JP2009072604A - Puncture adapter and ultrasonic probe apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a puncture adapter preventing fracture of a probe sheath when mounting the puncture adapter on a probe. <P>SOLUTION: This puncture adapter is detachably attached to an ultrasonic probe covered with a probe sheath, or a probe cover for securing a sterile state and is used in a puncture therapy using a puncture needle. This puncture adapter is characterized in having: a holder means which has at least a first holder section, a second holder section provided relatively rotatable to the first holder section, and a third holder section located between the first holder section and the second holder section and provided relatively rotatable to the first holder section; and a fixing section for fixing one end of the first holder section to one end of the third holder section for clamping the ultrasonic probe. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a puncture adapter, and more particularly, to a puncture adapter and an ultrasonic probe apparatus that do not break a probe sheath.

  An operator, such as a doctor or radiology operator, guides the puncture needle to enter the living body with an ultrasound image monitor, performs a sampling test, for example, a sampling test for tissue of a tumor patient, or a therapy, for example a drug To be injected into the patient's body. The ultrasound image is usually taken from an ultrasound probe manufactured for a specialized puncture operation.

  In order to prevent infection to the patient and the worker, a probe sheath (that is, a probe cover for ensuring a sterilized state) is always used at the time of puncturing. Therefore, the probe sheath must not break during puncturing. The probe sheath is a flexible rubber product with a thickness of only a few microns, and is used by covering the probe sheath.

  FIG. 8 is a front view showing the relationship between the puncture needle 1, the puncture adapter 2, the ultrasonic probe 3, the probe sheath 4, the living body, and the ultrasonic image region.

  FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional view showing the relationship between the puncture needle 1, puncture adapter 2, ultrasonic probe 3, and probe sheath 4.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the puncture adapter 2 includes a holder portion 20 and a puncture needle guide part 6. The puncture needle guide part 6 serves to guide the puncture needle so that it enters the patient's body along a predetermined trajectory. The holder part 20 plays a role of assembling the puncture adapter 2 and the probe 3.

  The conventional puncture adapter holder is prone to the following problems during use due to manufacturing limitations. That is, since the probe sheath used at the time of puncture is a flexible rubber product and is as thin as several microns, it is torn during use (especially when the puncture adapter 2 is attached to the probe 3 or removed from the probe 3). It may end up. This is because the probe sheath 4 is torn due to the frictional force applied to the probe sheath 4 when the puncture adapter 2 is assembled to the probe 3 or removed from the probe 3.

  FIG. 10 is a view showing one example of the holder portion 20 of the conventional puncture adapter 2. The holder part 20 of the puncture adapter 2 includes an upper holder part 21ao and a lower holder part 21bo. The upper and lower holder parts 21ao and 21bo are connected by a hinge having a shaft 22o. The puncture adapter 2 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 3 by sandwiching the ultrasonic probe 3 between the upper holder portion 21ao and the lower holder portion 21bo and picking the holder portions together and fixing them with a fixing device 23o.

  That is, due to structural limitations, when the puncture adapter 2 is attached to or removed from the probe 3, a relative slip always occurs between the puncture adapter 2 and the probe 3, thereby giving a frictional force to the probe sheath 4 and Cause damage. In FIG. 11, the puncture adapter 2 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 3 by the operations in the order of (a) → (d). On the other hand, the puncture adapter 2 is removed from the ultrasonic probe 3 by the operations in the order of (a) → (d).

  FIG. 12 is a principle view showing that the conventional puncture adapter 2 breaks the probe sheath. Within the range of the radius of rotation of the puncture adapter 2, there is friction between the puncture adapter 2 and the probe 3, and the probe sheath 4 is damaged. That is, in the conventional puncture adapter 2, the opening width W2 of the upper holder portion 21ao is approximately the same as the width of the ultrasonic probe 3. For this reason, for example, when the puncture adapter 2 is attached (or removed) to the probe 3, as shown in the solid circle in FIG. 12, the corner of the ultrasonic probe 3 covered with the edge of the upper holder portion 21ao and the probe sheath 4 is placed. The probe sheath 4 is broken by the frictional force applied to the probe sheath 4.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a puncture adapter or a probe device with a puncture adapter that does not break the probe sheath when the puncture adapter is attached to (or removed from) the probe.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention takes the following measures.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a puncture adapter that is detachably provided to an ultrasonic probe covered with a probe sheath, which is a probe cover for ensuring a sterilized state, and is used during puncture treatment using a puncture needle. A first holder part, a second holder part provided rotatably relative to the first holder part, and the first holder part and the second holder part. In between, the holder means having at least a third holder part provided rotatably relative to the first holder part, and the first holder part for clamping the ultrasonic probe And a fixing portion for fixing one end of the third holder portion and one end of the third holder portion.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic probe covered with a probe sheath, which is a probe cover for ensuring a sterilized state, a first holder part, and a relative position relative to the first holder part A second holder part rotatably provided, and a first holder part rotatably provided between the first holder part and the second holder part relative to the first holder part. A holder means having at least three holder parts; and a fixing part for fixing one end of the first holder part and one end of the third holder part in order to pinch the ultrasonic probe; And an puncture adapter used in puncture treatment using a puncture needle.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a puncture adapter or a probe device with a puncture adapter that does not break the probe sheath when the puncture adapter is attached to (or removed from) the probe.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be given only when necessary. In the following, for the sake of specific explanation, an example in which the part of the ultrasonic probe in which the puncture adapter is installed (that is, the part where the photographer holds the ultrasonic probe) is substantially rectangular. However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to the shape of the ultrasonic probe. For example, the part of the ultrasonic probe on which the puncture adapter is installed may have a cylindrical shape having an elliptical cross section.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first type of structure of the holder portion of the puncture adapter. In FIG. 1, it is assumed that the cross-sectional shape of the probe is substantially rectangular and that the four corners of the rectangle have arc degrees (predetermined curvature). The holder part of the puncture adapter includes a first holder part 21a, a second holder part 21b, and a third holder part 21c. Each holder part can be made of metal or a suitable material. The first holder portion 21a and the second holder portion 21b may be connected so as to be rotatable about a (rotation) shaft 22b, or may be integrally formed. The first holder portion 21a and the third holder portion 21c are connected to be rotatable about a (rotation) shaft 22a. When the third holder portion 21c is closed, the end portion of the third holder portion 21c that is not connected to the first holder portion 21a is joined to the end portion of the second holder portion 21b. For example, when the first holder portion 21a, the second holder portion, and 21b are not integrally formed, the end portion of the third holder portion 21c is connected via the knob fixing portion 23 as shown in FIG. 2 is joined to the end of the holder portion 21b.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation center, that is, the shaft 22a is installed on the end side from the center of the first holder portion 21a. As described above, the movable holder portion 21c has a length along one side of the fixed holder portion 21a that is less than half of the length of the fixed holder portion 21a. As a preferred embodiment, the shaft 22a is installed at a position where the arc degree of the fixed holder portion 21a is bent. That is, when attaching (or removing) the puncture adapter to the ultrasonic probe, for example, the second holder portion 21b and the third holder portion 21c are rotated with respect to the shaft 22a and the shaft 22b, respectively. An opening width (for example, an opening width larger than the minimum width of the grasping portion of the ultrasonic probe) is ensured, the ultrasonic probe is disposed in the puncture adapter so as not to cause friction with each holder portion, and the third When the end of the holder part 21c and the end of the second holder part 21b are joined, the puncture adapter can be fixed (attached) to the ultrasonic probe (see, for example, FIG. 3).

  When the first holder portion 21a, the second holder portion 21b, and the third holder portion 21c sandwich the ultrasonic probe, there is a possibility that a gap exists between the other ends of the holder portions 21b and 21c. The knob fixing device 23 more firmly fixes the holder portions 21a, 21b, and 21c to the probe. The holder portions 21a, 21b, and 21c can have elasticity. Due to this elastic property, the holder portions 21 b and 21 c can be firmly fixed by the knob fixing device 23.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the holder portion 21 a may include a tray 24. The tray protrudes from the mounting shaft 22b. The puncture needle guide part is connected to this tray.

  When the first holder portion 21a and the second holder portion 21b are two separate members (that is, separate structures), the shaft 22b connecting the holder portions 21a and 21b is connected to the first horizontal portion 22m or You may install in the connection area | region (namely, area | region with the curvature of the angle of a rectangular-shaped ultrasonic probe) with the 2nd horizontal site | part 22n.

  As another option, the radius of curvature of the arcuate part of the holder part can be any possible value, and of course is 0 (ie it has no curvature and the first horizontal part 22n is connected vertically to the second horizontal part 22n). Structure).

  And the holder parts 21a, 21b, 21c of the puncture adapter can be divided into four parts or more. That is, in the example of FIG. 1, the example in which the puncture adapter is configured by the three holder portions 21a, 21b, and 21c is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to the example of the three holder portions, and may be a configuration in which four or more holder portions are connected by a rotary shaft and a knob fixing device.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, with the center of rotation, the holder portion 21 c does not generate friction with the probe and the probe sheath when opening and closing. That is, when the puncture adapter is attached to the ultrasonic probe, for example, a predetermined opening width is secured by rotating the second holder portion 21b and the third holder portion 21c with respect to the shaft 22a and the shaft 22b, respectively. If the ultrasonic probe is arranged in the puncture adapter so as not to cause friction with each holder portion, and the end of the third holder portion 21c and the end of the second holder portion 21b are joined, the puncture adapter Can be fixed (attached) to the ultrasonic probe. For this reason, the problem that the probe sheath is damaged hardly occurs.

  As another option, the cross-sectional shapes of the probe and puncture adapter may be elliptical (including circular). In this case, as shown in FIG. 2A, the puncture adapter includes three holder portions 22t, 22u, and 22v, a rotation center 22p that connects the holder portion 22t and the holder portion 22v, a holder portion 22u and the holder portion 22v, And a rotation center 22q connecting the two. The two rotation centers 22p and 22q are located on the upper and lower sides, and the rotation center 22p is located closer to the opening direction than the minor axis of the ellipse (the minor axis in the figure). In the movable holder portion, the length of the ellipse of the probe in the major axis direction is less than half of the length of the major axis. Although there are two rotation centers in the figure, it may have only one rotation center. The holder part is opened and closed by rotating around one or two of the rotation centers as a rotation axis. Even in this case, when attaching the puncture adapter to the ultrasonic probe, for example, the holder portions 22t and 22q (or the holder portions 22x and 22y) are respectively connected to the shaft 22a and the shaft 22b (or the shaft 22r and the shaft 22s). A predetermined opening width is secured by rotating, and an ultrasonic probe is arranged on the holder 22v (22w) so as not to cause friction with each holder portion, and then the holder portion 22t and the holder portion 22q (or the holder portion 22w and the holder). By joining the portion 22y), the puncture adapter can be fixed (attached) to the ultrasonic probe. For this reason, the problem that the probe sheath is damaged hardly occurs.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2B, the two rotation centers 22r and 22s are respectively on the major axis or minor axis of the ellipse. The puncture adapter is composed of three holder portions 22w, 22x, 22y, and rotates around one or two of the two rotation centers 22r, 22s as a rotation axis to open and close the holder portion.

  Such a structure can be used in other cases as long as it has an advantage similar to the example of this embodiment.

  As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the position of the rotation center is set, and the rotation center of the puncture adapter is located at a position where the arc degree is bent (that is, a position corresponding to the corner of the ultrasonic probe). When attached to or removed from the probe, there is no need for relative sliding between the puncture adapter and the ultrasonic probe, no pulling force is applied to the probe sheath, and the probe sheath is not damaged. In FIG. 3, the puncture adapter is attached to the ultrasonic probe by the operation in the order of (a) → (d). On the other hand, the puncture adapter is removed from the ultrasonic probe by the operation in the order of (a) → (d).

  FIG. 4 is a principle view showing that the puncture adapter of this embodiment does not break the probe sheath. Within the rotation radius range of the holder portion 21c, friction with the probe sheath does not occur, and a situation in which the probe sheath is pushed does not occur. That is, for example, a predetermined opening width is secured by rotating the second holder portion 21b and the third holder portion 21c with respect to the shaft 22a and the shaft 22b, respectively, and puncture is performed so as not to cause friction with each holder portion. If the end of the third holder portion 21c and the end of the second holder portion 21b are joined after the ultrasonic probe is placed in the adapter, the puncture adapter can be fixed (attached) to the ultrasonic probe. .

  In addition to the situation where the probe sheath is damaged due to the installation position of the rotation center of the puncture adapter, when opening and closing the holder part, the probe is pushed by being pressed when fitting the positioning hole of the holder part with the positioning hole of the probe. The problem that the sheath breaks occurs.

  In FIG. 5, as an example of fitting the positioning members (protrusions and protrusions) of the holder portions 21a and 21c and the probe positioning members (protrusions and recesses) in FIG. Explain the problem.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the ultrasonic probe and the holder portion of the puncture adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention are fitted. x and y are, for example, two protrusions of the ultrasonic probe, but may be two holes. In the case of a protrusion, the protrusion x and the protrusion y can be different. For example, the protrusion x and the protrusion y are in a symmetric position on each side of the ultrasonic probe, but may be in an asymmetric position. When in an asymmetric position, the puncture adapter is always secured to the ultrasound probe in only one direction, and the puncture adapter can be prevented from detaching from the probe.

  21ax and 21cy are two holes of the holder parts 21a and 21c of the puncture adapter corresponding to the protrusion x and protrusion y. The holes 21ax and 21cy can be different. For example, the holes 21ax and 21cy may be in a symmetric position or asymmetric position on each side surface of the holder portion of the puncture adapter.

  In the present embodiment, the inclination of the contact surface of the positioning holes (or recesses and protrusions) of the holder portions 21a and 21c of the puncture adapter with the protrusions x and y of the ultrasonic probe is determined by the protrusions (or the concaves) It is designed not to match the inclination of the mouth). The two holes 21ax and 21cy of the holder portion of the puncture adapter correspond to the two protrusions x and y of the ultrasonic probe, but are designed not to coincide with the inclination of the two protrusions x and y of the ultrasonic probe. When the puncture adapter positioning member and the probe positioning member are fitted to each other, it is unlikely to be pushed between the two positioning members, so that the holder portion of the puncture adapter does not damage the probe sheath during use. Can be guaranteed.

  The holes 21ax and 21cy of the puncture adapter can be formed in different sizes and shapes so as to correspond to the protrusions x and y having different shapes of the ultrasonic probe. Also, the corresponding protrusions of the ultrasonic probe can be made to correspond with three or more holes.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing attachment and detachment of a holder portion of a conventional puncture adapter.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing attachment and detachment of the holder portion of the puncture adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention. The lower half (solid circle) in FIG. 7 is a diagram showing that the positioning member of the puncture adapter and the positioning member of the probe use different inclinations in the fitting direction.

  In FIG. 7, a structure in which one of them is parallel to the fitting direction and the other is inclined (that is, only the contact surface of the positioning holes of the holder portions 21a and 21c with the ultrasonic probe has an inclination. The contact surface with the positioning holes of the projections x and y of the ultrasonic probe has a structure in which there is no inclination and is horizontal). However, this is not included in the example, and as long as the inclination angle is different, the two positioning members are both inclined with respect to the fitting direction (that is, the ultrasonic waves of the positioning holes of the holder portions 21a and 21c). The contact surface with the probe and the contact surface with the positioning holes of the projections x and y of the ultrasonic probe may have an inclination for preventing friction.

  6 and 7, by adopting a structure with different inclination, when the puncture adapter is attached to and detached from the ultrasonic probe, the holder portion of the puncture adapter and the ultrasonic probe are in smooth contact with each other, It can be seen that it effectively avoids pushing and breaking the probe sheath.

  Such a structure can be used in other cases as long as it has similar advantages to the embodiments of the present invention.

  When the puncture adapter is attached to or removed from the ultrasonic probe, the probe sheath is not damaged.

  Such embodiments are merely examples for better understanding of the present invention, and are not limited to the present invention. Therefore, within the scope of the present invention, the parts and parts disclosed in the above embodiments can be replaced with those having the same role, and can be newly designed or improved. Any possible combination of these parts or parts is included within the scope of the present invention, so any advantage similar to the example of this embodiment can be used.

  According to the above description, various improvements and changes of the present embodiment are possible. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention may be implemented in other ways, except as specified in the appended claims. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a puncture adapter and an ultrasonic probe apparatus that do not break the probe sheath when the puncture adapter is attached to (or removed from) the probe.

FIG. 1 is a view showing a first type of structure of the holder portion of the puncture adapter. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure in which the cross-sectional shapes of the probe and the puncture adapter are elliptical. FIG. 3 is a view for explaining attachment and removal of the holder portion. FIG. 4 is a principle view showing that the puncture adapter does not break the probe sheath. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the ultrasonic probe of one embodiment is fitted to the holder portion of the puncture adapter. FIG. 6 is a view showing attachment and removal of a holder portion of a conventional puncture adapter. FIG. 7 is a view showing attachment and detachment of the holder portion of the puncture adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the relationship between the puncture needle 1, the puncture adapter 2, the ultrasonic probe 3, the probe sheath 4, the living body, and the ultrasonic image region. FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional view showing the relationship between the puncture needle 1, puncture adapter 2, ultrasonic probe 3, and probe sheath 4. FIG. 10 is a view showing one example of a holder portion of a conventional puncture adapter. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a process of attaching or removing a conventional puncture adapter and probe. FIG. 12 is a principle view showing that the conventional puncture adapter breaks the probe sheath.

Explanation of symbols

21a ... 1st holder part, 21b ... 2nd holder part, 21c ... 3rd holder part, 22a ... Rotating shaft, 22b ... Rotating shaft, 22t, 22u, 22v, 22w, 22x, 22y ... Holder part, 22p 22q, 22r, 22s ... center of rotation, 21ax, 21cy ... hole, x, y ... projection

Claims (10)

A puncture adapter that is detachably provided to an ultrasonic probe covered with a probe sheath that is a probe cover for ensuring a sterilized state, and is used during puncture treatment using a puncture needle,
Between the first holder part, the second holder part provided to be rotatable relative to the first holder part, and between the first holder part and the second holder part, Holder means having at least a third holder portion provided rotatably relative to the first holder portion;
A fixing part for fixing one end of the first holder part and one end of the third holder part to pinch the ultrasonic probe;
A puncture adapter comprising: The ultrasonic probe has a substantially rectangular shape having four corners,
The third holder means has the first rotation axis provided along one of the four corners between the first holder portion and the second holder portion as a center. Provided so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to one holder part,
The fixing portion is provided along the other one of the four corner portions;
The puncture adapter according to claim 1. The ultrasonic probe has a cylindrical shape with an elliptical cross section,
The third holder means is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the first holder portion about a first rotation axis provided at a position corresponding to the long axis of the elliptical cross section. , Being provided so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the second holder part around a second rotation axis provided at a position corresponding to the minor axis of the elliptical cross section;
The puncture adapter according to claim 1. The probe is provided with a positioning member having a protrusion or a concave shape,
The holder means is coupled to a positioning member having a protrusion or a concave shape provided on the ultrasonic probe, and has a shape for reducing friction with the probe sheath covering the positioning member. Further having a coupling member;
The puncture adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The puncture adapter according to claim 4, wherein the coupling member is provided in the first holder part and the second holder part. An ultrasonic probe coated with a probe sheath which is a probe cover for ensuring a sterilized state;
Between the first holder part, the second holder part provided to be rotatable relative to the first holder part, and between the first holder part and the second holder part, A holder means having at least a third holder part provided rotatably relative to the first holder part; and one end of the first holder part for clamping the ultrasonic probe; A puncture adapter for use in puncture treatment using a puncture needle, and a fixing portion for fixing one end of the third holder portion.
An ultrasonic probe apparatus comprising: The ultrasonic probe has a substantially rectangular shape having four corners,
The third holder means has the first rotation axis provided along one of the four corners between the first holder portion and the second holder portion as a center. Provided so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to one holder part,
The fixing portion is provided along the other one of the four corner portions;
The ultrasonic probe apparatus according to claim 6. The ultrasonic probe has a cylindrical shape with an elliptical cross section,
The third holder means is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the first holder portion about a first rotation axis provided at a position corresponding to the long axis of the elliptical cross section. , Being provided so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the second holder part around a second rotation axis provided at a position corresponding to the minor axis of the elliptical cross section;
The ultrasonic probe apparatus according to claim 6. The probe is provided with a positioning member having a protrusion or a concave shape,
The holder means is coupled to a positioning member having a protrusion or a concave shape provided on the ultrasonic probe, and has a shape for reducing friction with the probe sheath covering the positioning member. Further having a coupling member;
The ultrasonic probe apparatus according to claim 6, wherein   The ultrasonic probe apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the coupling member is provided in the first holder part and the second holder part.

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