JP2016015972A - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment and operation method of ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide ultrasonic diagnostic equipment with improved safety of a puncture operation capable of providing an ultrasonic image desired by an operator in a puncture operation while suppressing heat generation of an ultrasonic probe, and an operation method of the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.SOLUTION: Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 10 includes an ultrasonic probe 140, an image generation part 36 for generating an ultrasonic image, a display control part 34 for controlling whether or not to superimposedly display a puncture guide line on the ultrasonic image, a scan control part 24 having a normal heat generation scan mode and a low heat generation scan mode as a mode for scanning an ultrasonic beam, and a control part 38 for acquiring the information on the timing at which the normal heat generation scan mode is switched to the low heat generation scan mode. Based on the information on the timing acquired by the control part 38, the scan control part 24 switches the normal heat generation scan mode to the low heat generation scan mode, and scans the ultrasonic beam.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an operation method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and in particular, when performing puncture in ultrasonic diagnosis, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic diagnosis that display a puncture guideline superimposed on an ultrasonic image. It relates to a method of operating the device.

  Conventionally, in the medical field, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using an ultrasonic image has been put into practical use. In general, this type of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has an ultrasonic probe having an ultrasonic transducer array built therein, and a diagnostic apparatus main body connected to the ultrasonic probe. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the subject to the subject, ultrasonic echoes from the subject are received by the ultrasound probe, and the received signal is electrically processed by the diagnostic device body to generate an ultrasound image I do.

  In recent years, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is also used when performing biopsy or the like by collecting a specific biological tissue by inserting a puncture needle into a subject. In this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic beam is transmitted and received from the ultrasonic probe toward the subject, and the puncture is performed while confirming the movement of the puncture needle in the subject with the ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor. The needle is advanced to the target living tissue. In addition, a puncture guideline for guiding the puncture needle from the surface of the subject to the target biological tissue is superimposed on the ultrasonic image on the monitor, and the puncture guideline indicates that the puncture needle reaches the target biological tissue. Can be supported.

  By the way, in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, in an observation mode performed in a normal diagnosis or the like, a normal portion and a lesioned portion are distinguished, and therefore, a relatively low scanning rate (for example, 10 to 20 Hz) is given priority to the image quality of an ultrasonic image. ) Is being ultrasonically scanned.

  However, when ultrasonic scanning is performed at such a scanning rate, the frame rate of the ultrasonic image is low, so the puncture needle displayed on the ultrasonic image with respect to the movement of the actually operated puncture needle This causes a delay in movement. In this case, the puncture needle cannot be monitored in real time, and it is difficult to perform the puncture operation while accurately grasping the position of the puncture needle and the target biological tissue.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228867 discloses a technique for changing the data collection range and the display range based on the relative position between the puncture needle and the target biological tissue (diagnosis target). The puncture needle can be monitored in real time by maintaining the ultrasound collection rate (repetition cycle of ultrasound scanning; hereinafter, also referred to as “scanning rate of ultrasound beam”) at a certain value or more so that it is sufficiently visible. Such a technique has been proposed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-314689

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the display range of the ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit is changed with the change of the data collection range and the display range. There is a problem that it is difficult to grasp the relative position of each other. Also, if you try to maintain the ultrasonic collection rate above a certain value, the drive frequency of each ultrasonic transducer that constitutes the ultrasonic probe will increase, and more heat will be generated due to increased power consumption. There is a problem that the surface temperature of the portion directly contacting the body wall of the ultrasonic probe increases.

  In particular, in-body inspections that irradiate ultrasonic waves from inside the body cavity, compared to external inspections that irradiate ultrasonic waves from the outside of the body, the ultrasonic transducer generates less heat and the surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe is acceptable. There is a need to prevent high temperatures beyond the temperature.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can provide an ultrasonic image desired by the operator in the puncture operation while suppressing the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe, and can improve the safety of the puncture operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an operating method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention transmits an ultrasonic wave to a subject, receives an ultrasonic echo from the subject, and responds to the ultrasonic echo. Ultrasonic probe having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers for outputting received signals, ultrasonic image generating means for generating an ultrasonic image based on the received signals output by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and ultrasonic image generation The display control means for controlling whether or not the puncture guideline indicating the puncture path of the puncture needle is superimposed on the ultrasonic image generated by the means, and scanning of the ultrasonic beam formed by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. A first focus point number is set for a first scanning range which is a means for controlling and which scans an ultrasonic beam, and an ultrasonic sound is generated at a first scanning density and a first scanning rate. A scanning control means having a normal heat generation scanning mode for scanning a beam, and a low heat generation scanning mode for scanning an ultrasonic beam in a state in which the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe is suppressed as compared with the normal heat generation scanning mode, and a normal heat generation scanning mode And a timing acquisition means for acquiring timing information for switching from the low heat generation scanning mode to the low heat generation scanning mode, and the scanning control means changes the normal heat generation scanning mode to the low heat generation scanning mode based on the timing information acquired by the timing acquisition means. The ultrasonic beam is scanned by switching.

  In the present invention, the type of ultrasonic probe is not particularly limited, and various types such as a convex scan method, a linear scan method, and a radial scan method can be used. It is also applied to in-body ultrasonic probes (ultrasonic probes) inserted into treatment instrument channels (forceps channels) of electronic endoscopes and ultrasonic endoscopes integrated with electronic endoscopes. It may be a thing. Further, the ultrasonic probe is not limited to an in-body type ultrasonic probe, but may be an external type ultrasonic probe.

  According to the present invention, the scanning mode of the ultrasonic beam has the normal heat generation scanning mode and the low heat generation scanning mode in which the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe is suppressed as compared with the normal heat generation scanning mode, and is acquired by the timing acquisition means. Based on the timing information, the normal heating scan mode is automatically switched to the low heating scan mode, so the ultrasound image desired by the surgeon in the puncture operation can be provided while suppressing the heating of the ultrasound probe. It becomes possible to do.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention further includes switching detection means for detecting a switch from a state in which the puncture guideline is not superimposed and displayed on the ultrasound image to a state in which the puncture guideline is superimposed and the scanning control means includes the switching detection When the switching of the superimposed display of the puncture guideline is detected by the means, the scanning mode for scanning the ultrasonic beam is set to the normal heat generation scanning mode.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the scanning control unit scans the ultrasonic beam in the second scanning range narrower than the first scanning range in the low heat generation scanning mode.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the scanning control unit scans the ultrasonic beam with a second focus point number smaller than the first focus point number in the low heat generation scanning mode.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the scan control unit scans the ultrasonic beam at a second scan density lower than the first scan density in the low heat generation scan mode.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the scanning control unit scans the ultrasonic beam at a second scanning rate lower than the first scanning rate in the low heat generation scanning mode.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the ultrasonic beam is scanned at the same scanning rate as the first scanning rate in the low heat generation scanning mode.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the timing acquisition unit includes an index value acquisition unit that acquires an index value that correlates with the temperature of the ultrasonic probe, and the scan control unit performs normal heating scanning. In the mode, when the index value acquired by the index value acquisition unit exceeds a preset range, the ultrasonic beam is scanned in the low heat generation scanning mode.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the index value acquisition unit acquires time information related to the continuous operation time in the normal heating scan mode as the index value.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes temperature detection means for detecting the ambient temperature of the ultrasonic probe, and the index value acquisition means uses the ambient temperature detected by the temperature detection means as the index value. get.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the timing acquisition means includes medical action completion detection means for detecting completion of the medical action by the puncture needle.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the timing acquisition unit uses the puncture needle by determining whether or not the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic image generation unit includes the puncture needle. Detect the completion of medical practice.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the display control unit displays the puncture guideline in a superposed manner on the ultrasonic image in a display mode different from the normal heat generation scanning mode in the low heat generation scanning mode.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention further includes notification means for notifying a user of timing information acquired by the timing acquisition means.

  An operation method of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is such that an ultrasonic probe having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and receives ultrasonic echoes from the subject. An ultrasonic wave transmission / reception step for outputting a reception signal corresponding to the ultrasonic echo, an ultrasonic image generation step for generating an ultrasonic image based on the reception signals output by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and an ultrasonic wave A display control step for controlling whether or not to display a puncture guideline indicating a puncture route of the puncture needle on the ultrasonic image generated in the image generation step; and an ultrasonic beam formed by a plurality of ultrasonic transducers A step of controlling scanning, wherein a first focus point number is set for a first scanning range that is a range in which an ultrasonic beam is scanned, and a first scanning density and a first scanning rate are set. A scanning control process having a normal heat generation scanning mode for scanning an ultrasonic beam, and a low heat generation scanning mode for scanning an ultrasonic beam in a state in which the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe is suppressed as compared with the normal heat generation scanning mode; A timing acquisition step for acquiring timing information for switching from the scanning mode to the low heat generation scanning mode, and the scanning control step is configured to change the normal heat generation scanning mode to the low heat generation scanning based on the timing information acquired in the timing acquisition step. Switch to the mode and scan the ultrasonic beam.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic image desired by an operator in a puncture operation while suppressing heat generation of the ultrasonic probe, and to improve the safety of the puncture operation.

The figure which showed the structural example of the ultrasound diagnosing device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Diagram showing an ultrasound endoscope Diagram for explaining the difference between normal display mode and puncture guideline display mode Flow chart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus Timing chart corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. The figure which showed the other structural example of the ultrasound diagnosing device The figure which showed the further another structural example of the ultrasound diagnosing device The figure which showed the further another structural example of the ultrasound diagnosing device

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes an ultrasonic endoscope 12, a diagnostic apparatus main body 14, and a display device 16. The ultrasonic endoscope 12 includes an ultrasonic probe 140 including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers transmit ultrasonic waves to the subject, receive ultrasonic echoes from the subject, and output reception signals corresponding to the ultrasonic echoes.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic endoscope shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to an insertion portion 102 to be inserted into a body cavity of a subject and a proximal end portion of the insertion portion 102, and is operated by an operator such as a doctor or a technician. The operation unit 104 is configured to include a universal cord 106 having one end connected to the operation unit 104. The other end of the universal cord 106 is branched into an endoscope cable 108 and an ultrasonic cable 110.

  A light guide connector (LG connector) 112 is provided at the distal end of the endoscope cable 108. The light guide connector 112 is detachably connected to a light source device (not shown), whereby illumination light is sent to an illumination optical system (to be described later) of the ultrasonic endoscope 12. An endoscope processor connector 116 is detachably connected to the light guide connector 112 via a cable 114.

  An ultrasonic connector 118 is provided at the tip of the ultrasonic cable 110. The ultrasonic connector 118 is detachably connected to the diagnostic apparatus main body 14 shown in FIG. As a result, various signals can be transmitted and received between the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and the diagnostic apparatus main body 14.

  The operation unit 104 is provided with an air / water supply button 120, a suction button 122, a shutter button 124, and a function switching button 126 that are operated by an operator, and a pair of angle knobs 128, 128, and a treatment instrument. Each insertion port 129 is provided at a predetermined position.

  The insertion portion 102 includes, in order from the distal end side, a distal end portion (a distal end rigid portion) 130 formed of a hard member, a bendable bending portion 132 continuously provided on the proximal end side of the distal end portion 130, and the bending portion 132. The proximal end side and the distal end side of the operation unit 104 are connected to each other, and the elongated and long flexible portion 134 is configured. The bending portion 132 is remotely bent by turning the angle knobs 128, 128 of the operation unit 104. Thereby, the front-end | tip part 130 can be turned to a desired direction.

  At the distal end portion 130 of the insertion portion 102, an endoscope observation portion and an ultrasonic observation portion are provided. An illumination window and an observation window are arranged in the endoscope observation unit. The illumination window is equipped with an illumination lens for emitting illumination light supplied from a light source device (not shown) via a light guide. These constitute an illumination optical system. In addition, an objective lens is attached to the observation window, and an input end of a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera or an image guide is disposed at an imaging position of the objective lens. These constitute an observation optical system. In addition, the tip portion 130 is provided with a cleaning nozzle (not shown) for injecting a liquid (water or the like) for cleaning the observation window and the illumination window.

  The ultrasonic observation unit is provided with a convex type (convex scan type) ultrasonic probe 140 in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged. The ultrasonic probe 140 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. Each ultrasonic transducer transmits ultrasonic waves according to a plurality of drive signals supplied from the transmission circuit 20 of the diagnostic apparatus main body 14 shown in FIG. The ultrasonic echo reflected from the signal is received and a plurality of received signals are output to the receiving circuit 22 of the diagnostic apparatus main body 14 via the universal cord 106 and the ultrasonic cable 110.

  In addition, a treatment instrument outlet port 144 through which a puncture needle 142 inserted from a treatment instrument insertion port 129 provided in the operation unit 104 is led out is formed at the distal end portion 130 of the insertion unit 102.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the diagnostic device main body 14 includes a transmission circuit 20, a reception circuit 22, a scanning control unit 24, a signal processing unit 26, a digital scan converter (DSC) 28, an image processing unit 30, A display control unit 34, a control unit 38, an operation unit 40, and a storage unit 42 are included.

  The transmission circuit 20 includes, for example, a plurality of voltage application circuits (pulsers), and a plurality of ultrasonic probes 140 based on a transmission delay pattern selected according to a control signal from the scanning control unit 24. Each drive signal is adjusted and supplied to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers so that the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducers form an ultrasonic beam.

  The reception circuit 22 amplifies the reception signals transmitted from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the ultrasonic probe 140 and performs A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion, and then according to the control signal from the scanning control unit 24. According to the selected reception delay pattern, the reception focus process is performed by adding each delay to each received signal. By this reception focus processing, reception data (sound ray signal) in which the focus of the ultrasonic echo is narrowed is generated.

  The scanning control unit 24 is a form of scanning control means. Under the control of the control unit 38, the frequency and voltage of a drive signal applied from the transmission circuit 20 to each ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe 140 are set. Set to adjust the frequency and sound pressure of the transmitted ultrasound. The scanning control unit 24 sequentially sets the transmission direction of the ultrasonic beam and sequentially sets and sets the transmission control function for selecting a transmission delay pattern according to the set transmission direction and the reception direction of the ultrasonic echo. And a reception control function for selecting a reception delay pattern according to the received reception direction. The scanning control unit 24 has a transmission multi-stage focus control function that performs transmission focus to at least two or more depths in the subject. In the present specification, the position in the depth direction within the subject to which the ultrasonic beam is transmitted and focused by the scanning control unit 24 is referred to as a focus point. When transmission multistage focusing is performed, since it is necessary to repeat transmission / reception by the number of transmission focus stages in order to form one tomographic image, the frame rate (the number of images displayed per unit time) decreases. However, there is an advantage that a high-quality ultrasonic tomographic image can be obtained.

  The signal processing unit 26 performs an envelope detection process on the received data generated by the receiving circuit 22, after performing attenuation correction by distance according to the vibration of the reflection position of the ultrasonic wave. A B-mode image signal, which is tomographic image information related to the tissue of, is generated.

  The DSC 28 converts (raster conversion) the B-mode image signal generated by the signal processing unit 26 into an image signal in accordance with a normal television signal scanning method.

  The image processing unit 30 performs various necessary images such as gradation processing on the B-mode image signal input from the DSC 28, and then outputs the B-mode image signal to the display control unit 34 and stores it in the image memory 44. . As a result, real-time ultrasonic images are sequentially stored in the image memory 44.

  The signal processing unit 26, DSC 28, image processing unit 30, and image memory 44 constitute an image generation unit 36 that is one form of ultrasonic image generation means.

  The display control unit 34 controls display of images on the display device 16. This display control unit 34 is one form of display control means, and controls whether or not to superimpose a puncture guideline indicating a puncture route of the puncture needle on the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 36. Further, the display control unit 34 changes the display mode (line type, color, etc.) of the puncture guideline in accordance with an ultrasonic beam scanning mode to be described later.

  The display device 16 displays an image output from the display control unit 34, that is, an ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 36, or a composite image in which a puncture guideline image is superimposed on the ultrasonic image. The display device 16 is configured by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

  The control unit 38 controls each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus based on a command input from the operation unit 40 by the operator. The control unit 38 functions as a detection unit that detects an operation of an operation unit 40 (including a guideline display button 40a) to be described later, and is displayed in a superimposed manner from a state in which the puncture guideline is not superimposed on the ultrasound image. It is one form of the switch detection means which detects the switch to a state.

  The operation unit 40 is for inputting a command from an operator, and can be formed from a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touch panel, or the like. The operation unit 40 is an operation mode selection button (not shown) for instructing switching between a live mode for displaying a real-time ultrasonic image and a freeze mode for reproducing an ultrasonic image of a predetermined frame. And a guideline display button 40a for instructing display / non-display of the puncture guideline in the image.

  The storage unit 42 stores operation programs and the like, and includes a hard disk, flexible disk, MO (Magneto-Optical disk), MT (Magnetic Tape), RAM (Random Access Memory), and CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory). Recording media such as DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), SD (Secure Digital (registered trademark)) card, CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, server, etc. Can be used.

  The signal processing unit 26, the DSC 28, the image processing unit 30, the display control unit 34, and the control unit 38 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an operation program for causing the CPU to perform various processes. These may be constituted by digital circuits.

  Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the difference between the normal display mode and the puncture guideline display mode in the live mode, where (a) shows the normal display mode and (b) shows the puncture guideline display mode. In FIG. 3, N indicates a puncture needle, G indicates a puncture guideline, and O indicates a target living tissue.

  In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, in the live mode in which a real-time ultrasound image is displayed, as shown in FIG. 3, the puncture guideline is displayed without being superimposed on the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit 36. And a puncture guideline display mode in which the puncture guideline is displayed by superimposing the puncture guideline on the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 36. These display modes are displayed according to the operation of the guideline display button 40a. The mode can be switched.

  Also, in the puncture guideline display mode, in order to eliminate the display delay and improve the visibility of the puncture needle, the ultrasound image in which the puncture guideline is superimposed is displayed by increasing the scanning rate of the ultrasonic beam than in the normal display mode. The frame rate of (composite image) is increased. Further, by making the scanning range of the ultrasonic beam the same as that in the normal display mode, the display range of the ultrasonic image displayed on the display device 16 does not vary regardless of whether or not the puncture guideline is displayed. ing. Thereby, the positional relationship between the puncture needle inserted along the puncture guideline and the target biological tissue can be accurately grasped.

  On the other hand, in the puncture guideline display mode, when attempting to perform the scanning of the ultrasonic beam as described above, the driving frequency of each ultrasonic transducer constituting the ultrasonic probe 140 increases, and the power consumption increases. Since more heat is generated, it is necessary to suppress the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe 140.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the control unit 38, which is a form of the switching detection unit, detects switching from the normal display mode to the puncture guideline display mode, the ultrasonic probe 140 generates more heat but the puncture is performed. Ultrasonic beam scanning is performed in a normal heat generation scanning mode in which priority is given to needle visibility. When the index value serving as a reference for transition to the scanning mode exceeds a preset range, the visibility of the puncture needle is inferior to that of the normal heat scanning mode, but the heat generation by the ultrasonic probe 140 is suppressed. The mode is automatically switched to the scanning mode, and scanning of the ultrasonic beam is performed in the low heat generation scanning mode.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a timing chart corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the insertion part 102 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is inserted into the body cavity of a patient as a subject, and the ultrasound probe 140 disposed at the distal end of the insertion part 102 is placed at a predetermined position (diagnosis site) in the body cavity. And the operator operates the operation mode selection button of the operation unit 40 to select a live mode in which an ultrasonic image is displayed on the display device 16 in real time.

  When the live mode is selected by the operator, an ultrasonic wave is transmitted from each ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe 140 arranged on the surface of the subject, and an ultrasonic echo received from within the subject is received. A reception signal is output from the acoustic probe 140 to the reception circuit 22 to generate reception data (ultrasonic transmission / reception process). Subsequently, the reception data is output from the reception circuit 22 to the image generation unit 36 to generate an ultrasonic image (ultrasonic image generation step).

  The ultrasonic images generated in this way are sequentially stored in the image memory 44 in the image generation unit 36 and displayed on the display device 16 by the display control unit 34. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3A, the display device 16 displays an ultrasonic image formed by scanning an ultrasonic beam as a normal display mode.

  In the live mode in which the real-time ultrasonic image is displayed in this way, the control unit 38 determines whether or not the guideline display button 40a is operated by the operator (step S10). When the guideline display button 40a is not operated, the live mode for displaying the real-time ultrasonic image on the display device 16 is continued.

  On the other hand, when the guideline display button 40a is operated, a command corresponding to the operation is input to the control unit 38. Then, the display control unit 34 displays a composite image obtained by superimposing the puncture guideline on the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 36 as shown in FIG. 3B according to the control from the control unit 38. (Step S12; display control step).

  Next, the scanning control unit 24 scans the ultrasonic beam in the normal heat generation scanning mode as a scanning control step under the control of the control unit 38 (step S14). In the normal heating scan mode, as described above, when the puncture guideline is not displayed, that is, the scan range is the same as that in the normal display mode (see FIG. 3A) and is larger than the scan rate in the normal display mode. The ultrasonic beam is scanned at a scanning rate.

  Next, the control unit 38 sets a preset time in a timer (not shown) and starts counting down (step S16). At this time, the timer is set to a time during which the ultrasonic probe 140 can be kept in a safe temperature range when the ultrasonic beam is scanned in the normal heat generation scanning mode. The control unit 38 is a form of timing acquisition means (index value acquisition means), and is information on timing for switching from the normal heat generation scanning mode to the low heat generation scanning mode (time information regarding the continuous operation time of the normal heat generation scanning mode). The remaining time of the timer is acquired (timing acquisition step). In the following, information on the timing for switching from the normal heat generation scanning mode to the low heat generation scanning mode is referred to as switching timing information.

  Next, the control unit 38 controls the display control unit 34 to display the remaining time of the timer on the display device 16 (step S18). The display device 16 is a form of notification means. Moreover, you may provide the alerting | reporting part 46 (refer FIG. 1) provided separately from the display apparatus 16 as another form of alerting | reporting means. The notification unit 46 may be configured with a speaker, a warning lamp, or the like, for example, and may notify the operator at a notification interval set in advance according to the remaining time of the timer.

  Next, the control unit 38 determines whether or not the remaining time of the timer is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S20). When the remaining time of the timer is larger than the threshold value, the ultrasonic beam scanning in the normal heat generation scanning mode is continued.

  On the other hand, when the remaining time of the timer becomes equal to or less than the threshold, the control unit 38 notifies the operator that the remaining time of the timer is short (step S22). As a method for notifying the operator, for example, the display of the remaining time displayed on the display device 16 may be changed to a blinking state, or the color or line type of the puncture guideline may be changed. Moreover, you may make it notify an operator by the above-mentioned alerting | reporting part 46. FIG.

  Next, the control unit 38 determines whether or not the remaining time of the timer has become 0 (zero) (step S24). When the remaining time of the timer is not 0, the scanning of the ultrasonic beam in the normal heat generation scanning mode is continued.

  On the other hand, when the remaining time of the timer becomes 0, the scanning control unit 24 switches from the normal heating scanning mode to the low heating scanning mode as the ultrasonic beam scanning mode under the control of the control unit 38 ( Step S26).

  Here, in the normal heat generation scanning mode, the scanning control unit 24 sets the first focus point with respect to the first scanning range (that is, the same scanning range as that in the normal display mode) that is the range in which the ultrasonic beam is scanned. If the number is set and control is performed to scan the ultrasonic beam at the first scanning density and the first scanning rate (that is, a scanning rate larger than that in the normal display mode), normal heat generation is performed in the low heat generation scanning mode. The scanning of the ultrasonic beam is controlled by changing at least one of the scanning range, the number of focus points, and the scanning density at the same scanning rate as the scanning mode (that is, the first scanning rate).

  Specifically, when switching from the normal heat generation scanning mode to the low heat generation scanning mode, the switching is detected by the control unit 38. Then, the scanning control unit 24 changes the ultrasonic beam scanning rate to the second scanning range narrower than the first scanning range while maintaining the scanning rate of the ultrasonic beam at the first scanning rate according to the control from the control unit 38. The ultrasonic probe 140 generates heat by changing to a second focus point number smaller than the first focus point number or to a second scan density lower than the first scan density. Control to suppress Note that the scanning control unit 24 may change any one, two, or all three of the scanning range, the number of focus points, and the scanning density. By changing the scanning condition of the ultrasonic beam in this way, the temperature of the ultrasonic probe 140 gradually decreases with time (see FIG. 5D). Thereby, the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe 140 can be suppressed while ensuring the visibility of the puncture needle.

  When the normal heat generation scanning mode is switched to the low heat generation scanning mode, the scanning control unit 24 not only changes at least one of the scanning range, the number of focus points, and the scanning density of the ultrasonic beam, The scanning rate of the acoustic beam may be changed. That is, the scan control unit 24 may perform control to scan the ultrasonic beam at a second scan rate lower than the first scan rate in the low heat generation scan mode. Further, only the scanning rate of the ultrasonic beam may be changed without changing the scanning range of the ultrasonic beam, the number of focus points, and the scanning density. In either case, the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe 140 can be suppressed, and may be appropriately selected according to the situation.

  Note that the scanning rate in the low heat generation scanning mode only needs to be at least smaller than the scanning rate in the normal heat generation scanning mode, and is not necessarily the same as the scanning rate in the normal display mode. However, the scanning rate in the low heat generation scanning mode is preferably the same as the scanning rate in the normal display mode from the viewpoint of performing drive control of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers with a simple configuration.

  Subsequently, the display control unit 34 changes the display mode of the puncture guideline under the control of the control unit 38 (step S28). As a method of changing the display mode of the puncture guideline, there are methods of changing the color and line type of the puncture guideline or blinking the puncture guideline. As a result, the operator can easily visually grasp the transition from the normal heat generation scanning mode to the low heat generation scanning mode as the ultrasonic beam scanning mode.

  Next, the control unit 38 determines whether or not the guideline display button 40a has been operated (step S30). When the guideline display button 40a is not operated, the ultrasonic beam scanning in the low heat generation scanning mode is continued.

  On the other hand, when the guideline display button 40a is operated, it is further determined whether or not the guideline display button 40a is pressed for a long time (step S32). If the guideline display button 40a is not pressed for a long time (that is, if the guideline display button 40a is pressed for a short time), the process returns to step S12, and the processes in and after step S12 are repeated.

  On the other hand, when the guideline display button 40a is long pressed, the puncture guideline is not displayed (step S34). That is, the display control unit 34 shifts to the normal display mode according to the control from the control unit 38 and causes the display device 16 to display the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 36. Then, each setting is returned to the default and the process is terminated (step S36).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the normal display mode is switched to the puncture guideline display mode, the ultrasonic probe 140 generates a large amount of heat, but the normal exothermic scanning mode gives priority to the visibility of the puncture needle. A sound beam scan is performed. When the index value serving as a reference for transition to the scanning mode exceeds a preset range, the visibility of the puncture needle is inferior to that of the normal heat scanning mode, but the heat generation by the ultrasonic probe 140 is suppressed. The mode is automatically switched to the scanning mode, and scanning of the ultrasonic beam is performed in the low heat generation scanning mode. Thereby, the visibility of the puncture needle can be improved while suppressing the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe 140, and an ultrasonic image desired by the operator in the puncture operation can be provided.

  In this embodiment, since the puncture guideline is displayed in different display modes (color, blinking, etc.) in the normal heat generation scanning mode and the low heat generation scanning mode, the surgeon visually recognizes the current scanning mode instantaneously. I can grasp it.

  In the present embodiment, the scanning control unit 24, which is a form of scanning control means, scans the ultrasonic beam in the normal heat generation scanning mode in step S14 in FIG. 4, along with the change in the scanning rate of the ultrasonic beam. It is preferable to take measures to suppress the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe 140. As a method of suppressing the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe 140, for example, there is a method of reducing the scanning density of the ultrasonic beam and the number of focus points. By reducing the scanning density of the ultrasonic beam, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers are driven in a thinned state, so that the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe 140 can be suppressed. Further, by reducing the number of focus points, the drive frequency of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is reduced, so that the power consumption is reduced, so that the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe 140 can be suppressed. As a result, even when the scanning rate of the ultrasonic beam is increased, the degree of temperature rise of the ultrasonic probe 140 is reduced, so that it is possible to secure a large amount of time for the puncture operation while the puncture needle is highly visible. become able to.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 38, which is a form of timing acquisition means (index value acquisition means), uses a timer (not shown) to provide time information about the continuous operation time of the normal heat generation scanning mode (time remaining in the timer). ) Is acquired as an index value (switching timing information) having a correlation with the temperature of the ultrasonic probe 140, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. A temperature sensor 150 that detects the ambient temperature of the ultrasonic probe 140 is provided at the distal end portion 130 of the insertion portion 102 of the sonic endoscope 12, and the control unit 38 switches the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 150 at the switching timing. You may make it acquire as information. The temperature sensor 150 is a form of temperature detection means.

  Further, the switching timing information is not limited to an index value correlated with the ambient temperature of the ultrasound probe 140 (for example, an elapsed time after the normal heating scan mode is started). For example, since a sufficient sample amount needs to be collected in the puncture operation, tissue collection by puncture is generally repeated several times instead of once. In addition, in cooperation with the surgeon and the examiner, rapid cytodiagnosis is performed on the tissue collected during the operation, and information such as a surgical treatment policy and a resection range schedule may be fed back.

  In such a procedure, even when the puncture needle is removed, the mantle (sheath) portion of the puncture needle remains connected and fixed to the treatment instrument insertion port. There is a demand for the puncture guideline to remain displayed on the monitor while the puncture needle is inserted into the mantle again from this state and the next puncture operation is performed.

  Therefore, as one form of the medical action completion detecting means for detecting that the medical action by the puncture needle has been completed, a detection sensor 152 for detecting insertion / removal of the puncture needle is inserted into the ultrasonic endoscope 12 as shown in FIG. The control unit 38 may be provided in the unit 102 or the operation unit 104 to acquire the detection result of the detection sensor 152 as switching timing information. As a result, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5, while the puncture needle is inserted into the mantle and tissue is collected by puncture, the scanning rate of the ultrasonic beam is increased by the normal heating scan mode. While it is possible to improve the visibility of the puncture needle, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the ultrasonic transducer by the low heat generation scanning mode while waiting for the histopathology confirmation that the puncture needle has been removed. The detection sensor 152 is not limited to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and may be provided on the outer tube of the puncture needle.

  Moreover, as another form of the medical practice completion detection means for detecting the completion of the medical practice using the puncture needle, as shown in FIG. 8, an ultrasonic image generated by an image generation unit 36 (ultrasonic image generation means). A puncture needle discriminating unit 154 that discriminates whether or not a puncture needle is included may be provided, and the control unit 38 may acquire the discrimination result of the puncture needle discrimination unit 154 as switching timing information. Thus, as in the configuration shown in FIG. 7, while the puncture needle is inserted into the mantle and tissue is collected by puncture, the puncture is performed by increasing the scanning rate of the ultrasonic beam in the normal heating scan mode. While it is possible to improve the visibility of the needle, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the ultrasonic transducer by the low heat generation scanning mode while waiting for the histopathology confirmation that the puncture needle has been removed.

  In the present embodiment, in the puncture guideline display mode, scanning of the ultrasonic beam is performed by selectively switching between the normal heat generation scan mode and the low heat generation scan mode. After switching from the normal display mode to the normal display mode, the ultrasonic beam scanning may be continuously performed in the low heat generation scanning mode. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively suppress the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe 140 without depending on whether or not the puncture guideline is displayed superimposed on the ultrasonic image. It is also possible to repeatedly display / hide the puncture guideline while maintaining the above, and the operability in ultrasonic diagnosis is improved.

  In the present invention, the type of ultrasonic probe is not particularly limited, and various types such as a convex scan method, a linear scan method, and a radial scan method can be used. Also, an in-vivo ultrasonic probe (ultrasonic probe) inserted into a treatment instrument channel (forceps channel) of an electronic endoscope, or an ultrasonic wave integrated with an electronic endoscope as in this embodiment. It may be applied to an endoscope. Further, the ultrasonic probe is not limited to an in-body type ultrasonic probe, but may be an external type ultrasonic probe.

  As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the operation method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various types can be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Of course, improvements and modifications may be made.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, 12 ... Ultrasound endoscope, 14 ... Diagnostic apparatus main body, 16 ... Display apparatus, 20 ... Transmission circuit, 22 ... Reception circuit, 24 ... Scan control part, 26 ... Signal processing part, 28 ... DSC, 30 ... image processing unit, 34 ... display control unit, 36 ... image generation unit, 38 ... control unit, 40 ... operation unit, 40a ... guideline display button, 42 ... storage unit, 44 ... memory, 46 ... notification unit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 102 ... Insertion part, 104 ... Operation part, 106 ... Universal cord, 129 ... Forceps insertion port, 130 ... Tip part, 132 ... Bending part, 134 ... Soft part, 140 ... Ultrasonic probe, 142 ... Puncture needle, 144 ... treatment instrument outlet, 150 ... temperature sensor, 152 ... detection sensor, 154 ... puncture needle discrimination unit

Claims (15)

An ultrasonic probe having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the subject, receiving ultrasonic echoes from the subject, and outputting reception signals corresponding to the ultrasonic echoes;
Ultrasonic image generating means for generating an ultrasonic image based on the received signals output by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers;
Display control means for controlling whether or not to superimpose a puncture guideline indicating a puncture path of a puncture needle on the ultrasound image generated by the ultrasound image generation means;
A means for controlling scanning of an ultrasonic beam formed by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, wherein a first focus point number is set for a first scanning range that is a range for scanning the ultrasonic beam. In the normal heat generation scanning mode in which the ultrasonic beam is scanned at the first scanning density and the first scanning rate, and in the state in which the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe is suppressed as compared with the normal heat generation scanning mode. Scanning control means having a low heat generation scanning mode for scanning the beam;
Timing acquisition means for acquiring timing information for switching from the normal heat generation scanning mode to the low heat generation scanning mode,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that scans the ultrasonic beam by switching the normal heat generation scanning mode to the low heat generation scanning mode based on the timing information acquired by the timing acquisition unit. Further comprising a switching detection means for detecting switching from a state in which the puncture guideline is not superimposed and displayed on the ultrasonic image to a state in which the puncture guideline is superimposed and displayed.
2. The super-scanning unit according to claim 1, wherein the scanning control unit sets a scanning mode for scanning the ultrasonic beam to the normal heat generation scanning mode when the switching detection unit detects the switching of the superimposed display of the puncture guideline. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scanning control unit scans the ultrasonic beam in a second scanning range narrower than the first scanning range in the low heat generation scanning mode.   The super-scanning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the scanning control unit scans the ultrasonic beam with a second focus point number smaller than the first focus point number in the low heat generation scanning mode. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.   5. The ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein the scanning control unit scans the ultrasonic beam at a second scanning density lower than the first scanning density in the low heat generation scanning mode. apparatus.   6. The ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein the scanning control unit scans the ultrasonic beam at a second scanning rate lower than the first scanning rate in the low heat generation scanning mode. apparatus.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scanning control unit scans the ultrasonic beam at a scanning rate that is the same as the first scanning rate in the low heat generation scanning mode. The timing acquisition means comprises index value acquisition means for acquiring an index value correlated with the temperature of the ultrasonic probe,
The scanning control unit scans the ultrasonic beam in the low heat generation scanning mode when the index value acquired by the index value acquisition unit exceeds a preset range in the normal heat generation scanning mode. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of any one of Claims 1-7.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the index value acquisition unit acquires time information related to a continuous operation time of the normal heat generation scanning mode as the index value. Comprising temperature detecting means for detecting the ambient temperature of the ultrasonic probe;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the index value acquisition unit acquires the ambient temperature detected by the temperature detection unit as the index value.   The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing acquisition unit includes a medical practice completion detection unit that detects completion of a medical practice using the puncture needle.   The timing acquisition unit detects that the medical action by the puncture needle is completed by determining whether or not the puncture needle is included in the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic image generation unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11.   The superimposing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the display control means superimposes and displays the puncture guideline on the ultrasonic image in a display mode different from the normal heat generation scanning mode in the low heat generation scanning mode. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying a user of the timing information acquired by the timing acquisition means. An ultrasonic probe having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers transmits an ultrasonic wave to a subject, receives an ultrasonic echo from the subject, and outputs a reception signal corresponding to the ultrasonic echo. An ultrasonic transmission and reception process;
An ultrasonic image generation step of generating an ultrasonic image based on the reception signals output by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers;
A display control step for controlling whether or not to display a puncture guideline indicating a puncture route of a puncture needle on the ultrasonic image generated in the ultrasonic image generation step;
A step of controlling scanning of an ultrasonic beam formed by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, wherein a first focus point number is set for a first scanning range that is a range in which the ultrasonic beam is scanned. In the normal heat generation scanning mode in which the ultrasonic beam is scanned at the first scanning density and the first scanning rate, and in the state in which the heat generation of the ultrasonic probe is suppressed as compared with the normal heat generation scanning mode. A scan control process having a low heat scan mode for scanning the beam;
A timing acquisition step of acquiring timing information for switching from the normal heat generation scanning mode to the low heat generation scanning mode,
In the scanning control step, based on the timing information acquired in the timing acquisition step, an operation of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that scans the ultrasonic beam by switching the normal heat generation scanning mode to the low heat generation scanning mode. Method.

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