JP2012176197A - Film echo gel and ultrasonic sensor unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide film echo gel that has high ultrasonic transmission, is very strong and flexible, leaves no sticky feeling after being peeled, is safe to the human body, and is disposable, and to provide an ultrasonic sensor unit with the film echo gel.SOLUTION: The film echo gel used as echo gel for acoustic coupling between an ultrasonic sensor and a human body includes a naturally-derived polymer gel containing water and shaped into a film.

Description

The present invention relates to a film-like echo gel used for acoustic coupling between an ultrasonic sensor and a human body.
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor unit having the film-like echo gel.

  Conventionally, jelly-like gels or swollen sols containing liquids have been used as echo gels for ultrasonic sensors, human bodies, and acoustic coupling materials. Also known are glycerin film pads, polymer film gels using polyurethane (see Patent Document 1), and the like.

JP 2007-167424 A

  In elderly medical care, urination management for patients with urinary disorders and urinary incontinence has become important. One of the management of urination is to automatically measure the amount of urine stored in the bladder regularly using ultrasound and to prevent incontinence by encouraging urination if it reaches a certain limit urine storage amount, or the patient A system has also been proposed to send data such as urination diaries from the hospital to the management center to help the patient's treatment. In such a case, it is necessary to keep the echo gel, which is an acoustic coupling material between the ultrasonic sensor and the human body, in contact with the human body for a long time.

  By the way, in the case of a swollen sol containing a conventional jelly-like echo gel or liquid, it is sticky and not only causes discomfort when attached to the human body, but also contaminates clothing, so it can be used while living daily life It was difficult. It is also necessary to wipe off after use. That is, since there is stickiness at the time of adhesion, unpleasant feeling due to unwiping, and contamination of clothes, long-time use places a great burden on the patient. Moreover, it was highly volatile and could not withstand long-term use.

  Also in the case of a glycerin film-like pad, when used for a long time, the volume is reduced and the function is lowered.

  Furthermore, when considering commercialization, it is desirable to be disposable from the viewpoint of hygiene, but it is also necessary to reduce the price.

  On the other hand, the synthetic polymer-based echo gel using polyurethane is in the form of a film, so there is no clothing contamination and there is no need for wiping after use. It can be used for a long time, and there is no stickiness or discomfort when adhering to the human body, thereby improving the conventional problems. However, since synthetic polymers are used, there is an environmental problem in that they remain undisturbed when discarded. A polymer-based echo gel using polyurethane is made by a chemical reaction, but there is a problem in terms of safety because there is a risk of rash on the skin due to components that remain without reacting. The raw material is a reactive reagent, and there are problems in manufacturing

In view of the above points, the present invention provides a flume-like echo gel having high ultrasonic transmittance, high strength and flexibility, no sticky feeling, safe for the human body, and capable of being disposable. is there.
The present invention provides an ultrasonic sensor unit having such a film-like echo gel.

  The film-like echo gel according to the present invention is an echo gel used for acoustic coupling between an ultrasonic sensor and a human body, and is composed of a naturally-derived polymer gel that is molded into a film and contains water. As a naturally occurring polymer, for example, alginic acid can be used.

  A preferred form of the naturally derived polymer gel is composed of a reaction product of alginic acid, glucono delta lactone, dicalcium phosphate, sodium carbonate, and water.

  The ultrasonic sensor unit according to the present invention has an ultrasonic sensor and a film-like echo gel used for acoustic coupling interposed between the ultrasonic sensor and the human body, and the film-like echo gel contains the water. It is composed of a film-like echo gel made of a naturally derived polymer gel.

  An ultrasonic sensor unit according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic sensor including a plurality of sensor elements having different ultrasonic emission angles, a primary film-like echo gel used for acoustic coupling attached to the ultrasonic sensor side, and a primary A film-like echo gel having a secondary film-like echo gel used for acoustic coupling interposed between a film-like echo gel and a human body, wherein the secondary ultrasonic echo gel is made of a naturally-derived polymer gel containing water. Consists of echo gel.

  According to the film-like echo gel of the present invention, since it is composed of a naturally-derived polymer gel containing water molded into a film, it has flexibility and strength that can be used for a long time, Ultrasonic transmittance is high because it contains water optimal for bonding. There is no sticky feeling when attached to the human body, or stickiness after peeling, and it is safe to the human body and can be disposable.

  According to the ultrasonic sensor unit of the present invention, since the film-like echo gel made of the naturally-derived polymer gel containing the water of the present invention is used as the acoustic coupling material, the film-like echo gel can be disposable, and the human body On the other hand, it is always possible to observe with ultrasound in a clean and safe state.

  According to the ultrasonic sensor unit of the present invention, the primary film-like echo gel and the secondary film echo gel are used in combination as the acoustic coupling material. Since the non-flat surface on the ultrasonic wave emission surface side is embedded and flattened by the primary film-like echo gel, the formation of an air layer that inhibits the transmission of ultrasonic waves is eliminated. Since the film-like echo gel made of the naturally-derived polymer gel containing water of the present invention is used for the secondary film-like echo gel that comes into contact with the human body, the secondary film-like echo gel can be disposable, and is always applied to the human body. Enables ultrasonic observation in a clean and safe state.

It is a schematic block diagram of the film-like echo gel which concerns on this invention. A, B It is the photograph which compared the film-form echo gel containing alginate by this invention, and the film-form echo gel using the conventional glycerin, and adhesiveness. A, B It is the echo image which compared the ultrasonic transmittance by the film-like echo gel containing alginate by this invention, and the conventional jelly-like gel. It is the schematic which shows the state which mounted | wore the human body with the ultrasonic sensor unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment by this invention. 1A and 1B are schematic configuration diagrams of an ultrasonic sensor unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic which shows the state which mounted | wore the human body with the ultrasonic sensor unit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment by this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the ultrasonic sensor unit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment by this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a film-like echo gel according to the present invention used as an acoustic coupling material between an ultrasonic sensor and a human body. The film-like (or sheet-like) echo gel 1 according to the present embodiment is used in close contact so that no air exists between the ultrasonic sensor and a required part of the human body.

  The physical properties required for the film-like echo gel 1 according to the present embodiment include high ultrasonic transmittance, excellent strength and flexibility, good adhesion, safety to the human body, and disposable It is environmentally friendly and can be manufactured at a low price.

  The film-like echo gel 1 according to the present embodiment includes a naturally-derived polymer and is composed of a naturally-derived polymer gel containing water. As a naturally occurring polymer, for example, alginic acid can be used. Other than alginic acid, naturally occurring polymers applied to the present invention include pectin, gellan gum, and carrageenan cellulose (carboxylate). In consideration of versatility, alginic acid is superior.

  A preferred example of the naturally-derived polymer gel is composed of a reaction product of a component having alginic acid, glucono delta lactone, dicalcium phosphate and sodium carbonate, and water.

Next, a most preferred specific example of the film-like echo gel according to the present embodiment will be shown together with its production method.
A mixed powder composed of the following component blending ratios is prepared.
Alginic acid 28.2% by weight
Dibasic calcium phosphate 16.3% by weight
Glucono delta lactone 48.5% by weight
Sodium carbonate 7.0% by weight
The purified water is vigorously stirred with a propeller-type stirrer to create a vortex, and the mixed powder containing the above ingredients is added to the wall of the vortex wall of the purified water so as to sprinkle little by little. The viscosity increases when the mixed powder is sprinkled on purified water. That is, when purified water comes into contact with the mixed powder, gelation occurs immediately. Next, after the mixed powder is dispersed in purified water, the mixture is stirred for about 15 seconds. Next, defoaming is performed with a vacuum defoamer for about 30 seconds. Next, for example, it is poured into a chalet and allowed to stand for about 30 minutes. The mixing ratio of the purified water and the mixed powder was 1.8 g of the mixed powder with respect to 60 ml of purified water. Thereby, a film-like echo gel is obtained.

  The film-like echo gel of the present embodiment thus obtained has high ultrasonic transmittance, high strength and flexibility, good adhesion, no stickiness, is safe for the human body, and is disposable. It has physical properties that make it possible.

  The blending ratio of the purified water and the mixed powder of the above components is as follows. If the mixed powder has a blending ratio of 0.4 g to 1.2 g with respect to 30 ml of purified water, a film-like echo gel having the above physical properties according to the present embodiment can be obtained. If the blending ratio of the mixed powder is less than 0.4 g, the strength is insufficient. If the blending ratio of the mixed powder exceeds 1.2, the mixed powder cannot be uniformly mixed with purified water, and molding is difficult. there were.

  The adhesion of the film-like echo gel according to the present embodiment is verified using FIGS. 2A and 2B. If the adhesion between the film-like echo gel and the skin is low, air enters through body hair and the like, making it impossible to observe body tissues.

  FIG. 2A is a photographic view when the alginic acid-containing film-like echo gel 1 according to the present embodiment having a circular shape is in close contact with the top of a mechanical pencil 4 having a thickness of 0.5 mm arranged on the substrate 3. is there. FIG. 2B shows a state in which a film-like echo gel (trade name: sonac gel pad) 5 using glycerin having a circular shape is closely attached to the core 4 of a mechanical pencil having a thickness of 0.5 mm arranged on the substrate 3. FIG. In the film-like echo gel 1 of the present embodiment, an air layer is not seen between the stepped portion of the core 4 of the mechanical pencil on the substrate, that is, the side surface of the core 4 and the film-like echo gel 1, and the adhesion is excellent. It can be confirmed. On the other hand, in the film-like echo gel 5 using glycerin, an air layer 6 (line that looks white) between the stepped portion of the core 4 of the mechanical pencil on the substrate, that is, between the side surface of the core 4 and the film-like echo gel 1. It can confirm that adhesiveness is inferior to this Embodiment.

  The ultrasonic transmission property of the film-like echo gel according to the present embodiment is verified using FIGS. 3A and 3B. In this verification, the bladder is observed with an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (echo), and the film-like echo gel of the present embodiment and the lower abdomen are respectively observed between the ultrasonic sensor (so-called probe) and the urine in the bladder. The appearance of echoes was compared using a conventional jelly-like gel. FIG. 3A is an echo image when the film-like echo gel of the present embodiment is used. FIG. 3B is an echo image when a conventional jelly-like gel is used. When both are compared, there is no significant difference, and both have high ultrasonic transmission. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the film-like echo gel of the present embodiment can be used as an acoustic coupling material between the ultrasonic sensor and the human body.

  Table 1 shows conventional jelly-like gel, synthetic polymer film-like echo gel using polyurethane (so-called polyurethane film-like echo gel), film-like echo gel using glycerin (so-called glycerin gel pad), and alginic acid content of the present embodiment The physical properties of each film-like echo gel are shown. In Table 1, physical properties such as ultrasonic transmittance, strength / flexibility, stickiness, safety / environment-friendly, adhesion, low cost, and disposable properties were evaluated. A circle indicates good and a cross indicates failure.

  According to the above-described film-like echo gel according to the present embodiment, since it is composed of a naturally-derived polymer gel, it is safe for the human body and at the same time is friendly to the environment and there is no concern about environmental destruction. The degree of adhesion with the skin is also excellent, an air layer is not formed by body hair and the like, and transmission of ultrasonic waves is not hindered. It can be manufactured at a low price and can be disposable. Therefore, hygiene is improved. Furthermore, the ultrasonic transmittance is high, and it has an ultrasonic transmittance equivalent to that of a conventional jelly-like gel. The film has sufficient strength and flexibility, and does not feel sticky when attached to the human body or after peeling of the film-like echo gel. Therefore, there is no discomfort.

  Next, an embodiment of an ultrasonic sensor unit including the film-like echo gel according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of the ultrasonic sensor unit. The ultrasonic sensor unit of the present embodiment is applied when the ultrasonic wave emission surface side of the ultrasonic sensor (so-called probe) is flat, and is interposed between the ultrasonic sensor 12 and the ultrasonic sensor 12 and the human body 13. And the above-described film-like echo gel 1 of the present invention. The ultrasonic sensor unit according to the first embodiment includes an ultrasonic sensor unit 11A for observing the bladder (including measurement of urine accumulation amount), an ultrasonic sensor unit 11B for observing a throat body tissue, and other body tissues. It can be applied to an ultrasonic sensor unit to be observed. For example, in the case of the film-like echo gel 1 to be in close contact with the throat, the film-like echo gel having a relatively thick film thickness is used because the surface of the throat is uneven. In the case of the film-like echo gel 1 to be in close contact with the lower abdomen during bladder observation, the skin surface is smooth, so a film-like echo gel having a relatively thin film thickness is used.

  FIG. 5A schematically shows an ultrasonic sensor unit 11A for observing the bladder according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic sensor unit 11A according to the present embodiment has a plurality of sensor elements 12a, and the ultrasonic sensor (so-called probe) 12 in which the ultrasonic emission surfaces of the sensor elements 12a are arranged flush with each other, as described above. It is comprised from the film-like echo gel 1 by the polymer gel of the nature origin containing the water which concerns on this invention.

  FIG. 5B shows an outline of a sensor unit 11B for observing tissue in the throat. An ultrasonic sensor (so-called probe) 12 having a sensor element 12a, and the ultrasonic emission surface of the sensor element 12a is flat, and a film made of a natural polymer gel containing water according to the present embodiment And an echo gel 1.

  According to the ultrasonic sensor unit 11 [11A, 11B] according to the first embodiment, a film-like echo gel made of a naturally-derived polymer gel containing water of the present invention is used as the acoustic coupling material. The echo gel can be disposable, and the ultrasonic observation can be performed in a clean and safe state for the human body.

  FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the ultrasonic sensor unit. The ultrasonic sensor unit 14 of the present embodiment is applied when the surface on the ultrasonic wave output surface side of the ultrasonic sensor (so-called probe) is not flat. The ultrasonic sensor unit 14 of the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic sensor 15, a primary film echo gel 16 used for an acoustic coupling material attached to the ultrasonic sensor 15 side, a primary film echo gel, and a human body. And a secondary film-like echo gel 1 used for an acoustic coupling material interposed between the two. The secondary film-like echo gel 1 is composed of the above-described film-like echo gel of the present invention that is made disposable. The primary film-like echo gel 16 is for embedding a non-flat surface on the ultrasonic sensor 15 side so as not to form an air layer. For example, the film-form of a synthetic polymer gel using polyurethane described above is used. An echo gel can be used.

  FIG. 7 shows an outline of the ultrasonic sensor unit 14 for observing the bladder according to the second embodiment (including measurement of the urine accumulation amount). The ultrasonic sensor unit 14 according to the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic sensor 15 in which a plurality of sensor elements 15 a having different ultrasonic emission angles are arranged, a primary film-like echo gel 15, and a secondary film-like echo gel 1. It is configured. The ultrasonic sensor 15 is attached to the lower abdomen of the human body 13 as shown in FIG. Although not shown, the ultrasonic sensor 15 passes through a limited gap between the pubic bone and the peritoneum and intersects at a portion corresponding to the vicinity of the anterior wall of the bladder to form a three-dimensional image. And is configured to be directed toward the posterior wall of the bladder. With this ultrasonic sensor 14, the three-dimensional shape of the urinary bladder can be measured more accurately and the urine accumulation amount can be detected more accurately by using ultrasonic waves that spread three-dimensionally after the intersection.

  Then, the ultrasonic sensor unit 14 has a non-flat surface on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface side embedded by the primary film-like echo gel 16, and the surface is shaped flat without any air layer. Since the primary film-like echo gel 16 is affixed for a long time without replacement, it is preferable that the primary film-like echo gel 16 is composed of a film-like echo gel made of a synthetic polymer gel. The secondary film-like echo gel 1 is interposed between the primary film-like echo gel 16 and the lower abdomen.

  The physical properties of the primary film-like echo gel 16 include high ultrasonic transmittance, no reflection of ultrasonic waves at the interface between the primary and secondary film-like echo gels 16 and 1, and flexibility that can be flattened by embedding irregularities. It is required that the material has adhesiveness and adhesiveness, and does not disappear even after long-term use. A film-like echo gel made of a polymer gel using the above-mentioned polyurethane is suitable for having this condition.

  The physical properties of the secondary film-like echo gel 1 include high ultrasonic transmittance, no reflection of ultrasonic waves at the interface between the primary and secondary film-like echo gels 16 and 1, and the secondary film echo gel and the skin. It is required that there is no reflection of ultrasonic waves at the interface, that the skin is not rubbed, that it is rich in strength and susceptibility, has high adhesion, and is disposable. A film-like echo gel made of a naturally-derived polymer gel containing water according to the present invention is suitable for having this condition.

  According to the ultrasonic sensor unit 14 according to the second embodiment, the primary film echo gel 16 and the secondary film echo gel 1 are used in combination as an acoustic coupling material. Since the primary film-like echo gel 16 embeds and flattens the non-flat surface on the ultrasonic wave output surface side, the formation of an air layer that inhibits the transmission of ultrasonic waves is eliminated. Since the film-like echo gel made of the natural polymer gel containing water of the present invention is used for the secondary film-like echo gel 1 in contact with the human body, the secondary film-like echo gel 1 can be disposable, On the other hand, it is possible to observe with ultrasound in a clean and safe state.

  1 ··· Film-like echo gel of the present invention (secondary film echo gel) 3 ·· Substrate 4 ·· Core of mechanical pencil 5 ·· Film-like echo gel using glycerin 6 ·· Air layer 11 [11A , 11B], 13 ... Human body, 14 ... Ultrasonic sensor unit, 12, 15 ... Ultrasonic sensor, 12a, 15a ... Sensor element, 16 ... Primary film echo gel

Claims (7)

An echo gel used for acoustic coupling between an ultrasonic sensor and a human body,
A film-like echo gel consisting of a naturally derived polymer gel that is molded into a film and contains water. The film-like echo gel according to claim 1, wherein the naturally-derived polymer is alginic acid. Naturally derived polymer gels
The film-like echo gel according to claim 2, comprising a reaction product of a component having alginic acid, glucono delta lactone, dicalcium phosphate and sodium carbonate and water. Naturally derived polymer gels
The film-like echo gel according to claim 3, wherein the film-like echo gel is composed of a reaction product obtained by charging a powder in which alginic acid, glucono delta lactone, dicalcium phosphate and sodium carbonate are mixed at a required mixing ratio into water. The film-like echo gel according to claim 4, wherein a mixing ratio of the water and the mixed powder is 0.4 to 1.2 g with respect to 30 ml of water. An ultrasonic sensor,
A film-like echo gel used for acoustic coupling inserted between the ultrasonic sensor and the human body,
An ultrasonic sensor unit, wherein the film-like echo gel is composed of the film-like echo gel according to any one of claims 1 to 5. An ultrasonic sensor comprising a plurality of sensor elements having different ultrasonic emission angles;
A primary film-like echo gel used for acoustic coupling affixed to the ultrasonic sensor side;
A secondary film-like echo gel used for acoustic coupling interposed between the primary film-like echo gel and the human body,
An ultrasonic sensor unit, wherein the secondary film-like echo gel is composed of the film-like echo gel according to any one of claims 1 to 5.