JP6640917B2 - Medical image diagnostic apparatus and management apparatus for puncture needle in medical image diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The embodiment of the present invention relates to a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a puncture needle management apparatus in the medical image diagnostic apparatus.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus has an imaging unit for imaging a subject to acquire a medical image. Examples of the medical image diagnostic device include an ultrasonic diagnostic device, an X-ray imaging device, an X-ray CT device, and an MRI device.

In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic image is transmitted / received from an ultrasonic probe to a subject to acquire an echo image (ultrasonic image) as a medical image.
A puncture procedure for puncturing under an echo guide in which a puncture needle is depicted in an echo image has been used in many clinical sites.

  One example of a puncture technique is radio frequency ablation (RFA). In one example of RFA treatment, a puncture needle (electrode needle) provided with an electrode is used. Under the echo guide, one or more puncture needles are inserted into or around the target site, and the position of the puncture needle is adjusted so that the ablation target range targeted for ablation by the puncture needle matches the treatment site. After the adjustment and the position adjustment, a current called a radio wave is applied to generate heat around the needle, so that the target site is cauterized.

JP 2007-215672 A

  In the puncture technique described above, when the position of the puncture needle is adjusted, if the tip of the puncture needle is not clearly depicted in the echo image, the cauterization target range becomes unclear, and it is difficult to adjust the position of the puncture needle. There is a problem that it becomes difficult.

In order to solve the difficulty in the puncture operation, for example, guide information including the position of the tip of the puncture needle and the target range for cauterization is displayed so as to be superimposed on the echo image. The guide information may be referred to as “needle tip guide information”.
As an example of the operation for displaying the guide information, a parameter indicating the specification of the puncture needle is input using the operation unit and registered in advance. The position of the puncture needle (including the inclination of the puncture needle) is measured by the position measurement system. Guide information is created based on the input parameters, the measured position of the puncture needle, and the like. The created guide information is superimposed on the echo image and displayed.

  However, the needle type changes when the type of inspection changes, and the parameter changes when the needle type changes. Therefore, every time the type of inspection changes, it is necessary to re-input the parameters, which makes the input operation of the parameters cumbersome and causes a parameter to be erroneously input.

  This embodiment solves the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a management device for a puncture needle in the medical image diagnostic apparatus, which enable simple and accurate input of parameters.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes an imaging unit configured to capture a target site of a subject and a puncture needle inserted into the target site to obtain a medical image. Further, it has a position measuring unit, a registering unit, a guide information creating unit, and a display unit. The position measuring means measures a predetermined position of the puncture needle. The registration unit stores a parameter indicating a needle length indicating a distance from a predetermined position of the puncture needle to the tip of the puncture needle in the storage unit in advance in association with the type of the puncture needle. The guide information creation unit receives the input of the type of the puncture needle, reads out the parameter associated with the type of the puncture needle from the storage unit, and performs puncturing using the read-out parameter and the predetermined position measured by the position measurement unit. Create guide information for guiding the tip of the needle. The display unit displays the created guide information. The registering means displays a group of puncture needle types on the display unit in a selectable manner, receives the selection of the puncture needle type, and displays a plurality of parameters related to the selected puncture needle type on the display unit in a selectable manner. Upon receiving the parameter selection, the selected parameter is stored in the storage unit in advance in association with the type of the selected puncture needle.

FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a parameter. The figure which shows the tab and the parameter displayed so that selection was possible on the display part. The figure which shows the parameter displayed on the display part so that selection was possible, the name of the parameter displayed on the display part, and its image. The figure which shows the guide information superimposed and displayed on the echo image. 9 is a flowchart showing a series of flows in registration of a needle type and a needle length. 6 is a flowchart showing a series of flows in selecting a needle type and selecting a needle length. 9 is a flowchart showing a series of flows from selection of a needle type to creation of guide information. 9 is a flowchart showing a series of flows when a needle type is edited. The figure which shows the edit screen of a needle type. The figure which shows the edit screen of a needle length. 9 is a flowchart showing a series of flows when a needle type is edited. 9 is a flowchart showing a series of flows in selection of an inspection type, selection of a needle type, and selection of a needle length.

<First embodiment>
A first embodiment of a medical image diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described as a medical image diagnostic apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a registration unit 11, a guide information creation unit 12, a parameter processing unit 14, a display processing unit 15, an input unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a display unit 40.

(Input unit 20)
The input unit 20 includes a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse that mainly designates an icon or a character or designates a range of an operation target by moving a mark called a cursor.

(Parameter)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parameter. As shown in FIG. 2, the parameters indicating the specifications of the puncture needle include a needle length, a cauterization target range, a color depth of the needle guideline, and display / non-display of the needle guideline. The parameters such as the needle length are stored in the secondary storage unit 32 (to be described later) and displayed in a selectable manner on the display unit 40. The selected parameters are stored in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the type of the puncture needle. Is done.

  Hereinafter, the type of the puncture needle may be simply referred to as “needle type”. The needle type is a concept having a type of a puncture needle, a type of a function of the puncture needle, and a type of an inspection using the puncture needle (including an inspection purpose and an inspection site). As the needle type in the form, for example, a monopolar type in which one electrode is provided at the position of the tip of the puncture needle, and two electrodes with an insulating portion interposed at a position separated by a predetermined length from the tip of the puncture needle There is a bipolar type provided.

  “Needle length” refers to the distance from a predetermined position of the puncture needle to the position of the tip of the puncture needle. The needle length is a parameter that is input to a calculation formula for determining the position of the tip of the puncture needle. In the calculation formula, in addition to the needle length, a measurement result of a predetermined position of the puncture needle is input. The predetermined position of the puncture needle is measured by the position measurement system 50.

  During treatment with RFA, the puncture needle is frequently moved. At this time, the information is displayed together with the echo image as guide information including the position of the tip of the puncture needle and the ablation target range described later. By displaying the position and the like of the tip of the puncture needle in this manner, it is possible to easily and reliably perform the puncture operation.

  The position measurement system 50 includes a magnetic field source, a magnetic sensor that receives a change in the magnetic field, and a control unit that controls them. A magnetic sensor is provided at a predetermined position on the puncture needle. The position where the magnetic field generation source is provided is the origin position of the three-dimensional coordinates. The position measurement system 50 measures three-dimensional coordinates of a predetermined position of the puncture needle provided with the magnetic force sensor and the inclination of the puncture needle.

  The puncture needle has a scale. The scale is provided at intervals of 10 mm from the position of the tip of the puncture needle to, for example, 50 mm to 300 mm. Registering 250 mm as the needle length means that the magnetic force sensor is provided at the position of the 250 mm scale on the puncture needle (this is the “predetermined position” described above).

The “cautery target range” includes the shape, size, and center position of the cautery target range. The “shape”, “size”, and “center position” of the cauterization target range differ depending on the type (needle type) of the puncture needle.
Regarding the “shape”, the shape is a circle in the monopolar type and an ellipse in the bipolar type.
Regarding “size”, in the case of the monopolar type, it is the radius of the circle, and in the case of the bipolar type, it is the length of the major axis and the minor axis of the ellipse.

The “center position” is the position of the tip of the puncture needle (the position where the electrode is provided) in the monopolar type. The position of the tip of the puncture needle is obtained by the calculating means 13.
Further, the “center position” is a position (a position where the insulating portion is provided) away from the tip of the puncture needle by a predetermined length in the bipolar type. The position distant by a predetermined length from the tip of the puncture needle is also obtained by the calculating means 13.

  In the following embodiments, the “shape”, “size”, and “center position” of the cauterization target range will be described assuming that the type (needle type) of the puncture needle is a monopolar type. That is, the “shape” is a circle, and the “center position” is the position of the tip of the puncture needle.

  The “color depth of the needle guideline” is used to make the image displayed under the guideline faint when it is difficult to see. The guide line is a straight line that connects the position of the tip of the puncture needle obtained by the calculation means 13 and a predetermined position of the puncture needle provided with the magnetic force sensor, and is created by the guide information creation unit.

  “Display / hide of needle guideline” is used when displaying / hiding a guideline depending on whether an image displayed under the guideline is easy to see or difficult to see.

  In the above parameters, the “needle length” and the “cautery target range” are different parameters depending on the “needle type”. “Color density of needle guideline” and “display / non-display of needle guideline” are common parameters irrespective of “needle type”.

  In order to enable the above parameters to be easily and accurately input, the embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 includes (1) a registration unit 11 for storing the parameters in the storage unit 30 in advance in association with the needle types. . (2) A calculation unit 13 is provided. (3) When receiving the needle type used for the inspection, the parameter associated with the needle type is read from the storage unit 30 and the read parameter is input to the calculating unit 13 to generate guide information. A unit 12 is provided.

  In the following embodiment, a description will be given of the registration unit 11 that stores parameters in the storage unit 30 in advance in association with parameters of needle types (types of puncture needles). As described above, the needle type is a concept having the type of puncture needle, the type of function of the puncture needle, and the type of inspection. Needless to say, it is also associated with the type, and similarly, the parameter is associated with the form and / or function of the puncture needle.

(Parameter processing unit 14, display processing unit 15, storage unit 30)
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the storage unit 30 includes a primary storage unit 31 and a secondary storage unit 32. The primary storage unit 31 is, for example, a volatile memory such as a RAM that can be directly read and written by a CPU (central processing unit). The secondary storage unit 32 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk or an EPROM.

  In the present embodiment, in order to easily and accurately input a parameter, a parameter having a possibility of input is stored in the primary storage unit 31 at random. Further, one or a plurality of parameters having a possibility of being associated with the needle type are stored as a group in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the needle type.

  Here, for convenience, the parameters stored in the primary storage unit 31 are referred to as “primary candidate parameters”. The parameters stored in the secondary storage unit 32 are referred to as “secondary candidate parameters”. Although the needle type is not a parameter, in the following description, since the needle type is stored in the primary storage unit 31 and the secondary storage unit 32, it is treated as a primary candidate parameter and a secondary candidate parameter.

  The parameter that has a possibility of being input is stored in the primary storage unit 31 and becomes a primary candidate parameter (addition of a primary candidate parameter). If there is no possibility of input, the primary candidate parameters are deleted from the primary storage unit 31 (the deletion of the primary candidate parameters). If there is a possibility that the parameter of the primary candidate is associated with the needle type, it is stored in the secondary storage unit 32 as a parameter of the secondary candidate (addition of the parameter of the secondary candidate). If there is no possibility that the parameter of the secondary candidate is associated with the needle type, it is deleted from the secondary storage unit 32 (deletion of the parameter of the secondary candidate). However, even if it is deleted, there is a possibility that it will be stored in the primary storage unit 31 as a parameter of the primary candidate and, if necessary, stored again in the secondary storage unit 32 as a parameter of the secondary candidate. As described above, parameters are divided into parameters having a possibility of being input and parameters having a possibility of being associated with a needle type, and each parameter can be added and deleted, so that parameters can be easily and easily stored. It becomes possible to input accurately.

  The addition and deletion of the primary candidate parameters (this may be referred to as “editing”) is performed as follows.

The parameter processing unit 14 receives the operation of the input unit 20 and causes the primary storage unit 31 to store the primary candidate parameters. Conversely, the parameter processing unit 14 receives the operation of the input unit 20 and deletes the primary candidate parameters from the primary storage unit 31.
Further, the parameter processing unit 14 receives the operation of the input unit 20 and causes the primary storage unit 31 to store the names of the primary candidate parameters and the images of the primary candidate parameters. Conversely, the parameter processing unit 14 receives the operation of the input unit 20 and causes the primary storage unit 31 to delete the name of the primary candidate parameter and the image of the primary candidate parameter. Here, the needle type and the needle length will be described as parameters. In addition, a description will be given using the name of the needle type and the image of the needle type as names of the parameters.

  The parameter processing unit 14 stores / deletes the primary candidate parameters in the primary storage unit 31. The registration unit 11 causes the secondary storage unit 32 to store / delete the parameters of the secondary candidates. As described above, the parameter processing unit 14 and the registration unit 11 are separated for the sake of convenience, and the function of the parameter processing unit 14 may be included in the registration unit 11. The part 14 may have.

  The display processing unit 15 reads the needle type as a parameter of the primary candidate from the primary storage unit 31, receives the operation of the input unit 20, and displays the needle type on the display unit 40 in a selectable manner. Further, the display processing unit 15 reads the needle length as a parameter of the primary candidate from the primary storage unit 31, receives the operation of the input unit 20, and displays the needle length on the display unit 40 in a selectable manner.

(Registration means 11)
When any one of the needle types displayed selectably on the display unit 40 is selected by the operation of the input unit 20, the registration unit 11 determines the selected needle type as a parameter of the secondary candidate. Is stored in the secondary storage unit 32.

  Further, when any one of the needle lengths selected and displayed on the display unit 40 is selected by the operation of the input unit 20, the registration unit 11 determines the selected needle length as a secondary candidate. Is stored in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the needle type. Further, the registration unit 11 associates the name of the parameter of the primary candidate and the image of the parameter of the primary candidate with the parameter of the secondary candidate as the name of the parameter of the secondary candidate and the image of the parameter of the secondary candidate, and associates the secondary storage with the parameter. The information is stored in the unit 32.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing tabs and parameters displayed on the display unit 40 so as to be selectable. FIG. 3 shows four buttons associated with a needle type as a parameter of a secondary candidate that is selectably displayed, and furthermore, names of the needle types assigned to them are “AAAAA”, “BBBB”, “ CCCC "and" DDDD ".

  FIG. 3 shows three tabs. The three tabs are provided corresponding to three puncture needles that may be used for RFA treatment. Each tab is stored in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with a group of one or more secondary candidate parameters (here, needle types).

  The registration unit 11 displays the three tabs on the display unit 40 so as to be selectable. Further, the registration unit 11 causes the display unit 40 to display a group of needle types for the selected tab. Further, the registration unit 11 can cause the secondary storage unit 32 to store the parameters of the secondary candidate in association with the selected needle type. That is, the parameters of the secondary candidates can be stored in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the needle types for each tab.

  Here, a description will be given of a case where the secondary candidate parameters are stored in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the needle type for one tab, and the secondary candidate parameters are associated with the needle type for each tab. The description of the storage in the storage unit 32 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the registration unit 11 causes the display unit 40 to selectably display a group of needle types as parameters of the secondary candidates stored in the secondary storage unit 32. When the cursor CR is moved to the area where the needle type is displayed by operating the input unit 20, the registration unit 11 displays the name of the needle type in the display frame N1.

  Further, in response to the operation of the input unit 20, the registration unit 11 designates the fourth button (needle type name “DDDD”) shown in FIG. 3 and specifies the secondary button associated with the fourth button. When a needle type as a parameter is selected, the selected needle type is stored in the secondary storage unit 32. When the needle type is selected, the registration unit 11 reads out the image of the needle type (image of the puncture needle) and the name of the needle type (name of the puncture needle) from the secondary storage unit 32 and causes the display unit 40 to display them.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the parameters of the secondary candidates selectively displayed on the display unit 40, the names of the parameters of the secondary candidates displayed on the display unit 40, and images thereof. FIG. 4 shows an image of the selected needle type by “G2”. Since the image of the selected needle type is displayed, the selected needle type is clear, and erroneous input can be prevented. In FIG. 4, the name of the selected needle type is indicated by “DDDD”.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the registration unit 11 causes the display unit 40 to selectably display the needle length as a parameter of the secondary candidate stored in the secondary storage unit 32. FIG. 4 shows four buttons associated with selectable needle lengths, and the needle lengths assigned to them are indicated by “250 mm”, “200 mm”, “150 mm”, and “100 mm”.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the first button is designated and the needle length associated with the first button is selected in response to an operation by the input unit 20, the registration unit 11 selects the selected needle. The length “250 mm” is previously stored in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the needle type (its name “DDDD”) stored in the secondary storage unit 32.

  As described above, the needle length is stored in association with the needle type (the type of the puncture needle). In order to store the needle length in association with a different needle type, the registration unit 11 receives an operation from the input unit 20 and selects one of the first to third buttons shown in FIG. Then, the selected needle type is stored in the secondary storage unit 32. Further, a list of the needle lengths is displayed on the display unit 40 so as to be selectable. Further, the selected needle length may be stored in the secondary storage unit 32 in response to an operation by the input unit 20.

(Guide information creation unit 12, calculation means 13)
The guide information creation unit 12 has a calculation unit 13.

  For example, the guide information creating unit 12 receives the input of the needle type (the type of the puncture needle) by the operation of the input unit 20 and transmits the “needle length” as a parameter associated with the needle type from the secondary storage unit 32. The reading and the “needle length” are input to the calculating means 13. Further, the guide information creating unit 12 inputs the three-dimensional coordinates of the position of the puncture needle provided with the magnetic sensor and the inclination of the puncture needle measured by the position measuring system 50 to the calculating unit 13. As described above, the origin position of the three-dimensional coordinates is a position where the magnetic field generation source is provided.

The calculating means 13 calculates the needle length L, the XYZ coordinates (x ₁ , y ₁ , z ₁ ) of the position of the puncture needle provided with the magnetic force sensor, and the inclination angle of the puncture needle with respect to the X, Y, and Z axes ( Based on (α, β, γ), the three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z) of the tip of the puncture needle are obtained with reference to the following equation (1).

ここで、式（１）で表された関数が「穿刺針の種別に拘わらない共通するガイド情報」の一例に相当する。

Here, the function represented by Expression (1) corresponds to an example of “common guide information regardless of the type of puncture needle”.

  The guide information creation unit 12 receives the position of the tip of the puncture needle obtained by the calculation unit 13 and the “shape” and “size” of the cauterization target range as parameters stored in the storage unit 30 in advance, and receives the tip position. The three-dimensional coordinates of a circle having a predetermined radius centering on the target (cautery target range) are created as guide information. Further, the guide information creating unit 12 converts the three-dimensional coordinates of the cauterization target range into display coordinates at which an echo image is displayed. This allows the display processing unit 15 to display the cautery target range superimposed on the echo image.

  The guide information creating unit 12 determines the needle guideline based on the position of the tip of the puncture needle obtained by the calculation unit 13 and the position of the puncture needle (the position where the magnetic force sensor is provided) measured by the position measurement system. Three-dimensional coordinates are created as guide information. Further, the guide information creating unit 12 converts the three-dimensional coordinates of the needle guideline into display coordinates at which the echo image is displayed. Thus, the display processing unit 15 can display the needle guideline superimposed on the echo image.

  As described above, even if the needle type (the type of the puncture needle) changes, the parameter corresponding to the specified needle type is read from the storage unit 30 only by specifying the needle type by operating the input unit 20, and Since the guide information is automatically created based on the parameters, it is not necessary to re-input the parameters each time the needle type changes, and the trouble of inputting the parameters can be eliminated.

  The display processing unit 15 includes “color depth of the needle guideline”, “display / non-display of the needle guideline” as parameters stored in the storage unit 30 in advance, and guide information created by the guide information creation unit 12. (Here, the needle guideline is received), and the needle guideline NL is displayed / non-displayed on the display unit 40 so as to overlap the echo image EG. Thus, the puncture needle can be accurately and easily inserted into the target site.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing guide information displayed superimposed on the echo image EG. In FIG. 5, the image of the needle type drawn in the echo image EG is indicated by an outline portion, and the needle guideline NL displayed superimposed on the echo image EG is indicated by a chain line.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the display processing unit 15 causes the display unit 40 to display the cauterization target range created by the guide information creating unit 12 so as to overlap the echo image EG. Displaying the cauterization target range makes it easier to match the cauterization target range with the target region. FIG. 5 shows an ablation target range TR displayed superimposed on the echo image EG. Here, the “cautery target range” is an example of “a result predicted when a scheduled operation is performed on the puncture needle” as guide information.

[motion]
The configuration of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has been briefly described above.
Next, the operation of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. FIG. In the operation of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 described below, the needle type and the needle length will be described as examples of the secondary candidate parameters.

(Registration of needle type and needle length)
First, an example of registration of the needle type and the needle length will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a series of flows in registration of the needle type and the needle length. In addition, the needle type and the needle length are stored in the primary storage unit 31 by the parameter processing unit 14.

  The registration unit 11 receives the operation of the input unit 20 and stores the needle type in the secondary storage unit 32 (Step S101). The group of needle types stored in the secondary storage unit 32 can be displayed on the display unit 40.

  Next, in response to the operation of the input unit 20, the registration unit 11 stores the needle length in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the needle type (step S102). The list of the needle lengths stored in the secondary storage unit 32 can be displayed on the display unit 40.

(Selection of needle type and selection of needle length)
Next, an example of selection of the needle type and selection of the needle length will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a series of flows in the selection of the needle type and the selection of the needle length.

The registration unit 11 displays a group of needle types on the display unit 40 in a selectable manner (step S201).
Next, the registration unit 11 determines whether a needle type has been selected (step S202). When it is determined that the needle type has been selected (Step S202: Yes), the registration unit 11 causes the display unit 40 to display a list of the needle lengths relating to the needle type in a selectable manner (Step S203).

  Next, the registration unit 11 determines whether the needle length has been selected (step S204). When it is determined that the needle length has been selected (step S204: Yes), the registration unit 11 stores the needle length in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the needle type (step S205).

(Operation from selection of needle type to creation of guide information)
Next, an example of an operation from selection of a needle type to creation of guide information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a series of flows from selection of a needle type to creation of guide information.

  The position of the puncture needle measured by the position measurement system 50 (the position where the magnetic force sensor is provided) and the inclination angle of the puncture needle are input to the guide information creating unit 12 (step S301).

  The guide information creating unit 12 determines whether or not the needle type has been selected in response to the operation by the input unit 20 (Step S302).

  When the guide information creating unit 12 determines that the needle type has been selected (step S302: Yes), the guide information creating unit 12 reads out the needle length associated with the selected needle type from the secondary storage unit 32. , To the calculating means 13. Based on the needle length, the input position of the puncture needle and the inclination angle of the puncture needle, the calculating means 13 refers to the above-described formula (1), and determines the position of the tip of the puncture needle and the cauterization target range. Is created (step S303).

[Edit parameters]
As described above, the parameter of the secondary candidate (for example, the needle type) is stored in the secondary storage unit 32, and the parameter of the secondary candidate (for example, the needle length) is stored in the secondary storage unit 32. Is referred to as “parameter registration”. Registration of parameters is performed before treatment with RFA.

  On the other hand, storing / deleting the parameters of the primary candidate and the secondary candidate in the primary storage unit 31 and the secondary storage unit 32 is referred to as “parameter editing”. Editing of the parameters is performed before and in parallel with the registration of the parameters and further after the registration of the parameters.

  Next, an example of parameter editing will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12. FIG. Here, a description will be given using “needle type” and “needle length” as parameters as examples.

(Edit primary candidate parameters)
First, editing of the needle type as a primary candidate parameter will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a series of flows when the needle type is edited, and FIG. 10 is a view showing an edit screen of the needle type. The needle type editing screen shown in FIG. 10 has a drop-down list at the upper left of the screen, a command button CB1 at the center of the screen, a list box at the left and right of the screen, and command buttons CB2, CB3 and a text box at the lower left of the screen. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the display processing unit 15 displays an edit screen of the needle type on the display unit 40 when the needle type as a parameter displayed in the drop-down list is designated by operating the input unit 20. (Step S401 shown in FIG. 9). Further, a list of needle type names "AAAAA",..., "FFFF" as primary candidate parameters is displayed in a list box on the left side. The needle type whose name is displayed in a list means that it is stored in the primary storage unit 31.

  The parameter processing unit 14 receives the operation of the input unit 20, writes the name of the needle type in the text box, and receives the operation of the input unit 20 and specifies the command button CB2 (Step S402: CASE = 1). The written needle type name is stored in the primary storage unit 31 as a primary candidate parameter (step S403). The display processing unit 15 displays the name of the needle type stored in the primary storage unit 31 in the list box on the left.

  The parameter processing unit 14 determines that the name of the needle type displayed in the left list box is specified by the operation of the input unit 20 and the command button CB3 is specified by the operation of the input unit 20 (step S402: CASE = 2), the needle type with that name is deleted from the primary storage unit 31 (step S404). The display processing unit 15 deletes the name of the needle type deleted from the primary storage unit 31 from the list box on the left.

Next, editing of the needle length as a parameter of the primary candidate will be described with reference to FIG. Since the editing of the needle length is performed in the same manner as the editing of the needle type described above, the different points will be mainly described.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a needle length editing screen. The needle length editing screen shown in FIG. 11 has a drop-down list at the upper left of the screen, a command button CB1 at the center of the screen, a list box at the left and right of the screen, and command buttons CB2, CB3 and a text box at the lower left of the screen. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the needle length as a parameter displayed in the drop-down list is designated by an operation of the input unit 20, the display processing unit 15 displays a needle length editing screen on the display unit 40. Let it. Further, a list of needle length values “300 mm”,...,..., “50 mm” is displayed as a primary candidate parameter in the left list box. The needle length whose numerical value is displayed in a list means that it is stored in the primary storage unit 31.

  The addition of the needle length for storing the needle length in the primary storage unit 31 and the deletion of the needle length for deleting the needle length from the primary storage unit 31 are performed in the same manner as in steps S402 to S404 described above.

(Edit secondary candidate parameters)
Next, the editing of the needle type as a parameter of the secondary candidate will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a series of flows when the needle type is edited.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the display processing unit 15 displays an edit screen of the needle type on the display unit 40 when the needle type as a parameter displayed in the drop-down list is designated by operating the input unit 20. (Step S501 shown in FIG. 12). Further, a list of needle type names “AAAAA”,..., “DDDD” as secondary candidate parameters is displayed in a list box on the right side (see FIG. 3). The needle type whose name is displayed in a list means that it is stored in the secondary storage unit 32. A group of needle types stored in the secondary storage unit 32 is stored in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the tab.

  The registration unit 11 determines that the name of the needle type displayed in the left list box is specified by the operation of the input unit 20 and that the command button CB1 is specified by the operation of the input unit 20 (Step S502: CASE). = 1), the designated needle type with that name is stored in the secondary storage unit 32 as a parameter of the secondary candidate (step S503). The display processing unit 15 displays the name of the needle type stored in the secondary storage unit 32 in the right list box.

  The registration unit 11 determines that the name of the needle type displayed in the right list box is specified by the operation of the input unit 20 and that the command button CB1 is specified by the operation of the input unit 20 (step S502: CASE). = 2), and deletes the specified needle type from the secondary storage unit 32 (step S504). The display processing unit 15 deletes the name of the needle type deleted from the secondary storage unit 32 from the right list box.

  Next, editing of the needle length as a parameter of the secondary candidate will be described with reference to FIG. Since the editing of the needle length is performed in the same manner as the editing of the needle type described above, the different points will be mainly described.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the needle length as a parameter displayed in the drop-down list is designated by an operation of the input unit 20, the display processing unit 15 displays a needle length editing screen on the display unit 40. Let it. Further, a list of needle length values “250 mm”,...,..., “100 mm” as secondary candidate parameters is displayed in a list box on the right side (see FIG. 4). The needle lengths whose numerical values are listed mean that they are stored in the secondary storage unit 32.

  The addition of the needle length for storing the needle length in the secondary storage unit 32 and the deletion of the needle length for deleting the needle length from the secondary storage unit 32 are performed in the same manner as in steps S502 to S504 described above.

<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Different components will mainly be described.

In the first embodiment, a needle type and a needle length as parameters of secondary candidates are selected for one puncture needle used for treatment by RFA, that is, for one tab, and the selected needle length is set to the needle length. What is stored in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the species is shown.
On the other hand, in the second embodiment, a plurality of puncture needles are scheduled to be used for treatment by RFA, and the needle type and the needle as parameters of the secondary candidates are set for each puncture needle, that is, for each tab. The length is selected, and the selected needle length is stored in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the needle type.

  FIG. 3 shows three tabs numbered "No. 1",..., "No. 3". Each tab is stored in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with a group of needle types. As shown in FIG. 3, the registration unit 11 displays a group of tabs on the display unit 40 so as to be selectable. The registration unit 11 receives the operation of the input unit 20 and causes the display unit 40 to selectably display a group of needle types associated with the selected tab. The registration unit 11 causes the secondary storage unit 32 to store the selected needle type. For example, no. When one tab is selected and any one of a group of needle types is selected, the selected needle type is stored in the secondary storage unit 32. When the needle type is selected, the registration unit 11 reads out the image of the needle type (image of the puncture needle) and the name of the needle type (name of the puncture needle) from the secondary storage unit 32 and causes the display unit 40 to display them.

  FIG. 4 shows an image “G2” of the selected needle type and a name “DDDD” of the needle type. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the registration unit 11 receives the operation of the input unit 20 and causes the display unit 40 to selectably display a list of the needle lengths related to the selected needle type. The registration unit 11 stores the selected needle length in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the previously selected and stored needle type (its name is “DDDD”).

  As described above, for the number of puncture needles corresponding to the number of tabs, the needle type and the needle length are selected as parameters, and the selected needle length is stored in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the needle type. You.

  In the above embodiment, in the parameters, the “needle length” and the “cautery target range” are different parameters PM1 depending on the “needle type”. “Density of color of needle guideline” and “display / non-display of needle guideline” are common parameters PM2 regardless of “needle type”.

When the parameters are configured as described above, the registration unit 11 stores the different parameter PM1 in the storage unit 30 in association with the needle type, and stores the common parameter PM2 in the storage unit 30 without associating the parameter PM2 with the needle type. Let it.
The guide information creating unit 12 receives the input of the needle type, reads out the parameters PM1 and PM2 from the storage unit 30, and creates guide information by incorporating the parameter PM1 into the parameter PM2.

<Third embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a series of flows in selecting an inspection type, selecting a needle type, and selecting a needle length.

In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Different components will mainly be described.
In the first embodiment, the type of needle includes the type of inspection (may be simply referred to as “inspection type”). Therefore, in the first embodiment, the inspection type and the parameter (here, the needle length) are stored in association with each other as follows.

  The registration unit 11 causes the display unit 40 to display a group of test types in a selectable manner. In response to the selection of the test type, the registration unit 11 causes the display unit 40 to selectably display the parameter (needle length) of the secondary candidate associated with the selected test type. In response to the selection of the needle length, the registration unit 11 stores the selected needle length in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the inspection type. When the inspection type is selected, the needle type is uniquely determined. Therefore, when the test type and the needle length are stored in association with each other, the needle type and the needle length are stored in association with each other.

  On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the inspection type is not included in the needle type. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the parameters (here, the needle length) are stored in association with each other as follows.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the registration unit 11 causes the display unit 40 to display a group of test types in a selectable manner (step S601). When the test type is selected (Step S602: Yes), the registration unit 11 causes the display unit 40 to selectably display a group of needle types associated with the selected test type (Step S603). When the needle type is selected (step S202 shown in FIG. 7), the registration unit 11 causes the display unit 40 to selectably display a list of the needle lengths related to the selected needle type (step S203). When the needle length is selected (step S204), the registration unit 11 stores the selected needle length in the secondary storage unit 32 in association with the needle type (step S205). This facilitates input of the needle type and the needle length for each inspection type.

  Further, in the third embodiment, a plurality of tags may be provided, and a group of test types may be associated with each tag and stored in the secondary storage unit 32. At this time, when any one of the tags is selected, the registration unit 11 causes the display unit 40 to display a group of test types corresponding to the tag so that the group can be selected.

  In the above embodiment, the registration unit 11, the guide information creation unit 12, the parameter processing unit 14, the display processing unit 15, the input unit 20, the storage unit 30, and the display unit 40 provided in the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 have been described. These may be configured to be externally attached to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 as a puncture needle management device.

  While some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medical image diagnostic apparatus 11 Registration means 12 Guide information creation part 13 Calculation means 14 Parameter processing part 15 Display processing part 20 Input part 30 Storage part 31 Primary storage part 32 Secondary storage part 40 Display part 50 Position measurement system

Claims (7)

In a medical image diagnostic apparatus having an imaging unit for imaging a target site of a subject and a puncture needle inserted into the target site to obtain a medical image,
Position measuring means for measuring a predetermined position of the puncture needle,
Registration means for storing in advance a parameter representing a needle length indicating a distance from the predetermined position of the puncture needle to the tip of the puncture needle in a storage unit in association with the type of the puncture needle,
In response to the input of the type of the puncture needle, the parameter associated with the type of the puncture needle is read from the storage unit, and the read-out parameter and the predetermined position measured by the position measuring unit are used. A guide information creating unit for creating guide information when guiding the tip of the puncture needle,
A display unit for displaying the created guide information ,
The registering means displays a group of the types of the puncture needle on the display unit so as to be selectable, and upon selection of the type of the puncture needle, can select a plurality of parameters related to the type of the selected puncture needle. And displaying the selected parameter on the display unit, and storing the selected parameter in the storage unit in advance in association with the selected type of the puncture needle . Said registering means, one or more of the type of the puncture needle is stored in the storage unit in association with the tab as a group, is displayed on the display unit a plurality of the tabs can be selected, receives the selection of the tab Te, medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that to be displayed on the display unit group to the selectable types of the biopsy needle that is associated with the tab. The storage unit stores an image of the puncture needle in association with the type of the puncture needle,
The registration unit, when the type of the puncture needle is selected, reads out an image of the puncture needle associated with the selected type of the puncture needle from the storage unit, and displays the image on the display unit. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein The said guide information preparation part has common guide information irrespective of the type of the puncture needle, and produces | generates the said guide information by incorporating the said parameter in the common guide information. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The parameters include the needle length of the puncture needle and the shape and size of the ablation target range targeted for ablation by the puncture needle,
The guide information creating unit determines a position in the puncture needle where the cauterization target range is formed based on the needle length, and based on the obtained position and the shape and size of the cauterization target range, as guide information. the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that to create the ablation target range. The guide information creating unit, by adjusting the coordinates of the created cauterization target range, to the coordinates when a medical image including the image of the puncture needle is displayed, the cauterization target range together with the medical image, or The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the medical image diagnostic apparatus is configured to be able to be displayed in an overlapping manner. A puncture needle management device in a medical image diagnostic apparatus having an imaging unit for imaging a target site of a subject and a puncture needle inserted into the target site to obtain a medical image,
Position measuring means for measuring a predetermined position of the puncture needle,
Registration means for storing in advance a parameter representing a needle length indicating a distance from the predetermined position of the puncture needle to the tip of the puncture needle in a storage unit in association with the type of the puncture needle,
In response to the input of the type of the puncture needle, the parameter associated with the type of the puncture needle is read from the storage unit, and the read-out parameter and the predetermined position measured by the position measuring unit are used. A guide information creating unit for creating guide information when guiding the tip of the puncture needle,
A display unit for displaying the created guide information ,
The registering means displays a group of the types of the puncture needle on the display unit so as to be selectable, and upon selection of the type of the puncture needle, can select a plurality of parameters related to the type of the selected puncture needle. In the medical image diagnostic apparatus , wherein the parameter is displayed on the display unit, the parameter is selected, and the selected parameter is stored in the storage unit in advance in association with the type of the selected puncture needle . Puncture needle management device.

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