JP2008142376A - Transesophageal probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a transesophageal probe having improved safety. <P>SOLUTION: The transesophageal probe 10 has a probe head 12 inserted into the esophagus of a living body. The probe head 12 comprises an abutting member 18 that abuts the esophageal wall, a vibrator 20 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from the heart located on the front side via the abutting member 18, and a head expansion part 22 that presses the abutting member 18 onto the esophageal wall. In addition, the transesophageal probe 10 has a sensor 31 that detects the operating state of the head expansion part 22 and a probe-side display 34 or an apparatus-side display 48 that displays the operating state of the head expansion part 22 on the basis of the detected result of the sensor 31. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a transesophageal probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including the same, and more particularly to a technique for observing the heart through an esophageal wall.

  A transesophageal probe is an ultrasound probe used to diagnose the heart from within the esophagus. When diagnosing the heart, the tip of a probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasound is inserted into the subject's esophagus. In order to reduce the burden on the subject, it is preferable that the tip is small. From such a background, transesophageal probes employing 2D array transducers have been developed. Employing the 2D array transducer eliminates the need for a rotating mechanism such as that used in multi-plane scanning transesophageal probes, and has the advantage that the tip can be made smaller. However, if the tip portion is made small, it becomes difficult to make it closely contact with the esophageal wall, and there arises a problem that a gap is easily generated. If there is a gap between the ultrasonic wave transmission / reception surface and the esophageal wall at the tip, the ultrasonic wave does not propagate well and a clear image cannot be obtained. In view of this, techniques as described below have been disclosed for the purpose of improving the degree of adhesion between the tip and the living tissue.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic probe for body cavity in which a medium such as water is put into a balloon provided at a tip portion and inflated. Patent Document 2 discloses a transesophageal probe provided with a mechanism for expanding a distal end portion. These ultrasonic probes shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2 both have a deformable mechanism at the tip, but the state of deformation or expansion cannot be confirmed during diagnosis. Patent Document 3 discloses an ultrasonic probe that bends the tip by a joint mechanism. Patent Document 3 describes that an LED or the like for displaying a state where the joint mechanism is fixed is provided, but this LED or the like is in a state where the joint mechanism is fixed, that is, in a state where the joint mechanism is straight. Even if it is fixed, it is understood that it lights up if it is fixed, and it has nothing to do with the deformation or expansion of the tip.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-66638 JP 2002-248102 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-250836

  As described above, several techniques have been disclosed for deforming the tip of a probe inserted into a body cavity and bringing it into close contact with a living tissue. On the other hand, nothing is disclosed about functions required from the viewpoint of safety regarding the deformation of the shape of the tip of the transesophageal probe inside the esophagus. Regarding transesophageal probes, it has been desired to be able to perceive and recognize the state of the tip that cannot be seen because it is inserted into the esophagus.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a transesophageal probe with improved safety.

  The present invention is a part that is inserted into the esophagus of a living body, a contact surface that comes into contact with the esophageal wall, a vibrator that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to the front heart via the contact surface, A probe head having a head expansion mechanism that presses the abutment surface against the esophageal wall, a detection means for detecting an operating state of the head expansion mechanism, and a detection means that is provided at a position that can be visually recognized by an operator. Display means for displaying the operating state of the head expansion mechanism based on the result.

  According to the above configuration, the operating state of the head expansion mechanism is displayed on the display unit based on the detection result of the detection unit. That is, the display means displays a state relating to the form of the probe head that is inserted into the living body's esophagus and cannot be directly observed. Therefore, the operator can operate the transesophageal probe while confirming the information displayed on the display means, so that safety during probe operation can be improved. Alternatively, the operator can confirm the contact state by display information displayed on the display means.

  Preferably, the display means displays at least a non-expanded state in which the head expansion mechanism is not operating and an expanded state in which the head expansion mechanism is operating. According to the above configuration, the operator can recognize two states, an expanded state and a non-expanded state. By performing some operation in the expanded state, it is possible to prevent problems from occurring. Further, it is possible to perform an operation of pulling out the probe head after confirming the non-expanded state.

  Preferably, the display means is provided in an operation unit held by the operator outside the living body. According to the said structure, since there exists a display means in the hand of the person who is operating the transesophageal probe, there are few movements of a viewpoint and visibility is good. The display means is preferably provided at a position that is not hidden by the operator's hand holding the operation unit.

  Preferably, it has a drive mechanism for driving the head extension mechanism, and the detection means detects an operation amount of the drive mechanism. According to the above configuration, the detection unit can indirectly detect the operation state of the head extension mechanism by detecting the momentum of the drive mechanism. Therefore, the freedom degree of installation of a detection means can be raised.

  Preferably, the head extension mechanism increases the thickness of the probe head in the thickness direction of the probe head. According to the above configuration, the thickness direction of the probe head here corresponds to the front-rear direction in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received. By increasing the thickness of the probe head, the distance between the abutting surface and the portion located on the opposite side increases, so that the degree of adhesion of the abutting surface to the esophageal wall can be increased.

  Preferably, the head expansion mechanism is a mechanism that causes a back member opposite to the contact surface of the probe head to bulge backward. According to the above configuration, when the back member swells, the esophageal wall located on the rear side is pressed, and the contact surface is pressed against the esophageal wall located on the front side accordingly. Since the back member that has little influence on the transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves is inflated and deformed, the contact surface can be pressed against the esophageal wall with a shape suitable for ultrasonic propagation.

  Preferably, the head expansion mechanism includes a movable member that slides, and the movable member pushes the back member from the inside when the movable member slides. According to the above configuration, since the back member is pushed out by the sliding movement of the movable member, the displacement amount of the slide movement can be reflected in the pushing amount of the back member.

  The present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a transesophageal probe and an apparatus main body, wherein the transesophageal probe is a portion that is inserted into the esophagus of a living body, and a contact surface that contacts the esophageal wall A probe head having a transducer that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to the front heart through the surface, a head expansion mechanism that presses the contact surface against the esophageal wall, and expands the probe head, A movable mechanism that presses a contact surface against the esophageal wall, and a detection unit that detects an expanded state of the probe head, wherein the apparatus body is in an expanded state of the probe head based on a detection result of the detection unit It has the display means which displays.

  According to the above configuration, the operating state of the head expansion mechanism is displayed on the display means in the apparatus main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Therefore, the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or the person observing the ultrasonic image can visually recognize the state of the probe head.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the safety of a transesophageal probe can be improved.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a transesophageal probe 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the transesophageal probe 10 includes a probe head 12 whose head portion is formed in a round shape so that the subject can easily enter the esophagus. The probe head 12 includes a vibrator 20 and a head extension 22. The transesophageal probe is connected to a flexible insertion tube 14, an operation unit 16 that an operator holds and operates, a signal transmission cable 17 that transmits various electric signals, and an apparatus main body 40 of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. For this purpose, a connector box 19 is provided. The operation unit 16 is equipped with a multi-stage handle 27 that is operated by an operator by hand and a probe-side display unit 34 provided so that the operator can visually recognize the multi-stage handle 27. The probe-side display unit 34 has two LEDs 33 and 35 mounted on the surface of the operation unit 16. Up to here, the description of the part discriminated from the appearance of the transesophageal probe 10 has been given. Next, details of the function will be described using a block diagram.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a transesophageal probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. 2 includes a transesophageal probe 10 and an apparatus main body 40 to which the probe is connected. The transesophageal probe 10 includes a probe head 12, an insertion tube 14, and an operation unit 16.

  The probe head 12 includes a vibrator 20 and a head extension 22 inside thereof. The abutting member 18 for abutting on the living tissue is disposed near the transducer 20 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The transducer 20 uses a 2D array transducer to reduce the size of the probe head 12, but other transducers such as a 1D array transducer may be used. A back member 26 formed of a flexible film is disposed at a position opposite to the contact member 18. In this embodiment, the head extension 22 is a mechanism for pressing the back member 26 from the inside of the head. The mechanism will be described later.

  The insertion tube 14 connected to the probe head 12 is a flexible tube having a length of about 1 meter. The insertion tube 14 includes a joint portion 15 on the side close to the probe head 12, and a wire 28 and a bundled cable 25 are accommodated in the insertion tube 14. The wire 28 is formed of a material that does not stretch itself, and is laid between the head expansion unit 22 and the head driving unit 30 provided in the operation unit 16. One end of the bundled cable 25 is terminated inside the probe head 12 and connected to the vibrator. The other end of the bundled cable 25 is connected to a connector terminal group in the connector box 19 (see FIG. 1). The bundled cable 25 is used particularly for transmitting ultrasonic transmission / reception signals. The joint 15 is used to change the direction and position of the probe head 12.

  The operation unit 16 includes a head drive unit 30, a detection circuit 32, a probe side display unit 34, a joint drive unit 29, and the like. The head drive unit 30 is a mechanism unit for operating the head extension unit 22 hung by the wire 28. Details of the mechanism will be described later with reference to FIGS. The joint drive unit 29 is a mechanism for bending the joint unit 15 of the insertion tube 14 and has a function of determining the direction of the probe head 12 and temporarily fixing the shape of the joint unit 15.

  Here, the difference in use between the joint portion 15 and the head extension portion 22 will be described. The joint portion 15 is also used to bring the probe head 12 inserted into the esophagus into contact with the esophageal wall. That is, the joint portion 15 is an indispensable mechanism portion for bringing the contact member 18 into contact with the esophageal wall. Whether or not the contact member 18 can be brought into close contact with the esophageal wall simply by operating the joint portion 15. Is uncertain. This tendency is particularly strong when the probe head is downsized by the 2D array transducer. Therefore, in order to ensure that the contact member 18 is in close contact with the esophageal wall, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the probe head 12 using the head extension portion 22 in addition to operating the joint portion 15.

  Return to the description of the configuration. The multi-stage handle 27 shown in FIG. 1 is one mechanical component of the head drive unit 30 and the joint drive unit 29. The operation unit 16 includes a sensor 31, a detection circuit 32, and a probe side display unit 34. The sensor 31 includes a limit switch or a variable resistor, and is a component for detecting the momentum of the head drive unit 30. The detection result of the sensor 31 is output to the detection circuit 32. The detection circuit 32 is mainly composed of electronic components, and is a component that detects the operating state of the head extension unit 22 according to the output result of the sensor 31. The detection result of the detection circuit 32 is output to both the probe-side display unit 34 and the detection signal processing unit 42 built in the apparatus main body 40. The detection result of the detection circuit 32 may be output to either the probe-side display unit 34 or the detection signal processing unit 42. The probe-side display unit 34 is a component for displaying the expanded state of the head expansion unit 22. Details of the sensor 31, the detection circuit 32, and the probe-side display unit 34 will be described later.

  The apparatus main body 40 includes a detection signal processing unit 42, a display processing unit 47, and a device side display unit 48. A signal detected by the detection circuit 32 is input to the detection signal processing unit 42. The detection signal processing unit 42 processes the input signal and outputs the result to the image forming unit 46. The display processing unit 47 forms a partial image representing the state of the head extension unit 22 in accordance with the signal input from the detection signal processing unit 42.

  The apparatus main body 40 includes a transmission / reception unit 44, an echo signal processing unit 45, and an image forming unit 46. The transmission / reception unit 44 outputs a transmission signal group to the transducer 20 and inputs a reception signal group detected by the transducer 20. The transmission / reception unit 44 performs processing such as phasing addition on the input reception signal group, and outputs a signal to the echo signal processing unit 45 in the next stage. The echo signal processing unit 45 performs processing such as logarithmic compression and detection of the input signal, and outputs a signal to the image forming unit 46 at the next stage. The image forming unit 46 performs an input signal coordinate conversion process or the like to form an ultrasonic image and outputs it to the display processing unit 47 in the next stage. The display processing unit 47 synthesizes the partial image formed by the detection signal processing unit 42 and the ultrasonic image formed by the image forming unit 46. The composite image synthesized by the display processing unit 47 is displayed on the device side display unit 48. As described above, the transesophageal probe 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a function of displaying the state of the head extension part 22 inside the probe head 12 on the probe side display part 34 on the operation part 16. Yes. Alternatively, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention has a function of displaying the state of the head extension part 22 on the screen of the apparatus side display part 48 of the apparatus main body 40.

  Next, the configuration of the transesophageal probe 10 will be described separately for each major component. Specifically, two configuration examples are shown for the configuration of the probe head, and two configuration examples are shown for the operation unit. Further, four examples of the configuration of the probe-side display unit 34 mounted on the operation unit are illustrated.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a first configuration example of the probe head. FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view when the probe head 12 is in an unexpanded state, and FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view in the expanded state. (A) and (B) both show a state in which the probe head 12 is inserted into the esophagus of a living body, and the inner walls of the esophagus are represented by reference numerals 49A and 49B. As shown to (A), the exterior case 50 of the probe head 12 has the contact member 18 for making it contact | abut to an esophagus wall, and has the back member 26 in the position on the opposite side. In the exterior case 50, a triangular guide 52 having a triangular prism shape is fixedly provided on the exterior case 50. A part of the triangular guide 52 is an inclined surface 60, and the inclined surface 60 is, as shown in (A), an inclined surface with a lower left side in which the coordinate of the Z axis decreases as the coordinate of the Y axis increases. . A slide member 58 having a curved surface is attached to the inclined surface 60. The slide member 58 has a three-dimensional shape obtained by dividing a cylindrical member having an elliptical cross section into halves along the elliptical minor axis direction. A concave guide groove is dug in the direction of the straight line where the slope 60 and the YZ plane intersect, and the slide member 58 is provided with a convex protrusion that rubs along the concave guide groove. Two guide pins 54 </ b> A and 54 </ b> B are erected on the triangular guide 52 in the X-axis direction, and a guide pin 56 is also erected on the outer case 50. These three guide pins are non-moving pins in the probe head, and wires 28A and 28B extending from the inside of the insertion tube 14 are suspended. The wire 28 </ b> A is hung on the guide pins 54 </ b> B and 54 </ b> A and is connected to a node 59 </ b> A in the vicinity of the curved surface portion 58 </ b> A of the slide member 58. The other wire 28B is hung on the guide pin 56 and connected to a node 59B near the curved surface portion 58A.

  In the above configuration, when one of the wires 28A is pulled, the wire 28A is slid out of the surface of the guide pins 54B and 54A, so that the slide member 58 to which the traction force is applied is inclined downward along the slope 60. Slide. When the slide member 58 slides, the other wire 28B is fed into the probe head 12. When the slide member 58 moves, the state shown in (B) is formed, and the curved surface portion 58A presses the back member 26 from the inside, so that the shape of the back member 26 is deformed. The thickness of the probe head 12 increases from the thickness d1 in the unexpanded state to the thickness d2 in the expanded state. The thickness d2 of the probe head 12 in the expanded state is larger than the interval between the inner walls of the esophagus, and the back member 26 presses the esophageal wall 49B. The contact member 18 is in close contact with the esophageal wall 49A, and an ultrasonic wave propagation path transmitted and received by the transducer 20 is formed.

  When returning the probe head to the original state, the wire 28B is pulled to return the slide member 58 to the original position shown in FIG. When the thickness of the probe head 12 returns to the length d1, the probe head 12 can be moved back and forth in the esophagus.

  Thus, according to the first configuration example, since the slide member 58 moves along the diagonal line of the YZ cross section of the probe head 12, it is possible to take a long stroke of movement, and the amount of movement of the wires 28A and 28B. Can be secured greatly. Since the slide member 58 slides along a linear locus, the amount of wire displacement and the amount of change in the thickness of the probe head have a linear relationship, and the amount of thickness can be easily grasped. Since a force is applied to the back member 26 at an angle, the back member 26 can be pushed out with less force than when the back member 26 is pressed directly.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a second configuration example of the probe head. 4A shows a cross-sectional view when the probe head 13 is in an unexpanded state, and FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view when it is in an expanded state. 3A and 3B, the same components as those in the first configuration example shown in FIG. As shown to (A), in the 2nd structural example, the rotating material 64 which has the curved-surface part 64A is arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the back member 26. FIG. The rotating member 64 has a three-dimensional shape in which a cylindrical member having an elliptical cross section is divided in half along the minor axis direction of the elliptical shape. The rotating member 64 is provided with one through hole in the vicinity of the plane opposite to the curved surface portion 64A. A rotating shaft 66 fixed to the exterior case 50 is connected to the through hole, and the rotating material 64 rotates around the rotating shaft 66. Further, nodal points 70A and 70B for knotting the wire are provided at both ends of the through hole. That is, the wire 62A is connected at the node 70A, and the wire 62B is connected at the node 70B. The wire 62A is attached via the upper side of the guide pin 68A fixed to the exterior case 50. Similarly, the wire 62B is attached via the upper side of the guide pin 68B fixed to the exterior case 50.

  When the wire 62A is pulled in the non-expanded state, a traction force is applied to the node 70A. Since the node 70 </ b> A and the rotary shaft 66 are separated from each other, the traction force of the wire is converted into a rotational moment force centered on the rotary shaft 66. Accordingly, the rotating member 64 starts to rotate counterclockwise and pushes down the back member 26 formed of a flexible film. By the action of the lever, the rotary shaft 66 acts as a fulcrum, and the node 70A acts as a power point. A portion where the rotating member 64 comes into contact with the back member 26 serves as an action point, and a force for pushing down the back member 26 is generated. As a result, an expanded state as shown in (B) is formed. Next, when the other wire 62B is pulled, the rotating member 64 returns to the original position shown in FIG. Along with this, the probe head 13 returns to the original original state, that is, the thickness of the non-expanded state, and is in a state where it can be moved back and forth in the esophagus.

  In the probe head 13 of the second configuration example, the lever principle works, so that a large moving amount of the rotating member 64 can be obtained with a small wire pulling amount. Further, the wire pulling force in the second configuration example requires a larger force than that in the first embodiment, but since there is a degree of freedom in setting the length of the rotating material 64, the thickness d2 in the expanded state is set to the non-expanded state. It can be ensured to be larger than twice the thickness d1. Also, if a highly elastic membrane material is used for the back member 26, the rotating material 64 can be naturally stored in the probe head by the elasticity of the membrane when the traction force of the wire 62A is weakened. Further, by using the back member 26, waterproofing in the probe head can be maintained, and it can be utilized as a cushioning material for preventing the esophageal wall from being pressed with a sharp shape.

  The esophageal wall can be pressed using either the first or second configuration example. In this embodiment, the slide member 58 or the rotating member 64 is used, but other means can be used to expand the probe head. For example, the probe head can be expanded using a balloon that can expand and contract by injecting a medium of water or air, a water bag or an air bag that can be folded into an accordion type.

  If the esophageal wall is pressed and the contact member 18 is brought into close contact, a clear ultrasonic image can be formed. However, of course, the state of deformation of the probe head in the esophagus cannot be directly observed. Next, a configuration of an operation unit having a display function for checking the state of the probe head outside the body will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a first configuration example of the operation unit. The operation unit 16 uses a streamlined holding case 74 provided between the insertion tube 14 and the signal transmission cable 17 as a support unit. The holding case 74 is provided with a through hole, and the rotation shaft 78 of the handle 76 is inserted into the through hole. A handle 76 for changing the thickness of the probe head and a pulley 80 for laying a wire are coupled to the rotary shaft 78. Although one handle 76 is shown in FIG. 5, an actual handle is a multistage handle in which handles for operating the joint portion 15 (see FIG. 2) are stacked. That is, in FIG. 5, the joint drive mechanism for operating the joint part 15 is not shown. In the present embodiment, the rotary shaft 78, the handle 76, and the pulley 80 constitute a head drive unit. The head drive unit and the wire 28 constitute a drive mechanism. (In FIG. 5, one wire 28 is distinguished from 28A and 28B from the folding position at the pulley 80.) A sensor 82 for detecting the amount of rotation of the rotating shaft is further installed at the lower end of the rotating shaft 78. Is done. A power supply line 84 for supplying a DC voltage V from the apparatus main body 40 is connected to the sensor 82. The DC voltage V is also supplied to a detection circuit 85 that treats the output signal of the sensor 82. Signal lines 86A and 86B are drawn out from the detection circuit 85, and these signal lines are connected to a green LED 88 and a red LED 90 mounted on the surface of the holding case 74. The two LEDs 88 and 90 function as the probe-side display unit 34 in the present embodiment.

  The operation of the operation unit 16 is shown. When the handle is rotated in either the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction, the rotation amount is transmitted to the wire 28 via the pulley 80. As the pulley 80 rotates, the wires 28 </ b> A and 28 </ b> B are pulled in by one displacement amount L and the other wire is sent out by the same displacement amount L. Since the displacement amount of the wire 28 can be converted into the movement amount of the slide member 58 or the rotating member 64, the thickness of the probe head 12 can be obtained from the rotation amount of the handle 76. Therefore, in order to detect the thickness of the probe head 12, the momentum of the drive mechanism for moving the movable part may be monitored. Examples of the amount of movement of the drive mechanism include the amount of rotation of the rotating shaft 78, the amount of displacement of the wire 28, and the like. Next, means for detecting the amount of rotation of the rotating shaft 78 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the lower end portion of the rotating shaft 78 shown in FIG. The state shown in FIG. 6 shows a case where the probe head is in an unexpanded state. A fan-shaped light shielding plate 92 is joined to the rotating shaft 78. A concave-shaped optical detection type limit switch 94 is installed close to the light shielding plate 92. The limit switch 94 is installed with a light shielding plate 92 sandwiched between the light receiving surface and the light emitting surface. A power supply line 84, a common ground line 83, and an output line 81 are connected to the connector 96 connected to the back surface of the limit switch 94.

  The limit switch 94 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the light shielding plate 92 is present in the gap. That is, in the state of FIG. 6 in which the light shielding plate 92 is sandwiched, a high level signal is output to the output line 81. When the rotating shaft 78 rotates and the edge 92A of the light shielding plate 92 is out of the gap, a low level signal is output to the output line 81. In this embodiment, the rotation amount of the rotary shaft 78 is within one rotation. However, when the rotary shaft 78 is rotated many times, a slit is provided in the shielding plate 92 and a phase difference pulse encoder that detects the rotation amount is provided. It may be used as a sensor. In this case, either a high / low level signal is output according to the detection result of the phase difference pulse encoder.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the operation of the operation unit 16 will be described. A signal on the output line 81 from the sensor 82 is input to the detection circuit 85. In the detection circuit 85, only one of the two LEDs 88 and 90 is turned on according to whether the input signal is High or Low. In this configuration example, for example, when the output line 81 is High, the green LED 88 is turned on and the red LED 90 is turned off. On the contrary, when the output line 81 is Low, the green LED 88 is turned off and the red LED 90 is turned on. A specific circuit configuration of the detection circuit 85 is shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the first configuration example of the operation unit, since the momentum of the head drive unit is detected in the operation unit 16, there is no need to provide a detection device in the probe head 12, and the probe head 12 is reduced in size. Can be maintained. In addition, since a display function is added to the operation unit 16, it is possible to display useful information related to safety at a position that is surely within the operator's field of view. Moreover, since LED was employ | adopted for the probe side display part, visibility is good. In particular, an LED is effective in an examination room that is dimmed to perform ultrasonic diagnosis.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second configuration example of the operation unit. 7, parts that are the same as those of the operation unit 16 shown in FIG. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. The operation unit 102 shown in FIG. 7 differs from the operation unit 16 in the means for detecting the momentum of the drive mechanism. That is, the operation unit 16 detects the rotation amount of the rotary shaft 78, but the operation unit 102 detects the displacement amount of the wire 28. As specific means, slide type variable resistors 106A and 106B are provided for detecting the movement amount of the wires 28A and 28B moving in the linear direction as a change in electric resistance. A green LED 88 is connected to the signal line 104A connected to these variable resistors, and a red LED 90 is connected to the signal line 104B. The main body portions of the variable resistors 106A and 106B are fixed to the holding case 74, and the sliding pieces 108A and 108B for each slide resistance are fixed to the wires. Here, the two friction pieces 108A and 108B are respectively fixed to wires having different moving directions on the near side and the far side with the pulley 80 interposed therebetween. Therefore, when the wire 28A moves in the direction in which it is drawn into the pulley 80, the friction piece 108A approaches the pulley 80, and at the same time, the friction piece 108A fixed to the wire 28B moves in a direction away from the pulley 80. The movement distances of the two rubbing pieces 108A and 108B are the same except that their directions are different. Note that a rotation amount detection type potentiometer may be coupled to the lower end of the rotation shaft 78 and the rotation amount of the rotation shaft 78 may be directly detected by the potentiometer.

  In this way, if the amount of movement of the wire is detected as a change in electrical resistance, the value of the current flowing through the LED can be increased or decreased, so that gradation display that continuously changes the luminance of the green LED 88 and the red LED 90 becomes possible. . In addition, it is possible to generate contradictory luminance changes that lower the luminance of the green LED 88 and simultaneously increase the luminance of the red LED 90. For an operator operating the transesophageal probe, the magnitude of the bulge of the probe head can be determined by looking at the intensity of the brightness of the two LEDs, green and red. A specific circuit configuration of the detection circuit using the two variable resistors 106A and 106B is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing four examples of mounting modes for LEDs mounted on the surface of the operation unit. First, basically, it is desirable to display the LED mounting position at a position where it is not hidden behind the hand holding the operation unit. The LED 116 shown in FIG. 8A is mounted at a position close to the insertion tube 14 on a streamlined holding case. The single LED 116 may be a single color LED such as green or red, or may be a two color LED in which two light emitting elements are combined into one package. The LED 118 shown in FIG. 8B is mounted on the handle at a position shifted from the central axis. According to this aspect, since the position of the LED 118 changes with the rotation of the handle, the extension level of the probe head can be determined based on the position of the LED 118. For example, it is assumed that the LED 118 is set to switch the light emission color when the LED 118 moves to a certain position on the circumference by turning the handle. Then, the operator who operates this probe can recall the degree of swelling of the probe head from the position of the LED on the handle, and knows in advance how much room is available until the LED emits light from the rotation angle of the handle. be able to. When the handle is rotated many times, the LED may blink, and the blinking pulse interval may be changed to be longer or shorter so that the degree of swelling of the probe head may be determined. FIG. 8C shows an example in which two LEDs 120 and 121 having different hues are mounted at positions close to the insertion tube 14 on the holding case. FIG. 8D shows an example in which the LED groups 122 are arranged in a straight line on the holding case. In the mode of FIG. 8D, a function as a level meter can be provided by increasing or decreasing the number of light emission of the LEDs in accordance with the amount of displacement of the movable part. In addition, as the probe side display part 34, you may use light emission display means, such as a 7 segment display for displaying a numerical value, and a liquid crystal panel. In addition, by using sound generation means such as a buzzer or a speaker, it is possible to generate a sound and alert the operator.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a probe head status display function displayed on the apparatus-side display unit 48. Each display image shown in FIG. 9 provides the operator with information on whether or not the probe head in the esophagus may be moved in the axial direction of the insertion tube. FIG. 9A shows a display image in the non-expanded state, and FIG. 9B shows a display image in the expanded state. FIG. 9A schematically shows one image 124 displayed on the device-side display unit 48. In the center of the image 124, a sector-shaped ultrasonic image 126 is displayed. The mark shown at the upper right of the image 124 is a partial image 128 showing the state of the probe head. An enlarged view of the partial image 128 is shown in FIG. The operator sees the partial image 128 and recognizes that the probe head is in a movement-permitted state in which the probe head can be moved in the axial direction of the insertion tube. As shown in FIG. 9C, a shape 132 schematically showing the tip of the probe head is arranged in the center, and straight lines 134A and 134B schematically showing the esophageal wall are written above and below it. . In addition, a bidirectional arrow 136 indicating the movement of the probe head back and forth in the esophagus is shown. Here, the graphics indicated by reference numerals 132, 134 </ b> A, 134 </ b> B, 136 are collectively referred to as a graphic 137. A circle 138 is displayed over the figure 137 in an overlapping manner. When color display is possible, the circle 138 is preferably displayed in a cool color such as green or blue.

  FIG. 9B shows an image of the device-side display unit 48 in the expanded state, whereas FIG. 9B shows the non-expanded state. FIG. 9D is an enlarged view of the partial image 130 shown in the upper right of FIG. 9B. In the partial image of FIG. 9D, a cross mark 140 is superimposed on the graphic 137 and displayed as compared with FIG. 9C. FIG. 9 (D) means that the probe head is in a movement-inhibited state and should not be moved in the axial direction of the insertion tube. When color display is possible, the cross mark 140 is preferably displayed in a warm color such as red or pink. As described above, the image display shown in FIG. 9 is a mode in which the non-expanded state of the probe head is representatively represented by the circle mark 138 and the expanded state is represented by the cross mark 140.

  In addition, as another form, the aspect which changes the display color of the figure 137 and the circle 138 shown to FIG. 9C may be sufficient. That is, all the partial images may be displayed in green, and when the state is shifted to the expanded state, all the partial images may be changed to red. In the present embodiment, the display switching process of two partial images is performed by distinguishing between the non-expanded state and the expanded state. Therefore, the partial image showing the expanded state is switched by slightly expanding the probe head. Incidentally, the threshold level may be increased so that the partial image display switching process is executed when the probe head exceeds a certain expansion level. According to such an aspect, even if the probe head is slightly expanded, it is possible to move the probe head while confirming that the level is an expansion level that can safely move in the esophagus.

  By providing such a partial image display function, the state of the probe head can be confirmed at the same time while observing the region to be diagnosed with the ultrasonic image. Further, when determining the clarity of the image, the degree of swelling of the probe head can be referred to.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another display example of the partial image at the upper right position of the image displayed on the device-side display unit 48. FIG. 10A shows a partial image displayed in the non-expanded state, and FIG. 10B shows a partial image displayed in the expanded state. FIG. 10A shows a schematic shape 158 which means that the probe head is not expanded. This shape 158 is displayed in green. FIG. 10B shows a shape 162 indicating that the probe head is in an expanded state. This shape 162 is a shape reminiscent of the expansion of the back member side of the probe head. This shape 162 is displayed in red. In this display example, since the distinction of the hue is used, the safe color and the dangerous color can be intuitively recognized. In the detection signal processing unit 42 (see FIG. 2), it is possible to determine an intermediate state in which the non-expanded state transitions to the expanded state, and display the intermediate state with an intermediate color between green and red (for example, yellow or orange). Good. Since individual graphic designs of partial images have few design restrictions, various modes other than those exemplified above can be applied.

  Next, a specific circuit configuration used in the sensor 31, the detection circuit 32, and the probe side display unit 34 (all of which are shown in FIG. 2) will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 show circuit configurations in the case where an LED is used as the probe-side display unit 34. 14 and 15 show circuit configurations in the case where the device-side display unit 48 is used as the probe-side display unit 34. FIG. In the present embodiment, a limit switch and a variable resistor correspond to the detection means.

  FIG. 11 shows a first circuit configuration example. This circuit is a circuit for lighting only one of the green LED 1 and the red LED 2 mounted on the operation unit 16. The voltage of the signal line 81 output from the limit switch 94 is a level signal of either High or Low. The transistor Tr2 is driven by a signal inverted by the NOT element 166. Therefore, according to this circuit configuration, only one of the green LED 1 and the red LED 2 is lit.

  FIG. 12 shows a second circuit configuration example. This circuit is a circuit for changing the intensity of the brightness of the green LED 3 and the red LED 4 mounted on the operation unit 16. The brightness of the green LED 3 is determined by the resistance value of the variable resistor VR1, and the brightness of the red LED 4 is determined by the resistance value of the resistor VR2. Here, in the circuit diagram of FIG. 12, a double broken line 168 is shown. This means that the friction pieces of the two variable resistors VR1 and VR2 are mechanically connected. In other words, if the friction piece of VR1 coincides with the node 170, it means that the friction piece of VR2 mechanically coupled to VR1 coincides with the node 174. In this circuit configuration, if the resistance component of the variable resistor VR1 increases, the resistance component of the variable resistor VR2 decreases at the same time. Accordingly, when the luminance of the green LED 3 decreases due to the mechanical action acting on the two sliding pieces, for example, the luminance of the red LED 4 increases. That is, according to this circuit configuration, gradation display that continuously changes the luminance of the LED 3 and the LED 4 can be performed. If an LED incorporating a light emitting element of two colors is used, it is possible to display two intermediate colors by continuously changing the luminance of each other.

  FIG. 13 shows a third circuit configuration example. This circuit is a circuit for driving a plurality of LEDs mounted on the operation unit 16. This circuit corresponds to a circuit for operating the plurality of LEDs 122 shown in FIG. A total of ten LEDs (LED11 to LED20) are operated by outputs of the comparators (CMP1 to CMP10), respectively. As a determination criterion for the magnitude of the voltage input to each comparator, a voltage value equally divided by nine fixed resistors (R11 to R19) is used. When the resistance value of the variable resistor VR3 changes, the voltage E1 corresponding to the resistance change is input to all the comparators. Each comparator operates by comparing the reference voltage for comparison with the voltage E1. The plurality of LEDs operate like a digital level meter. That is, according to this circuit configuration, the degree of swelling of the probe head can be determined based on the number of LEDs to be lit.

  FIG. 14 shows a fourth circuit configuration example. This circuit is a circuit for transmitting the result detected by the detection circuit 32 in the operation unit 16 to the detection signal processing unit 42 of the apparatus main body 40. The output result of the limit switch 94 is transmitted to the detection signal processing unit 42 as a voltage high or low level signal.

  FIG. 15 shows a fifth circuit configuration example. This circuit is a circuit for outputting the result detected by the detection circuit 32 in the operation unit 16 to the detection signal processing unit 42 as a continuous value. The analog voltage E2 applied to the variable resistor VR4 is converted into digital data by the A / D converter 180. The digital data is transmitted to the detection signal processing unit 42. Since detailed numerical information can be sent to the detection signal processing unit 42, the state of the thickness of the probe head can be grasped in more detail. The data output from the A / D converter 180 to the detection signal processing unit 42 may be parallel data output using n data buses, or n bits that are continuous in time. Serial data may be used.

  In addition, although the structural example regarding a transesophageal probe was shown so far, said structure can be used also with respect to the other ultrasonic probe (for example, a transluminal probe, a transvaginal probe, etc.) for body cavity. Note that the above-described configuration examples can be selectively combined without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is a schematic diagram of the transesophageal probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram of a transesophageal probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the 1st structural example of a probe head. It is sectional drawing which shows the 2nd structural example of a probe head. It is sectional drawing which shows the 1st structural example of an operation part. It is an enlarged view of the lower end part of a rotating shaft. It is sectional drawing which shows the 2nd structural example of an operation part. It is a figure which shows the mounting aspect of LED on the surface of an operation part. It is a figure which shows the status display function of the probe head displayed on an apparatus side display part. It is the figure which showed the other example of a partial image displayed on an apparatus side display part. It is a circuit diagram which shows the 1st circuit structural example. It is a circuit diagram which shows the 2nd circuit structural example. It is a circuit diagram which shows the 3rd circuit structural example. It is a circuit diagram which shows the 4th circuit structural example. It is a circuit diagram which shows the 5th circuit structural example.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Transesophageal probe, 12 Probe head, 14 Insertion tube, 15 Joint part, 16 Operation part, 17 Signal transmission cable, 18 Contact member, 19 Connector box, 20 Vibrator, 22 Head extension part, 25 Bundling cable, 26 Back member, 27 Multi-stage handle, 28 Wire, 29 Joint drive unit, 30 Head drive unit, 31 Sensor, 32 Detection circuit, 34 Probe side display unit, 40 Device main body, 42 Detection signal processing unit, 44 Transmission / reception unit, 45 Echo signal Processing unit, 46 Image forming unit, 47 Display processing unit, 48 Device side display unit.

Claims (8)

A portion to be inserted into the esophagus of a living body, a contact surface that comes into contact with the esophageal wall, a vibrator that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to the front heart via the contact surface, and the contact surface. A probe head having a head expansion mechanism that presses against the esophageal wall;
Detecting means for detecting an operating state of the head expansion mechanism;
A display unit that is provided at a position that can be visually recognized by an operator, and that displays an operation state of the head expansion mechanism based on a detection result of the detection unit;
A transesophageal probe characterized by comprising: The transesophageal probe according to claim 1,
The transesophageal probe characterized in that the display means displays at least a non-expanded state in which the head expansion mechanism is not operating and an expanded state in which the head expansion mechanism is operating. The transesophageal probe according to claim 1,
The transesophageal probe characterized in that the display means is provided in an operation unit held by the operator outside the living body. The transesophageal probe according to claim 1,
A drive mechanism for driving the head expansion mechanism;
The transesophageal probe characterized in that the detection means detects an operation amount of the drive mechanism. The transesophageal probe according to claim 1,
The transesophageal probe characterized in that the head extension mechanism increases the thickness of the probe head in the thickness direction of the probe head. The transesophageal probe according to claim 5,
The transesophageal probe is characterized in that the head extension mechanism is a mechanism for inflating a back member on the opposite side of the probe head to the contact surface. The transesophageal probe according to claim 6,
The head expansion mechanism includes a movable member that slides,
The transesophageal probe, wherein the movable member pushes the back member from the inside when the movable member slides. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a transesophageal probe and a device body,
The transesophageal probe is
A portion to be inserted into the esophagus of a living body, which is a contact surface that comes into contact with the esophageal wall, a vibrator that transmits / receives ultrasonic waves to the front heart via the surface, and the contact surface that is the esophagus A probe head having a head expansion mechanism that presses against a wall;
A movable mechanism that expands the probe head and presses the contact surface against the esophageal wall;
Detecting means for detecting an expanded state of the probe head;
Have
The apparatus main body is
Display means for displaying an expanded state of the probe head based on a detection result of the detection means;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

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