JP2013188428A - Adjustment operation device, puncture needle, ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow an operator who performs puncturing to adjust the size of an indicator indicating a cauterization range by a puncture needle.SOLUTION: An adjustment operation device 100 includes: a button 101 by means of which an operator performs input for adjusting the size of an indicator that indicates a cauterization range by a puncture needle and that is displayed at a display part of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body; and an infrared transmission part 102 for outputting signals for adjusting the size of the indicator on the basis of the input of the button 101. The adjustment operation device is independent of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body. For instance, the adjustment operation device is attached to a holding part 14a of a puncture needle 14. For instance, every time the button 101 is depressed, infrared light are transmitted from the infrared transmission part 102, and the size of the indicator is adjusted in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body.

Description

  The present invention relates to an adjustment operation device that adjusts the size of an indicator that indicates an ablation range by a puncture needle, a puncture needle and an ultrasonic probe provided with the adjustment operation device, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that includes the adjustment operation device.

  In order to perform ablation treatment by radio waves, a puncture needle may be inserted into a subject. When inserting the puncture needle, it is necessary not to damage a blood vessel or the like. Since the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can display the ultrasonic image of the subject in real time while transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from the subject, the puncture needle is inserted while checking the ultrasonic image ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

  In the cauterization treatment, for example, it is necessary to perform cauterization while excluding blood vessels and surrounding tissues. Therefore, there is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can display and confirm the ablation range cauterized by the puncture needle (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2011-229837 A JP 2007-215672 A

  The setting of the indicator is performed in the operation unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. Here, the operator who inserts the puncture needle holds the ultrasonic probe with one hand, holds the puncture needle with the other hand, and both hands are blocked, and the hand is in a sterilized state. Therefore, since the surgeon cannot operate the operation unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body by himself, the person who receives the instruction from the surgeon operates to set the indicator.

  However, the indicator may not be set at an appropriate timing desired by the surgeon. For example, a person who receives an instruction from the operator may be unfamiliar with the operation, or the instruction from the operator may not be accurately transmitted, and it may take time until the indicator is set. In such cases, the surgeon often felt stressed. Therefore, it is desired that the surgeon can adjust the size of the indicator himself.

  The invention made in order to solve the above-mentioned problem is independent of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body having a display unit on which an indicator showing an ablation range by a puncture needle is displayed on an ultrasonic image. An adjustment operation device that performs an operation for adjusting the size, and a puncture needle or an ultrasonic probe provided with the adjustment operation device.

  Another invention made in order to solve the above-mentioned problem is that an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body having a display image control unit for displaying an indicator indicating an ablation range by a puncture needle on an ultrasonic image, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: an adjustment operation device that is independent from a main body and that allows an operator to perform an operation for adjusting the size of the indicator.

  According to the above aspect of the invention, since the adjustment operation device for performing the operation for adjusting the size of the indicator is independent from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, the operator who performs puncture using the puncture needle himself The size of the indicator can be adjusted.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of 1st embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention. It is a partially enlarged front view of the puncture needle to which the adjustment operation device is attached. FIG. 3 is a right side view of FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the display control part in the ultrasonic diagnosing device shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the display part by which the cautery indicator, the front-end | tip part indicator, and the puncture needle line were displayed on the ultrasonic image. It is a figure which shows the display part when inserting a puncture needle. It is a figure explaining adjustment of the diameter of a cautery indicator. It is a partial enlarged front view of the puncture needle provided with the adjustment operation apparatus in the modification of 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of 2nd embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic probe and a probe cover in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an ultrasonic probe and a probe cover in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. 9. It is a partial expanded sectional view of the switch provided in the ultrasonic probe. It is sectional drawing which shows the state by which the elastic board was pressed by the convex part from the state of FIG. 12, and elastically deformed, and the button was pressed. It is a perspective view which shows the cover for probes. It is a perspective view which shows the ultrasonic probe with which the cover for probes was attached. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic probe shown in FIG. 15 viewed from the opposite side. It is a perspective view which shows the ultrasonic probe and cover for probes in the 1st modification of 2nd embodiment. In the 1st modification of 2nd embodiment, it is a perspective view which shows the ultrasonic probe with which the probe cover was attached. It is the perspective view which looked at the ultrasonic probe shown by FIG. 18 from the other side. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic probe in which a probe cover is attached to a portion different from FIGS. 18 and 19 in the first modification of the second embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the ultrasonic probe and the cover for probes in the 2nd modification of 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state by which the cover for probes was attached to the ultrasonic probe shown by FIG. It is a figure explaining attachment of the cover for probes to the ultrasonic probe in the 2nd modification of a second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 2, a transmission / reception unit 3, an echo data processing unit 4, a display control unit 5, a display unit 6, an operation unit 7, a control unit 8, a storage unit 9, and an infrared reception unit. 10 is provided.

  The transmission / reception unit 3, the echo data processing unit 4, the display control unit 5, the display unit 6, the operation unit 7, the control unit 8, the storage unit 9, and the infrared reception unit 10 are an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. 1a is provided. The ultrasonic probe 2 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1a via a probe cable (not shown).

  The ultrasonic probe 2 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (not shown) arranged in an array, and transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject through the ultrasonic transducers, and echo signals thereof. Receive. The ultrasonic probe 2 is an example of an embodiment of an ultrasonic probe in the present invention.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 is provided with a first magnetic sensor 11 composed of, for example, a Hall element. The first magnetic sensor 11 detects the magnetism generated from the magnetism generator 12 constituted by, for example, a magnetism generating coil. A detection signal in the first magnetic sensor 11 is input to the display control unit 5. The detection signal in the first magnetic sensor 11 may be input to the display control unit 5 via a cable (not shown), or may be input to the display control unit 5 wirelessly. The magnetism generator 12 and the first magnetic sensor 11 are for detecting the position and inclination of the ultrasonic probe 2 as will be described later, and are an example of an embodiment of the first position sensor in the present invention. is there.

  A puncture needle 14 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 by a puncture needle guide jig 13. The puncture needle 14 is a needle unit including a grip portion 14a and the like in addition to a needle portion inserted into a subject. The puncture needle 14 is provided with a second magnetic sensor 15 that detects magnetism generated from the magnetism generator 12. The second magnetic sensor 15 is provided, for example, in a hollow portion of the distal end portion of the puncture needle 14 formed in a cylindrical shape. The magnetism generator 12 and the second magnetic sensor 15 are for detecting the position of the distal end portion of the puncture needle 14 provided with the second magnetic sensor 15. It is an example of an embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an adjustment operation device 100 is detachably attached to the grip 14 a of the puncture needle 14. The adjustment operation device 100 is a remote operation device (remote control) that performs a remote operation for adjusting the size of the cautery indicator AIn. The adjusting operation device 100 is formed in a substantially C shape, is elastically deformed, and can be fitted into the grip portion 14a. The adjustment operation device 100 is an example of an embodiment of the adjustment operation device in the present invention.

  The adjustment operation device 100 includes a button 101 and an infrared transmission unit 102. When the operator presses the button 101, the size of the cautery indicator AIn can be adjusted. When the button 101 is pressed, the infrared transmitter 102 outputs an infrared signal. This infrared signal is received by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1a, and the size of the ablation indicator AIn is adjusted. Details will be described later. The button 101 is an example of an embodiment of an input unit in the present invention, and the infrared transmission unit 102 is an example of an embodiment of an output unit in the present invention.

  The transmission / reception unit 3 supplies an electrical signal for transmitting an ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic probe 2 under a predetermined scanning condition to the ultrasonic probe 2 based on a control signal from the control unit 8. The transmitter / receiver 3 performs signal processing such as A / D conversion and phasing / addition processing on the echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 2, and sends the echo data after the signal processing to the echo data processing unit 4. Output.

  The echo data processing unit 4 performs processing for creating an ultrasound image on the echo data output from the transmission / reception unit 3. For example, the echo data processing unit 4 performs B-mode processing including logarithmic compression processing and envelope detection processing to create B-mode data, and performs Doppler processing including quadrature detection processing and filter processing. Or doppler data.

  The display control unit 5 includes a position calculation unit 51 and a display image control unit 52 as shown in FIG. Based on the magnetic detection signal from the first magnetic sensor 11, the position calculation unit 51 is configured to obtain information on the position and inclination of the ultrasonic probe 2 in a three-dimensional space with the magnetic generation unit 12 as an origin (hereinafter, “ "Probe position information"). In addition, the position calculation unit 51 calculates position information of the echo data in the three-dimensional space based on the probe position information. The three-dimensional space whose origin is the magnetic generation unit 10 is an example of an embodiment of the three-dimensional space in the present invention.

  Further, the position calculation unit 51 calculates the position of the distal end portion of the puncture needle 14 in the three-dimensional space based on the magnetic detection signal from the second magnetic sensor 15 and determines the inclination of the puncture needle 14. calculate.

  The display image control unit 52 scan-converts the data created by the echo data processing unit 4 using a scan converter, and creates ultrasonic image data. The display image control unit 52 causes the display unit 6 to display an ultrasonic image UG based on the ultrasonic image data. The ultrasonic image UG is, for example, a B-mode image or a color Doppler image.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the display image control unit 52 displays the cautery indicator AIn, the puncture needle line NL, and the tip portion indicator TIn on the ultrasonic image UG displayed on the display unit 6. The ablation indicator AIn indicates the ablation range by the puncture needle 14, and is a broken-line circle in this example. The puncture needle line NL indicates the position of the puncture needle 14 and is a broken line and a straight line in this example. The tip portion indicator TIn indicates the position of the tip portion of the puncture needle 14 and is a quadrangle in this example.

  Based on the position information of the echo data calculated by the position calculation unit 51 and the position information of the distal end portion of the puncture needle 14, the display image control unit 52 adds the distal end indicator TIn to the ultrasonic image UG. The puncture needle line NL and the cautery indicator AIn are displayed.

  The display of the puncture needle line NL and the cautery indicator AIn will be further described. The display image control unit 52 displays the puncture needle line NL at a predetermined angle from the tip end indicator TIn. The display image control unit 52 sets the angle based on the inclination of the puncture needle 14 calculated by the position calculation unit 51.

  The cautery indicator AIn is a circle having a diameter D passing through the tip portion indicator TIn, and the display image control unit 52 has a diameter of a circle on the puncture needle line NL using the tip portion indicator TIn as an end point (reference point). The ablation indicator AIn is displayed so that is located. In the puncture needle line NL, the solid line portion is the diameter of the cautery indicator AIn.

  When the infrared signal from the adjustment operation device 100 is received, the display image control unit 52 changes the diameter of the cautery indicator AIn and displays it. Details will be described later. The cautery indicator AIn is an example of an embodiment of an indicator in the present invention.

  The display image control unit 52 may display a body mark BM on the ultrasonic image UG.

  The display unit 6 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like. The display unit 6 is an example of an embodiment of a display unit in the present invention. The operation unit 7 includes a keyboard and a pointing device (not shown) for an operator to input instructions and information.

  The control unit 8 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 8 reads the control program stored in the storage unit 9 and executes functions in each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

  The storage unit 9 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory.

  Now, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of this example will be described. Here, a case will be described in which the puncture needle 14 is inserted into the subject's liver to perform cauterization treatment. When an operator who performs ablation treatment starts transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves using the ultrasonic probe 2, the display image control unit 52 displays an ultrasonic image UG on the display unit 6.

  The surgeon inserts the puncture needle 14 into the lesion that is the subject of cauterization treatment while viewing the ultrasonic image UG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the puncture needle line NL and the tip portion indicator TIn are displayed in the ultrasonic image UG. The puncture needle line NL and the tip end indicator TIn follow the movement of the puncture needle 14 based on the position information of the echo data calculated by the position calculation unit 51 and the position and angle information of the puncture needle 14. Is displayed.

  The ablation indicator AIn may be displayed before the puncture needle 14 is inserted, or may be displayed after the distal end portion of the puncture needle 14 reaches the ablation position. The cautery indicator AIn may be displayed when an operator presses the button 101 of the adjustment operation device 100, or a person other than the operator operates the operation unit 7 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1a. May be displayed.

  The surgeon adjusts the diameter D of the cautery indicator AIn by pressing the button 101 of the adjustment operation device 100. More specifically, when the button 101 is pressed, infrared rays are transmitted from the infrared transmission unit 102. This infrared light is received by the infrared receiving unit 10, and the received signal is input to the control unit 8. When the reception signal is input, the control unit 8 controls the display image control unit 52 to change the diameter D of the cautery indicator AIn.

  Each time the button 101 is pressed and the received signal is input, the display image control unit 52 changes the diameter D of the ablation indicator AIn. For example, when the button 101 is pressed, the diameter D of the cautery indicator AIn is cyclic, as shown in FIG. 7, such as D1, D2, D3, D1, D2,... (However, only one of the cautery indicators AIn having diameters D1, D2, and D3 is displayed on the display unit 6).

  The ablation range is determined according to the type of puncture needle. The storage unit 9 stores a plurality of diameters D corresponding to the type of puncture needle. When the button 101 is pressed, the display image control unit 52 sequentially changes the diameter D of the cautery indicator AIn to the diameter stored in the storage unit 9. The surgeon presses the button 101 once or a plurality of times so that the diameter D of the ablation indicator AIn falls within the ablation range corresponding to the type of puncture needle used.

  According to this example, the diameter D of the ablation indicator AIn can be changed by the adjustment operation unit 100 which is a separate body from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1a. The size of AIn can be adjusted. In addition, since the adjustment operation unit 100 is attached to the grasping unit 14a of the puncture needle 14, the operator holding both the puncture needle 14 and the ultrasonic probe 2 is holding the puncture needle 14. Thus, the size of the ablation indicator AIn can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, since the ablation indicator AIn is automatically displayed at the distal end portion of the puncture needle 14 inserted into the subject, it can be set without bothering the operator.

  Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. In this modified example, as shown in FIG. 8, the adjustment operation unit 100 may be provided integrally with the grip 14 a of the puncture needle 14. That is, the button 101 and the infrared transmitter 102 are provided on the grip 14a. The button 101 is provided so as to protrude from the surface of the grip portion 14a, and the infrared transmitter 102 is provided in the grip portion 14a.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, description of the same matters as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 ′ of this example does not have the infrared receiving unit 10 as shown in FIG. 9. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the adjustment operation device 100 ′ is provided in the ultrasonic probe 2 ′. In this example, the adjustment operation device 100 ′ has a switch 110 and a signal output unit 111 (only FIG. 10 is shown in this example). Further, in this example, the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ is a probe cover 200 that covers the switch 110, and the operator can press the switch 110 while attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 ′. A probe cover 200 having a pressing portion 204 is attached. This will be described in detail below.

  The probe 2 ′ having a substantially quadrangular cross section is provided with a recess 112 having a predetermined width over the entire surface of the four surfaces X 1, X 2, X 3, X 4. The concave portion 112 is configured to be attached with the probe cover 200. The recess 112 is provided with the switch 110 and a magnet 113.

  The surfaces X1 and X3 are wide surfaces in the ultrasonic probe 2 ', and the surfaces X2 and X4 are narrow surfaces in the ultrasonic probe 2'.

  Two switches 110 are provided on each of the surfaces X1 to X4. Thus, since the switch 110 is provided on each of the surfaces X1 to X4, the switch 110 can be easily operated regardless of whether the ultrasonic probe 110 is held with the right hand or the left hand.

  When the switch 110 is pressed, a signal is input from the ultrasonic probe 2 'to the control unit 8 via the probe cable 2a. By depressing the switch 110, the size of the cautery indicator AIn can be adjusted as in the first embodiment. The switch 110 is an example of an embodiment of an input unit in the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the switch 110 includes a button 114 and an elastic plate 115. The button 114 is provided in a hole 116 formed in the recess 112. A circular recess 117 is formed around the hole 116. The circular recess 117 has the same diameter as the elastic plate 115, and the elastic plate 115 is provided in the circular recess 117. The elastic plate 115 is liquid-tightly fixed to the circular recess 117 with an adhesive or the like, and the elastic plate 115 prevents liquid from entering the hole 116.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the elastic plate 115 provided in the circular recess 117 is elastically deformed and presses the button 114 when pressed by a projection 209 (described later) of the probe cover 200. ing. In the ultrasonic probe 2 ′, the signal output unit 111 (shown only in FIG. 10) is provided directly below each button 114 (a signal output unit directly below the switch 110 provided on the surface X 1). 111 only shown). When the button 114 is pressed, the signal output unit 111 outputs a signal. This signal is input to the control unit 8 via the probe cable 2a, and the size of the ablation indicator AIn is adjusted. The signal output unit 111 is an example of an embodiment of an output unit in the present invention.

  The magnet 113 is provided on the surface of the recess 112. The magnet 113 is provided so as to be positioned immediately below the magnet 203 provided on the probe cover 200 in a state where the probe cover 200 is attached to the recess 112.

  Incidentally, reference numeral 118 denotes a locked portion for locking the puncture guide jig 13. However, the puncture guide jig 13 locked to the locked portion 118 is not shown. The operator scans the ultrasonic probe 2 'so that the side 119 on which the locked portion 118 is provided always faces a certain direction with respect to the operator. Therefore, the orientation of the ultrasonic probe 2 'does not differ depending on whether the operator holds the ultrasonic probe 2' with the right hand or the left hand.

  The probe cover 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 14. FIG. The probe cover 200 is attached to the concave portion 112 of the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ and covers the switch 110. More specifically, the probe cover 200 is made of, for example, hard plastic. In this example, the probe cover 200 includes a first member 201 and a second member 202. The first member 201 and the second member 202 are formed in a substantially L shape that can be fitted into the recess 112.

  Two magnets 203 are provided at each of the widthwise ends of the first member 201 and the second member 202 (partially omitted). The first member 201 and the second member 202 are detachably attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ by the magnet 203 and the magnet 113 provided on the ultrasonic probe 2 ′.

  Incidentally, in FIG. 14, the state which match | combined the edge parts of the width direction of said 1st member 201 and said 2nd member 202 is shown in figure. The first member 201 and the second member 202 are attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 'in the state shown in FIG.

  The first member 201 is provided with a plurality of pressing portions 204. In this example, the pressing unit 204 is provided in two places. The pressing portion 204 is provided at a position where the first member 201 can be positioned immediately above the switch 110 in a state where the first member 201 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 ′.

  The pressing unit 204 will be described in more detail. The pressing portion 204 of the first member 201 is provided with through holes 205 and 205, and a recess 206 is formed around the through holes 205 and 205. The depression 206 is provided with a pressing plate 207 by an adhesive or the like. The pressing plate 207 has projections 208 and 208 formed on the front surface side, and projections 209 and 209 formed on the back surface side as shown in FIG. The protruding portion 209 is provided at a position corresponding to the convex portion 208 on the back surface side. The convex portion 208 and the protruding portion 209 are positioned in the through hole 205 with the pressing plate 207 provided in the concave portion 206.

  The pressing plate 207 is formed of an elastically deformable material. When the convex portion 208 is pressed, the pressing plate 207 is elastically deformed and the projection 209 is moved. Accordingly, the switch 110 is pressed by pressing the convex portion 208.

  When ultrasonic scanning is performed using the ultrasonic probe 2 'of this example, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the operator can easily press the switch 110 (at a position easy to press with the hand holding the ultrasonic probe 2'). The first member 201 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ so that the pressing portion 204 is positioned above (not shown in FIGS. 15 and 16). Further, the second member 202 is mounted on the switch 110 that is not used.

  FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show a state where the operator holds the wide surfaces X1 and X3 of the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ with his left hand. More specifically, the operator holds the ultrasonic probe 2 'with his left hand so that the thumb is on the surface X1 side and the other fingers are on the surface X3 side. In this case, for example, the surgeon presses the switch 110 by pressing the pressing unit 204 provided on the surface X3 with the middle finger or the ring finger.

  When the probe cover 200 is attached in the state shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the operator holds the narrow surfaces X2 and X4 of the ultrasonic probe 2 'with the left hand, the surface X2 Is pressed with the middle finger or the ring finger, and the switch 110 is pressed.

  Also in this example, every time the switch 110 is pressed, the diameter D of the cautery indicator AIn is changed as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the effect similar to 1st embodiment can be acquired also by this example.

  Further, the position of the switch 110 that can be used (the switch 110 that can be pressed by the pressing unit 204) can be changed by changing the position where the first member 201 and the second member 202 are attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 '. Therefore, the switch 110 that can be used can be positioned at both the position where it can be easily operated with the right hand and the position where it can be easily operated with the left hand. On the other hand, since the switch 110 that is not used is covered with the second member 202 of the probe cover 200, the switch 110 can be prevented from being unintentionally pressed.

  Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described. First, the first modification will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the switch 110 ′ in the adjustment operation device 100 ′ of this example has a button 120 that protrudes from the surface of the ultrasonic probe 2 ′. This button 120 is provided in the recess 121. Thus, since the button 120 is in the recess 121, the button 120 covered by the probe cover 220 in the state where the probe cover 220 described later is attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ is the probe cover. 220 is not pressed.

  Incidentally, the concave portion 112 and the magnet 113 are not provided in the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ of this example.

  In this example, when the button 120 is pressed, the signal output unit 111 outputs a signal, and the size of the ablation indicator AIn is adjusted.

  The probe cover 220 of this example is formed in a substantially U-shape, and has a wide portion 221 and narrow portions 222 and 223 formed at both ends of the wide portion 221. An exposed window 224 is formed in the narrow portion 222 by being partially cut out. In the probe cover 220, an opening 225 is formed between the narrow portions 222 and 223 on the side facing the wide portion 221.

  The probe cover 220 is made of, for example, hard plastic, and is fitted and attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 'as shown in FIGS. Also in this example, the probe cover 220 is detachable with respect to the ultrasonic probe 2 '. In a state where the probe cover 220 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 ′, the wide portion 221 is positioned on the wide surface X1 or the surface X3 of the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ and covers the switch 110 ′. The narrow portion 223 is positioned on the narrow surface X2 or the surface X4 of the ultrasonic probe 2 'and covers the switch 110'.

  The narrow portion 222 is located on the narrow surface X2 or the surface X4 of the ultrasonic probe 2 '. In the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ to which the probe cover 220 is attached, the switch 110 ′ provided on the surface X <b> 2 or the surface X <b> 4 where the narrow portion 222 is located is exposed at the exposure window 224.

  Furthermore, the opening 225 of the probe cover 220 attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 'is located on the wide surface X1 or surface X3. In this state, the switch 110 ′ provided on the surface X <b> 2 or the surface X <b> 4 where the opening 225 is located is exposed at the opening 225.

  When ultrasonic scanning is performed using the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ of this example, the probe cover 220 is attached to the ultrasonic probe ′, as shown in FIGS. 18, 19, and 20. For example, FIGS. 18 and 19 are diagrams when the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ is held with the left hand, and FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams when the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ is held with the right hand.

  Specifically, in FIGS. 18 and 19, the probe cover 220 is attached to the surfaces X1, X2, and X4 of the ultrasonic probe 2 ′. As a result, the switch 110 'provided on the surfaces X1 and X2 is covered with the wide portion 221 and the narrow portion 223 of the probe cover 220, and the switch 110' provided on the surfaces X3 and X4 is covered with the opening. 225 and the exposure window 224 (not shown in FIGS. 18 and 19).

  In FIG. 20, the probe cover 220 is attached to the surfaces X2, X3, and X4 of the ultrasonic probe 2 ′. As a result, the switch 110 ′ provided on the surfaces X 1 and X 2 is exposed at the opening 225 and the exposure window 224 of the probe cover 220, and the switch 110 ′ provided on the surfaces X 3 and X 4 is exposed to the wide portion 221. And the narrow portion 223.

  Also in the first modified example, every time the switch 110 ′ exposed in the opening 225 and the exposure window 224 is pressed, the diameter D of the cautery indicator AIn is changed as in the above embodiments. Therefore, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained by this first modification.

  In the first modification, a plurality of switches 110 'are detachably attached to an ultrasonic probe 2' provided on the surface, and are a probe cover 220 'that covers the switches 110'. A probe cover 220 having an exposure window 224 and an opening 225 constituting an opening for exposing a part of the switch 110 ′ is provided. The probe cover 220 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ so that the switch 110 ′ at a position easy to be pressed by the hand holding the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ is exposed at the exposure window 224 and the opening 225. According to this example, the position of the switch 110 ′ that can be used can be changed by changing the position where the probe cover 220 is attached, so that both the position that is easy to operate with the right hand and the position that is easy to operate with the left hand, An available switch 110 'can be positioned. On the other hand, the switch 110 ′ that is not used is covered by the probe cover 220, so that the switch 110 ′ can be prevented from being unintentionally pushed.

  Next, a second modification will be described. In this example, as shown in FIG. 21, a probe cover 230 is detachably attached to the recess 112 provided in the ultrasonic probe 2 ′. The ultrasonic probe 2 'is not provided with a switch 110, and as shown in FIG. 22, a detection unit 130 for detecting that a switch 231 described later provided on the probe cover 230 is operated is provided. It has been. In FIG. 22, the ultrasonic probe 2 'is shown in a simplified manner.

  Four detectors 130 are provided in the ultrasonic probe 2 'and in the vicinity of the surfaces X1 to X4 (only three are shown in FIG. 22). The detection unit 130 is constituted by a coil, for example.

  The probe cover 230 is formed in a ring shape with an elastically deformable material. The probe cover 230 has a switch 231. The switch 231 is used for inputting an instruction to adjust the size of the ablation indicator AIn by the operator to the ultrasonic probe 2 '. The switch 231 is an example of an embodiment of an input unit in the present invention.

  The switch 231 is provided only at one place, and has a button 232 protruding from the surface of the probe cover 230. The operator performs an operation for inputting an instruction by pressing the button 232.

  A permanent magnet 233 is provided in the probe cover 230 (FIG. 22). The permanent magnet 233 is provided directly below the button 232. When the button 232 is pressed, the permanent magnet 233 moves, and an induced current due to a change in the magnetic field flows through the coil constituting the detection unit 130. Thereby, it is detected that the switch 231 is pressed. The detection signal of the detection unit 130 is input to the control unit 8, and the display image control unit 52 adjusts the size of the ablation indicator AIn.

  The detection unit 130 is an example of an embodiment of an output unit in the present invention. Further, the switch 231, the permanent magnet 233, and the detection unit 130 constitute an adjustment operation device 110 ′ in this example.

  When performing ultrasonic scanning using the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ of this example, as shown in FIG. 23, the probe cover 230 is elastically deformed and the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ is inserted through the opening 234. It is attached to the recess 112. Also in this example, the probe cover 230 is attached so that the switch 231 is positioned directly above the detection unit 130 on the surface X1 to X4 that is easily pressed by the hand having the ultrasonic probe 2 '. It is done. By attaching the probe cover 230 in this way, the permanent magnet 233 is positioned immediately above the detection unit 130. Therefore, when the button 232 is pressed, the induced current due to the movement of the permanent magnet 233 is detected. It can be generated in part 130. Incidentally, in FIG. 22 described above, the switch 231 is located immediately above the detection unit 130 in the plane X4.

  Also in the second modified example, every time the switch 231 is pressed, the diameter D of the ablation indicator AIn is changed as in the above embodiments. Therefore, the effect similar to each said embodiment can be acquired also by this example.

  In the second modification, the probe cover 230 has a switch 231 that is detachably attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ and inputs an instruction from the operator to the ultrasonic probe 2 ′. The ultrasonic probe 2 ′ to which the probe cover 230 is attached is provided with a detection unit 130 that detects that the switch 231 has been operated. According to such a second modification, the probe cover 230 can be attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ so that the switch 231 is in a desired position. Therefore, the switch 231 can be positioned at both a position where it can be easily operated with the right hand and a position where it can be easily operated with the left hand. On the other hand, since only the switch to be used is provided on the probe cover 230, the switch is not pushed unintentionally.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated by the said embodiment, of course, this invention can be variously implemented in the range which does not change the main point. For example, in the second embodiment, although not particularly illustrated, the ultrasonic probe 2 ′ may be provided with only one button for performing input for adjusting the size of the cautery indicator AIn.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1a Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 2,2 'Ultrasonic probe 6 Display part 11 1st magnetic sensor 12 Magnetic generation part 14 Puncture needle 15 2nd magnetic sensor 100,100' Adjustment operation apparatus 101 Button (input part) )
102 Infrared transmitter (output unit)
110, 110 ', 231 switch (input unit)
111 Signal output part (output part)
130 Detection unit (output unit)

Claims (9)

  An indicator showing the range of ablation by the puncture needle is independent from the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a display unit displayed on an ultrasonic image, and an operator performs an operation for adjusting the size of the indicator. Adjustment operation device. An input unit by which an operator performs input for adjusting the size of the indicator;
An output unit for outputting a signal for adjusting the size of the indicator based on the input of the input unit;
The adjusting operation device according to claim 1, wherein   A puncture needle comprising the adjustment operation device according to claim 1 or 2.   An ultrasonic probe provided with the adjusting operation device according to claim 1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body having a display image control unit for displaying an indicator showing an ablation range by a puncture needle on an ultrasonic image;
An adjustment operation device that is independent from the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and that allows an operator to perform an operation for adjusting the size of the indicator;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The adjustment operation device includes an input unit for an operator to perform an input for adjusting the size of the indicator, an output unit for outputting a signal for adjusting the size of the indicator based on the input of the input unit, Have
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the display image control unit changes a size of the indicator by outputting a signal from the output unit. An ultrasonic probe connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body;
A first position sensor for detecting the position and inclination of the ultrasonic probe in a three-dimensional space;
A second position sensor for detecting the position of the puncture needle in the three-dimensional space;
With
The display image control unit determines a display position of the indicator in the ultrasonic image based on a position of the puncture needle based on a detection signal of each position sensor. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment operation device is provided on the puncture needle.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment operation device is provided in an ultrasonic probe connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body.