JP2016036501A - Puncture adapter, ultrasonic probe, and ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve position accuracy of a puncture route for a puncture needle in a surgical operation with a body cavity mirror.SOLUTION: A puncture adapter includes a grip part, an insertion part, and a guide part. The grip part grips an ultrasonic probe inserted into a body cavity. The insertion part is provided with the grip part at one end and is formed in a rod-like shape so that part of the one end side can be inserted into the body cavity. The guide part is formed in the insertion part and guides a puncture needle to the one end side from the other end side. When the ultrasonic probe is gripped by the grip part, a guide route for guiding the puncture needle to a scan surface by the ultrasonic probe is specified.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5A

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a puncture adapter, an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus acquires biological information of a subject by transmitting ultrasonic waves into the subject using an ultrasonic probe and receiving a reflected wave thereof. The acquired biological information is generated as an ultrasound image representing the shape or function of the subject.

  For example, when an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is used in a body cavity operation, an ultrasound probe and forceps are inserted into a body cavity through a trocar (cylinder) arranged on the body wall of a subject. The surgeon moves the ultrasonic probe while holding the ultrasonic probe using forceps.

  The ultrasonic probe is moved in a limited space within the body cavity. The surgeon moves the ultrasonic probe to various positions or angles depending on the situation of the operation. While performing such movement, the surgeon confirms an ultrasonic image representing a desired slice for the target site and performs an operation.

  In such an operation, puncture may be performed. The surgeon inserts the puncture needle, observes the ultrasonic image, confirms the position of the puncture needle, and makes the tip of the puncture needle reach the target site. The surgeon collects tissue at the target site, injects a drug into the target site, and the like.

  Conventionally, a puncture needle used in a coelomic surgery has been inserted from the body wall of a subject. In this case, since the distance from the insertion position to the target site is long, the insertion path may be shifted before the tip of the puncture needle reaches the vicinity of the target site from the insertion position. As a result, there has been a demand for improving the positional accuracy of the insertion path of the puncture needle in the body cavity operation.

JP 2010-246576 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a puncture adapter, an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of improving the positional accuracy of the insertion path of a puncture needle in a body cavity operation.

The puncture adapter according to the embodiment includes a grip portion, an insertion portion, and a guide portion. The grasping part grasps the ultrasonic probe inserted into the body cavity. The insertion portion is provided with the grip portion at one end, and a part of the one end side is formed in a rod shape that can be inserted into the body cavity. The guide part is formed in the insertion part and guides the puncture needle from the other end side to the one end side. Further, when the ultrasonic probe is gripped by the gripping portion, a guide route for guiding the puncture needle to the scanning surface by the ultrasonic probe is specified.
The ultrasonic probe of the embodiment is an ultrasonic probe having a probe head that can be inserted into a body cavity, and has a protruding portion. The protruding portion is provided so as to protrude from the surface of the probe head and is formed so as to be graspable by a puncture adapter that guides the puncture needle. Further, the protrusion is provided at a position where a guide path for guiding the puncture needle to the scanning surface is specified when the protrusion is held by the puncture adapter.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe, a transmission / reception control unit, a positional relationship acquisition unit, and a display control unit. The ultrasonic probe is formed so as to be graspable by a puncture adapter that guides the puncture needle. The transmission / reception control unit causes the ultrasonic probe to transmit / receive an ultrasonic wave based on a predetermined transmission / reception condition, thereby scanning a predetermined scanning surface with the ultrasonic wave. The positional relationship acquisition unit acquires the positional relationship between the scanning surface by the ultrasonic probe and the guide path by the guide when the ultrasonic probe is gripped by the puncture adapter. The display control unit displays a marker representing the guide route on the display unit based on the positional relationship.

The schematic diagram showing the outline of the puncture adapter of embodiment. The schematic diagram showing the outline of the puncture adapter of embodiment. Sectional drawing of the puncture adapter of embodiment. Sectional drawing of the puncture adapter of embodiment. The schematic diagram showing the outline of the puncture adapter of a modification. The schematic diagram showing the outline of the puncture adapter of a modification. The perspective view which represents typically the ultrasonic probe of an embodiment. The side view which represents typically the ultrasonic probe of an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a projection view schematically showing a state in which the ultrasonic probe of the embodiment is viewed from the tip side. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment is held by a puncture adapter in a body cavity. The schematic diagram which represents a mode that the ultrasonic probe of embodiment is hold | gripped with the puncture adapter of a modification. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of an ultrasonic probe according to Modification 1. The schematic diagram showing a mode that the ultrasonic probe of the modification 1 is hold | gripped by the puncture adapter in a body cavity. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of an ultrasonic probe according to Modification 2. The schematic diagram showing a mode that the ultrasonic probe of the modification 2 is hold | gripped by the puncture adapter in a body cavity. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of an ultrasonic probe according to Modification 3. The schematic diagram showing a mode that the ultrasonic probe of the modification 3 is hold | gripped by the puncture adapter in a body cavity. The perspective view which represents typically the ultrasonic probe of the modification 4. FIG. The side view which represents typically the ultrasonic probe of the modification 4. FIG. The projection figure which represents typically a mode that the ultrasonic probe of the modification 4 was seen from the front end side. The schematic diagram showing a mode that the ultrasonic probe of the modification 4 is hold | gripped by the puncture adapter in a body cavity. The block diagram showing the functional composition of the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment of an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment is held by a puncture adapter in a body cavity. The schematic diagram showing the example of a display of an ultrasonic image and a marker. The schematic diagram showing the example of a display of an ultrasonic image and a marker. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a puncture adapter, an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Puncture adapter>
Drawing 1A and Drawing 1B are mimetic diagrams showing the outline of puncture adapter 1 of an embodiment. The puncture adapter 1 has a grip part 2, an insertion part 3, and an operation handle 4. The grasping unit 2 grasps the ultrasonic probe inserted into the body cavity. The insertion portion 3 is provided with a grip portion 2 at one end. The insertion part 3 is formed in a rod shape in which a part on one end side can be inserted into a body cavity. The operation handle 4 is provided at the other end of the insertion portion 3. The operation handle 4 is formed in a handle type that can be opened and closed in response to an operation by an operator. The operation handle 4 is connected to the grip 2 via a general forceps opening / closing mechanism constituted by a wire, a shaft, or the like. By this opening / closing mechanism, the opening / closing operation of the operation handle 4 is transmitted to the grip portion 2. The grip portion 2 is composed of a pair of grip pieces (2A, 2B) arranged in the horizontal direction, and is held by the base portion 2C so as to be opened and closed. The grip portion 2 is also opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing dynamics of the operation handle 4. FIG. 1A shows a state where the operation handle 4 and the grip 2 are open. FIG. 1B shows a state where the operation handle 4 and the grip portion 2 are closed.

  A guide portion 5 is formed in the insertion portion 3. The guide unit 5 guides the puncture needle from the other end side (operation handle 4 side) to one end side (gripping unit 2 side). The guide unit 5 guides the puncture needle to the scanning surface by the ultrasonic probe. 2A and 2B are AA cross-sectional views of the puncture adapter 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The guide part 5 is formed in the shape of a hole or a groove. FIG. 2A shows an example in which the guide portion 5 is formed in a hole shape. FIG. 2B shows an example in which the guide portion 5 is formed in a groove shape. The guide part 5 is formed so as to penetrate from one end of the insertion part 3 to the other end. The diameter of the hole of the guide part 5 or the width and depth of the groove may be dimensions that allow the insertion of the puncture needle. Thereby, the surgeon can perform the puncture operation while inserting the puncture needle along the guide portion 5. In this way, the surgeon can insert the puncture needle from the other end side (operation handle 4 side) of the guide portion 5 to one end side (gripping portion 2 side). The insertion portion 3 is provided with an opening / closing mechanism storage portion 6. The opening / closing mechanism housing 6 is inserted with a wire, a shaft, or the like of the opening / closing mechanism.

  With respect to the axis A1 of the guide part 5, the direction of the axis A1 of the guide part 5 can be regarded as the direction of the path (guide path) along which the puncture needle is guided. During the operation, the surgeon first adjusts the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 3 in a desired direction in which the puncture needle is desired to be guided. Thereby, the surgeon can grasp the insertion direction of the puncture needle and perform insertion in a desired direction.

<Modification of puncture adapter 1>
3A and 3B are schematic views showing an outline of a puncture adapter 1 according to a modification. As for the shape of the gripping portion 2 of the puncture adapter 1 of the modification, plate-shaped gripping pieces (2A, 2B) that are erected are arranged to face each other and are held by the base portion 2C so as to be freely opened and closed. A gap 7 is formed in each gripping piece (2A, 2B). FIG. 3A shows a state where the operation handle 4 and the grip portion 2 are open. FIG. 3B shows a state where the operation handle 4 and the grip portion 2 are closed. The gap 7 is formed in a size and shape that allows a horizontal protruding piece (described later) of the protruding portion on the ultrasonic probe side to be inserted when the grip portion 2 is closed.

<Ultrasonic probe>
FIG. 4A is a perspective view schematically showing the ultrasonic probe 8 of the embodiment. The ultrasonic probe 8 has a probe head 9 and a cable 10. The probe head 9 is formed in a size and a shape that can pass through the trocar so that it can be inserted into a body cavity. A cable 10 is connected to the probe head 9. In the present specification, in the probe head 9, the side to which the cable 10 is connected is referred to as a proximal end side, and the opposite side to the proximal end side is referred to as a distal end side.

  FIG. 4B is a side view schematically showing the ultrasonic probe 8 of this embodiment. FIG. 4C is a projection view schematically showing a state in which the ultrasonic probe 8 of this embodiment is viewed from the distal end side. The housing of the probe head 9 is configured using a material that can be inserted into a body cavity. The probe head 9 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 in its housing. The ultrasonic transducer 11 generates ultrasonic waves by vibrating based on a control signal from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The generated ultrasonic wave is transmitted to the subject. The ultrasonic transducer 11 receives a reflected wave from the subject and outputs an echo signal based on the received reflected wave to the ultrasonic transducer 11. The scanning plane of ultrasonic waves transmitted and received in this way is determined by a control signal from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  The probe head 9 is configured to transmit an ultrasonic wave emitted from a predetermined surface to the subject and receive a reflected wave from this surface. For example, in the casing of the probe head 9, the ultrasonic transducers 11 are arranged in the vicinity of the surface that emits ultrasonic waves along the longitudinal direction of the probe head 9. The scanning surface by ultrasonic waves is parallel to the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 11. In the housing of the probe head 9, a backing material that absorbs ultrasonic waves is provided between a surface opposite to a predetermined surface and the ultrasonic transducer 11.

  The probe head 9 has a protrusion 12. The protrusion 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C. The projecting portion 12 is formed in a T-shape and includes a standing piece 12A and a horizontal projecting piece 12B. When gripped by the puncture adapter 1 having the guide portion 5 for guiding the puncture needle, the guide path by the guide portion 5 is provided so as to protrude from the surface of the probe head 9 so as to pass the scanning surface.

  The protrusion 12 is provided so as to protrude from the surface of the probe head 9. For example, the surface of the probe head 9 is the outer surface of the housing of the probe head 9. The protrusion 12 is provided so as to protrude from a surface different from the surface from which the ultrasonic waves are emitted, of the surface of the probe head 9. The surface from which the ultrasonic waves are emitted is a surface in the vicinity of the arranged ultrasonic transducers 11. For example, the protruding portion 12 is provided as a surface different from this surface so as to protrude from the surface opposite to the surface from which the ultrasonic waves are emitted.

  For example, the protrusion 12 is provided at a position where the above-described guide path passes through the scanning plane in parallel to the scanning plane. The protrusion 12 is formed so as to be graspable by the puncture adapter 1 that guides the puncture needle. For example, the standing piece 12A is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The standing piece 12 </ b> A has a pair of sandwiched surfaces S <b> 1 that are sandwiched by the grip portion 2 among the rectangular parallelepiped surfaces. The protruding position and shape of the protruding portion 12 are determined such that the intermediate surface S2 that bisects the distance (inter-surface distance) between the pair of sandwiched surfaces S1 includes the extended surface of the scanning surface. Thereby, the intermediate surface S2 is a plane including the arrangement axis of the ultrasonic transducers 11. For example, the center of the rectangular parallelepiped shape of the protrusion 12 is located in a plane including the scanning plane. Furthermore, this rectangular parallelepiped shape is formed such that the sandwiched surface S1 is parallel to the scanning surface. The horizontal protruding piece 12B is formed so that the width in the short direction of the probe head 9 is wider than the standing piece 12A. Thereby, when the grip portion 2 is about to slip out of the standing piece 12 </ b> A, the horizontal protruding piece 12 </ b> B is caught by the grip portion 2.

  The cable 10 electrically connects the probe head 9 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. A part of the cable 10 on the probe head 9 side is inserted into the body cavity. A control signal from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 11 via the cable 10. The echo signal from the ultrasonic transducer 11 is sent to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via the cable 10. The cable 10 has flexibility. During the operation, the cable 10 bends appropriately following the position of the probe head 9.

<Usage example of puncture adapter 1>
FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram schematically showing a state in which the ultrasonic probe 8 of this embodiment is grasped by the puncture adapter 1 in the body cavity B1. The probe head 9 and the puncture adapter 1 are inserted into the body cavity B1 through the trocars (T1, T2) arranged on the body wall B2 of the subject. The surgeon uses the puncture adapter 1 to hold the probe head 9 inserted into the body cavity B1. At this time, the operator operates the operation handle 4 of the puncture adapter 1 to cause the grasping portion 2 to hold the protruding portion 12. The protruding portion 12 is gripped by the grip portion 2 when the grip portion 2 is closed. When the protruding portion 12 is gripped in this way, the positional relationship between the puncture adapter 1 and the probe head 9 is fixed. Fixing the relative positional relationship between the puncture adapter 1 and the probe head 9 corresponds to fixing the relative positional relationship between the predetermined scanning plane SC and the guide path. Thus, when the ultrasound probe 8 is gripped by the grip portion 2, a guide path for guiding the puncture needle to the scanning surface is specified. When performing the puncture, the surgeon holds the protruding portion 12 of the probe head 9 using the puncture adapter 1, thereby fixing the relative positional relationship between the predetermined scanning plane SC and the guide path. Can be inserted. Thereby, the relative positional relationship between the puncture adapter 1 and the probe head 9 is fixed. The operator brings the probe head 9 into contact with the target organ V1 through the puncture adapter 1 while adjusting the position and angle of the probe head 9 in the body cavity B1. At the same time, the surgeon visually recognizes an ultrasonic image in which the scanning plane SC is imaged. Thereby, the surgeon can confirm the target tissue V2 for puncture.

  In the puncture, a puncture needle is inserted toward the puncture target tissue V2. At this time, the puncture needle is inserted along the guide portion 5. Thereby, the tip of the puncture needle advances to the target tissue V2 along the guide route. Since the relative positional relationship between the puncture adapter 1 and the probe head 9 is fixed, the relative positional relationship between the scanning plane SC and the guide path is also fixed. At this time, the guide route is parallel to the scanning plane. Further, the guide route passes through the scanning plane SC. The error range of the parallelism at this time may be an error range in which the guide path passes through the scan plane SC while being included in the slice thickness range of the scan plane SC.

  In this manner, when the puncture needle is inserted with the relative positional relationship between the guide path and the scan plane SC fixed, and the tip of the puncture needle is included in the scan plane SC, the puncture needle is included in the ultrasonic image. Is drawn. Thereby, the surgeon can advance insertion while confirming the tip position of the puncture needle by visually recognizing the ultrasonic image. Moreover, since this insertion is performed through the puncture adapter 1 that holds the probe head 9 in the body cavity B1, the insertion start location is not the body wall B2 but the surface of the target organ V1. Therefore, the insertion can be performed with less burden on the subject than when the insertion starts from the body wall. Furthermore, when the insertion start location becomes the surface of the target organ V1, the distance from the insertion start location to the target tissue V2 for puncture is shortened. Therefore, the position accuracy of puncture is improved. FIG. 5B is a schematic view schematically showing a state in which the ultrasonic probe 8 of this embodiment is gripped by the puncture adapter 1 of the modified example (see FIG. 3B) in the body cavity B1. When the grip portion 2 is closed, the horizontal protruding piece 12B of the protruding portion on the ultrasonic probe side passes through the gap portion 7, and the protruding portion 12 is gripped. When the grip portion 2 is about to slip out of the standing piece 12A, the grip portion 2 is caught by the horizontal protruding piece 12B. In this way, the horizontal protruding piece 12B prevents the grip portion 2 from slipping out of the standing piece 12A.

<Variation 1 of the ultrasonic probe 8>
FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of the ultrasonic probe 8 of the first modification. The probe head 9 and the cable 10 of the ultrasonic probe 8 of this modification are connected to a surface of the probe head 9 that is different from the surface through which the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 11 passes. In other words, the connection position of the probe head 9 and the cable 10 in the ultrasonic probe 8 of this modification is the side surface of the probe head 9 and is a position different from the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 11 related to the scanning surface. The protrusion 12 is provided on the proximal end side of the probe head 9.

  Usually, the ultrasonic transducers 11 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the probe head 9. Then, a scanning surface is formed in parallel with the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 11. In the example of FIG. 6A, the connection position between the probe head 9 and the cable 10 is provided on the side surface of the probe head 9 as a position different from the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 11.

  FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the ultrasonic probe of Modification 1 is grasped by the puncture adapter 1 in the body cavity B1. For example, when the protrusion 12 is provided on the proximal end side of the probe head 9, the cable 10 may obstruct the guide path. If the cable 10 obstructs the guide path, the puncture position accuracy may deteriorate. When the connection position of the probe head 9 and the cable 10 is provided on the side surface of the probe head 9 as a position different from the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 11 of the probe head 9 as in this modification, the cable 10 can prevent the guide route from being obstructed. Thereby, even when the puncture needle is inserted from the proximal end side of the probe head 9, puncture with high positional accuracy can be performed.

<Modification 2 of the ultrasonic probe 8>
FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of the ultrasonic probe 8 of the second modification. FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the ultrasonic probe 8 of Modification 2 is grasped by the puncture adapter 1 in the body cavity B1. In addition, the protrusion part 12 is abbreviate | omitted for convenience. As in this example, the connection position may be provided on the upper surface of the probe head 9. Even in this case, the cable 10 can be prevented from obstructing the guide route.

<Modification 3 of the ultrasonic probe 8>
FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of the ultrasonic probe 8 of Modification 3. The probe head 9 of the ultrasonic probe 8 of this modification includes an insertion portion 14 formed so that a puncture needle can be inserted when held by the puncture adapter 1. And the protrusion part 12 is provided in the base end side of the probe head 9 similarly to the example shown to FIG. 6A.

  For example, the insertion portion 14 is formed in a notch shape in the probe head 9. The insertion part 14 forms a space through which the puncture needle can be inserted from the protruding part 12 side to the side where the ultrasonic waves are emitted. The shape of the insertion portion 14 is formed along the guide path when the probe head 9 is gripped by the grip portion 2. The width of the insertion part 14 is determined to be a width through which the puncture needle can be inserted.

  FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the ultrasonic probe of Modification 3 is grasped by the puncture adapter 1 in the body cavity B1. When the protruding portion 12 of the probe head 9 of this modification is gripped by the grip portion 2 of the puncture adapter 1, the relative positional relationship between the probe head 9 and the guide path is fixed. As described above, since the insertion portion 14 is formed along the guide path, the tip of the puncture needle can pass through the insertion portion 14 after passing through the guide portion 5. Thereafter, the tip of the puncture needle reaches the target organ V1 and is inserted.

  In the probe head 9, the guide path may be hindered by the housing of the probe head 9 depending on the position where the protrusion 12 is provided. As in this modification, the insertion portion 14 formed so that the puncture needle can be inserted is formed, thereby performing a puncture with high positional accuracy while preventing the housing of the probe head 9 from interfering with the guide path. be able to.

<Modification 4 of the ultrasonic probe 8>
FIG. 9A is a perspective view schematically showing the ultrasonic probe 8 of the fourth modification. The probe head 9 of the ultrasonic probe 8 is provided so that the guide path passes through the scanning surface SC in parallel to a plane orthogonal to the scanning surface.

  FIG. 9B is a side view schematically showing the ultrasonic probe 8 of the fourth modification. FIG. 9C is a projection view schematically illustrating a state in which the ultrasonic probe 8 of Modification 4 is viewed from the distal end side. The protrusion 12 is provided so as to protrude from the surface opposite to the surface from which the ultrasonic waves are emitted. The standing piece 12A is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The standing piece 12 </ b> A has a pair of sandwiched surfaces S <b> 1 that are sandwiched by the grip portion 2 among the rectangular parallelepiped surfaces. The protruding position and shape of the protruding portion 12 are determined to be a position and shape in which the sandwiched surface S1 is parallel to a plane orthogonal to the scanning surface. In addition, the horizontal protrusion piece 12B is formed wider in the longitudinal direction of the probe head 9 than the standing piece 12A.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the ultrasonic probe 8 according to the modified example 4 is grasped by the puncture adapter 1 in the body cavity. The probe head 9 and the puncture adapter 1 are inserted into the body cavity through trocars (T1, T2) arranged on the body wall of the subject. The surgeon uses the puncture adapter 1 to hold the probe head 9 inserted into the body cavity. At this time, the surgeon operates the operation part of the puncture adapter 1 to cause the grasping part 2 to hold the protruding part 12. Thereby, the relative positional relationship between the puncture adapter 1 and the probe head 9 is fixed.

  Thus, since the relative positional relationship between the puncture adapter 1 and the probe head 9 is fixed, the relative positional relationship between the scanning plane SC and the guide path is also fixed. At this time, the guide path is parallel to a plane orthogonal to the scanning plane. Further, the guide route passes through the scanning plane SC.

  Thus, the position (passing position) at which the guide path passes through the scan plane SC is specified by fixing the relative positional relationship between the scan plane SC and the guide path. In the puncture, the position and angle of the ultrasonic probe 8 are adjusted so that the target tissue V2 matches the passage position, and puncture is started, so that puncture with high positional accuracy can be performed.

<Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment>
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.

  The ultrasonic probe 8 is configured to be graspable by a puncture adapter 1 having a guide portion 5 for guiding a puncture needle. The ultrasonic probe 8 may be connected to any shape of the ultrasonic probe 8 of the above-described embodiment. Here, an example in which the ultrasonic probe 8 shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C is connected will be described.

  The transmission / reception control unit 15 causes the ultrasonic probe 8 to transmit / receive ultrasonic waves based on predetermined transmission / reception conditions, thereby scanning the predetermined scanning plane SC with ultrasonic waves. The predetermined transmission / reception conditions may be preset or may be input by an operator. The transmission / reception controller 15 transmits an ultrasonic wave by supplying an electrical signal to the ultrasonic probe 8 based on the transmission / reception conditions. The transmission / reception conditions include an azimuth range for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves and a depth range for imaging. Accordingly, the ultrasonic scanning plane SC is determined by the transmission / reception conditions. Further, the transmission / reception unit receives an echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 8. The transmission / reception control unit 15 performs signal processing such as A / D conversion processing, delay processing, and addition processing on the echo signal based on predetermined transmission / reception conditions. The transmission / reception control unit 15 outputs the echo signal subjected to the signal processing to the image generation unit 16 as a reception signal.

  The image generation unit 16 generates ultrasonic image data representing the tissue form of the scanning plane SC based on the received signal from the transmission / reception control unit 15. For example, the image generation unit 16 performs a band pass filter process on the received signal, and detects the envelope of the output signal. The image generation unit 16 performs compression processing by logarithmic conversion on the detected data. The image generation unit 16 performs the scan converter process on the received signals (ultrasonic raster data) after these processes, thereby generating ultrasonic image data representing the tissue form of the scanning plane SC. The image generation unit 16 outputs the ultrasonic image data to the display control unit 18.

  The positional relationship acquisition unit 17 acquires the positional relationship between the scanning plane SC by the ultrasonic probe 8 and the guide route by the guide unit 5 of the puncture adapter 1. The positional relationship acquisition unit 17 includes a probe position detection unit 171, a scanning surface position acquisition unit 172, a guide unit position detection unit 173, a guide route position acquisition unit 174, and a relative position acquisition unit 175.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the ultrasound probe 8 connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment is grasped by the puncture adapter 1 in the body cavity. As the puncture adapter, any shape of the puncture adapter of the above-described embodiment may be used. Here, an example in which the puncture adapter 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B holds the ultrasonic probe 8 will be described. The probe position detector 171 detects the position of the ultrasonic probe 8. For example, the probe position detection unit 171 includes a position sensor SE such as a magnetic sensor. The position sensor SE is housed in the housing of the probe head 9. Thereby, the position of the position sensor SE represents the position of the probe head 9. The probe position detector 171 detects the position of the probe head 9 by detecting the position of the position sensor SE. The probe position detection unit 171 outputs the detected position of the probe head 9 to the scanning plane position acquisition unit 172. Note that the probe position detection unit 171 may include a general position sensor SE other than the magnetic sensor.

  The scanning plane position acquisition unit 172 acquires the position of the scanning plane SC based on the detected position of the ultrasonic probe 8 and transmission / reception conditions. The scanning surface position acquisition unit 172 specifies the position of the probe head 9 by receiving the position of the probe head 9 from the probe position detection unit 171. At the same time, the scanning plane position acquisition unit 172 receives the transmission / reception conditions from the transmission / reception control unit 15 to identify the relative position of the scanning plane SC with respect to the probe head 9. The scanning plane position acquisition unit 172 acquires the position of the scanning plane SC in the body cavity by collating the identified position of the probe head 9 with the relative position of the scanning plane SC. The scan plane position acquisition unit 172 outputs the acquired position of the scan plane SC to the relative position acquisition unit 175.

  The guide unit position detection unit 173 detects the position of the guide unit 5. For example, the guide unit position detection unit 173 includes a position of a magnetic sensor or the like. The position sensor SE is housed in the insertion part 3 of the puncture adapter 1. Since the guide part 5 is formed in the insertion part 3, the position of the position sensor SE represents the position of the guide part 5. The guide part position detector 173 detects the position of the guide part 5 by detecting the position of the position sensor SE. The guide unit position detection unit 173 outputs the detected position of the guide unit 5 to the guide route position acquisition unit 174. In addition, the guide part position detection part 173 may be comprised including general position sensors SE other than a magnetic sensor.

  The guide route position acquisition unit 174 acquires the position of the guide route based on the detected position of the guide unit 5. The guide route position acquisition unit 174 receives the position of the guide unit 5 from the guide unit 5 position acquisition unit. The guide route position acquisition unit 174 obtains the position of the axis A <b> 1 line of the guide unit 5 based on the received position of the guide unit 5. The guide route position acquisition unit 174 acquires the position of the guide route by obtaining a straight line formed by extending the axis. This is because the straight line formed by extending the axis A1 of the guide portion 5 can be regarded as a guide path through which the puncture needle is guided in the puncture. The guide route acquisition unit outputs the acquired position of the guide route to the relative position acquisition unit 175.

  The relative position acquisition unit 175 acquires the relative position between the acquired position of the scanning plane SC and the position of the guide route as a positional relationship. The relative position acquisition unit 175 receives the position of the scanning plane SC from the scanning plane position acquisition unit 172 and also receives the position of the guide route from the guide route acquisition unit. The relative position acquisition unit 175 acquires the relative position between the position of the scanning plane SC and the position of the guide path as a positional relationship by collating the received position of the scanning plane SC with the position of the guide path. The relative position acquisition unit 175 outputs the acquired positional relationship to the display control unit 18.

  The display control unit 18 causes the display unit 19 to display an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic image data received from the image generation unit 16. Further, the display control unit 18 causes the display unit 19 to display a marker representing the guidance route based on the positional relationship received from the positional relationship acquisition unit 17. For example, the display control unit 18 superimposes and displays the ultrasonic image and the marker.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of an ultrasound image and a marker when the ultrasound probe 8 illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C is used. In this example, the guide path passes through the scanning plane SC parallel to the scanning plane. The display control unit 18 specifies the relative position of the guide route with respect to the ultrasound image with reference to the received positional relationship. The specified relative position represents the position of the guide route in the scanning plane SC depicted in the ultrasonic image. The display control unit 18 causes a linear marker M1 representing the guide route to be superimposed and displayed at a position in the ultrasonic image corresponding to the specified relative position. Thereby, the operator can visually recognize the insertion path of the puncture needle together with the image of the target tissue V2 in the puncture operation. Furthermore, by displaying the marker M1 representing the guide route superimposed on the ultrasonic image, the operator can visually recognize the positional relationship between the insertion route of the puncture needle and the target tissue V2 in the puncture operation.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of an ultrasound image and a marker when the ultrasound probe 8 illustrated in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C is used. In this example, the guide path passes through the scanning plane SC in parallel to a plane orthogonal to the scanning plane. The display control unit 18 obtains the position of the intersection between the guide route and the scanning plane based on the specified relative position. Further, the display control unit 18 obtains the position of the projection line obtained by projecting the guide route from the direction perpendicular to the scanning plane. The display control unit 18 superimposes and displays the marker M2 indicating the position of the obtained projection line and the marker M3 indicating the position of the intersection (intersection of the guide path and the scanning plane) on the marker M2 on the ultrasound image. . In this example, the intersection of the guide route and the scanning plane is represented by intersecting the marker M2 and the marker M3. Thus, the surgeon can perform a puncture operation while visually recognizing the positional relationship between the intersection where the guide path passes through the scanning plane and the target tissue V2 depicted in the ultrasonic image.

  The display unit 19 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence). The display unit 19 is connected to the display control unit 18 in a communicable manner. The display unit 19 is controlled by the display control unit 18 to display an ultrasonic image and a marker representing the guide route.

  The operation unit 20 is used for inputting various instructions and information to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The operation unit 20 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, and the like. The operation unit 20 may include a GUI (Graphical User Interface) displayed on the display unit 19.

  The system control unit 21 controls each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The system control unit 21 includes a general storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), and the like, and includes a computer program for controlling each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Remember. The system control unit 21 includes a general processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and executes a stored computer program. Controls each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. For example, the system control unit 21 stores and executes a computer program representing the following operation.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.

  Step S101: The transmission / reception control unit 15 causes the ultrasonic probe 8 to transmit / receive ultrasonic waves based on predetermined transmission / reception conditions, thereby scanning the predetermined scanning plane SC with ultrasonic waves. The transmission / reception control unit 15 outputs the echo signal subjected to the signal processing to the image generation unit 16 as a reception signal.

  Step S102: The image generation unit 16 generates ultrasonic image data representing the form of the tissue on the scanning plane SC based on the reception signal from the transmission / reception control unit 15. The image generation unit 16 outputs the ultrasonic image data to the display control unit 18.

  Step S103: The probe position detector 171 detects the position of the probe head 9 by detecting the position of the magnetic sensor. The probe position detection unit 171 outputs the detected position of the probe head 9 to the scanning plane position acquisition unit 172.

  Step S104: The scanning plane position acquisition unit 172 acquires the position of the scanning plane SC based on the detected position of the ultrasonic probe 8 and transmission / reception conditions. The scan plane position acquisition unit 172 outputs the acquired position of the scan plane SC to the relative position acquisition unit 175.

  Step S105: The guide part position detector 173 detects the position of the guide part 5. The guide unit position detection unit 173 outputs the detected position of the guide unit 5 to the guide route position acquisition unit 174.

  Step S106: The guide route position acquisition unit 174 acquires the position of the guide route based on the detected position of the guide unit 5. The guide route acquisition unit outputs the acquired position of the guide route to the relative position acquisition unit 175.

  In addition, the step group of step S103 and step S104 and the step group of step S105 and step S106 are processed in parallel.

  Step S107: The relative position acquisition unit 175 acquires the relative position between the position of the scanning plane SC and the position of the guide path as a positional relationship by collating the received position of the scanning plane SC with the position of the guide path. The relative position acquisition unit 175 outputs the acquired positional relationship to the display control unit 18.

  In addition, the step group of step S101 and step S102 and the step group from step S103 to step S107 are processed in parallel.

  Step S108: The display control unit 18 causes the display unit 19 to display an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound image data received from the image generation unit 16. At the same time, the display control unit 18 causes the display unit 19 to display a marker representing the guidance route based on the positional relationship received from the positional relationship acquisition unit 17.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the embodiment, a marker representing the insertion path of the puncture needle is displayed together with the ultrasonic image. Thereby, the surgeon can perform the puncture while visually recognizing the positional relationship between the target tissue V2 and the insertion path. Therefore, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy of the puncture path of the puncture needle in the operation under the body cavity endoscope.

  According to the puncture adapter, the ultrasonic probe, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy of the puncture path of the puncture needle in the operation under the body cavity endoscope.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Puncture adapter 2 Gripping part 2A, 2B Gripping piece 2C Base part 3 Insertion part 4 Operation handle 5 Guide part 6 Opening / closing mechanism accommodating part 7 Gap part 8 Ultrasonic probe 9 Probe head 10 Cable 11 Ultrasonic transducer 12 Protruding part 12A Standing Fragment 12B Horizontal protruding piece 14 Insertion unit 15 Transmission / reception control unit 16 Image generation unit 17 Position relation acquisition unit 18 Display control unit 19 Display unit 20 Operation unit 21 System control unit 171 Probe position detection unit 172 Scanning surface position acquisition unit 173 Guide unit position Detection unit 174 Guide route position acquisition unit 175 Relative position acquisition unit

Claims (9)

A gripping part for gripping the ultrasonic probe inserted into the body cavity;
The grip portion is provided at one end, and a rod-shaped insertion portion in which a part of the one end side can be inserted into the body cavity;
A guide part that is formed in the insertion part and guides the puncture needle from the other end side to the one end side;
Have
A puncture adapter, wherein a guide path for guiding a puncture needle to a scanning surface by the ultrasonic probe when the ultrasonic probe is held by the holding portion is specified.   2. The puncture adapter according to claim 1, wherein the guide part is formed in a hole or groove shape and has an axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of the insertion part. An ultrasonic probe having a probe head that can be inserted into a body cavity,
A protruding portion provided so as to protrude from the surface of the probe head and formed to be graspable by a puncture adapter for guiding a puncture needle;
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is provided at a position where a guide path for guiding the puncture needle to the scanning surface is specified when the protrusion is held by the puncture adapter.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion is provided at a position where the guide path passes through the scanning plane in parallel with the scanning plane. Including cables and ultrasonic transducers,
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 4, wherein the probe head and the cable are connected to a surface of the probe head that is different from a surface through which the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers passes.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 4, wherein the probe head includes an insertion portion formed so that the puncture needle can be inserted when the probe head is held by the puncture adapter.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion is provided so that the guide path passes through the scanning plane in parallel to a plane orthogonal to the scanning plane. An ultrasonic probe that can be held by a puncture adapter for guiding a puncture needle;
A transmission / reception controller that scans a predetermined scanning surface with ultrasonic waves by causing the ultrasonic probe to transmit / receive ultrasonic waves based on predetermined transmission / reception conditions;
When the ultrasonic probe is gripped by the puncture adapter, a positional relationship acquisition unit that acquires a positional relationship between the scanning surface by the ultrasonic probe and a guide route by the guide unit;
Based on the positional relationship, a display control unit that displays a marker representing the guide route on a display unit;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The relative position acquisition unit
A probe position detector for detecting the position of the ultrasonic probe;
A scanning plane position acquisition unit that acquires the position of the scanning plane based on the detected position of the ultrasonic probe and the transmission / reception conditions;
A guide part position detector for detecting the position of the guide part;
A guide route position acquisition unit that acquires the position of the guide route based on the detected position of the guide unit;
A relative position acquisition unit that acquires a relative position between the acquired position of the scanning plane and the position of the guide path as the positional relationship;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, comprising:

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