JP2024042416A - Ultrasonic diagnostic device and control method of ultrasonic diagnostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device and a control method of an ultrasonic diagnostic device that allow a user to grasp a stool extraction timing easily.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic device includes: an ultrasonic probe (1); an ultrasonic signal acquisition unit (31) for acquiring an ultrasonic signal on a subject by performing scanning with the ultrasonic probe (1); a feces detection unit (25) for detecting feces in the subject by analyzing the ultrasonic signal; and a notification unit (26) for notifying a user according to the position of the feces detected by the feces detection unit (25) with respect to the anal inlet of the subject.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus used for examining the rectum of a subject and a method of controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Diagnosis regarding stool in the large intestine has conventionally been performed by photographing an ultrasonic image representing a cross section of a subject's large intestine using a so-called ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Users such as doctors usually judge the properties of stool by observing captured ultrasound images based on their experience or knowledge, and often perform necessary treatment on the subject. Therefore, in order for users such as doctors to smoothly diagnose stool, a technology has been developed that analyzes ultrasound images and automatically evaluates the properties of stool, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. .

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-195748

By the way, in general, subjects who are unable to defecate naturally, subjects who have difficulty defecating due to the inability to apply abdominal pressure due to paralysis, etc., and subjects who have difficulty defecating due to spinal cord injury or impaired rectal function. In order to expel feces from a subject for whom it is difficult to remove feces, a procedure called dissection is performed in which the feces are removed from the anus of the subject using the operator's fingers. Disimpaction is often performed particularly when a so-called fecal intrusion occurs, which is a condition in which the person is unable to defecate due to hard feces getting stuck near the anus.

Disimpaction is generally difficult unless the stool is within reach of the operator's fingers after entering the rectum from the anus. Therefore, the operator usually performs disimpaction after determining whether or not disimpaction is possible by palpating the subject's abdomen based on his/her experience and skill. As described above, since the judgment as to whether or not disimpaction is possible is often made based on the experience and skill of the operator, some operators may not be able to grasp the timing of disimpaction. Furthermore, even if it is possible to determine the presence of hard stool that causes incarcerated stool by using the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, it is difficult to determine the position of the stool in the rectum, so it is difficult to determine the timing of disimpaction. There were times when I couldn't do it.

The present invention has been made to solve these conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that allow a user to easily grasp the timing of disimpaction. do.

The above object can be achieved by the following configuration.
[1] An ultrasonic probe;
an ultrasonic signal acquiring unit that acquires ultrasonic signals related to a subject by scanning an ultrasonic probe;
a feces detection unit that detects feces in the subject by analyzing an ultrasonic signal;
and a notification unit that notifies a user according to the position of the stool detected by the stool detection unit relative to the anal entrance of the subject.
[2] A rectum detection unit that detects the rectum of the subject by analyzing an ultrasonic signal,
The stool detection unit detects stool present in the rectum detected by the rectum detection unit by analyzing the ultrasound signal.
[3] The ultrasound diagnostic device according to [1] or [2], wherein the notification unit notifies in a first notification manner when the position of the stool detected by the stool detection unit is within a predetermined recommended disimpaction range.
[4] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to [3], wherein the recommended area for disimpaction is within 4 to 5 cm from the anal entrance of the subject.
[5] The ultrasound diagnostic device according to [4], wherein the notification unit notifies in a second notification manner different from the first notification manner when the position of the stool detected by the stool detection unit is within a range of 5 to 10 cm from the anal entrance.
[6] The ultrasound diagnostic device according to [5], wherein the notification unit notifies in a third notification manner different from the first notification manner and the second notification manner when the position of the stool detected by the stool detection unit is within a range of 10 to 20 cm from the anal entrance.
[7] A stool property determination unit that determines the property of the stool detected by the stool detection unit based on the ultrasonic signal,
The ultrasound diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the notification unit notifies the user of the stool characteristics determined by the stool characteristics determination unit.
[8] a monitor;
and a stool position display unit that displays on a monitor a schematic diagram of the position of the stool in the rectum detected by the stool detection unit.
[9] The ultrasound diagnostic device according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the ultrasound signal acquisition unit acquires ultrasound signals by a transabdominal approach using an ultrasound probe.
[10] The ultrasound diagnostic device according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the ultrasound signal acquisition unit acquires ultrasound signals by a transgluteal approach using an ultrasound probe.
[11] The ultrasound diagnostic device according to any one of [1] to [10], wherein the ultrasound signal acquisition unit acquires an ultrasound image as the ultrasound signal.
[12] Acquiring an ultrasonic signal related to a subject by scanning an ultrasonic probe;
detecting the subject's rectum by analyzing the ultrasound signal;
By analyzing the ultrasound signal, stool present in the rectum is detected.
A method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device, which notifies a user according to the position of detected stool in the rectum.

According to the present invention, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound probe, an ultrasound signal acquisition unit that acquires ultrasound signals related to a subject by scanning the ultrasound probe, and an ultrasound signal acquisition unit that acquires ultrasound signals related to a subject by scanning the ultrasound probe; The system is equipped with a feces detection unit that detects feces within the specimen, and a notification unit that notifies the user according to the position of the feces detected by the feces detection unit relative to the anal entrance of the subject, making it easy for the user to determine the timing of disimpaction. can be grasped.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a transmitting/receiving circuit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image generation section in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an ultrasound image of stool in the rectum taken by a transgluteal cleft approach. It is a figure which shows the example of notification by the 1st notification aspect in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of notification by the 2nd notification aspect in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of notification by the 3rd notification aspect in Embodiment 1 of this invention. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the notification of the nature of stool in Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the position of the stool in Embodiment 3 of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the accompanying drawings.
Although the description of the constituent elements described below is based on typical embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments.
Note that in this specification, a numerical range expressed using "~" means a range that includes the numerical values written before and after "~" as the lower limit and upper limit.
In this specification, "same" and "same" include error ranges generally accepted in the technical field.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The ultrasound diagnostic device includes an ultrasound probe 1 and a device body 2 connected to the ultrasound probe 1.

The ultrasound probe 1 has a transducer array 11. A transmitter/receiver circuit 12 is connected to the vibrator array 11 .

The apparatus main body 2 includes an image generating section 21 connected to the transmitting/receiving circuit 12 of the ultrasound probe 1. A display control section 22 and a monitor 23 are sequentially connected to the image generation section 21 . Further, a rectum detection section 24 and a stool detection section 25 are connected to the image generation section 21 . Further, a stool detection section 25 is connected to the rectum detection section 24 . A notification section 26 is connected to the stool detection section 25 . The notification section 26 is connected to the display control section 22. Further, a main body control section 29 is connected to the transmission/reception circuit 12, the image generation section 21, the display control section 22, the rectum detection section 24, the feces detection section 25, and the notification section 26. An input device 30 is connected to the main body control section 29 .

Further, the transmitting/receiving circuit 12 and the image generating section 21 constitute an ultrasound signal acquiring section 31. Further, the image generation section 21, the display control section 22, the rectal detection section 24, the stool detection section 25, the notification section 26, and the main body control section 29 constitute a processor 32 for the device main body 2.

The transducer array 11 of the ultrasound probe 1 has a plurality of ultrasound transducers arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. These ultrasonic transducers each transmit ultrasonic waves according to drive signals supplied from the transmitter/receiver circuit 12, receive ultrasonic echoes from the subject, and output signals based on the ultrasonic echoes. Each ultrasonic transducer is made of, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic represented by PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate), a polymer piezoelectric element represented by PVDF (Poly Vinylidene Di Fluoride), and a PMN- It is constructed by forming electrodes at both ends of a piezoelectric material made of a piezoelectric single crystal, typified by PT (Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate).

The transmitting/receiving circuit 12 transmits ultrasonic waves from the transducer array 11 under the control of the main body control section 29 and generates a sound beam signal based on the received signal acquired by the transducer array 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the transmitter/receiver circuit 12 includes a pulser 41 connected to the transducer array 11, an amplifier section 42, an AD (Analog to Digital) converter 43, and a beam connected in series from the transducer array 11. It has a former 44.

The pulser 41 includes, for example, a plurality of pulse generators, and transmits data from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11 based on a transmission delay pattern selected according to a control signal from the main body control section 29. Each driving signal is supplied to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers while adjusting the amount of delay so that the ultrasonic waves generated form an ultrasonic beam. In this way, when a pulsed or continuous wave voltage is applied to the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11, the piezoelectric material expands and contracts, and each ultrasonic transducer generates pulsed or continuous wave ultrasonic waves. is generated, and an ultrasonic beam is formed from the composite wave of those ultrasonic waves.

The transmitted ultrasound beam is reflected by a target such as a part of the subject, and propagates toward the transducer array 11 of the ultrasound probe 1 . The ultrasonic echoes propagating toward the transducer array 11 in this manner are received by the respective ultrasonic transducers constituting the transducer array 11. At this time, each of the ultrasonic transducers constituting the transducer array 11 expands and contracts by receiving the propagating ultrasonic echoes, generates received signals that are electrical signals, and sends these received signals to the amplification section. 42.

The amplifying section 42 amplifies the signals input from the respective ultrasonic transducers constituting the transducer array 11 and transmits the amplified signals to the AD converting section 43 . The AD converter 43 converts the signal transmitted from the amplifier 42 into digital received data. The beamformer 44 performs so-called reception focus processing by adding respective delays to each piece of reception data received from the AD conversion unit 43. Through this reception focus processing, each reception data converted by the AD converter 43 is phased and added, and a sound ray signal in which the ultrasonic echo is focused is acquired.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image generating unit 21 has a configuration in which a signal processing unit 45, a DSC (Digital Scan Converter) 46, and an image processing unit 47 are connected in series.

The signal processing section 45 corrects the attenuation due to distance on the sound ray signal received from the transmitting/receiving circuit 12 according to the depth of the reflection position of the ultrasound using the sound velocity value set by the main body control section 29. By performing envelope detection processing, a B-mode image signal, which is tomographic image information regarding the tissue inside the subject, is generated.

The DSC 46 converts the B-mode image signal generated by the signal processing unit 45 into an image signal according to the normal television signal scanning method (raster conversion).
The image processing section 47 performs various necessary image processing such as gradation processing on the B-mode image signal inputted from the DSC 46, and then transmits the B-mode image signal to the display control section 22, the rectal detection section 24, and the stool detection section. Send on 25th. Hereinafter, the B-mode image signal subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 47 will be referred to as an ultrasound image.

The display control section 22 performs predetermined processing on the ultrasound image etc. generated by the image generation section 21 under the control of the main body control section 29 and displays it on the monitor 23 .
The monitor 23 performs various displays under the control of the display control section 22. The monitor 23 can include, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescence Display).

The main body control unit 29 controls each part of the apparatus main body 2 and the ultrasound probe 1 according to a prerecorded program or the like.
The input device 30 accepts input operations by the examiner and sends the input information to the main body control unit 29. The input device 30 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touch pad, a touch panel, and other devices for the examiner to perform input operations.

The rectum detection unit 24 analyzes the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit 21 to detect the rectum of the subject captured in the ultrasound image. Here, in the present invention, a so-called transabdominal approach method in which an ultrasound image of the rectum is taken with the ultrasound probe 1 in contact with the abdomen of the subject, or An ultrasound image of the rectum of the subject can be obtained by a so-called transgluteal approach method in which an ultrasound image of the rectum is taken while the rectum is in contact with the intergluteal cleft.

The rectum detection unit 24 stores, for example, a plurality of template images of the rectum of the subject, and searches the ultrasound image by a so-called template matching method using these plurality of template images to detect the rectum. Can be detected. Further, the rectum detection unit 24 has a machine learning model that has learned a large number of ultrasound images showing the rectum of the subject, and uses this machine learning model to detect the rectum of the subject that appears in the ultrasound image. You can also do that.

The feces detection unit 25 detects feces present in the rectum by analyzing the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit 21 based on the rectal detection result by the rectum detection unit 24. The stool detection unit 25 stores, for example, a plurality of template images for stool, and uses a template matching method using these template images to determine the rectal area detected by the rectum detection unit 24 in the ultrasound image. It can search inside and detect feces present in the rectum. Further, the rectum detection unit 24 has a machine learning model that has learned a large number of ultrasound images showing the rectum of the subject, and uses this machine learning model to detect the rectum detected by the rectum detection unit 24 in the ultrasound image. By searching within the rectal region, stool present in the rectum can also be detected.

Further, the stool detection unit 25 can detect the position of the detected stool in the rectum by analyzing the ultrasound image. When the stool detection unit 25 captures an ultrasound image U as shown in FIG. 4, for example, by a transgluteal approach in which an ultrasound image is captured with the ultrasound probe 1 in contact with the intergluteal cleft of the subject. Then, by detecting the anus E shown in the ultrasound image U and measuring the distance L from the detected position of the anus E to the tip of the stool B in the rectum A, the position of the stool B is determined from the anal entrance. The position of the tip of stool B can be detected. At this time, the stool detection unit 25 detects the anus of the subject by, for example, a template matching method or a method using a machine learning model that has learned a large number of ultrasound images U in which the anus of the subject is captured. can be detected.

Furthermore, for example, by using a transabdominal approach in which ultrasound images U are taken with the ultrasound probe 1 in contact with the abdomen of the subject, multiple frames of ultrasound images U can be captured continuously while tilting the ultrasound probe 1 toward the anus. is photographed, the stool detection unit 25 combines the ultrasound image U of multiple frames from the frame where the tip of the stool B is detected to the frame where the anus is detected and the position of the tip of the stool B from the anus. By using a machine learning model that has learned a large amount of , the position of the tip of stool B from the anal entrance can be detected as the position of the stool.

By the way, in general, subjects who are unable to defecate naturally, subjects who have difficulty defecating because abdominal pressure cannot be applied due to some reason such as paralysis, and subjects who have spinal cord injury or impaired function of rectum A. In order to cause feces B to be excreted from a subject who has difficulty defecating, a procedure called disimpaction, in which the feces B is removed from the anus of the subject using the operator's fingers, is performed. Disimpaction is generally difficult unless the stool B is within reach of the operator's finger after entering the rectum A from the anus.

The notification unit 26 notifies the user of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 with respect to the anal entrance of the subject. The notification unit 26 can notify the user in a first notification mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 is within a predetermined recommended disimpaction range. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the notification unit 26 notifies the user in accordance with the first notification mode by displaying a message M1 that says "Distraction is within the recommended range" on the monitor 23 superimposed on the ultrasound image U. has been done.

Here, the recommended dissection range refers to the range within the rectum A that the user's finger reaches when the user's finger enters the anal entrance of the subject. For example, a range of 4 to 5 cm (4 cm or more and less than 5 cm) from the anal entrance of the subject can be set as the recommended range for disimpaction. Note that the recommended disimpaction range can be preset as a fixed value in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, can be set as a changeable default value, or can be set by the user via the input device 30.

Additionally, the notification unit 26 indicates that a recommended disimpaction range is set to be 4 to 5 cm, and that the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 is within a range of 5 to 10 cm (5 cm or more and less than 10 cm) from the anal entrance. In some cases, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the user can be notified using a second notification mode that is different from the first notification mode. In FIG. 6, the notification unit 26 displays a message M2 on the monitor 23 that says "Almost within the recommended range for disimpaction. Please prepare for dissection" in accordance with the second notification mode. An example of notifying the user is shown.

Furthermore, when the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection section 25 is within a range of 10 to 20 cm (10 cm or more and less than 20 cm) from the anal entrance, the notification section 26 further sends a message to the stool B as shown in FIG. The user can be notified by a third notification mode that is different from the first notification mode and the second notification mode. In FIG. 7, the notification unit 26 displays a message M3 on the monitor 23 superimposed on the ultrasound image U, saying, "The stool has come within the range where you feel the urge to defecate. Please prepare for disimpaction." An example is shown in which the user is notified according to the notification mode.

Generally, judgment regarding the timing of disimpaction is often made based on the experience and skill of the operator, and some operators may not be able to grasp the timing of disimpaction. However, the notification unit 26 detects the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 in the rectum A, as in the first notification mode, the second notification mode, and the third notification mode shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, for example. Since the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is notified according to the position of the patient, the user can easily grasp the timing of disimpaction.

Note that the processor 32 including the image generation section 21, display control section 22, rectal detection section 24, stool detection section 25, notification section 26, and main body control section 29 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit); It consists of control programs to perform various processes on the FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). It may be configured using a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or other IC (Integrated Circuit), or may be configured using a combination of these.

Further, the image generation section 21, display control section 22, rectal detection section 24, stool detection section 25, notification section 26, and main body control section 29 of the processor 32 may be partially or entirely integrated into one CPU, etc. It can also be configured.

Next, an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to embodiment 1 will be described using the flowchart in FIG.

First, in step S1, the ultrasound signal acquisition unit 31 acquires an ultrasound image U of the rectum A of the subject. At this time, the transducer array 11 of the ultrasound probe 1 transmits an ultrasound beam into the subject, receives ultrasound echoes from within the subject, and generates a reception signal. The transmission/reception circuit 12 of the ultrasound signal acquisition section 31 performs so-called reception focus processing on the received signal under the control of the main body control section 29 to generate a sound ray signal. The sound ray signal generated by the transmitter/receiver circuit 12 is sent to the image generator 21 . The image generation unit 21 generates an ultrasound image U using the sound ray signal sent out from the transmission/reception circuit 12.

Next, in step S2, the rectum detection unit 24 detects the rectum A of the subject by analyzing the ultrasound image U acquired in step S1. The rectum detection unit 24 can detect the rectum A by template matching, for example, and can also detect the rectum A by using a machine learning model learned from a large number of ultrasound images U in which the rectum A is photographed.

In step S3, the stool detection unit 25 detects stool B present in the rectum A detected in step S3 by analyzing the ultrasound image U acquired in step S1. The stool detection unit 25 can detect stool B by template matching, for example, and can also detect stool B present in the rectum A by a machine learning model that has learned from a large number of ultrasound images U in which stool B present in the rectum A is captured.

Further, the stool detection unit 25 can detect the position of the detected stool in the rectum A by analyzing the ultrasound image U. When the ultrasound image U is taken by the transgluteal cleft approach in step S1, the stool detection unit 25 detects the anus E appearing in the ultrasound image U, and detects the stool B from the detected position of the anus E. By measuring the distance L to the tip, the position of the tip of the stool B from the anal entrance can be detected as the position of the stool B. Further, when a plurality of frames of ultrasound images U are continuously taken while tilting the ultrasound probe 1 toward the anus through a transabdominal approach in step S1, the stool detection unit 25 detects, for example, the tip of the stool B. By using a machine learning model that has learned a large number of combinations of ultrasound images U of multiple frames from the frame where the anus is detected to the frame where the anus is detected and the position of the tip of the stool B from the anus, the position of the stool B is determined as the position of the stool B. The position of the tip of stool B from the anal entrance can be detected.

In step S4, the notification unit 26 determines whether the position of the stool B detected in step S3 is within a range of 4 to 5 cm from the anal entrance, within a range of 5 to 10 cm from the anal entrance, or within 10 to 10 cm from the anal entrance. Determine whether the distance is within 20 cm.

If it is determined in step S4 that the position of stool B is within 4 to 5 cm from the anal entrance, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the notification unit 26 determines that the position of the stool B is within the recommended disimpaction range, and notifies the user in a first notification mode, for example, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, an example is shown in which a message M1 saying "Distraction is within the recommended range" is displayed on the monitor 23 as a first notification mode. By checking the notification in the first notification mode, the user can easily understand that the current is the appropriate timing for disimpaction.

If it is determined in step S4 that the position of stool B is within a range of 5 to 10 cm from the anal entrance, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the notifying unit 26 determines that the position of the stool B is about to reach the recommended disimpaction range, and, as shown in FIG. to be notified. In FIG. 6, an example is shown in which, as a second notification mode, a message M2 is displayed on the monitor 23 saying, "We are almost within the recommended range for disimpaction. Please prepare for disimpaction." By confirming the notification in the second notification mode, the user can understand that the position of stool B will soon reach the recommended range for disimpaction, and can prepare for disimpaction.

If it is determined in step S4 that the position of stool B is within a range of 10 to 20 cm from the anal entrance, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S6, the notification unit 26 determines that the position of stool B has progressed to a range where the subject feels the urge to defecate, and notifies the user in a third notification mode different from the first and second notification modes, as shown in FIG. 7, for example. In FIG. 7, as the third notification mode, an example is shown in which a message M3 saying "Stool has reached the range where the subject feels the urge to defecate. Please prepare for disimpaction" is displayed on the monitor 23. By confirming the notification in the third notification mode, the user can understand that the position of stool B may soon progress to the recommended range for disimpaction, and can make preparations for disimpaction.

When the processing of steps S4 to S7 is completed in this manner, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the flowchart in Figure 8 is completed.

From the above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the notification unit 26 notifies the user according to the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 in the rectum A. By checking the notification content, the user can easily understand the timing of disimpaction.

Although it has been described that the transmitting/receiving circuit 12 is provided in the ultrasound probe 1, the transmitting/receiving circuit 12 may be provided in the main body 2 of the apparatus.
Further, although it has been described that the image generation section 21 is provided in the apparatus main body 2, the image generation section 21 may be provided in the ultrasound probe 1.

Further, the device main body 2 may be of a so-called stationary type or a portable type that is easy to carry, and may be of a so-called handheld type configured by a smartphone or a tablet computer, for example. In this way, the type of equipment that constitutes the device main body 2 is not particularly limited.

Furthermore, although it has been explained that the rectum detection section 24 and the stool detection section 25 analyze the ultrasound image U generated by the image generation section 21, instead of the ultrasound image U, the rectum detection section 24 and the stool detection section 25 analyze the ultrasound image U generated by the transmission/reception circuit 12. Alternatively, a B-mode image signal generated by envelope detection processing performed by the signal processing unit 45 of the image generation unit 21 may be analyzed. Even in this case, the rectum detecting section 24 can detect the rectum A of the subject, and the stool detecting section 25 can detect the stool B existing in the rectum A and its position. In the present invention, information regarding rectum A and stool B, such as a sound ray signal, a B-mode image signal generated by envelope detection processing, and an ultrasound image U, is included, and the analysis in rectum detection section 24 and stool detection section 25 is performed. The signals of interest are collectively called ultrasound signals.

Furthermore, it is explained that the stool detection section 25 detects the stool B present in the rectum A by analyzing the ultrasound image U based on the rectal detection result by the rectal detection section 24. Regardless of the detection result of A, stool B in the subject can also be detected. In this case, the stool detection unit 25 detects the inside of the subject using, for example, a template matching method or a method using a machine learning model that has learned a large number of ultrasound images U showing the stool B inside the subject. stool B can be detected.

Furthermore, the notifications in the first notification mode, the second notification mode, and the third notification mode are not limited to displaying the messages M1, M2, and M3 on the monitor 23. For example, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a speaker (not shown), the notification unit 26 provides notification using three different types of sounds as notifications in the first notification mode, the second notification mode, and the third notification mode. You can also do that. For example, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is equipped with a lamp (not shown), the notification unit 26 uses three different colors of light or lights as notifications in the first notification mode, the second notification mode, and the third notification mode. It is also possible to leave it alone using three types of blinking patterns.

In this way, even when the notification unit 26 notifies the user by a method other than displaying messages M1, M2, and M3 on the monitor 23, the notification unit 26 notifies the user according to the position in the rectum A of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25, so the user can easily understand the timing of disimpaction by checking the notification content.

Embodiment 2
When the stool B present in the rectum A is hard stool, there is generally a risk that the mucous membrane of the rectum A will be damaged, causing a so-called anal fissure. For example, in order to reduce such a risk in disimpaction, the ultrasonic diagnostic device can automatically grasp the properties of the stool B during disimpaction.

FIG. 9 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment includes an apparatus main body 2A instead of the apparatus main body 2 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The device main body 2A is the same as the device main body 2 in the first embodiment, but is additionally equipped with a stool quality determination section 51 and a main body control section 29A instead of the main body control section 29.

In the apparatus main body 2A, a stool quality determination section 51 is connected to the image generation section 21, the stool detection section 25, the notification section 26, and the main body control section 29. Further, the image generation section 21, display control section 22, rectal detection section 24, stool detection section 25, notification section 26, main body control section 29A, and stool quality determination section 51 constitute a processor 32A for the device main body 2A. .

The stool quality determination unit 51 determines the quality of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 based on the ultrasound signal generated by the ultrasound signal acquisition unit 31.

Generally, in the case of hard stools, it is difficult for the ultrasound waves to pass through the stool B, and most of the ultrasound waves are reflected at the shallow part of the stool B, so the ultrasound image U appears as a so-called crescent-shaped high-intensity area. In the case of normal stool, it is easier for ultrasound to pass through stool B than in hard stool, so it appears in the ultrasound image U as a so-called half-moon-shaped high-intensity area, and in the case of soft stool, ultrasound is easier to pass through stool B, so it appears in the ultrasound image U. It is known that this area appears in the ultrasound image U as a circumferential low-luminance area. In this way, the appearance of stool B in the ultrasound image U differs depending on the properties of stool B. The stool quality determination unit 51 can acquire the characteristics of stool B by, for example, a template matching method. For example, the stool quality determination unit 51 uses a machine learning model that has learned a large number of ultrasound images U in which stool B is captured and information regarding the properties of stool B. It is also possible to obtain

Note that the stool quality determination unit 51 can also determine the quality of the stool B on a so-called Bristol scale. The Bristol scale describes the characteristics of stool B as follows: ``rolly stool,'' which is hard and lumpy rabbit feces, ``hard stool,'' which is sausage-like but hard, and ``sausage-shaped stool,'' which has cracks on the surface. ``Slightly hard stool'', which has a smooth surface and a soft sausage-like or snake-like coil, ``normal stool'', and ``slightly soft stool'', which has a soft, semi-solid stool with distinct wrinkles. It is classified into seven conditions: ``muddy stool'', which is irregularly shaped feces or muddy stool with loose boundaries, and ``watery stool'', which is watery and liquid-like stool that does not contain solids. .

The notification unit 26 can notify the user of the properties of stool B determined by the stool quality determination unit 51, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. In FIG. 10, an example is shown in which a message M1A is displayed on the monitor 23, in which the message "Distraction is within the recommended range" shown in FIG. .

From the above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the stool quality determination section 51 automatically determines the nature of the stool B detected by the stool detection section 25, and the notification section 26 Since the user is informed of the properties of the stool B determined by the stool property determination unit 51, the user can perform appropriate disimpaction according to the properties of the stool B. In particular, when the stool quality determination unit 51 determines that the stool present in the rectum A is hard stool, the user should perform disimpaction suitable for hard stool while being careful not to damage the rectum A. Can be done.

Embodiment 3
In order to more clearly grasp the timing of disimpaction, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can also display the position of stool B detected by the stool detection section 25 on the monitor 23.

FIG. 11 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 3 includes an apparatus main body 2B instead of the apparatus main body 2 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. The device main body 2B is newly provided with a stool position display section 52 in the device main body 2 in the first embodiment, and is provided with a main body control section 29B instead of the main body control section 29.

In the device main body 2B, a stool position display section 52 is connected to the display control section 22, the stool detection section 25, and the main body control section 29B. Further, the image generation section 21, display control section 22, rectal detection section 24, stool detection section 25, notification section 26, main body control section 29B, and stool position display section 52 constitute a processor 32B for the device main body 2B. .

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the stool position display section 52 displays the position of the stool B in the rectum A detected by the stool detection section 25 on the monitor 23 using a schematic diagram F1. In FIG. 12, a message M2 according to the second display mode, a message M4 numerically indicating the position of stool B in rectum A, and a schematic diagram F1 indicating the position of stool B in rectum A are displayed on the monitor 23. An example is shown.

As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic device of the third embodiment of the present invention, the stool position display unit 52 displays the position of stool B in the rectum A detected by the stool detection unit 25 on the monitor 23 using a schematic diagram F1, so that the user can easily grasp the position of stool B in the rectum A and more accurately grasp the timing of disimpaction.

Although it has been explained that the stool position display unit 52 displays the position of stool B in rectum A on the monitor 23 using the schematic diagram F1, for example, instead of displaying the schematic diagram F1, the position of stool B in rectum A It is also possible to display only text information representing the position on the monitor 23. In this way, by displaying the position of the stool B in the rectum A using text information, even if the monitor 23 is small, for example, because the main body 2B of the device is composed of a small terminal such as a smartphone, etc. The user can clearly read the position of stool B within rectum A.

Further, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is equipped with a speaker (not shown), the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 in the rectum A can be announced by voice via the speaker. By announcing the position of stool B in rectum A by voice, the user can easily grasp the position of stool B in rectum A even if the display on the monitor 23 is difficult to see due to, for example, the user's presbyopia. .

Note that the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 3 has a configuration in which a stool position display section 52 is added to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 1; It is also possible to have a configuration in which a stool position display section 52 is added. Even in this case, the stool position display section 52 displays the position of the stool B in the rectum A detected by the stool detection section 25 on the monitor 23 using the schematic diagram F1. It is possible to easily understand the timing of disimpaction and more accurately understand the timing of disimpaction.

1 Ultrasound probe, 2, 2A, 2B Device body, 11 Transducer array, 12 Transmitting/receiving circuit, 21 Image generating section, 22 Display control section, 23 Monitor, 24 Rectum detection section, 25 Feces detection section, 26 Notification section, 29, 29A, 29B Main body control section, 30 Input device, 31 Ultrasound signal acquisition section, 32, 32A, 32B Processor, A Rectum, B Feces, E Anus, L Distance, F1 Schematic diagram, M1, M1A, M2, M3, M4 Message, U Ultrasound image.

Claims (12)

an ultrasonic probe,
an ultrasound signal acquisition unit that acquires ultrasound signals related to the subject by scanning the ultrasound probe;
a stool detection unit that detects stool within the subject by analyzing the ultrasound signal;
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprising: a notification section that notifies a user according to the position of the stool detected by the stool detection section with respect to the anal entrance of the subject. a rectum detection unit that detects the rectum of the subject by analyzing the ultrasonic signal;
The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1 , wherein the feces detection unit detects the feces present in the rectum detected by the rectum detection unit by analyzing the ultrasound signal. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification unit notifies in a first notification manner when the position of the stool detected by the stool detection unit is within a predetermined recommended disimpaction range. 4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the recommended range for disimpaction is a range of 4 to 5 cm from the anal entrance of the subject. The notification unit is configured to notify in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode when the position of the stool detected by the stool detection unit is within a range of 5 to 10 cm from the anal entrance. Item 4. Ultrasonic diagnostic device according to item 4. When the position of the stool detected by the stool detection section is within a range of 10 to 20 cm from the anal entrance, the notification section provides a third notification mode different from the first notification mode and the second notification mode. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provides notification in a notification mode. comprising a stool quality determination unit that determines the quality of the stool detected by the stool detection unit based on the ultrasonic signal;
The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification section notifies the user of the stool quality determined by the stool quality determination section. monitor and
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a stool position display section that displays on the monitor the position of the stool detected by the stool detection section in the rectum using a schematic diagram. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ultrasound signal acquisition unit acquires the ultrasound signal by a transabdominal approach using the ultrasound probe. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ultrasonic signal acquisition unit acquires the ultrasonic signals by a transgluteal approach using the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound signal acquisition unit acquires an ultrasound image as the ultrasound signal. Obtain ultrasound signals about the subject by scanning the ultrasound probe,
detecting the rectum of the subject by analyzing the ultrasound signal;
detecting stool present in the rectum by analyzing the ultrasound signal;
A method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: notifying a user according to the detected position of the stool in the rectum.