JP2019042214A - Composite therapy device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a therapy device by combining an ultrasonic therapy device and a weak current stimulation therapy device, and to achieve downsizing of a probe to be used, and effective therapy.SOLUTION: A therapy device includes: piezoelectric elements 4 irradiating ultrasonic waves; metal contours 5 adhering to the piezoelectric elements 4; a probe of a pair constitution comprising the piezoelectric elements 4 and the metal contours 5; an ultrasonic driving circuit for driving the piezoelectric elements 4; a weak current supply circuit for supplying weak current to between the metal contours 5 of the pair of probes; and a capacitor arranged between electric wires between the metal contours 5 of the probes and the ultrasonic driving circuit. The therapy device has functions of both ultrasonic therapy device and weak current therapy device, and superposes weak current from the weak current supply circuit on an electric signal from the ultrasonic driving circuit, drives the piezoelectric elements 4, generates ultrasonic waves, and makes weak current flow with an electrode of the contour of the ultrasonic probe.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic therapeutic apparatus and a low frequency therapeutic apparatus, and in particular, integrates and miniaturizes an ultrasonic therapy using a low power pulsed ultrasonic (LIPUS) and a micro electric current therapeutic apparatus. The present invention also relates to a combined treatment device in which both therapeutic effects can be obtained simultaneously.

  The treatment using low-power ultrasonic pulses is a treatment method that promotes low-power ultrasonic waves on the fractured affected area to promote bone fusion. With regard to the in vivo action characteristics of ultrasound, there are mechanical stimulation action and thermal action, and in fracture treatment, it is thought that the former mechanical stimulation action promotes bone fusion. In addition, it is said that there are also effects on normalization of nerve function, convergence of inflammation, tissue repair, calcification, soft tissue development promotion, and percutaneous drug absorption promotion (phonophoresis). On the other hand, the electrical stimulation treatment is to obtain a therapeutic effect by supplying a low frequency electrical signal to the living body, and is considered to be effective for analgesia, improvement of motor function and wound treatment. There are various kinds of electrical stimulation such as transcutaneous electrical stimulation, interference current therapy, high voltage stimulation, etc. Among them, weak current (micro current) stimulation caused damage current to flow by passing a minute current of 1 mA or less to the living body From the same effect, it promotes cell repair and is used, for example, for healing of muscles and joints or wounds.

  The ultrasonic fracture treatment apparatus described above is a known technique and is commercially available. Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic therapeutic apparatus based on such known techniques. Similarly, the electrostimulator has various operation modes for supplying an electrostimulation signal in accordance with a known electrostimulation method such as percutaneous electrostimulation, interference current, high voltage stimulation, micro current, etc. Alternatively, a low frequency treatment device of a dedicated machine type is commercially available. In addition, a combination treatment device having both functions is also realized. As a functional configuration, each of the functions of an ultrasonic treatment device and a low frequency treatment device is provided in parallel, and for the probe, for example, in the case of the commercially available combination treatment device, a conductor which provides an electrical stimulation to the human body; Each of the probes has a shared structure in which probes for irradiating ultrasonic waves are separately provided, and the outer surface of the ultrasonic probe doubles as one electrode of a conductor for giving electrical stimulation.

  In the case of the combination therapy device described above, the electrical stimulation conductor is configured separately from the ultrasonic probe in a shape requiring a certain large area to be attached to the surface of the human body. Therefore, it can not be applied to a tissue having a narrow surface area for attachment, such as a face surface or in the oral cavity, or a tissue whose surface is covered with a mucous membrane.

  For example, as in Patent Document 2 which is a publicly known technology, the functions of both the ultrasonic wave irradiation function and the electric stimulation function are realized by one probe, and by using this in a pair, the ultrasonic waves from both probes and low It is possible to simultaneously apply a frequency electrical signal from one probe to the face surface or the like. However, in the case of Patent Document 2, the structure of the probe is a physically separated structure in which the portion to be irradiated with the ultrasonic wave and the electrode for passing the low frequency electric signal have separate contacts.

  In this case, the structure becomes larger and more complicated, the area in contact with the human body becomes very large, and it becomes difficult to apply to a narrow area. In addition, in consideration of the method of applying a gel or the like for obtaining the effect of ultrasonic waves to the skin surface or application to the oral cavity, the tip of the probe is also required to have a certain waterproofness. That is, if an electrode part is newly provided, waterproofness will fall and it will become difficult to use for these purposes.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-276352 JP, 2005-253501, A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a treatment device mainly combining an ultrasonic treatment device using LIPUS and a weak electric current stimulation treatment device, as well as miniaturizing a probe used and a head such as a face surface It is an object of the present invention to provide a probe and a circuit configuration which enables treatment targeting the intraoral area and at the same time enables effective treatment by a waterproofed probe.

  In order to solve the above problems, a therapeutic device according to the present invention includes a piezoelectric element for emitting ultrasonic waves, a metal shell bonded to the piezoelectric element, a probe including the piezoelectric element and the metal shell forming a pair. An ultrasonic drive circuit for driving the piezoelectric element; a weak current supply circuit for supplying a weak current between the metal shells of the pair of probes; and a wire between the metal shell of the probe and the ultrasonic drive circuit A treatment device having both the functions of an ultrasonic treatment device and a weak electric current treatment device, and an ultrasonic drive circuit inside the treatment device. And a probe for irradiating the affected area with the weak current supply circuit, superimposing the weak current from the weak current supply circuit on the electric signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit, and driving the piezoelectric element by the signal Wherein the flow a weak current between the probe an outer shell of the ultrasonic probe as an electrode together to generate acoustic waves.

  The probe according to the present invention is characterized in that the electric signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit and the current from the weak current supply circuit are superimposed after passing through the capacitor.

  The therapeutic device of the present invention having the above-described configuration realizes a combined treatment device based on LIPUS and microcurrent, and in the probe used, the device is miniaturized with an integrated configuration of an ultrasonic treatment device and a weak current stimulation treatment device. Portability has been improved.

  In addition, since therapeutic energy can be emitted from a probe integrated with ultrasonic waves and weak current, it is possible to apply the arrangement with a degree of freedom to a region with a relatively small flat portion, such as the mouth of the face and the vicinity of the jaw. Became possible.

  In addition, since the waterproofness of the head portion is maintained by sharing the contact point between the metal shell in the head portion of the probe and the ultrasonic radiation and the weak current, treatment is possible also on the mucosal surface, for example, in the oral cavity. became.

The block diagram of the compound treatment device of the embodiment of the present invention Head structure diagram of a probe for passing ultrasonic radiation and a weak current according to an embodiment of the present invention Implementation example of connection configuration of combined therapy unit and probe according to an embodiment of the present invention Another Example of Connection Configuration of Compound Therapeutic Device and Probe According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the attached drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic and weak current combined therapy apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the treatment device main body, a circuit (hereinafter, ultrasonic drive circuit 1) for generating an electric signal for driving a piezoelectric element in the probe, a circuit for supplying a weak current (hereinafter, weak current supply circuit 2) Each exist. Both circuits may be independent configurations without affecting each other, or as a configuration for acquiring an electrical signal between both circuits, one output such as being synchronized with one output timing, or one output being triggered and the other output The other may be output based on or may be configured to cooperate with each other. In that case, a signal line not shown is provided between the two circuits. A probe 3 supplying ultrasound and weak current is connected to the body. The probe 3 is configured to form a pair of two. The probe 3 is composed of a probe head unit 8 to be described later and a capacitor 9 for preventing the potential between the probe heads from being equal in direct current.

  FIG. 2 is a view showing an internal configuration of the probe head portion 8 of the probe 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and a piezoelectric element 4 for outputting an ultrasonic wave, a metal shell 5 adhered to the piezoelectric element 4 and the piezoelectric element 4 includes electric wires a6 and b7 for flowing an electric signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 for driving the electric motor 4. The wire a6 also plays a role of supplying the weak current from the weak current supply circuit 2 to the human body via the metal shell 5. In this embodiment, the basic structure as the head portion of the ultrasonic probe consisting of the piezoelectric element 4 and the metal shell 5 can be made substantially the same as the head portion of the ultrasonic probe according to the prior art used for a fracture treatment device. Although there is no need to change the size of the probe 3 even if an additional function is added, it is not necessary to use a gel or adhesive pad, and it can be used for small areas such as the face, etc. It is possible to apply also to the site with a mucous membrane such as the inside.

  The ultrasonic drive circuit 1 is an oscillation circuit for generating an alternating electric signal for driving in the piezoelectric element 4. The frequency of the ultrasonic wave generated in the piezoelectric element is determined by the frequency of the applied signal, and in the case of an ultrasonic therapeutic device, a frequency of several MHz or less which is particularly effective for the human body is generally used. An alternating current electrical signal for generating an ultrasonic wave of the predetermined frequency from the piezoelectric element is supplied to the piezoelectric element 4.

  The weak current supply circuit 2 is a type of low frequency current stimulation, and is a general current for weak current therapy that promotes the recovery of damaged tissue by supplying a weak current equivalent to the damage current involved in tissue repair to the human body. Specifically, it is a circuit for supplying a current having a frequency of 100 Hz or less and a current not exceeding 1 mA at the maximum, for example, a frequency of 50 Hz and an output of 500 μA.

  The electric signal from the ultrasonic wave drive circuit 1 for driving the piezoelectric element 4 and the weak current flowing to the human body tissue from the weak current supply circuit 2 are superimposed and supplied to the probe head unit 8 constituting the probe 3 Be done. Here, in the case where each probe is in circuit conduction to the GND of the therapeutic unit main body and the probes are at the same potential, a weak current does not flow between the probes. By disconnecting the probes in a direct current manner, the probes are arranged to prevent the same potential between the probes and to allow weak current to flow between the probes via the human body.

  The piezoelectric element 4 has a structure in which a general piezoelectric element is sandwiched between metal plates corresponding to electrodes. For example, a piezoelectric ceramic (PZT: lead zirconate titanate) is used as the piezoelectric element.

  The metal shell 5 constitutes a support member of the piezoelectric element 4 and is used to supply ultrasonic waves reliably and efficiently to the human body, and in the present invention, the role of electrodes for supplying a weak current to the human body is used. Play. Any material can be used as the material of the metal shell 5 as long as it is conductive, has a predetermined ultrasonic output, and is resistant to water and corrosion. Other than aluminum steel plates, stainless steel plates, titanium steel plates, steel plates subjected to nickel plating, silver plating or the like may be used.

  The electric wire a6 supplies the electric signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and the weak current from the weak current supply circuit 2 between the probe head unit 8 and the capacitor 9 to supply the superimposed electric signal to the metal shell 5. It is a signal line for The electric wire b7 is a signal line which sandwiches the piezoelectric element 4 and connects the counter electrode side of the metal shell 5. The weak current flows between the probe heads through the human body because it is a low frequency signal, and the piezoelectric element 4 and the capacitor 9 are present, and the signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 has a resonant frequency (ultrasonic wave) The treatment device is driven at a high frequency of about 1 MHz. That is, the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and each probe 3 constitute a closed circuit of the high frequency signal, while the weak current supply circuit 2, the probe 3, the human body, the probe 3 and the weak current supply circuit 2 form a closed circuit of the weak current signal. Are configured.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the electrical signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and the current from the weak current supply circuit 2 are output from separate connectors (not shown) from the treatment device main body. In the practical aspect, the connector may be integrated. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, it is also a problem that both the electric signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and the current from the weak current supply circuit 2 are accommodated in the connector of the treatment device main body, and one cable is integrated. Absent. In this case, by setting the contact point of the current from the weak current supply circuit 2 to a position not interfering with the contact point of the conventional ultrasonic probe, it becomes possible to connect and use the conventional ultrasonic probe.

  FIG. 4 shows another embodiment. In this configuration, the treatment device main body includes the capacitor 9 and the connection point between the electric signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and the current from the weak current supply circuit. In the case of this configuration, the probe has a structure including only the probe head unit 8. Although it is necessary to change the connector in FIG. 3, the connector from the treatment device main body in FIG. 4 can be used without changing the connector of the conventional ultrasonic probe because the signal line is unified. It is. Further, although the capacitor 9 is disposed only on the wire a6 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 described above, it is not limited to this, and may be disposed on the wire b7.

  Next, a usage example of the treatment device of the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described.

  Since the basic structure of the probe of the present invention is the same as that of a conventional ultrasonic probe, basically, the gel is applied onto the affected area to be treated, and the method is used equivalent to contact with the probe. At this time, in the present invention, by simultaneously applying a weak current to the affected area, an effect of accelerating the repair and recovery of the tissue by the current simulated as the damage current can be simultaneously obtained. Due to the same structure as that of the conventional ultrasonic probe head, for example, even in a relatively moist oral cavity, it is possible to apply the tip of the probe to the treatment planned part to treat.

  Since the probes have the same two-channel configuration, by appropriately arranging the affected area, the positional accuracy of the portion where the weak current is to flow can be improved, and the improvement of the therapeutic effect can be expected.

  The treatment device of the present invention is activated to apply a weak current between the two probes, and simultaneously irradiated with LIPUS for treatment. The weak current is, for example, a low frequency (about several hundreds Hz) +/- bi-directional rectangular current pulse and has an effective current of 1 mA or less, for example, a frequency of 50 Hz and an output of 500 μA. LIPUS has a frequency of about 1.5 MHz and an output of about 60 mW per square centimeter. In this example, although the configuration is two, the number of pairs of probes may be increased to perform a plurality of simultaneous treatments.

  Also, an output button may be provided on the probe to control the output of LIPUS and weak current. The output button can be connected to the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and the weak current supply circuit 2 inside the treatment device main body through the probe, and for example, variations can be given to the treatment method such as outputting only while the button is pressed. . In the case of this embodiment, a signal line is provided between the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and the weak current supply circuit 2. For example, when the output from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 is ON, the output of the weak current supply circuit 2 The interlocking function may be provided to turn on as well. Alternatively, it may be an output pattern in which an ultrasonic output and an output of a weak current are alternately performed.

  According to the treatment device of the present invention, ultrasonic treatment and weak current treatment can be simultaneously performed. Conventionally, since treatment with ultrasound is performed first, followed by treatment with weak current, or treatment with ultrasound after weak current treatment, the treatment time is the treatment time with ultrasound and the treatment time with weak current. It was a total time, and a very long treatment time was needed. However, according to the treatment device of the present invention, since both treatments are performed simultaneously, the treatment time can be shortened accordingly to improve the treatment efficiency. Furthermore, the treatment device of the present invention is compared to the case where the treatment with ultrasound and the weak current is performed separately, such as treatment with ultrasound for a certain period of time (for example, 30 minutes) and subsequent treatment with the weak current. When used and treated with ultrasound and weak current at the same time, the effect of each treatment is much higher, which also improves the treatment effect.

  Moreover, in the treatment by ultrasound, the use frequency is used properly depending on the depth of the treatment site, and it is said to reach about 1 cm subcutaneously at 3 MHz and about 3 cm subcutaneously at 1 MHz. By selecting the frequency of the irradiated ultrasonic wave in accordance with this property, it is also possible to control the current value and the frequency automatically to the magnitude at which the therapeutic effect can be obtained even for the weak current and simultaneously output. The current value and frequency of the weak current may be set in advance, or may be set to allow fine adjustment in accordance with the condition of each patient. Such control provides an appropriate therapeutic effect depending on the position of the affected area to be treated.

  In the above embodiment, the ultrasonic waves and the weak current are simultaneously output, but the present invention is not limited thereto. If the pulse width of the weak current is, for example, 2 msec, control is performed such that ultrasonic waves are not output in the 2 msec in which the pulse is output, but ultrasonic waves are output in the time in which pulses other than 2 msec are not output. Is also desirable. In order not to output the ultrasonic wave and the weak current simultaneously, in other words, the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and the weak current supply circuit 2 are controlled by driving alternatively or at a time difference without driving them simultaneously. Since the peak value of the power can be suppressed and the output capacity of the power source to be used can be reduced, the power source can be miniaturized and the cost can be reduced.

  In the treatment using a weak current, the treatment is continued for a relatively long time, so the treatment device is often carried and carried, and in this case, a battery is used as a power source. In order to lighten the burden on the user when carrying and carrying it, it is necessary to reduce the weight and size of the treatment device itself. For that purpose, it is important to miniaturize the battery used. Therefore, according to the present invention, since the ultrasonic wave and the weak current are controlled to be output at the same time so that they are not output simultaneously, a large output is not required for the battery, and the battery size and weight are reduced. Not only is it possible, but also the cost of the battery can be reduced.

  By controlling the above control, that is, controlling the output time of the ultrasonic wave output in the off state where the weak current is not output, it is possible to control the balance between the treatment by the ultrasonic wave and the treatment by the weak current. Alternatively, by controlling the pulse width of the weak current, it is possible to similarly control the balance between the ultrasonic wave and the treatment by the weak current. Furthermore, when the treatment with the weak current is performed for a relatively long time of, for example, about 1 hour, control such as stopping the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 only after, for example, 20 minutes can be performed halfway.

  Furthermore, in the control in which the ultrasonic wave and the weak current are not simultaneously output, when the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 is driven, the ultrasonic wave is supplied when the weak current supply circuit 2 is driven and when the weak current supply circuit 2 is driven. The drive circuit 1 may be electrically separated. For example, when the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 is driven, a switch circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the weak current supply circuit 2 and electrically connected to the weak current supply circuit 2 is connected to the weak current supply circuit 2. It is also desirable to control the signal so as not to affect the weak current supply circuit 2 by providing it. In such a configuration, the influence of the ultrasonic drive signal on the weak current supply circuit 2 does not occur at all, and the operation of the weak current supply circuit 2 can be made more stable. Similarly, when the weak current supply circuit 2 is driven, a switch electrically connected to the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and electrically connected to the electric wire a6 or the electric wire b7 from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 It is also desirable to provide a circuit (not shown) so that the ultrasonic drive signal does not affect the weak current supply circuit 2, and the operation of the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 can be made more stable. Furthermore, providing these switch circuits in both the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and the weak current supply circuit 2 is more desirable because both circuits can be made more stable.

  In the present invention, as a configuration of the treatment device and the probe, it is assumed that the probe forming one pair configuration with respect to one treatment device is provided, but a plurality of one pair configuration may be provided. That is, the number of probes may be 2 n (n is 1 or more), and a combination of a weak current may be n between one pair of probes that perform ultrasonic wave irradiation. Such a multiple probe pair configuration enables simultaneous treatment at a plurality of points, shortening the treatment time and reducing the burden on the patient.

  The illustrated embodiment is merely an example of the present invention, and in addition to the one directly shown by the described embodiment, various improvements made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the claims can be made. It goes without saying that it is intended to cover changes.

1: Ultrasonic drive circuit 1
2 ... Weak current supply circuit 2
3 ... probe 4 ... piezoelectric element 5 ... metal shell 6 ... electric wire a connected to metal shell a
7 ... Wire b connected to piezoelectric element
8: Probe head 9: Capacitor

Claims (2)

A combined treatment device having the functions of both an ultrasonic treatment device and a weak current treatment device,
An ultrasonic drive circuit and a weak current supply circuit provided inside the combined therapy apparatus;
A probe for irradiating at least one of ultrasonic waves and weak current to the affected area;
The electric current from the ultrasonic drive circuit is superimposed on the probe with the weak current from the weak current supply circuit, and the signal drives the piezoelectric element to generate ultrasonic waves, and the outer shell of the ultrasonic probe serves as a common electrode between the probes A combined treatment device characterized by passing a weak current. In the probe, a capacitor is provided on a signal line connected to the outer shell of the ultrasonic probe, and the electric signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit and the weak current from the weak current supply circuit are superimposed after passing through the capacitor. The combined therapeutic device according to claim 1, characterized in that

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