guide displayed on the monitor 12 is the same as FIG. 10 or FIG.

(effect)
According to the fourth embodiment, even when the ultrasonic endoscope does not have the angle output unit that outputs the angle of the angle variable device, the operator can monitor in which direction the biopsy needle punctures. The biopsy guide displayed on the screen 12 allows the user to know the biopsy and perform the biopsy with confidence.

(Fifth embodiment)
By the way, the puncture ultrasonic probe described in JP-A-8-229042 and the puncture needle position detecting device and the ultrasonic diagnostic device described in JP-A-9-271472 detect and display the tip position of the biopsy needle. The present invention relates to the invention. In these devices, the position of the tip of the biopsy needle can be specified, but the operator himself must be careful to avoid blood vessels, and the biopsy cannot be performed with confidence.

The fifth embodiment addresses such a problem.
13 and 14 relate to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. FIG. FIG. In the description of FIGS. 13 and 14, the same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

(Constitution)
In FIG. 13, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 131 has a function of stopping the biopsy needle 4.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 140 includes an ultrasonic image generating unit 141, a blood flow position detecting unit 142, a memory 143, a comparing unit 144, a needle position detecting unit 145, and a needle stop signal generating unit 146. Have been.

  The biopsy needle advance / retreat section 150 includes a biopsy needle advance / retreat section exterior 151, a piston section 152, and a needle stop mechanism 153.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 140 outputs a needle stop signal from the needle stop signal generator 146 by a method described later. The needle stop mechanism 153 of the biopsy needle advance / retreat unit 150 receives a needle stop signal from the needle stop signal generation unit 146. The needle stop mechanism 153 that has received the needle stop signal locks the biopsy needle advance / retreat unit exterior 151 so as not to move in the direction of pushing the piston 152 further. The biopsy needle advance / retreat unit 150 prevents the biopsy needle 4 from projecting further by the needle stop mechanism 153 locking the piston unit 152.

(Action)
Next, a method of generating a needle stop signal will be described. ◎
The ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 140 has a Doppler function like a general ultrasonic diagnostic device, and turns on the Doppler function when generating a needle stop signal.

  When the Doppler function of the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 140 is turned on, the ultrasonic image generator 141 displays a Doppler cursor 160 on the monitor 12 based on a signal from the ultrasonic endoscope 2 as shown in FIG. At the same time, when blood flow is detected, blood flow information 161 is displayed. In the blood flow position detecting unit 142 of the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 140, the position data at which the Doppler signal is detected by the ultrasonic image generating unit 141 is stored in the memory 143, and the data is stored every time the position at which the Doppler signal is detected changes. The position data stored in 143 is updated. The needle position detecting unit 145 detects a linear high-intensity echo unique to the biopsy needle image 10 in which the biopsy needle 4 is drawn on the ultrasonic diagnostic image 14 from the ultrasonic diagnostic image of the ultrasonic image generating unit 141 by image processing. Then, the position corresponding to the tip of the biopsy needle 4 is calculated. The comparing unit 144 compares the tip position data of the biopsy needle 4 calculated by the needle position detecting unit 145 with the blood clot position data stored in the memory 143.

  In the comparison unit 144, an approach avoidance distance that is a criterion for determining the degree of approach between the tip position of the biopsy needle 4 and the blood flow position is determined, and the tip position of the biopsy needle 4 and the blood flow position approach within the approach migration distance. If so, the control unit 146 causes the hand stop signal generation unit 146 to output a hand stop signal. Accordingly, the needle stopping mechanism 153 locks and stops the biopsy needle 4. In this case, the approach and migration distance is set to about 1 cm in advance, and the operator can arbitrarily change the distance by using a switch (not shown) on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  Although the biopsy guide 15 is also displayed in FIG. 14, the biopsy guide 15 is not always necessary, and the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 140 may not have the biopsy guide display function.

(effect)
According to the fifth embodiment, when the blood flow is detected, the blood flow information 161 is displayed, and when the tip position of the biopsy needle 4 and the blood flow position are within the approach migration distance, the blood flow information 161 is displayed. Since the meter reading 4 is stopped, the biopsy can be performed with confidence.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

(Constitution)
In FIG. 15, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 171 has a configuration different from that of FIG. 13 of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a function of stopping the biopsy needle 4.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 180 includes an ultrasonic image generating unit 181, a blood flow position detecting unit 182, a memory 183, a comparing unit 184, a needle position detecting unit 185, a needle stop signal generating unit 186, and an angle detecting unit 187. , A needle protrusion amount detection unit 188.

  The biopsy needle advance / retreat section 190 has a biopsy needle advance / retreat section exterior 191, a piston section 192, a needle stop mechanism 193, and a projection amount output section 194.

  The function of the needle stop mechanism 193 is the same as that of the needle stop mechanism 153 in the biopsy needle advance / retreat unit 150 in FIG. The protrusion amount output unit 194 outputs data corresponding to the advance / retreat position of the piston unit 192 with respect to the biopsy needle advance / retreat unit exterior 191 based on a pulse output by an encoder, a variable resistance value by a variable resistor, or a magnetic strength by a magnetic sensor. Things.

(Action)
An angle detection mechanism based on a combination of the ultrasonic endoscope 9 and the angle detection unit 187 is the same as the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 100 shown in FIG. The needle protrusion amount detection unit 188 calculates the protrusion amount of the biopsy needle 4 in real time based on the position data of the piston unit 192 obtained from the protrusion amount output unit 194.

  The needle position detector 185 determines the tip position of the biopsy needle 4 based on the protrusion amount of the biopsy needle 4 calculated by the needle protrusion amount detector 188 and the angle of the angle variable device obtained by the angle detector 187. calculate. The blood flow position detection unit 182 detects the blood flow position, the blood flow position data is stored in the memory 183, and the comparison unit 184 compares the tip position of the biopsy needle 4 with the blood flow position, and outputs the data from the needle stop signal generation unit 186. The configuration for transmitting the needle stop signal to the needle stop mechanism 193 of the biopsy needle advance / retreat unit 190 is the same as the configuration described for the ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing device 140 in FIG.

(effect)
According to the sixth embodiment, similarly to the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the tip position of the biopsy needle 4 and the blood flow position are close to each other within the approach migration distance. Since the biopsy needle 4 is stopped, the biopsy can be performed with confidence.

  The ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 15 is not limited to an ultrasonic endoscope, and may be combined with an extracorporeal ultrasonic probe.

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

(Supplementary item 1) Ultrasound for performing inspection of an object by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic probe to the object, performing ultrasonic scanning, and displaying an echo signal from the object as an ultrasonic diagnostic image. In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus,
The biopsy needle includes an angle detecting unit that detects a progress angle at which the biopsy needle advances on the ultrasonic diagnostic image,
Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus having means for displaying a biopsy guide that matches the direction of travel of the biopsy needle on the ultrasound diagnostic image based on the biopsy needle travel direction information from the angle detection means. .

(Additional Item 2)
The ultrasonic diagnosis is performed based on projection angle information from a detector that detects the projection angle set by the angle variation unit of the ultrasound probe that includes an angle variation unit that varies the projection angle of the biopsy needle. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation is performed by a traveling angle calculating means provided in the apparatus.

(Additional Item 3) The angle detecting means includes:
In the angle calculator provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, searching for a linear echo of a predetermined length or more from the ultrasonic diagnostic image, calculating the direction of the linear echo as the angle of the biopsy needle. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that:

(Additional Item 4) Ultrasound that performs ultrasonic scanning by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic probe to the subject, performs ultrasonic scanning, and displays an echo signal from the subject as an ultrasonic diagnostic image. In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus,
Blood flow position detecting means for detecting a blood flow position on the ultrasonic diagnostic image,
Needle position detecting means for detecting the position of the tip of the biopsy needle on the ultrasonic diagnostic image,
Comparing means for comparing the blood flow position from the blood flow position detection means and the needle tip position from the needle position detection means,
A biopsy needle provided with means for preventing the biopsy needle from proceeding further when a stop signal is received when the comparing means determines that the blood flow position and the needle tip position have approached within a predetermined distance; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: outputting the stop signal to an advance / retreat unit.

(Additional Item 5)
From the ultrasound diagnostic image to find a linear echo of a predetermined length or more,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a tip of the linear echo is calculated as a needle point position.

(Additional Item 6) The needle position detecting means includes:
Projection angle information from a detector for detecting the projection angle set by the angle varying means of the ultrasonic probe having an angle varying means for varying the projection angle of the biopsy needle, and a probe for moving the biopsy needle forward and backward. A supplementary item provided in the needle probe advance / retreat unit, wherein the tip position of the biopsy needle is calculated based on advance / retreat information from a detection unit that detects the advance / retract length of the biopsy needle in the biopsy needle advance / retreat unit. 5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 4.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an adjustment limit of an angle variable device at a distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a configuration example of a biopsy needle advance / retreat unit and a biopsy needle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a first display example of an image output to a monitor by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a second display example of an image output to the monitor by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of an image output to a monitor by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a first display example of an image output to a monitor by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a second display example of an image output to a monitor by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an image output to a monitor by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 ... Ultrasonic endoscope 11 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic signal processing apparatus 21 ... Insert part 24 ... Tip part 25 ... Ultrasonic probe 26 ... Biopsy needle protrusion 27 ... Angle variable device
Attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (3)

In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs ultrasonic scanning by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from an object from an ultrasonic probe and inspecting the object by displaying an echo signal from the object as an ultrasonic diagnostic image,
Blood flow position detecting means for detecting a blood flow position on the ultrasonic diagnostic image,
Needle position detecting means for detecting the position of the tip of the biopsy needle on the ultrasonic diagnostic image,
Comparison means for comparing the blood flow position from the blood flow position detection means and the needle tip position from the needle position detection means,
With
A biopsy needle provided with means for preventing the biopsy needle from proceeding further when a stop signal is received when the comparing means determines that the blood flow position and the needle tip position have approached within a predetermined distance; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: outputting the stop signal to an advance / retreat unit. The needle position detecting means,
From the ultrasound diagnostic image to find a linear echo of a predetermined length or more,
2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a tip of the linear echo is calculated as a needle point position. The needle position detecting means,
Projection angle information from a detector for detecting the projection angle set by the angle varying means of the ultrasonic probe having an angle varying means for varying the projection angle of the biopsy needle, and a probe for moving the biopsy needle forward and backward. The tip position of the biopsy needle is calculated based on advance / retreat length information from a detection unit that is provided in the needle advance / retreat unit and detects the advance / retract length of the biopsy needle in the biopsy needle advance / retreat unit. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 1.

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