JP2023033589A - Puncture guide adapter, ultrasound probe, and ultrasonograph - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasound probe having a cut part, which ultrasound probe minimizes the influence of an ineffective part for preventing the degradation of luminance in an ultrasonographic image to thereby maintain the consistency of image quality, and which also position a puncture needle at the center of the scan face to thereby ensure the visibility of the puncture needle.

SOLUTION: A puncture guide adapter in the embodiment comprises a base part, a guide part, and a fixing part. The base part is formed to continue to the scan face in the cut part of the ultrasound probe, and located at a position opposing a surface configured in parallel with an ultrasound transmission direction. The guide part is located at a position opposing the base part to let the puncture needle through between the guide part and the base part. The fixing part couples the base part and the guide part for fixing to the ultrasound probe. The base part is also formed to have a slope that inclines toward the focal point of the ultrasound.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a puncture guide adapter, an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, when examining a subject, a modality that collects internal information of the subject and visualizes the interior of the subject based on the collected information to generate a medical image is sometimes used. An example of this modality is an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus. An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus receives reflected signals of ultrasonic waves transmitted toward a diagnostic target site and generates an ultrasonic image of the diagnostic target site.

While the user observes the obtained ultrasonic image, a puncture operation is performed on the diagnosis target region depicted in the ultrasonic image. By inserting the puncture needle toward the diagnosis target site of the subject by this puncture technique, the tissue of the diagnosis target site is collected, and a drug is injected into the diagnosis target site, or a heating element for heating is inserted. and treat.

Conventionally, a puncture guide adapter has been used for such a puncture operation. By using this puncture guide adapter, the puncture needle can be held and the puncture angle can be maintained, so that the puncture needle can be safely and accurately inserted into the site to be diagnosed.

Specifically, when performing a puncture, a puncture guide adapter is attached to the ultrasonic probe. A puncture guide adapter attached to the ultrasonic probe inserts the puncture needle into the subject at a predetermined angle. In addition, by using the puncture guide adapter, it is possible to hold the insertion path of the puncture needle so that it is positioned on the ultrasound image.

Here, as the puncture guide adapter, for example, there is one that is used by being attached to an ultrasonic probe having a general shape. Alternatively, there is also a puncture guide adapter that is attached to the notch portion of an ultrasonic probe that employs a shape in which a portion of the scan plane is notched.

An ultrasonic probe having such a notch is configured to have a large effective aperture in the slice direction of the scan plane. Therefore, the puncture needle that is inserted into the subject through the puncture guide adapter passes through the center of the scan plane, making it easy to confirm on the generated ultrasound image. The point where the puncture needle is first inserted into the subject (insertion point) is also displayed on the ultrasound image.

JP 2014-168679 A

Here, the operator of the ultrasonic probe may apply the ultrasonic probe having the above-described notch between the ribs of the subject, for example, to perform examination or puncture. In order for the ultrasonic probe to be suitable for such a case, it is necessary to make it smaller and thinner, and it is necessary to make the probe thinner in the slice direction.

However, if a structure that is thinner in the slice direction is adopted as the structure of the ultrasonic probe, then in the notch, there will be an effective portion that can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves and an ineffective portion that will not transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. Both are thin.

On the other hand, in order to pass the puncture needle through the center of the scan plane, the thickness of the puncture guide adapter, that is, the size of the ineffective portion is required to some extent, so the effective portion becomes even thinner. If the effective portion of the notch is formed thin in this way, the brightness of the ultrasonic image generated based on the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves in the effective portion is reduced, making it difficult to see the image of the puncture needle. Similarly, it becomes difficult to see the insertion point of the puncture needle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to minimize the influence of the invalid portion in an ultrasonic probe having a notch and prevent a decrease in brightness in an ultrasonic image. To secure the visibility of the puncture needle by positioning the puncture needle in the center of the scanning plane while maintaining the uniformity of the image quality.

A puncture guide adapter according to an embodiment includes a base, a guide, and a fixing portion. The base portion is arranged at a position facing a surface of the notch portion of the ultrasonic probe that is formed continuously with the scan plane and configured parallel to the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves. The guide part is arranged at a position facing the base part, and the puncture needle is passed between the guide part and the base part. The fixing part connects the base part and the guide part and fixes them to the ultrasonic probe. Also, the base is formed with a slope so that it slopes toward the focal point of the ultrasound.

1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment with a puncture guide adapter attached; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a puncture guide adapter is removed from the ultrasonic probe shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a region to which the puncture guide adapter of the ultrasonic probe shown in FIG. 1 is attached, taken along line AA; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the beam shape, focal point, and puncture needle when ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the scan plane of the ultrasonic probe; FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus including an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment;

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic probe 1 according to an embodiment with a puncture guide adapter 20 attached. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the puncture guide adapter 20 is removed from the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in FIG. The ultrasonic probe 1 has a probe body 10 and a puncture guide adapter 20 .

The probe body 10 includes a probe section 11 and a grip section 12 . The probe section 11 has an ultrasonic transducer. The probe unit 11 transmits ultrasonic waves from the scan plane 13 to the subject and receives reflected waves. The grip portion 12 is a portion that is gripped by an operator of the ultrasonic probe 1 . The grip portion 12 is provided on the side opposite to the scan plane 13 so as to form an L shape with one end of the probe portion 11 as a corner.

A connection cable (not shown) is provided at the end of the grip portion 12 opposite to the corner of the L shape. The connection cable is similarly connected to the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus (not shown). In addition to the case where the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body of the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus are connected using a connection cable as described above, there is a structure in which information is exchanged wirelessly between the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body of the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus. may be adopted.

The probe body 10 also has a notch 14 including a notch formed at the end of the scan plane 13 . The notch 14 is formed at the end of the scan plane 13 opposite to the grip 12 . In FIG. 1, a puncture guide adapter 20 is attached to the notch 14 . On the other hand, in FIG. 2 , the puncture guide adapter 20 is not attached to the notch 14 .

Here, the notch portion 14 described above will be described with reference to FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 2, an approximately L-shaped notch is formed at the end of the scan surface 13 . In other words, the effective aperture in the slice direction of the scan plane 13 is partially cut away from the scan plane 13 . Therefore, the notch 14 is configured to have a smaller effective aperture than the other portions of the scan plane 13 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the direction indicated by the double-headed arrow on the scan plane 13 is called the slicing direction. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2, in the notch 14, the effective aperture in the slice direction of the scan plane 13 is hereinafter appropriately referred to as "effective portion E". On the other hand, the portion of the scan plane 13 that is cut out at the notch portion 14 does not receive or transmit ultrasonic waves, and therefore this portion is hereinafter referred to as an "ineffective portion NE".

The notch 14 has two surfaces formed along the L-shaped notch as notch surfaces. For example, the notch 14 has a first surface 141 and a second surface 142 . The first plane 141 is formed continuously with the scan plane 13 . Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the second surface 142 is joined at its end to the end of the first surface 141 substantially perpendicularly. The puncture guide adapter 20 is placed so as to be in contact with the first surface 141 and the second surface 142 of the notch 14 .

The first surface 141 is formed so as to be parallel to the transmission direction of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the scan plane 13 . Also, depending on the type of puncture guide adapter 20 attached to the notch 14, the first surface 141 of the notch 14 may be tilted toward the focal point of the ultrasonic waves when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted, as will be described later. It may be formed with an inclination so as to The relationship between the first surface 141 and the type of puncture guide adapter 20 will be described later.

When the puncture guide adapter 20 is placed on the cutout portion 14 and connected to the ultrasonic probe 1 , the cutout portion 14 is provided with, for example, a Both the portion 14 and the puncture guide adapter 20 may be provided with respective fitting portions. However, in FIG. 2, illustration of the fitting portion provided in the notch portion 14 is omitted.

Returning to FIG. 1 , the puncture guide adapter 20 fits into the notch 14 of the probe body 10 . That is, the adapter 20 is detachably attached to the notch 14 of the probe main body 10 . Here, the puncture guide adapter 20 includes a base portion 21 , a guide portion 22 and a fixing portion 23 .

When the puncture guide adapter 20 is attached to the notch 14 , the base 21 contacts at least the first surface 141 and serves to place the puncture guide adapter 20 on the notch 14 . The base 21 is arranged in the notch 14 of the ultrasonic probe 1 at a position facing the first surface 141 .

The guide portion 22 is arranged at a position facing the base portion 21 and allows the puncture needle to pass through between the guide portion 22 and the base portion 21 . In other words, the guide part 22 plays a role of guiding the operator so that a desired insertion angle can be maintained when the puncture needle inserted into the puncture guide adapter 20 is delivered toward the subject. .

Further, the guide section 22 includes an insertion section 221 for inserting a puncture needle and a delivery section 222 . A plurality of insertion sections 221 are provided for each insertion angle, and the operator of the ultrasonic probe 1 and the puncture guide adapter 20 can arbitrarily select the insertion angle for each puncture operation.

On the other hand, the delivery part 222 is formed as one opening in the embodiment of the present invention so that the puncture needle can be delivered from the puncture guide adapter 20 toward the subject regardless of which angle is selected. . However, the insertion portion 221 and the delivery portion 222 may be formed for each insertion angle of the puncture needle.

In addition, the distance from the boundary between the effective portion E and the ineffective portion NE in the notch portion 14 to the central axis of the puncture needle is equal to or less than the radius of the puncture needle N having the maximum diameter that the puncture guide adapter 20 can handle. That is, when the puncture guide adapter 20 allows use with puncture needles N having various thicknesses, the distance (radius) from the boundary between the effective portion E and the invalid portion NE to the central axis of the puncture needle is the maximum. is the puncture needle with the largest thickness. Therefore, a puncture needle that is thinner than a puncture needle having such a thickness has a smaller radius. is included in the maximum distance (radius) from the boundary of the puncture needle to the central axis of the puncture needle.

Therefore, the height of the opening of delivery portion 222 from base portion 21 is determined in consideration of the maximum thickness of puncture needle N used in puncture guide adapter 20 .

FIG. 1 shows four dashed lines passing through the puncture guide adapter 20 . These dashed lines indicate the orientation when the puncture needle is inserted into the puncture guide adapter 20 . That is, in the puncture guide adapter 20 shown in FIG. 1, the operator can select four insertion angles. In addition, in the puncture guide adapter 20 shown in FIG. 1, as described above, only one delivery portion 222 is formed. Therefore, even if the puncture needle is inserted into the puncture guide adapter 20 from any one of the four prepared insertion portions 221, the insertion angle is maintained and the needle exits from one delivery portion 222 and is inserted into the subject.

The fixing part 23 has a role of connecting the base part 21 and the guide part 22 and fixing the puncture guide adapter 20 to the ultrasonic probe 1 . As for the configuration of the fixing portion 23 , any method may be used as long as the puncture guide adapter 20 can be fixed to the ultrasonic probe 1 .

Furthermore, in the puncture guide adapter 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the base portion 21 is formed with an inclination so as to be inclined toward the focal point of the ultrasonic waves. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a region of the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the puncture guide adapter 20 is placed on the first surface 141 of the notch 14 . In addition, the second surface 142 of the notch 14 can be seen at the back of the puncture guide adapter 20 . Base 21 of puncture guide adapter 20 is in contact with first surface 141 . A guide portion 22 is arranged at a position facing the base portion 21, and a state in which the puncture needle N is inserted between the base portion 21 and the guide portion 22 is shown.

Also, in FIG. 3, the scan plane 13 is provided on the right side. Accordingly, the subject (not shown) with which the scan plane 13 is in contact is positioned further to the right of the scan plane 13 . The ultrasound is then directed to the right and focused within the subject. Therefore, the puncture needle N is inserted from left to right.

Here, the base portion 21 of the puncture guide adapter 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention is formed with an inclination so as to incline toward the focal point of the ultrasonic waves. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the base portion 21 is formed so as to incline from the insertion portion 221 of the guide portion 22 toward the delivery portion 222 . Therefore, the puncture needle N is inserted into the subject with an inclination along the base portion 21 while the insertion angle is maintained by the guide portion 22 .

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship among the beam shape, focal point T, and puncture needle N when ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the scan plane 13 of the ultrasonic probe 1. As shown in FIG. In the explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 4, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from left to right. Therefore, the left side of FIG. 4 shows an effective portion E and an ineffective portion NE of the notch 14 on the scan plane 13 . A puncture guide adapter 20 is placed on the invalid portion NE as shown in FIG.

Also, as described above, since the ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the left side to the right side in FIG. 4, the shape of the beam U is shown as being once converged and spread. A focal point T is indicated by a dashed line near the position where the beam U converges. The puncture needle N is inserted toward this focal point T. As shown in FIG.

In FIG. 4, three lines, a thin solid line, a thick solid line, and a dashed line, are shown in a state of being tilted from the upper left to the lower right. These three lines represent the central axis of the puncture needle N. As shown in FIG. Therefore, these three lines indicate puncture needles N having different diameters.

A thin solid line is shown near the boundary between the effective portion E and the invalid portion NE, but does not touch the boundary. This is because all three lines shown in FIG. 4 indicate the central axis of the puncture needle N as described above. The actual puncture needle N moves in contact with the boundary and is pierced into the subject.

In addition, the puncture needle N moves between the guide portion 22 along the base portion 21 as described above. Here, since the base portion 21 is formed with an inclination, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the puncture needle N also moves from the upper left to the lower right.

Since the base portion 21 is inclined, the focal point T can be passed by moving the puncture needle N along the base portion 21 . At the same time, the focal point T also passes through the center of the scan plane 13 . Furthermore, since the insertion point of the puncture needle N is included in the effective diameter, the operator can easily confirm the puncture needle N on the ultrasonic image.

The inclination of the base portion 21 is, for example, formed so as to be inclined toward the focal point T at any angle between 1.5 degrees and 2.5 degrees with respect to the first surface 141 of the notch portion 14. It is In addition, the angle indicating the inclination of the base portion 21 mentioned here is merely an example, and is not limited to the angle.

The puncture guide adapter 20 having the base 21 inclined toward the focal point of the ultrasonic wave and the ultrasound probe 1 to which the puncture guide adapter 20 is attached have been described above. However, the inclination does not have to be formed in the base portion 21 . For example, the base portion 21 is formed parallel to the first surface 141 of the notch portion 14 of the ultrasonic probe 1, while the guide portion 22 is inclined from the insertion portion 221 toward the delivery portion 222. Also good.

On the other hand, the first surface 141 itself of the notch 14 of the ultrasonic probe may be inclined (hereinafter, such an ultrasonic probe is appropriately referred to as "ultrasonic probe 1A"). In this case, neither the base portion 21 nor the guide portion 22 of the puncture guide adapter 20 has the inclination described above. Furthermore, the inclination of the first surface 141 and the base 21 may be set so that the first surface 141 of the ultrasonic probe 1A and the puncture guide adapter 20 have a predetermined inclination.

That is, since the first surface 141 itself of the notch 14 of the ultrasonic probe 1A is inclined, the focal point T can be passed by moving the puncture needle N along the first surface 141. It becomes possible. At the same time, the focal point T also passes through the center of the scan plane 13 . Furthermore, since the insertion point of the puncture needle N is included in the effective diameter, the operator can easily confirm the puncture needle N on the ultrasonic image.

In addition, the inclination of the first surface 141 is the same as the case where the base 21 of the puncture guide adapter 20 is inclined, for example, the focal point is at any angle between 1.5 degrees and 2.5 degrees. It is formed so as to incline toward T. Note that the angle indicating the inclination of the first surface 141 mentioned here is merely an example, and is not limited to the angle.

Next, the ultrasound probe 1 attached with the puncture guide adapter 20 having the inclination described above, or the ultrasound probe 1A having the puncture guide adapter 20 attached to the notch 14 having the inclination on the first surface 141 is used. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus S will be described.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus S including the ultrasonic probe 1 or the ultrasonic probe 1A according to the embodiment. The ultrasonic probe connected to the apparatus main body 30 may be the ultrasonic probe 1 having the puncture guide adapter 20 having an inclination at the base 21 or the like, or the first surface 141 of the notch 14 having a predetermined inclination. , and since there is no difference in the internal configuration of the device main body 30, the device main body 30 will be collectively described below.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus S includes ultrasonic probes 1 and 1A for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves to/from a subject, and puncture guides attached to the ultrasonic probes 1 and 1A. It comprises an adapter 20 and a device main body 30 to which the ultrasonic probes 1 and 1A are detachably connected.

An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus S is an example of a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus that can noninvasively examine the internal structure, blood flow state, and the like of a subject. An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus S transmits ultrasonic waves from ultrasonic probes 1 and 1A having transducers (piezoelectric transducers) at their tips toward the inside of a subject. Then, the transducers of the ultrasonic probes 1 and 1A receive the reflected waves generated by the mismatch of the acoustic impedance inside the subject. An ultrasonic image is generated based on the reception signals thus obtained.

The apparatus body 30 includes a transmission circuit 31, a reception circuit 32, a signal processing circuit 33, an image processing circuit 34, a display 35, and an input circuit . The transmission circuit 31 transmits drive signals to the ultrasonic probes 1 and 1A. The receiving circuit 32 receives reflected signals from the ultrasonic probes 1 and 1A. A signal processing circuit 33 processes the reflected signal. The image processing circuitry 34 produces ultrasound images. A display 35 displays the generated ultrasound image. The input circuit 36 receives a signal input by an input operation by an operator such as an inspector.

Further, the apparatus main body 30 includes a communication control circuit 37 for controlling signal transmission/reception with other devices (not shown), a storage circuit 38, and a control circuit 39 for controlling each section. These circuits are connected to each other via a bus B so that various signals can be exchanged. The detailed functions of each of these circuits will be further described below.

Under the control of the control circuit 39, the transmission circuit 31 transmits drive signals for generating ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic probes 1 and 1A, that is, electrical pulse signals (hereinafter referred to as "drive pulses") to be applied to the piezoelectric transducers. and transmits its drive pulse to the ultrasonic probes 1 and 1A. The transmission circuit 31 includes circuits (not shown) such as a reference pulse generation circuit, a delay control circuit, and a drive pulse generation circuit, and each circuit performs the functions described above.

Further, the receiving circuit 32 receives a reflected signal which is a received signal from the ultrasonic probes 1 and 1A, performs phasing addition on the received signal, and converts the signal obtained by the phasing addition into the signal processing circuit 33. output to

The signal processing circuit 33 generates various data using the received signals from the ultrasonic probes 1 and 1A supplied from the receiving circuit 32 and outputs the data to the image processing circuit 34 and the control circuit 39 . The signal processing circuit 33 has, for example, a B-mode processing circuit (or a Bc-mode processing circuit), a Doppler mode processing circuit, a color Doppler mode processing circuit, etc., none of which are shown. The B-mode processing circuit visualizes the amplitude information of the received signal and generates data based on the B-mode signal. The Doppler mode processing circuit extracts a Doppler shift frequency component from the received signal, and further performs FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing and the like to generate Doppler signal data of blood flow information. The color Doppler mode processing circuit visualizes blood flow information based on the received signal and generates data based on the color Doppler mode signal.

The image processing circuit 34 generates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound image of the scan area based on the data supplied from the signal processing circuit 33 . For example, the image processing circuit 34 generates volume data regarding the scan area from the supplied data. Then, from the generated volume data, two-dimensional ultrasonic image data is generated by MPR processing (multiplanar reconstruction method), and three-dimensional ultrasonic image data is generated by volume rendering processing. The image processing circuit 34 outputs the generated two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound image to the display 35 . Ultrasonic images include, for example, B-mode images, Doppler-mode images, color Doppler-mode images, and M-mode images.

The display 35 displays various images such as an ultrasound image generated by the image processing circuit 34 and an operation screen (for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various instructions from the user) under the control of the control circuit 39. As the display 35, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or the like can be used.

The input circuit 36 accepts various user input operations such as image display, image switching, mode designation, and various settings. As the input circuit 36, for example, a GUI or an input device such as a button, keyboard, trackball, or touch panel displayed on the display 35 can be used.

In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the display 35 and the input circuit 36 are described as one component of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus S, but the configuration is not limited to this. do not have. For example, the display 35 can be configured separately from the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus S instead of being a component of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus S. Also, the input circuit can be a touch panel using the separate display.

The communication control circuit 37 plays a role of connecting, for example, a medical image diagnostic apparatus (modality), a server apparatus, a medical image processing apparatus, and the like, which are connected to a communication network (not shown), and the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus S. ing. Any standard such as DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) may be used as the standard for information and medical images exchanged with other devices via the communication control circuit 37 and the communication network. Also, the connection with a communication network or the like may be wired or wireless.

The storage circuit 38 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor or a magnetic disk, and stores programs and data to be executed by the control circuit 39, and other information.

The control circuit 39 controls each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus S in an integrated manner. The control circuit 39 causes the display 35 to display the ultrasonic image generated by the image processing circuit 34 .

Here, for example, various functions executed by the control circuit 39 can be realized by causing a processor to execute a program such as a medical image display program stored in a predetermined memory, storage circuit 38, or the like. is. Here, the term "processor" in this specification refers to, for example, a dedicated or general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), an arithmetic circuit (circuitry), or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (eg, Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)).

The processor achieves its functions by reading and executing a program stored, for example, in the memory circuit 38 or directly embedded in the processor's circuitry. The recording circuit that stores the program may be provided individually for each processor, or, for example, even if it stores a program corresponding to the function performed by the signal processing circuit 33 in FIG. Furthermore, the configuration of the storage circuit 38 shown in FIG. 5 may be employed. For the configuration of the memory circuit, for example, a memory device such as a general RAM (Random Access Memory) such as a semiconductor or a magnetic disk or a HDD (Hard Disc Drive) is applied.

By using a puncture guide adapter and an ultrasonic probe that employ the configuration described above, in an ultrasonic probe having a notch, the effect of the ineffective portion is minimized to prevent a decrease in brightness in an ultrasonic image. The visibility of the puncture needle can be ensured by positioning the puncture needle in the center of the scan plane while maintaining the uniformity of the image quality.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples 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 modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may also be as described in the following Appendices.

(Appendix 1)
a base disposed at a position facing a surface of the notch of the ultrasonic probe that is formed continuously on the scan plane and configured parallel to the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves;
a guide portion disposed at a position facing the base and through which the puncture needle passes between the base and the base;
a fixing part that connects the base part and the guide part and fixes them to the ultrasonic probe,
The puncture guide adapter, wherein the base is formed with an inclination so as to be inclined toward the focal point of the ultrasonic wave.

(Appendix 2)
The puncture needle may be guided by the guide section and pass through the focal point along the inclination of the base.

(Appendix 3)
The line through which the puncture needle passes may be characterized by passing through the center of the scan plane of the ultrasound probe at the focal point.

(Appendix 4)
The inclination may be 1.5 to 2.5 degrees with respect to the plane.

(Appendix 5)
an ultrasonic transducer that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from a scanning plane;
a cutout portion in which the effective aperture in the slice direction of the scan plane is cut out in a part of the scan plane;
a puncture guide adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is mounted in the notch and guides the puncture needle;
An ultrasonic probe comprising:

(Appendix 6)
an ultrasonic transducer that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from a scanning plane;
a cutout portion in which the effective aperture in the slice direction of the scan plane is cut out in a part of the scan plane;
a puncture guide adapter that guides the puncture needle attached to the notch,
The notch may be formed with an inclination toward the focal point of the ultrasonic wave.

(Appendix 7)
The puncture needle may be guided by the puncture guide adapter to pass through the focal point along the inclination of the notch.

(Appendix 8)
A line passed by the puncture needle may be characterized by passing through the center of the scan plane at the focal point.

(Appendix 9)
The inclination may be 1.5 degrees to 2.5 degrees with respect to the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves.

(Appendix 10)
an effective portion formed in the slice direction of the scan plane in the cutout portion of the ultrasonic probe;
A notch portion of the ultrasonic probe, comprising an invalid portion formed continuously from the effective portion in a slice direction,
A puncture point of the puncture needle may be included in the effective aperture.

(Appendix 11)
an ultrasound probe fitted with a puncture guide adapter;
an image processing circuit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a reflected signal from ultrasonic waves transmitted to a diagnosis target site of a subject;
a control circuit for displaying the ultrasound image on a display;
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising:

(Appendix 12)
an ultrasound probe;
an image processing circuit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a reflected signal from ultrasonic waves transmitted to a diagnosis target site of a subject;
a control circuit for displaying the ultrasound image on a display;
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising:

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above description. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

1, 1A Ultrasound probe 10 Probe main body 11 Probe section 12 Grasping section 13 Scan surface 14 Notch section 20 Puncture guide adapter 21 Base section 22 Guide section 221 Insertion section 222 Sending section 30 Apparatus body N Puncture needle S Ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus

Claims (12)

a base disposed at a position facing a surface of the notch of the ultrasonic probe that is formed continuously on the scan plane and configured parallel to the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves;
a guide portion disposed at a position facing the base and through which the puncture needle passes between the base and the base;
a fixing part that connects the base part and the guide part and fixes them to the ultrasonic probe,
The puncture guide adapter, wherein the base is formed with an inclination so as to be inclined toward the focal point of the ultrasonic wave. The puncture guide adapter according to claim 1, wherein the puncture needle passes through the focal point while being guided by the guide section along the inclination of the base. 3. The puncture guide adapter according to claim 1, wherein the line through which the puncture needle passes passes through the center of the scan plane of the ultrasonic probe at the focal point. The puncture guide adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inclination is 1.5 to 2.5 degrees with respect to the surface. an ultrasonic transducer that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from a scanning plane;
a cutout portion in which the effective aperture in the slice direction of the scan plane is cut out in a part of the scan plane;
a puncture guide adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is mounted in the notch and guides the puncture needle;
An ultrasonic probe comprising: an ultrasonic transducer that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from a scanning plane;
a cutout portion in which the effective aperture in the slice direction of the scan plane is cut out in a part of the scan plane;
a puncture guide adapter that guides the puncture needle attached to the notch,
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the notch is formed with an inclination toward the focal point of the ultrasonic wave. 7. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 6, wherein the puncture needle passes through the focal point while being guided by the puncture guide adapter along the inclination of the notch. 8. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 6, wherein the line through which the puncture needle passes passes through the center of the scan plane at the focal point. 9. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 6, wherein the inclination is 1.5 degrees to 2.5 degrees with respect to the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves. an effective portion formed in the slice direction of the scan plane in the cutout portion of the ultrasonic probe;
A notch portion of the ultrasonic probe, comprising an invalid portion formed continuously from the effective portion in a slice direction,
10. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein an insertion point of said puncture needle is included in said effective diameter. an ultrasonic probe to which the puncture guide adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is attached;
an image processing circuit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a reflected signal from ultrasonic waves transmitted to a diagnosis target site of a subject;
a control circuit for displaying the ultrasound image on a display;
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 5 to 10;
an image processing circuit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a reflected signal from ultrasonic waves transmitted to a diagnosis target site of a subject;
a control circuit for displaying the ultrasound image on a display;
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising:

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