JP2007135988A - Radiofrequency ablation apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) apparatus capable of preventing a current from flowing the body surface even if an insulating film of an RFA needle is peeled off. <P>SOLUTION: A puncture assist 8 (or a paracentesis adapter) for supporting the RFA needle 3 is connected with a return circuit 9 and the return circuit 9 is connected to an RFA body part 2. An opposite polar plate 5 is stuck to the body surface of the subject. The electric resistance value of the return circuit 9 is made lower than the electric resistance value between the puncture assist 8 and the opposite polar plate 5, so that even if the insulating film of the RFA needle 3 is peeled off and the peeled portion is brought into contact with the puncture assist 8, a current flows from the puncture assist 8 to the RFA body part 2 via the return circuit 9. Even if the puncture assist 8 comes into contact with the subject, this constitution can prevent the current from flowing the body surface. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as “RFA treatment apparatus”) that performs ablation treatment using radio waves, and an ultrasonic diagnostic system including the RFA treatment apparatus.

  There is known a radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) for ablation treatment of an affected part of a subject using radio waves (for example, Patent Document 1). Here, the configuration of the RFA cautery apparatus according to the prior art will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) according to the prior art. FIG. 12 is a view showing an appearance of an RFA needle (electrode needle) installed in the radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the RFA treatment apparatus 100 according to the prior art is configured to include an RFA main body 101, an RFA needle 3 (electrode needle), and a counter electrode plate 5. The RFA needle 3 is connected to the RFA main body 101 by a cable 6, and the counter electrode plate 5 is connected to the RFA main body 101 by a cable 7. The RFA needle 3 is inserted into the affected part of the subject P, and the counter electrode plate 5 is attached to the body surface of the subject P. The RFA needle 3 is installed in the handle portion 4 as shown in FIG. 12, and only the tip portion 3a can be conducted. Therefore, the portions other than the tip portion 3a are covered and insulated by the insulating coating 3b.

  When cauterizing the affected part of the subject P, the RFA needle 3 is inserted into the affected part of the subject P and a voltage is applied from the RFA apparatus main body 101 to the RFA needle 3, so that the distal end 3 a of the RFA needle 3 is applied. A radio wave (for example, 450 [kHz]) is output. Thereby, a current flows from the tip 3a of the RFA needle 3 toward the counter electrode 5 attached to the body surface of the subject P, and the current density around the tip 3a of the RFA needle 3 is high. Treatment is performed by generating heat in the tissue itself and coagulating the affected area.

  Further, in order to insert the RFA needle 3 into the affected part of the subject P, an insertion assisting tool that supports the RFA needle 3 may be used. Here, the insertion assisting tool will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the insertion assistance tool. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, the insertion aid 8 is provided with a through hole 81 for introducing the RFA needle 3 into the subject P. By inserting the RFA needle 3 into the through-hole 81, the RFA needle 3 can be supported by the peripheral portion of the through-hole 81, and the RFA needle 3 can be inserted into the affected part of the subject P in a stable state.

  Further, there is a case where the RFA needle 3 is inserted into the affected part of the subject P and the treatment is performed while the affected part of the subject P is visualized using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the puncture adapter 20 as a puncture aid is attached to the ultrasonic probe 50, and the RFA needle 3 (RFA needles 3a and 3b in the figure) is installed on the puncture adapter 20. To do. The ultrasonic probe 50 transmits ultrasonic waves into the subject P, receives reflected waves from the subject P, visualizes the affected area, and observes the ultrasonic image of the affected area while observing the RFA needle 3. An ablation treatment is performed by inserting the affected part of the specimen P.

Special table 2003-534869

  However, when the insulating coating 3b of the RFA needle 3 inserted into the subject P is destroyed due to peeling or the like, the portion where the insulating coating 3b is broken and becomes conductive becomes the insertion assisting tool 8 (puncture adapter). 20). When the insertion assisting tool 8 (puncture adapter 20) is made of metal, when the insertion assisting tool 8 (puncture adapter 20) contacts the body surface of the subject P, the insertion assisting tool 8 (puncture adapter 20) becomes an electrode. As a result, an electric current flows toward the counter electrode plate 104, which may cause burns on the body surface.

  The present invention solves the above problem, and even when the insulating coating of the RFA needle is broken, a radiofrequency ablation treatment device capable of preventing a current flowing on the body surface, and ultrasonic diagnosis The purpose is to provide a system.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an RF signal source that is connected to the ground and supplies an RF signal, an electrode needle that is connected to the RF signal source at one end with a cable and inserted into the subject, and a cable. A counter electrode plate connected to the ground and installed on the body surface of the subject, a puncture assisting tool for supporting the electrode needle, and the ground, and the counter electrode plate and the puncture assist A radiofrequency ablation treatment device comprising a return circuit having a value lower than a value of electrical resistance between the device and the device.

  The invention according to claim 6 is an RF signal source that is connected to ground and supplies an RF signal, an electrode needle that is connected to the RF signal source at one end with a cable, and is inserted into a subject, and a cable. Connected to the ground and connected to the ultrasound probe through an RFA treatment device having a counter electrode plate placed on the body surface of the subject, an ultrasound probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasound, and a cable An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body that drives the ultrasonic probe and generates image data based on a signal received by the ultrasonic probe. A puncture adapter installed on the ultrasonic probe and supporting the electrode needle; connected between the puncture adapter and the ground; and an electric current between the counter electrode plate and the puncture adapter. , A return circuit of a value lower than the value of the resistance is an ultrasound diagnostic system, comprising a.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to flow a current to the ground via the return circuit, and thus it is possible to prevent a current flowing on the body surface.

  In the radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) according to the embodiment of the present invention, a return circuit is installed in a puncture assisting tool (or puncture adapter) that assists the insertion of an RFA needle (electrode needle). Even if the insulation film of the RFA needle is broken by making the value of the electrical resistance of the return circuit lower than the value of the electrical resistance between the insertion aid and the counter electrode, Current can be passed through the RFA main body (ground). As a result, even when the insertion aid (or puncture adapter) contacts the living body surface of the subject, the living body surface is burned from the insertion aid (or puncture adapter) to the counter electrode. Current does not flow, and it is possible to prevent burns on the surface of the living body. Hereinafter, a specific configuration and operation of the RFA treatment apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[First Embodiment]
A configuration of a radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The RFA needle 3 (electrode needle) has the same configuration as the RFA needle according to the prior art as described with reference to FIG. 12, and is connected to the output terminal side of the RFA output control unit 10 in the RFA body 2. Yes. The RFA needle 3 other than the tip 3a is covered and insulated with an insulating coating 3b, and only the tip 3a can be conducted.

  The counter electrode plate 5 is connected to the RFA main body 2 and connected to the ground side of the RFA output control unit 10. When the ground side of the RFA output control unit 10 is grounded (earthed) to the housing of the RFA main body unit 2, the counter electrode plate 5 only needs to be grounded (grounded) to the housing. One end of the return circuit 9 is connected to the metal insertion aid 8 (or puncture adapter 20), and the other end is connected to the ground side in the RFA main body 2.

  The value of the electrical resistance of the return circuit 9 is smaller than the value of the electrical resistance between the insertion assisting tool 8 (or the puncture adapter 20) and the counter electrode plate 5. Since the counter electrode plate 5 is used by being affixed to the body surface of the subject P, the electrical resistance value between the insertion assisting tool 8 (or the puncture adapter 20) and the counter electrode plate 5 is the value of the subject P between them. This corresponds to the value of electrical resistance.

  For the return circuit 9, for example, a conductive wire such as a copper wire, an aluminum wire, or an alloy wire is used. The electric resistance value of the return circuit 9 is preferably 200Ω or less, and more preferably about several Ω.

  As described above, by making the electrical resistance value of the return circuit 9 smaller than the electrical resistance value between the insertion assisting tool 8 (or the puncture adapter 20) and the counter electrode 5, the insulation of the RFA needle 3 is achieved. Even when the coating 3b is peeled off and the peeled portion comes into contact with the metal insertion assisting tool 8 (or the puncture adapter 20), a current is passed through the RFA main body 2 (ground) through the return circuit 9. It becomes possible. As a result, even when the insertion aid 8 (or the puncture adapter 20) contacts the body surface of the subject P, a current that causes burns does not flow on the surface of the living body, and it is possible to prevent burns on the body surface. It becomes possible.

  The RFA output control unit 10 functions as an RF signal source and supplies a voltage (RF signal) to the RFA needle 3. By supplying this voltage (RF signal), a radio wave (for example, 450 [kHz]) is output from the distal end portion 3a of the RFA needle 3, and is directed from the distal end portion 3a to the counter electrode plate 5 attached to the body surface of the subject P. As a result, current flows and the affected area is cauterized.

  Further, the return circuit detection unit 11 may be provided in the RFA main body unit 2. The return circuit detection unit 11 detects the connection of the return circuit 9 to the RFA main body unit 10 (earth), and outputs a signal indicating the detection of the connection to the RFA output control unit 10 when the connection is detected. The return circuit detection unit 11 is composed of, for example, an optical sensor. When the return circuit 9 is connected to a connector for connecting the return circuit 9, the return circuit detection unit 11 detects the connection and sends a signal indicating the detection to the RFA output control unit 10. Output to.

  The RFA output control unit 10 may be able to supply a voltage (RF signal) to the RFA needle 3 when receiving a signal indicating the connection of the return circuit 9 from the return circuit detection unit 11. In this case, when the return circuit 9 is connected to the RFA apparatus main body 2, the RFA output control section 10 can supply a voltage (RF signal) to the RFA needle 3. If not connected to 2, the supply of voltage is stopped.

  Next, a specific connection example of the insertion assisting tool 8 (or the puncture adapter 20) and the return circuit 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the insertion assisting unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the puncture holder and the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The configuration of the RFA needle 3, the counter electrode plate 5, the cable 6, and the cable 7 shown in FIG. 2 is the same as that of the RFA treatment apparatus according to the prior art. This embodiment is characterized in that the return circuit 9 is connected to the insertion aid 8 or the puncture adapter 20 that assists the RFA needle 3.

  First, a case where a return circuit is connected to the insertion aid will be described. The insertion assistance tool 8 itself shown in FIG. 3 has the same configuration as the insertion assistance tool 8 according to the prior art shown in FIG. The insertion assisting tool 8 is provided with a through hole 8a for inserting the RFA needle 3, and the RFA needle 3 is supported around the through hole 8a by passing the RFA needle 3 through the through hole 8a. The insertion assisting tool 8 is provided with a stopper 82 for connecting the return circuit 9. In addition, when using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, you may install the insertion assistance tool 8 in an ultrasonic probe.

  For example, a lead wire such as a copper wire or an aluminum wire can be used as the return circuit 9, and the return circuit 9 can be wound around a stopper 82 on which a screw is formed and attached to the insertion aid 8 by the stopper 82. Here, the stopper 82 becomes a connection portion of the return circuit 9. The other end of the return circuit 9 is connected to the RFA main body 2 (earth) as shown in FIG.

  Further, in the case of performing cauterization treatment while imaging the affected part of the subject P using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a puncture adapter 20 is installed on the ultrasonic probe 50 as shown in FIG. 3 (RFA needles 3a and 3b in FIG. 4) are connected. This puncture adapter 20 functions as a insertion aid. Then, the return circuit 9 is connected to the puncture adapter 20, and the other end of the return circuit 9 is connected to the RFA main body 2 (earth) as shown in FIG. In addition, although two RFA needles (RFA needles 3a and 3b) are installed in the puncture adapter 20 shown in FIG. 4, only one RFA needle may be installed.

  Here, the puncture adapter 20 will be briefly described. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the puncture adapter 20 is attached by metal holders 21a and 21b so as to sandwich the ultrasonic probe main body 52 therebetween. The holders 21 a and 21 b have a substantially band-like shape connected to each other, are processed so as to follow the outer shape of the ultrasonic probe main body 52, and the front end portions facing each other are fixed by a stopper 23. The stopper 23 is rotatably installed at the distal end portion of the holder 21b, and the distal end portions of the holders 21a and 21b are tightened by engaging the knob portion of the stopper 23 with the distal end portion of the holder 21a. Note that transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves are performed via the probe surface 51.

  In this embodiment, the return circuit 9 is connected to the stopper 23 of the puncture adapter 20. For example, the return circuit 9 is wound around the stopper 23 and connected to the puncture adapter 20. Here, the stopper 23 serves as a connection portion of the return circuit 9.

(Function)
Next, the operation and effect of the RFA cautery apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the operation of the radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view of the ultrasonic probe.

  Here, a case where cauterization treatment is performed while imaging an affected area using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the case where the puncture adapter 20 is installed in the ultrasonic probe 50 and the RFA needle 3 (RFA needles 3a, 3b) is installed in the puncture adapter 20 will be described.

  When the affected area of the subject P is cauterized, when the RFA needle 3 is inserted into the affected area of the subject P and a voltage (RF signal) is supplied from the RFA output control unit 10 to the RFA needle 3, the RFA needle 3 A radio wave (for example, 450 [kHz]) is output from the distal end portion 3a. As a result, a current flows from the distal end portion 3a of the RFA needle 3 toward the counter electrode plate 5 attached to the body surface of the subject P, and heat is applied to the tissue itself centering on a portion where the current density around the distal end portion 3a is high. Occurs and the affected area is cauterized. At this time, a current flows from the RFA needle 3 to the counter electrode plate 5 as indicated by a broken line (1) in FIG.

  When the ablation treatment is performed by flowing current from the RFA needle 3 toward the counter electrode 5 as described above, if the insulating coating 3b of the RFA needle 3 shown in FIG. 12 is peeled off, the RFA needle 3 and the metal puncture are removed. The adapter 20 is energized, and the puncture adapter 20 functions as an electrode. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the puncture adapter 20 comes into contact with the living body surface of the subject P by tilting the ultrasonic probe 50. Conventionally, since the return circuit 9 has not been connected, the metal puncture adapter 20 functions as an electrode, current flows from the puncture adapter 20 to the counter electrode plate 5, and the living body surface may be burned. . At this time, a current flows from the insertion assisting tool 8 (puncture adapter 20) to the counter electrode plate 5 as indicated by a broken line (3) in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the first embodiment, since the return circuit 9 is connected to the puncture adapter 20, even if the RFA needle 3 and the puncture adapter 20 are energized, the puncture adapter 20 is connected via the return circuit 9. A current flows through the RFA main body 2 (earth). At this time, a current flows through the return circuit 9 to the RFA main body 2 (earth) as indicated by a broken line (2) in FIG. Thereby, the electric current which burns a biological body surface from the puncture adapter 20 to the counter electrode 5 does not flow, and it becomes possible to prevent the biological body surface from being burned.

  When the return circuit 9 is connected to the RFA main body 2, the return circuit detection unit 11 detects the connection of the return circuit 9 and outputs a signal indicating the connection detection to the RFA output control unit 10. May be. The RFA output control unit 10 supplies a voltage (RF signal) to the RFA needle 3 while receiving a signal indicating the detection. On the other hand, when the return circuit 9 is disconnected from the RFA main body 2 and not connected to the RFA main body 2, a signal indicating connection detection is not output from the return circuit detection unit 11 to the RFA output control unit 10. The RFA output control unit 10 stops the voltage supply to the RFA needle 3. As a result, no voltage (RF signal) is supplied to the RFA needle 3 when the return circuit 9 is disconnected from the RFA main body 2, so that no radio wave is output from the RFA needle 3, thereby enhancing the safety of the RFA treatment device 1. It can be secured.

(Modification)
Next, a modification of the RFA treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a modification of the RFA treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this modification, the RFA treatment apparatus 1 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are used together. When the RFA treatment apparatus 1 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are used together, a warning is issued by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus when the return circuit 9 is disconnected from the RFA main body 2 and not connected to the RFA main body 2. Like that.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the RFA treatment device 1 and the ultrasonic diagnostic device 30 are connected and the return circuit detection unit 11 detects the connection of the return circuit 9, a signal indicating the detection of the connection is ultrasonically transmitted. Output to diagnostic device 30.

  The notification control unit 31 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 30 does not drive the notification unit 32 in a state where a signal indicating connection detection is received from the return circuit detection unit 11, but the signal indicating detection of connection is a return circuit detection unit. If it is not output from 11, the alarm unit 32 is driven to emit a warning sound or the like. For example, a lamp or a sound generator is used for the notification unit 32. In this case, when the notification control unit 31 does not receive a signal indicating detection of connection from the return circuit detection unit 11, the notification control unit 31 turns on or blinks the lamp, or generates a sound by a sound generator.

  In addition, a mark notifying a warning may be displayed on the monitor screen of a display device installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 30 without providing a lamp or a sound generator. In this case, when the notification control unit 31 is connected to the display device and does not receive a signal indicating connection detection from the return circuit detection unit 11, a warning mark is displayed on the monitor screen of the display device.

  As described above, it is possible to cause the operator to recognize that the return circuit 9 is detached from the RFA main body 2 by emitting a warning sound or the like, and to further improve the safety of the RFA treatment device 1. It becomes possible.

  Note that the notification control unit 31 and the notification unit 32 may be installed in the RFA treatment apparatus 1. Also in this case, if the return circuit detection unit 11 does not detect the connection of the return circuit 9 to the RFA main body unit 2, the notification control unit 31 drives the notification unit 32 to light the lamp.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the configuration of a radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 7, one end of the return circuit 9 is connected to the insertion assisting tool 8 (or puncture adapter 20), and the other end is connected to the current detection unit 12 in the RFA main body 2A. The current detection unit 12 is connected to the ground. The difference from the first embodiment is that a current detection unit 12 is provided, and the other configuration is the same as the configuration of the RFA treatment apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the return circuit detection unit 11 shown in FIG. 1 may be provided.

  In the second embodiment, the total electrical resistance value of the return circuit 9 and the current detection unit 12 is based on the electrical resistance value between the insertion assisting tool 8 (or the puncture adapter 20) and the counter electrode plate 5. Is also getting smaller.

  When a current flows through the return circuit 9, the current detection unit 12 detects the current and outputs a signal indicating that the current has been detected to the RFA output control unit 10. That is, when the insulating coating 3b of the RFA needle 3 is peeled off and the peeled portion comes into contact with the insertion assisting tool 8 (or the puncture adapter 20), a current flows through the return circuit 9, so the current detection unit 12 The signal indicating the detection is output to the RFA output control unit 10.

  When receiving a signal indicating current detection from the current detection unit 12, the RFA output control unit 10 stops supplying voltage (RF signal) to the RFA needle 3. That is, when the insulating coating 3b of the RFA needle 3 is peeled off and a current flows through the return circuit 9, the RFA output control unit 10 stops supplying the voltage (RF signal) to the RFA needle 3. Thereby, the output of the radio wave from the RFA needle 3 is stopped, and no current flows from the RFA needle 3 to the counter electrode plate 5. In this way, when the insulating coating 3b of the RFA needle 3 is broken and comes into contact with the puncture adapter 20, the radio wave output from the RFA needle 3 is forced when the current detector 12 detects the current flowing through the return circuit 9. It is possible to further improve the safety of the RFA treatment apparatus 1 by stopping the operation.

(Modification)
Next, a modification of the RFA treatment apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a modification of the RFA treatment apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this modification, the RFA treatment apparatus 1A and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are used together. When the RFA treatment apparatus 1A and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are used together, a warning is issued by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus when a current flows through the return circuit 9.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the RFA treatment apparatus 1 </ b> A and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 30 are connected and the current detection unit 12 detects a current, a signal indicating current detection is output to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 30. .

  When the notification control unit 31 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 30 receives a signal indicating current detection from the current detection unit 12, the notification control unit 31 drives the notification unit 32 to emit a warning sound or the like. In this case, when the notification control unit 31 receives the current detection result from the current detection unit 12, the notification control unit 31 turns on or blinks the lamp, or generates a sound by the sound generator.

  Further, a mark for notifying a warning may be displayed on a monitor screen of a display device installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 30 without providing a lamp or a sound generator. In this case, when the notification control unit 31 is connected to the display device and receives a signal indicating current detection from the current detection unit 12, a warning mark is displayed on the monitor screen of the display device.

  As described above, by issuing a warning sound or the like, it becomes possible for the operator to recognize that the insulating film 3b of the RFA needle 3 has been peeled off and the current is flowing through the return circuit 9, and the safety of the RFA treatment apparatus 1A is improved. It is possible to further improve the performance.

  Note that the notification control unit 31 and the notification unit 32 may be installed in the RFA treatment apparatus 1A. Also in this case, when the current detection unit 12 detects a current, the notification control unit 31 drives the notification unit 32 to light the lamp.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasonic diagnostic system including a radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing configurations of a puncture holder and an ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the ultrasonic diagnostic system according to the third embodiment includes an RFA treatment device 1 </ b> B and an ultrasonic diagnostic device 30. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 30 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 and an ultrasonic probe 50.

  As shown in FIG. 9, similarly to the first and second embodiments, the puncture adapter 20 is installed in the ultrasonic probe 50, and the return circuit 9 </ b> A is connected to the puncture adapter 20. The ultrasonic probe 50 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 by a cable 53. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 drives the ultrasonic probe 2 through the cable 53. In the second embodiment, the return circuit 9A is introduced into the ultrasonic probe main body 52 from the opening 54 formed in the ultrasonic probe main body 52, passes through the cable 53 of the ultrasonic probe 50, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Wired in the main body 40. The return circuit section 9A is connected to the ground in the RFA apparatus main body section 2B via the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body section 40.

  As described above, even if the return circuit 9A is passed through the cable 53 of the ultrasonic probe 50 and connected to the ground via the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 30, the same operation and effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. .

  In addition, when the return circuit detection unit 9 is provided as in the first embodiment and the return circuit 9 is not connected to the RFA main body 2B (ground), the RFA output control unit 10 is configured to output the voltage (RF signal). The supply may be stopped. Further, the current detection unit 12 may be provided as in the second embodiment, and when the current flows through the return circuit 9, the RFA output control unit 10 may stop supplying the voltage (RF signal). .

  Further, when the notification control unit 31 and the notification unit 32 are installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 30 and the return circuit 9 is not connected to the RFA main unit 2 or when a current flows through the return circuit 9, a warning sound is generated. Etc. may be emitted.

  The ultrasonic probe 50 is a known ultrasonic probe, for example, a one-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which ultrasonic transducers are arranged one-dimensionally, or 2 in which ultrasonic transducers are arranged two-dimensionally. It consists of a dimensional ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 mainly includes a transmission / reception unit, a signal processing unit, a DSC (digital scan converter), and a display unit (all not shown). Each of these has the same configuration as the known configuration, and can execute the same processing as the known configuration.

  The transmission / reception unit supplies an electrical signal to the ultrasonic probe 40 to generate an ultrasonic wave, and receives an echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 40. The signal processing unit includes a known B-mode processing circuit, Doppler processing circuit, or color mode processing circuit. The data output from the transmission / reception unit is subjected to predetermined processing in any processing circuit. The DSC converts the signal-processed data into data represented by orthogonal coordinates (scan conversion process) in order to obtain an image represented by the orthogonal coordinate system. As a result, tomographic image data or the like representing the tissue shape of the subject as two-dimensional information is generated, and the tomographic image or the like is displayed on the display unit.

  Then, when performing ablation treatment with the RFA treatment apparatus 1 (1A, 1B), the RFA needle 3 is inserted into the subject P while observing an ultrasonic image such as a tomogram generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Then perform cauterization treatment.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the insertion assistance tool which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the puncture holder and ultrasonic probe which concern on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect | action of the radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the modification of the radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the modification of the radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the puncture holder and ultrasonic probe which concern on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the ultrasonic diagnosing system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the general radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus (RFA treatment apparatus) which concerns on a prior art. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of an RFA needle. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a penetration assistance tool and a puncture adapter.

Explanation of symbols

1 Radiofrequency ablation treatment device (RFA treatment device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 RFA main-body part 3 RFA needle 4 Handle part 5 Counter electrode 6, 7 Cable 8 Insertion aid 9 Return circuit 10 RFA output control part 11 Return circuit detection part 12 Current detection part 20 Puncture adapter 40 Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main-body part 50 Ultrasonic probe

Claims (9)

An RF signal source connected to ground and supplying an RF signal;
An electrode needle having one end connected to the RF signal source via a cable and inserted into the subject;
A counter electrode connected to the ground with a cable and installed on the body surface of the subject;
A return circuit connected between the insertion aid for supporting the electrode needle and the ground, and having a value lower than the value of electrical resistance between the counter electrode plate and the insertion aid;
A radiofrequency ablation treatment device comprising: A return circuit detecting means for detecting a connection between the return circuit and the ground;
The radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the RF signal source stops the supply of the RF signal when the connection is not detected.   The radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising notification means for recognizing to the operator that the return circuit is not connected to the ground when the connection is not detected. . A current detecting means for detecting a current flowing through the return circuit;
The radiofrequency ablation treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the RF signal source stops the supply of the RF signal when the current is detected.   5. The radiofrequency ablation according to claim 4, further comprising notification means for notifying an operator that the current is detected when the current detection means detects a current flowing through the return circuit. Therapeutic device. An RF signal source that is connected to ground and supplies an RF signal, one end of which is connected to the RF signal source via a cable, and an electrode needle that is inserted into the subject; An RFA treatment device having a counter electrode installed on the body surface of
An ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and is connected to the ultrasonic probe via a cable, drives the ultrasonic probe, and generates image data based on signals received by the ultrasonic probe. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body;
An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising:
A puncture adapter installed on the ultrasonic probe and supporting the electrode needle;
A return circuit connected between the puncture adapter and the ground, and having a lower value than an electric resistance value between the counter electrode plate and the puncture adapter;
An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:   The ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 6, wherein the return circuit is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body through the cable, and is connected to the ground via the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. system. The RFA treatment device comprises:
A return circuit detecting means for detecting a connection between the return circuit and the ground;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises:
The information processing device according to claim 6, further comprising: an informing unit that informs an operator that the return circuit is not connected to the ground when the connection is not detected. The described ultrasonic diagnostic system. The RFA treatment device comprises:
A current detecting means for detecting a current flowing through the return circuit;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises:
8. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: an informing unit that informs an operator that the current has been detected when the current detecting unit detects an electric current. 9. Ultrasound diagnostic system.

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