JP2017213348A - Probe adapter, ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a probe adapter which achieves improvement in marking operation efficiency and marking precision while allowing an operator to operate an ultrasonic probe by one hand in marking, an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.SOLUTION: A probe adapter has: a case which is detachably provided on an ultrasonic probe; a marker provided at a specific position in the array direction of the ultrasonic probe in a state where the case is attached onto the ultrasonic probe for executing marking on the surface of an object with which the ultrasonic probe is brought into contact; and a wiper for removing a mediator of ultrasonic waves applied on the surface of the object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

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

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus emits an ultrasonic pulse or an ultrasonic continuous wave into the subject, converts ultrasonic reflection caused by the difference in acoustic impedance of the subject tissue into an electrical signal by the vibrator, Information is collected non-invasively. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the transducer responsible for the emission and reception of ultrasonic pulses and continuous ultrasonic waves is built in the ultrasonic probe.

  In a medical examination using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, various moving image data and real-time image data can be easily collected by an operation of bringing the ultrasonic probe into contact with the body surface of a subject. For this reason, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is widely used for diagnosing the shape and property of an abnormal site such as a tumor or grasping blood flow dynamics.

  For example, in a biopsy test, a biological tissue containing an abnormal tissue such as a tumor is collected with a puncture needle inserted into the living body while imaging the inside of the subject with an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and cells contained in the collected biological tissue Inspect. In the biopsy test, the puncture position is carefully determined so that the puncture needle is surely inserted into the living tissue including the tumor. Therefore, when performing a biopsy test, the puncture position may be specified in advance while observing the position of the tumor with an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and marking may be performed on the skin surface of the subject with a medical marker or the like.

  In addition to biopsy examination, when excising a tumor, the position of the tumor may be marked on the skin surface of the subject by imaging before surgery using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In a procedure called percutaneous angioplasty, the running state of a blood vessel may be confirmed by imaging with an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus before the operation, and the blood vessel running state may be marked on the skin surface of the subject.

  In addition, when compared with other modalities such as a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, it is difficult for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to reproduce imaging of the same region in a subject without marking. In imaging using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, if the movement locus of the ultrasonic probe is marked on the skin surface of the subject, the same region can be imaged again with good reproducibility. When it is desired to display the abnormal site specified by the examination again at the time of surgery, the imaging site can be easily reproduced by the marking applied at the time of the examination.

  Here, a user such as a doctor performs marking on the skin surface of the subject while imaging the inside of the subject with the ultrasonic probe. Then, when marking the skin surface of the subject, which is the object, using the medical marker, the user holds the ultrasonic probe and the medical marker with both hands, and performs different operations with both hands. When marking is performed with the hand opposite to the dominant hand, the operability, marking efficiency, and marking accuracy of the ultrasonic probe are lowered.

Japanese Patent No. 53377782

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a probe adapter, an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can operate an ultrasonic probe with one hand at the time of marking, and have improved the efficiency and marking accuracy of marking work. It is to be.

  The probe adapter of an embodiment is disposed at a predetermined position in the array direction of the ultrasonic probe in a state where the case is detachably attached to the ultrasonic probe, and the case is attached to the ultrasonic probe, A marker for marking on a surface of an object with which the ultrasonic probe is brought into contact; and a wiper for removing an ultrasonic medium applied on the surface of the object.

1 is a conceptual configuration diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. The top view of the ultrasonic probe concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a transducer array of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the usage example of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The conceptual block diagram which shows an example of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The top view of the probe adapter which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The top view of the probe adapter which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The top view of the probe adapter which concerns on 4th Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the usage example of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 4th Embodiment. The top view of the probe adapter which concerns on 5th Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the usage example of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 5th Embodiment. The top view of the probe adapter which concerns on 6th Embodiment. The top view of the probe adapter which concerns on the modification of the wiper in 6th Embodiment. The top view of the probe adapter which concerns on 7th Embodiment. The top view of the probe adapter which concerns on 8th Embodiment. The conceptual lineblock diagram showing an example of the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment concerning a 9th embodiment. The top view of the probe adapter which concerns on 9th Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the ninth embodiment. A conceptual block diagram showing an example of an ultrasonic diagnostic equipment concerning a 10th embodiment. The typical bottom view of the probe adapter concerning a 10th embodiment. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the tenth embodiment. The 1st schematic diagram of the ultrasonic picture concerning a 10th embodiment. The 2nd schematic diagram of the ultrasonic picture concerning a 10th embodiment. A conceptual block diagram showing an example of an ultrasonic diagnostic equipment concerning an 11th embodiment. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment. The schematic diagram explaining the blood-vessel specification method of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on 11th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a probe adapter, an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same element and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

[First embodiment]
The first embodiment relates to an ultrasonic probe provided with a marker for marking the skin surface of a subject, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provided with the ultrasonic probe.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual configuration diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes an ultrasonic probe 1, a main body device 10, a monitor 4, an input device 5, an external storage device 6, and a communication control device 7.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 has a plurality of transducers. The vibrator converts a transmission wave as an electric signal output from the main body device 10 into an ultrasonic transmission wave, and applies the ultrasonic transmission wave to the subject. Further, the transducer converts an ultrasonic signal reflected from the subject into a reception signal as an electric signal, and transmits the received signal to the main body device 10. The ultrasonic probe 1 can be attached to and detached from the main body device 10 by a probe cable and a connector.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment further includes a marker. The marker is used to mark the surface of the subject's skin using, for example, skin ink or an adhesive that is attached to the subject's skin with an adhesive or the like. The ultrasonic probe 1 provided with the marker will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 may be a one-dimensional array probe in which a plurality of transducers are arranged in a straight line, or may be a two-dimensional array probe in which a plurality of transducers are arranged in a plane. Further, the ultrasonic probe 1 may be a mechanical scanning probe that mechanically moves the vibrator with a motor or the like. For example, it may be a mechanical probe that obtains in-vivo information in a three-dimensional space by mechanically swinging a one-dimensional array structure in which transducers are arranged in a straight line with a motor in a direction perpendicular to the array direction.

  The monitor 4 is a display device composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like, for example. The monitor 4 displays various ultrasonic images generated by the image generation circuit 14 and also displays data and information related to the user interface.

  The input device 5 is a user operation device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, or a trackball. When the monitor 4 includes a touch panel, the touch panel is also included in the input device 5.

  The external storage device 6 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a flash memory, a hard disk, or an optical disk. The external storage device 6 may be configured as a circuit in which portable media such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a DVD (Digital Video Disk) are detachable.

  The communication control device 7 implements various communication protocols according to the network form. Here, the electronic network 18 means the entire information communication network using telecommunications technology. In addition to a hospital basic LAN, wireless / wired LAN, and Internet network, a telephone communication line network, an optical fiber communication network, a cable communication network, And satellite communication networks. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 can transmit and receive image data to and from an external storage device such as an image server via the electronic network 18.

  The main body device 10 includes a transmission / reception circuit 11, a B mode processing circuit 12, a Doppler mode processing circuit 13, an image generation circuit 14, a control circuit 15, an internal storage device 16, and a temporary storage device 17. The control circuit 15 is interconnected to each hardware component constituting the main device 10 via a bus 19 as a common signal transmission path.

  The transmission / reception circuit 11 generates a transmission wave, amplifies the transmission wave to a predetermined voltage, and then supplies the amplified transmission wave to each transducer of the ultrasonic probe 1.

  The transmission / reception circuit 11 generates a reception signal based on a reflected wave from the subject detected by each transducer. The transmission / reception circuit 11 includes a preamplifier, an analog / digital converter, a reception delay circuit, and an adder (not shown).

  The preamplifier amplifies a reception signal output from each transducer of the ultrasonic probe 1 to a predetermined voltage. The analog-digital converter converts the amplified received signal into a digital quantity. The reception delay circuit delays the received signal converted into the digital quantity by a different delay quantity for each transducer. The amount of delay is calculated based on information such as the scanning direction of the reception ultrasonic beam and the reception focus position that are instructed from the control circuit 15. The adder phasing-adds the received signals delayed by different delay amounts for each transducer. The reception signal subjected to phasing addition is called scan line data.

  Since the reception delay circuit and the adder form a reception beam directed in a predetermined direction, the reception delay circuit and the adder may be collectively referred to as a beam former. The output signal of the adder can also be referred to as a reception signal received with the formed reception beam.

  The B-mode processing circuit 12 is a circuit that operates when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is set to the B mode, and performs signal processing such as amplitude detection and logarithmic compression on the scan line data, thereby the amplitude of the reflected wave. Get information.

  The Doppler mode processing circuit 13 is a circuit that operates when the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 is set to the Doppler mode. The Doppler mode processing circuit 13 obtains fluid velocity information such as blood flow in a designated direction and position by performing signal processing such as Fourier transform on the scan line data. In particular, in the color Doppler mode, the Doppler mode processing circuit 13 applies an MTI (Moving Target Indicator) filter and signal processing such as autocorrelation to the received signal, so that in addition to the fluid velocity information, the average value of the velocity of blood flow and the like. And information on dispersion and power information.

  Scan line data subjected to image processing by the B-mode processing circuit 12 or the Doppler mode processing circuit 13 is referred to as frame data. For example, the frame data is temporarily stored in a frame memory storage area in the temporary storage device 17. The frame memory storage area may be provided in the internal storage device 16, or may be provided separately as a circuit dedicated to the frame memory storage area.

  The image generation circuit 14 scan-converts frame data subjected to image processing according to an operation mode such as a B mode or a Doppler mode according to a beam direction or a distance (depth). The image generation circuit 14 performs predetermined image processing on the frame data after the scan conversion, thereby generating display data to be displayed on the monitor 4, that is, an ultrasonic image.

  Here, if one original data for an ultrasound image is defined as one frame data, the number of frame data corresponding to the frame rate is sequentially generated in time series. Therefore, the image generation circuit 14 performs image processing on the number of frame data corresponding to the frame rate per unit time, thereby updating the ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 4 in real time.

  The control circuit 15 includes a processor, and controls the operation of the main device 10 as a whole when the processor executes a predetermined program stored in the internal storage device 16.

  The processor includes a dedicated or general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, and a field programmable gate array (FPGA: Field). Programmable Gate Array). Examples of the programmable logic device include a simple programmable logic device (SPLD) and a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The control circuit 15 implements each function by reading and executing a program stored in the internal storage device 16 or a program directly incorporated in the processor of the control circuit 15.

  The control circuit 15 may be configured by a single processor or a combination of a plurality of independent processors. In the latter case, a plurality of storage circuits respectively corresponding to the plurality of processors may be provided, and a program executed by each processor may be stored in a storage circuit corresponding to the processor. As another example, one storage circuit may be configured to collectively store programs corresponding to the functions of a plurality of processors.

  The internal storage device 16 and the temporary storage device 17 are configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a flash memory, a hard disk, and an optical disk.

  The internal storage device 16 stores data and image data necessary for executing various programs executed in the control circuit 15.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 including the marker according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic probe 1 in FIG. 2 shows an example of a one-dimensional array probe in which a plurality of transducers are linearly arranged.

  In the following description, the surface perpendicular to the array direction of the ultrasonic probe 1, that is, the surface in front of the paper surface of the ultrasonic probe 1 in FIG. A plane perpendicular to the elevation direction, that is, a plane in the horizontal direction of the ultrasonic probe 1 in FIG. 2A is referred to as a “side surface” of the ultrasonic probe 1.

  2A is a front view of the ultrasonic probe 1, FIG. 2B is a side view of the ultrasonic probe 1, and FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the ultrasonic probe 1.

  The marker MA of the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in FIG. 2A includes a button 1c and an ink tank 1e. The ultrasonic probe 1 is connected to the main body device 10 by a probe cable 1d. The probe head 1a is a bottom surface portion of the ultrasonic probe 1 that is in contact with the skin surface of the subject, and is made of a flexible material such as silicone in order to protect the skin of the subject.

  In the example of FIG. 2A, the marker MA is provided integrally with the ultrasonic probe 1 in the center of the front surface of the ultrasonic probe 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the ink discharge port 1b is provided in the same plane as the probe head 1a so as to contact the surface of the subject. In such a marker MA configuration, when the button 1c is pushed in the direction indicated by the arrow a in FIG. 2B, the pressure in the ink tank 1e rises, and the ink discharge port 1b is applied to the skin surface of the subject. Ink is applied. An arrow b in FIG. 2B indicates the moving direction of the ultrasonic probe 1 during marking. A user such as a doctor can apply the ink to the skin surface of the subject by pressing the button 1c at the position to be marked while sliding the ultrasonic probe 1 in the direction of the arrow b.

  FIG. 2 shows an example in which a button 1c is provided above the ink tank 1e. However, the button 1c only needs to be provided in the ink tank 1e, and the position thereof is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. For example, the button 1c may be provided at a position where the user can easily press the ultrasonic probe 1 with his / her hand. 2B shows an example in which the ink tank 1e is provided so as to protrude from the ultrasonic probe 1. However, the ink tank 1e is accommodated inside the casing of the ultrasonic probe 1, and the button 1c is ultrasonic. You may comprise so that it may be provided in the housing | casing surface of the probe 1. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, the ink discharge port 1b is provided in the surface of the probe head 1a so as to be in contact with the skin surface of the subject. FIG. 2C shows an example in which a notch region 1f is provided in a part of the probe head 1a in order to bring the ink discharge port 1b into contact with the skin surface of the subject.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a transducer array of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic bottom view of the ultrasonic probe 1 obtained by observing the transducer array of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment from the probe head 1a side.

  In the housing of the ultrasonic probe 1, a plurality of transducers 1g are arranged in the array direction (azimuth direction). In the example of FIG. 3, 14 transducers are arranged in the array direction. Among the transducers in the center, the length in the direction perpendicular to the array direction is another transducer within a range that does not affect the image. Shorter than that. This is one of the features of the first embodiment. With this configuration, the ultrasonic probe 1 is provided with a notch region 1f indicated by a broken line in FIG. In the first embodiment, the probe, which is the imaging configuration, and the marking are skillfully integrated by an epoch-making configuration in which the ink discharge port 1b is provided in the notch region 1f. With the above configuration, it is possible to mark the skin surface that is the outer edge of the cross section of the subject observed in real time in the ultrasonic image.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a usage example of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a case where the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved in the direction of the arrow b on the skin surface of the arm of the subject Q. For example, when the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved to the upper arm side of the subject Q, which is the direction of the arrow b in FIG. Ink is applied from the ink discharge port 1b. As shown in FIG. 4, the ink applied from the ink discharge port b <b> 1 becomes a trajectory of passage through the ink discharge port 1 b provided at the front center of the ultrasonic probe 1. Thereby, the locus of movement of the ultrasonic probe 1 is marked on the skin surface of the arm of the subject Q.

  For example, when observing the blood vessel of the arm of the subject Q in the short axis direction, as shown in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic probe 1 is brought into contact with the skin surface of the subject so that the array direction is perpendicular to the traveling direction of the blood vessel. Let it be used. In imaging in the short axis direction of a blood vessel, the shape and size of the cross section of the blood vessel can be observed. In the observation in the short axis direction of the blood vessel, for example, the area of the cross section that becomes the narrowest due to the narrowing of the blood vessel is obtained. By marking the surface of the skin located above the narrowest position of the blood vessel, it is possible to indicate at which position of the subject's arm the stenosis portion exists.

  As an example of the operation method, the user holds the ultrasonic probe 1 with four fingers of the dominant hand and sequentially moves the ultrasonic probe 1 to a place to be imaged, and presses the button 1c with the thumb of the dominant hand, whereby the ultrasonic probe 1 The moving work and the marking work can be performed simultaneously. This operation can be performed without difficulty with only one hand.

  As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 including the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment, the user performs the moving operation of the ultrasonic probe 1 and the marking operation on the skin surface of the subject. , Can be carried out with one hand without difficulty. Further, it is effective for marking when the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved in the elevation direction.

  Although the marking means using ink has been described in the above example, the marking means is not limited to ink. For example, the ultrasonic probe 1 may be configured so that marking can be performed using an adhesive material coated with an adhesive on one side, an adhesive material that exhibits adhesive strength with water, ultrasonic jelly, or the like.

  In the first embodiment, the marker MA is provided integrally with the ultrasonic probe 1. However, the marker MA may be configured to be detachable from the ultrasonic probe 1. For example, in the example of FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 1 may be configured to be usable in a state where the marker MA is removed from the ultrasonic probe 1. Further, a part of the marker MA may be configured to be removable. That is, the button 1c and the ink tank 1e may be configured to be removable from the marker MA. Since the marker MA is configured to be removable from the ultrasonic probe 1 in this manner, operations such as cleaning and sterilization are facilitated.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment relates to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including a probe adapter with a marker for marking the skin surface of a subject and an ultrasound probe to which the adapter is attached.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual configuration diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. The difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment is that the ultrasonic probe 1 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the second embodiment uses an ultrasonic probe as a probe adapter 20 provided with a marker for marking. It is a point prepared separately from 1. The probe adapter 20 is detachably attached to the ultrasonic probe 1.

  FIG. 6 is a plan view of the probe adapter 20 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6A is a front view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached, and FIG. 6B is a side view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached. c) is a bottom view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the probe adapter 20 includes a case 20d for attaching to the ultrasonic probe 1 and a marker MB for marking the skin surface of the subject. The marker MB includes an ink ejection port 1a, an ink tank 20b, and a button 20c, as in the first embodiment. FIG. 6A shows an example in which the marker MB is provided at the center of the ultrasonic probe 1 in the array direction.

  FIG. 6 shows an example in which the button 20c is provided on the upper part of the ink tank 20b as in the first embodiment, but the position of the button 20c is not limited as long as the button 20c is provided in the ink tank 20b. 6 shows an example in which the ink tank 20b jumps out of the adapter 20 and is provided as a pen-like structure, as in FIG. 2, but the shape of the ink tank 20b is not limited to the mode of FIG. For example, the case 20d and the ink tank 20b may be configured integrally.

  In the marker MB configured as described above, when the button 20c is pushed in the direction indicated by the arrow a in FIG. 6B, the pressure in the ink tank 20b increases, and ink is applied from the ink discharge port 20a to the skin surface of the subject. Is done. The arrow b in FIG. 6B indicates the moving direction of the ultrasonic probe 1 during marking. A user such as a doctor can apply the ink to the skin surface of the subject by pressing the button 20c at the position to be marked while sliding the ultrasonic probe 1 in the direction of the arrow b.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, the ink discharge port 20a is provided along the outer frame of the probe head 1a so as to be in contact with the skin surface of the subject.

  Note that the position of the marker MB is not limited to the position of the front center of the ultrasonic probe 1, and may be attached to the case 20d in such a manner that the marker MB can move. For example, the marker MB may be slidably attached to the probe adapter 20 so that the ink discharge port 20a can move on a plane parallel to the skin surface of the subject. For example, when observing a tumor in the liver from under the rib, the ultrasonic probe 1 may not be moved to the position where the tumor exists due to the presence of the rib. Even in such a case, the position of the tumor may be marked by manually sliding only the marker MB. The marker MB may be configured to be slid electrically.

  Thus, also in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the probe adapter 20 can be easily attached to and detached from the ultrasonic probe 1. Furthermore, by using a stretchable material such as silicone or rubber for the case 20 d of the probe adapter 20, the probe adapter 20 can be attached to the ultrasonic probe 1 regardless of the shape of the ultrasonic probe 1. Even if the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a conventional product, the above effect can be obtained only by attaching the probe adapter 20 of the second embodiment to the conventional ultrasonic probe, so that the manufacturing cost can be saved.

  6 shows an example in which the case 20d has a shape that covers the outer peripheral surface of the ultrasonic probe 1. However, the shape and material of the case 20d have a structure that securely fixes the probe adapter 20 to the ultrasonic probe 1. As long as it is, it is not particularly limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the case 20d may have a shape that sandwiches both side surfaces of the ultrasonic probe 1.

[Third Embodiment]
Similar to the second embodiment, the third embodiment relates to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including a probe adapter with a marking function on the body surface of a subject and an ultrasound probe to which the probe adapter is attached.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the third embodiment, the probe adapter 20 includes a medical marking pen as a marker in place of the ink discharge port, the ink tank, and the button in the second embodiment. The marking pen is detachably attached to the case 20d. Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the second embodiment, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view of the probe adapter 20 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7A is a front view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached, and FIG. 7B is a side view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached. ) Is a bottom view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the third embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, the probe adapter 20 includes a marking pen 30 instead of ink as marking means. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the marking pen 30 is provided at the front center of the ultrasonic probe 1. The case 20d is provided to hold the marking pen 30. In the example of FIG. 7, the marking pen 30 is detachable in a direction perpendicular to the array direction, and a cylindrical structure capable of storing the marking pen 30 is provided in the case 20 d.

  The marking pen 30 in FIG. 7A includes an adjustment mechanism 30a formed of an elastic body such as a spring on the pen tip 30b side. The adjustment mechanism 30 a is provided inside a cylindrical structure that can accommodate the marking pen 30. When marking the skin surface of the subject, the adjustment mechanism 30a adjusts the tip of the marking pen so as to contact the skin surface of the subject. On the other hand, when marking is not performed, the adjustment mechanism 30a adjusts so that the position of the tip 30b of the marking pen 30 is away from the skin surface of the subject.

  For example, when the marking pen 30 is pushed in the direction of arrow a in FIG. 7B, the tip 30b of the marking pen 30 comes into contact with the skin surface of the subject by the adjustment mechanism 30a. On the other hand, when the pressing of the marking pen 30 is stopped, the tip 30b of the marking pen is separated from the skin surface of the subject by the adjusting mechanism 30a.

  As shown in FIG. 7C, the pen tip 30b of the marking pen 30 is provided so as to come into contact with the skin surface of the subject along the outer frame of the probe head 1a.

  Although the example in which the marking pen 30 is positioned in front of the ultrasonic probe 1 is shown, the marking pen 30 is probed so that the tip 30b of the marking pen 30 can move on a plane parallel to the skin surface of the subject. The adapter 20 may be slidably attached. The marking pen 30 may be configured to slide manually or may be configured to slide electrically.

  The adjustment mechanism 30a is configured to be fixed in a state where the tip 30b of the marking pen 30 is in contact with the skin surface of the subject when the marking pen 30 is pushed in the direction of arrow a in FIG. May be. Further, when the marking pen 30 is pushed again in the direction of the arrow a while the pen tip of the marking pen 30 is in contact with the skin surface of the subject, the tip 30b of the marking pen can be separated from the skin surface of the subject. The adjustment mechanism 30a may be configured.

  Thus, also in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, in 3rd Embodiment, since the probe adapter 20 is provided with the adjustment mechanism 30a, it can adjust so that a marking pen may contact the skin surface only at the time of marking. Further, since the marking pen is used as the marking means, the color of the ink and the thickness of the pen tip can be easily changed. Moreover, since the probe adapter 20 of 3rd Embodiment can use a disposable marking pen, it becomes possible to use easily in the situation where sterilized instruments, such as a surgery, are used.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In 2nd and 3rd embodiment, although the marker in the probe adapter 20 showed the example arrange | positioned in the front of the ultrasonic probe 1, the marker was arrange | positioned in the side surface of the ultrasonic probe 1 in 4th Embodiment. . For the fourth embodiment, only the difference from the second embodiment will be described, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view of the probe adapter 20 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 8A is a front view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached, and FIG. 8B is a side view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached. ) Is a bottom view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the fourth embodiment, the probe adapter 20 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 1 so that the marker MC is disposed on the left side surface of the ultrasonic probe 1. The probe adapter 20 has an ink discharge port 20a, an ink tank 20b, a button 20c, and a case d.

  An arrow b in FIG. 8A indicates the moving direction of the ultrasonic probe 1 during marking. A user such as a doctor presses the button 20c at a position to be marked while sliding the ultrasonic probe 1 in the direction of the arrow b, and applies ink to the skin surface of the subject.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a usage example of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a case where the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved in the direction of the arrow b on the skin surface of the arm of the subject Q as in FIG. When the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved in the direction of the arrow b in FIG. 9, that is, the upper arm side of the subject Q while the button 20c of the ultrasonic probe 1 is pressed, the ultrasonic probe 1 is the same as in the first embodiment. The movement trajectory is marked.

  FIG. 9 shows a case where the blood vessels of the arm are observed in the long axis direction, unlike the example of FIG. In observation in the long axis direction, it is possible to observe how the stenotic portion of the blood vessel spreads. The start and end of the stenosis can be identified by observation in the long axis direction. For example, the range of the stenosis can be indicated on the skin surface by marking the start and end of the stenosis. Can do.

  In the fourth embodiment, an example of a marker using ink as the marking unit has been described, but the marking unit is not limited. Instead of ink, a magic pen or an adhesive material may be used. This also applies to the fifth to eleventh embodiments.

  Thus, also in 4th Embodiment, the effect similar to 1st Embodiment is acquired. Furthermore, in the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the marker MC of the probe adapter 20 is disposed on the side surface of the ultrasonic probe 1. For this reason, the fourth embodiment is effective for marking when the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved in the array direction when the blood vessel is observed in the long axis direction.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, an example of one marker is shown, but two or more markers may be used. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment, the probe adapter 20 includes two markers. Hereinafter, in the fifth embodiment, only the difference from the second embodiment will be described, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a plan view of the probe adapter 20 according to the fifth embodiment. 10A is a front view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached, and FIG. 10B is a side view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached. ) Is a bottom view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the probe adapter 20 of the fifth embodiment is provided with markers MD on both side surfaces. Each marker MD includes an ink discharge port 20a, an ink tank 20b, and a button 20c.

  Therefore, in the state where the probe adapter 20 is mounted, the marker MD is disposed on both side surfaces of the ultrasonic probe 1. As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, when the probe adapter 20 is attached, the buttons 20 c are disposed so as to surround the ultrasonic probe 1, and thus are provided on both side surfaces of the probe adapter 20. Ink can be output simultaneously from the ink tank 20b. The button 20c can apply pressure to the ink tanks 20b on both side surfaces of the probe adapter 20 at the same time and apply ink simultaneously from the ink discharge ports 20a on both side surfaces.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a usage example of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a case where the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved on the skin surface of the abdomen of the subject Q in the direction of the arrow b in the drawing, that is, in the horizontal direction of the drawing. When the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved in the direction of the arrow b on the skin surface of the abdomen of the subject Q, that is, in the horizontal direction on the paper surface while the button 20c of the ultrasonic probe 1 is pressed, the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved in accordance with the movement of the ultrasonic probe 1. Ink is applied to the skin of the subject from the ink discharge port 20a. At this time, as described above, on the skin surface of the abdomen of the subject Q, two lines indicating the movement trajectory of both side surfaces of the ultrasonic probe 1 are marked.

  Thus, also in 5th Embodiment, the effect similar to 1st Embodiment is acquired. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, two markings can be applied simultaneously with one hand. Moreover, the imaging location in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 can be more accurately reproduced by indicating the movement trajectory of both side surfaces of the ultrasonic probe 1 with two lines.

[Sixth Embodiment]
The sixth embodiment is an example provided with a configuration for removing an ultrasonic medium such as an ultrasonic jelly in addition to a marker. Hereinafter, in the sixth embodiment, only the difference from the second embodiment will be described, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a plan view of the probe adapter 20 according to the sixth embodiment. 12A is a front view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached, and FIG. 12B is a side view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached. ) Is a bottom view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the probe adapter 20 attached to the ultrasonic probe 1 20 is provided with a wiper 20e for removing an ultrasonic medium such as an ultrasonic jelly. When collecting an ultrasonic image, an ultrasonic medium such as ultrasonic jelly is applied to the skin surface of the subject. Ultrasonic jelly is a water-soluble lubricant whose composition is about 90% water. By applying this ultrasonic jelly to the skin surface of the subject, air can be prevented from being mixed between the ultrasonic probe 1 and the skin surface of the subject, and sound waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 1 into the body. It becomes easy to be transmitted. In addition, by applying ultrasonic jelly to the skin surface of the subject, the ultrasonic probe 1 can slip on the subject's skin surface, and the operability of the ultrasonic probe 1 is improved.

  However, when marking is performed on the skin surface of the subject to which the ultrasonic jelly is applied with marking means such as ink, the ink may not adhere to the skin surface of the subject due to the presence of the ultrasonic jelly. In addition, due to the presence of water-soluble ultrasonic jelly, the ink may bleed and accurate marking may not be performed.

  Therefore, a wiper 20e for removing an ultrasonic medium such as ultrasonic jelly is provided on the inner wall of the probe adapter 20 at a position closest to the marker ME. This makes it easy to attach the ink to the skin surface of the subject by removing the ultrasonic mediator during marking while using the ultrasonic mediator during imaging.

  An arrow b in FIG. 12B indicates the moving direction of the ultrasonic probe 1 during marking. A user such as a doctor slides the ultrasonic probe 1 in the direction of the arrow b and applies ink to the skin surface of the subject. At this time, the probe head 1a passes through the skin surface of the subject with the ultrasonic jelly applied. Thereafter, the ultrasonic jelly is removed from the skin surface of the subject by the wiper 20e, and ink is applied from the marker ME. As described above, the ultrasonic jelly is removed from the surface of the subject's skin by the wiper 20e, thereby enabling efficient marking.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a wiper head 20f made of silicone, rubber, or the like is provided on the surface where the wiper 20e comes into contact with the skin surface of the subject to protect the skin of the subject. it can. In addition, since the wiper head 20f is in close contact with the skin of the subject, the ultrasonic mediating substance applied to the skin surface of the subject can be efficiently removed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, the wiper 20e is provided with a predetermined spread along both side surfaces of the marker ME from between the marker ME and the probe head 1a. The bottom view of FIG. 12C shows a V-shaped shape starting from the ink discharge port 20a when the shape of the wiper 20e is viewed from the probe head 1a side. However, the shape of the wiper 20e is not limited to the mode shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a plan view of a probe adapter 20 according to a modified example of the wiper 20e in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the probe adapter 20.

  In FIG. 13, unlike FIG. 12C, the wiper 20e is provided between the marker ME and the probe head 1a in parallel to the array direction of the transducers in the ultrasonic probe 1. When the direction parallel to the array direction of the wiper 20e is taken as the major axis direction, it is desirable that the length of the wiper 20e in the major axis direction is at least equal to or larger than the size of the ink ejection port 20a of the marker. If this condition is satisfied, the ultrasonic mediator applied to the skin surface of the subject can be more reliably removed.

  Thus, also in the sixth embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, the probe adapter 20 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment includes a wiper 20e that removes an ultrasonic medium applied to the skin surface of the subject. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the ink applied from the marker from being smeared or repelled by the water-soluble ultrasonic mediator and not being applied to the skin surface of the subject. As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to accurately mark the skin surface of the subject by applying the ink while removing the ultrasonic medium from the skin surface of the subject.

[Seventh Embodiment]
The seventh embodiment is an example provided with an angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the angle between the ultrasonic probe 1 and the wiper 20e in addition to the configuration of the sixth embodiment. Hereinafter, only a difference between the seventh embodiment and the sixth embodiment will be described, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

  When a user such as a doctor collects an ultrasound image, the user may use the ultrasound probe 1 at a predetermined angle with respect to the skin surface of the subject. By tilting the ultrasonic probe 1, the transmission direction of ultrasonic waves can be easily changed, so that structures at different depths and positions in the subject can be depicted.

  If the wiper 20e moves away from the skin surface of the subject due to a change in the angle of the ultrasonic probe 1, the ultrasonic mediator cannot be removed efficiently. Therefore, the probe adapter 20 of the seventh embodiment includes an angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the angle between the ultrasonic probe 1 and the wiper 20e, and the wiper 20e contacts the skin surface of the subject even when the ultrasonic probe 1 is tilted. Can be maintained.

  FIG. 14 is a plan view of the probe adapter 20 attached to the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the seventh embodiment. The left side of FIG. 14 shows a side view when the ultrasonic probe 1 is tilted in the direction of arrow c, and the right side of FIG. 14 shows the case where the ultrasonic probe 1 is tilted in the direction of arrow d. The center of FIG. 14 shows an example in which the alternate long and short dash line indicating the central axis of the ultrasonic probe 1 and the skin surface s of the subject are substantially perpendicular.

  The marker of the probe adapter 20 shown in FIG. 14 includes an ink tank 20b, a button 20c, and an ink discharge port (not shown). The probe adapter 20 in FIG. 14 shows an example in which an angle adjusting unit 20g such as a spring is provided at a connection portion between the marker and the wiper 20e. As shown in FIG. 14, even if the angle between the ultrasonic probe 1 and the skin surface s changes, the angle adjusting unit 20g is maintained so that the wiper head 20f is kept in contact with the skin surface s of the subject. The angle between the ultrasonic probe 1 and the wiper 20e is adjusted.

  In the example of FIG. 14, there is a region where the probe head 1a and the skin surface s are not in close contact when the ultrasonic probe is tilted in the tilt direction c and the tilt direction d. An ultrasonic medium such as jelly is present in the region where the probe head 1a and the skin surface s are not in close contact with each other. Therefore, ultrasonic images can be collected even when the probe head 1a is not in close contact with the skin surface s. On the other hand, the wiper head 20f cannot efficiently remove the ultrasonic mediator such as jelly from the skin surface s unless it is in close contact with the skin surface s. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the wiper head 20f is brought into close contact with the skin surface s by the angle adjusting unit 20g without depending on the inclination of the ultrasonic probe.

  Thus, also in 7th Embodiment, the effect similar to 1st Embodiment is acquired. Furthermore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment does not depend on the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 1 and maintains the state where the wiper 20e is always in contact with the skin surface s of the subject. Even if the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved while the ultrasonic probe 1 is tilted, the ultrasonic mediator can be efficiently removed by the wiper 20e. Therefore, the skin surface of the subject can be moved at any angle. Can be marked.

[Eighth Embodiment]
The eighth embodiment is an example in which the wiper 20e is brought into contact with the skin surface of the subject when marking is performed, and the wiper 20e can be separated from the skin surface of the subject when marking is not performed. .

  Therefore, the probe adapter 20 of the eighth embodiment includes a slide mechanism that slides the wiper 20e. When the ultrasonic mediator does not need to be removed, the slide mechanism moves the wiper 20e away from the subject's skin surface. On the other hand, when removing the ultrasonic mediator, the slide mechanism brings the wiper 20e into contact with the skin surface of the subject. Only the parts of the eighth embodiment that are different from the sixth embodiment will be described, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a plan view of the probe adapter 20 according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 15 shows side views of the ultrasonic probe 1. The right side of FIG. 15 shows the position of the wiper 20e when marking is performed, and the left side of FIG. 15 shows the position of the wiper 20e when marking is not performed.

  In the example of FIG. 15, unlike the sixth embodiment, an example in which the marker is configured with a magic pen is shown. As described in the third embodiment, the magic pen 30 has an adjustment mechanism 30a formed of an elastic body such as a spring. For this reason, when marking is performed on the skin surface of the subject, the adjustment mechanism 30a adjusts so that the tip of the marking pen contacts the skin surface of the subject. On the other hand, when marking is not performed, the adjustment mechanism 30a adjusts so that the tip 30b of the marking pen is positioned away from the skin surface of the subject.

  15 shows an example in which the wiper 20e slides in the direction of the arrow c in conjunction with the magic pen being pushed in the pushing direction of the arrow a on the left side of FIG. The right side of FIG. 15 shows the pushing direction of the magic pen along the axial direction of the magic pen. The left side of FIG. 15 shows a side view of the probe adapter 20 after the magic pen is pushed in.

  For example, the wiper 20e may be provided with a protruding structure capable of sliding the wiper 20e toward the skin surface of the subject along a groove provided in a cylindrical structure in which the magic pen can be accommodated. Further, the groove provided in the cylindrical structure for storing the magic pen 20 is provided with a stopper that can be hooked and stopped at a position where the wiper 20e is brought into contact with the skin surface or a position away from the skin surface. Also good. The wiper 20e may be configured to slide separately from the magic pen.

  When ink or an adhesive material is used instead of the magic pen as the marking means, the ink is applied to the skin surface of the subject by pressing the button, so that the wiper 20e may be slid in conjunction with the button. .

  Moreover, although the example which slides the wiper 20e manually was shown above, you may comprise the adapter 20 so that the wiper 20e may be slid electrically.

  Thus, also in the eighth embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, since the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the eighth embodiment can be brought into contact with the skin surface of the subject only when the wiper 20e is used, the subject can be removed while removing the ultrasonic mediator as necessary. Marking can be applied to the skin surface.

[Ninth Embodiment]
In the first to eighth embodiments, the example in which marking is performed on the skin surface of the subject by the ultrasonic probe 1 equipped with the marker or the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached has been described. In the following, when marking the skin surface of the subject, the ultrasonic probe 1 equipped with the marker or the probe adapter 20 equipped with the marker and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 operate in cooperation. An example will be described.

  The ninth embodiment is an example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 including an ultrasonic probe to which a probe adapter 20 having an ink head is attached as a marking unit. Only a difference between the ninth embodiment and the second embodiment will be described, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

  FIG. 16 is a conceptual configuration diagram illustrating an example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the ninth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the ninth embodiment includes an ink output device 40 and an ink output control function 151 in addition to the configuration of the second embodiment.

  The ink output device 40 is provided in the case of the probe adapter 20 and includes, for example, an ink tank, an ink head, and a button. Further, the ink output device 40 includes a power supply cable that supplies power to the ink head, and is connected to the apparatus main body 10 via the power supply cable. A detailed configuration of the probe adapter 20 including the ink output device 40 will be described with reference to FIG. The ink output device 40 may be provided integrally with the ultrasonic probe 1 as in the first embodiment.

  The ink output control function 151 receives an ink output request signal from the ink output device 40 and transmits an ink output permission signal to the ink output device 40. The ink output request signal is transmitted to the ink output control function 151 via the power supply cable when, for example, a button included in the ink output device 40 is pressed. Similarly, the ink output permission signal from the ink output control function 151 is transmitted to the ink output device 40 via the power supply cable.

  More specifically, the ink output control function 151 determines whether or not the following two conditions are satisfied, and if all are satisfied, transmits an ink output permission signal to the ink output device 40. The first condition is that it is immediately after receiving the ink output request signal. The second condition is that the ink remaining amount in the ink output device 40 is sufficient. If at least one of the two conditions is not satisfied, the ink output control function 151 outputs a beep sound, for example, and causes the monitor 4 to display the contents of the condition that is not satisfied. As a result, the user can be informed of the reason why ink cannot be output.

  FIG. 17 is a plan view of the probe adapter 20 according to the ninth embodiment. 17A is a front view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached, FIG. 17B is a side view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the probe adapter 20 is attached, and FIG. 17C is a probe. It is a bottom view of the ultrasonic probe 1 to which the adapter 20 is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the ink output device 40 includes an ink tank 40a, an ink head 40d, and a button 40c, and is connected via a power supply cable 40b for acquiring power necessary for the operation of the ink head 40d from the device main body 10. Connected to the apparatus body 10.

  As shown in FIG. 17C, the ink head 40d includes an ink head nozzle 40e. The ink in the ink tank 40a is ejected from the ink head nozzle 40e, and the ink is applied to the skin surface of the subject.

  A thin tube made of a piezoelectric material is provided in the ink head 40d, and the ink in the ink tank 40a is filled in the tube of the ink head 40d by a capillary phenomenon. The tube of the ink head 40d is connected to the ink head nozzle 40e. When the ink head 40d receives the ink output permission signal from the ink output function 151, a voltage is applied to the thin tube formed of the piezoelectric material in the ink head 40d, and the tube is deformed in a direction in which the internal pressure of the tube increases. Ink is ejected from the ink head nozzle 40e.

  Although FIG. 17 shows an example in which the ink tank 40a is provided separately on the upper part of the ink head 40d, the ink tank 40a may be configured integrally with the ink head 40d.

  Next, an example of the operation when the ink output device 40 operates in cooperation with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the ninth embodiment.

  In step ST901, the user presses the button 40c of the ink output device 40. When the button 40c is pressed, an ink output request signal is transmitted from the ink output device 40 to the main body device 10 via the power supply cable 40b.

  In step ST903, the ink output control function 151 of the main body apparatus 10 receives the ink output request signal from the ink output apparatus 40.

  In Step ST905, the ink output control function 151 transmits an ink output permission signal to the ink output device 40 via the power supply cable 40b.

  In Step ST907, the ink head 40d ejects ink from the ink head nozzle 40e based on the ink output permission signal, and applies the ink to the skin surface of the subject.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 18, the case where ink is ejected from the ink head 40d each time the button 40c is pressed is shown, but the operation of the ink output control function 151 is not limited to the mode of FIG. For example, the ink output control function 151 may be configured to be able to determine the ink output state and the ink stop state. When the ink output control function 151 receives the ink output request signal in the ink stop state, the ink output control function 151 transmits the ink output permission signal to the ink output device 40 via the power supply cable 40b, and receives the ink output request signal in the ink output state. In this case, an ink output stop signal is transmitted to the ink output device 40 through the power supply cable 40b.

  The ink output request signal may be directly transmitted to the ink head 40d, and the ink head 40d may be configured to operate by receiving power supply for ink output via the power supply cable 40b.

  Further, a wiper for removing the ultrasonic mediator described in the sixth embodiment may be provided between the ink head nozzle 40e and the probe head 1a.

  Furthermore, the ink head 40d may be slidably attached to the adapter 20 so that the ink head nozzle 40e can move on a surface parallel to the skin surface of the subject. The ink head 40d may be configured to be manually slid, or may be configured to be electrically slid. For example, the ink head 40d may further include a scanning mechanism that moves the ink head nozzle 40e in the array direction and a direction perpendicular to the array direction (elevation direction) while ejecting ink from the ink head nozzle 40e. Since the ink head 40d includes a scanning mechanism, the thickness of marking on the skin surface of the subject can be freely changed in accordance with an input from the input device 5, and a graphic or a character can be marked.

  The ink tank 40a may include a plurality of inks respectively corresponding to a plurality of chromatic colors. Control signals regarding the shape and color of the marking are transmitted to the ink head 40d via the power supply cable 40b.

  Thus, also in 9th Embodiment, the effect similar to 1st Embodiment is acquired. Furthermore, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the ninth embodiment, the user can mark the skin surface of the subject by a simple operation by simply pressing the button 40c without using force with one hand. In addition, when changing the type or color of marking, for example, the user can easily change the setting by inputting settings to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 before the marking is performed via the input device 5.

[Tenth embodiment]
The tenth embodiment is an example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 that determines an ink output position of the probe adapter 20 by a magnetic sensor and displays an ink application position on an ultrasonic image. Only a difference between the tenth embodiment and the ninth embodiment will be described, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

  In the following description, the “ink output position” refers to a position for outputting ink or the like as marking means on the skin surface of the subject, such as an ink discharge port or an ink head nozzle. The “ink application position” includes a virtual ink application position in addition to a position where ink is actually applied to the skin surface of the subject. The virtual ink application position is a position where ink is predicted to be applied to the skin surface of the subject when the ink is output from the ink output position to the skin surface of the subject.

  FIG. 19 is a conceptual block diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 according to the tenth embodiment. The tenth embodiment differs from the ninth embodiment (FIG. 16) in the following three points. First, the ultrasonic probe 1 further includes a magnetic sensor 21. Second, the probe adapter 20 further includes a magnet 22. Thirdly, the control circuit 15 of the main body apparatus 10 further includes an ink output position determination function 153 and an ink application position display function 155.

  The magnetic sensor 21 is composed of a Hall element or the like, and is provided inside the housing of the ultrasonic probe 1. A plurality of magnetic sensors 21 are provided at predetermined intervals, and detect magnetism generated by the magnets 22 provided on the probe adapter 20. The magnetic sensor 21 is a device that generates an induced current by a magnetic flux change caused by the presence of the magnet 22 and converts the detected magnetism into an electrical signal. The magnetic sensor 21 transmits an ink output position detection signal to the ink output position determination function 153 of the main body device 10.

  The magnet 22 is provided at the ink output position of the marker provided in the probe adapter 20. The magnet 22 may be configured to move accompanying the movement of the ink output position. The configurations of the magnet 22 and the magnetic sensor 21 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Further, the method for determining the ink output position of the probe adapter 20 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the marker position may be detected by an infrared sensor.

  The ink output position determination function 153 determines the ink output position of the probe adapter 20 based on the ink output position detection signal detected by the magnetic sensor 21. The ink output position determination function 153 may determine whether the probe adapter 20 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 1 based on the ink output position detection signal detected by the magnetic sensor 21.

  The ink output position for each type of adapter 20 may be stored in the internal storage device 16. Further, the ink output position may be determined based on the position of the magnetic sensor 21 that has detected the magnet 22 when a plurality of the magnetic sensors 21 are provided.

  The ink application position display function 155 displays the ink application position on the skin surface of the subject with lines and figures on the ultrasonic image. A method of displaying the ink application position on the ultrasonic image will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  First, the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 1 having the magnetic sensor 21 and the configuration of the probe adapter having a magnet will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic bottom view of the probe adapter according to the tenth embodiment. FIG. 20 illustrates a case where the ink head 40d is used as a marking unit. In FIG. 20, a plurality of magnetic sensors 21 are installed in the casing of the ultrasonic probe 1. In addition, the alphabet described in the installation position of each magnetic sensor 21 is shown for convenience in order to distinguish the magnetic sensor 21 installed in multiple numbers.

  In the example of FIG. 20, six magnetic sensors 21 out of a total of eight are located in front of the ultrasonic probe 1, that is, position A, position B, position C, position D in order from the left side of the drawing along the array direction. , Position E and position F, respectively. Further, the remaining two magnetic sensors 21 are respectively installed at the position G and the position H along both side surfaces of the ultrasonic probe 1, that is, along the elevation direction. 20 shows an example in which a plurality of magnetic sensors 21 are provided in the array direction and the elevation direction of the ultrasonic probe 1, but the position and the number of the magnetic sensors 21 are not limited to the form of FIG. .

  The magnetic sensor 21 can generate a voltage depending on the magnetic flux density. That is, the magnetic sensor 21 can calculate the distance from the magnet 22 according to the magnetic flux density. Therefore, the ink output position of the ink head 40d may be specified by calculating the distance from the magnet 22 with at least two magnetic sensors 21.

  In the ink head 40d of FIG. 20, a magnet 22 is provided on the ultrasonic probe 1 side of the ink head 40d and at a position of an ink head nozzle 40e that outputs ink. In the example of FIG. 20, the magnet 22 of the ink head 40d faces the magnetic sensor 21 at the position D of the probe head 1a. In this case, the magnetic sensor 21 at the position D detects the magnetism generated by the magnet 22 attached to the ink head 40d, converts the detected magnetism into a voltage, and transmits it to the main body device 10 as an ink output position detection signal. The ink output position determination function 153 of the main body device 10 determines the ink output position of the ink head 40d based on the ink output position detection signal from the magnetic sensor 21 at the position D.

  The same applies to the case where the ink head 40d is located at a position facing the position A, B, C, E, F, G, or H. As described above, by disposing an appropriate number of magnetic sensors 21 in the case 20d, the position of the ink head nozzle 40e that outputs ink can be detected.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the tenth embodiment.

  In step ST1001, the ink output position determination function 153 receives the ink output position detection signal detected by the magnetic sensor 21.

  In step ST1003, the ink output position determination function 153 determines the ink output position. The ink output position is determined based on the position of the magnetic sensor 21 attached to the ultrasonic probe 1. The position of the magnetic sensor 21 is determined based on the magnetic sensor 21 that has transmitted the ink output position detection signal to the main body device 10.

  Further, the ink output position determination function 153 may detect that the probe adapter 20 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 1 based on the ink output position detection signal from the magnetic sensor 21. The ink output position determination function 153 may determine the ink output position from the list indicating the ink output position for each type of probe adapter stored in the internal storage device 16 based on the type of probe adapter input by the user. Good.

  In step ST1005, the ink output control function 151 receives an ink output request signal generated when the button 40c is pressed, and transmits a notification signal to the ink application position display function 155. The notification signal is a signal for notifying the ink application position display function 155 that the user has requested ink output.

  Further, when the ink output control function 151 receives the ink output request signal, the ink output control function 151 transmits an ink output permission signal to the ink output device 40. Also in the tenth embodiment, as in the ninth embodiment, the ink output control function 151 is immediately after receiving the ink output request signal, and the ink remaining amount in the ink output device 40 is sufficient. When these two conditions are satisfied, an ink output permission signal is transmitted to the ink output device 40.

  In step ST1007, the ink application position display function 155 receives the notification signal, and generates ink application position drawing information based on the ink output position determined by the ink output position determination function 153. The ink application position drawing information is, for example, information such as a graphic indicating the ink application position, or information on a position where the graphic is displayed. For example, when the skin surface side of the subject is the top of the ultrasound image, the number of pixels from the top of the ultrasound image and the number of pixels from the left of the ultrasound image are displayed. Can be specified as:

  In step ST1009, the image generation circuit 14 displays the ink application position on the ultrasonic image based on the ink application position drawing information.

  Note that the order of processing from step ST1001 to step ST1005 is not limited to the order of the flowchart of FIG. Also, the ink application position display function 155 generates ink application position drawing information in the process of step ST1007 without receiving the ink output permission signal of step ST1005, and the ink application position is displayed on the ultrasonic image in step ST1009. May be. That is, a virtual ink application position corresponding to the current ink output position may be displayed on the ultrasonic image without depending on the ink output request signal from the marker. Also, the ink application position display image when the ink is actually applied to the skin surface of the subject and the virtual ink application position display image before receiving the ink output request signal are displayed in different modes. Also good.

  Next, the ink application position display image will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a first schematic diagram of an ultrasound image according to the tenth embodiment. FIG. 22 shows an example in which the ink output position 1 p is in the center of the front surface of the ultrasonic probe 1. The upper part of FIG. 22 shows a state in which the ultrasonic probe 1 is in contact with the skin surface s of the subject, and the lower part of FIG. 22 shows an ultrasonic image 4a. Although the ultrasonic image 4a is actually displayed on the monitor 4, in order to make it easy to understand the correspondence with the ultrasonic probe 1, in FIG. 22, the ultrasonic image 4a is shown immediately below the ultrasonic probe.

  FIG. 22 shows an example in which ink is applied from the ink output position 1p to the ink application position 2p on the skin surface s of the subject. As shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 22, in the case of a linear probe, both ends of the ultrasonic image coincide with both side surfaces of the ultrasonic probe 1. The ultrasonic image displays a tomographic image of the skin surface s of the subject in contact with the ultrasonic probe head 1a.

  In the example of FIG. 22, the ink is applied to the ink application position 2 p on the skin surface s of the subject just below the ink output position 1 p in the center of the front surface of the ultrasonic probe 1. Therefore, the image generation circuit 14 calculates the center position of the ultrasound image from the horizontal width of the ultrasound image displayed on the monitor 4 and the length of the ultrasound probe 1 in the array direction, and indicates the ink application position at that position. Display the image m. In FIG. 22, an image m indicating the ink application position indicated by a broken line is displayed in the depth direction of the ultrasonic image at the center of the ultrasonic image. Information such as the width of the ultrasonic image and the length of the ultrasonic probe 1 in the array direction may be stored in the internal storage device 16 or may be input from the outside of the main body device 10.

  FIG. 23 is a second schematic diagram of an ultrasound image according to the tenth embodiment. 23 differs from FIG. 22 in that an image m indicating an ink application position indicated by a broken line is displayed on the right side of the ultrasonic image. Thus, the image m indicating the ink application position is displayed on the ultrasonic image corresponding to the ink application position 2p on the skin surface s of the subject immediately below the ink output position 1p.

  For example, when the ink output position 1p shown in FIG. 22 is changed to the ink output position 1p shown in FIG. 23 by manually moving the marker, the ink application position determination function 155 moves the ink output position. The ink application position on the ultrasonic image may be moved following the movement.

  In addition, the image which shows an ink application position is not limited to the aspect of FIG.22 and FIG.23. The image indicating the ink application position may be indicated by a line or a graphic at the top or bottom of the ultrasonic image, for example.

  Thus, also in 10th Embodiment, the effect similar to 1st Embodiment is acquired. Furthermore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the tenth embodiment displays the ink application position on an ultrasonic image showing the inside of the subject. For this reason, the user can easily grasp the positional relationship between the target organ or tissue and the skin surface of the subject. In addition, by displaying a virtual ink application position at a position on the ultrasonic image corresponding to the ink output position before actually outputting ink, an organ such as a target organ or tissue directly above or a contour portion is displayed. The ink can be applied to a desired position based on the relationship with the tissue.

[Eleventh embodiment]
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the eleventh embodiment describes an example in which an ultrasonic image is analyzed and ink is output according to the analysis result. In the eleventh embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which an ultrasonic image is analyzed to determine a blood vessel, and ink is output to a position where the blood vessel exists. Only the difference between the eleventh embodiment and the tenth embodiment will be described, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

  FIG. 24 is a conceptual block diagram illustrating an example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the eleventh embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the eleventh embodiment includes a blood vessel determination function 157 in addition to the configuration of the tenth embodiment (FIG. 19).

  The blood vessel determination function 157 determines whether or not a blood vessel exists at the ink output position based on at least one scan line data. The blood vessel determination function 157 transmits an ink output request signal to the ink output control function 151 when a blood vessel exists at the ink output position.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the eleventh embodiment.

  In step ST1101, the monitor 4 displays an ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 4 may display a virtual ink application position on the assumption that ink is output from the current ink output position to the skin surface of the subject.

  In step ST1103, the user designates the blood vessel region displayed in the ultrasonic image, and matches the ink output position to the blood vessel region. The user moves the ultrasonic probe 1 or the marker in the array direction so that the blood vessel is positioned below the ink output position. At this time, the virtually displayed ink application position can be used as a guide. As described above, the user designates the marking start position of the blood vessel to be marked, and presses the ink output button to output ink from the ink output device 40.

  In step ST1105, the user moves the ultrasonic probe 1 along the traveling direction of the blood vessel.

  In step ST1107, the blood vessel determination function 157 determines whether or not a blood vessel exists below the ink output position in a certain frame.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 generates a plurality of ultrasonic images per second and displays them on the monitor 4. The number of ultrasonic images that can be drawn per second is called the number of frames, and each ultrasonic image is called a frame. The blood vessel determination function 157 analyzes, for each predetermined frame, scan line data when generating the frame, and determines whether or not a blood vessel exists at the ink output position. The blood vessel determination method in the blood vessel determination function 157 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  If the blood vessel determination function 157 determines that there is a blood vessel at the ink output position, the process branches to YES in step ST1107, and the ink output control function 151 transmits an ink output permission signal to the ink output device 40 in step ST1109. The ink output device 40 applies ink to the skin surface of the subject according to the ink output permission signal.

  After ink is applied to the skin surface of the subject, in step ST1111 a marking end determination is made. If the marking is continued, the process branches to NO in step ST1111 and the processes in and after step ST1105 are repeated. When finishing marking, it branches to YES of step ST1111 and a marking process is complete | finished.

  On the other hand, if the blood vessel determination function 157 determines that there is no blood vessel at the ink output position, the process branches to NO in step ST1107, and the end of marking is determined in step ST1111 without outputting ink.

  FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram for explaining a blood vessel specifying method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 26 shows a case where the running state of the blood vessel in the arm of the subject Q is marked using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. The left side of FIG. 26 shows a state in which the ultrasonic probe 1 is in contact with the marking start position of the blood vessel v on the arm of the subject Q. The upper part on the right side of FIG. 26 shows a state where the ultrasonic probe 1 is in contact with the skin surface s of the subject, as in FIGS. 22 and 23, and the lower part on the right side of FIG. 26 shows the ultrasonic image 4a. Show.

  On the left side of FIG. 26, there is no blood vessel v immediately below the ink output position 1p of the ultrasonic probe 1 indicated by the solid line. Therefore, the user moves the ultrasonic probe 1 in the array direction and moves it to the position of the ultrasonic probe 1 indicated by a broken line.

  As shown in FIG. 26, when the ultrasound probe 1 is brought into contact so that the array direction of the ultrasound probe 1 is parallel to the minor axis direction of the blood vessel v of the subject Q, the acquired ultrasound image includes A short-axis cross section of the blood vessel is displayed. The user observes the ultrasonic image and moves the ultrasonic probe 1 in the array direction so that the ink output position is located above the short-axis cross section of the blood vessel to be marked. The right side of FIG. 26 shows a state after the position of the ultrasonic probe 1 is adjusted so that the ink output position is positioned above the short-axis cross section of the blood vessel to be marked.

  When the marking start position is determined by the above procedure, the user moves the ultrasonic probe 1 in the direction of the arrow b shown on the left side of FIG. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 collects a plurality of frames per second, and the blood vessel determination function 157 determines whether a blood vessel exists at the ink output position 1p every predetermined frame.

  The blood vessel determination by the blood vessel determination function 157 is performed based on the scan line data corresponding to the position of the ink output position 1p. One frame data is composed of a plurality of scan line data, and the blood vessel determination function 157 determines whether or not the blood vessel is immediately below the ink output position 1p based on at least one scan line data. The right side of FIG. 26 shows an example in which the presence or absence of a blood vessel is determined using three scan line data.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 displays a tomographic image by converting a change in signal intensity of a received signal, which is a reflected wave, into a change in brightness (luminance) and displaying the change. When the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 1 travels through the living body, the greater the difference in acoustic impedance between tissues, the stronger the ultrasonic wave is reflected and the signal intensity of the received signal increases. On the other hand, if the difference in acoustic impedance is small, the amount of ultrasonic waves that pass through without much reflection increases. Blood exists in the blood vessel, and the difference in acoustic impedance between tissues becomes small. Therefore, the blood vessel is depicted as a region where low luminance continuously exists in the tomographic image.

  Specifically, the user designates an area inside the blood vessel to be tracked by the input device 5. The blood vessel determination function 157 corresponds to the ink output position 1p existing in the range of the region inside the blood vessel designated by the user in the first frame in which the region inside the blood vessel is designated by the user, and inside the blood vessel. Data groups in a specified depth range are extracted from at least two limited scan line data. However, in the case of a uniform soft tissue structure, the scan line data is attenuated by approximately 0.3 db / cm / MHz in the depth direction, and therefore the scan line data extracted by Equation (1) is corrected.

  Thereafter, the blood vessel determination function 157 calculates an average value and a standard deviation for the extracted data group in the specified depth range, and obtains the range of Expression (2).

  The constant k in equation (2) is an inclusion coefficient that is statistically determined by the number of samplings of the data group designated as the blood vessel inner area by the user.

  Similarly, in the second frame, a new average value calculated in the range previously specified by the user is calculated. When the average value calculated in the second frame is within the range obtained in the previous frame (here, the first frame), the blood vessel determination function 157 performs scan line data at the same position in the second frame. It can be determined that a blood vessel region is included above. Subsequently, when the average value calculated in the third frame is included in the range of the formula (2) calculated in the second frame, the blood vessel region is included in the scan line data at the same position in the third frame. Can be determined. Thereafter, it is determined whether a blood vessel exists at the ink output position 1p by repeating the above-described processing.

  The blood vessel determination function 157 specifies a blood vessel existing area according to the above-described processing. Since the blood vessel v shown in FIG. 26 is curved to the right, when the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved from the marking start position in the direction of the arrow b, the ink output position 1p does not pass over the blood vessel.

  When the blood vessel determination function 157 determines that the ink output position 1p has deviated from the blood vessel v, the monitor 4 displays character information or an image for warning that the ink output position 1p has deviated from the blood vessel v. Also good. When the ink output position 1p deviates from the blood vessel v, the user moves the ultrasonic probe 1 or the ink output position 1p so that the ink output position 1p is positioned on the blood vessel v again. At this time, the user moves the ultrasonic probe 1 in the array direction. The blood vessel determination function 157 determines the presence or absence of a blood vessel by the above-described method, and when it is determined that a blood vessel exists, ink is automatically output. Further, a display indicating that the ink output position 1p has returned to the blood vessel v may be displayed on the monitor 4 again.

  In the eleventh embodiment, an example in which ink is output when a blood vessel v exists at the ink output position 1p has been described. However, the conditions for ink output are not limited to the above-described modes. For example, ink output is started when the marking start position is first determined, and an ink output stop signal is sent to the ink output control function 151 when the blood vessel determination function 157 determines that there is no blood vessel v at the ink output position 1p. May be configured to be transmitted.

  Further, the ink may be output while the ink output position 1p exists at the position of the blood vessel v. In such a configuration, only when the blood vessel v exists, ink is applied to the skin surface of the subject, and even if the ink output position 1p deviates from the position of the blood vessel v, the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved to the region where the blood vessel travels. Thus, marking can be performed discontinuously.

  Further, continuous marking can be performed by moving the surface of the subject's skin while shifting the ink output position 1p of the ultrasonic probe 1. Specifically, after moving the ultrasonic probe 1 in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 26 so as to include the travel range of the blood vessel to be marked, the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved in the array direction. At this time, ink is applied to the subject surface only when there is a blood vessel at the ink output position 1p. Again, by moving the ultrasonic probe 1 in the direction of the arrow b in FIG. 26, ink is applied only when there is a blood vessel under the movement locus of the ink output position 1p. By repeating this operation, it is possible to finally perform continuous marking.

  Although the blood vessel is taken as an example in the eleventh embodiment, the blood vessel determination function 157 may use a structure to be treated such as another organ or a tumor as a determination target of ink output.

  In the eleventh embodiment, the method of determining the ink application position 2p from the scan line data acquired by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been described. However, the determination of the ink application position 2p is not limited to a method using scan line data. The ink application position 2p may be determined, for example, by aligning a medical image acquired by another modality such as an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) image or an MR (Magnetic Resonance) image with an ultrasound image. Good.

  For example, there is a technique capable of aligning a medical image acquired with another dharity such as an X-ray CT image or an MR image and an ultrasonic image, and displaying them side by side on a display of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. By attaching a magnetic position sensor to the ultrasonic probe and aligning the inspection position of the ultrasonic image detected by the magnetic position sensor with the tomographic plane of the X-ray CT image or MR image, scanning of the ultrasonic wave and X-ray CT image Can be linked to the display. Note that the alignment between the X-ray CT image and the ultrasound image and the interlocking of the display may be the same as those in the prior art, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 acquires a medical image acquired with another modality via the electronic network 18. Medical images are stored in an image server such as PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems).

  When the shape and position of a structure such as a blood vessel or a tumor to be treated are specified in a medical image acquired by another modality, by aligning the ultrasonic image and the medical image by the above alignment technique, The ink application position 2p can be determined based on the position of the structure specified on the medical image. That is, the ink application position 2p (target position for ink application) is specified in advance on the medical image, and the ink output position 1p of the marker provided on the ultrasonic probe 1 moving on the subject is specified on the medical image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may be configured so that ink is output when the applied ink application position 2p matches. Here, “preliminarily” means before marking the subject from which the medical image has been acquired by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  Specifically, taking a blood vessel as an example, the user specifies a blood vessel to be treated in advance on a medical image such as an X-ray CT image, and inputs information on the position to be treated such as the start position and range of the blood vessel to be treated. To do. Here, “preliminarily” is the same as described above. Next, the X-ray CT image associated with the information related to the treatment target and the ultrasound image are aligned, and the X-ray CT image is displayed following the scanning of the ultrasound. On the ultrasonic image, an ink output position 1p indicating the position of the marker placed on the ultrasonic probe 1 is displayed based on information detected by the magnetic sensor or the magnetic position sensor. When the user moves the ultrasonic probe 1 and the ink output position 1p matches the treatment target position (target position for ink application) specified on the X-ray CT image, ink is output from the marker.

  Thus, the ink application position 2p is specified at the time when the ultrasonic image and the X-ray CT image are aligned. Therefore, the direction in which the ultrasonic probe 1 should be moved may be displayed on the display based on the specified ink application position 2p and the current ink output position 1p. For example, in the case of an echo of the lower limb, the current probe position (ink output position 1p) and the movement of the ultrasonic probe are displayed on the schematic diagram of the lower limb of the subject using the position information of the ultrasonic probe 1 acquired from the magnetic position sensor. The target position (target position for ink application) may be indicated by a mark such as a circle. Further, when the blood vessel is observed in the long axis direction, in addition to the ink output position 1p indicating the current position of the ultrasonic probe, a figure such as an arrow indicating the target position in which direction is shown. The user can easily specify the moving direction of the probe.

  In this way, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is designed so that the treatment target is specified on the medical image other than the ultrasonic image, and ink is applied when the ultrasonic probe is positioned on the skin surface of the subject on which the treatment target exists. May be configured. For example, when the ultrasonic probe 1 scans the position closest to the start position of the blood vessel to be treated, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may be configured so that ink is applied to the position. In addition, a position closest to the skin surface among blood vessels to be treated may be specified on the X-ray CT image as a treatment target position of the blood vessel, and ink may be applied to the position.

  The position closest to the skin surface may be specified from the ultrasonic image data. That is, the distance between the blood vessel to be treated specified on the medical image and the bottom surface (skin surface s) of the ultrasonic probe 1 is measured every time the ultrasound is scanned, and the distance between the blood vessel to be treated and the skin surface s is determined. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may be configured such that ink is applied to a position that is less than an arbitrary distance. Here, the position closest to the skin surface is, for example, the position of the ultrasound probe 1 (ink) where the distance of the straight line connecting the bottom surface of the probe that contacts the skin surface s of the subject and any point on the blood vessel is the shortest. The output position 1p).

  Thus, by using medical images acquired with other modalities, it is possible to determine the ink application position 2p using information that cannot be acquired by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. For example, even when a blood vessel is occluded and there is no blood flow, the shape and position of the blood vessel can be specified in detail by using the result of analyzing a medical image acquired with another modality.

  In addition, when marking is to be performed in the major axis direction of the blood vessel, the user can simply perform the marking only by moving the probe along the traveling direction of the blood vessel as long as the marking start position is specified. This is because the marking start position can be specified in advance on the medical image, and therefore the marking start position can be easily specified by linking the display of the ultrasonic image and the medical image. Also, if the marking end position is specified on the medical image, the user can mark a desired marking range by continuing to move the probe along the blood vessel traveling direction.

The ink output position 1p is displayed on the ultrasonic image, and the user can be notified of the fact that the ink has actually been applied to the skin surface of the subject using characters, images, or sounds. That is, the user can automatically apply ink to a desired position (ink application position 2p) by simply scanning the vicinity of the ink application position 2p with the ultrasonic probe 1 at random.

  Thus, also in the eleventh embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, the eleventh embodiment can analyze an ultrasonic image and automatically output ink according to the analysis result.

  According to the probe adapter, ultrasonic probe, and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of at least one embodiment described above, the ultrasonic probe can be operated with one hand at the time of marking, and the efficiency of marking work and the marking accuracy are improved.

  The correspondence relationship between the terms in the claims and the embodiments is, for example, as follows. In addition, the correspondence shown below is one interpretation shown for reference, and does not limit the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, the center two vibrators having a short length in the elevation direction are examples of the first vibrator described in the claims, and the remaining vibrators are the second vibrators described in the claims. It is an example.

  The blood vessel determination function is an example of a determination unit described in the claims. The image generation circuit is an example of an image generation unit recited in the claims. The adjusting mechanism is an example of an adjusting unit described in the claims. An angle adjustment mechanism is an example of the angle adjustment part of a claim.

  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 ... Ultrasonic probe 4 ... Monitor 5 ... Input device 10 ... Main body apparatus 11 ... Transmission / reception circuit 14 ... Image generation circuit 15 ... Control circuit 20 ... Probe adapter 100 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 151 ... Ink output control function 153 ... Ink output position Determination function 155 ... Ink application position display function 157 ... Blood vessel determination function

Claims (15)

A case that is detachably attached to the ultrasonic probe;
In a state where the case is attached to the ultrasonic probe, the marker is disposed at a predetermined position in the array direction of the ultrasonic probe, and marks the surface of an object with which the ultrasonic probe contacts,
A wiper for removing ultrasonic mediators applied to the surface of the object;
A probe adapter comprising: The probe adapter according to claim 1, wherein the marker includes a button, and marks the surface of the object in response to pressing of the button. An adjustment unit that adjusts the position so that the tip of the marker contacts the surface of the object during marking with the marker, and adjusts the position so that the tip of the marker separates from the surface of the object other than during marking The probe adapter according to claim 1 or 2 further provided. The wiper further includes an angle adjustment unit,
The probe adapter according to claim 3, wherein the angle adjusting unit adjusts an angle between the ultrasonic probe and the marker so that the wiper is kept in contact with the surface of the object. The wiper is provided so as to be slidable with respect to the case, and slides to the surface side of the object during marking, and slides away from the surface of the object except during marking. Item 5. The probe adapter according to Item 4. The probe adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the marker marks the surface of the object with at least one of ink, a marking pen, and an ink head. When scanning on the surface of the object by the ultrasonic probe in a state where the case is attached to the ultrasonic probe, so as to be slidable parallel to the surface of the object, The probe adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the marker is installed on the case. At least one first vibrator;
A plurality of second transducers arranged on both sides of the first transducer so as to be arranged at predetermined intervals in the array direction and having a length in the elevation direction perpendicular to the array direction longer than that of the first transducer. A vibrator,
In a region sandwiched between the second transducers on both sides of the first transducer, the ultrasonic transducers are arranged at predetermined positions in the array direction, and on the surface of the object to be contacted by the ultrasonic probes. An ultrasonic probe comprising a marker for marking. (A) an ultrasonic probe;
A case detachably attached to the ultrasonic probe;
In a state where the case is attached to the ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe is arranged at a predetermined position in the array direction of the ultrasonic probe, and includes a marker for marking the surface of an object with which the ultrasonic probe contacts. Probe adapter,
Or
(B) at least one first vibrator;
A plurality of second elements arranged on both sides of the first vibrator so as to be arranged at a predetermined interval in the array direction and having a length in the elevation direction perpendicular to the array direction longer than that of the first vibrator. And
In a region sandwiched between the second transducers on both sides of the first transducer, the ultrasonic transducers are arranged at predetermined positions in the array direction, and on the surface of the object to be contacted by the ultrasonic probes. An ultrasonic probe comprising a marker for marking,
Either one of
An image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a reception signal of the ultrasonic probe;
A storage unit for storing a marking position of the marker on the surface of the object;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays a marking position on the ultrasonic image based on the marking position. A determination unit for determining whether or not a target structure exists at the marking position based on a part of a reflected wave from the target detected by the ultrasonic probe;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a control unit that controls whether to mark the surface of the object according to a determination result in the determination unit. When the target structure does not exist at the marking position, the marker is provided so that the marking position can be moved to a position where the target structure exists by sliding the marker in parallel with the surface of the target object. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10. The target structure includes a blood vessel, a tumor or an organ.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10 or 11. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the control unit controls whether to mark the surface of the object based on an ink output request signal from the marker. The ultrasonic probe further comprises a magnetic sensor,
The marker comprises a magnet;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the magnetic sensor detects a position of the magnet and detects the marking position based on the position of the magnet. The ultrasonic probe further includes a magnetic position sensor for detecting an inspection position of the ultrasonic probe,
A control unit that aligns an ultrasonic image acquired at an inspection position of the ultrasonic probe and a medical image captured by another modality;
A determination unit that determines whether a target structure is present at the marking position based on the medical image aligned with the ultrasonic image, and
The control unit controls whether to mark the surface of the object according to a determination result in the determination unit.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9.

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