JP2013005994A - Ultrasonic diagnosis device and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quantitatively grasp the distribution of discharged medical agents, in a drug delivery system using an ultrasonic wave.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnosis device in this embodiment comprises an index image creation part 17 and a control part 19. The index image creation part 17 calculates an index value on the basis of the comparison of first data and second data being ultrasonic image data which are created before irradiating a prescribed region of a body to be inspected to which fine carriers are injected with the ultrasonic wave having prescribed sound pressure which can break the fine carriers, and after irradiating the prescribed region with the ultrasonic wave having the prescribed sound pressure, and creates the index image on the basis of the calculated index value. The control part 19 makes a monitor 2 display the index image.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an image processing program.

  Conventionally, development of a drug delivery system (DDS) is underway. The drug delivery system is a technique aimed at suppressing side effects and improving the therapeutic effect in drug treatment. Specifically, the drug delivery system is a technique for spatially and temporally controlling the drug distribution so that the drug is selectively taken into a target site (for example, an anticancer drug is a tumor site).

  In recent years, technologies using ultrasonic waves have been developed for drug delivery systems. In a drug delivery system using ultrasonic waves, a microcapsule containing a drug is injected into a subject, and a strong ultrasonic wave is irradiated to the microcapsule. As a result, the microcapsule collapses and the drug is released to the affected area.

  There is also known an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can irradiate high sound pressure ultrasonic waves while photographing ultrasonic images with normal sound pressure. However, it is difficult for the user to quantitatively grasp the space and time during which the drug is actually released. For this reason, it is difficult to accurately control the drug administration in the drug delivery system using ultrasonic waves. was there.

JP 2000-189521 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an image processing program capable of quantitatively grasping the distribution of a released drug in a drug delivery system using ultrasonic waves.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes an index image generation unit and a control unit. The index image generation unit irradiates a predetermined part of the subject into which the microcarrier is injected before irradiating the ultrasonic wave having a predetermined sound pressure capable of collapsing the microcarrier and the ultrasonic wave having the predetermined sound pressure. After that, the index value is calculated based on the comparison between the first data and the second data that are the ultrasonic image data generated after that, and the index image is generated based on the calculated index value. The control unit displays the index image on a predetermined display unit.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a drug delivery system using ultrasonic waves. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of scan control performed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the index image generation unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram (1) for explaining the processing of the index image generation unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram (2) for explaining the processing of the index image generation unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram (3) for explaining the processing of the index image generation unit. FIG. 8 is a diagram (1) for explaining the display form of the index image in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram (2) for explaining the display form of the index image in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram (3) for explaining the display form of the index image in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram (1) for explaining the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram (2) for explaining the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 1, a monitor 2, an input device 3, an acquisition device 4, and a device body 10. The apparatus main body 10 is connected to the external apparatus 5 via the network 100.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators, and the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal supplied from a transmission / reception unit 11 included in the apparatus main body 10 described later. The ultrasonic probe 1 receives a reflected wave from the subject P and converts it into an electrical signal. The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a matching layer provided in the piezoelectric vibrator, a backing material that prevents propagation of ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric vibrator to the rear, and the like. The ultrasonic probe 1 is detachably connected to the apparatus main body 10.

  When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 1 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected one after another at the discontinuous surface of the acoustic impedance in the body tissue of the subject P, and the ultrasonic probe is used as a reflected wave signal. 1 is received by a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surface where the ultrasonic wave is reflected. Note that the reflected wave signal when the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the moving blood flow or the surface of the heart wall depends on the velocity component of the moving object in the ultrasonic transmission direction due to the Doppler effect. And undergoes a frequency shift.

  In the first embodiment, even when the ultrasonic probe 1 is an ultrasonic probe that scans the subject P in two dimensions with ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic probe that scans the subject P in three dimensions. Even if it is, it is applicable. As the ultrasonic probe 1 that scans the subject P in three dimensions, the subject P is swung at a predetermined angle (oscillation angle) by swinging a plurality of ultrasonic transducers that scan the subject P in two dimensions. There is a mechanical scan probe that scans three-dimensionally. In addition, as the ultrasonic probe 1 that scans the subject P three-dimensionally, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a matrix so that the subject P can be ultrasonically scanned three-dimensionally 2. Dimensional ultrasonic probe. Note that the two-dimensional ultrasonic probe can also scan the subject P two-dimensionally by focusing and transmitting ultrasonic waves.

  Moreover, the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the present embodiment can switch the ultrasonic sound pressure from the normal sound pressure in the normal ultrasonic imaging mode to the high sound pressure in the drug delivery system (DDS) mode. Is possible. For example, the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the present embodiment transmits an ultrasonic wave having an MI (Mechanical Index) value of “0.02” to the subject P as a normal sound pressure, and as an ultrasonic wave having a high sound pressure for DDS. An ultrasonic wave having an MI value of “1.0” can be irradiated to the treatment target site of the subject P. The DDS by high sound pressure irradiation will be described in detail later.

  The input device 3 is connected to the device main body 10 via an interface unit 20 described later. The input device 3 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a button, a panel switch, a touch command screen, a foot switch, a trackball, a joystick, etc., receives various setting requests from an operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, The various setting requests received are transferred.

  The monitor 2 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for an operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to input various setting requests using the input device 3, and displays an ultrasonic image generated in the apparatus main body 10. To do.

  The acquisition device 4 acquires position information of the ultrasonic probe 1. Specifically, the acquisition device 4 includes the three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe 1 at the time of imaging an ultrasonic image, and the three-dimensional position of the ultrasonic probe 1 at the time of ultrasonic irradiation having the above-described high sound pressure for DDS. It is a device that acquires information.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the acquisition device 4 includes a sensor group 41 attached to the ultrasonic probe 1, a transmitter 42, and a signal processing unit 43. The sensor group 41 is a position sensor, for example, a magnetic sensor. The transmitter 42 is disposed at an arbitrary position, and forms a magnetic field toward the outside centering on its own device.

  The sensor group 41 detects the three-dimensional magnetic field formed by the transmitter 42, converts the detected magnetic field information into a signal, and outputs the signal to the signal processing unit 43. Based on the signal received from the sensor group 41, the signal processing unit 43 calculates the position (coordinates) of the sensor group 41 in the space with the transmitter 42 as the origin, and outputs the calculated position to the control unit 19 described later. Imaging of the subject P is performed in a magnetic field area in which the sensor group 41 attached to the ultrasonic probe 1 can accurately detect the magnetic field of the transmitter 42. The sensor group 41 of the first embodiment will be described in detail later.

  The external device 5 is a device connected to the device main body 10 via an interface unit 20 described later. For example, the external device 5 is a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) database that is a system for managing various types of medical image data, an electronic medical record system database that manages an electronic medical record with attached medical images, or the like. . Alternatively, the external apparatus 5 is various medical image diagnostic apparatuses other than the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, such as an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus and an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus.

  In other words, the apparatus main body 10 according to the present embodiment can acquire various medical images unified in an image format conforming to DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) from the external apparatus 5 via the interface unit 20. . Specifically, the apparatus main body 10 according to the present embodiment can acquire various medical images of the subject P from the external apparatus 5 via the interface unit 20.

  The apparatus main body 10 is an apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on the reflected wave received by the ultrasonic probe 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus body 10 includes a transmission / reception unit 11, a B-mode processing unit 12, a Doppler processing unit 13, an image generation unit 14, an image memory 15, an internal storage unit 16, and an index image generation. The unit 17, the alignment unit 18, the control unit 19, and the interface unit 20 are included.

  The transmission / reception unit 11 includes a trigger generation circuit, a transmission delay circuit, a pulser circuit, and the like, and supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 1. The pulsar circuit repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. The transmission delay circuit also sets the delay time for each piezoelectric vibrator necessary for determining the transmission directivity by converging the ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic probe 1 into a beam shape at each rate at which the pulsar circuit generates. Give to pulse. The trigger generation circuit applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 1 at a timing based on the rate pulse. In other words, the delay circuit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction from the piezoelectric vibrator surface by changing the delay time given to each rate pulse.

  The transmission / reception unit 11 has a function capable of instantaneously changing the transmission frequency, the transmission drive voltage, and the like in order to execute a predetermined scan sequence based on an instruction from the control unit 19 described later. In particular, the change of the transmission drive voltage is realized by a linear amplifier type transmission circuit capable of instantaneously switching its value or a mechanism for electrically switching a plurality of power supply units.

  The transmission / reception unit 11 includes an amplifier circuit, an A / D converter, an adder, and the like, and performs various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 1 to generate reflected wave data. The amplifier circuit amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the gain-corrected reflected wave signal and gives a delay time necessary for determining reception directivity to the digital data. The adder performs an addition process of the reflected wave signal processed by the A / D converter to generate reflected wave data. By the addition processing of the adder, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected wave signal is emphasized.

  As described above, the transmission / reception unit 11 controls transmission directivity and reception directivity in ultrasonic transmission / reception.

  Here, when the ultrasonic probe 1 is capable of three-dimensional scanning, the transmitting / receiving unit 11 transmits a three-dimensional ultrasonic beam from the ultrasonic probe 1 to the subject P, and the ultrasonic probe 1 receives 3 It is also possible to generate three-dimensional reflected wave data from a three-dimensional reflected wave signal.

  Furthermore, the transmission / reception unit 11 according to the present embodiment can transmit ultrasonic waves having high sound pressure for DDS from the ultrasonic probe 1.

  The B-mode processing unit 12 receives the reflected wave data from the transmission / reception unit 11, performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and the like, and generates data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity is expressed by brightness. .

  The Doppler processing unit 13 performs frequency analysis on velocity information from the reflected wave data received from the transmission / reception unit 11, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and moving body information such as average velocity, dispersion, and power. Is generated for multiple points (Doppler data).

  Note that the B-mode processing unit 12 and the Doppler processing unit 13 according to the first embodiment can process both two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional reflected wave data. That is, the B-mode processing unit 12 can generate two-dimensional B-mode data from two-dimensional reflected wave data, and can also generate three-dimensional B-mode data from three-dimensional reflected wave data. The Doppler processing unit 13 can also generate two-dimensional Doppler data from two-dimensional reflected wave data, and can generate three-dimensional Doppler data from three-dimensional reflected wave data.

  The image generation unit 14 generates an ultrasonic image based on the reflected wave received by the ultrasonic probe 1. That is, the image generation unit 14 generates ultrasonic image data from the data generated by the B mode processing unit 12 and the Doppler processing unit 13. Specifically, the image generation unit 14 generates B-mode image data in which the intensity of the reflected wave is expressed by luminance from the two-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing unit 12. In addition, the image generation unit 14 generates color Doppler image data as an average velocity image, a dispersed image, a power image, or a combination image representing moving body information from the two-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 13. To do.

  Here, the image generation unit 14 generally converts (scan converts) a scanning line signal sequence of ultrasonic scanning into a scanning line signal sequence of a video format typified by a television or the like, and displays ultrasonic waves for display. Generate image data. Specifically, the image generation unit 14 performs a coordinate conversion process according to an ultrasonic scanning form by the ultrasonic probe 1 and an RGB conversion process that changes a color tone according to a signal value, thereby performing a superimposing display. Sound image data is generated. In addition, the image generation unit 14 synthesizes character information, scales, body marks, and the like of various parameters with the ultrasound image data.

  That is, the B mode data and the Doppler data are ultrasonic image data before the scan conversion process, and the data generated by the image generation unit 14 is display ultrasonic image data. Hereinafter, the B-mode data and the Doppler data may be referred to as raw data.

  The image generation unit 14 can also generate three-dimensional ultrasonic image data. That is, the image generation unit 14 can generate three-dimensional B-mode image data by performing coordinate conversion processing or RGB conversion processing on the three-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing unit 12. It is. The image generation unit 14 can also generate three-dimensional color Doppler image data by performing coordinate conversion processing and RGB conversion processing on the three-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 13. .

  The image generating unit 14 can also perform various rendering processes on the volume data. Specifically, the image generation unit 14 can generate two-dimensional ultrasonic image data for display by rendering the three-dimensional ultrasonic image data. Furthermore, the image generation unit 14 can generate two-dimensional medical image data for display by rendering the three-dimensional medical image data generated by a medical image diagnostic apparatus other than its own apparatus.

  The rendering process performed by the image generation unit 14 includes a process of reconstructing an MPR image by performing a cross-section reconstruction method (MPR: Multi Planer Reconstruction). The rendering processing performed by the image generation unit 14 includes volume rendering (VR) processing for generating a two-dimensional image reflecting three-dimensional information.

  The image memory 15 is a memory that stores ultrasonic image data generated by the image generation unit 14. The image memory 15 can also store raw data generated by the B-mode processing unit 12 and the Doppler processing unit 13.

  The internal storage unit 16 stores a control program for performing ultrasonic transmission / reception, image processing and display processing, diagnostic information (for example, patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), various data such as a diagnostic protocol and various body marks. To do. The internal storage unit 16 is also used for storing image data stored in the image memory 15 as necessary.

  The internal storage unit 16 is also used for storing various medical images transferred from the external device 5. Specifically, the internal storage unit 16 stores volume data (three-dimensional medical image data) of the subject P transferred from the external device 5.

  For example, the internal storage unit 16 stores a three-dimensional X-ray CT image (hereinafter referred to as X-ray CT volume data), a three-dimensional MRI image (hereinafter referred to as MRI volume data), and other ultrasonic diagnosis. The ultrasonic volume data generated by the apparatus is stored. The data stored in the internal storage unit 16 can be transferred to an external peripheral device (external device 5) via the interface unit 20 described later. In the present embodiment, image data (volume data) desired by the operator is stored in the internal storage unit 16 via a storage medium such as a flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, MO, or DVD. Even if it exists, it is applicable. Further, the present embodiment is applicable even when a storage device that stores image data (volume data) desired by the operator is installed other than the internal storage unit 16.

  The internal storage unit 16 stores offset information for the acquisition device 4 to acquire the position information of the sensor group 41 as the three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe 1 with respect to the body surface of the subject P. The offset information will be described later in detail.

  The index image generation unit 17 performs image processing using the B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing unit 12 or the B-mode image data generated by the image generation unit 14 when treatment by DDS using ultrasound is performed. It is a processing part which performs. The registration unit 18 is a processing unit that performs registration processing (Registration) between different medical image data. The index image generation unit 17 and the alignment unit 18 will be described in detail later.

  The control unit 19 is a control processor (CPU: Central Processing Unit) that realizes a function as an information processing apparatus, and controls the entire processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Specifically, the control unit 19 is based on various setting requests input from the operator via the input device 3 and various control programs and various data read from the internal storage unit 16. Controls the processing of the processing unit 12, Doppler processing unit 13, image generation unit 14, index image generation unit 17, and alignment unit 18. The control unit 19 also includes ultrasonic image data stored in the image memory 15, various image data stored in the internal storage unit 16, or a GUI for performing processing by the index image generation unit 17 and the alignment unit 18, Control is performed so that the processing results of the index image generation unit 17 and the alignment unit 18 are displayed on the monitor 2. Further, the control unit 19 performs control so that the volume data received from the operator via the input device 3 is transferred from the external device 5 to the internal storage unit 16 via the network 100 and the interface unit 20.

  The interface unit 20 is an interface for the input device 3, the network 100, and the external device 5. Various setting information and various instructions from the operator received by the input device 3 are transferred to the control unit 19 by the interface unit 20. Also, the transfer request of the image data received by the input device 3 from the operator is notified to the external device 5 via the network 100 by the interface unit 20. The image data transferred by the external device 5 is stored in the internal storage unit 16 by the interface unit 20.

  The overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment has been described above. In such a configuration, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment uses a high sound pressure ultrasonic wave for performing a drug treatment by a drug delivery system using an ultrasonic wave while taking an ultrasonic image with a normal sound pressure ultrasonic wave. Irradiate sound waves.

  That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment uses normal sound pressure ultrasonic waves for B-mode image capturing (for example, ultrasonic waves having an MI value of “0.02”) as a predetermined part of the subject P. A B-mode scan is performed by transmitting to an area including (for example, a tumor site). The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment irradiates a predetermined portion of the subject P with ultrasonic waves having high sound pressure for DDS (for example, ultrasonic waves having an MI value of “1.0”). . FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a drug delivery system using ultrasonic waves.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, in DDS using ultrasound, for example, a microcapsule containing a predetermined substance such as a drug such as an anticancer drug is injected into the subject P. For example, the microcapsule shown in FIG. 2A is injected into the subject P intravenously. The microcapsules reach the tumor site of the liver by blood flow, for example. That is, the microcapsule is a minute carrier (carrier) for carrying a therapeutic substance to a site to be treated.

  After the injection of the microcapsule, the operator irradiates the ultrasonic probe 1 with a high sound pressure ultrasonic wave having a predetermined sound pressure capable of collapsing the microcapsule, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. Thereby, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 2 (B), a microcapsule collapse | crumbles and the chemical | medical agent in a capsule is discharge | released.

  However, when performing high sound pressure irradiation while referring to the B-mode image, it is difficult for the operator to quantitatively grasp the space and time during which the medicine is actually released. For this reason, in the drug delivery system using ultrasonic waves, it may be difficult to accurately control drug administration.

  Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment performs the following processing. The index image generation unit 17 illustrated in FIG. 1 applies the predetermined sound pressure before irradiating a predetermined portion of the subject P into which the microcapsules are injected with ultrasonic waves having a predetermined sound pressure that can collapse the microcapsules. An index value is calculated based on the comparison between the first data and the second data, which are ultrasonic image data generated after irradiation with the ultrasonic wave, and an index image is generated based on the calculated index value. Specifically, the index image generation unit 17 calculates a difference value of luminance values between the first data and the second data. Then, the index image generation unit 17 generates an index image (difference image) from the data whose color tone is changed according to the calculated difference value. Then, the control unit 19 displays the index image (difference image) on the monitor 2.

  The reflection intensity of microcapsules is higher than that of living tissue. For this reason, in the B-mode data (or B-mode image data) generated at the time of ultrasonic transmission of normal sound pressure, the luminance value of the B-mode data (or B-mode image data) in the region where the microcapsule is collapsed decreases Will be. Therefore, after the microcapsule has collapsed due to the luminance value of the first data, which is B-mode data (or B-mode image data) generated when the microcapsule reaches the predetermined site, and high sound pressure irradiation to the predetermined site The index image (difference image) generated by using the difference from the second data that is the luminance value of the generated B-mode data (or B-mode image data) is actually released from the drug. This is a distribution image showing the spatial and temporal distribution.

  By generating and displaying such an index image (difference image, distribution image), the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment quantitatively grasps the distribution of the released drug in the drug delivery system using ultrasonic waves. It is possible to make it. Hereinafter, specific examples of processing performed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of scan control performed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. First, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, a B-mode image of the subject P is captured by a normal B-mode scan. The B-mode image data generated by the B-mode scan is displayed on the monitor 2 under the control of the control unit 19. As shown in FIG. 3A, the operator refers to the B-mode image displayed on the monitor 2 to set a region of interest (ROI), which is a predetermined part where high sound pressure irradiation is performed, for example. Designation is performed using the mouse of the input device 3 or the like.

  After the designation of the ROI, the microcapsule exemplified in FIG. 2A is intravenously injected into the subject P by, for example, an injection device. At this time, the B-mode scan is continuously executed, and the control unit 19 determines the ROI luminance value (for example, the average luminance) of the B-mode data (or B-mode image data) sequentially generated in time series. Value). Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the control unit 19 determines whether or not the luminance value (average luminance value) in the ROI exceeds a preset threshold value, and the luminance value exceeds the threshold value. At that time, an instruction is sent to the transmission / reception unit 11 to irradiate the transmission / reception unit 11 with high sound pressure. Thereby, the ultrasonic probe 1 performs high sound pressure irradiation on the ROI as shown in FIG. For example, the transmission / reception unit 11 adjusts the numerical aperture and transmission focus of the ultrasonic probe 1 so that high sound pressure irradiation is performed on the ROI set by the operator under the control of the control unit 19.

  This embodiment is applicable even when the timing of high sound pressure irradiation is determined by an operator who refers to a B-mode image.

  Then, the index image generation unit 17 generates a difference image (drug distribution image) that is the index image described above. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the index image generation unit 17 processes the B mode data before and after high sound pressure irradiation generated by the B mode processing unit 12 as the first data and the second data. However, the index image generation unit 17 is applicable even when the B-mode image data before and after high sound pressure irradiation generated by the image generation unit 14 is processed as the first data and the second data.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the index image generation unit according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the index image generation unit 17 according to the first embodiment is a processing unit for outputting an index image (difference image, distribution image) using B-mode data before and after high sound pressure irradiation. A luminance difference calculation unit 17a, a multiplication unit 17b, an addition unit 17c, a coordinate conversion unit 17d, and a color map conversion unit 17e are included. In addition, the index image generation unit 17 according to the first embodiment includes coefficient data 17f and accumulated data 17g as a storage unit for storing data used for processing of these processing units and processing results. 5 to 7 are diagrams for explaining the processing of the index image generation unit.

  First, the luminance difference calculation unit 17a calculates a difference value between luminance values between first data and second data, which are B-mode data generated before and after irradiation with ultrasonic waves having high sound pressure. That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the luminance difference calculation unit 17a acquires and acquires the luminance value of the same point on the same scanning line in the B mode data before irradiation and the B mode data after irradiation. A difference value between the two luminance values is calculated. For example, the luminance difference calculation unit 17a calculates a value obtained by subtracting the luminance value after irradiation from the luminance value before irradiation. With this processing, the luminance difference calculation unit 17a calculates the difference values of all the areas where the B-mode scan has been performed.

  Here, the index image generation unit 17 may generate the difference image from the data whose color tone is changed according to the difference value calculated by the luminance difference calculation unit 17a. The difference value is corrected using data stored in the data 17f in advance. That is, the index image generation unit 17 generates an index image (difference image) based on the color tone determined according to the coefficient based on the characteristics of the microcarrier (microcapsule) and the index value. Specifically, the index image generation unit 17 multiplies the difference value by a coefficient based on the characteristics of the microcarrier (microcapsule) containing the predetermined substance. As described above, the luminance value decreases with the collapse of the microcapsule. The tendency of such a decrease in luminance value varies depending on the capsule material serving as the carrier and the type of drug to be released. In other words, the characteristic of the luminance value change is different for each microcapsule used for drug treatment.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to generate an index image (difference image) corresponding to the microcapsule used for drug treatment, the difference value is corrected according to the change characteristic of the luminance value when the microcapsule is collapsed.

  The coefficient data 17f stores, for each microcapsule used for drug treatment, a coefficient based on a luminance value change characteristic when the microcapsule is collapsed. Such a coefficient is stored in the coefficient data 17f in advance by an operator or a manufacturer of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, for example, based on an experimentally obtained value.

  Then, the multiplication unit 17b shown in FIG. 4 acquires the coefficient (α) of the microcapsule injected into the subject P from the coefficient data 17f, and as shown in FIG. A multiplication value obtained by multiplying the calculated difference value by a coefficient (α) is calculated. By such processing, the multiplication unit 17b calculates the difference value of all the regions where the B-mode scan has been performed.

  Here, the index image generation unit 17 may generate the index image (difference image) using the difference value calculated by the multiplication unit 17b, but in the first embodiment, the index image generation unit 17 further includes FIG. Processing of the adding unit 17c shown is performed. Usually, in drug treatment using microcapsules, the same predetermined site is irradiated with ultrasonic waves having high sound pressure a plurality of times. In such a case, with the ultrasonic probe 1 fixed, for example, the B-mode scan and the high sound pressure irradiation are repeated by the scan control illustrated in FIG. For example, the B mode scan and the high sound pressure irradiation are repeated until the operator inputs an instruction to end the high sound pressure irradiation. Alternatively, the number of repetitions of B-mode scanning and high sound pressure irradiation is set in advance by the operator.

  When irradiating the same predetermined site with ultrasonic waves having a predetermined sound pressure a plurality of times, the index image generation unit 17 calculates the index value based on the comparison between the first data and the second data for a plurality of times. Is multiplied by a coefficient, and an index image is generated based on a color tone determined according to a value obtained by adding the multiplied values. Specifically, the index image generation unit 17 multiplies the difference value between the luminance values of the first data and the second data for a plurality of times by a coefficient, and adds the multiplied values. The adding unit 17c shown in FIG. 4 performs such addition processing and stores the processing result in the accumulated data 17g. Hereinafter, the processing of the adding unit 17c will be described with reference to FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 6, high sound pressure irradiation is performed three times.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the luminance difference calculation unit 17a sequentially calculates the difference value between the B mode data before and after the first, second, and third irradiations. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the multiplication unit 17 b sequentially calculates a multiplication value obtained by multiplying the difference value of the B mode data before and after the first irradiation, the second time, and the third irradiation by the coefficient (α). .

  Here, the first data and the second data will be described again with reference to FIG. 6. The first data in the first time is B-mode data generated by the B-mode scan immediately before the first irradiation. The second data at the first time is B-mode data generated by a B-mode scan immediately after the end of the first irradiation.

  Alternatively, by performing parallel scan control in which high-sound pressure irradiation is performed on the ROI simultaneously with B-mode scanning of the entire scanning region during high sound pressure irradiation, the second data in the first time is stored in the B-mode processing unit 12 during the first irradiation. B-mode data generated by may be used. The second data in such a case may be B mode data immediately after the start of the first irradiation, or B mode data immediately before the end of the first irradiation.

  The first data in the second and third times are B-mode data generated by the B-mode scan immediately before the second and third irradiations, respectively. Each of the first data in the second time and the third time may be a case where the B mode data generated by the B mode scan immediately before the first irradiation is substituted.

  The second data at the second time and the third time are B-mode data generated by a B-mode scan immediately after the second and third irradiation ends. Alternatively, the B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing unit 12 during the second and third irradiations may be used as the second data at the second and third times by performing parallel scan control. The second data in this case may be B mode data immediately after the start of irradiation or B mode data immediately before the end of irradiation.

  The setting of the first data and the second data described above is set by an operator or an administrator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the adding unit 17c stores the first multiplied value calculated by the multiplying unit 17b as it is in the accumulated data 17g. When the addition unit 17c acquires the second multiplication value from the multiplication unit 17b, the addition unit 17c acquires the first multiplication value from the accumulated data 17g as illustrated in FIG. The values are added, and the addition result “multiplication value (first time) + multiplication value (second time)” is stored in the accumulated data 17g. Similarly, when the addition unit 17c acquires the third multiplication value from the multiplication unit 17b, the addition unit 17c acquires “multiplication value (first time) + multiplication value (second time)” from the accumulated data 17g as illustrated in FIG. The third multiplication value is added to the acquired data, and the addition result “multiplication value (first time) + multiplication value (second time) + multiplication value (third time)” is stored in the accumulated data 17g. With this process, the adding unit 17c calculates the added value of all the areas in which the B-mode scan has been performed.

  Then, the coordinate conversion unit 17d illustrated in FIG. 4 acquires the cumulative addition result stored in the cumulative data 17g from the addition unit 17c, and performs coordinate conversion on the acquired data. That is, the coordinate conversion unit 17d performs scan conversion according to the scan shape with respect to the cumulative addition values at multiple points on each scanning line of the B-mode scan.

  Then, the color map conversion unit 17e shown in FIG. 4 changes the color tone in accordance with the added value of each point (each pixel) after the coordinate conversion of the coordinate conversion unit 17d, so that the difference image (distribution image) that is the index image ) Is generated. For example, the color map converter 17e refers to an LUT (Lookup Table) to which red shades are assigned according to the added value, and the distribution of the released drug is depicted in red as shown in FIG. Furthermore, a difference image (distribution image) is generated which is an index image in which the amount of the released drug is depicted in red shades.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the index image generation unit 17 multiplies the difference value between the luminance values of the first data and each of the second data for a plurality of times by the coefficient, and adds the multiplied value to the value. A difference image is generated from the data whose color tone has been changed accordingly.

  In addition, this embodiment is applicable even if it is a case where high sound pressure irradiation is only once. When the high sound pressure irradiation is performed once, the difference image may be generated by the processing of the “brightness difference calculation unit 17a, the coordinate conversion unit 17d, and the color map conversion unit 17e”, or the “brightness difference calculation unit 17a, multiplication unit”. 17b, coordinate conversion unit 17d, and color map conversion unit 17e ". That is, in the former case, the index image generation unit 17 generates a difference image that is an index image from data whose color tone is changed according to the difference value. In the latter case, the index image generation unit 17 generates a difference image, which is an index image, from data whose color tone is changed according to a value obtained by multiplying the difference value by a coefficient.

  In addition, this embodiment may be a case where the process of the multiplication part 17b is abbreviate | omitted when high sound pressure irradiation is performed in multiple times with respect to the same site | part. In such a case, the index image generation unit 17 generates an index image based on the color tone determined according to the value obtained by adding the index values calculated based on the comparison between the first data and the second data for a plurality of times. . Specifically, the index image generation unit 17 is a difference image that is an index image from data whose color tone is changed according to a value obtained by adding difference values of luminance values between the first data and a plurality of second data. Is generated.

  Then, the control unit 19 that performs display control causes the monitor 2 to display a difference image that is an index image. Here, the control unit 19 can perform various display modes when displaying the index image. Specifically, the control unit 19 uses an ultrasonic image of the subject P generated by the own apparatus as an image to be displayed in parallel or superimposed with the index image (first display mode). Alternatively, the control unit 19 uses a medical image of the subject P generated by another medical image diagnostic apparatus as an image to be displayed in parallel or superimposed with the index image (second display mode).

  Hereinafter, the first display mode and the second display mode according to the first embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 are diagrams for explaining display forms of the index image in the first embodiment.

  In the first display mode, the control unit 19 displays the index image and the ultrasound image corresponding to the ultrasound image data used for generating the index image in parallel or superimposed on the monitor 2. Specifically, the ultrasonic image used in the first display form is an ultrasonic image having the same cross section as the scanning cross section of the ultrasonic image data used for generating the index image.

  For example, the ultrasonic image used in the first display form is B-mode image data for display generated by the image generation unit 14 from the first data or the second data. Alternatively, for example, the ultrasonic image used in the first display form is B-mode image data for display generated by the image generation unit 14 before microcapsule injection.

  The ultrasonic image is displayed in parallel with the index image by display control of the control unit 19 as shown in FIG. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8B, the ultrasonic image is superimposed and displayed on the index image by display control of the control unit 19. Note that the coordinate system of the index image and the ultrasonic image is the same coordinate system. Therefore, when performing the first display form illustrated in FIG. 8B, the control unit 19 causes the image generation unit 14 to generate a superimposed image obtained by simply superimposing the index image and the ultrasonic image, and performs the superimposition. An image is displayed on the monitor 2.

  In the first display mode, the ultrasonic image displayed together with the index image may be a volume rendering image or MPR image of 3D B-mode image data. In such a case, the ultrasound probe 1 capable of performing three-dimensional scanning under the control of the control unit 19 and the transmission / reception unit 11 performs three-dimensional scanning on a region including a predetermined part of the subject P. Thereby, the image generation unit 14 generates three-dimensional B-mode image data.

  Then, the control unit 19 causes the image generation unit 14 to generate an MPR image and a volume rendering image from the three-dimensional B-mode image data using the information on the two-dimensional scanning plane when the index image is generated. For example, the control unit 19 generates an MPR image obtained by cutting the three-dimensional B-mode image data at the same cross section as the two-dimensional scanning plane when the index image is generated. Alternatively, the control unit 19 generates a volume rendering image having the same cross section as the two-dimensional scanning plane at the time of index image generation from the three-dimensional B-mode image data.

  On the other hand, in the second display mode, the control unit 19 performs display control in cooperation with the acquisition device 4 and the alignment unit 18. That is, the acquisition device 4 acquires position information of the ultrasonic probe 1 at the time of ultrasonic transmission having a predetermined sound pressure (high sound pressure). Based on the position information acquired by the acquisition device 4, the alignment unit 18 performs alignment between the three-dimensional medical image including the predetermined region (ROI) generated by the medical image diagnostic device other than the own device and the difference image. Then, the control unit 19 uses the index image and the cross-section substantially the same as the scan cross-section of the ultrasound image data used to generate the index image based on the alignment processing result by the alignment unit 18 for three-dimensional medical use. The two-dimensional medical image generated from the image is displayed in parallel or superimposed on the monitor 2.

  As described above, the acquisition device 4 acquires the three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe 1. Specifically, the acquisition device 4 acquires three-dimensional position information using a position sensor (sensor group 41) attached to the ultrasonic probe 1.

  For example, on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 1, as shown in FIG. 9A, as the sensor group 41, three magnetic sensors of a magnetic sensor 41a, a magnetic sensor 41b, and a magnetic sensor 41c are attached. The magnetic sensor 41a and the magnetic sensor 41b are attached in parallel to the direction in which the transducers are arranged as shown in FIG. The magnetic sensor 41c is attached in the vicinity of the upper end of the ultrasonic probe 1 as shown in FIG.

  Here, the internal storage unit 16 stores, for example, offset information (L1 to L4) illustrated in (B) of FIG. 9 as position information to which the sensor group 41 is attached. As shown in FIG. 9B, the distance “L1” is a distance between a straight line connecting positions where the magnetic sensor 41a and the magnetic sensor 41b are attached and a position where the magnetic sensor 41c is attached.

  Further, the distance “L2” is a distance between a straight line connecting positions where the magnetic sensor 41a and the magnetic sensor 41b are attached to the array surface of the transducers. In other words, the distance “L2” is the distance between the straight line connecting the positions where the magnetic sensor 41a and the magnetic sensor 41b are attached and the body surface of the subject P, as shown in FIG.

  Further, the distance “L3” is a distance in the transducer arrangement direction between the magnetic sensor 41a and the magnetic sensor 41c, as shown in FIG. 9B. Further, the distance “L4” is a distance in the transducer arrangement direction between the magnetic sensor 41b and the magnetic sensor 41c, as shown in FIG. 9B.

  The signal processing unit 43 of the acquisition device 4 uses the offset information shown in FIG. 9B to obtain 3 for the body surface of the subject P of the ultrasonic probe 1 from the acquired position (coordinates) of the sensor group 41. Dimensional position information can be acquired. That is, the signal processing unit 43 can acquire information regarding the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 1 with respect to the body surface of the subject P as well as the position of the ultrasonic probe 1 with respect to the body surface of the subject P.

  Based on the position information acquired by the acquisition device 4, the alignment unit 18 is substantially the same as the index image in the X-ray CT volume data including the ROI of the subject P, for example, as shown in FIG. Identify the cross-section. For example, the alignment unit 18 associates “the position of the subject P at the time of X-ray CT imaging” associated with the X-ray CT volume data as the incidental information and “information about the coordinate system of the X-ray CT apparatus”. get. And the alignment part 18 specifies the cross section substantially the same as an index image with X-ray CT volume data from incidental information and the positional information which the acquisition apparatus 4 acquired.

  The control unit 19 causes the image generation unit 14 to generate an MPR image obtained by cutting the X-ray CT volume data with the cross section specified by the alignment unit 18. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the control unit 19 causes the image generation unit 14 to generate a superimposed image of the MPR image and the index image and causes the monitor 2 to display the superimposed image.

  Here, in the second display form, the control unit 19 corresponds to the superimposed image shown in FIG. 10B and the ultrasonic image data used for generating the difference image shown in FIG. The “ultrasonic image” may be displayed in parallel (see FIG. 10C).

  The display form described above is selected by the operator, and the control unit 19 performs display control according to the selected display form.

  In the present embodiment, the alignment unit 18 may perform the alignment process without using the acquisition device 4. For example, the alignment unit 18 performs an alignment process between an ultrasound image corresponding to the first data or the second data and a three-dimensional medical image generated by a medical image diagnostic apparatus other than its own apparatus. This may be performed by calculating indices such as an image uniformity ratio (Mutual Information) and the like that are used for alignment between the images.

  In the present embodiment, a cross section in which the operator has the same cross section as the index image (or ultrasonic image data used for generating the index image) without using the processing of the acquisition device 4 and the alignment unit 18. Alternatively, the alignment process may be performed visually with reference to the MPR image of the three-dimensional medical image.

  Next, processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the following, a case will be described in which the microcapsule is injected after the ROI is set by the B-mode scan and the second display form described with reference to FIG. 10C is selected.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 19 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment determines whether or not the average luminance value in the ROI exceeds a threshold value (step S101). If the threshold is not exceeded (No at Step S101), the control unit 19 waits until the threshold is exceeded.

  On the other hand, when the threshold value is exceeded (Yes at Step S101), the ultrasonic probe 1 performs high sound pressure irradiation under the control of the transmission / reception unit 11 via the control unit 19 (Step S102). And the brightness | luminance difference calculation part 17a calculates the difference value of the brightness | luminance value between B mode data before and behind irradiation (step S103).

  Subsequently, the multiplication unit 17b calculates a multiplication value by multiplying the difference value by a coefficient (step S104), and the addition unit 17c multiplies the multiplication value calculated in step S104 and the multiplication data stored in the accumulated data 17g. The added value is calculated by adding the values (step S105). In addition, when performing the process of step S105 initially, the addition part 17c stores the multiplication value calculated by step S104 as it is in the accumulation data 17g.

  Thereafter, the control unit 19 determines whether or not a request for termination of high sound pressure irradiation has been received (step S106). Here, when the irradiation is not finished (No at Step S106), the control unit 19 returns to Step S101 and performs a comparison determination process between the average luminance value in the ROI and the threshold value.

  On the other hand, when the irradiation is completed (Yes at Step S106), the coordinate conversion unit 17d performs coordinate conversion of the data of the accumulated data 17g (Step S107) and the color map conversion unit 17e is coordinate-converted by the control of the control unit 19. The converted data is converted to RGB (step S108). Thereby, the index image generation unit 17 generates a difference image (distribution image) that is an index image.

  Then, the alignment unit 18 aligns the difference image and the X-ray CT volume data based on the position information of the ultrasonic probe 1 acquired by the acquisition device 4 (step S109), and the image generation unit 14 A superimposed image of the index image (difference image) and the MPR image of the X-ray CT volume data is generated (step S110).

  Then, the monitor 2 displays the superimposed image and the ultrasound image (ultrasound image corresponding to the ultrasound image data used for generating the index image) in parallel under the control of the control unit 19 (step S111). The process ends.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, an index image (difference image) using “difference value of luminance value” as an index value based on comparison between image data before and after high sound pressure irradiation is generated and displayed. . The index image is a distribution image indicating a distribution in which the medicine is released. Therefore, the operator can quantitatively grasp the distribution of the released drug in the drug delivery system using ultrasonic waves by referring to the index image.

  Further, by referring to the index image, the operator can control the drug administration more accurately than before. As a result, in the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the quality of life (QOL) of the patient (subject P) and reduce the drug cost.

  In the first embodiment, since a coefficient corresponding to the characteristics of the microcapsule used for treatment is used, it is possible to generate an index image that more accurately indicates the distribution of the drug released. Further, in the first embodiment, when high-pressure irradiation is performed a plurality of times on the same site, an index image is generated using an addition value of a difference value or a multiplication value. Therefore, a medicine that is repeated in time series An index image that covers the state of administration can be generated.

  In the first embodiment, since an ultrasonic image or a two-dimensional image of volume data generated by another modality is displayed as an index image, the operator can easily grasp the distribution of the released medicine. Can do.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, for example, a case where high sound pressure irradiation is performed on a predetermined site that is one cross section of a tumor site has been described. However, the site to be treated is a three-dimensional region that expands three-dimensionally.

  Therefore, in DDS using ultrasonic waves, high sound pressure irradiation is performed on a plurality of predetermined sites that are a plurality of cross sections of a tumor site, for example, while the ultrasonic probe 1 is tilted or moved. In the second embodiment, processing when ultrasonic waves having high sound pressure are irradiated to a plurality of predetermined sites will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. 12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. However, when the index image generation unit 17 according to the second embodiment is irradiated with ultrasonic waves having a predetermined sound pressure with respect to a plurality of predetermined sites, the index images (difference images) of the plurality of predetermined sites are displayed. Generate. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, it is assumed that the operator performs high sound pressure irradiation on three different sections of the tumor site while shifting the ultrasonic probe 1 on the body surface of the subject P.

  In this case, for example, as described in the first embodiment, the index image generation unit 17 calculates the difference value, the multiplication value, and the addition value, and thereby, as illustrated in FIG. Three index images (an index image a, an index image b, and an index image c) for each of different irradiation sections are sequentially generated along a time series.

  When a plurality of index images are generated, the control unit 19 determines the index images of the plurality of predetermined parts and the index images of the plurality of predetermined parts as in the first display form according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic images corresponding to the ultrasonic image data used for generation are displayed in parallel or superimposed on the monitor 2.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12C, the control unit 19 superimposes the index image a and the superposed image A of the scanning section of the ultrasound image data used for generating the index image a and the B-mode image having the same section. Is displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 12C, the control unit 19 superimposes the index image b and the superposed image B of the scanning section of the ultrasound image data used to generate the index image b and the B-mode image of the same section. Is displayed. As shown in FIG. 12C, the control unit 19 displays a superimposed image C of the index image c and the scanning section of the ultrasound image data used to generate the index image c and the B-mode image of the same section. Let

  Note that the superimposed images A to C illustrated in FIG. 12C may be displayed in parallel or may be displayed as a moving image. The control unit 19 may display the index image and the B-mode image having the same cross section as the scanning section of the index image in parallel.

  Alternatively, the image displayed together with the plurality of difference images may be a three-dimensional medical image (volume data). In such a case, the control unit 19 performs display control in cooperation with the acquisition device 4 and the alignment unit 18.

  That is, the acquisition device 4 acquires the position information of the ultrasonic probe 1 at the time of ultrasonic transmission having a predetermined sound pressure, as in the first embodiment. Then, as in the first embodiment, the alignment unit 18 calculates a three-dimensional medical image including a plurality of predetermined regions and an index image of each of the predetermined regions based on the position information acquired by the acquisition device 4. Perform alignment.

  Then, the control unit 19 generates a two-dimensional image generated from a three-dimensional image obtained by superimposing index images of a plurality of predetermined parts on a three-dimensional medical image (volume data) based on the alignment processing result by the alignment unit 18. Is displayed on the monitor 2. The alignment process may be performed by the acquisition device 4 and the alignment unit 18 as described in the first embodiment, or may be performed by a single process of the alignment unit 18. Alternatively, it may be performed by an operator.

  When the volume data is volume data (ultrasonic volume data) generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generated the index image, the control unit 19 performs the following display control. For example, based on the result of the alignment process, the image generation unit 14 converts each of the index images a to c (see FIG. 12B) in the ultrasound volume data as illustrated in FIG. To place. Thereby, the image generation part 14 produces | generates the volume data 200 of the three-dimensional index image 101 comprised from index image ac and ultrasonic volume data.

  Then, as illustrated in FIG. 13A, the image generation unit 14 generates a VR image by performing volume rendering processing on the volume data 200. The control unit 19 displays the VR image on the monitor 2.

  Alternatively, when the volume data is volume data (X-ray CT volume data or MRI volume data) generated by a medical image diagnostic apparatus other than the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generated the index image, the control unit 19 performs the following display control. To do. For example, the image generation unit 14 converts each of the index images a to c (see FIG. 12B) based on the alignment processing result into X-ray CT volume data as shown in FIG. Place in. Thereby, the image generation unit 14 generates volume data 300 of the three-dimensional index image 101 composed of the index images a to c and the X-ray CT volume data.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13B, the image generation unit 14 generates a VR image by performing volume rendering processing on the volume data 300. The control unit 19 displays the VR image on the monitor 2.

  Note that the control unit 19 may cause the image generation unit 14 to generate an MPR image from the volume data 200 and the volume data 300 and display the MPR image on the monitor 2. The MPR image in this case may be, for example, an MPR image with a cross section of the index image a, or may be an MPR image with a cross section orthogonal to the index image b, for example.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, it is possible to grasp the distribution of drug release even when high sound pressure irradiation is sequentially performed on different parts in time series.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where the index image generation process and the display control process are executed in real time has been described. However, the index image generation process and the display control process described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be executed after the end of the drug treatment.

  Further, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the case where high sound pressure irradiation is performed in a predetermined scanning section has been described. However, the index image generation processing and display control processing described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be performed when high sound pressure irradiation is performed in a predetermined three-dimensional scanning space. In this case, the index image is a three-dimensional index image, and the control unit 19 displays the MPR image or VR image of the three-dimensional index image and the MPR image or VR image of the three-dimensional medical image.

  The image processing method executed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above is executed by executing a prepared image processing program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. Can be realized. This image processing program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. The program can also be executed by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD and being read from the recording medium by the computer.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the distribution of the released drug can be quantitatively grasped in the drug delivery system using ultrasonic waves.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Monitor 3 Input apparatus 4 Acquisition apparatus 41 Sensor group 42 Transmitter 43 Signal processing part 5 External apparatus 10 Apparatus main body 11 Transmission / reception part 12 B mode processing part 13 Doppler processing part 14 Image generation part 15 Image memory 16 Internal memory part 17 index image generation unit 17a luminance difference calculation unit 17b multiplication unit 17c addition unit 17d coordinate conversion unit 17e color map conversion unit 17f coefficient data 17g accumulated data 18 alignment unit 19 control unit 20 interface unit 100 network

Claims (10)

Ultrasound generated before and after irradiating an ultrasonic wave having a predetermined sound pressure with respect to a predetermined part of a subject into which the microcarrier has been injected. An index image generation unit that calculates an index value based on comparison between the first data and the second data that are sound wave image data, and generates an index image based on the calculated index value;
A control unit for displaying the index image on a predetermined display unit;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:   2. The ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein the index image generation unit generates the index image based on a color based on a coefficient based on a characteristic of the microcarrier and the index value. apparatus. In the case of irradiating the same predetermined site with the ultrasonic wave having the predetermined sound pressure a plurality of times,
The index image generation unit generates the index image based on a color tone determined according to a value obtained by adding index values calculated based on comparison between the first data and each of the plurality of second data. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. In the case of irradiating the same predetermined site with the ultrasonic wave having the predetermined sound pressure a plurality of times,
The index image generating unit multiplies the index value calculated based on the comparison between the first data and each of the plurality of times of the second data by the coefficient, and determines according to a value obtained by adding the multiplied values. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the index image is generated based on the obtained color tone.   The control unit displays the index image and an ultrasound image corresponding to the ultrasound image data used to generate the index image in parallel or superimposed on the predetermined display unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-4. An acquisition unit that acquires position information of an ultrasonic probe at the time of ultrasonic transmission having the predetermined sound pressure;
An alignment unit that performs alignment between the index image and the three-dimensional medical image including the predetermined part generated by the medical image diagnostic apparatus other than the own apparatus based on the positional information acquired by the acquisition unit;
Further comprising
Based on the alignment processing result by the alignment unit, the control unit uses the index image and the cross section that is substantially the same as the scanning cross section of the ultrasound image data used to generate the index image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a two-dimensional medical image generated from an image is displayed in parallel or superimposed on the predetermined display unit.   The index image generation unit generates an index image of each of the plurality of predetermined portions when an ultrasonic wave having the predetermined sound pressure is irradiated to the plurality of predetermined portions. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of the above.   The control unit displays the index image of each of the plurality of predetermined sites and each of the ultrasound images corresponding to the ultrasound image data used to generate the index images of the plurality of predetermined sites on the predetermined display unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein parallel display or superimposed display is performed. An acquisition unit that acquires position information of an ultrasonic probe at the time of ultrasonic transmission having the predetermined sound pressure;
An alignment unit that performs alignment between the three-dimensional medical image including the plurality of predetermined regions and the index images of the plurality of predetermined regions, based on the position information acquired by the acquisition unit;
Further comprising
The control unit generates a two-dimensional image generated from a three-dimensional image obtained by superimposing an index image of each of the plurality of predetermined parts on the three-dimensional medical image based on the alignment processing result by the alignment unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is displayed on a display unit. Ultrasound generated before and after irradiating an ultrasonic wave having a predetermined sound pressure with respect to a predetermined part of a subject into which the microcarrier has been injected. An index image generation procedure for calculating an index value based on a comparison between the first data and the second data, which are sound wave image data, and generating an index image based on the calculated index value;
A control procedure for displaying the index image on a predetermined display unit;
An image processing program for causing a computer to execute.