JP2020039703A - Ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Abstract

To increase the image quality of an ultrasonic image by securing the size of a transducer array in an elevation direction.SOLUTION: For an ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment, a third direction among a first direction, second direction, and third direction orthogonal to one another is defined as the major axis direction of a probe head. The probe head includes an acoustic radiating section provided with a vibrator array at one end in the second direction, and a holding section for holding a projection for forceps at the other end in the second direction. The probe head has a configuration in which the central axis of the holding section is shifted to one end side from the central axis of the acoustic radiation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to an ultrasonic probe.

  In the medical field, an ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves generated using a plurality of transducers (vibrator arrays) and receives reflected waves to convert them into reception signals is used. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus controls transmission of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe, receives a reception signal from the ultrasonic probe, and obtains a desired ultrasonic image depicting the inside of the subject from the reception signal.

  The ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are used for the purpose of observing an ultrasonic image of an organ in a subject even during an operation such as a laparoscopic operation or a thoracoscopic operation. For example, in laparoscopic surgery, holes are made in a plurality of locations on the abdomen of a subject, and a cylindrical guide tube is inserted into each hole. Then, a surgical instrument such as an electric scalpel or forceps or a monitor instrument such as a camera is inserted into the subject through each guide tube.

  In the probe head of the ultrasonic probe for laparoscopic surgery, the size of the transducer array in the elevation direction is limited by the diameter of the guide tube.

JP-A-2006-77367

  An object of the present invention is to improve the image quality of an ultrasonic image by securing the size of the transducer array in the elevation direction.

  In the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment, a third direction among the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction orthogonal to each other is defined as the major axis direction of the probe head. The probe head includes an acoustic radiating section provided with a vibrator array at one end in the second direction, and a holding section holding a projection for forceps at the other end in the second direction. The probe head has a configuration in which the central axis of the holding unit is shifted to one end side from the central axis of the acoustic radiation unit.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment. 2A and 2B are a front view and a side view showing a configuration of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state in which the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment is gripped by forceps. FIG. 4 is a front view and a side view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to a comparative example. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front view and a side view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to a third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a front view and a side view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view and a side view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a front view and a side view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to a fifth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the ultrasonic probe will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view and a side view showing the configuration of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a cylindrical guide tube TR in addition to the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state where the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment is gripped by forceps.

  1 to 3 show an ultrasonic probe 10 according to a first embodiment. The ultrasonic probe 10 is an intraoperative probe used during an operation such as a laparoscopic operation or a thoracoscopic operation. The ultrasonic probe 10 is inserted into the body of the subject through a cylindrical guide tube inserted into a hole provided on the surface of the subject. The guide tube is also called a trocar.

  The ultrasonic probe 10 includes a probe head 11, a probe cable 12, and a probe connector (not shown). The ultrasonic probe 10 can be connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (not shown) via a probe connector. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus controls transmission of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 10, receives a reception signal from the ultrasonic probe 10, and obtains a desired ultrasonic image depicting the inside of the subject from the reception signal. Although the case where the ultrasonic probe 10 is separate from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described, the ultrasonic probe 10 and an apparatus for generating an ultrasonic image may be collectively referred to as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the probe head 11 includes a sound radiating unit 31 and a holding unit 32. Since the probe head 11 is inserted into the subject, it is preferable that the probe head 11 be formed of a material such as titanium which is biocompatible, has high corrosion resistance, and is lightweight.

  Here, in FIGS. 1 to 3 (the same applies to FIGS. 4 to 12), a first direction (x-axis direction), a second direction (y-axis direction), and a third direction (z (Axial direction), the z-axis direction is defined as the major axis direction of the probe head 11. That is, the z-axis direction is defined as a direction parallel to the elevation (EV) direction of the sound radiating unit 31, and the x-axis direction is defined as a direction parallel to the azimuth direction of the sound radiating unit 31. The positive side of the y-axis is defined as “up”, and the negative side is defined as “down”.

  The sound radiating unit 31 includes a transducer array R, a backing, an acoustic matching layer, an electronic circuit, wiring, and the like. The sound radiating unit 31 is provided with the vibrator array R on one end side in the y-axis direction, that is, on the side in the y-axis negative direction. The transducer array R includes a plurality of transducers arranged in at least one of the x-axis direction and the z-axis direction. The backing and the acoustic matching layer (not shown) are provided for more preferably transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The electronic circuit (not shown) processes an electric signal sent from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via the probe cable 12 and outputs the processed signal to each transducer of the transducer array R, and also receives a plurality of received signals from each transducer. Process and output to ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. In FIG. 2, the vibrator array R is shown as protruding from the acoustic radiating section 31, but is not limited to this case.

  The holding section 32 holds the projection S for forceps on the other end side of the transducer array R in the y-axis direction, that is, on the side in the positive y-axis direction. Further, the protrusion S has a size and a shape that can be gripped by forceps (including a robot arm or the like) W.

  Here, from the viewpoint of improving the image quality of the ultrasonic image, it is preferable that the echo intensity of the ultrasonic wave is large. Therefore, the transducer array R is preferably large in the total area of the transducers in the x-axis direction. On the other hand, the size of the transducer array R in the x-axis direction is restricted by the diameter of the guide tube TR. Therefore, it is considered that the size of the transducer array R in the x-axis direction is increased while being adapted to the diameter of the guide tube TR.

  In order to increase the size of the vibrator array R in the x-axis direction, the probe head 11 is configured such that the center axis C2 of the holding section 32 extending in the z-axis direction is different from the center axis C1 of the sound emitting section 31 extending in the z-axis direction. , Y-axis negative direction side, that is, a configuration shifted downward. Here, the central axis C1 of the sound radiating unit 31 is a straight line connecting a plurality of center positions when the center position of the sound radiating unit 31 in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction is obtained at each position in the z-axis direction. means. The central axis C2 of the holding unit 32 refers to a straight line connecting a plurality of center positions when the center position of the holding unit 32 in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction is obtained at each position in the z-axis direction.

  In the configuration in which the central axis C2 is shifted downward with respect to the central axis C1, first, the thickness of the holding unit 32 in the y-axis direction is made equal to the thickness of the acoustic radiation unit 31 in the y-axis direction. This can be realized simply by shifting the sound radiating section 31 downward. In this case, the ultrasonic probe 10 (first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3), the ultrasonic probe 10A (second embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6), and the ultrasonic probe 10B (FIGS. The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Second, the configuration in which the central axis C2 is shifted downward with respect to the central axis C1 can be realized by making the thickness of the holding portion 32 in the y-axis direction smaller than the thickness of the acoustic radiation portion 31 in the y-axis direction. This case will be described using an ultrasonic probe 10C (the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10). First, the ultrasonic probe 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the ultrasonic probe 10, the shift amount of the center axis C 2 with respect to the center axis C 1 is a length when the upper end side of the protrusion S having a sufficient size is adjusted so as not to protrude from the upper end side of the acoustic radiation section 31. It is. Specifically, the probe head 11 has a configuration in which the holding unit 32 is directly connected to the end of the acoustic radiation unit 31 in the z-axis direction, that is, the side in the negative z-axis direction. That is, the holding unit 32 is connected to the acoustic radiation unit 31 with a step in the y-axis direction. With the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 10, the transducer array R can be brought closer to the central axis C of the guide tube TR extending in the z-axis direction. The size of the child array R in the x-axis direction can be sufficiently ensured.

  FIG. 4 is a front view and a side view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to a comparative example. FIG. 4 shows a cylindrical guide tube TR in addition to the ultrasonic probe according to the comparative example.

  FIG. 4 shows an ultrasonic probe 50 according to a comparative example. The ultrasonic probe 50 includes a probe head 51, a probe cable 52, and a probe connector (not shown). The ultrasonic probe 50 can be connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (not shown) via a probe connector. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus controls transmission of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 50, receives a reception signal from the ultrasonic probe 50, and obtains a desired ultrasonic image depicting the inside of the subject from the reception signal.

  The probe head 51 includes a transducer array P, a backing, an acoustic matching layer, an electronic circuit, wiring, and the like. The transducer array P has a plurality of transducers arranged in at least one of the x-axis direction and the z-axis direction. On the other hand, the probe head 51 holds the projection Q for forceps. The protrusion Q has a size and a shape that can be gripped by forceps.

  Here, in the ultrasonic probe 50, the transducer array P cannot be brought close to the center axis C of the guide tube TR unless the size of the protruding portion Q and the diameter of the probe head 51 are reduced. This is because if the transducer array P is to be brought closer to the center axis C of the guide tube TR, the protruding portion Q is shifted upward by that amount, and the diameter of the guide tube TR is restricted.

  With the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3, the vibrator array R can be moved to the center of the guide tube TR without changing the size of the protrusion Q and the diameter of the probe head 11 as compared with the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 50. Since it is possible to approach the axis C, it is possible to sufficiently secure the size of the transducer array R in the x-axis direction while adjusting to the size of the diameter of the guide tube TR.

  In addition, in the ultrasonic probe 10, the case where the thickness of the holding unit 32 in the y-axis direction is the same as the thickness of the acoustic radiation unit 31 in the y-axis direction has been described. However, it is not limited to that case. In order to bring the vibrator array R closer to the center axis C of the guide tube TR in the z-axis direction, the thickness of the holding portion 32 in the y-axis direction may be configured to be smaller than the thickness of the acoustic radiation portion 31 in the y-axis direction. Good.

  As described above, according to the ultrasonic probe 10, since the echo intensity can be increased by securing the size of the transducer array R in the x-axis direction, the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (not shown) Image quality can be improved.

2. Second Embodiment In order to realize a configuration in which the central axis C2 is shifted downward with respect to the central axis C1, the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment is different from the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the first embodiment in that Similarly, a configuration is provided in which the thickness of the holding portion 32 in the y-axis direction is the same as the thickness of the sound radiating portion 31 in the y-axis direction, and the holding portion 32 is simply shifted downward from the sound radiating portion 31. On the other hand, the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment is different from the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the first embodiment in that the holding unit 32 of the probe head 11 is indirectly connected to the acoustic radiation unit 31. Having.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front view and a side view showing the configuration of the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a cylindrical guide tube TR in addition to the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment. The state in which the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment is gripped by the forceps W is the same as that in FIG.

  5 and 6 show an ultrasonic probe 10A according to a second embodiment. The ultrasonic probe 10A is an intraoperative probe used during an operation such as a laparoscopic operation or a thoracoscopic operation, like the ultrasonic probe 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 to 3). 5 and 6, the same members as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  The ultrasonic probe 10A includes a probe head 11A, a probe cable 12, and a probe connector (not shown). The ultrasonic probe 10A can be connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (not shown) via a probe connector. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus controls transmission of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 10A, receives a reception signal from the ultrasonic probe 10A, and obtains a desired ultrasonic image depicting the inside of the subject from the reception signal.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the probe head 11A includes a sound radiating unit 31, a holding unit 32A, and an intermediate unit 33A. Since the probe head 11A is inserted into the subject, it is preferable that the probe head 11A be formed of a material such as titanium, which is biocompatible, has high corrosion resistance, and is lightweight.

  The holding portion 32A holds the projection S for forceps on the other end side of the transducer array R in the y-axis direction, that is, on the side in the positive y-axis direction. The thickness of the holding portion 32A in the y-axis direction is the same as the thickness of the acoustic radiation portion 31 in the y-axis direction. However, it is not limited to that case. In order to bring the vibrator array R closer to the center axis C of the guide tube TR, the thickness of the holding portion 32A in the y-axis direction may be configured to be smaller than the thickness of the acoustic radiation portion 31 in the y-axis direction. Further, the protrusion S has a size and a shape that can be gripped by the forceps.

  In order to increase the size of the vibrator array R in the x-axis direction, the probe head 11A is arranged such that the center axis C2 of the holding section 32A extending in the z-axis direction is shifted from the center axis C1 of the sound emitting section 31 extending in the z-axis direction. , Y-axis negative direction side, that is, a configuration shifted downward. The shift amount of the central axis C2 with respect to the central axis C1 is a length when the upper end side of the protrusion S having a sufficient size is adjusted so as not to protrude from the upper end side of the acoustic radiation section 31.

  Specifically, the probe head 11A has an intermediate portion 33A connected to the sound radiating portion 31 and the holding portion 32A. The probe head 11A has a configuration in which the holding unit 32A is connected to the terminal side in the z-axis direction of the acoustic radiation unit 31 via the intermediate unit 33A. With the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 10A, the transducer array R can be brought closer to the center axis C of the guide tube TR, similarly to the ultrasonic probe 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 to 3). The size of the vibrator array R in the x-axis direction can be sufficiently ensured while adjusting to the size of the diameter of.

  As described above, according to the ultrasonic probe 10A, since the echo intensity can be increased by securing the size of the transducer array R in the x-axis direction, the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (not shown) Image quality can be improved.

3. Third Embodiment In order to realize a configuration in which the central axis C2 is shifted downward with respect to the central axis C1, the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment includes the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the first embodiment and the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the first embodiment. Similarly, a configuration is provided in which the thickness of the holding unit 32 in the y-axis direction is equal to or less than the thickness of the sound emitting unit 31 in the y-axis direction, and the holding unit 32 is simply shifted downward from the sound emitting unit 31. On the other hand, the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment differs from the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the first embodiment in that the holding unit 32 is arranged on the distal end side of the acoustic radiation unit 31.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a front view and a side view showing the configuration of the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 shows a cylindrical guide tube TR in addition to the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment. The state in which the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment is gripped by the forceps W is the same as that in FIG.

  7 and 8 show an ultrasonic probe 10B according to the third embodiment. The ultrasonic probe 10B is an intraoperative probe used during an operation such as a laparoscopic operation or a thoracoscopic operation, like the ultrasonic probe 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 to 3). 7 and FIG. 8, the same members as those shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.

  The ultrasonic probe 10B includes a probe head 11B, a probe cable 12, and a probe connector (not shown). The ultrasonic probe 10B can be connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (not shown) via a probe connector. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus controls transmission of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 10B, receives a reception signal from the ultrasonic probe 10B, and obtains a desired ultrasonic image depicting the inside of the subject from the reception signal.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the probe head 11B includes an acoustic radiation unit 31 and a holding unit 32B. Since the probe head 11B is inserted into the subject, it is preferable that the probe head 11B is formed of a material having high corrosion resistance and light weight such as titanium.

  The holding portion 32B holds the projection S for forceps on the other end side of the transducer array R in the y-axis direction, that is, on the side in the y-axis positive direction. Also, a case where the thickness of the holding portion 32B in the y-axis direction is the same as the thickness of the acoustic radiation portion 31 in the y-axis direction is illustrated. However, it is not limited to that case. In order to bring the vibrator array R closer to the central axis C of the guide tube TR, the thickness of the holding portion 32B in the y-axis direction may be configured to be smaller than the thickness of the acoustic radiation portion 31 in the y-axis direction. Further, the protrusion S has a size and a shape that can be gripped by the forceps.

  In order to increase the size of the vibrator array R in the x-axis direction, the probe head 11B is configured such that the center axis C2 of the holding section 32B extending in the z-axis direction is different from the center axis C1 of the sound emitting section 31 extending in the z-axis direction. , Y-axis negative direction side, that is, a configuration shifted downward. The shift amount of the central axis C2 with respect to the central axis C1 is a length when the upper end side of the protrusion S having a sufficient size is adjusted so as not to protrude from the upper end side of the acoustic radiation section 31.

  Specifically, the probe head 11B has a configuration in which the holding unit 32B is directly connected to the distal end side of the acoustic radiation unit 31 in the z-axis direction, that is, the side in the positive z-axis direction. With the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 10B, as in the case of the ultrasonic probe 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 to 3), the transducer array R can be brought closer to the center axis C of the guide tube TR. The size of the vibrator array R in the x-axis direction can be sufficiently ensured while adjusting to the size of the diameter of.

  As described above, according to the ultrasonic probe 10B, since the echo intensity can be increased by securing the size of the transducer array R in the x-axis direction, the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (not shown) Image quality can be improved.

4. Fourth Embodiment The ultrasonic probe according to the fourth embodiment is different from the ultrasonic probe 10C according to the fourth embodiment in that the thickness of the holding portion 32C in the y-axis direction is smaller than the acoustic radiation in the y-axis direction. The lower portion of the holding portion 32 is flush with the lower side of the sound radiating portion 31, and the upper portion of the holding portion 32 is made smaller than the thickness of the sound radiating portion 31. It is configured to be depressed with respect to the upper side of.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view and a side view showing the configuration of the ultrasonic probe according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a cylindrical guide tube TR in addition to the ultrasonic probe according to the fourth embodiment. The state in which the ultrasonic probe according to the fourth embodiment is gripped by the forceps W is the same as that in FIG.

  9 and 10 show an ultrasonic probe 10C according to a fourth embodiment. The ultrasonic probe 10C is an intraoperative probe used during an operation such as a laparoscopic operation or a thoracoscopic operation, like the ultrasonic probe 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 to 3). 9 and 10, the same members as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  The ultrasonic probe 10C includes a probe head 11C, a probe cable 12, and a probe connector (not shown). The ultrasonic probe 10C can be connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (not shown) via a probe connector. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus controls transmission of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 10C, receives a reception signal from the ultrasonic probe 10C, and obtains a desired ultrasonic image depicting the inside of the subject from the reception signal.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the probe head 11C includes an acoustic radiation unit 31 and a holding unit 32C. Since the probe head 11C is inserted into the subject, it is preferable that the probe head be made of a material such as titanium having high corrosion resistance and light weight.

  The holding portion 32C holds the projection S for forceps on the other end side of the transducer array R in the y-axis direction, that is, on the side in the positive y-axis direction. Unlike the case of FIG. 8, the thickness of the holding portion 32C in the y-axis direction is smaller than the thickness of the sound radiating portion 31 in the y-axis direction, and the lower end of the vibrator array R is moved from the lower end of the holding portion 32C in the y-axis negative direction. It is configured not to protrude. With the configuration of the probe head 11C, the transducer array R can be brought closer to the center axis C of the guide tube TR, similarly to the ultrasonic probe 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 to 3). The size of the transducer array R in the x-axis direction can be sufficiently secured while being adapted to the size of the diameter. Note that the holding portion 32C connected to the distal end side of the sound radiating portion 31 does not have a configuration such as wiring inside, so that the thickness in the y-axis direction can be reduced.

  As described above, according to the ultrasonic probe 10C, the size of the transducer array R in the x-axis direction can be further secured as compared with the ultrasonic probe 10B (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). Can further improve the image quality.

5. Fifth Embodiment An ultrasonic probe according to a fifth embodiment is different from the above-described ultrasonic probes 10 to 10C in that the center axis C1 of the holding section 32 of the probe head 11 is the same as the center axis C2 of the acoustic radiation section 31. It has a configuration that is not parallel to the central axis.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ultrasonic probe according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a front view and a side view showing the configuration of the ultrasonic probe according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 12 shows a cylindrical guide tube TR in addition to the ultrasonic probe according to the fifth embodiment. The state in which the ultrasonic probe according to the fifth embodiment is gripped by the forceps W is the same as that in FIG.

  11 and 12 show an ultrasonic probe 10D according to a fifth embodiment. The ultrasonic probe 10D is an intraoperative probe used during an operation such as a laparoscopic operation or a thoracoscopic operation, like the ultrasonic probe 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 to 3). 11 and 12, the same members as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  The ultrasonic probe 10D includes a probe head 11D, a probe cable 12, and a probe connector (not shown). The ultrasonic probe 10D can be connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (not shown) via a probe connector. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus controls transmission of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 10D, receives a reception signal from the ultrasonic probe 10D, and obtains a desired ultrasonic image depicting the inside of the subject from the reception signal.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the probe head 11D includes an acoustic radiation unit 31 and a holding unit 32D. Since the probe head 11D is inserted into the subject, it is preferable that the probe head 11D be made of a material having high corrosion resistance and light weight such as titanium.

  The holding portion 32D holds the projection T for forceps on the other end side of the transducer array R in the y-axis direction, that is, on the side in the y-axis positive direction. The thickness of the holding portion 32D in the y-axis direction is the same as the thickness of the sound radiating portion 31 in the y-axis direction. However, it is not limited to that case. In order to bring the transducer array R closer to the central axis C of the guide tube TR, the thickness of the holding portion 32D in the y-axis direction may be configured to be smaller than the thickness of the acoustic radiation portion 31 in the y-axis direction. The protrusion T has a size and a shape that can be gripped by the forceps. The protrusion T is formed so that the upper side thereof is parallel to the upper end of the sound radiating section 31.

  In order to increase the size of the vibrator array R in the x-axis direction, the probe head 11D is configured such that the center axis C2 of the holding portion 32D has the z axis of the sound radiating portion 31 on a plane defined by the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction. A configuration having an angle with respect to a central axis C1 extending in the axial direction is provided. The angle of the center axis C2 with respect to the center axis C1 is an angle when the upper end side of the protrusion T attached to the upper side of the holding section 32D is adjusted so as not to protrude from the upper end side of the sound radiating section 31.

  With the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 10D, the transducer array R can be brought close to the central axis C of the guide tube TR, similarly to the ultrasonic probe 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 to 3). The size of the vibrator array R in the x-axis direction can be sufficiently ensured while adjusting to the size of the diameter of.

  As described above, according to the ultrasonic probe 10D, the echo intensity can be increased by securing the size of the transducer array R in the x-axis direction, so that the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (not shown) Image quality can be improved.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, the image quality of an ultrasonic image can be improved by securing the size of the transducer array in the elevation direction.

  Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various 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 their equivalents.

10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D Ultrasonic probe 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D Probe head 31 Sound radiating part 32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D Holding part 33A Intermediate part S, T Projecting part TR Guide tube ( Trocar)

Claims (10)

An ultrasonic probe in which the third direction among a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction orthogonal to each other is defined as a major axis direction of a probe head,
The probe head,
An acoustic radiating section provided with a vibrator array on one end side in the second direction;
A holding unit that holds a projection for forceps on the other end side in the second direction;
With
The probe head has a configuration in which a central axis of the holding unit is shifted to the one end side from a central axis of the sound emitting unit.
Ultrasonic probe. The probe head may be configured such that the center axis of the holding section is separated from the center axis of the sound emitting section by the other end so that the other end side of the projecting section does not protrude from the other end side of the sound emitting section. With a configuration shifted to the side,
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1. The probe head has a configuration in which the holding unit is connected to a terminal side of the sound emitting unit in the third direction,
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2. The probe head,
Further comprising an intermediate portion connected to the sound emitting portion and the holding portion,
On the plane formed by the second direction and the third direction, a configuration is provided in which a central axis of the intermediate portion has an angle with respect to the central axis of the acoustic radiation portion.
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2. The probe head has a configuration in which the holding unit is connected to the distal end side of the sound emitting unit in the third direction,
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2. The probe head has a configuration in which the thickness of the holding portion in the orthogonal direction is the same as the thickness of the acoustic radiation portion in the orthogonal direction.
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1. The probe head,
The holding unit is connected to a distal end side of the sound emitting unit in the third direction,
The other end side of the sound radiating section was provided with a configuration that did not protrude from the other end side of the holding section.
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1. The probe head has a configuration in which the thickness of the holding unit in the orthogonal direction is smaller than the thickness of the acoustic radiation unit in the orthogonal direction.
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1. An ultrasonic probe in which the third direction among a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction orthogonal to each other is defined as a major axis direction of a probe head,
The probe head,
An acoustic radiating section provided with a vibrator array on one end side in the second direction;
A holding unit that holds a projection for forceps on the other end side in the second direction;
With
The probe head has a configuration in which a central axis of the holding unit has an angle with respect to a central axis of the acoustic radiation unit on a plane defined by the second direction and the third direction.
Ultrasonic probe. The probe head may be configured such that the center axis of the holding portion is at the angle with respect to the center axis of the sound emitting portion so that the other end of the projecting portion does not protrude from the other end of the sound emitting portion. Comprising a configuration having
An ultrasonic probe according to claim 9.

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