JP2006304923A - Puncturing adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable each guiding pathway to be brought closer to a specified side surface of an ultrasonic probe as much as possible in a puncturing adapter which is attached to the ultrasonic probe. <P>SOLUTION: A guiding mechanism 20 has a base member 24 and a cover member 26. The cover member 26 is positioned and held to the base member 24 by a first engaging structure 30, a second engaging structure 32, and a third engaging structure 34. In the guiding mechanism 20, an opening section and a protuberance which form the first engaging structure 30 are formed between two guiding grooves, i.e., a special overhang structure is not required to be provided on the specified side surface side of the ultrasonic probe 10. Therefore, each guiding pathway can be brought closer to the specified side surface. Thus, there is an advantage that a blind zone until the distal end of a puncturing needle appears on an ultrasonic image can be made smaller. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a structure of a puncture adapter for an ultrasonic probe that guides or holds a puncture needle.

  The puncture adapter is provided in an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. This is used when a puncture needle is inserted into a living body while observing an ultrasonic image (for example, a tomographic image). Here, the puncture needle is for tissue collection, drug injection, electrosurgery and the like.

  Patent documents 1-5 describe a conventional puncture adapter. Patent Documents 3 to 5 show a puncture adapter integrated with an ultrasonic probe (probe). In the case of such a type, there is a problem that a mechanism added to the probe becomes an obstacle when puncturing is not performed. Patent Documents 1 and 2 show a puncture adapter that is detachably attached to an ultrasonic probe. That is, it is only necessary to attach a puncture adapter only when performing puncture. The puncture adapters described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have an attachment mechanism, a base member held by the attachment mechanism, and a cover member attached to the base member. A plurality of grooves are formed in one of the base member and the cover member, and a plurality of puncture paths are established when the base member and the cover member are joined. Depending on the desired puncture angle, the depth of the target tissue, etc., any puncture path is selected and a puncture needle is inserted there.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-151106 JP-A-3-173542 JP-A-8-614 JP-A-8-617 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-248849

  In the separate type puncture adapters described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the base member has a form of wrapping the cover member from the outside. That is, the base member has a pair of overhanging walls (frames) extending in the vertical direction at its left and right ends, and the cover member is positioned and held between them. Therefore, in such a conventional structure, it is difficult to bring each puncture path (especially the innermost puncture path) close to the side surface of the probe. This is because a thick overhanging wall exists between the probe side surface and the puncture path.

  Therefore, conventionally, when the puncture needle is gradually inserted into the living body using the puncture adapter, there is a problem that the length and time until the tip of the puncture needle appears on the ultrasonic image increases. . If the puncture needle enters the living body, it is desired that the puncture needle appears on the image as soon as possible for safety confirmation, anxiety wiping, and the like. In particular, when the puncture angle is nearly perpendicular to the surface of the living body, it is desirable to perform the puncture with the puncture needle as close to the probe as possible, but in the past it was difficult to bring the puncture needle close to the probe side. there were.

  An object of the present invention is to enable the puncture needle to be positioned at a position close to the side surface of the probe.

  Another object of the present invention is to make the tip of the puncture needle appear on the ultrasonic image as soon as possible from the start of puncture, that is, to reduce the blind zone.

(1) The present invention is an attachment mechanism that is attached to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and a member that is held by the attachment mechanism and is positioned on a specific side surface of the ultrasonic probe. A guide mechanism comprising: a base member having a first mounting surface; and a cover member having a second mounting surface that is detachably joined to the first mounting surface of the base member. A plurality of guide paths for guiding the puncture needle are configured in a joined state of the surface and the second mounting surface, and the plurality of guide paths are farthest from the specific side from the first guide path closest to the specific side. N guide routes up to the nth guide route (where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2). In the guide mechanism, the cover is attached to the base member between the first guide route and the nth guide route. First engagement structure for mounting member Provided the, characterized in that.

  According to the above configuration, the puncture adapter is detachably attached to the ultrasonic probe by the attachment mechanism. Therefore, when puncturing is not performed, the entire puncture adapter can be removed from the ultrasonic probe. The guide mechanism includes a base member that is held by the attachment mechanism and a cover member that is attached to and detached from the base member. When the cover member is mounted on the base member, that is, when the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface are joined, a plurality of guide paths are formed between them. Each guide route guides the advance and retreat of the puncture needle while holding the puncture needle. The plurality of puncture routes are configured from the first puncture route to the nth puncture route, and the number thereof is two in the embodiment described later, but may be more than that. In the guide mechanism, a first engagement mechanism is provided between the innermost first guide path when viewed from the ultrasonic probe and the outermost nth guide path when viewed from the ultrasonic probe. Yes. Conventionally, in the guide mechanism, a cover member is fitted between both end portions of the base member so as to connect the two. However, in the above configuration, the first engagement structure in which both members are fitted in the intermediate portion of the guide mechanism is provided. Since it is provided, it is not necessary to provide a thick overhanging portion for supporting the entire side surface of the cover member at the ultrasonic probe side portion of the guide mechanism. Thus, the present invention provides a new engagement mechanism for the base member and the cover member. The conventional engagement method and the engagement method according to the present invention can be used in combination.

  In general, when a lock mechanism is provided, a lock pin or the like in the lock mechanism also has a role of coupling the base member and the cover member. However, the first engagement mechanism (including each engagement mechanism) includes the lock mechanism. Even in a state where the locking operation is not performed, that is, in a state before the lock is simply attached to the base member and the cover member (non-locked state), the engagement (positioning) function is exerted, which is configured separately from the lock mechanism. , It is a distinction.

  Preferably, in the guide mechanism, a thin wall that is tapered downward is formed between the first guide path and the specific side surface. That is, as described above, since it is not necessary to provide an overhanging portion for engagement on the ultrasonic probe side in the guide mechanism, the wall portion on the ultrasonic probe side as viewed from the first guide path is thinned. That is, a thin wall can be constructed. The lower end portion of the thin wall may be cut out so that the first guide path is closer to the specific side surface. Further, a dent may be provided at the lower end of the specific side surface so that the puncture needle passes closer to the ultrasonic probe. The specific side surface is preferably a surface orthogonal to the scanning surface.

  Preferably, the first engagement structure is provided on one of the base member and the cover member, and on the other of the base member and the cover member, and the protrusion is engaged. And an opening to be joined. According to this structure, a cover member can be positioned with respect to a base member by engagement of a protrusion and an opening part. The protrusion is preferably formed integrally with the cover member or the base member. The opening may be a through hole or a non-through hole. The shape of the protrusion and the opening can be determined as appropriate.

  Preferably, the plurality of guide paths have a fan-shaped array extending upward, the protrusion has a tapered shape downward, and the opening has a tapered shape downward. . A sector-like region is formed between two adjacent guide paths, and a protrusion and an opening are formed in the region. They desirably have a downwardly tapered triangular shape. In that case, each corner of the triangle may be rounded. When a plurality of sector-like areas are configured, the first engagement structure is provided using any one area, but such a structure may be provided in the plurality of areas.

  Preferably, a second engagement structure for mounting the cover member on the base member is provided outside the nth guide path in the guide mechanism. Similar to the other engagement structures, the second engagement structure engages a part of the base member and a part of the cover member. As the first engagement structure, a structure that simply fits may be adopted, and a structure in which both of them are caught in the second engagement structure (and the third engagement structure) may be adopted. In any case, the cover member is properly positioned with respect to the base member by the first engagement structure alone or in addition to the other engagement structure.

  Preferably, the specific side surface includes a lower side surface portion and an upper side surface portion that is connected to the lower side surface portion and is inclined from the lower side surface portion, and the cover is attached to the base member at an upper position close to the upper side surface portion in the guide mechanism. A third engagement structure for mounting the member is provided. According to this configuration, since the upper portion of the specific side surface is inclined more toward the central axis side of the ultrasonic probe, a part of the guide mechanism is protruded into the open space generated by the inclination, and the protruding portion is configured. A third engagement structure can be provided on the protrusion. According to this, since the third engagement structure can be arranged in the empty space, it is possible to bring the first guide path closer to the ultrasonic probe while achieving reliable engagement.

  Preferably, the guide mechanism is provided with a mark for identifying each of the n guide routes. You may comprise each mark as a convex part or a recessed part.

(2) The present invention relates to an attachment mechanism that is attached to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and a member that is held by the attachment mechanism and that is positioned on a specific side surface of the ultrasonic probe and below A guide mechanism having a base member having a tapered shape toward the bottom and a cover member having a tapered shape toward the bottom, the base member having a flat first mounting surface, The cover member has a second mounting surface having a first guide groove and a second guide groove, and the first guide groove and the second guide groove in a joined state of the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface. To form a first guide route and a second guide route for guiding the puncture needle, the first guide route is provided at a position close to the specific side surface, and the second guide route is provided from the specific side surface to the first guide route. Provided at a position away from the route, The mounting surface is formed with an opening having a tapered shape in the center at the lower portion, and the second mounting surface is tapered downward between the first guide groove and the second guide groove. A protrusion having a shape is formed, and when the cover member is attached to the base member, the protrusion is inserted into the opening and dropped into a lower portion thereof.

  According to the above configuration, since the entire guide mechanism has a tapered shape downward, when the ultrasonic probe is inclined while maintaining the state in which the ultrasonic probe is in contact with the surface of the living body, The inclination angle range until the guide mechanism contacts the living body surface can be increased. When the cover member is attached to the base member, first, the cover member moves close to the base member in a state where the cover member is lifted above the positioning level, so that the cover member protrudes at the center or upper portion of the opening of the base member. The cover member starts to enter, and then the cover member is pulled downward (or the oblique movement is performed simultaneously with the close movement and the downward movement), so that the protrusion of the cover member is formed at the lower part of the opening of the base member. Is dropped. In this state, the protrusion is firmly held by the opening, and the movement of the cover member is totally restricted except for a part of the direction. In order to drop the cover member, the downward movement of the cover member is used, and the cover member is hooked on the base member by another engagement structure so that the cover member is prevented from falling off and coming off. desirable.

  Desirably, a thin wall that is tapered downward is formed on the specific side surface of the first guide groove in the cover member, and a puncture needle inserted along the first guide path is a lower end portion of the specific side surface Pass the latest.

  As described above, even when the first guide path has an angle close to vertical, the first guide path (particularly the lower part thereof) can be brought close to a specific side surface of the ultrasonic probe. The distance or time from the start of puncture until the tip of the puncture needle appears in the scanning plane can be reduced. Therefore, the operator's anxiety can be resolved and alleviated, and the presence of the puncture needle can be confirmed at an early stage, so that safety can be improved. As the ultrasonic probe, it is desirable to use a convex probe having a wide field of view near the transmission / reception surface. If such an ultrasonic probe is used, an upper side and a lower side are arcuate and a trapezoidal (fan-shaped) scanning surface is formed as a whole. With the above configuration, a puncture path is formed at one of the upper end points of the scanning surface. It can be closer.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the puncture needle can be positioned at a position close to the side surface of the probe. Alternatively, according to the present invention, the tip of the puncture needle can appear earlier on the ultrasonic image after the start of puncture.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the puncture adapter according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a puncture adapter 12 is attached to an ultrasonic probe (probe) 10. Without attaching the puncture adapter 12 to the ultrasonic probe 10, it is also possible to perform ultrasonic diagnosis with the ultrasonic probe 10 alone. The ultrasonic probe 10 has a tip portion 10A that is enlarged below, and the lower surface thereof is a wave transmitting / receiving surface 10B. An acoustic lens is provided on the wave transmitting / receiving surface 10B. When performing ultrasonic diagnosis, the wave transmitting / receiving surface 10B is brought into contact with the surface of the living body. The probe body 10D is thin when viewed from the distal end portion 10A, and a cable boot 10C is provided on the upper portion thereof. The cable boot 10C is a member that holds a probe cable (not shown).

  The wave transmitting / receiving surface 10B described above is curved along an arc shape, whereby a so-called convex type ultrasonic probe 10 is configured. A plurality of vibration elements (not shown) are arranged along the wave transmitting / receiving surface 10B, and an array transducer is configured by them. By applying electronic linear scanning to the array transducer, the ultrasonic beam is electronically scanned along an arc, thereby forming a scanning surface having a sector shape as will be described later with reference to FIG. Is done. However, the scanning surface is not a complete fan shape, and the upper side and the lower side are arcuate and have a trapezoidal shape as a whole. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to an ultrasonic probe other than the convex type ultrasonic probe. For example, the puncture adapter technique according to the present invention may be applied to an ultrasonic probe including a 2D array transducer.

  The puncture adapter 12 is detachably attached to the ultrasonic probe 10 as described above. Specifically, when puncturing a target tissue while observing an ultrasonic image, a puncture adapter 12 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 10, and the puncture adapter 12 holds and guides the puncture needle. By doing so, it becomes possible to guide the puncture needle appropriately to the tissue of interest.

  The puncture adapter 12 has an adapter body 14 and a guide mechanism 20. The adapter main body 14 has an attachment mechanism 16 and a frame 22. The attachment mechanism 16 is a mechanism for attaching the adapter main body 14 in a detachable manner with respect to the probe main body 10D. Specifically, the attachment mechanism 16 includes a first attachment member 16A, a second attachment member 16B, and an attachment lock mechanism 16C. A second mounting member 16B is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the first mounting member 16A. If the probe main body 10D is surrounded by them and the lock mechanism 10C is operated in this state, the puncture adapter 12 is held by the mounting mechanism 16. Can be fixed to the ultrasonic probe 10.

  The adapter main body 14 has the frame 22 as described above. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body of the frame 22 is a plate-shaped member, and its upper end 22A is connected to the mounting mechanism 16, and its lower end 22B is a base member 24 in the guide mechanism 20 described later. It is connected to. The frame 22 has a hook member 22 </ b> C, and the hook member 22 </ b> C engages with a knob 10 </ b> E provided on an upper part of a specific side surface of the ultrasonic probe 10. In other words, the puncture adapter 12 can be stably attached to the ultrasonic probe 10 by hooking the groove of the hook member 22C on the knob 10E and operating the attachment mechanism.

  One side surface of the ultrasonic probe 10, that is, the specific side surface is orthogonal to the scanning surface, and as will be described later with reference to FIG. The knob 10E is provided on the inclined side surface portion. Most of the guide mechanism 20 is provided in the vicinity of the vertical side surface portion.

  The guide mechanism 20 will be described in detail. The guide mechanism 20 includes a base member 24, a cover member 26, and a lock mechanism 28. The base member 24 is fixed to the lower end 22B as described above. The cover member 26 is detachably attached to the base member 24. In the mounted state, that is, in a state where the cover member 26 is properly positioned with respect to the base member 24, the coupling state of both can be maintained by performing the locking operation of the lock mechanism 28. The lock mechanism 28 has a lock pin that reaches from the cover member 26 side to the base member 24 side, and the lock pin is rotated through the both members so that the both members are fastened. The base member 24 is made of, for example, metal, and the cover member 26 is made of, for example, a member such as resin.

  In the guide mechanism 20, a first engagement structure 30, a second engagement structure 32, and a third engagement structure 34 are provided as will be described in detail later. The first engagement structure 30 mainly exhibits a positioning action, the second engagement structure 32 mainly exhibits a positioning and hook coupling action, and the third coupling structure 34 mainly exerts a hook coupling action. These will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 2 shows two puncture paths 44 and 46 formed by the guide mechanism 20 described above. As will be described in detail later, when the cover member is attached to the base member, a first guide path 40 and a second guide path 42 are formed in the guide mechanism 20. By selecting either one and inserting the puncture needle, puncture of the living body can be performed. In the present embodiment, two puncture paths are formed by the guide mechanism 20, but more puncture paths may be formed. In general, in the guide mechanism 20, n guide routes from the first guide route to the nth guide route that are closest to the specific side surface of the ultrasound probe 10 are formed, where n is an integer of 2 or more. is there. In the present embodiment, two guide paths, a first guide path 40 and a second guide path 42, are formed, and the first engagement structure is constructed at the center of a triangular region sandwiched between them, A lock pin is inserted through the top.

  Specifically, the specific side surface of the ultrasonic probe 10 includes a first side surface portion 10F and a second side surface portion 10G. Here, the vertical side surface portion 10F forms a vertical surface in the example shown in FIG. The side surface portion 10G forms a slope surface or a tapered surface inclined toward the probe center axis with the upper side of the vertical portion 10F as a bending point. Although the main part in the guide mechanism 20 is provided adjacent to the vertical side surface part 10F, the upper part in the guide mechanism 20 is applied to the lower part of the inclined side surface part 10G. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper ultrasonic probe side portion of the guide mechanism 20 constitutes a protruding portion, and the protruding portion protrudes toward the inclined side surface portion 10G. As will be described later, a third engagement structure is provided on the protruding portion.

  As described above, when an ultrasonic beam is electronically scanned using the convex ultrasonic probe 10, a scanning surface 38 having a trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 2 is formed. In the present embodiment, the first guide path 40 has an angle close to vertical. When it is set apart from the specific side surface, when performing puncturing, the approach position of the tip of the puncture needle to the scanning surface 38 is positioned away from the ultrasound probe downward and laterally. In other words, the blind zone will increase. On the other hand, according to the guide mechanism 20 of the present embodiment, the first guide route 40 can be brought closer to the specific side surface, and in particular, the lower part of the first guide route 40 can be set to the nearest lower part of the specific side surface. As a result, the blind zone can be made very small. Therefore, when performing puncturing using such a first guide path 40, the distance or time until the puncture needle appears in the ultrasound image can be reduced, and the anxiety of the doctor can be eliminated or reduced, It is possible to improve safety when puncturing.

  In the above, the first guide route 40 has been described. However, since the second guide route 42 can be brought closer to the specific side surface, the same advantage as described above can be obtained by reducing the blind zone. It becomes possible.

  Next, the guide mechanism 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As described above, the guide mechanism 20 includes the base member 24 and the cover member 26.

  The base member 24 is a flat plate member as a whole, and has a triangular shape as a whole that tapers downward. At the side end portion of the base member 24 away from the ultrasonic probe 10, a recess 54C as a recess is formed as shown in the figure, and the first protrusion 54A and the first protrusion 54A are formed vertically therebetween. Two convex portions 54B are formed. Further, an opening 50 is formed at the center of the base member 24 as shown in the figure. The opening 50 has a triangular shape that tapers downward, and is a through hole. A horizontally wide display piece 56 is provided on the upper side of the base member 24. Although not shown in FIG. 3, it is desirable to provide marks on the display piece 56 for identifying the guide grooves, which will be described later. Such marks can be formed as protrusions or stamps, or may be provided using techniques such as printing or labeling.

  At the side end portion of the base member 24 on the ultrasonic probe 10 side, a shoulder portion 58 protruding to the above-described slope side surface portion is formed at the upper portion. A receiving portion for receiving the lock pin is formed on the upper portion of the base member 24.

  Next, the cover member 26 will be described. The cover member 26 has a triangular shape that tapers downward. That is, in the state where the cover member 26 is attached to the base member 24, the entire guide mechanism 20 has a tapered triangular shape toward the lower side. Thereby, even when the ultrasonic probe 10 is tilted, it is possible to reduce or eliminate unnecessary contact of a part of the guide mechanism 20 with the living body surface. A protrusion 52 is formed on the cover surface 26 </ b> A that forms the mounting surface of the cover member 26. This protrusion 52 constitutes the first engagement structure together with the opening 50 described above. The protrusion 52 has a tapered triangular shape below.

  A projecting portion 60 is provided at the side end portion of the cover member 26 away from the ultrasonic probe 10. The projecting portion 60 has a wall-like form projecting to the base member 24 side. Specifically, the projecting portion 60 has a holding surface 60A, a first hooking piece 60B, and a second hooking piece 60C. . The first hook piece 60 </ b> B and the second hook piece 60 </ b> C have shapes that protrude slightly toward the inner side of the cover member 26.

  In addition, a third hooking piece 62 is provided at an upper portion of the side end of the cover member 26 on the specific side surface side. The third hooking piece 62 also has a hook shape that protrudes inward in the same manner as the first hooking piece 60B and the second hooking piece 60C.

  Two guide grooves are formed in the cover member 26 as shown in the figure. Specifically, a first guide groove 100 and a second guide groove 102 are formed. They open upwardly in a fan shape, and a plane region having a triangular shape is formed between them. The protrusion 52 is present at the center of the region. The first guide groove 100 constitutes the above-described first guide path together with the base surface as the mounting surface on the base member 24 side in a state where the cover member 26 is mounted on the base member 24. Similarly, the second guide groove 102 constitutes a second guide route. The upper ends of the guide grooves 100 and 102 are tapered so that the tip of the puncture needle can be easily inserted into each guide groove.

  A thin wall 26B is formed on the first guide groove 100, that is, on the specific side surface of the first guide path. As shown in the drawing, the thin wall 26B has a triangular shape as a whole that tapers downward. The lower end portion is notched, and this will be described later with reference to FIG. Conventionally, a protruding portion having the same thickness as the protruding portion 60 as shown in FIG. 3 is provided in a portion corresponding to the thin wall 26B, and the guide mechanism 20 is provided on a specific side surface by the presence thereof. Although it was difficult to approach, in the present embodiment, since such a protruding portion is removed, both the first guide groove 100 and the second guide groove 102 can be brought closer to a specific side surface. It has become. As a result, the thin wall 26B as described above is formed. In the present embodiment, the first engagement structure or the like is employed when removing the overhanging portion as described above. In other words, an intermediate portion (empty area) in the guide mechanism 20 is effectively used, and a specific engagement means is configured with the area.

  FIG. 4 shows the adapter main body 14 and a base surface 24 </ b> A that forms a mounting surface of the base member 24. The base surface 24A is a flat surface as shown in the figure. FIG. 5 shows the cover member 26. As described above, the first guide groove 100 and the second guide groove 102 are formed in the cover member 26, and the side surface 26D of the cover member 26 is a surface facing or contacting a specific side surface of the ultrasonic probe. is there. A notch 26C is formed at the lower end portion, that is, the lower end portion of the thin wall 26B is notched.

  FIG. 6 shows a state where the cover member is attached to the base member. When the cover member is attached to the base member, the cover member is moved closer to the base member side while being held at a position slightly higher than the base member. Then, the protrusion 52 in the cover member enters the center or upper part of the opening 50 in the base member. Thereafter, by lowering the cover member with respect to the base member or by moving the cover member downward together with the above-mentioned proximity movement, the protrusion 52 is dropped into the lower portion of the opening 50 and the protrusion 52 is opened. Positioned by the part 50. Thereby, the engagement by the first engagement structure is completed.

  In parallel with the above process, in the second engagement structure, when the first hooking piece 60B and the second hooking piece 60C enter through the recess 54C and the upper notch in the base member, and the cover member is pulled down, The first hooking piece 60B is hooked on the upper end of the first convex part 54B, and at the same time, the second hooking piece 60C is hooked on the upper end of the second convex part 54B. In this state, the side surface of the base member is joined to the holding surface 60A of the cover member. Thereby, the engagement by the second engagement structure is completed.

  Further, in parallel with the above, in the third coupling structure, the third hooking piece 62 enters through the notch formed in the upper end portion of the base member, and the base member is pulled downward, so that the third hooking is performed. The piece 62 is caught on the shoulder 58 formed in the base member. Thereby, the engagement by the third engagement structure is completed.

  As described above, in the process of attaching the cover member to the base member, the first engagement structure, the second engagement structure, and the third engagement structure each function, thereby covering the base member. As the member is positioned, the two are securely coupled. The coupled state is locked by operating the lock mechanism.

  In the above embodiment, the opening is formed on the base member side and the convex portion is formed on the cover member side, but the relationship is reversed to form the convex portion on the base member side and on the cover member side. An opening may be formed. As for the convex portion and the opening portion, it is possible to adopt other shapes as long as both can be reliably positioned. Various variations are also conceivable for the second engagement structure and the third engagement structure. In any case, it is desirable that the cover member is properly positioned with respect to the base member and the state is maintained. .

  It should be noted that a recess or the like for allowing the puncture needle to pass therethrough may be formed in the lower portion of the specific side surface of the ultrasonic probe, thereby bringing the puncture path closer to the ultrasonic probe.

It is a perspective view of the puncture adapter which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows two puncture paths with respect to a scanning surface. It is a figure which shows the state which removed the cover member from the base member. It is the perspective view which looked at the adapter main body from the other direction. It is the perspective view which looked at the cover member from the other side. It is a figure which shows the state which attached the cover member to the base member.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Ultrasonic probe, 12 Puncture adapter, 14 Adapter main body, 16 Attachment mechanism, 20 Guide mechanism, 24 Base member, 26 Cover member, 30 1st engagement structure, 32 2nd engagement structure, 34 3rd engagement Structure, 40 first guide route, 42 second guide route.

Claims (9)

An attachment mechanism attached to an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves;
A base member that is held by the mounting mechanism and is positioned on a specific side surface of the ultrasonic probe and has a first mounting surface, and is detachably joined to the first mounting surface of the base member. A guide mechanism comprising a cover member having a second mounting surface;
Including
A plurality of guide paths for guiding the puncture needle are configured in the joined state of the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface,
The plurality of guide routes are composed of n guide routes from the first guide route closest to the specific side surface to the nth guide route farthest from the specific side surface (where n is an integer of 2 or more),
In the guide mechanism, a first engagement structure for mounting the cover member on the base member is provided between the first guide path and the nth guide path.
A puncture adapter for an ultrasonic probe characterized by the above. The puncture adapter according to claim 1, wherein
A puncture adapter for an ultrasonic probe, wherein a thin wall that is tapered downward is formed between the first guide path and the specific side surface in the guide mechanism. The puncture adapter according to claim 1, wherein
The first engagement structure includes:
A protrusion provided on one of the base member and the cover member;
An opening provided on the other of the base member and the cover member and engaged with the protrusion;
A puncture adapter for an ultrasonic probe, comprising: The puncture adapter according to claim 3,
The plurality of guide paths have an array that is fanned upward.
The protrusion has a tapered shape downward;
The puncture adapter for an ultrasonic probe, wherein the opening has a tapered shape downward. The puncture adapter according to claim 1, wherein
A puncture adapter for an ultrasonic probe, wherein a second engagement structure for mounting the cover member on the base member is provided outside the nth guide path in the guide mechanism. The puncture adapter according to claim 1, wherein
The specific side surface includes a lower side surface portion and an upper side surface portion that is continuous with the lower side surface portion and is inclined thereto.
A third engagement structure for mounting the cover member on the base member is provided at an upper position close to the upper side surface portion in the guide mechanism;
A puncture adapter for an ultrasonic probe characterized by the above. The puncture adapter according to claim 1, wherein
A puncture adapter for an ultrasonic probe, wherein the guide mechanism is provided with a mark for identifying each of the n guide paths. An attachment mechanism attached to an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves;
A base member that is held by the mounting mechanism and is positioned on a specific side surface of the ultrasonic probe and has a downwardly tapered shape, and a cover member that has a downwardly tapered shape And a guide mechanism having
Including
The base member has a flat first mounting surface;
The cover member has a second mounting surface having a first guide groove and a second guide groove,
A first guide path and a second guide path for guiding a puncture needle by the first guide groove and the second guide groove in the joined state of the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface;
The first guide route is provided at a position close to the specific side surface, the second guide route is provided at a position away from the specific side surface beyond the first guide route,
In the first mounting surface, an opening having a tapered shape is formed in the center portion downward,
A protrusion having a tapered shape is formed between the first guide groove and the second guide groove on the second mounting surface.
When the cover member is attached to the base member, the protrusion is inserted into the opening and dropped into the lower portion thereof.
A puncture adapter for an ultrasonic probe characterized by the above. The puncture adapter according to claim 8,
A tapered thin wall is formed downward from the first guide groove in the cover member toward the specific side surface.
A puncture adapter for an ultrasonic probe, characterized in that a puncture needle inserted along the first guide path passes near the lower end of the specific side surface.

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