JP3175561B2 - Ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe which is inserted into a body cavity by using a treatment tool insertion channel or the like of an endoscope as a guide means and performs ultrasonic scanning.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic inspection apparatus for performing an ultrasonic inspection by being inserted into a body cavity has an operation section provided with an insertion section to be inserted into the body cavity, and an ultrasonic transducer is provided at the tip of the insertion section. It is a thing. The insertion portion includes a type that is directly inserted into a body cavity, and a type that is inserted into a body cavity through guide means such as a treatment tool insertion channel of an endoscope. The ultrasonic probe inserted into the body cavity using the guide means has a small-diameter, yet flexible catheter that can be inserted into the treatment tool insertion channel of the endoscope, and has a proximal end portion of the catheter. Is provided with an operation unit.

[0003] An endoscope is inserted into a body cavity to be inspected by inserting an insertion portion of the endoscope, and an endoscopic examination is performed. Based on a result of the endoscopic examination, a part to be subjected to an ultrasonic examination is found. Then, the catheter of the ultrasonic probe is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel from the treatment instrument introduction section provided in the main body operation section of the endoscope, and the distal end of the catheter is moved from the distal end of the insertion section by a predetermined length. Protrude. In this state, an ultrasonic examination is performed, but when acquiring information on a tomographic tissue tomography over a predetermined range, the ultrasonic transducer is mechanically moved, and an ultrasonic pulse is directed into the body at predetermined intervals during that time. , And receives the reflected echo, thereby performing ultrasonic scanning.

Here, as the ultrasonic scanning, linear scanning is performed by moving an ultrasonic transducer in a linear direction.
If the ultrasonic vibrator is moved in the rotation direction, radial scanning is performed. Linear scanning is performed by moving the entire catheter in the axial direction, and radial scanning is performed by rotating an ultrasonic transducer in the catheter. Therefore, when performing linear scanning, although not necessarily required, when performing radial scanning, in order to rotationally drive the ultrasonic transducer by remote control, the catheter is provided with rotation transmitting means, and this rotation is provided. As a representative example of the transmission means, a flexible shaft in which a metal wire is wound in a tight coil shape is used. An ultrasonic vibrator is connected to the distal end of the flexible shaft, and is mounted in a flexible tube whose distal end is closed.

[0005]

Regardless of whether linear scanning or radial scanning is performed, the catheter projects a predetermined length from the distal end of the insertion section. The distal end of the catheter performs radial scanning. When performing, it is necessary to fix it so that it does not move in the axial direction, and even when performing linear scanning, to keep the scanning origin position constant, hold it stably so that it does not move in the axial direction unnecessarily There is a need. For this purpose, the operation unit is configured to be detachably connected to the treatment instrument lead-out unit. Therefore, the catheter is at least the length of the portion located in the main body operation unit, the length of the portion pulled out from the treatment tool lead-out unit and connected to the operation unit, and the length of the protrusion from the distal end of the insertion unit,
It is longer than the entire length of the insertion section of the endoscope.

As described above, since the catheter of the ultrasonic probe is flexible and formed of a long member, the tip of the catheter or the like may be placed on the floor surface or other equipment when it is carried. And the catheter may be soiled. The ultrasonic probe is inserted into a treatment tool insertion channel of the endoscope, and forceps and other treatment tools are also inserted into the treatment tool insertion channel.
In some cases, the ultrasonic probe may be inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel to continue the examination after performing the ultrasonic examination, and it may be necessary to use a treatment instrument such as forceps if necessary. In this case, the ultrasonic probe is taken out of the treatment instrument insertion channel and the treatment instrument is inserted. However, when the ultrasonic probe is taken out of the treatment instrument insertion channel, there is a very high possibility that the tip of the ultrasonic probe touches the floor surface, equipment, or the like. . Body fluid is attached to the tip of the catheter, and when the catheter touches another object, not only is it undesirable from a sanitary point of view, such as contamination adhered to the contact point, but also the ultrasonic wave provided in the catheter There is a possibility that the vibrator may be damaged. In particular, in the ultrasonic probe, a cable that is detachably connected to the ultrasonic observation device is further led out to an operation section in which the proximal end of the catheter is continuously provided, and is restricted by this cable. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe may not always be able to be carried to a desired position. As described above, the ultrasonic probe requires extremely careful handling when being carried, for example, as compared with a treatment tool or the like.

Further, when the catheter is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel, the catheter slides along the wall surface of the treatment instrument insertion channel. Since it is fed in a contact state, the sliding resistance increases. Since the catheter is formed of a flexible member, there is also a problem that if the sliding resistance is large, the operation of inserting the catheter into the treatment instrument insertion channel may be hindered.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to reduce the total length from the proximal end to the distal end of a catheter in a free state in which the catheter is not inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel. An object of the present invention is to shorten the length of the treatment tool and to allow the treatment tool to be smoothly inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic probe comprising a catheter connected to an operation section, the catheter being inserted into a body cavity via a guide means. The catheter is distal and proximal
The end side is a straight section, and between these two straight sections is a non-linear state.
The catheter is
When inserted into the guide means, the straight portion on the tip side is
Dimension longer than the longest protruding length from the tip of the guide means
And the straight portion on the proximal side is a connecting portion to the operating portion.
From the minute, the clamp position on the clamp
The length is up to the length of the
It is characterized in that it is configured to be in a meandering state in the guide means .

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The outer diameter of a catheter is smaller than the inner diameter of a treatment instrument insertion channel, and therefore, the catheter may meander to some extent in the treatment instrument insertion channel. Further, since the catheter has flexibility, even if the catheter has a bending habit, it does not cause any particular problem when the catheter is inserted as a guide means into, for example, a treatment tool insertion channel of an endoscope. .

[0011] From the above, the catheter is knitted. This habit is formed, for example, by winding in a coil shape or meandering in a zigzag shape. As a result, in the free state, the overall length of the catheter from the connecting portion to the operating portion to the distal end portion is reduced. Most of the catheter is located in the treatment tool insertion channel, so in the treatment tool insertion channel, the part with the habit is corrected to a substantially linear state,
Or at least the habit will be alleviated. However,
The distal end portion of the catheter is projected from the treatment instrument insertion channel, and if this portion has a habit, the catheter cannot be extended straight from the insertion portion. Therefore,
A predetermined length of the distal end portion of the catheter is straightened without habit formation. The straight portion of the catheter is somewhat longer than the length of the catheter projecting from the insertion portion.

When radial scanning is performed by an ultrasonic vibrator, the above-described flexible shaft is provided as rotation transmitting means, and the flexible shaft is mounted in a flexible tube. When performing linear scanning, it is not always necessary to provide a flexible shaft, but a flexible shaft for adjusting the direction of the ultrasonic transducer can be provided. Therefore, the habit of the catheter is
Although it is possible to perform the process on the flexible shaft, it is most preferable to form the flexible tube in a habited state.

If the catheter is placed in a non-linear state, the catheter will meander in the treatment instrument insertion channel when the catheter is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel. Therefore, instead of making line contact with the inner wall of the treatment instrument insertion channel, point contact is made substantially at a plurality of locations, and the contact area is reduced. Therefore, the sliding resistance at the time of inserting the catheter is reduced, and the operability of insertion into the treatment instrument insertion channel is also improved.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of an ultrasonic inspection apparatus, and FIG. 2 shows a cross section of an operation unit.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an endoscope, and the endoscope 1 has an insertion section 3 connected to a distal end of a main body operation section 2 which is operated by an operator while holding it by hand. The insertion portion 3 has a flexible portion 3a for the most part from the proximal end side, and an angle portion 3b is connected to the flexible portion 3a, and a distal end main body 3c is continuously provided at the distal end of the angle portion 3b. . Reference numeral 4 denotes a treatment tool insertion channel for inserting forceps and other treatment tools. The base end of the treatment tool insertion channel 4 is connected to a treatment tool introduction unit 5 provided in the main body operation unit 2. An opening is formed in the distal end surface of the distal end body 3c of the portion 3.

Reference numeral 10 denotes an ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe 10 includes a catheter 11 and a cable cord 13 which is detachably connected to an operation unit 12 and an ultrasonic observation device (not shown).

The catheter 11 is, as shown in FIG.
A flexible tube 20 having a closed distal end is provided. A rotating body 21 is disposed at a distal end portion in the flexible tube 20, and an ultrasonic vibrator 22 is attached to the rotating body 21. Further, a flexible shaft 23 is connected to the rotating body 21, and the flexible shaft 23 is formed of a cylindrical member having flexibility in a bending direction such as a contact coil, and has a good crush resistance. Preferably, a metal wire is wound in multiple layers, such as double or triple, or a plurality of wires are wound in multiple rows. The signal lines 24 a and 24 b drawn from the ultrasonic transducer 22 are inserted into the flexible shaft 23. The proximal end of the catheter 11 is a connector 25. That is, the fixed tube 25 a is connected to the base end of the flexible tube 20, and the rotary tube 25 b is connected to the front end of the flexible shaft 23.

The operating section 12 has a casing 30. A rotating shaft 31 is rotatably provided in the casing 30. The rotating shaft 31 is driven to rotate by a motor 32. The rotation is detected by the encoder 33. Therefore, in order to transmit the rotational force from the motor 32 to the rotary shaft 31 and to transmit the rotation of the rotary shaft 31 to the encoder 33, a transmission unit including a pulley and a belt is provided. In order to connect the catheter 11 to the casing 30, an opening 34 is formed in the casing 30. A cylindrical portion 35 is erected around the opening 34, and the rotating shaft 31 faces the inside of the opening 34. . The fixed barrel 25a of the connector 25 of the catheter 11 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 35, and the rotating barrel 25b is connected to the rotating shaft 31. Further, a rotary connector 36 is provided on the rotating shaft 31.
To the cable 3 from the rotary connector 36.
The cable 37 is inserted into the cable cord 13 together with a power supply line to the motor 32 and the encoder 33, a signal line from the encoder 33, and the like.

The operating section 12 is attached to the treatment instrument introduction section 5, and for this purpose, a connecting section 38 is connected to the casing 30. This connecting portion 38
The catheter 11 is inserted into the treatment instrument introduction unit 5 and has a through hole for inserting the catheter 11 therein. Further, the catheter 11 is bent out in an arch shape until it is led out of the connecting portion 38 and is connected to the operating portion 12, and further, a clamp member 39 is provided near the connecting portion 38. The catheter 11 led out from the portion 38 is clamped by the clamp member 39 and the lock screw 39
It is fixed by screwing a. Then, by changing the clamp position of the catheter 11 by the clamp member 39, the length of the distal end of the catheter 11 in which the ultrasonic transducer 22 is built in from the insertion section 3 of the endoscope 1 can be adjusted. It has been made like that.

In the above configuration, the catheter 11 is
As shown in FIG. 3, it is not linear but wound in a coil shape. This coil-shaped portion is not provided over the entire length of the catheter 11, but is provided for a predetermined length from a connecting portion to the operation unit 12, that is, a predetermined length from the connector 25, and a predetermined length on the distal end side in which the ultrasonic vibrator 22 is built. The length is a straight line. Therefore, catheter 1
Reference numeral 1 includes a base-side linear portion 11a, a coil-shaped portion 11b, and a distal-side linear portion 11c. Here, in order to form the coiled portion 11b, one or both of the flexible tube 20 and the flexible shaft 23 constituting the catheter 11 are knitted. Flexible tube 20
Is formed by, for example, extrusion molding. Therefore, if the flexible tube 20 is formed into a coil shape when it is formed, the coiled portion 11b can be easily formed. .

Proximal straight section 11 of catheter 11
“a” has a length at least equal to the length from the portion clamped by the clamp member 39 to the connector 25. Here, since the clamp position of the catheter 11 by the clamp member 39 is appropriately adjusted, it is necessary to take a certain extra length. When the distal end portion of the catheter 11 is projected from the insertion portion 3, the distal side linear portion 11c is set to have a dimension longer than the longest protruding length.

The present embodiment is configured as described above, and the catheter 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10
In the free state, the coil-shaped portion 11b is held in a state of being wound in a coil shape.
The overall length is shorter than when 1b is in a linear state. Also,
Even if the operating portion 12 is gripped and the catheter 11 is moved so as to swing, the amplitude of the distal end portion is small. Therefore, when the operation unit 12 is gripped and the catheter 11 is carried in a state of being hung downward, there is little possibility that the distal end portion of the catheter 11 abuts on the floor surface or other objects, so that the catheter 11 may be contaminated. Also, after use, there is no danger that contaminants such as body fluids adhered to the surface will adhere to floors, objects and the like. Therefore, it is convenient to carry the catheter 11, and the shortening of the entire length of the catheter 11 is convenient for storage when not in use, cleaning and disinfection, and the like.

To perform an ultrasonic examination with the insertion section 3 of the endoscope 1 inserted into a body cavity, the connector 25 of the catheter 11 is connected to the operation section 12 and the catheter 11 is connected to the treatment instrument introduction section. 5 is inserted into the treatment tool insertion channel 4. Here, the catheter 11 is provided with a coiled portion 11b, but since the catheter 11 is a flexible member, the treatment instrument insertion channel 4 is straightened while the coiled portion 11b is straightened. And push it inside. As a result, the catheter 11 advances while sliding on the inner wall of the treatment instrument insertion channel 4, but as shown in FIG. 4, the coiled portion 11b of the catheter 11 is corrected so as to be in a straight state. Since the catheter 11 has a bending habit and the outer diameter of the catheter 11 is somewhat smaller than the inner diameter of the treatment instrument insertion channel 4, the coiled portion 11 b does not become completely straight, but is restricted by the treatment instrument insertion channel 4. It becomes a meandering state. Therefore, the portion of the coiled portion 11b is substantially in point contact with the inner surface of the treatment instrument insertion channel 4. As a result, the sliding area of the catheter 11 in the treatment instrument insertion channel 4 is reduced, and the catheter 11 proceeds smoothly with a light force.
The tip portion projects from the tip body 3c by a predetermined length.

In the above state, the casing 3 of the operation unit 12
By operating the motor 32 provided in the motor 0, the rotating shaft 31 is driven to rotate. As a result, the rotational force is transmitted to the flexible shaft 23, and the flexible shaft 23 rotates around the axis. The rotating body 21 connected to the tip of the flexible shaft 23 and having the ultrasonic vibrator 22 mounted thereon is driven to rotate. Then, the rotation of the rotating shaft 31, that is, the ultrasonic vibrator 22
Is detected by the encoder 33, and every time the ultrasonic transducer 22 rotates a predetermined angle, the ultrasonic transducer 2
2 to transmit an ultrasonic pulse toward the body, and then receive a reflected echo from a tomographic portion of the body. The ultrasonic reflected echo signal is converted into an electric signal, taken out, transmitted to an ultrasonic observation device, and subjected to predetermined signal processing by the ultrasonic observation device, thereby obtaining a radial ultrasonic image.

As described above, when performing the ultrasonic scanning, it is necessary to keep the portion of the distal end of the catheter 11 where the ultrasonic transducer 22 is provided in a predetermined state with respect to the inner wall of the body cavity. Therefore, if the portion of the insertion portion 3 protruding from the distal end body 3c is warped or bent, the state with respect to the inner wall of the body cavity becomes unstable. However, although the catheter 11 has the coiled portion 11b, the distal end portion is a distal-side linear portion 11c, and the portion protruding from the insertion portion 3 is substantially in a linear state.
By bending the angle portion 3b in a desired direction, for example, by directing the distal end main body 3c in a desired direction and projecting the catheter 11, it is possible to maintain a predetermined state with respect to a portion where an ultrasonic examination is to be performed. .

The coil portion 11b is inserted in the treatment instrument insertion channel 4 in a meandering state. This meandering is regulated to some extent by the inner wall of the treatment instrument insertion channel 4, but its length still varies depending on the state of meandering in the treatment instrument insertion channel 4. However, since the catheter 11 has a certain extra length in a portion located outside the treatment instrument introduction section 5 and can clamp a desired position with the clamp member 39, the treatment instrument insertion channel Even if the length of the portion located inside the catheter 4 slightly changes, the position of the catheter 11 can be adjusted by adjusting the clamp position by the clamp member 39.
Can be held in a state of projecting from the insertion portion 3 by a predetermined length. In addition, since the proximal side of the catheter 11 is also a proximal-side linear portion 11a, no bending habit occurs between the clamp portion by the clamp member 39 and the connecting portion to the operating portion 12 and the arch-like portion is formed. The shape of the part is stabilized.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
The catheter 41 which is connected to the operating portion 40 includes a base-side linear portion 41a and a distal-side linear portion 41c on the side connected to the operating portion 40 and on the distal side, respectively. The portion between the portion 41c and the portion 41c is similar to that of the above-described first embodiment in that it is habitual. However, this habit is not formed in a coil shape but in a zigzag portion 41b. As described above, the provision of the zigzag portion 41b also reduces the overall length of the catheter 41 in the free state. Further, when inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 4, it is corrected to a substantially straight state and stretched. Moreover, in the treatment instrument insertion channel 4, the zigzag portion 41 of the catheter 41
Since the point b is substantially in a point contact state, the operability of inserting the catheter 41 into the treatment instrument insertion channel 4 is improved.

[0028]

As described above, according to the present invention, at least the intermediate portion of the catheter is knitted so as to be in a non-linear state, and a predetermined length of the distal end portion is kept in a linear state. since, in a free state without being inserted through the treatment instrument insertion channel, the total length from the proximal end of the catheter to the tip portion becomes short, and when inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel can smoothly inserted and the distal end side Is the prescribed length
Since the length is a straight line, guide the catheter
When protruding from the step, the protruding part of this catheter
Qualitatively straight, and proximal to the catheter
Is connected to the operating means, but the proximal end of this catheter is also
Since it is a straight line,
Stabilize the shape up to the clamp position by the pump part
And the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an operation unit.

FIG. 3 is an external view of a catheter.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory view showing a state where a catheter is inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel.

FIG. 5 is an external view of a catheter showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope 2 Main body operation part 3 Insertion part 4 Treatment tool insertion channel 5 Treatment tool introduction part 10 Ultrasonic probe 11, 41 Catheter 11a, 41a Base end linear part 11b Coiled part 11c, 41c Distal end linear part 12, 40 operation part 20 flexible tube 22 ultrasonic transducer 23 flexible shaft 30 casing 38 connecting part 39 clamp member 41b zigzag part

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. An ultrasonic probe in which a catheter is continuously connected to an operation section, and the catheter is inserted into a body cavity through a guide means, wherein the catheter has a linear portion on a distal side and a proximal side.
A straight line is formed between these two straight parts so as to be non-linear.
When this catheter is inserted through the guide means,
Is the longest straight section from the tip of the guide means.
Protruding length longer dimension and none, linear portion of the proximal side from the connection portion to the operation portion,
The clamp position on the clamp unit
Longer than the length, the habited part is meandering in the guide means
An ultrasonic probe characterized by having the following configuration. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein said guide means is a treatment tool insertion tip for an endoscope.
A channel, wherein the catheter is closed at the tip,
A flexible chip with an ultrasonic vibrator mounted inside the tip
Tube and this flexible tube
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible shaft connected to the ultrasonic transducer. 3. The habited part of the catheter,
2. A coil according to claim 1, wherein:
Or the ultrasonic probe according to claim 2. 4. The habited part of the catheter,
3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic probe has a zigzag shape.