JP2014233597A - Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus which, when obtaining an ultrasonic image of a joint of a finger, are capable of continuing to always retain an appropriate amount of echo jelly between the joint of an object and the ultrasonic probe, and obtaining a proper ultrasonic image regardless of the level of an operator's technique.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic probe P is provided with an ultrasonic vibrator A for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves, one end of the ultrasonic probe P being connected to an ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus 1. The ultrasonic probe P includes: a grip part P1 to be held by an operator O when used by the operator O; an open hole P2a through which a site to be examined is passed and an outer periphery P2b which are provided at the other end of the grip part P1; and a vibrator array part P2 having the ultrasonic vibrator A being formed within the outer periphery P2b.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, medical image diagnostic apparatuses that collect information inside a subject and generate a medical image by imaging the inside of the subject based on the collected information have been used. Examples of the medical image diagnostic apparatus include an ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus. An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from the body surface into the body of a subject, and generates a shape of a body tissue such as an organ or a bone as a medical image (ultrasonic image) based on the received ultrasonic signals It is. Since ultrasonic waves are used in this way, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus can be said to be an apparatus that has a very low degree of invasion with respect to a subject during examination.

  However, it is necessary to accurately irradiate ultrasonic waves to the site to be inspected. As the method, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, a method using a support device or the like used for examination of a knee joint disease is shown.

Japanese Patent No. 4378552

  However, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be used only for knee joint diseases, and does not assume use for other parts.

  For example, rheumatism can be considered as one of the diseases often seen as joint diseases. For example, the disease also occurs in a finger joint, but when an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is used for the finger joint, the conventional ultrasound probe is used as it is.

  Here, when ultrasonic inspection is performed, a jelly-like medicine called echo jelly is interposed between the body surface to be inspected and the ultrasonic probe as an acoustic transmission medium for accurately transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. Of course, echo jelly is also used when inspecting a finger joint using an ultrasonic probe, but the shape of the finger keeps it properly held between the body surface and the ultrasonic probe throughout the inspection. It is difficult to do. The spilled echo jelly clings to the examiner (operator of the ultrasonic probe) and the subject's finger, and makes the examiner and the subject feel uncomfortable.

  When an ultrasonic probe is used, the inspection is performed by moving the ultrasonic probe along the direction of the target finger bone. In this case, it is preferable to maintain an appropriate distance between the ultrasound probe and the finger, but considering the difficulty of holding the echo jelly on the finger (between the finger surface and the ultrasound probe). Then it is difficult. Therefore, acquiring an appropriate ultrasonic image may depend on the level of the operator's procedure.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to always obtain an appropriate amount of echo jelly between a target joint and an ultrasonic probe when acquiring an ultrasonic image of a finger joint. An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus that can continue to be held and can acquire an appropriate ultrasonic image regardless of the level of the operator's technique.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer that transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave, one end of which is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, and an operator uses the ultrasonic probe. A gripping part gripped when using the sensor, and a transducer array part in which the other end of the gripping part is composed of a through-hole and an outer edge penetrating a site to be inspected, and an ultrasonic transducer is formed inside the outer edge. ing.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, one end of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus. The other end consists of a through-hole and an outer edge that penetrate the part to be inspected, and the ultrasonic transducer drives the ultrasonic transducer with the transducer array section formed inside the outer edge. An ultrasonic transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives an ultrasonic beam and an image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on image data received by the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit.

It is a perspective view which shows the whole ultrasonic probe in embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the use condition of the ultrasonic probe in embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus including an ultrasound probe in an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of each part until it produces | generates an ultrasound image from the transmission / reception wave from an ultrasound probe in the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus in embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator in the ultrasonic probe in embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator in the ultrasonic probe in embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator in the ultrasonic probe in embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator in the ultrasonic probe in embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the state of the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator arrange | positioned at the ultrasonic probe in embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the ultrasonic image produced | generated based on the information sent from the ultrasonic probe in embodiment. It is a fragmentary figure which shows another form of the ultrasonic probe in embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator in the shape of the ultrasonic probe shown in FIG. It is a fragmentary figure which shows another form of the ultrasonic probe in embodiment. 1 is an overall view showing an example in which a skirt is attached to an ultrasonic probe in an embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire ultrasonic probe P in the embodiment. The ultrasonic probe P includes a gripping portion P1 that is gripped when an operator uses the ultrasonic probe P and a transducer array portion P2 including an ultrasonic transducer.

  One end of the gripping part P1 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 via a cord C. An ultrasonic signal received via the code C is transmitted to the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1. However, in the perspective view showing the entirety of the ultrasonic probe P shown in FIG. 1, the code C is interrupted in the middle, and the illustration of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 existing ahead is omitted.

  Further, the transducer array portion P2 is provided at the other end of the grip portion P1. The transducer array portion P2 includes a through hole P2a and an outer edge P2b that penetrate the portion to be inspected. The through hole P2a is a portion into which a part to be examined of the subject is inserted during the examination. About the diameter of the said through-hole P2a, it can set arbitrarily. Accordingly, by preparing an ultrasonic probe P having through holes P2a having a plurality of diameters, it is possible to apply an appropriate ultrasonic probe P to patients having various site (finger) thicknesses. .

  On the other hand, the outer edge P2b has a shape that is substantially cylindrical. This is because an ultrasonic transducer A (not shown in FIG. 1) for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from a site to be inspected is provided inside the outer edge P2b.

  Thus, the transducer array portion P2 includes the through holes P2a, and the ultrasonic transducer A is provided inside the outer edge P2b. Therefore, when an examination using the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 is performed, the subject is examined in a state where a portion to be examined is inserted into the through-hole P2a.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage state of the ultrasonic probe P in the embodiment. Here, it is assumed that an ultrasonic image of a finger of the subject X is acquired and, for example, an examination for arthritis such as rheumatism is performed. The operator O is holding the grasping part P1 of the ultrasonic probe P. The finger of the subject X is inserted into the through hole P2a of the transducer array part P2. The operator O acquires an ultrasonic image of the finger joint of the subject X while moving the ultrasonic probe P in the direction of the arrow.

  Although not shown here, there is echo jelly as an acoustic transmission medium between the transducer array portion P2 and the finger of the subject X inserted into the through hole P2a. The echo jelly is applied to the finger or the like before the subject X inserts the finger into the through hole P2a for examination. Further, by maintaining a state in which the finger does not come into contact with any of the transducer array portions P2 in the through hole P2a, an ultrasonic image about the periphery of the finger can be acquired. Further, if the ultrasonic probe P is not moved, a two-dimensional (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “2D”) ultrasonic image at the stop position is generated. That is, it is a sectional view at the stop position. On the other hand, by moving the ultrasonic probe P along the finger bone, a three-dimensional (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “3D”) ultrasonic image can be acquired.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 including the ultrasonic probe P in the embodiment. In the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1c, and an input / output interface 1d are connected via a bus 1e. An input unit 1f, a display unit 1g, a communication control unit 1h, and a storage unit 1i are connected to the input / output interface 1d.

  The input / output interface 1d includes an ultrasonic wave transmission / reception unit 10 that transmits / receives an ultrasonic wave irradiated to the subject X via the ultrasonic probe P, and an ultrasonic wave based on an ultrasonic signal received from the ultrasonic probe P. A signal processing unit 20, an image configuration unit 30, and an image generation unit 40 that generate an image are connected.

  The CPU 1a reads out and executes a boot program for starting up the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 from the ROM 1b based on an input signal from the input unit 1f, and reads out various operating systems stored in the storage unit 1i. The CPU 1a controls various devices based on input signals from an external device not shown in FIG. 1 via the input unit 1f and the input / output interface 1d.

  Further, the CPU 1a reads a program and data stored in the RAM 1c, the storage unit 1i, and the like, loads them into the RAM 1c, and based on a program command read from the RAM 1c, performs a series of processes such as filter processing and generation of an ultrasonic image. It is a processing apparatus which implement | achieves the process of.

  The input unit 1f is configured by an input device such as a keyboard and a dial through which the operator O of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 inputs various operations. The input unit 1f generates an input signal based on the operation of the operator O and generates a bus 1e. To the CPU 1a. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 may be provided with a dedicated operation panel as well as a keyboard or the like.

  The display unit 1g is a liquid crystal display, for example, and receives an output signal from the CPU 1a via the bus 1e, for example. The display unit 1g is means for displaying an ultrasonic image generated based on data obtained through the ultrasonic probe P, a processing result of the CPU 1a, and the like.

  The communication control unit 1h is a unit such as a LAN card or a modem, and is a unit that enables the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 to be connected to a communication network (not shown) such as the Internet or a LAN. Data transmitted / received to / from the communication network via the communication control unit 1h is transmitted / received to / from the CPU 1a via the input / output interface 1d and the bus 1e as input signals or output signals.

  The storage unit 1i is composed of a semiconductor or a magnetic disk, and stores information related to an ultrasonic image generation program executed by the CPU 1a.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasonic image generation program is stored in, for example, the storage unit 1i. The program is loaded into the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 by being read and executed by the CPU 1a.

  The ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 10 performs an ultrasonic scan on the subject via an ultrasonic probe P described later under the control of the CPU 1a (or a scan control circuit (not shown)). Examples of the ultrasonic scan to be executed include a B mode scan, a color Doppler mode scan, and a Doppler mode scan. Although not shown in FIG. 1, for example, a preamplifier, an analog / digital converter, a reception delay circuit, an adder, and the like are provided in the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 10.

  An ultrasonic probe P that directly contacts a patient (subject X) and acquires information inside the subject through reflection of ultrasonic waves is connected to the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 10. The ultrasonic probe P includes an ultrasonic transducer A that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic transducer A is driven based on an instruction from the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 10. Internal information regarding the subject X collected by the ultrasound probe P is received by the ultrasound transmitting / receiving unit 10 and is generated as an ultrasound image by the image generating unit 40 via the signal processing unit 20 and the image constructing unit 30. .

  The signal processing unit 20 performs various signal processing based on signals received by the reception unit of the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 10. Specifically, signal processing corresponding to the above-described scan mode is performed. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the signal processing unit 20 is provided with various devices such as an echo data detector, a logarithmic compressor, and a depth / scanning line / frame direction digital filter. .

  The image construction unit 30 receives the signal transmitted from the signal processing unit 20, converts the coordinates of the beam data aligned in the depth direction in the signal processing unit 20, and the pixels aligned in the line direction for display It acts as a scan converter that converts data. By performing the processing, image data that is the basis for generating an ultrasonic image is generated.

  The image generation unit 40 generates, for example, a 2D image based on the image data generated by the image configuration unit 30, and generates a 3D image based on the 2D image.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of each unit from transmission / reception from the ultrasonic probe P to generation of an ultrasonic image of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 4, the ultrasonic probe P, the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 10, the signal processing unit 20, the image configuration unit 30, and the image generation unit 40 are sequentially arranged from the left. Here, two signal transmission paths are shown. One is a path of a signal transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer p1 for position estimation in the ultrasonic probe P.

  The position estimating ultrasonic transducer p1 is used for grasping the position of the portion of the subject X inserted into the through hole P2a (the position where the ultrasonic wave is irradiated and the reflected ultrasonic wave is received). Is. The signal from the position estimation ultrasonic transducer p1 is sent to the 2D image generation unit 41 of the image generation unit 40 via the first transmission / reception unit 11, the first signal processing unit 21, and the first image construction unit 31. Sent.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe P moves at any time in the direction indicated by the arrow on the finger of the subject X to be examined during the examination. Accordingly, the amount of displacement (position) of the ultrasonic probe P moved based on the signal transmitted from the position estimation ultrasonic transducer p1, for example, using a speckle deviation on the image, is detected. At 42, grasp. Information regarding the movement distance (deviation amount) detected by the deviation amount detection unit 42 is transmitted to the 3D image generation unit 43.

  On the other hand, a signal transmitted from the scanning ultrasonic transducer p2 that actually collects internal information of the subject X is transmitted to the second transmission / reception unit 12, the second signal processing unit 22, and the second image construction unit 32. The image is once sent to the 2D image generation unit 41 of the image generation unit 40. Here, a 2D image serving as a basis for generating the 3D image is generated. Information on the generated 2D image is directly transmitted to the 3D image generation unit 43. In the 3D image generation unit 43, the inspection object collected in the ultrasonic probe P based on the information on the amount of deviation and the information on the 2D image generated based on the signal transmitted from the scanning ultrasonic transducer p2. A 3D image relating to the inside of the affected part of the subject X is generated.

  The signal flow in the generation of the ultrasonic image has been described by taking the case where there are two signal transmission paths from the ultrasonic probe P as an example, but the case where there is one signal transmission path is also conceivable. In this case, a signal from the scanning ultrasonic transducer p <b> 2 shown in FIG. 4 is transmitted to the image generation unit 40. That is, the position estimation ultrasonic transducer p1 does not exist, and therefore there is no signal path. Whether the signal transmission path from the ultrasonic probe P is single or plural depends on the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers A provided in the outer edge P2b and the given role.

  Therefore, hereinafter, the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducer A in the ultrasonic probe P and the given role in the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  5 to 8 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers A in the ultrasonic probe P according to the embodiment. Several arrangements of the ultrasonic transducer A can be considered, and will be described in order.

  In the ultrasonic probe P in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer A is provided in the transducer array portion P2. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the transducer array portion P2 is covered with an acoustic lens and a case member, and the ultrasonic transducer A cannot actually be seen as it is. Therefore, FIGS. 5 to 8 show a state in which a member covering the ultrasonic transducer A is peeled off in order to clarify the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducer A.

  First, the arrangement method of the ultrasonic transducer A1 shown in FIG. Here, the ultrasonic transducer A1 is arranged circumferentially along the outer edge P2b. Each one indicated by a rectangle in FIG. 5 is an ultrasonic transducer A1 (the same applies to the following drawings). In this arrangement method, since the ultrasonic transducer A1 is arranged along the outer edge P2b of the transducer array portion P2 of the ultrasonic probe P, all the 360 ° portions of the portion to be inspected inserted into the through hole P2a are arranged. It is possible to collect information over a lap.

  The operator O moves the ultrasonic probe P in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 so that the finger does not come out of the through hole P2a inserted into the finger of the subject X, and an ultrasonic image relating to the examination target region. Get information needed to generate.

  The ultrasonic transducer A2 shown in FIG. 6 is provided so as to be parallel to the central axis M that vertically penetrates the through hole P2a. That is, the ultrasonic transducer A2 is arranged in a strip shape over the outer edge P2b (inside) so as to be parallel to the central axis M. Furthermore, the ultrasonic transducer A2 of the ultrasonic probe P shown in FIG. 6 is provided at four locations where four perpendicular lines extending from the central axis M to the outer edge P2b are in contact with each other at the outer edge P2b. . In this manner, by arranging the ultrasonic transducers A evenly along the outer edge P2b, it is possible to uniformly collect ultrasonic images relating to a target region.

  However, unlike the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducer A1 as shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasonic transducer A2 is not arranged all around the part to be inspected. Therefore, in the examination, the operator O changes the position of the ultrasonic transducer A2 with respect to the target portion as appropriate by rotating the outer edge P2b of the ultrasonic probe P. By moving the ultrasonic probe P in this way, it is possible to uniformly collect ultrasonic images relating to a target region.

  Note that it is possible to arbitrarily set how the ultrasonic transducer A is arranged. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the ultrasonic transducers A may be arranged at six places, eight places, or the like, without being arranged at four places on the outer edge P2b. When the ultrasonic transducer A is arranged as shown in FIG. 6, a cross section parallel to the central axis M of the finger at each position where the ultrasonic transducer A is arranged is generated as an ultrasonic image.

  The arrangement of the ultrasonic transducer A shown in FIG. 7 can be said to be an arrangement combining the arrangement methods described with reference to FIGS. That is, one ultrasonic transducer A3 is arranged so as to be parallel to the central axis M, and another ultrasonic transducer A4 is provided along the periphery of the outer edge P2b so as not to contact the ultrasonic transducer A3. Is placed. By arranging the ultrasonic transducers A3 and A4 in this way, the position of the ultrasonic probe P can be grasped and an ultrasonic image can be collected.

  That is, here, the ultrasonic transducer A3 plays a role of the position estimation ultrasonic transducer p1 that collects information when the positional deviation of the ultrasonic probe P is estimated. On the other hand, the ultrasonic transducer A4 plays a role of the ultrasonic transducer p2 for scanning. Accordingly, the ultrasonic image is generated based on the signal from the scanning ultrasonic transducer p2.

  On the other hand, as in FIG. 7, although the arrangement is a combination of the position estimation ultrasonic transducer p1 and the scan ultrasonic transducer p2, the arrangement is different in the ultrasonic transducer A shown in FIG. It is a method of arrangement. The ultrasonic transducer A shown in FIG. 8 is first arranged so as to be parallel to the central axis M that vertically penetrates the through hole P2a as shown in FIG. The ultrasonic transducer A5 arranged at such a position plays a role of the scanning ultrasonic transducer p2. On the other hand, two ultrasonic transducers A6 are arranged between the ultrasonic transducers A5 along the outer edge P2b. The ultrasonic transducer A6 plays the role of a position estimating ultrasonic transducer p1.

  In the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducer A described above, when the arrangement shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is adopted, as shown in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic transducer p1 for position estimation, the ultrasonic transducer for scanning is used. Two transmission paths p <b> 2 are provided, and signals are transmitted from the respective ultrasonic transducers A to the image generation unit 40. Therefore, both 2D images and 3D images can be generated.

  On the other hand, in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, there is no ultrasonic transducer A having the function of the position estimating ultrasonic transducer p1, but only the scanning ultrasonic transducer p2. Accordingly, there is only one transmission path for the signal received from the ultrasonic transducer A, and the position cannot be estimated. Therefore, the 3D image cannot be generated, and only the 2D image is generated. However, for example, even if the ultrasonic transducer A shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is arranged, if the position sensor or the like is separately provided, the position of the ultrasonic probe P can be grasped. An image can also be generated.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state of transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transducer A arranged in the ultrasonic probe P in the embodiment. The ultrasonic transducer A is the single position estimation ultrasonic transducer p1 described in FIG. 7 so that the ultrasonic transducer A3 is parallel to the central axis M and is not in contact with the ultrasonic transducer A3. An ultrasonic transducer A4 (scanning ultrasonic transducer p2) is arranged along the periphery of the outer edge P2b.

  The ultrasonic waves are emitted from the outer edge P2b where the ultrasonic transducer A is disposed toward the central portion (position of the central axis M) of the through hole P2a. FIG. 9 does not show a region to be inspected in the subject X, but an ultrasonic image of the target region is generated by irradiating ultrasonic waves in such a direction and receiving the reflected waves. It becomes possible. As shown in FIG. 9, since any ultrasonic transducer A transmits ultrasonic waves from the outer edge P2b toward the center of the through hole P2a, ultrasonic waves are generated based on signals from the scanning ultrasonic transducer p2. When the image is generated, the cross-sectional view of the inspection object at this position can be grasped as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, by moving the ultrasonic probe P along the bone of the finger to be inspected (in parallel with the central axis M described above), the ultrasonic probe for the part to be inspected 2D ultrasound image or 3D ultrasound image is generated.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasonic image generated based on information transmitted from the ultrasonic probe P in the embodiment. The figure on the left side is a 3D image generated by moving the ultrasonic probe P in parallel with the central axis M as described above. In this figure, what appears to be a cylindrical shape is a locus formed by moving the ultrasonic probe P, although the ultrasonic probe P is not shown in FIG. And what is shown in the cylindrical shape is a part to be examined.

  Further, in FIG. 10, in the figure on the right side, the part is displayed with three cut edges. In the figure on the left side, the cross sections indicated by the broken line, the alternate long and short dash line, and the alternate long and two short dashes line are displayed so that the cross section is shifted by 90 degrees. The cross section is shown in the right figure. In the right diagram, the screens indicated by the broken line, the one-dot chain line, and the two-dot chain line are displayed, but this is a display for corresponding to the left diagram. Therefore, for example, when the ultrasonic transducer A is arranged at the position shown in FIG. 6, four screens including the three screens shown on the right side of FIG. 10 are simultaneously displayed on the display unit 1g. . Note that it is possible to arbitrarily set which ultrasonic image is to be displayed in what arrangement on the display unit 1g.

  In addition, a plurality of regions surrounded by finer broken lines are shown in the drawing surrounded by broken lines at the top of the drawing on the right side. This shows a cross-sectional view acquired by the ultrasonic probe P at each position. Therefore, by continuously generating the cross-sectional view according to the direction of the arrow in which the ultrasonic probe P moves, a continuous ultrasonic image according to the movement of the ultrasonic probe P in the cross-section is displayed. become.

  FIG. 11 is a partial view showing another form of the ultrasonic probe P in the embodiment. The ultrasonic probe PX shown in FIG. 11 is different from the ultrasonic probe P described so far in the shape of the transducer array portion P2. That is, a space for storing the ultrasonic transducer A is newly provided at the boundary with the gripping portion P1 in the transducer array P2X.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers A in the shape of the ultrasonic probe PX shown in FIG. As is apparent from FIG. 12 showing the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducer A inside the transducer array portion P2X, the ultrasonic transducer A7 is provided over the entire circumference of the outer edge P2b. This arrangement is the same as the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducer A1 shown in FIG. An ultrasonic transducer A8 is newly provided in parallel with the central axis M so as not to contact the ultrasonic transducer A7. However, since this ultrasonic transducer A8 is provided so as not to straddle the ultrasonic transducer A7, the shape of the outer edge P2b is also parallel to the central axis M to accommodate the ultrasonic transducer A8. Protrudes in the direction.

  When the ultrasonic transducer A is disposed at such a position, here, the ultrasonic transducer A7 functions as the scanning ultrasonic transducer p2, and the ultrasonic transducer A8 performs the position estimation ultrasonic transducer p1. Fulfills the function. With such an arrangement, the scanning ultrasonic transducer p2 can be arranged without interruption along the outer edge P2b. Furthermore, since the position estimation ultrasonic transducer p1 can also be arranged, it is possible to generate and display a more accurate ultrasonic image.

  FIG. 13 is a partial view showing another form of the ultrasonic probe P in the embodiment. The ultrasonic probe PY shown in FIG. 13 is different from the transducer array unit P2 described above in the shape of the transducer array unit P2.

  That is, the outer edge of the transducer array part P2Y can be opened. In other words, the transducer array portion P2Y includes a separable base portion Y1 and a movable portion Y2. The movable portion Y2 is further connected to the base portion Y1 at an axis Y3 that becomes the center of rotation when movable. Therefore, when the operator O pinches the projection Y4 that is the upper part of the axis Y3 and moves the movable part Y2, and moves the movable part Y2 in the direction of the arrow Z1, a part of the outer edge P2b is opened, and the base part Y1 and the movable part Y2 are in a separated state. In the transducer array portion P2 described above, the outer edge P2b is integrally formed, and a part thereof is not opened.

  By adopting such a configuration for the transducer array portion P2Y, the transducer array portion P2 to be inspected, for example, without inserting the finger into the through-hole P2a and then moving the transducer array portion P2 to the corresponding portion is not required. In addition, it is possible to position the transducer array portion P2Y at the corresponding portion from the beginning. And by moving the movable part Y2 to the direction of Z1 in the said position, and opening and closing a part of outer edge P2b, there can exist an effect similar to having inserted the finger into the through-hole P2a. That is, the ultrasonic probe PY can be easily positioned at a corresponding place of the inspection target so as to sandwich the inspection target with the clip. In FIG. 13, a state where the movable part Y2 is moved and a part of the outer edge is opened is indicated by a solid line, and a state where the movable part Y2 is closed is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

  Needless to say, the ultrasonic transducer A is disposed in each of the base portion Y1 and the movable portion Y2. Further, the transducer array portion P2Y is normally in a state where the movable portion Y2 is in contact with the base portion Y1, that is, the movable portion Y2 is closed. This is because the movable portion Y2 is closed in the inspection. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the movable portion Y2 from inadvertently moving during the inspection, and for that purpose, a biasing member is provided in a direction in which the movable portion Y2 is brought into contact with the base portion Y1 (the outer edges are brought into contact with each other). Yes. However, as long as the movable part Y2 can be kept in contact with the base part Y1 during the inspection and the movable part Y2 can be kept closed, the urging member may not be used.

  FIG. 14 is an overall view showing an example in which a skirt S is attached to the ultrasonic probe PZ in the embodiment. A site to be inspected is inserted into the transducer array portion P2 of the ultrasonic probe P, and an ultrasonic image is generated from the internal information of the subject acquired by the movement of the ultrasonic probe P. When transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, echo jelly is used as an acoustic transmission medium for accurately transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic probe P according to the embodiment of the present invention described so far is used by inserting a region to be inspected into the transducer array portion P2, as shown in the drawing showing the usage example of FIG. Is done. Therefore, the echo jelly is interposed between the part and the transducer array part P2.

  However, since the transducer array portion P2 has a substantially cylindrical shape, when the ultrasonic probe P is moved in parallel with the central axis M of the through hole P2a, the inner surface of the transducer array portion P2 comes into contact with the target site, It is conceivable that the echo jelly peels off while moving. Therefore, when using the ultrasonic probe P in the embodiment of the present invention, for example, the following usage method is also conceivable. That is, when scanning the side where the fingernail grows (hereinafter referred to as “back side” as appropriate), the inner surface of the transducer array portion P2 is brought into contact with the abdomen side (opposite side of the back side) of the finger, The ultrasonic probe P is moved using the ventral side as a guide. By using in this way, it is possible to create an appropriate space between the body surface on the back side and the transducer array portion P2, and to hold the echo jelly in the space. By using the ultrasonic probe P in this way, it is possible to perform an inspection while maintaining an appropriate distance between the transducer array portion P2 and the surface of the region to be inspected while holding the echo jelly. Furthermore, if it does in this way, it can prevent to some extent that echo jelly peels off in a back type | mold.

  However, it may be difficult to ensure that an appropriate amount of echo jelly can be maintained throughout the examination using such a method. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, in the ultrasonic probe PZ, a skirt S is provided near the boundary between the outer edge P2b and the through hole P2a. The skirt S is provided over the entire circumference of the boundary between the outer edge P2b and the through hole P2a. Further, since the cuts are formed in some places, the skirt S can be appropriately followed by the unevenness of the finger. Further, in FIG. 14, the skirt S is provided only at the boundary between the front outer edge P2b and the through hole P2a shown in the figure, but the opposite outer edge P2b and the through hole P2a not shown in FIG. A skirt S may also be provided at the boundary.

  By providing such a skirt S, even if the ultrasonic probe PZ is moved in parallel with the central axis M of the through hole P2a, the echo jelly is peeled off from the space formed between the back side and the transducer array part P2. It is possible to prevent the skirt S from falling off as appropriate. Therefore, it is easy to hold the echo jelly in the space (inside the through hole P2a), and it is possible to generate and acquire a more appropriate ultrasonic image.

  Even if the skirt S is provided, it is considered difficult to completely prevent the echo jelly from peeling off. Therefore, it is possible to perform inspection under better conditions by adding echo jelly to the space as appropriate.

  By adopting the configuration as described above, when acquiring an ultrasonic image for a finger joint, an appropriate amount of echo jelly is always maintained between the target joint and the ultrasonic probe, and the operator's procedure is improved. It is possible to provide an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus that can acquire an appropriate ultrasonic image regardless of the level.

  In particular, by arranging a plurality of sizes of through-holes in the transducer array section, it is possible to correspond to parts (finger) having various shapes. Further, by devising the arrangement and amount of ultrasonic transducers provided inside the outer edge, it is possible to generate and acquire an ultrasonic image more easily and appropriately.

  For example, the shape of the transducer array part can also be considered as follows. That is, until now, an ultrasonic image is obtained by inserting an ultrasonic probe into a finger to be inspected, and an operator appropriately moving the transducer array unit so as to be parallel to the central axis vertically passing through the through hole. It was supposed to acquire the information necessary for generating. However, for example, it is possible to scan the entire finger at once by making the transducer array portion into a substantially cylindrical shape and inserting a portion (finger) to be inspected into the substantially cylindrical shape.

  Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus P Ultrasonic probe P1 Grasp part P2 Vibrator array part P2a Through-hole P2b Outer edge A Ultrasonic vibrator

Claims (14)

An ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves,
One end is connected to the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus, and a gripping part that an operator grips when using the ultrasound probe;
The other end of the gripping part is composed of a through hole and an outer edge that penetrates a site to be inspected, and the ultrasonic transducer is formed inside the outer edge.
An ultrasonic probe comprising:   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein a shape of the transducer array portion is a cylindrical shape including the through holes.   The said transducer array part is comprised from the base and movable part which the said outer edge can isolate | separate, The said movable part is connected with the said base by the axis | shaft used as a rotation center. Item 3. The ultrasonic probe according to Item 2.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, wherein an urging member is provided so that the outer edge of the base portion and the movable portion are in contact with each other.   5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer transmits and receives the ultrasonic wave toward a central axis that vertically penetrates the through hole.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is arranged circumferentially along the outer edge.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is provided so as to be parallel to a central axis that vertically penetrates the through hole.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is provided at a position where four perpendicular lines extending from the central axis to the outer edge are perpendicular to each other at the outer edge. .   The ultrasonic transducer is arranged so that the ultrasonic transducer for position estimation provided so as to be parallel to the central axis passing through the through hole vertically does not contact the ultrasonic transducer for position estimation The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, comprising an ultrasonic transducer for scanning arranged circumferentially along the outer edge.   The ultrasonic transducer is arranged along the outer edge so that the scanning ultrasonic transducer provided so as to be parallel to a central axis that vertically penetrates the through hole and the scanning ultrasonic transducer are not in contact with each other. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ultrasonic probe is configured to be disposed in a position estimation manner.   The ultrasonic transducer includes a scanning ultrasonic transducer arranged circumferentially along the outer edge, and a central axis that vertically penetrates the through hole so as not to contact the scanning ultrasonic transducer 5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic probe is configured to be parallel to the ultrasonic transducer for position estimation.   12. A skirt for holding an echo jelly used in the inspection around the through hole in a portion to be observed and the inside of the through hole. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of the above. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
An ultrasonic transmission / reception unit that drives the ultrasonic transducer to transmit / receive an ultrasonic beam;
An image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on image data received by the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit;
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising: The image generation unit estimates a displacement amount of the ultrasonic probe using image data obtained by a position estimating ultrasonic transducer, and generates a three-dimensional image from the image data based on a signal from the scanning ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 13.

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