JP6809840B2 - Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to ultrasonic probes and ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.

Conventionally, a puncture technique is performed in which a puncture needle such as an injection needle is inserted into a living body. Examples of the puncture technique include tumor examination by collecting tissues such as cells, local administration of a drug, and hyperthermia / ablation treatment such as irradiation of microwaves or radio waves from a puncture needle. ..

In such puncture, an instrument that guides the puncture needle (eg, a puncture adapter) is attached to the ultrasonic probe. The puncture needle is supported by the puncture adapter attached to the ultrasonic probe, and the insertion direction of the puncture needle is guided. Here, when puncture is performed using a puncture adapter and an ultrasonic image is generated, ultrasonic waves are irradiated with a certain thickness and width, but in an ultrasonic image displayed in a plane, the puncture needle is used in the thickness direction. The position is difficult to recognize.

On the other hand, it is also conceivable to use an ultrasonic probe provided with a plurality of oscillator arrays so that the position of the needle can be better recognized. Examples of such an ultrasonic probe include a biplane probe. However, in the conventional biplane probe, there is a possibility that a range (puncture blind) that does not appear in the ultrasonic image may occur even though observation is required in the puncture operation. If the puncture needle is inserted within the range of this puncture blind, the puncture needle will not appear in the ultrasonic image. In addition, the size of the ultrasonic probe itself may increase.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 05-168636

The problem to be solved by the present invention is an ultrasonic probe capable of generating an ultrasonic image showing two intersecting cross sections and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provided with the same, and suppresses an increase in the size of the biological contact surface in the ultrasonic probe. However, it is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of reducing the range of the puncture blind in which the puncture needle is not reflected when the puncture operation is performed.

The ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment includes a first ultrasonic vibrator group, a second ultrasonic vibrator group, a needle guide, and a reflector. The array direction of the ultrasonic transducers in the second ultrasonic transducer group intersects with the array direction in the first ultrasonic transducer group. The needle guide is provided in the vicinity of the second ultrasonic vibrator group and guides the puncture needle. The reflector reflects the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic transducer group. The second ultrasonic vibrator group is arranged so that the scanning surface by the second ultrasonic vibrator group intersects the scanning surface by the first ultrasonic vibrator group , and the reflector is the first one. The second ultrasonic vibrator group is provided near one end of the ultrasonic vibrator group so that the needle guide is sandwiched between the second ultrasonic vibrator group and the reflector, and the ultrasonic transmission direction thereof is the same as that of the reflector. together provided so as to intersect, ultrasound that are sent from the second group of ultrasound transducers towards the reflector.

Explanatory drawing which cuts out a part of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 1st Embodiment and shows the internal structure. A screen example showing a state in which an ultrasonic image generated by using the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment is displayed on a display. Explanatory drawing which cuts out a part of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 2nd Embodiment and shows the internal structure. A screen example showing a state in which an ultrasonic image generated by using the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment is displayed on a display. Explanatory drawing which cuts out a part of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 3rd Embodiment and shows its internal structure from the front. The right side view of the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. The explanatory view which shows the state which changed the angle of the needle guide by using the arrangement variable mechanism about the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The right side view of the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7. Explanatory drawing which cuts out a part of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 4th Embodiment and shows its internal structure from the front. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which changed the position of the 2nd ultrasonic vibrator group about the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 4th Embodiment shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing which cuts out a part of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 5th Embodiment and shows the internal structure from the front. Top view of the ultrasonic probe according to the fifth embodiment. A screen example showing a state in which an ultrasonic image generated by using the ultrasonic probe according to the fifth embodiment is displayed on a display. Explanatory drawing which cuts out a part of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 6th Embodiment and shows the internal structure from the front. An explanatory view showing a state in which the position of the reflector is changed with respect to the ultrasonic probe according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, the ultrasonic probe of the embodiment will be described first.

[Ultrasonic probe configuration]
(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an internal structure of the ultrasonic probe PA according to the first embodiment by cutting out a part thereof. The ultrasonic probe PA is used in a state where the tip surface thereof is in contact with the surface of the patient, and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic probe PA transmits ultrasonic waves into the patient by each ultrasonic transducer, scans the scanning area, and receives the reflected wave from the patient as an echo signal. In addition, as this scan, there are various scans such as B mode scan and Doppler mode scan. Further, the ultrasonic probe PA includes sector scanning, linear scanning, convex scanning, and the like, and is arbitrarily selected according to the diagnostic site.

The ultrasonic probe PA in the first embodiment includes a case CA, a first ultrasonic vibrator group 1, a second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, a needle guide 3A, a reflector 4A, and acoustics. It includes a medium 5A. The first ultrasonic vibrator group 1, the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, the needle guide 3A, the reflector 4A, and the acoustic medium 5A are housed in the case CA as shown in FIG. Has been done. Further, the ultrasonic probe PA is detachably connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (not shown) via a cable A. The first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 are connected to the cable A.

The first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 includes a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 1a. Further, an acoustic matching layer 1b is provided in the direction in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator 1a toward the subject with respect to the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. Further, a backing material 1c is provided at a position facing the acoustic matching layer 1b with the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 sandwiched between the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. In the following, these are collectively referred to as the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 except for the case where the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 1a, the acoustic matching layer 1b, and the backing material 1c are individually pointed to and described. In the ultrasonic probe PA shown in FIG. 1, the illustration of the acoustic lens provided on the front surface of the acoustic matching layer 1b is omitted.

The plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 1a constituting the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 are arranged, for example, one-dimensionally in the array direction shown by the arrow in FIG. From the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from one end and the other end of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 toward the surface of the patient. The surface on which the ultrasonic waves are transmitted is the scanning surface.

The second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 includes a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 2a. Further, the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 includes an acoustic matching layer 2b in a direction in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator 2a toward the subject. Further, the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is provided with a backing material 2c at a position facing the acoustic matching layer 2b with the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 sandwiched therein. In the following, these are collectively referred to as the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 except for the case where the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 2a, the acoustic matching layer 2b, and the backing material 2c are individually pointed to and described. In the ultrasonic probe PA shown in FIG. 1, the acoustic lens provided on the front surface of the acoustic matching layer 2b is not shown.

The second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, the acoustic matching layer 2b, and the backing material 2c have a scanning surface formed by ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrators 2a constituting the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. It is arranged so as to intersect with the scanning surface by ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic vibrator group 1 of 1.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the second ultrasonic vibrator group is arranged near one end of the first ultrasonic vibrator group. The array directions of the ultrasonic vibrators 2a constituting the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 are substantially orthogonal to the array directions of the ultrasonic vibrators 1a of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. The configuration is not limited to a configuration in which the directions of the arrays are substantially orthogonal to each other. That is, if the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is arranged at a position where the scanning surface by the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 and the scanning surface by the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 intersect. The array directions may intersect each other instead of being orthogonal to each other.

The needle guide 3A guides the puncture needle. The needle guide 3A in the first embodiment is provided in the vicinity of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 and along the ultrasonic wave transmission direction of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. That is, the puncture needle (not shown in FIG. 1) moves in the direction of the alternate long and short dash line shown in FIG.

Further, the needle guide 3A is provided by forming a recess in a part of the case CA. As shown in the figure showing the state in the arrow X direction of FIG. 1 (upper right in the figure), one end side of the case CA that is in contact with the outer surface is open and the other end side is curved in the X direction. It is formed. The shape of the needle guide 3A does not have to be such that one end side opens as shown here, and may have, for example, a cylindrical shape through which the puncture needle passes.

In the figure showing the state in the arrow Y direction of FIG. 1, the needle guide 3A is shown, and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 housed inside the case CA and the acoustic medium 5A described later are broken lines. It is indicated by. As described above, the ultrasonic vibrator 2a constituting the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is substantially orthogonal to the array direction of the ultrasonic vibrator 1a constituting the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. Have been placed. Therefore, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 2a are shown here, respectively. The display of the acoustic matching layer 2b is omitted.

The reflector 4A reflects the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. The reflector 4A is arranged at a position facing the ultrasonic vibrator 2a constituting the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. The shape of the reflector 4A is formed so as to reflect the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic vibrator 2a in a desired direction. The reflector 4A in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is curved and arranged along the shape of the case CA. The reflector 4A has a curved surface having a curvature that converges the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator. Therefore, when the reflector 4A reflects the ultrasonic wave, the transmission direction of the ultrasonic wave and the insertion direction of the puncture needle guided by the needle guide 3A become substantially the same direction. The configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the reflector 4A and the case CA are separate bodies. For example, the position corresponding to the reflector 4A on the inner surface of the case CA may be processed so as to have the function of the reflector 4A.

The acoustic medium 5A propagates ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic vibrators 2a constituting the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. The acoustic medium 5A contributes to improving the image quality of the ultrasonic image corresponding to the vicinity of the patient's body surface. As the acoustic medium 5A, a fluid medium is adopted. The acoustic medium 5A is not limited to a fluid medium, and may be an elastic body such as rubber.

The ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 are reflected by the reflector 4A to roughly indicate the insertion direction of the puncture needle (as described above, it is indicated by a single point chain line in FIG. 1). It is reflected so that it is parallel. Therefore, the scanning surface by the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator 2a intersects with the scanning surface of the ultrasonic wave by the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. In FIG. 1, the observation target T is at a position where the scanning surface of ultrasonic waves by the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the scanning surface of ultrasonic waves by the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 intersect.

FIG. 2 is a screen example showing a state in which an ultrasonic image generated by using the ultrasonic probe PA according to the first embodiment is displayed on a display. When the observation target T is scanned with the ultrasonic waves transmitted from each of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, each is generated as an ultrasonic image as shown in FIG. ..

The ultrasonic image displayed on the left side of the display in FIG. 2 is generated by using the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. On the other hand, the ultrasonic image displayed on the right side of the display is generated by using the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. Here, an example is taken in which the puncture needle N is inserted along the needle guide 3A toward the observation target T existing inside the patient, and the tip of the puncture needle N reaches the vicinity of the observation target T as an example. I will explain.

The ultrasonic image displayed on the left side of the display shows that the tip of the puncture needle N advances from the upper right to the lower left to the observation target T displayed at the lower right of the ultrasonic image. Further, in the ultrasonic image displayed on the right side of the display, it is shown that the puncture needle N approaches the observation target T displayed at the lower part of the ultrasonic image from above. The upper region in the ultrasonic image on the right side is a region displayed by the provision of the audio medium 5A. Therefore, the outer edge of the acoustic medium 5A is displayed in the upper region of the ultrasonic image.

As described above, the ultrasonic probe is provided with the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, arranged so that their scanning surfaces intersect, and the second ultrasonic wave. The reflector 4A and the acoustic medium 5A are used so that the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the vibrator group 2 is substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the piercing needle N. As a result, an ultrasonic probe capable of generating an ultrasonic image showing two intersecting cross sections and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provided with the probe, when puncture is performed without enlarging the biological contact surface of the ultrasonic probe. It is possible to provide an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of reducing the range of the puncture blind in which the puncture needle is not reflected as much as possible.

Further, in particular, since the acoustic medium 5A is used for transmitting the ultrasonic waves from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, the ultrasonic image is displayed also in the region of the acoustic medium 5A as shown in FIG. Will be done. Therefore, the range where the puncture blind is generated can be reduced more than ever.

Further, by adopting such a configuration, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained without increasing the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe with respect to the patient. That is, if the shape of the contact surface with the patient can be reduced, the ultrasonic probe can be sufficiently brought into contact with the patient, and it is possible to avoid that an image cannot be obtained for the generation of the ultrasonic image.

The reflector 4A and the acoustic medium 5A shown in the first embodiment may be configured to be removable from the ultrasonic probe PA.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components will be omitted because they are duplicated.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an internal structure of the ultrasonic probe PB according to the second embodiment by cutting out a part thereof. The ultrasonic probe PB in the second embodiment includes a case CB, a first ultrasonic vibrator group 1, a second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, a needle guide 3B, a reflector 4B, and acoustics. The medium 5B is provided. Further, another acoustic medium 5C is also provided in the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. Of these, each part except the other audio medium 5C is housed in the case CB as shown in FIG.

The correspondence between the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, the acoustic matching layer 2b, and the backing material 2c in the present embodiment and their configurations are as follows in the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 in the first embodiment. It is the same as the acoustic matching layer 2b and the backing material 2c. Further, the array direction of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 2a constituting the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is substantially orthogonal to the array direction of the ultrasonic vibrators 1a constituting the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. It is arranged like this.

However, the arrangement and orientation of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, the acoustic matching layer 2b, and the backing material 2c in the case CB are significantly different from those of the first embodiment. That is, the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 in the present embodiment is located at a position away from one end of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 in a direction in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted toward the case CB. Have been placed.

The needle guide 3B guides the puncture needle. The needle guide 3B in the second embodiment is provided in the vicinity of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 and along the ultrasonic wave transmission direction of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. That is, the puncture needle (not shown in FIG. 3) moves in the direction of the alternate long and short dash line shown in FIG.

Further, the needle guide 3B is provided with one opening in the vicinity of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 as shown in the figure (upper right in the figure) showing the state in the direction of arrow X in FIG. The other opening is provided in the vicinity of one end of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1, and has a cylindrical shape through which the puncture needle passes.

In the figure showing the state in the arrow Y direction of FIG. 3, the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, the needle guide 3B, and the acoustic medium 5B housed inside the case CB are shown by broken lines. As described above, the ultrasonic vibrator 2a constituting the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is substantially orthogonal to the array direction of the ultrasonic vibrator 1a constituting the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. Have been placed. Therefore, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 2a are shown here, respectively. The display of the acoustic matching layer 2b and the backing material 2c is omitted. Further, the configuration is not limited to a configuration in which the directions of the arrays are substantially orthogonal to each other. That is, if the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is arranged at a position where the scanning surface by the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 and the scanning surface by the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 intersect. The array directions may intersect each other instead of being orthogonal to each other.

Further, in the second embodiment, the arrangement position of the reflector 4B in the case CB is also different from the arrangement position of the reflector 4A in the first embodiment. That is, one end of the reflector 4B that reflects the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is arranged near one end of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1, and the other end is the second. It is also different in that it is arranged in the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibrator group 2.

By arranging the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 and the reflector 4B in such an orientation and position in the case CB, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 are the reflectors. Reflected by 4B. As a result, the ultrasonic wave is transmitted in substantially the same direction as the insertion direction of the puncture needle.

The acoustic medium 5B is provided in the vicinity of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 of the case CB. Further, another acoustic medium 5C is provided in the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. The other audio medium 5C may be fixed to the case CB or may be detachable.

FIG. 4 is a screen example showing a state in which an ultrasonic image generated by using the ultrasonic probe PB according to the second embodiment is displayed on a display. When the observation target T is scanned with the ultrasonic waves transmitted from each of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, each is generated as an ultrasonic image as shown in FIG. ..

The ultrasonic image displayed on the left side of the display in FIG. 4 is generated by using the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. On the other hand, the ultrasonic image displayed on the right side of the display is generated by using the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. Here, an example is taken in which the puncture needle N is inserted toward the observation target T existing inside the patient using the needle guide 3B, and the tip of the puncture needle N reaches the vicinity of the observation target T as an example. I will explain.

In the ultrasonic image displayed on the left side of the display, the tip of the puncture needle N advances from the upper right to the lower left toward the observation target T displayed in the lower right of the ultrasonic image, and reaches the observation target T. It is shown. In the second embodiment, another acoustic medium 5C is provided in the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. Therefore, the outer edge of the other audio medium 5C is displayed from the upper left to the lower right of the ultrasonic image. Further, the tip of the puncture needle N is compared with the ultrasonic image (the image on the left side shown in FIG. 2) generated based on the ultrasonic waves from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 in the first embodiment. Not only that, more areas of the puncture needle are displayed on the ultrasound image.

Further, in the ultrasonic image displayed on the right side of the display, it is shown that the puncture needle N reaches the observation target T displayed at the lower part of the ultrasonic image from above. The upper region in the ultrasonic image on the right side is a region displayed by providing the audio medium 5B.

As described above, the ultrasonic probe is provided with the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, arranged so that their scanning surfaces intersect, and the second ultrasonic wave. The reflector 4B and the acoustic medium 5B are used so that the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the vibrator group 2 is substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the piercing needle. Further, another acoustic medium 5C is used so that the ultrasonic waves from the first ultrasonic transducer group 1 are transmitted to the patient via the other acoustic medium 5C. As a result, an ultrasonic probe capable of generating an ultrasonic image showing two intersecting cross sections and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provided with the probe, when puncture is performed without enlarging the biological contact surface of the ultrasonic probe. It is possible to provide an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of reducing the range of the puncture blind in which the puncture needle is not reflected as much as possible.

In particular, by arranging the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 at the positions described above, the puncture needle is passed closer to the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. Is possible. By arranging the passing position of the puncture needle so as to be close to the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1, the range of the puncture blind can be made smaller.

Further, the acoustic medium 5B is used for transmitting the ultrasonic waves from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, and another acoustic medium 5C is used for transmitting the ultrasonic waves from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic image is displayed also in the region of the acoustic medium 5B or the other acoustic medium 5C. Therefore, the range where the puncture blind is generated can be reduced more than ever.

Further, by adopting such a configuration, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained without increasing the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe with respect to the patient. That is, if the shape of the contact surface with the patient can be reduced, the ultrasonic probe can be sufficiently brought into contact with the patient, and it is possible to avoid that an image cannot be obtained for the generation of the ultrasonic image.

Further, in the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment, the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is arranged away from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 as compared with the case of the first embodiment. ing. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging each oscillator group in the ultrasonic probe is increased, and the degree of freedom in design is also increased.

It is also possible to apply the other acoustic medium 5C for the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 used in the second embodiment to the ultrasonic probe PA in the first embodiment. That is, in the first embodiment, the ultrasonic waves are compared with the ultrasonic images shown in FIG. 4, such as the ultrasonic images shown in FIG. 2 generated corresponding to the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. The area of the puncture needle displayed in the image is small. Therefore, in order to display a wider area of the puncture needle, another acoustic medium 5C is attached to the ultrasonic probe PA in the first embodiment. As a result, it is possible to contribute to the elimination of the puncture blind more than ever.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, the same components as the components described in the first or second embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components is duplicated. I will omit it.

The ultrasonic probe PC according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. First, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the internal structure of the ultrasonic probe PC according to the third embodiment by cutting out a part of the ultrasonic probe PC from the front. Further, FIG. 6 is a right side view of the ultrasonic probe PC according to the third embodiment shown in FIG.

The ultrasonic probe PC according to the third embodiment includes a case CC, a first ultrasonic vibrator group 1, a second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, a needle guide 3C, a reflector 4C, and an acoustic wave. The medium 5D and the first arrangement variable mechanism 6 are provided. The first arrangement variable mechanism 6 is used to change the inclination of the needle guide 3C and the reflector 4C.

Of the ultrasonic probe PCs of the present embodiment, the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 are housed inside the case CC as shown in FIG. .. On the other hand, a needle guide 3C, a reflector 4C, an acoustic medium 5D, and a first arrangement variable mechanism 6 are mounted on the outer surface of the case CC of the ultrasonic probe PC.

In the third embodiment, transmission is transmitted from each of the ultrasonic vibrator 1a constituting the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the ultrasonic vibrator 2a forming the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. A common acoustic medium 5D is provided for ultrasonic waves. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the positions of the needle guide 3C and the reflector 4C can be changed by using the first arrangement variable mechanism 6 in some cases. Therefore, the acoustic medium 5D is filled with a content liquid or the like whose outer shape can be changed by the needle guide 3C, the reflector 4C, and the case CC in accordance with the position change of the needle guide 3C and the reflector 4C. Further, the acoustic medium 5D can secure an acoustic coupling between the uneven surface of the patient and the ultrasonic radiation surface of the ultrasonic probe PC.

The angle (arrangement position) of the needle guide 3C and the reflector 4C can be changed by using the first arrangement variable mechanism 6 mounted on the ultrasonic probe PC. Therefore, both the needle guide 3C and the reflector 4C adopt a shape different from the needle guide and the reflector described in the first or second embodiment.

The needle guide 3C guides the insertion route of the puncture needle, but here, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is shaped like a test tube having a route through which the puncture needle can pass. ing. Further, on the side opposite to the insertion start position of the puncture needle (the side where the puncture needle is inserted into the needle guide 3C), the diameter of the opening is set to the other part of the needle guide 3C in order to facilitate the insertion of the puncture needle. It is formed larger than the caliber in. In the present embodiment, the needle guide 3C having such a shape is adopted, but the shape of the needle guide 3C is not limited to such a shape.

The needle guide 3C is provided with two connecting points that are connected to the reflector 4C by using the first variable arrangement mechanism 6. One place is a place directly connected to the reflector 4C by using a link member (second link member 62) constituting the first arrangement variable mechanism 6. The other location is a location (third link) in which the second connecting member (FIG. 5; see reference numeral 66), which also constitutes the first variable arrangement mechanism 6, is connected to the reflector 4C via the elongated hole 4Ca. The part corresponding to the member 63).

The reflector 4C has a second so that the scanning surface by ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 overlaps with the scanning surface by ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. The ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator group 2 are reflected.

The reflector 4C in the present embodiment is provided with a connecting portion for connecting to the needle guide 3C so that the angle of the reflector 4C can be changed together with the needle guide 3C by using the first arrangement variable mechanism 6. Further, the elongated hole 4Ca is provided so that the fourth link member described later of the first arrangement variable mechanism 6 can move when the angle between the needle guide 3C and the reflector 4C is changed. The elongated hole 4Ca is formed at a position closer to the cable A than a position where the second link member is provided on the reflector 4C. Further, the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole 4Ca corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the reflector 4C.

The first arrangement variable mechanism 6 is attached to the case CC by being connected to the outer surface of the case CC of the ultrasonic probe PC. The connection position with the case CC is, for example, a position where the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is arranged inside the case CC. A first link member 61 is provided here, and one end of the first connecting member 65, which will be described later, is connected to this position, and the first connecting member 65 can rotate around this one end as a fulcrum. Further, the other end of the first connecting member 65 is connected to the reflector 4C at the position of the elongated hole 4Ca by the fourth link member 64.

Further, the reflector 4C is directly connected to the needle guide 3C in the vicinity of the reflection position of the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. A second link member 62 is used for these connections and is fixed at this position. The needle guide 3C and the reflector 4C are rotatable about each other with the second link member 62 as a rotation axis.

The needle guide 3C is directly connected to the reflector 4C by using the second link member 62, and is also connected to the reflector 4C via the elongated hole 4Ca by using the second connecting member 66 described later. That is, the needle guide 3C is connected at one end of the second connecting member 66 by using the third link member 63. By connecting the needle guide 3C to the third link member 63, the needle guide 3C can rotate around the third link member 63. Further, the other end of the second connecting member 66 is connected to the reflector 4C in the elongated hole 4Ca by using the fourth link member 64.

In the elongated hole 4Ca of the reflector 4C, the fourth link member 64 is attached to the first connecting member 65 which is pivotally supported (rotatably supported) by the first link member 61 and the third link member 63. It connects with the second connecting member 66 which is pivotally supported. The relative positions of the first connecting member 65 and the second connecting member 66 can be displaced with the connecting position by the fourth link member 64 as a fulcrum. For example, the angle formed by the first connecting member 65 and the second connecting member 66 is displaced. Further, the fourth link member 64 is movable along the elongated hole 4Ca.

An angle fixing screw 67 is connected to the fourth link member 64. By loosening the angle fixing screw 67, the fourth link member 64 can move the elongated hole 4Ca, and by tightening the angle fixing screw 67 at an appropriate position of the elongated hole 4Ca, the fourth link member 64 in the elongated hole 4Ca The position of can be fixed.

As described above, and the fourth link member 64 rotatably connects the first connecting member 65 and the second connecting member 66 in the elongated hole 4Ca. By moving the fourth link member 64 along the elongated hole 4Ca, each portion (65, 66) connected to the first link member 61 to the third link member 63 is rotated. As a result, the angle between the needle guide 3C and the reflector 4C changes, and the needle guide 3C and the reflector 4C can be fixed with an arbitrary inclination by tightening the angle fixing screw 67.

A specific operation of the first arrangement variable mechanism 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 in addition to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the angle of the needle guide 3C is changed by using the first arrangement variable mechanism 6 for the ultrasonic probe PC according to the third embodiment. Further, FIG. 8 is a right side view of the ultrasonic probe PC according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7. See also FIG. 5 as appropriate.

For comparison, the positions of the parts shown in FIG. 5 will be described first. In FIG. 5, the fourth link member 64 is fixed at the position farthest from the second link member 62 in the movable range of the elongated hole 4Ca. By arranging the fourth link member 64 at this position, the longitudinal direction of the reflector 4C is substantially parallel to the transmission direction of ultrasonic waves from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1.

From this state, the angle fixing screw 67 connected to the fourth link member 64 is loosened, and the fourth link member 64 is moved toward the second link member 62 along the elongated hole 4Ca. Then, for example, the angle fixing screw 67 is tightened at the position of the elongated hole 4Ca shown in FIG. 7, and the fourth link member 64 is fixed at this position.

In this case, since the first link member 61 and the second link member 62 are fixed at their respective positions, even if the fourth link member 64 is moved along the elongated hole 4Ca, the first link member The 61 and the second link member 62 do not move. Further, since the length of the first connecting member 65 does not change, when the fourth link member 64 moves along the elongated hole 4Ca, the first connecting member 65 has the first link member 61 as an axis in FIG. Rotate in the direction of the arrow shown in. In addition, the reflector 4C gradually tilts in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 with the second link member 62 as an axis.

On the other hand, since the length of the second connecting member 66 does not change, the distance between the fourth link member 64 and the third link member 63 is always constant even if the fourth link member 64 is moved along the elongated hole 4Ca. It is kept. Therefore, as the reflector 4C is tilted, the needle guide 3C rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 with the second link member 62 as the rotation axis.

As a result, when FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 are compared, the angles of the needle guide 3C and the reflector 4C are different before and after the movement of the fourth link member 64, and it is clear that both of them are after the movement than before the movement. , The inclination of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 with respect to the ultrasonic transmission direction is increased. This point is also clear from FIG. 6 showing the right side view of the ultrasonic probe PC before movement and FIG. 8 showing the right side view of the ultrasonic probe PC after movement.

As described above, by using the first arrangement variable mechanism 6, the scanning surfaces of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 of the ultrasonic probe PC intersect with each other. The inclination of the needle guide 3C and the reflector 4C can be set to an arbitrary inclination according to the position of the observation target T. By adopting such a configuration, an ultrasonic probe capable of generating an ultrasonic image showing two intersecting cross sections and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provided with the probe increase the shape of the biological contact surface in the ultrasonic probe. It is possible to provide an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can reduce the range of the puncture blind in which the puncture needle is not reflected when the puncture operation is performed without any need.

Further, the acoustic medium 5D is not only the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrators 2a constituting the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, but also the ultrasonic vibrators constituting the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. It is also commonly used for ultrasonic waves transmitted from 1a. Therefore, the range of the puncture blind can be made smaller than ever.

Further, by adopting such a configuration, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained without increasing the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe with respect to the patient. That is, if the shape of the contact surface with the patient can be reduced, the ultrasonic probe can be sufficiently brought into contact with the patient, and it is possible to avoid that an image cannot be obtained for the generation of the ultrasonic image.

(Fourth Embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those described in the first to third embodiments described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components is duplicated. Omit.

The second arrangement variable mechanism 7 is also used in the fourth embodiment. However, unlike the first arrangement variable mechanism 6 in the third embodiment, in the first arrangement variable mechanism 6 in the third embodiment, only the needle guide 3C and the reflector 4C change their angles. However, in the second arrangement variable mechanism 7 in the fourth embodiment, in addition to this, the inclination of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is also changed.

The configuration of the second arrangement variable mechanism 7 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing the internal structure of the ultrasonic probe PD according to the fourth embodiment by cutting out a part thereof from the front. Further, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the position of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is changed with respect to the ultrasonic probe PD according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.

The ultrasonic probe PD in the fourth embodiment includes a case CD, a first ultrasonic vibrator group 1, a second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, a needle guide 3D, a reflector 4D, and acoustics. The medium 5E and the second arrangement variable mechanism 7 are provided. The second arrangement variable mechanism 7 is used to change the inclination of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, the needle guide 3D, and the reflector 4D. In the present embodiment, except for the needle guide 3D formed so as to penetrate the acoustic medium 5E, the above-mentioned parts constituting the ultrasonic probe PD are housed inside the case CD.

The second arrangement variable mechanism 7 includes a first holding member 71 for fixing the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1, a second holding member 72 for fixing the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, and these. A connecting portion 73 for rotatably connecting the first holding member 71 and the second holding member 72 is provided.

The first holding member 71 fixes the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 in the case CD from the acoustic matching layer 1b side. The second holding member 72 fixes the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. However, the second holding member 72 has a second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 from the wiring side (backing material 2c side) for applying a drive signal to the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, for example. To fix. One end of the second holding member 72 is fixed to the inside of the case CD. On the other hand, one end of the first holding member 71 located in the vicinity of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is connected to the other end of the second holding member 72 via the connecting portion 73. The connecting portion 73 connects the first holding member 71 and the second holding member 72, and supports the second holding member 72 so as to be rotatable around the connecting portion 73 as a rotation axis. The rotation of the second holding member 72 may be performed manually by an operator of the ultrasonic probe PD or may be driven via a driving unit, for example.

In the present embodiment, the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 fixed to the first holding member 71 does not move, and the second ultrasonic vibration fixed to the second holding member 72 does not move. Only the child group 2 is movable around the connecting portion 73 as a rotation axis. Further, the first holding member 71 is not fixed to the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1, but may be fixed to any of the insides of the case CD.

The needle guide 3D guides the insertion path of the puncture needle, but here, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the needle guide 3D penetrates the acoustic medium 5E so as to provide a path through which the puncture needle can pass. It is formed.

The reflector 4D has a second so that the scanning surface by ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 overlaps with the scanning surface by ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. The ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator group 2 are reflected.

The inclination of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is changed by rotating the second holding member 72 of the second arrangement variable mechanism 7. When the inclination of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 with respect to the first ultrasonic vibrator group is changed, the direction in which the ultrasonic waves are transmitted is also changed. Therefore, the reflector 4D changes its inclination according to the movement of the second arrangement variable mechanism 7. That is, the reflector 4D is a position where it can move according to the movement of the second arrangement variable mechanism 7 and can reflect the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. It is arranged along the inner surface of.

In the fourth embodiment, transmission is performed from each of the ultrasonic vibrator 1a constituting the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the ultrasonic vibrator 2a forming the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. A common acoustic medium 5E is provided for ultrasonic waves. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, it is possible to change the angle of the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 by using the second arrangement variable mechanism 7 in some cases. .. Further, as the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 moves by the second arrangement variable mechanism 7, the arrangement positions of the needle guide 3D and the reflector 4D are also changed. As described above, in the present embodiment, the acoustic medium 5E is filled with the content liquid or the like so that the arrangement position of each part can be changed according to the movement of the second arrangement variable mechanism 7.

The outer surface of the case CD in the present embodiment can be changed so that the inclination of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, the needle guide 3D, and the reflector 4D can be changed by moving the second arrangement variable mechanism 7. Part of it is stretchable. The specific position is a partial area G from the peripheral area where the second holding member 72 is arranged in the case CD to the cable A.

The range of the stretchable area G in the case CD can be arbitrarily set. However, the moving area of the second arrangement variable mechanism 7 is restricted to the stretchable area G in the case CD. Therefore, the region G that can be expanded and contracted in the case CD is a sufficient range so that the movement of the second arrangement variable mechanism 7 does not hinder the acquisition of the desired inclination of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. Is set with.

Next, the movement of the second arrangement variable mechanism 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. The second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 shown in FIG. 9 is arranged in the vicinity of one end of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. Further, the direction in which the ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 has an angle with respect to the direction in which the ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. Since the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is arranged at such a position, the stretchable region G in the case CD is in a contracted state.

When the second holding member 72 rotates about the connecting portion 73 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 9 from this state, the ultrasonic probe PD has a shape as shown in FIG. That is, the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 fixed to the second holding member 72 is arranged so as to be aligned with the arrangement position of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. Further, by moving the second arrangement variable mechanism 7 in this way, the needle guide 3D and the reflector 4D also move, and the needle guide 3D and the reflector 4D shown in FIG. 10 are compared with the case shown in FIG. All are placed in a sleeping position.

As described above, by using the second arrangement variable mechanism 7, the scanning surfaces of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 of the ultrasonic probe PD intersect with each other. The inclination of the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, the needle guide 3D, and the reflector 4D with respect to the ultrasonic transmission direction of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 is arbitrarily tilted according to the position of the observation target T. Can be. By adopting such a configuration, an ultrasonic probe capable of generating an ultrasonic image showing two intersecting cross sections and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provided with the probe increase the shape of the biological contact surface in the ultrasonic probe. It is possible to provide an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can reduce the range of the puncture blind in which the puncture needle is not reflected when the puncture operation is performed without any need.

Further, the acoustic medium 5E is not only the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrators 2a constituting the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, but also the ultrasonic vibrators constituting the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. It is also commonly used for ultrasonic waves transmitted from 1a. Therefore, the range of the puncture blind can be made smaller than ever.

Further, by adopting such a configuration, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained without increasing the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe with respect to the patient. That is, if the shape of the contact surface with the patient can be reduced, the ultrasonic probe can be sufficiently brought into contact with the patient, and it is possible to avoid that an image cannot be obtained for the generation of the ultrasonic image.

(Fifth Embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the same components as those described in the first to fourth embodiments described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components is duplicated. Omit.

Hereinafter, the structure of the ultrasonic probe PE according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing the internal structure of the ultrasonic probe PE according to the fifth embodiment by cutting out a part thereof from the front. FIG. 12 is a top view of the ultrasonic probe PE according to the fifth embodiment. The ultrasonic probe PE is a so-called intracorporeal probe. Unlike the ultrasonic probe shown in the previous embodiments, it has a rod-like shape because it is inserted into a body cavity such as an intestine.

The ultrasonic probe PE according to the fifth embodiment includes a case CE, a first ultrasonic vibrator group 1, a second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, a needle guide 3E, and a reflector 4E. .. Among the ultrasonic probe PEs in the present embodiment, the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1, the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 and the reflector 4E are as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. It is housed inside the case CE.

On the other hand, the needle guide 3E is formed as a groove on the outer surface of the case CE, or is provided as a through hole with respect to the case CE. Further, the needle guide 3E is formed so as to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe PE.

The ultrasonic probe PE in the present embodiment also includes two ultrasonic transducer groups. The first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 is curvedly arranged at the tip of the ultrasonic probe PE. The first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 includes a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 1a, an acoustic matching layer 1b, and a backing material 1c. The first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 is arranged in a curved shape according to the shape of the tip of the case CE.

The second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 includes a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 2a, an acoustic matching layer 2b, and a backing material 2c. Further, the array directions of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 2a constituting the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 intersect with the array directions of the ultrasonic vibrators 1a constituting the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. Is located in.

In the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, the scanning surface by ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrators 2a constituting the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is super-superposed by the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. It is arranged so as to intersect with the scanning surface by ultrasonic waves. In the present embodiment, the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is arranged on the rear side (cable A side connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (not shown)) in the depth direction from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. Will be done.

The reflector 4E has a second so that the scanning surface by ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 overlaps with the scanning surface by ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. The ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator group 2 are reflected.

The ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 are substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the puncture needle (indicated by a single point chain line in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12) by the reflector 4E. It is reflected so that it becomes. Therefore, the scanning surface of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 intersects with the scanning surface of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. In FIG. 11 or FIG. 12, the observation target T is located at a position where the scanning surface of the ultrasonic waves by the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the scanning surface of the ultrasonic waves by the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 intersect. doing.

FIG. 13 is a screen example showing a state in which an ultrasonic image generated by using the ultrasonic probe PE according to the fifth embodiment is displayed on a display. When the observation target T is scanned with the ultrasonic waves transmitted from each of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, as shown in FIG. 13, each is generated as an ultrasonic image. ..

The ultrasonic image displayed on the left side of the display in FIG. 13 is generated by using the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1. On the other hand, the ultrasonic image displayed on the right side of the display is generated by using the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. Here, the insertion route of the puncture needle, which is inserted toward the observation target T existing inside the patient along the needle guide 3E and reaches the vicinity of the observation target T, is shown by a alternate long and short dash line.

As described above, the ultrasonic probe is provided with the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, arranged so that their scanning surfaces intersect, and the second ultrasonic wave. The reflector 4E is used so that the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the vibrator group 2 is substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the piercing needle. As a result, an ultrasonic probe capable of generating an ultrasonic image showing two intersecting cross sections and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provided with the probe can perform puncture without enlarging the shape of one biological contact surface in the ultrasonic probe. It is possible to provide an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of reducing the range of the puncture blind in which the puncture needle is not reflected when the puncture needle is formed.

Further, by adopting such a configuration, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained without increasing the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe with respect to the patient. That is, if the shape of the contact surface with the patient can be reduced, the ultrasonic probe can be sufficiently brought into contact with the patient, and it is possible to avoid not obtaining an image for the generation of the ultrasonic image. Although the acoustic medium is not particularly touched in the fifth embodiment, the range of the puncture blind can be reduced by filling the ultrasonic probe PE with the acoustic medium.

(Sixth Embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the same components as those described in the first to fifth embodiments described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components is duplicated. Omit.

The ultrasonic probe PF in the sixth embodiment is the same intracoelomic probe as the ultrasonic probe PE in the fifth embodiment. The difference between the fifth embodiment and the fifth embodiment is that the reflector 4F that reflects the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 is movable.

Hereinafter, the ultrasonic probe PF according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing the internal structure of the ultrasonic probe PF according to the sixth embodiment by cutting out a part thereof from the front. Further, FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the position of the reflector 4F is changed with respect to the ultrasonic probe PF according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG.

The position of the reflector 4F in the present embodiment can be changed by the reflector moving mechanism. Although a specific reflector moving mechanism is not shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, for example, the reflector 4F can be moved by adopting the following mechanism.

Specifically, for example, the operator can manually move the reflector 4F by using a lever that is connected to the reflector 4F and pulled out to the outside of the case CF of the ultrasonic probe PF. It is also possible to provide a drive unit for driving the reflector 4F inside the case CF to move the reflector 4F to a predetermined position.

Normally, the reflector 4F is arranged at the position shown in FIG. In this case, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 are reflected by the reflector 4F and transmitted so as to be substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the puncture needle. This state is as described in the fifth embodiment. In this way, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 are transmitted in substantially the same direction as the insertion direction of the piercing needle, so that the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second super The scanning surfaces of the ultrasonic vibrator group 2 intersect with each other.

On the other hand, when the reflector 4F is moved (retracted) from the position shown in FIG. 14 to the position shown in FIG. 15 in the direction of the arrow by the reflector moving mechanism, it is transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2. The ultrasonic waves are not reflected by the reflector 4F. That is, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 are not transmitted so as to be substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the puncture needle, and the ultrasonic waves are transmitted in the normal direction of the ultrasonic transmission surface. Will be done. In this case, the scanning surfaces of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 do not intersect with each other.

In this way, the reflector 4F is moved to a position where the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 are not reflected, so that the object to be scanned is the front in the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe PF, that is, the first. This is because there may be a case where the ultrasonic wave exists in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator group 1, and it is possible to observe an object at such a position.

As described above, the ultrasonic probe is provided with the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2, arranged so that their scanning surfaces intersect, and the second ultrasonic wave. The reflector 4F is used so that the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the vibrator group 2 is substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the piercing needle. As a result, an ultrasonic probe capable of generating an ultrasonic image showing two intersecting cross sections and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provided with the probe perform puncture without enlarging the shape of the biological contact surface of the ultrasonic probe. It is possible to provide an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can reduce the range of the puncture blind in which the puncture needle is not reflected as much as possible.

Further, by adopting such a configuration, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained without increasing the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe with respect to the patient. That is, if the shape of the contact surface with the patient can be reduced, the ultrasonic probe can be sufficiently brought into contact with the patient, and it is possible to avoid that an image cannot be obtained for the generation of the ultrasonic image.

Further, in the sixth embodiment, the reflector 4F is retracted so as not to be substantially parallel to the puncture needle insertion direction, but to be substantially orthogonal to the puncture needle insertion direction. It is possible to transmit ultrasonic waves by the sound transducer group 2. By making the reflector 4F movable in this way, it is possible to further scan the inside of the body cavity over a wide range while ensuring the above-mentioned effect. Although the acoustic medium is not particularly touched in the sixth embodiment, the range of the puncture blind can be reduced by filling the ultrasonic probe PF with the acoustic medium.

[Configuration of ultrasonic diagnostic equipment]
Next, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 8 including the ultrasonic probe described so far will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 8 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 8 has an ultrasonic probe P that transmits and receives (transmits and receives) ultrasonic waves to a subject, and an apparatus main body 9 to which the ultrasonic probe P is detachably connected. And have.

The ultrasonic probe P transmits and receives ultrasonic waves in a state where its tip surface is in contact with the surface of the subject. The ultrasonic probe P here is the ultrasonic probes PA to PF according to the first to sixth embodiments described above. Hereinafter, when these ultrasonic probes PA to PF are collectively represented, they are referred to as "ultrasonic probe P".

Further, the ultrasonic probe P includes sector scanning, linear scanning, convex scanning, and the like, and is arbitrarily selected according to the diagnosis site. Further, the ultrasonic oscillator is not limited to a one-dimensional array, and volume data can be acquired in real time by arranging the oscillators two-dimensionally. When obtaining a three-dimensional stereoscopic image, a probe for 3D scanning is used as the ultrasonic probe P. Examples of the probe for 3D scanning include a 2D array probe and a mechanical 4D probe. When such volume data is obtained, each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 8 includes the observation target T and the puncture needle N in each ultrasonic image for display generated based on each of the two volume data. Be controlled. For example, the observation target T and the puncture needle N are specified based on the voxel values indicating the observation target T and the puncture needle N set in advance, and each ultrasonic image is generated so as to include them.

The apparatus main body 9 transmits a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe P and receives a reflected signal from the ultrasonic probe P, a transmission / reception unit 91, a signal processing unit 92 that processes the reflected signal, and an ultrasonic image. An image processing unit 93 to be generated, a display 94 to display various images, an input unit 95 to be input-operated by an operator such as an inspector, a control unit 96 to control each unit, various conditions used for inspection, etc. It has a built-in storage unit 97 that stores the generated ultrasonic image and a communication control unit 98 that connects the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 8 to another medical image diagnostic apparatus and exchanges information. Further, these circuits are connected to each other on the bus B, and various signals can be exchanged.

The transmission / reception unit 91 receives a drive signal for generating ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic probe P, that is, an electric pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as “drive pulse”) applied to each ultrasonic vibrator based on control by the control unit 96. It is generated and its drive pulse is transmitted to the ultrasonic probe P. The transmission / reception unit 91 includes circuits (not shown) such as a reference pulse generation circuit, a delay control circuit, and a drive pulse generation circuit, and each circuit fulfills the above-described function. Further, the transmission / reception unit 91 receives the reflected signal from the ultrasonic probe P, that is, the echo signal, performs phasing addition on the received signal, and outputs the signal acquired by the phasing addition to the signal processing unit 92. To do.

The signal processing unit 92 generates various data using the received signal supplied from the transmission / reception unit 91, and outputs the data to the image processing unit 93 and the control unit 96. The signal processing unit 92 has, for example, a B mode processing circuit (or a Bc mode processing circuit), a Doppler mode processing circuit, a color Doppler mode processing circuit, and the like, which are not shown. The B-mode processing circuit visualizes the amplitude information of the received signal and generates the B-mode signal data. The Doppler mode processing circuit extracts the Doppler shift frequency component from the received signal and further performs FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing or the like to generate Doppler signal data of blood flow information. The color Doppler mode processing circuit visualizes the blood flow information based on the received signal and generates the data of the color Doppler mode signal.

The image processing unit 93 generates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic image relating to the scan area based on the data supplied from the signal processing unit 92. For example, the image processing unit 93 generates volume data related to the scan area from the supplied data. Then, from the generated volume data, two-dimensional ultrasonic image data is generated by MPR processing (multi-section reconstruction method) and three-dimensional ultrasonic image data is generated by volume rendering processing. The image processing unit 93 outputs the generated two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic image to the display 94. The ultrasonic image includes, for example, a B mode image, a Doppler mode image, a color Doppler mode image, an M mode image, and the like.

The display 94 displays various images such as an ultrasonic image generated by the image processing unit 93 and an operation screen (for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various instructions from the operator) under the control of the control unit 96. As the display 94, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or the like can be used. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may have a configuration that does not have a display (portable super). Sound diagnostic equipment, etc.).

The input unit 95 accepts various input operations by the operator, such as imaging instructions, image display, image switching, mode designation, and various settings. As the input unit 95, for example, a GUI or an input device such as a button, a keyboard, or a trackball can be used.

The control unit 96 comprehensively controls each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 8. For example, the control unit 96 controls to store the data supplied from the signal processing unit 92, the data obtained by the predetermined processing, and the like in the storage unit 97, and further controls to display an image on the display 94. For example, the control unit 96 displays one or more ultrasonic images based on ultrasonic waves transmitted from each of the first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 and the second ultrasonic vibrator group 2 as shown in FIG. Display on 94 at the same time.

The storage unit 97 is composed of a semiconductor or a magnetic disk, and stores programs and data related to various processes executed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 8. Further, the ultrasonic image generated as a result of scanning with the ultrasonic probe P may be stored.

The communication control unit 98 is a means such as a LAN card or a modem, and is a means that enables the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 8 to be connected to a communication network such as the Internet or LAN. That is, the device main body 9 may be connected to another image diagnostic device (modality), an image server, an image processing device, or the like via a communication network. The data transmitted / received to / from the communication network via the communication control unit 98 is transmitted / received to the control unit 96 as an input signal or an output signal. The standard for information exchanged via this communication network may be any standard such as DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine).

Here, for example, the transmission / reception unit 91, the signal processing unit 92, and the image processing unit 93 are premised on being realized by software that causes a processor to execute a program stored in a predetermined memory or the like. Here, the term "processor" as used herein refers to, for example, a dedicated or general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit) arithmetic circuit (cycle), or an integrated circuit for a specific application (Application Special Integrated Circuit), Programmable Logic Device: (For example, a simple programmable logic device (Simple Programmable Logic Device: SPLD), a composite programmable logic device (Complex Programmable Logic Device: CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (Field Programmable Gate Array: FPGA).

The processor realizes the function by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 97 or directly incorporated in the circuit of the processor. The storage unit 97 for storing the program may be provided individually for each processor, or corresponds to, for example, the functions performed by the transmission / reception unit 91, the signal processing unit 92, and the image processing unit 93 in FIG. It may be the one that stores the program. The configuration of the storage unit 97 is as described above.

The ultrasonic probe P described above is connected to the device main body 9 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 8 as described above. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe P is provided with the first ultrasonic vibrator group and the second ultrasonic vibrator group, and are arranged so that their scanning surfaces intersect with each other, and from the second ultrasonic vibrator group. A reflector is used so that the transmission direction of the transmitted ultrasonic waves is substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the puncture needle. This makes it possible to minimize the range of the puncture blind where the puncture needle does not appear when the puncture is performed without enlarging the shape of the biological contact surface, and to display an ultrasonic image showing two intersecting cross sections. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be provided.

The first ultrasonic vibrator group 1 of the intracavitary probes PE and PF shown in the fifth and sixth embodiments was a convex array, but it is not limited to the ultrasonic vibrator group, and other ultrasonic vibrators. Also in the embodiment, either one or both of the first ultrasonic vibrator group and the second ultrasonic vibrator group may be used as the convex array.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 First ultrasonic vibrator group 2 Second ultrasonic vibrator group 3A to 3E Needle guide 4A to 4F Reflector 5A to 5E Acoustic medium 6 First placement variable mechanism 7 Second placement variable mechanism 8 Ultrasonic waves Diagnostic device 9 Device body P, PA to PF Ultrasonic probe

Claims (14)

The first ultrasonic transducer group and
The second ultrasonic vibrator group arranged so as to intersect the array direction in the first ultrasonic vibrator group, and the second ultrasonic vibrator group.
A needle guide that is arranged in the vicinity of the second ultrasonic transducer group and guides the puncture needle,
A reflector provided so as to intersect the transmission direction of ultrasonic waves by the second ultrasonic vibrator group and reflecting ultrasonic waves is provided.
The ultrasonic scanning surface of the first ultrasonic vibrator group and the ultrasonic scanning surface of the second ultrasonic vibrator group intersect with each other.
The reflector is provided near one end of the first ultrasonic vibrator group, and is provided.
The second group of ultrasonic vibrators is provided so as to sandwich the needle guide with the reflector and so that the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves intersects with the reflector.
An ultrasonic probe characterized in that ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group toward the reflector . The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, further comprising an acoustic medium for propagating ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second ultrasonic vibrator group. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second ultrasonic vibrator group is arranged in the vicinity of one end of the first ultrasonic vibrator group. The first ultrasonic vibrator group is characterized by including another acoustic medium for propagating ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrators constituting the first ultrasonic vibrator group. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 or 3 . The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 or 4 , wherein the reflector and the acoustic medium are detachably configured. The first ultrasonic transducer group and
The second ultrasonic vibrator group arranged so as to intersect the array direction in the first ultrasonic vibrator group, and the second ultrasonic vibrator group.
A needle guide that is arranged in the vicinity of the second ultrasonic transducer group and guides the puncture needle,
A reflector provided so as to intersect the transmission direction of ultrasonic waves by the second ultrasonic vibrator group and reflecting ultrasonic waves is provided.
The ultrasonic scanning surface of the first ultrasonic vibrator group and the ultrasonic scanning surface of the second ultrasonic vibrator group intersect with each other.
Further provided with a variable arrangement mechanism for changing the arrangement angle of the reflector and the needle guide .
The arrangement variable mechanism is
A first link member rotatably held at a position on the outer surface of the case of the ultrasonic probe where the second ultrasonic vibrator group is arranged, and
A second link member that connects the needle guide and the reflector to fix their positions, and holds the needle guide and the reflector rotatably with each other around the connecting portion.
A third link member rotatably held by the needle guide,
A fourth link member that connects a first connecting member to be connected to the first link member and a second connecting member to be connected to the third link member in an elongated hole provided in the reflector. When,
An angle fixing screw that is connected to the fourth link member and fixes the first connecting member and the second connecting member at an arbitrary position of the elongated hole that enables the fourth link member to move.
Ultrasonic probe further comprising a. The first ultrasonic transducer group and
The second ultrasonic vibrator group arranged so as to intersect the array direction in the first ultrasonic vibrator group, and the second ultrasonic vibrator group.
A needle guide that is arranged in the vicinity of the second ultrasonic transducer group and guides the puncture needle,
A reflector provided so as to intersect the transmission direction of ultrasonic waves by the second ultrasonic vibrator group and reflecting ultrasonic waves is provided.
The ultrasonic scanning surface of the first ultrasonic vibrator group and the ultrasonic scanning surface of the second ultrasonic vibrator group intersect with each other.
Further provided with a variable arrangement mechanism for changing the arrangement angle of the reflector and the needle guide.
The arrangement variable mechanism is
A first holding member for holding the first ultrasonic vibrator group and
A second holding member for holding the second ultrasonic vibrator group and
A rotatable connecting portion for connecting the first holding member and the second holding member is provided.
The second holding member, said second ultrasonic probe you, characterized in that to enable changing the orientation of the scanning plane by the ultrasonic transducer group by rotating the coupling portion as an axis. The ultrasonic probe
With the case
A cable connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body at one end in the longitudinal direction of the case,
The first ultrasonic vibrator group arranged at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the case is provided.
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second ultrasonic vibrator group is provided between the cable and the first ultrasonic vibrator group. The first ultrasonic transducer group and
The second ultrasonic vibrator group arranged so as to intersect the array direction in the first ultrasonic vibrator group, and the second ultrasonic vibrator group.
A needle guide that is arranged in the vicinity of the second ultrasonic transducer group and guides the puncture needle,
A reflector provided so as to intersect the transmission direction of ultrasonic waves by the second ultrasonic vibrator group and reflecting ultrasonic waves is provided.
The ultrasonic scanning surface of the first ultrasonic vibrator group and the ultrasonic scanning surface of the second ultrasonic vibrator group intersect with each other.
Said reflector, said second ultrasonic probe you characterized in that it is retractable to a position that does not reflect the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer group in the ultrasonic probe. The ultra-superimposition according to claim 8 or 9 , wherein the needle guide is formed in a case that holds at least the first ultrasonic vibrator group and the second ultrasonic vibrator group. Ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the ultrasonic vibrators constituting the second ultrasonic vibrator group are arranged in a convex shape. The reflector of claim 1 to claim 1 1, characterized in that a curved surface with a curvature that converges the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducers constituting the second group of ultrasound transducers The ultrasonic probe according to any one. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 or 4 , wherein any one of the acoustic medium and the other acoustic medium, or any of them, has fluidity. An ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 1 3,
An image processing unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on the reflected ultrasonic waves,
A display unit that displays the ultrasonic image generated by the image processing unit, and
A control unit that controls the display of the ultrasonic image on the display unit is provided.
The control unit receives the reflected waves of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first ultrasonic vibrator group and the second ultrasonic vibrator group included in the ultrasonic probe, and transmits these reflected waves. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that an ultrasonic image generated based on the basis is simultaneously displayed on the display unit.

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