JP2017144105A - Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of easily re-displaying a two-dimensional ultrasound image corresponding to a position of a cross-section surface adjusted by a user.SOLUTION: The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus generates an ultrasound image on the basis of an echo signal from a subject according to transesophageal echocardiography, and comprises: a storage circuit 56 prestoring information on a plurality of position of a cross-section surfaces of a subject; an image output part 62 causing a display to display a two-dimensional ultrasound image based on an echo signal corresponding to one of the plurality of position of a cross-section surfaces of the subject; an update part 63 which, when a position of a cross-section surface corresponding to the two-dimensional ultrasound image displayed in the display is modified, causes a storage circuit to associate information of the modified position of a cross-section surface and information on the subject and to store them; and a setting part 61 setting to an image output part the modified position of a cross-section surface which is stored in the storage circuit 56 in association with the subject when the display is caused to display the ultrasound image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  Recently, some ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses use a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) ultrasonic probe. This TEE probe is inserted into the upper digestive tract such as the esophagus and stomach orally, and is used for, for example, ultrasonic imaging of the heart and the like. For example, there is a TEE probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a row in order to capture two-dimensional ultrasonic image data. Further, for example, there is a TEE probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are two-dimensionally arranged in a lattice shape in order to capture three-dimensional ultrasonic image data.

  In the examination using the TEE probe, for example, a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images corresponding to a plurality of cross sections of the examination target site are generated based on a reception signal from the TEE probe positioned at a predetermined position in the esophagus. . A user observes a region to be examined by, for example, displaying a two-dimensional ultrasonic image corresponding to a desired cross section.

  The cross section where the inspection target part is easy to observe varies depending on the shape of the inspection target part, the shape of the esophagus, and the like, and thus differs depending on the subject. For this reason, after displaying the two-dimensional ultrasonic image considered to correspond to a desired cross section, the user may adjust the cross section position so that the examination target site can be more easily observed.

  However, the adjusted cross-sectional position information is lost when the display image is switched to a two-dimensional ultrasonic image corresponding to another cross-section. For this reason, when displaying a two-dimensional ultrasonic image corresponding to another cross-section and then displaying again a two-dimensional ultrasonic image of the cross-sectional position adjusted by the user, the user adjusts the cross-sectional position again. It must be complicated.

  In addition, when a TEE probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are two-dimensionally arranged in a lattice shape is used, a three-dimensional ultrasonic image of a region to be inspected is generated. In this case, the user can observe the examination target part while switching the image to be displayed on the display between the two-dimensional ultrasonic image and the three-dimensional ultrasonic image. However, also in this case, the information of the adjusted cross-sectional position is lost when the display image is switched to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image. For this reason, even if it is desired to display the two-dimensional ultrasonic image of the cross-sectional position adjusted by the user once again after displaying the three-dimensional ultrasonic image, the user must adjust the cross-sectional position again.

JP 2014-39886 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of easily redisplaying a two-dimensional ultrasonic image corresponding to a cross-sectional position adjusted by a user.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on an echo signal from a subject by transesophageal echocardiography in order to solve the above-described problem. A memory circuit that stores information on a plurality of cross-sectional positions of the subject in advance and one of the plurality of cross-sectional positions of the subject is set, and 2 based on the echo signal corresponding to the set cross-sectional position. An image output unit for displaying a two-dimensional ultrasonic image on a display; and when a cross-sectional position corresponding to the two-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on the display is corrected, information on the corrected cross-sectional position and information on the subject An update unit that associates information and stores the information in the storage circuit, and an ultrasonic image to be displayed on the display are switched between a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic images including the two-dimensional ultrasonic image. As described above, when the switching unit that controls the image output unit and the image to be switched by the switching unit are the two-dimensional ultrasound image of the subject, the image is stored in the storage circuit in association with the subject. And a setting unit that sets the corrected cross-sectional position in the image output unit.

1 is an external view showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of an ultrasound diagnosing device. The schematic block diagram which shows the example of an implementation | achievement function by the processor of a processing circuit. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of a mode when the ultrasonic probe which concerns on this embodiment produces | generates the ultrasonic image of the heart of a subject by TEE method. The enlarged view of the A section of FIG. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between the typical view of a mitral valve, and the angle corresponding to each view, (b) is the positional relationship of an esophagus, a heart, an ultrasonic probe, and four cavity cross sections Explanatory drawing which shows an example. The figure for demonstrating the mode switching which switches 2D mode and 4D mode. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display when the angle of 2ch view is corrected to 70 degree | times, (b) is a concept which shows the cross-sectional position in case the angle of 2ch view is corrected to 70 degree | times. Figure. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the timing at which a test | inspection is performed. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display image of the display image selection image when the angle of view is corrected, (b) is other than the image for selection of the display image when the angle of view is corrected Explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display. An explanation showing an example of angle setting information stored in a storage circuit. The figure which shows the 1st example of the view candidate displayed on the partial area | region of the display which is displaying 4D mode. The figure which shows the 2nd example of the view candidate displayed on the partial area | region of the display which is displaying 4D mode. The figure which shows the 3rd example of the view candidate displayed on the partial area | region of the display which is displaying 4D mode. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure at the time of easily re-displaying the two-dimensional ultrasonic image corresponding to the cross-sectional position adjusted by the user by the processor of the processing circuit shown in FIG. The subroutine flowchart which shows an example of the update process of the angle setting information of the view being displayed performed by the update function in step S11 of FIG.

  Embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external view showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes an ultrasonic probe 11, a cable 12, an operation panel 20, a display 30, and an apparatus main body 40.

  The ultrasonic probe 11 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (piezoelectric transducers). The plurality of ultrasonic transducers generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal supplied from the apparatus main body 40. The ultrasonic probe 11 transmits beam-like ultrasonic waves (ultrasonic beams) into the body of the subject P by focusing ultrasonic waves generated from a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and further echoes from the subject P. Receive the signal and convert it into an electrical signal. The ultrasonic probe 11 includes a matching layer provided in the piezoelectric vibrator, a backing material that prevents propagation of ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric vibrator to the rear, and the like.

  When an ultrasonic beam is transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 11 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic beam is reflected one after another at a discontinuous surface of the acoustic impedance in the body tissue of the subject P, and the reflected wave is an echo signal. Are received by a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The amplitude of the received echo signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surface where the ultrasonic beam is reflected. The reflected wave signal when the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the moving blood flow or the surface of the heart wall depends on the velocity component of the moving object in the ultrasonic transmission direction due to the Doppler effect. , Subject to frequency shift.

  Note that, in the present embodiment, even when the subject P is scanned three-dimensionally by the ultrasonic probe 11 that is a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are arranged two-dimensionally in a lattice shape, The subject P is scanned in two dimensions by the ultrasound probe 11 which is a one-dimensional ultrasound probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are arranged in a row, or the subject P is rotated by rotating the plurality of ultrasound transducers. Even when scanning three-dimensionally, the present invention can be applied to the ultrasonic probe 11 that mechanically swings a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators of the one-dimensional ultrasonic probe. In the following description, an example in which the ultrasonic probe 11 is a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators such as 48 × 50, for example, are two-dimensionally arranged in a lattice shape will be described.

  The ultrasonic probe 11 according to the present embodiment is a TEE probe. The ultrasonic probe 11 as a TEE probe is inserted into the body of the subject P orally. The ultrasonic probe 11 is brought into contact with the upper digestive tract such as the esophagus and stomach of the subject P and positioned at a predetermined position, and an arbitrary cross section of the examination target region and three-dimensional ultrasonic image data (volume data). ).

  The operation panel 20 includes a touch panel 21 and hard keys 22. The touch panel 21 functions as a touch command screen, and includes a display 23 and a touch input circuit 24 provided in the vicinity of the display 23. The display 23 of the touch panel 21 is configured by a general display output device such as a liquid crystal display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display. The touch input circuit 24 gives information on the position indicated on the touch input circuit by the user to the apparatus main body 40. For example, in the case of a projection type capacitive panel, the touch sensor has electrode rows arranged vertically and horizontally. In this case, the touch sensor can acquire the contact position based on the output change of the electrode array in accordance with the change in the capacitance near the contact position of the contact object. The hard keys 22 are a keyboard, a mouse, a foot switch, a trackball, various buttons, and the like.

  The touch input circuit 24 and the hard key 22 of the touch panel 21 constitute an input circuit, each accepting various instructions from the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 and transferring the received various instructions to the apparatus main body 40. Specifically, the touch input circuit 24 and the hard key 22 receive, for example, a mode switching instruction, a view switching instruction, an instruction for adjusting the angle of the view being displayed from the user, and an operation input signal corresponding to the user's operation. Output to the main body 40.

  Here, the mode switching instruction refers to a 2D mode in which one of a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images is displayed as a real-time moving image or a still image, and a three-dimensional ultrasonic image acquired in real time is displayed as a moving image. An instruction to switch from one of the 4D mode to the other mode. The view switching instruction refers to an instruction to switch an image from one image to another among a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images. Each of the plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic images is an image corresponding to a different cross-sectional position. In the following description, each of a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images is referred to as a view.

  The display 30 is configured by a general display output device such as a liquid crystal display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, and displays an ultrasonic image generated in the device main body 40. Further, the display 30 displays an image for the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 to input various instructions using the operation panel 20, for example.

  The apparatus main body 40 generates an ultrasonic image based on an echo signal from the subject received by the ultrasonic probe 11 by the TEE method. The apparatus main body 40 can generate a two-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the two-dimensional signal, and can generate a three-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the three-dimensional echo signal.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus body 40 includes a transmission / reception circuit 50, a B-mode processing circuit 51, a Doppler processing circuit 52, an image generation circuit 53, an image memory 54, a timer 55, a storage circuit 56, a processing circuit 57, and a display processing circuit. 58.

  The transmission / reception circuit 50 includes a transmission circuit 50a and a reception circuit 50b, and controls transmission directivity and reception directivity in ultrasonic transmission / reception.

  The transmission circuit 50 a includes a trigger generation circuit, a transmission delay circuit, a pulsar circuit, and the like, and supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 11 via the cable 12. The pulsar circuit repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. The transmission delay circuit assigns the delay time for each piezoelectric vibrator necessary for determining the transmission directivity by focusing the ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic probe 11 into a beam, for each rate pulse generated by the pulser circuit. Give to. The trigger generation circuit applies a drive pulse signal to the ultrasonic probe 11 at a timing based on the rate pulse. The delay circuit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction from the piezoelectric vibrator surface by changing the delay time given to each rate pulse.

  The transmission circuit 50a is controlled by the processing circuit 57 and has a function capable of instantaneously changing a transmission frequency, a transmission drive voltage, and the like in order to execute a predetermined scan sequence. The function of changing the transmission drive voltage is realized by a linear amplifier type transmission circuit capable of instantaneously switching the value or a mechanism for electrically switching a plurality of power supply units.

  The receiving circuit 50b includes an amplifier circuit, an A / D converter, an adder, and the like, receives the echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 11 via the cable 12, performs various processing on the echo signal, and reflects it. Generate wave data. The amplifier circuit amplifies the echo signal for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the gain-corrected reflected wave signal and gives a delay time necessary for determining reception directivity to the digital data. The adder performs an addition process on the echo signals processed by the A / D converter to generate reflected wave data. By the addition processing of the adder, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the echo signal is emphasized.

  In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 11 is configured to be capable of three-dimensional scanning. For this reason, the transmission circuit 50a can transmit a three-dimensional ultrasonic beam from the ultrasonic probe 11 to the subject P. The receiving circuit 50b can generate three-dimensional reflected wave data from the three-dimensional reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 11.

  The B-mode processing circuit 51 receives the reflected wave data from the receiving circuit 50b, performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, etc., and generates data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity is expressed by brightness. .

  The Doppler processing circuit 52 performs frequency analysis on velocity information from the reflected wave data received from the receiving circuit 50b, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and mobile object information such as average velocity, dispersion, and power. Is generated for multiple points (Doppler data).

  Note that the B-mode processing circuit 51 and the Doppler processing circuit 52 according to the present embodiment can process both two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional reflected wave data. That is, the B-mode processing circuit 51 can generate two-dimensional B-mode data from two-dimensional reflected wave data, and can also generate three-dimensional B-mode data from three-dimensional reflected wave data. . In addition, the Doppler processing circuit 52 can generate two-dimensional Doppler data from two-dimensional reflected wave data, and can also generate three-dimensional Doppler data from three-dimensional reflected wave data. .

  The image generation circuit 53 generates an ultrasonic image based on the reflected wave received by the ultrasonic probe 11 positioned at a predetermined position inside the esophagus E of the subject P, for example. That is, the image generation circuit 53 generates an ultrasonic image from the data generated by the B mode processing circuit 51 and the Doppler processing circuit 52. Specifically, the image generation circuit 53 generates B-mode image data in which the intensity of the reflected wave is expressed by luminance from the two-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 51. Further, the image generation circuit 53 generates color Doppler image data as an average velocity image, a dispersed image, a power image, or a combination image representing the moving body information from the two-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing circuit 52. To do.

  Here, the image generation circuit 53 generally converts (scan converts) a scanning line signal sequence of ultrasonic scanning into a scanning line signal sequence of a video format typified by a television or the like, and displays ultrasonic waves for display. Generate an image. Specifically, the image generation circuit 53 generates an ultrasonic image for display by performing coordinate conversion in accordance with the ultrasonic scanning mode by the ultrasonic probe 11. The image generation circuit 53 synthesizes character information of various parameters with the ultrasonic image.

  Furthermore, the image generation circuit 53 according to the present embodiment generates three-dimensional ultrasonic image data. That is, the image generation circuit 53 can generate three-dimensional B-mode image data by performing coordinate conversion on the three-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 51. The image generation circuit 53 can also generate three-dimensional color Doppler image data by performing coordinate conversion on the three-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing circuit 52.

  The image memory 54 is a storage circuit that stores the image data generated by the image generation circuit 53. The image memory 54 may store data generated by the B mode processing circuit 51 or the Doppler processing circuit 52.

  The timer 55 is controlled by the processing circuit 57 and is started after a predetermined time is set. For example, when the timer 55 is activated with the timer threshold Tth set and the timer threshold Tth has elapsed after the start of timing, the timer 55 outputs a timeout signal to the processing circuit 57 and stops timing.

  The storage circuit 56 includes a recording medium readable by a processor, such as a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. You may comprise so that a part or all of the program and data in these storage media may be downloaded by communication via an electronic network.

  The storage circuit 56 stores information on a plurality of cross-sectional positions of the subject P in advance. Further, when the information on the cross-sectional position is corrected, the information on the cross-sectional position stored in advance is updated with the information on the cross-sectional position after correction, and the information on the cross-sectional position after correction is associated with the information on the subject P. Remember. When observing the mitral valve, the cross-sectional position information includes setting information (hereinafter referred to as angle setting information) of a plurality of angles (for example, four) corresponding to at least a typical view for observing the mitral valve. )including. In the following description, an example in which angle setting information corresponding to a typical view for observing the mitral valve is stored in the storage circuit 56 in advance will be described. Four angles corresponding to a typical view for observing the mitral valve will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The storage circuit 56 may store a timer threshold value Tth. Further, the storage circuit 56 may store an initial display mode as information on an image to be displayed on the display 30 first when an examination using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is started. The initial display mode is, for example, one image selected from each of a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images and 4D ultrasound images.

  The processing circuit 57 is a processor that executes processing for easily re-displaying a two-dimensional ultrasonic image corresponding to the cross-sectional position adjusted by the user by reading and executing the program stored in the storage circuit 56. is there.

  The display processing circuit 58 is controlled by the processing circuit 57 to divide the display areas of the display 30 and the display 23 of the operation panel 20 as necessary, and to display an image requested to be displayed by the processing circuit 57. .

  FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of functions realized by the processor of the processing circuit 57. As shown in FIG. 3, the processor of the processing circuit 57 implements a setting function 61, an image output function 62, an update function 63, and a switching function 64. Each of these functions 61 to 64 is stored in the storage circuit 56 in the form of a program.

  The setting function 61 sets one of a plurality of cross-sectional positions of the subject P to the image output function 62.

  The image output function 62 sets one of a plurality of cross-sectional positions of the subject P by the setting function 61, and displays a two-dimensional ultrasonic image based on an echo signal corresponding to the set cross-sectional position on the display 30 or the operation panel 20. It is displayed on the display 23. In the following description, an example in which an ultrasonic image is displayed on the display 30 will be described.

  When the cross-sectional position corresponding to the two-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on the display 30 is corrected by the user via the operation panel 20, the update function 63 displays the corrected cross-sectional position information and the subject P information. The data is stored in the storage circuit 56 in association with each other.

  The switching function 64 controls the image output function 62 so as to switch the ultrasound image to be displayed on the display 30 between a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images including the two-dimensional ultrasound image.

  When the switching destination image by the switching unit is a two-dimensional ultrasound image of the subject P, the setting function 61 displays the corrected cross-sectional position associated with the subject P and stored in the storage circuit 56 as the image output function 62. Set to.

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

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a state when the ultrasound probe 11 according to the present embodiment generates an ultrasound image of the heart H of the subject P by the TEE method. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG.

  For example, when imaging the examination target region of the subject P by the TEE method, the user inserts the ultrasonic probe 11 into the esophagus E of the subject P, and positions the ultrasonic probe 11 at a predetermined position such as the esophagus E or the stomach. Then, two-dimensional scanning or three-dimensional scanning of the inspection target part is performed. In the following description, an example in which the examination target site is a mitral valve of the heart H is shown (see FIG. 5).

  FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between a typical view of the mitral valve and an angle corresponding to each view, and FIG. 6B shows an esophagus E, heart H, ultrasonic probe 11 and It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the positional relationship of a 4 cavity cross section.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (a), as typical views for observing the mitral valve, a two-dimensional ultrasound image of a four-chamber cross section (hereinafter referred to as a 4ch view), a two-dimensional ultrasound image of a commissure (hereinafter referred to as a four-channel view). , A two-dimensional ultrasonic image (hereinafter referred to as a 2ch view), a two-dimensional ultrasonic image (hereinafter referred to as an LAX view), and the like. These views intersect each other on an axis passing through the ultrasonic probe 11 and the mitral valve positioned at a predetermined position in the esophagus E. In addition, these views may be represented by the rotation angle about the cross axis center with the angle of the cross-sectional position of the 4ch view being zero degrees. For example, the committee view corresponds to 45 degrees, the 2ch view corresponds to 90 degrees, and the LAX view corresponds to 135 degrees (see FIG. 6A). That is, the initial angles before the angle adjustment are zero degrees for the 4ch view, 45 degrees for the commissural view, 90 degrees for the 2ch view, and 135 degrees for the LAX view. The storage circuit 56 stores these initial angle setting information in advance.

  When observing the mitral valve, the view switching instruction is, for example, an instruction to switch the view from one of these four views to another view. For example, the user can display one selected view on the display 30 by selecting one of these four views via the operation panel 20.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing mode switching for switching between the 2D mode and the 4D mode. FIG. 7 shows an example in which two views are displayed in the 2D mode. In this example, the left 2D ultrasound image is one of the typical views selected by the user, and the right 2D ultrasound image is automatically displayed along with the left view. For example, a view obtained by adding 90 degrees to the angle of the left view.

  When a TEE probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are two-dimensionally arranged in a lattice shape is used as the ultrasonic probe 11, a three-dimensional ultrasonic image of a region to be inspected is generated. In this case, in addition to view switching, the user can perform mode switching for switching between the 2D mode and the 4D mode.

  In the 4D mode, for example, when the examination target site is a mitral valve, the aorta is generally displayed in the direction of 12 o'clock on the screen (refer to the notch on the upper left side of the 4D mode in FIG. 7). The image displayed in the 4D mode is an image that is easy to understand intuitively for a surgeon performing an operation on the subject P. For this reason, the 4D mode is sometimes called a Surgeon view. On the other hand, the physician attending the examination with the surgeon repeatedly confirms the image displayed in the 2D mode in order to accurately position the ultrasonic probe 11. In addition, the 2D mode is used to display a color Doppler image or the like, for example, for confirming the backflow of blood flow when confirming the effect of the treatment. Further, when the frame rate is higher in the 2D mode than in the 4D mode, for example, in order to check whether or not a small hole in the region to be examined is blocked, an image displayed in the 2D mode is preferable.

  For this reason, during the inspection, mode transition is frequently performed by mode switching.

  FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the display 30 when the angle of the 2ch view is corrected to 70 degrees, and FIG. 8B is a diagram when the angle of the 2ch view is corrected to 70 degrees. It is a conceptual diagram which shows a cross-sectional position.

  Here, the cross-section from which the region to be inspected is easy to observe varies depending on the shape of the region to be examined, the shape of the esophagus, and the like, and therefore varies depending on the subject P. For this reason, for example, after displaying the 2ch view, the user may adjust the angle of the 2ch view from 90 degrees to 70 degrees, for example, so that the examination target site becomes an image that can be more easily observed. Note that the view angle information shown in FIG. 8A may not be displayed with reference to the storage circuit 56. For example, the current cross-section angle information generated by the image generation circuit 53 may be displayed. It is displayed as it is.

  However, the adjusted cross-sectional position information may be lost when the display image is switched to another view. In this case, if another view is displayed and then the user wants to display the 70-degree view adjusted earlier, the user must display the 90-degree view again and adjust the angle again. It is.

  In addition, when the mode can be switched, the adjusted cross-sectional position information may be lost even when the mode is switched to the 4D mode. In this case, in the above example, if the user wants to display the 70-degree view that he / she adjusted earlier from the 4D mode, the user must also display the 90-degree view and adjust the angle again. . During the examination, mode transition is frequently performed by mode switching. Therefore, if the angle of the view must be adjusted each time the mode is switched, the convenience for the user is remarkably lost.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of timing at which an inspection is performed. As shown in FIG. 9, the examination is not limited to during the operation, but is performed at various timings. At all these timings, it is too complicated to adjust the angle of the view every time in accordance with the subject P.

  Therefore, when the cross-sectional position corresponding to the two-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on the display 30 is corrected, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes information on the corrected cross-sectional position and information on the subject P. Are stored in the storage circuit 56 in association with each other. For this reason, when an instruction to display the previous two-dimensional ultrasound image is received again through view switching or mode switching, the corrected cross-sectional position associated with the subject P is read from the storage circuit 56. It can be used and does not require re-adjustment of the cross-sectional position.

  FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a display image selection image when the view angle is corrected, and FIG. 10B is a display image selection when the view angle is corrected. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of a display of a business image.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of angle setting information stored in the storage circuit 56. In FIG. 11, “U” after the number indicates an angle corrected by the user, and “A” indicates an angle automatically corrected according to the angle corrected by the user.

  The image output function 62 is used to input an image indicating information on a cross-sectional position corresponding to each of a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images to be switched by the switching function 64 for selecting to display the two-dimensional ultrasound image. It is displayed on at least one of the display 30 and the display 23 together with the soft key. For example, when the examination target site is a mitral valve, the image output function 62 superimposes a character string indicating an angle corresponding to each view on a soft key for displaying four typical views. To display. When one of the soft keys is pressed, the switching function 64 causes the display 30 to display a view corresponding to the soft key.

  When the angle of one view is corrected by the user, the update function 63 may store only the corrected angle and the information of the subject P in the storage circuit 56 in association with each other. For example, when the 4ch view is corrected to minus 20 degrees by the user during the examination of the patient ID “yyy” in FIG. 11, the update function 63 may update only the angle of the 4ch view. (See “−20U” of patient ID “yyy” and “50U” and “95U” of patient ID “zzz” in FIG. 11). In this case, the image output function 62 may correct the angle displayed on the display image selection image (see FIG. 10A).

  Further, when the angle of one view is corrected by the user, the update function 63 further automatically corrects and updates the angles of the other views according to the degree of the correction. The data may be stored in the storage circuit 56 in association with each other. For example, if the 4ch view is corrected from zero to 10 degrees by the user during the examination of the patient ID “xxx” in FIG. 11, the update function 63 adds other angles to the 4ch view. It may be updated by automatically correcting all the view angles to be plus 10 degrees (see “55A” of the patient ID “xxx” in FIG. 11). Also in this case, the image output function 62 may correct the angle displayed on the display image selection image (see FIG. 10B).

  As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, if the angle displayed in the display image selection image is updated, the user can confirm that the angle corrected by the user is firmly reflected. By pressing the soft key, the corrected angle view can be displayed again very easily.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the update function 63 stores the corrected angle setting information in the storage circuit 56 in association with the information on the subject P. For this reason, the view function is adjusted during the examination of the subject P, and the setting function 61 is also applied to the subject P when the examination such as the prognosis examination of the subject P is started after the examination is once completed. The associated corrected angle setting information can be read from the storage circuit 56 and used. Therefore, the user can easily display again the view of the angle corrected according to the subject P without having to readjust the angle.

  Further, the corrected angle information may be presented on the display 23 as shown in FIG. 10 or may be displayed on the display 30 that is displaying the 4D mode.

  FIGS. 12-14 is a figure which shows the 1st-3 example of a view candidate displayed on the partial area | region of the display 30 which is each displaying 4D mode.

  The image output function 62 may use a partial region of the display 30 as a display region for view candidates in the 4D mode. When the examination target site is a mitral valve, for example, four typical views shown in FIG. 6A are view candidates. In this case, all four views may be displayed side by side in the view candidate display area, or a part of the four views may be displayed by initial setting or user setting. When all the views are displayed side by side, the user can confirm all the view candidates from one screen. On the other hand, when displaying some of the view candidates, the view candidate display area can be narrowed to increase the 4D mode display area. FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 show examples in which two, one, and two view candidates are displayed, respectively.

  The image displayed as the view candidate may be an image using a three-dimensional ultrasound image (see FIG. 12), an image using a schematic anatomical chart (see FIG. 13), or a two-dimensional super image. An image using a sound wave image may be used. In the view candidate display area, a marker (see a two-dot chain line in FIG. 14) indicating the cross-sectional position of the view in the mitral valve may be displayed. At this time, 4ch, 2ch, and the like may be displayed as information indicating the view corresponding to each marker in the vicinity of each marker, and a character string indicating the angle of the view may be displayed. When the view angle is corrected, the marker position is also set to a position corresponding to the corrected angle, and the character string indicating the view angle is also corrected.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure when the processor of the processing circuit 57 illustrated in FIG. 3 easily redisplays a two-dimensional ultrasound image corresponding to the cross-sectional position adjusted by the user. In FIG. 15, reference numerals with numbers added to S indicate steps in the flowchart. In the following description, an example in which a patient whose examination target site is a mitral valve is a subject P is shown.

  First, in step S1, the setting function 61 acquires patient information to be examined.

  Next, in step S <b> 2, the setting function 61 determines whether or not there is angle setting information associated with the patient information in the storage circuit 56. If the procedure shown in FIG. 15 has been executed in the past, there is a possibility that the storage circuit 56 already has angle setting information associated with the patient information.

  If there is angle setting information associated with the patient information in the storage circuit 56, the setting function 61 acquires the angle setting information corresponding to the patient in step S3, and proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if there is no angle setting information associated with the patient information in the storage circuit 56, the setting function 61 acquires the initial angle setting information from the storage circuit 56 in step S4, and proceeds to step S5.

  Next, in step S <b> 5, the image output function 62 acquires information on the initial display mode stored in the storage circuit 56. The initial display mode is, for example, one image selected from one of 2D views such as 4ch and one of 4D views. Then, the image output function 62 displays an ultrasonic image on the display 30 based on the initial display mode.

  Next, in step S6, the switching function 64 determines whether or not display is currently being performed in the 4D mode. When the 2D mode is used instead of the 4D mode, the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if it is currently displayed in the 4D mode, the process proceeds to step S8.

  Next, in step S7, the switching function 64 determines whether an instruction to switch to the 4D mode has been received. If an instruction to switch to 4D mode is received, the process proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, if there is no instruction to switch to the 4D mode and the 2D mode should be continued, the process proceeds to step S9.

  Next, in step S8, the switching function 64 determines whether or not an instruction to switch to the 2D mode has been received. If an instruction to switch to the 2D mode is received, the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if there is no instruction to switch to the 2D mode and the 4D mode should be continued, the process proceeds to step S12.

  Next, in step S9, the setting function 61 acquires the current angle setting information of the view to be displayed in the 2D mode from the storage circuit 56. Next, in step S10, the setting function 61 displays a view using the acquired angle information.

  Next, in step S11, the update function 63 performs an update process of the angle setting information of the view being displayed.

  Next, in step S12, the image output function 62 displays information on the angle of each view according to the current angle setting information on the display 23 of the operation panel 20 (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). . In addition, when the process proceeds from step S8 to step S12, that is, in the 4D mode, information on the angle of each view corresponding to the current angle setting information is further displayed on the display 30 (views in FIGS. 12-14). See candidate display area).

  Next, in step S13, the switching function 64 determines whether a view switching instruction has been accepted. The view switching instruction is performed, for example, by the user via the touch panel 21 (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). If there is a view switching instruction, the process returns to step S9. On the other hand, if there is no view switching instruction, an end determination is made (step S14), and if the inspection should not be ended, the process returns to step S6. On the other hand, when it should be ended, such as when an instruction to end the inspection is given by the user, the series of procedures ends.

  By the above procedure, the two-dimensional ultrasonic image corresponding to the cross-sectional position adjusted by the user can be easily displayed again. For example, if the transition is made from step S13 to step S9 and the angle is updated in step S11, the view is displayed using the updated angle information in step S10.

  FIG. 16 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating an example of the update processing of the angle setting information of the view being displayed, which is executed by the update function 63 in step S11 of FIG.

  In step S21, the update function 63 receives an instruction to correct the angle of the currently displayed view from the user, and causes the image output function 62 to display the view at the corrected angle.

  Next, in step S22, the update function 63 determines whether or not the time has elapsed by the timer threshold value Tth after the angle is corrected. This determination can be performed using, for example, a timeout signal of the timer 55. If the time equal to or greater than the timer threshold Tth has elapsed, in step S23, the update function 63 updates the angle setting information of the currently displayed view with the corrected angle setting information, and associates it with the information on the subject P in the storage circuit 56. Store (see FIG. 11) and proceed to step S12 of FIG. On the other hand, when the elapsed time after the angle is corrected does not reach the timer threshold value Tth, the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

  According to the procedure shown in FIG. 16, when the time of a predetermined timer threshold Tth has elapsed after the view angle is corrected by the user, the corrected angle setting information is automatically stored in the storage circuit 56 of the subject P. It can be stored in association with information.

  Further, in the update process shown in FIG. 16, an update confirmation step by the user may be added. For example, when a predetermined timer threshold value Tth has elapsed since the angle was corrected, a confirmation image for confirming whether the angle setting information may be updated is displayed on the display 30 or the display 23. The corrected angle setting information may be stored in the storage circuit 56 in association with the information on the subject P only when there is a permission instruction indicating that the update may be performed via the operation panel 20.

  Further, the update confirmation step by the user may be executed in place of steps S22 and S23 in FIG. That is, the corrected angle setting information may be associated with the information on the subject P and stored in the storage circuit 56 only when the user manually instructs it through the operation panel 20.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment stores the corrected angle setting information in the storage circuit 56 in association with the information on the subject P. For this reason, even after the display image is switched from the corrected view to another image by view switching or mode switching, the user can view the corrected angle view, that is, the direction that the user wants to see. The displayed image can be displayed again very easily and instantaneously. For this reason, the user can significantly reduce the inspection time. Further, by shortening the examination time, it is possible to reduce pain that is given to the subject P into which the ultrasonic probe 11 is inserted into the esophagus E, for example.

  In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment performs angle adjustment of the view during the examination of the subject P, and the corrected angle setting information is the information on the subject P even after the examination is once completed. And stored in the storage circuit 56. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, even when an examination such as a prognosis examination of the subject P is started, the corrected angle setting information associated with the subject P is read from the storage circuit 56 and used. can do. Therefore, the user can easily display again the view of the angle corrected according to the subject P without having to readjust the angle.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, the two-dimensional ultrasonic image corresponding to the cross-sectional position adjusted by the user can be easily displayed again.

  Note that the setting function 61, the image output function 62, the update function 63, and the switching function 64 of the processing circuit 57 in the present embodiment correspond to the setting unit, the image output unit, the update unit, and the switching unit in the claims. Further, the touch input circuit 24 and the hard key 22 of the touch panel 21 in the present embodiment correspond to the input circuit in the claims.

  In addition, the term “processor” according to the above-described embodiment is, for example, a dedicated or general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Circuits such as programmable logic devices (for example, Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)) means. The processor implements various functions by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit.

  Further, instead of storing the program in the storage circuit, the program may be directly incorporated in the processor circuit. In this case, the processor implements various functions by reading and executing a program incorporated in the circuit. In the above embodiment, an example in which a single processing circuit realizes each function has been described. However, a processing circuit is configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor executes a program to execute each function. May be realized. When a plurality of processors are provided, the storage medium for storing the program may be provided for each processor individually, or one storage circuit stores the programs corresponding to the functions of all the processors in a lump. Also good.

  In addition, although some embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, each step of the flowchart shows an example of processing that is performed in time series in the order described. The process to be executed is also included.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 ... Ultrasonic probe 20 ... Operation panel 21 ... Touch panel 22 ... Hard key 23 ... Display 24 ... Touch input circuit 30 ... Display 56 ... Memory circuit 57 ... Processing circuit 61 ... Setting function 62 ... Image output function 63 ... Update function 64 ... Switching function

Claims (12)

An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that generates an ultrasound image based on an echo signal from a subject by transesophageal echocardiography,
A storage circuit that stores information on a plurality of cross-sectional positions of the subject in advance;
An image output unit configured to display one of a plurality of cross-sectional positions of the subject and display a two-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the echo signal corresponding to the set cross-sectional position;
An update unit that associates the information of the corrected cross-sectional position and the information of the subject and stores them in the storage circuit when the cross-sectional position corresponding to the two-dimensional ultrasound image displayed on the display is corrected; ,
A switching unit that controls the image output unit to switch an ultrasound image to be displayed on the display between a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images including the two-dimensional ultrasound image;
When the switching destination image by the switching unit is the two-dimensional ultrasound image of the subject, the corrected cross-sectional position stored in the storage circuit in association with the subject is set in the image output unit. A setting section to
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The update unit
When the cross-sectional position corresponding to the two-dimensional ultrasound image displayed on the display is corrected by the user via the input circuit and a predetermined time has elapsed after the correction, the corrected cross-sectional position information is obtained as the subject information. And storing it in the memory circuit in association with
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The update unit
An input circuit by the user who has confirmed the confirmation image is displayed on the display, and a confirmation image is displayed on the display whether the corrected cross-sectional position information may be stored in the storage circuit in association with the subject information. Only when there is a permission instruction through, the information of the corrected cross-sectional position is stored in the storage circuit in association with the information of the subject.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The update unit
The cross-sectional position corresponding to the two-dimensional ultrasound image displayed on the display is corrected by the user, and the user is instructed via the input circuit to store the information of the corrected cross-sectional position in the storage circuit. Then, the information on the corrected cross-sectional position is stored in the storage circuit in association with the information on the subject.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The update unit
When the cross-sectional position corresponding to the two-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on the display is corrected, it further corresponds to another two-dimensional ultrasonic image stored in the storage circuit according to the degree of the correction. Automatically correcting and updating the information of the cross-sectional position, and storing it in the storage circuit in association with the information of the subject;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The image output unit includes:
A soft key for inputting a selection for displaying the two-dimensional ultrasound image, an image showing information on a cross-sectional position corresponding to each of the plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images to be switched by the switching unit, When the information on the cross-sectional position displayed on at least one of the display and the display of the operation panel is updated by the updating unit and associated with the information on the subject, an image indicating the information on the cross-sectional position is displayed in accordance with the update. Updated,
The switching unit is
When one of the soft keys corresponding to each of the plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images is pressed, a two-dimensional ultrasound image corresponding to the soft key is displayed on the display.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The image output unit includes:
Displaying a three-dimensional ultrasound image based on the echo signal on the display;
The switching unit further includes
Switching an ultrasonic image to be displayed on the display between any of the plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic images and the three-dimensional ultrasonic image;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The image output unit includes:
When the switching unit instructs to display the 3D ultrasound image, the 3D ultrasound image is displayed on the display, and the plurality of 2D ultrasound images are displayed on a predetermined display area of the display. Displaying information of a cross-sectional position corresponding to at least one,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7. The image output unit includes:
In the predetermined area, together with the information on the cross-sectional position, an image indicating the position of the cross-sectional position in the examination target site is displayed.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8. The plurality of cross-sections corresponding to the plurality of cross-sectional positions are:
Intersecting each other at an axis passing through an ultrasound probe positioned at a predetermined position in the subject's esophagus,
Each of the information of the plurality of cross-sectional positions,
Including at least information on the rotation angle of the axis center with the predetermined angle being zero degrees,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The axis is
An axis that passes through the ultrasound probe and the mitral valve of the subject;
The memory circuit is
In advance, zero degree was stored as initial angle information of at least the four cavity cross-sectional positions.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10. The setting unit
After the examination of the subject is completed, the examination of the subject is started again, and when displaying a predetermined two-dimensional ultrasonic image, information on the cross-sectional position associated with the subject is read from the storage circuit. Read and set in the image output unit,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.