JP3194038U - Probe holder - Google Patents

Abstract

A probe holder for enabling fat diagnosis by ultrasonic velocity change measurement retrofitted to an existing ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. A probe holder 5 is formed so that a main probe 2 for ultrasonic image diagnosis composed of multiple channels and a sub probe for irradiating heating ultrasonic waves or light waves can be mounted. A first mounting portion 5a for holding the main probe 2 and a second mounting portion 5a for holding the sub probe, which emits ultrasonic waves emitted from each channel of the main probe 2 and is irradiated from the sub probe. And a common emission surface for emitting the second ultrasonic wave or light wave. At least a part of the axis line from which the ultrasonic wave from the main probe 2 is emitted from the emission surface and the ultrasonic wave or light wave from the sub probe are emitted. It is set as the structure by which the 1st, 2nd attaching part 5a is arrange | positioned so that the axis line radiate | emitted from a surface may overlap. [Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a probe holder for fat diagnosis used when a living body is heated and a fat diagnosis is performed from the measurement result of the ultrasonic velocity change before and after the heating. The present invention relates to a probe holder for abutting and holding a front surface.

In order to diagnose visceral fat, which is one of the risk factors for lifestyle-related diseases, an ultrasonic diagnostic system is used. In ultrasonic measurement, it has been proposed to use a probe holding instrument for improving the positioning accuracy and positioning reproducibility of the probe on the surface of the living body (see Patent Document 1).
The probe holding device described in this document includes a plurality of holding portions that accommodate probes that are brought into contact with the abdomen, and a fixing unit that fixes the plurality of holding portions to the abdomen. However, an ultrasonic diagnosis is performed at each position by setting probes in each holding portion in order. As the probe, a 1D array transducer in which a plurality of transducers are arranged in a linear shape or an arc shape is used. Using this probe holding device, the transmission / reception surface of the array-type ultrasonic probe can be directed from different directions to a reference site such as a blood vessel located deep in the body.

  The ultrasonic diagnosis here is an image diagnosis based on ultrasonic tomographic images (B-mode tomographic images) from a plurality of directions with one kind of array type probe. The ultrasonic velocity before and after the heating is performed. It does not measure changes, nor does it use multiple different probes.

  On the other hand, as a new image diagnostic technique for fat distribution using the ultrasonic velocity change before and after heating, the region of interest is heated by light irradiation, and the ultrasonic velocity change before and after heating is measured. There has been proposed a detection method and a detection apparatus for adipose tissue in which a site where the speed changes negatively with respect to a temperature change is detected as adipose tissue and fat distribution is diagnosed (see Patent Document 2).

  A fat diagnostic apparatus (adipose tissue detection apparatus) described in Patent Document 2 will be described. This device performs ultrasonic irradiation and light heating by directly contacting the body surface of the subject with a control unit necessary for obtaining a B-mode tomographic image and an ultrasonic velocity change image, and the body surface of the subject. And a probe. The probe used here includes a linear array probe that irradiates the measurement area of the subject with ultrasonic waves, and an infrared laser light source that emits near-infrared light for heating the measurement area of the subject. Are used in a side-by-side arrangement.

  The linear array probe has a large number of transducers composed of linearly arranged piezoelectric elements, and each transducer transmits an ultrasonic signal with a pulse wave excited by a drive signal from a control unit. And receiving an ultrasonic echo signal from within the subject in response to the ultrasonic signal. Then, scanning is performed by sequentially switching transducers that perform transmission and reception according to a control signal. The infrared laser light source is adapted to emit near infrared light of 760 nm to 1000 nm from the side of the linear array probe.

Next, the operation of measuring the ultrasonic velocity change and measuring the fat with this apparatus will be described. A measurement region in the subject is specified in advance by image diagnosis using a B-mode image or the like. The specified measurement area is heated by irradiating near infrared light from an infrared laser light source, and after a predetermined heating time has elapsed, the linear array probe is driven to sequentially scan pulsed ultrasonic signals. In this manner, the ultrasonic waves are transmitted sequentially, and ultrasonic echo signals that are received signals from the subject are sequentially received. And the waveform of the ultrasonic echo signal (reception signal) acquired in the light irradiation state is stored as the ultrasonic echo signal after light irradiation.
After storing the received waveform of the ultrasonic echo signal after the light irradiation, the light irradiation is stopped. When a predetermined time elapses after the irradiation is stopped and the temperature of the subject is sufficiently lowered, the linear array probe is driven again to transmit an ultrasonic signal and receive an ultrasonic echo signal from the subject. . And the waveform of the ultrasonic echo signal (reception signal) acquired in the light irradiation stop state is stored as a non-irradiation ultrasonic echo signal. The stored ultrasonic echo signal is displayed as a B-mode tomographic image by displaying its amplitude in luminance.
Subsequently, the ultrasonic velocity change is obtained from the relationship shown below based on the ultrasonic echo signals after the light irradiation and at the time of non-irradiation.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic echo signal during non-irradiation (before heating) and an ultrasonic echo signal after light irradiation (after heating) in a certain partial section. The ultrasonic velocity at the time of non-irradiation is V, and the ultrasonic velocity after light irradiation is V ′. Also, let τ be a pulse interval that occurs when an ultrasonic signal propagates between certain boundaries during non-irradiation, and let τ−Δτ be a pulse interval that occurs when an ultrasonic signal propagates after light irradiation between the same boundaries (constant distance) And That is, it is assumed that the pulse interval is shifted by Δτ due to a temperature change so as to be shortened.
At this time,
V · τ = V ′ · (τ−Δτ) (1)
Therefore, the ultrasonic velocity change data can be calculated by the following equation from the time change of the pulse interval between the two echo signals.
V ′ / V = τ / (τ−Δτ) (2)
Accordingly, the pulse interval (τ) and the waveform shift amount (Δτ) in the region of interest are calculated from the two measured echo signals, and the change in the ultrasonic velocity at each part (the ultrasonic velocity change ratio) is calculated based on the equation (2). (V ′ / V)) is calculated.

Subsequently, based on the calculated ultrasonic velocity change ratio (V ′ / V) of each region, a region where this value is smaller than 1 (region where the ultrasonic velocity change with respect to heating is negative) is determined as a fat region. .
That is, the ultrasonic velocity propagating in water and fat is 1524 m / sec in water and 1412 m / sec in fat when the temperature is 37 ° C. When the ultrasonic velocity change with respect to temperature change is compared, it is as follows. is there.
Water: +2 m / sec / ° C
Fat: -4 m / sec / ° C
Therefore, when the temperature rises in muscles and internal organs (liver etc.) that contain a lot of water, the ultrasonic velocity increases in the fat part, and the polarity of the ultrasonic velocity change is reversed. To do.
Therefore, a fat region can be detected by specifying a region where the ultrasonic velocity change is negative when the temperature of the measurement region is changed.

  And, from the analysis result of the ultrasonic velocity change by the multiple ultrasonic echo signals acquired by scanning the array type probe, by imaging the two-dimensional distribution of the ultrasonic velocity change and displaying it on the display device, The fat area is clearly displayed as an image separately from other parts.

JP 2011-101680 A JP 2010-005271 A

  The fat diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 2 requires a special dedicated probe having a heating function. Here, in many medical institutions, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs image diagnosis with ultrasonic waves is already used, and a multi-channel array probe for image diagnosis is also provided as standard. Therefore, it is possible to make full use of existing ultrasonic diagnostic equipment without making major modifications, and to make fat diagnosis by measuring ultrasonic velocity change only by retrofitting the minimum necessary equipment. desirable.

Therefore, the present inventors can use commercially available ultrasonic diagnostic equipment and probe for image diagnosis almost as they are when performing fat diagnosis by ultrasonic velocity change, and add the necessary minimum equipment as a retrofit. A fat diagnostic system that enables measurement of ultrasonic velocity change by means of the above, and as one method for constructing such a fat diagnostic system, a separate heating probe together with an existing diagnostic imaging probe Devised to perform fat diagnosis using
An object of the present invention is to provide a probe holder that can be used in a new fat diagnostic system using two probes, a diagnostic imaging probe and a heating probe.

  Moreover, in the fat diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 2, fat diagnosis can be performed by heating the body surface with infrared laser light by using a dedicated probe. Since the multi-channel probe and the laser light source are arranged side by side, the irradiation position of the ultrasonic wave from the multi-channel probe and the irradiation position of the laser beam for heating are slightly separated from each other. Therefore, the measurement site obtained by image diagnosis using a multi-channel probe and the heating position change depending on the depth, and it is difficult to accurately match, and the measurement position determined by image diagnosis using a multi-channel probe, The position heated by the laser beam tends to shift. Such a position shift becomes remarkable at a position where the depth from the body surface is relatively shallow.

  Furthermore, in the case of making a diagnosis using the above-described dedicated probe in the vicinity of the bone tissue, there arises a problem that measurement cannot be performed due to a displacement between the ultrasonic irradiation position and the laser light irradiation position. In other words, when ultrasonic irradiation is performed with a multi-channel probe in contact with the gap between ribs or bone tissue, bone tissue may exist directly under the laser light source. May be blocked by bone tissue and cannot be heated by laser light, making fat diagnosis impossible.

  Therefore, the present invention is designed so that the ultrasonic irradiation position of the diagnostic imaging probe and the warming position of the warming probe are exactly matched, so that the heating at the same position as the measurement position determined by diagnostic imaging is accurate. An object is to enable temperature and fat diagnosis, and to provide a probe holder used for that purpose.

  The probe holder of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is formed so that a main probe for ultrasonic image diagnosis consisting of multiple channels and a sub probe for irradiating heating ultrasonic waves or light waves can be mounted. A first mounting portion for holding a main probe, a second mounting portion for holding a sub probe, and a first super-irradiated from each channel of the main probe mounted on the first mounting portion. A common emission surface for emitting a sound wave and emitting a second ultrasonic wave or a light wave emitted from a secondary probe attached to the second mounting portion, and the first ultrasonic wave from the main probe is provided. The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are arranged so that at least a part of the axis that exits from the exit surface overlaps with the axis that the second ultrasonic wave or light wave from the sub probe exits from the exit surface. To be To have.

According to the present invention, when performing a fat diagnosis, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or an array type probe for image diagnosis (multi-channel) uses an existing facility as it is and adds a secondary probe for heating. A fat diagnosis is performed using these two probes. As the warming probe, a probe capable of warming a living body by emitting ultrasonic waves or light waves (near infrared light) is used.
In the probe holder of the present invention used at this time, the first ultrasonic wave irradiated from each channel of the main probe mounted on the first mounting portion of the probe holder and the irradiation from the sub probe mounted on the second mounting portion. The second ultrasonic wave or light wave is arranged so that the axes emitted from the emission surface overlap. Therefore, the first ultrasonic irradiation position (image diagnostic part) at the time of image diagnosis by the main probe and the second ultrasonic wave or light wave irradiation position (heating part) at the time of heating by the sub probe Thus, it becomes possible to completely match, and the same position can be heated by the sub probe with respect to the measurement position determined by the image diagnosis.

In the above device, the first mounting portion has a first shape opening into which the main probe can be inserted, and the second mounting portion has a second shape opening into which the sub probe can be inserted. A part of the second shaped opening may be arranged so as to overlap each other, and the main probe and the sub probe may be selectively attached to each opening so as to be exchanged.
According to the present invention, the first-shaped opening and the second-shaped opening are arranged so that a part of the first-shaped opening and the second-shaped opening overlap each other. The second ultrasonic wave or light wave radiated from can be emitted from the emission port with the same axis, and by inserting the main probe and the sub probe so as to be exchanged, with respect to the measurement position determined in the image diagnosis It becomes possible to heat the exact same position.

In the above device, the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion are separately provided at spaced positions of the probe holder so that the main probe and the sub probe can be simultaneously attached to the probe holder, and are irradiated from the main probe. The first ultrasonic axis, or the second ultrasonic wave or light wave axis irradiated from the secondary probe is bent, and the ultrasonic wave is superimposed on the ultrasonic wave or light wave axis irradiated from the other probe. Or you may make it provide the adjustment means which changes the advancing direction of a light wave in a probe holder.
According to the present invention, since the adjustment means for changing the traveling direction of the ultrasonic wave or light wave is provided in the probe holder, the traveling direction of the ultrasonic wave or light wave irradiated from one probe is bent, It can be superposed on the axis of the ultrasonic wave or light wave emitted from the probe, so that the same position can be accurately heated by the sub probe with respect to the measurement position determined by the image diagnosis using the main probe. It becomes like this.

In the above configuration, the probe holder has a shape having an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface, the first mounting portion includes an opening into which a main probe formed on the upper surface of the probe holder can be inserted, and the second mounting portion has a side surface of the probe holder. The secondary probe is formed with an opening through which the secondary probe can be inserted, the secondary probe irradiates ultrasonic waves, the exit surface is provided on the lower surface, and the adjusting means is provided in the probe holder, You may make it consist of a movable reflecting plate which lets a sound wave pass and reflects the ultrasonic wave from a subprobe.
Here, specifically, a plate material capable of reflecting ultrasonic waves, such as a glass plate or an acrylic plate, can be used for the movable reflecting plate.
According to the present invention, when the first ultrasonic wave is irradiated from the main probe by the movable reflector, the movable reflector is moved away from the region where the first ultrasonic wave travels. When irradiating the second ultrasonic wave from the sub probe, the movable reflecting plate is moved to reflect the second ultrasonic wave and bend toward the lower surface side. As a result, the axes of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the emission surface can be made coincident with each other, and the same position can be accurately heated by the sub probe with respect to the measurement position determined by the image diagnosis using the main probe. Become.

In addition, the probe holder has a shape having an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface, the first mounting portion has an opening into which the main probe formed on the upper surface of the probe holder can be inserted, and the second mounting portion is formed on the side surface of the probe holder. The sub-probe irradiates a light wave, the emission surface is provided on the lower surface, and the adjusting means is provided in the probe holder to allow the ultrasonic wave from the main probe to pass through. Further, it may be composed of a fixed reflecting plate that reflects the light wave from the sub-probe.
Here, the fixed reflecting plate serving as the adjusting means is made by attaching a metal thin film to a thin film material (inorganic thin film or organic thin film), and using a coupling member that functions as an optical mirror that transmits ultrasonic waves but reflects light waves. do it.
According to the present invention, the first ultrasonic wave irradiated from the main probe passes through the fixed reflecting plate as it is. Further, the light wave irradiated from the sub probe is reflected by the fixed reflecting plate and bent toward the lower surface. As a result, the axis of the (first) ultrasonic wave emitted from the emission surface can coincide with the axis of the light wave, and the same position is accurately added by the sub probe to the measurement position determined by the image diagnosis using the main probe. You can warm up.

The probe holder has a shape having an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface, the first mounting portion is an opening into which the main probe formed on the side surface of the probe holder can be inserted, and the second mounting portion is formed on the upper surface of the probe holder. The sub-probe irradiates a light wave, the sub-probe emits a light wave, the emission surface is provided on the lower surface, and the adjusting means is provided in the probe holder to reflect the ultrasonic wave from the main probe. Further, it may be formed of a fixed reflecting plate that transmits the light wave from the sub probe.
Here, a glass plate or an acrylic plate is used as the fixed reflecting plate serving as the adjusting means, and a coupling member that functions as an acoustic mirror that transmits light waves but reflects ultrasonic waves may be used.
According to the present invention, when the (first) ultrasonic wave is irradiated from the main probe, it is reflected by the fixed reflector and bent to the lower surface. Further, when irradiating light waves from the sub-probe, the light is transmitted through the fixed reflector as it is. As a result, the axis of the (first) ultrasonic wave emitted from the emission surface can coincide with the axis of the light wave, and the same position is accurately added by the sub probe to the measurement position determined by the image diagnosis using the main probe. You can warm up.

According to the probe holder of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image diagnosis function and a heating function by simply adding a heating probe after using an existing multi-channel array probe for diagnostic imaging as it is. Fat diagnosis can be performed without preparing a dedicated probe.
In a fat diagnostic system for performing fat diagnosis by using an existing main probe for diagnostic imaging as it is and adding a secondary probe for irradiating ultrasonic waves or light waves for heating, the main probe is irradiated. The axis of the first ultrasonic wave and the axis of the second ultrasonic wave or light wave emitted from the sub-probe can overlap each other. Therefore, the fat diagnosis can be performed by accurately matching the measurement position by the image diagnosis and the heating position by a new fat diagnosis method in which two probes of the image diagnosis probe and the heating probe are combined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The external view which shows the whole structure of the fat diagnostic system using the probe holder which is one Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the fat diagnostic apparatus in FIG. The external view which shows an example of a subprobe. The perspective view which shows the structure of the probe holder of FIG. It is the external view which looked at the probe holder of FIG. 4 from the front, (a) shows a main probe mounting state, (b) shows a sub probe mounting state. The flowchart which shows the measurement operation | movement procedure by the fat diagnostic system of FIG. The external view which shows the whole structure of the fat diagnostic system using the probe holder which is other embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the fat diagnostic apparatus in FIG. Sectional drawing which looked at the probe holder of FIG. 7 from the side. The external view which shows the whole structure of the fat diagnostic system using the probe holder which is further another embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the fat diagnostic apparatus in FIG. Sectional drawing which looked at the probe holder of FIG. 10 from the side. The flowchart which shows the measurement procedure by the fat diagnostic system of FIG. The external view which shows the whole structure of the fat diagnostic system using the probe holder which is further another embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the fat diagnostic apparatus in FIG. Sectional drawing which looked at the probe holder of FIG. 14 from the side. The schematic diagram which shows an echo signal at the time of non-irradiation (before heating) and after light irradiation (after heating).

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view showing an overall configuration of a fat diagnosis system A using a probe holder according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The fat diagnosis system A includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 for image diagnosis, a main probe 2 for image diagnosis, a control box (dedicated board) 3, a sub probe 4 for heating, a probe holder 5, And an external computer device 6. As will be described later, the auxiliary probe 4 of the present embodiment is used not only for heating but also as a fat diagnostic probe.

  In the fat diagnostic system A according to the present embodiment, the retrofitted fat diagnostic device 10 is configured by the control box 3, the auxiliary probe 4, the probe holder 5, and the external computer device 6, and these are the existing equipment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and the main probe 2 are attached and used.

  As the main probe 2 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 (commercial product), an array type probe (commercial product) of multi-channel (for example, 128 transducers) used for image diagnosis is used. The main probe 2 has a square cross section in the horizontal direction. The main probe 2 transmits and receives the pulse wave ultrasonic signal while scanning, so that an ultrasonic image such as a B-mode image is displayed on the display screen of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The main probe 2 for diagnostic imaging in the present embodiment is exclusively used for searching, determining, and confirming a measurement site using an ultrasound image.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing components of the fat diagnostic apparatus 10 in the fat diagnostic system A. The control box 3 includes a high-frequency power source 21 that generates a heating ultrasonic wave (for example, a sine wave), a pulser / receiver circuit 22 that transmits a pulse wave for fat diagnosis and receives an echo signal from a living body, A switch 23 for switching whether the probe 4 is connected to the high-frequency power source 21 side or the pulsar / receiver circuit 22 side, an A / D converter 24 for converting the received echo signal into a digital signal, and a memory for storing the echo signal 25. A controller 26 is provided for performing operations such as driving of ultrasonic waves for heating and pulse waves for fat diagnosis, and switching of the switch 23.

  The control box 3 transmits the ultrasonic wave for heating from the high-frequency power source 21 via the sub probe 4, and controls the heating of the measurement site and transmits the pulse wave by the pulser / receiver circuit 22. Then, it receives the echo signal and functions as the fat measurement control unit 11 that performs control for measuring the echo signal before heating and the echo signal after heating.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a cylindrical probe made up of a one-channel vibrator 4a is used for the sub probe 4. The vibrator 4a uses a high-power piezoelectric element capable of irradiating heating ultrasonic waves, and a heat radiating member is provided around the vibrator 4a. As described above, the sub-probe 4 is made tougher than the main probe 2 in which a large number of thin vibrators are arranged, and sufficiently dissipates heat. In addition, you may make it heat by making the number of channels of the subprobe 4 into plural (a few channels).

The sub-probe 4 transmits the ultrasonic wave for heating and the transmission / reception of the pulse wave ultrasonic signal for fat diagnosis for one line by the switching operation of the switch 23.
The echo signal for one line received by the transducer 4 a is sent to the fat measurement control unit 11 (control box 3), digitized, and sent to the external computer device 6 and the memory 25. The echo signal for one line includes a signal from each part in the depth direction at one measurement point.

4A and 4B are perspective views showing the probe holder 5, FIG. 4A shows the appearance of the probe not inserted, and FIG. 4B shows the appearance of the main probe 2 inserted. The probe holder 5 is made of plastic and is formed of a rectangular body having an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface, and has a single hole 5a into which the main probe 2 and the sub probe 4 can be inserted. As shown in FIG. 4A, the hole 5a has a shape in which a hole for inserting the main probe 2 (first mounting portion) and a hole for inserting the sub probe 4 (second mounting portion) are combined. In this case, a through hole (opening) having a composite shape is formed in the vicinity of the center of a square hole into which the main probe 2 can be inserted, and a circular hole into which the sub probe 4 can be inserted.
In addition, the shape of the hole 5a is an example, and the thing of a different shape according to the external appearance shape of the main probe 2 or the subprobe 4 is used.
The upper surface side is an insertion port for the probes 2 and 4, and the lower surface side is a common emission port (outgoing surface) for emitting ultrasonic waves. By using such a hole 5a, the axis (the ultrasonic wave irradiated from the channel of the central portion) in which the ultrasonic wave for image diagnosis (first ultrasonic wave) irradiated from the main probe 2 at the position of the hole 5a travels. ) And the axis along which the heating ultrasonic wave (second ultrasonic wave) irradiated from the sub-probe 4 is overlapped and coincides with each other. The heating position by 4 can be grasped.

In such a probe holder 5, the main probe 2 and the sub probe 4 are selectively inserted into the hole 5a and used. FIG. 5 is a front view of a state in which the main probe 2 is inserted into the probe holder 5 (FIG. 5A) and a state in which the sub probe 4 is inserted (FIG. 5B).
The transducer 2a of the main probe 2 and the transducer 4a of the sub-probe 4 are slightly protruded from the lower surface (outgoing surface) of the probe holder 5 so as to be in contact with the body surface while being inserted into the probe holder 5. is there. When performing a fat diagnosis, the probe holder 5 is brought into contact with the body surface. In order to reduce the burden of operation, the articulated arm 5b of FIG. 1 is used to fix and hold the probe holder 5 on the body surface of the measurement site. Used. Needless to say, the measurement can be performed even when the probe holder 5 is held with one hand and the probe is exchanged or operated with the other hand without using the articulated arm 5b.

As the external computer device 6, a general-purpose personal computer device (for example, a notebook personal computer) including a CPU, a memory, an input device (keyboard or the like), and a display device (liquid crystal panel) is used, and the control box 3 (fat measurement control unit 11). ) Is performed on the partial section of the echo signal output from before and after heating, and the calculation processing is performed to calculate the ultrasonic velocity change (in this case, the ultrasonic velocity ratio) by performing the calculation according to the above-described equation (2).
That is, the waveform shift of the echo signal before and after heating is based on the echo signal received after heating and the echo signal received before heating by the same principle and method as the conventional example described in FIG. A quantity (Δτ) is calculated, and a process of calculating a pulse interval (τ) between tissue boundaries in the measurement region is performed. And based on Formula (2), the process which calculates the ultrasonic velocity ratio (V '/ V) of each partial area is performed.

In addition, a fat determination is performed based on the value of the ultrasonic velocity ratio, or a fat ratio is calculated from comparison with reference data stored in advance, and processing for calculating these as fat information is performed. Then, the ultrasonic velocity ratio value and fat information (fat determination, fat ratio) are displayed on the display device.
The output data displayed at this time is an ultrasonic velocity change ratio, a fat determination result, and a fat ratio calculation result, and these are displayed as numerical values (characters).
In this manner, the external computer device 6 functions as a fat information calculation unit 12 that calculates fat information including changes in ultrasonic velocity based on measurement results of echo signals before and after heating.

Next, the measurement procedure by the fat diagnostic system A will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
First, a fat measurement position is searched and determined by image diagnosis by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 (S101). That is, the main probe 2 is set in the probe holder 5 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is operated to take a B-mode image by, for example, a pulse wave of about 3 MHz, and this is displayed on the screen for image diagnosis and fat measurement. Search for a suitable measurement position. At this time, the search may be performed so as to obtain a clear image with higher resolution by further increasing the frequency of the pulse wave as necessary. When a measurement position suitable for fat diagnosis is found by image observation, the probe holder 5 is fixed using the multi-joint arm 5b so that the probe holder 5 does not move from that position.

  Next, heating control by the control box 3 (fat measurement control unit 11) is performed on the determined measurement position (S102). That is, the main probe 2 is removed from the probe holder 5 and the sub probe 4 is inserted. Then, the controller 26 sets the switch 23 on the high-frequency power source 21 side, turns on the high-frequency power source 21 and irradiates the heating ultrasonic wave via the sub probe 4. If the ultrasonic wave to be irradiated is 0.5 MHz to 3 MHz, it can be heated up to the deep part of the living body, but it is preferably irradiated at about 0.7 MHz to 1 MHz. And heating is maintained until a heating area | region raises about 0.5 degreeC-2 degreeC, and is stabilized. For example, the heating time becomes stable after about 30 seconds.

  Next, the heating is stopped, and the echo signal is measured in the temperature rising state immediately after the heating is stopped (S103). That is, the controller 26 is operated using the sub probe 4 as it is, and the switch 23 is switched to the pulsar / receiver circuit side 22 to transmit a pulse wave through the sub probe 4 and to wait for and receive an echo signal. The received echo signal is stored in the memory 25 as an “echo signal after heating” and is sent to the external computer device 6 (fat information calculation unit 12).

  Next, after the measurement of the “echo signal after warming” is completed, a predetermined time set in advance as the time required to return to normal temperature is further passed (for example, after about 10 to 20 seconds have passed). The echo signal when the temperature is lowered to the normal temperature before the temperature is measured (S104). That is, while the switch 23 is left as it is, a pulse wave is transmitted again through the sub probe 4 and an echo signal is awaited and received. Since the received echo signal returns to the same signal as the normal temperature state before heating, the echo signal is stored in the memory 25 as “pre-warming echo signal” and sent to the external computer device 6.

Next, the ultrasonic velocity change and fat information are calculated by the external computer device 6 (fat information calculation unit 12) (S105). That is, when an “echo signal after warming” and an “echo signal before warming” are sent from the control box 3, the ultrasonic velocity ratio (V ′ / V) is calculated based on the above-described equation (2). To do. Furthermore, fat determination is performed based on this result, or a fat ratio is calculated from comparison with reference data obtained in advance, and the calculated ultrasonic velocity change ratio and fat information are displayed as numerical values or characters on the screen of the external computer device 6. indicate. By the measurement procedure described above, fat diagnosis based on changes in ultrasonic velocity can be performed.
As described above, when the fat diagnosis is performed according to the above procedure, by using the probe holder 5 of the present embodiment, the measurement position determined in advance by the main probe 2 and the position to be heated by the sub probe 4 are accurately matched. Fat diagnosis can be performed.

In the measurement procedure described above, the “echo signal after warming” is measured first and then the “echo signal before warming” is measured, for the following reason. When a part of a living body is heated, blood flow increases due to a physiological action to return the heated portion to a normal temperature state, and a strong cooling action is exerted. Therefore, if the echo signal is measured in the state where the blood flow has been increased first and the blood flow has increased, the “cooling echo signal after the warming” is measured immediately after the heating is stopped, This is because the “echo signal before heating” can be measured when the temperature is suddenly decreased and the temperature returns to the normal temperature state due to a rapid temperature change.
Needless to say, if the measurement due to a rapid temperature change is not required, the “pre-heating echo signal” may be measured first.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a fat diagnostic system B using a probe holder according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing components of the fat diagnostic device 10a in the fat diagnostic system B. It is. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the probe holder 15 used in the fat diagnostic system B as viewed from the side. The same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals, and a part of the description is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, a probe holder 15 capable of mounting the main probe 2 and the sub probe 4 at the same time is used instead of the probe holder 5 in FIG. The probe holder 15 is formed of a rectangular body having an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface, and an opening (hole) 15c is formed on the upper surface as a first attachment portion into which the main diagnostic diagnostic probe 2 having a horizontal cross section can be inserted. is there. The lower surface has an opening (exit port) 15d for emitting ultrasonic waves, and the opening 15d is closed with a sheet 15f made of silicon rubber or the like through which ultrasonic waves can pass. The sheet 15f is provided to fill the case with a fluid ultrasonic wave propagation body L such as water as a standoff. In addition, an opening 15e serving as a second attachment portion into which the cylindrical sub probe 4 can be inserted is formed on one surface of the side surface 15b. The transducer 2a of the main probe 2 and the transducer 4a of the probe 4 are in contact with the ultrasonic wave propagation body L filled in the case.

Further, in the probe holder 15, a movable switching mirror (movable reflector) 15 a that reflects ultrasonic waves is provided in a fluid ultrasonic wave propagation body L (standoff). The switching mirror 15a is switchable so that only one of the ultrasonic wave from the main probe 2 and the ultrasonic wave from the sub probe 4 is emitted from the common opening 15d. In this embodiment, the switching mirror 15a is operated by an operation signal from an operation switch provided on the controller 26a of the control box 3.
That is, when irradiating the first ultrasonic wave (for image diagnosis) from the main probe 2, the switching mirror 15a moves forward of the sub probe 4 so that the ultrasonic wave from the vibrator 2a can go straight to the opening 15d. On the other hand, when irradiating the second ultrasonic wave (for heating and fat diagnosis) from the sub-probe 4, by moving to the position of 45 degrees obliquely with respect to the vibrator 2a and the vibrator 4a, The ultrasonic waves from the transducer 4a are reflected by the switching mirror 15a and emitted from the common opening 15d. The axial direction of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the sub probe 4 is made to coincide with one of the axial directions of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the main probe 2 (the axial direction of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the central vibrator). Yes, the irradiation position of the sub probe 4 can be grasped at the time of image diagnosis by the main probe 2.

Next, the measurement procedure by the fat diagnostic system B will be described again based on the flowchart of FIG.
First, a fat measurement position is searched and determined by image diagnosis by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 (S101). That is, the switching mirror 15a is set so that the main probe 2 side is turned on, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is operated to take a B-mode image by a pulse wave (first ultrasonic wave), and this is displayed on the screen. Image diagnosis is performed and a measurement position suitable for fat measurement is searched. When a measurement position suitable for fat diagnosis is found by image observation, the probe holder 15 is fixed using the multi-joint arm 5b so that the probe holder 15 does not move from that position.

  Next, heating control by the control box 3 (fat measurement control unit 11) is performed on the determined measurement position (S102). That is, the controller 26a of the control box 3 is operated to switch the switching mirror 15a so that the sub probe 4 side is turned on, the switch 23 is set to the high frequency power source 21 side, the high frequency power source 21 is turned on and the sub probe 4 is turned on. The second (second) ultrasonic wave is irradiated. And heating is maintained until a heating area | region raises about 0.5 degreeC-2 degreeC, and is stabilized. For example, the heating time becomes stable after about 30 seconds.

  Next, the heating is stopped, and the echo signal is measured in the temperature rising state immediately after the heating is stopped (S103). That is, by operating the controller 26a, the switch 23 is switched to the pulsar / receiver circuit side 22 without changing the switching mirror 15a, and a pulse wave is transmitted via the sub probe 4 and an echo signal is waited for and received. . The received echo signal is stored in the memory 25 as an “echo signal after heating” and is sent to the external computer device 6 (fat information calculation unit 12).

  Next, after the measurement of the “echo signal after warming” is completed, a predetermined time set in advance as the time required to return to normal temperature is further passed (for example, after about 10 to 20 seconds have passed). The echo signal when the temperature is lowered to the normal temperature before the temperature is measured (S104). That is, the switching mirror 15a and the switch 23 are left as they are, and a pulse wave is transmitted again via the sub probe 4, and an echo signal is waited for and received. Since the received echo signal returns to the same signal as the normal temperature state before heating, the echo signal is stored in the memory 25 as “pre-warming echo signal” and sent to the external computer device 6.

Next, the ultrasonic velocity change and fat information are calculated by the external computer device 6 (fat information calculation unit 12) (S105). That is, when an “echo signal after warming” and an “echo signal before warming” are sent from the control box 3, the ultrasonic velocity ratio (V ′ / V) is calculated based on the above-described equation (2). To do. Furthermore, fat determination is performed based on this result, or a fat ratio is calculated from comparison with reference data obtained in advance, and the calculated ultrasonic velocity change ratio and fat information are displayed as numerical values or characters on the screen of the external computer device 6. indicate. By the measurement procedure described above, fat diagnosis based on changes in ultrasonic velocity can be performed.
As described above, when the fat diagnosis is performed according to the above procedure, by using the probe holder 15 of the present embodiment, the measurement position determined in advance by the main probe 2 and the position heated by the sub probe 4 are accurately matched. Fat diagnosis can be performed.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a fat diagnosis system C using a probe holder according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a component part of an accessory device 10b for fat diagnosis in the fat diagnosis system C. FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the probe holder 55 used in the fat diagnostic system C as viewed from the side. The same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals, and a part of the description is omitted.
In the present embodiment, light heating is performed by the sub probe 54 and fat diagnosis is performed by using a large number of echo signals acquired by the main probe 2.

The fat diagnostic system C fixes and holds the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the main probe 2 for image diagnosis, the control box (dedicated board) 30, the auxiliary probe 54 for heating, and the main probe 2 and the auxiliary probe 54. The probe holder 55, the external computer device 6, and the transmission line 7 for transmitting an echo signal from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 are configured.
In the present embodiment, the control box 30, the sub probe 54, the probe holder 55, the external computer device 6, and the transmission line 7 constitute the fat diagnosis accessory device 10 b.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is provided with an external output terminal through which a raw echo signal (RF signal) acquired via the main probe 2 can be extracted. Some commercially available ultrasonic diagnostic equipment does not have such an external output terminal. In that case, the external output terminal can be connected by a simple operation such as installing an expansion card for adding an external output terminal. Add more.

The main probe 2 is composed of a multi-channel probe and receives an echo signal in each channel. When the same number of echo signals as the number of received channels are sent to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, an ultrasonic image such as a B-mode image is formed and displayed on the display screen of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.
As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and the main probe 2 are used for searching for a region of interest using an ultrasonic image, which is an original function, and for image diagnosis. In addition, the acquired echo signal is used as an ultrasonic wave. The signal is transmitted from the external output terminal of the diagnostic apparatus 1 to the fat diagnostic accessory apparatus 10b side via the transmission line 7.

  The control box 30 includes a power supply 31 for causing the semiconductor laser 54a of the sub probe 54 to emit light, a receiver circuit 33 that receives an echo signal transmitted from the external output terminal of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 via the transmission line 7, An A / D converter 34 for converting the received echo signal into a digital signal, a buffer memory 35 for adjusting a transmission speed for sending the echo signal to the external computer device 6, and laser irradiation from the sub probe 54 are turned on. A controller 36 that performs an OFF operation, an operation of starting and stopping reception of an echo signal by the receiver circuit 33, and transmission control of the echo signal by the buffer memory 35 is provided.

  Therefore, the control box 30 can form an image acquired by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 together with a portion that functions as a heating control unit 41 that performs control for heating the measurement site by irradiating light through the sub probe 54. And a portion functioning as an echo signal transmission control unit 42 for controlling transmission of a large number of echo signals to the external computer device 6.

  The sub-probe 54 has a semiconductor laser 54a attached to the tip thereof, so that near infrared light having a wavelength of 930 nm to 940 nm is irradiated with light when heated. Note that any semiconductor laser that emits light capable of being heated to about 700 nm to 1300 nm can be used.

  The probe holder 55 simultaneously fixes and holds the main probe 2 and the sub probe 54. The probe holder 55 is formed of a rectangular body having an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface, and an opening (hole) 55c serving as a first attachment portion into which the main probe 2 is inserted is formed on the upper surface. In addition, an opening 55e serving as a second attachment portion is formed on one surface of the side surface 55b, and a cylindrical sub probe 54 is attached to the light irradiation surface of the semiconductor laser 54a toward the inside of the case. The lower surface is an opening (outgoing port (outgoing surface)) 55d for emitting ultrasonic waves and near-infrared light, and an opening 55d using a sheet 55f of silicon rubber or the like that can pass ultrasonic waves and near-infrared light as a window material. It is intended to block. The sheet 55f is provided to fill the probe holder 55 with a fluid ultrasonic wave propagation body L that functions as a standoff for propagating ultrasonic waves.

In the probe holder 55, the ultrasonic wave irradiated from the main probe 2 is transmitted downward, the near infrared light irradiated from the sub probe 54 is reflected downward, and the ultrasonic wave and the near infrared light travel. A coupling member (fixed reflecting plate) 55a that functions as an optical mirror for causing the axial direction to coincide with each other and to be emitted from the opening 55d is provided. The coupling member 55a is made by attaching a metal thin film such as aluminum that reflects near infrared light to a thin film material that can transmit ultrasonic waves by vapor deposition or the like, and this is reflected in the axial direction of the ultrasonic waves and the reflection of near infrared light. They are arranged at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the previous axial direction. As this thin film material, an inorganic thin film (for example, a thin glass having a thickness of 0.05 mm or less) or an organic thin film (for example, a wrapping film for packaging) can be used.
The probe holder 55 is filled with an ultrasonic wave propagation body L so that the coupling member 55a is immersed and in contact with the light irradiation surfaces of the transducers 2a of the main probe 2 and the sub-probe 54.
Specifically, water that absorbs less ultrasonic waves and near infrared light is suitable for the ultrasonic wave propagation body L. Further, instead of water, a matching liquid whose refractive index is matched to the refractive index of the material of the coupling member 55a (thin glass, wrap film, etc.) is used for the ultrasonic wave propagation body L, and coupled to the ultrasonic wave propagation body L. You may make it suppress the reflection loss of the near-infrared light in the interface with the member 55a.

  As the external computer device 6, a general-purpose personal computer device (for example, a notebook personal computer) including a CPU, a memory, an input device (keyboard or the like), and a display device (liquid crystal panel) is used. The number of B-mode images that are measured by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and the multi-channel main probe 2 and transmitted via the transmission line 7 and the control box 30 (echo signal transmission control unit 42) can be formed. The echo signal is received. The number of echo signals depends on the number of channels scanned by the main probe 2, and for example, 128 echo signals are received per image. This echo signal is measured twice in total before and after heating without moving the main probe 2, so that the same number is used as “echo signal before warming” and “echo signal after warming”, respectively. The echo signal data is stored.

Then, the pre-heating echo signal and the post-heating echo signal are calculated according to the above-described equation (2) to calculate the ultrasonic velocity change (in this case, the ultrasonic velocity ratio), and further necessary arithmetic processing for fat diagnosis I do.
That is, the waveform shift of the echo signal before and after heating is based on the echo signal received after heating and the echo signal received before heating by the same principle and method as the conventional example described in FIG. A quantity (Δτ) is calculated, and a process of calculating a pulse interval (τ) between tissue boundaries in the measurement region is performed. And based on Formula (2), the process which calculates the ultrasonic velocity ratio (V '/ V) of each partial area is performed.
In this way, the external computer device 6 functions as a fat information calculation unit 43 that calculates fat information including an ultrasonic velocity change from the transmitted echo signals before and after heating.

  In the external computer device 6 (fat information calculation unit 43) of this embodiment, since a large number of echo signal data acquired by the main probe 2 is processed, the calculation result is an ultrasonic velocity change image or a fat distribution image. The amount of data that can be formed. Therefore, an image display of an ultrasonic velocity change image and a fat distribution image can be performed on the display screen of the external computer device 6 by the transmitted echo signal data.

Next, the measurement procedure by the fat diagnostic system C will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
First, a fat measurement position is searched and determined by image diagnosis by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 (S201). That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is operated to transmit a pulse wave and receive an echo signal with the main probe 2 to capture a B-mode image, which is displayed on the screen by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The measurement position suitable for fat diagnosis is searched and determined. When a measurement position suitable for fat diagnosis is found by image observation, the probe holder 55 is fixed using the multi-joint arm 5b so that the probe holder 55 does not move from that position.

  Next, heating control by the control box 30 (heating control unit 41) is performed on the determined measurement position (S202). That is, the controller 36 of the control box 30 is operated to turn on the power supply 31 and irradiate near-infrared laser light from the sub probe 54. Then, heating is maintained until the region irradiated with light rises by about 0.5 ° C. to 2 ° C. and becomes stable. For example, the heating time becomes stable after about 30 seconds.

Next, while maintaining the heating by laser irradiation, a pulse wave is transmitted by the main probe 2 and an echo signal (RF signal) from a living body is received, thereby obtaining an echo signal after heating, This is received by a receiver circuit (not shown) of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and received by the receiver circuit 33 of the control board 30 via the transmission line 7 (S203).
That is, the controller 36 is operated to turn on the receiver circuit 33 and wait for and receive the number of echo signals necessary for image formation. The received echo signal is digitized by the A / D converter 34 and stored in the buffer memory 35 as an “echo signal after heating”, and at the processing speed of the external computer device 6 (fat information calculation unit 43). They are transferred sequentially.

  Next, after the measurement of the “echo signal after heating” is completed, the heating is stopped, and the temperature drop time of about 10 to 20 seconds set in advance is waited (S204). That is, the controller 36 of the control box 30 is operated to turn off the power supply 31, and the near-infrared laser beam from the sub probe 54 is stopped. And it waits until the area | region irradiated with light becomes substantially stabilized at the temperature before heating.

  Next, after returning to normal temperature, an echo signal is acquired again by the main probe 2 and received by the receiver circuit 33 of the control box 30 (S205). At this time, since the echo signal returns to the same normal temperature as before the warming, the echo signal is stored in the memory 35 as the “pre-warming echo signal” and sequentially transferred to the external computer device 6.

Next, the ultrasonic velocity change and the fat information are calculated by the external computer device 6 (fat information calculation unit 43) (S206). That is, when an “echo signal after warming” and an “echo signal before warming” are sent from the control box 30, the ultrasonic velocity ratio (V ′ / V) is calculated based on the above-described equation (2). To do. This calculation is performed on the number of echo signals necessary for image formation. Then, based on the calculation result, an ultrasonic velocity change image is displayed on the screen of the external computer device 6, or a region where the ultrasonic velocity change is negative is extracted and displayed as a fat distribution image. In addition, by selecting a specific point on the displayed ultrasonic velocity change image or fat distribution image, the ultrasonic velocity change ratio at that specific point can be calculated, or the fat ratio can be calculated based on comparison with reference data obtained in advance. Or the ultrasonic velocity change ratio and the fat ratio may be displayed.
By the measurement procedure described above, fat diagnosis based on changes in ultrasonic velocity can be performed.
In this way, by using the probe holder 55 of the present invention, it is possible to make a fat diagnosis by accurately matching the measurement position determined by the main probe 2 with the position heated by using the sub probe 54.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a fat diagnostic system D that uses a probe holder according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 shows a configuration of an accessory device 10c for fat diagnosis in the fat diagnostic system D. It is a block diagram which shows a part. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the probe holder 58 used in the fat diagnostic system D as seen from the side. Note that the same components as those in FIGS. 10 and 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a part of the description is omitted.
In this embodiment, the sub-probe 54 performs light heating and performs fat diagnosis using a large number of echo signals acquired by the main probe 2. Instead of the probe holder 55, a probe holder 58 that holds the sub probe 54 on the upper surface and the main probe 2 on the side surface is used. The structure other than the probe holder 58 is almost the same as that of the third embodiment.

  The probe holder 58 is formed of a rectangular body having an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface, and an opening 58c serving as a first attachment portion for attaching the main probe 2 is provided on one of the side surfaces 58b. An opening 58e serving as a second attachment portion is formed on the upper surface 58d, and a cylindrical sub probe 54 is attached thereto with the light irradiation surface of the semiconductor laser 54a facing the case. The lower surface is an opening (emission port (emission surface)) 58f for emitting ultrasonic waves and near infrared light, and an opening 58f using a sheet 58g of silicon rubber or the like through which ultrasonic waves and near infrared light can pass as a window material. It is intended to block. The sheet 58g is provided to fill the probe holder 58 with a fluid ultrasonic wave propagation body L that functions as a stand-off for propagating ultrasonic waves.

In the probe holder 58, the ultrasonic wave irradiated from the main probe 2 is reflected downward, the near infrared light irradiated from the sub probe 54 is transmitted downward, and the ultrasonic wave and the near infrared light travel. A coupling member (fixed reflector) 58a is provided that functions as an acoustic mirror for causing the axial direction to coincide with each other and to emit the light from the opening 58f. A glass plate, an acrylic plate, or the like is used for the coupling member 58a as a material that can transmit near-infrared light and can reflect ultrasonic waves. It is arrange | positioned so that it may become an angle of 45 degree | times diagonally with respect to the axial direction.
The probe holder 58 is filled with an ultrasonic wave propagation body L so that the coupling member 58a is immersed and in contact with the light irradiation surfaces of the transducers 2a of the main probe 2 and the sub-probe 54. For this ultrasonic wave propagation body L, the same water or matching liquid as in the third embodiment is used.

  The fat diagnosis system D can also perform fat diagnosis by changing the ultrasonic velocity by performing the measurement basically in the same measurement procedure as the fat diagnosis system C described in FIG.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used as a probe holder when a diagnostic imaging probe and a heating probe are brought into contact with the body surface when performing a fat diagnosis based on an ultrasonic velocity change.

1 Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 2 Main probe (multi-channel probe)
2a Vibrator 3 Control box 4 Sub probe (Ultrasonic heating probe)
4a vibrator 5 probe holder 5a hole (first and second mounting portions)
5b Articulated arm 6 External computer device 7 Transmission line 10, 10a Fat diagnosis device 10b, 10c Fat diagnosis accessory device 11 Fat measurement control unit 12 Fat information calculation unit 15 Probe holder 15a Switching mirror (movable reflector)
15b Side 15c Opening (first mounting part)
15d opening (exit port)
15e Opening (second mounting part)
15f Sheet 21 High-frequency power supply 22 Pulser / receiver circuit 23 Switch 24 A / D converter 25 Memory 26, 26a Controller 30 Control box 31 Power supply 33 Receiver circuit 34 A / D converter 35 Buffer memory 36 Controller 41 Heating control unit 42 Echo Signal transmission control unit 43 Fat information calculation unit 54 Sub probe (light wave heating probe)
54a Semiconductor laser 55 Probe holder 55a Connecting member (fixed reflector)
55b Side surface 55c Opening (first mounting part)
55d Opening (outgoing exit)
55e Opening (second mounting part)
55f Sheet 58 Probe holder 58a Connecting member (fixed reflector)
58b Side 58c Opening (first mounting part)
58d top view
58e Opening (second mounting part)
58f Opening (outlet)
58g seat

Claims (6)

A probe holder formed so that a main probe for ultrasonic image diagnosis composed of multiple channels and a sub probe for irradiating heating ultrasonic waves or light waves can be attached,
A first mounting for holding the main probe;
A second mounting portion for holding the auxiliary probe;
The first ultrasonic wave irradiated from each channel of the main probe attached to the first attachment part is emitted, and the second ultrasonic wave or light wave emitted from the sub probe attached to the second attachment part is emitted. And a common exit surface for emitting,
The first ultrasonic wave from the main probe is emitted from the emission surface, and the first ultrasonic wave or light wave from the sub probe is overlapped with the axis from which the second ultrasonic wave or light wave is emitted from the emission surface. A probe holder in which an attachment portion and a second attachment portion are arranged. The first mounting portion is formed with a first shape opening into which the main probe can be inserted,
The second mounting portion is formed with a second shape opening into which the sub probe can be inserted,
The first shape opening and the second shape opening are arranged so as to overlap each other, and the main probe and the sub probe are selectively attached to the respective openings so as to be exchanged. The probe holder according to 1. The first attachment portion and the second attachment portion are separately provided at spaced positions of the probe holder so that the main probe and the sub probe can be simultaneously attached to the probe holder,
The axis of the first ultrasonic wave emitted from the main probe or the axis of the second ultrasonic wave or light wave emitted from the secondary probe is bent and superimposed on the axis of the ultrasonic wave or light wave emitted from the other probe. The probe holder according to claim 1, wherein adjustment means for changing a traveling direction of the ultrasonic wave or the light wave is provided in the probe holder so as to match. The probe holder has a shape having an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface,
The first mounting part consists of an opening into which the main probe formed on the upper surface of the probe holder can be inserted,
The second mounting part consists of an opening into which the sub probe formed on the side surface of the probe holder can be inserted,
The secondary probe emits ultrasonic waves,
The emission surface is provided on the lower surface,
4. The probe holder according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment unit is provided in a probe holder, and includes a movable reflecting plate that allows ultrasonic waves from the main probe to pass therethrough and reflects ultrasonic waves from the sub probe. The probe holder has a shape having an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface,
The first mounting part consists of an opening into which the main probe formed on the upper surface of the probe holder can be inserted,
The second mounting part consists of an opening into which the sub probe formed on the side surface of the probe holder can be inserted,
The secondary probe emits light waves;
The emission surface is provided on the lower surface,
4. The probe holder according to claim 3, wherein the adjusting means is a fixed reflector that is provided in the probe holder and transmits ultrasonic waves from the main probe and reflects light waves from the sub-probe. The probe holder has a shape having an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface,
The first mounting part consists of an opening into which the main probe formed on the side of the probe holder can be inserted,
The second mounting part consists of an opening into which the secondary probe formed on the probe holder upper surface can be inserted,
The secondary probe emits light waves;
The emission surface is provided on the lower surface,
4. The probe holder according to claim 3, wherein the adjusting means is a fixed reflector that is provided in the probe holder and reflects an ultrasonic wave from the main probe and transmits a light wave from the sub probe. 5.

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