JP7094686B2 - Ultrasound diagnostic imaging equipment and medical image display program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus and a medical image display program.

In recent years, when inspecting a subject, a modality that collects internal information of the subject and images the inside of the subject based on the collected information to generate a medical image may be used. As this modality, for example, an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus can be mentioned. The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus receives the reflected signal of the ultrasonic wave transmitted toward the diagnosis target site and generates an ultrasonic image regarding the diagnosis target site.

Then, while the user observes the obtained ultrasonic image, the puncture operation is performed on the diagnosis target site drawn on the ultrasonic image. By this puncture technique, the puncture needle is inserted toward the diagnosis target site of the subject to collect the tissue of the diagnosis target site, inject the drug into the diagnosis target site, or insert a heating element for heating. And give treatment.

Conventionally, a puncture adapter has been used for such puncture. By using this puncture adapter, the puncture needle can be held and the puncture angle thereof can be maintained, so that the puncture needle can be safely and accurately inserted into the diagnosis target site.

Specifically, when performing puncture surgery, a puncture adapter is attached to the ultrasonic probe. The puncture adapter attached to the ultrasonic probe inserts the puncture needle at a predetermined angle with respect to the subject. Further, by using the puncture adapter, it is possible to hold the puncture needle so that the insertion path is located on the ultrasonic image.

In puncture using such a puncture adapter, the user inserts the puncture needle inserted into the subject into the diagnosis target site while confirming the insertion position and the insertion angle on the ultrasonic image. do.

The insertion angle of the puncture needle with respect to the diagnosis target site is displayed on the ultrasonic image. Normally, the type of puncture adapter that can be attached to each ultrasonic probe is determined to some extent, and the puncture needle has an insertion angle of one or two. However, there are also puncture adapters with more than one puncture angle.

Japanese Patent No. 2976379

However, even when a puncture adapter having a plurality of puncture angles is used, the puncture needle displayed on the ultrasonic image has only one puncture angle. Further, although it may be possible to display all of a plurality of insertion angles, only all the insertion angles are displayed at once, and it does not contribute to the user's selection process of the insertion angles.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus and a medical image for displaying a plurality of puncture angles included in a puncture adapter in a manner selectable by the user. To provide a display program.

The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe, a puncture adapter, a display, and a control circuit. The ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic transducer that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The puncture adapter is attached to the ultrasonic probe and has a plurality of puncture angles when the puncture needle is inserted toward the diagnosis target site of the subject. The display displays an ultrasonic image generated based on a reflected signal from the ultrasonic wave transmitted to the diagnosis target site. The control circuit displays the ultrasonic image on the display. In addition, the control circuit is equipped with a display control function that overlaps the ultrasonic image and displays it on the display as a plurality of puncture angles that can select the puncture angle of the puncture needle when it is inserted into the subject. The control function changes and displays the size of the index display that distinguishes each of the plurality of puncture angles according to the high possibility of being selected by the user .

The functional block diagram which functionally shows the whole structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus in 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the ultrasonic probe used in embodiment and the puncture adapter attached to the ultrasonic probe. In the embodiment, an example of a screen displayed on a display when a user performs a puncture angle selection process. In the embodiment, an example of a screen displayed on a display when a user performs a puncture angle selection process. In the embodiment, an example of a screen displayed on a display when a user performs a puncture angle selection process. In the embodiment, an example of a screen displayed on a display when a user performs a puncture angle selection process. In the embodiment, an example of a screen displayed on a display when a user performs a puncture angle selection process. In the embodiment, an example of a screen displayed on a display when a user performs a puncture angle selection process. In the embodiment, an example of a screen displayed on a display when a user performs a puncture angle selection process. In the embodiment, a flowchart showing a rough flow when performing a puncture procedure. In the embodiment, a flowchart showing a flow in which a user selects a puncture angle that is displayed in a selectable manner. In the embodiment, an example of a screen displayed on a display when a puncture procedure is performed. The functional block diagram which functionally shows the whole structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment. The functional block diagram which functionally shows the whole structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus in 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment)
[Configuration of ultrasonic diagnostic imaging equipment]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 is a device main body in which an ultrasonic probe 2 that transmits / receives ultrasonic waves (transmission / reception) to a subject and the ultrasonic probe 2 are detachably connected to each other. It is equipped with 3. Further, the puncture adapter 4 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 2.

The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 is an example of a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus capable of non-invasively examining the internal structure of a subject, the blood flow state, and the like. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 transmits ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic probe 2 provided with a vibrator (piezoelectric vibrator) at the tip toward the inside of the subject. Then, the reflected wave generated by the mismatch of the acoustic impedance inside the subject is received by the vibrator of the ultrasonic probe 2. An ultrasonic image is generated based on the received signal thus obtained.

The ultrasonic probe 2 transmits ultrasonic waves into the subject by each ultrasonic vibrator to scan the scan area, and receives the reflected wave from the subject as a reflected signal. In addition, as this scan, there are various scans such as B mode scan and Doppler mode scan. Further, the ultrasonic probe 2 includes sector scanning, linear scanning, convex scanning, and the like, and is arbitrarily selected according to the diagnostic site.

When the user performs puncture surgery, the puncture adapter 4 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 and used. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an ultrasonic probe 2 used in an embodiment and a puncture adapter 4 attached to the ultrasonic probe 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the puncture adapter 4 attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 is fixed to the ultrasonic probe 2 by using, for example, a so-called fixing band.

The puncture adapter 4 shown in FIG. 2 is provided with a fixing band 41 so as to surround the periphery of the ultrasonic probe 2 in order to fix the puncture adapter 4 to the ultrasonic probe 2. Further, a puncture needle guide mechanism 42 for guiding the puncture needle (not shown) to the diagnosis target portion shown in the ultrasonic image is integrally provided. The puncture needle guide mechanism 42 is assumed to have five puncture angles as predetermined puncture angles, and a guide hole 42a is provided for each puncture angle.

In the puncture adapter 4, for example, a fixing portion (not shown) is fitted into a protrusion or the like provided on the exterior of the ultrasonic probe 2, and in this state, the puncture adapter 4 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 by a fixing band 41. The fixing band 41 is fastened by, for example, a fixing screw 43.

When the user performs puncture surgery, the puncture needle is inserted into the guide hole 42a of the puncture adapter 4 fixed to the ultrasonic probe 2 and the puncture needle is inserted into the subject. Further, the guide hole 42a selected depending on the position of the diagnosis target site changes and is selected by the user.

The puncture adapter 4 does not have to be the one shown in FIG. For example, as a method of attaching and fixing the puncture adapter 4 to the ultrasonic probe 2, a method of pushing the puncture adapter 4 into the ultrasonic probe 2 and fixing it can be adopted in addition to the fixing band. Further, when fastening the fixing band 41, it is possible to use a mechanism other than the screw 43. Further, the number of guide holes 42a to be installed may be a plurality, and for example, depending on the structure of the puncture needle guide mechanism 42, the guide holes 42a may be steplessly selected.

The apparatus main body 3 includes a transmission circuit 31, a reception circuit 32, a signal processing circuit 33, an image processing circuit 34, a display 35, and an input circuit 36. The transmission circuit 31 transmits a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 2. The receiving circuit 32 receives the reflected signal from the ultrasonic probe 2. The signal processing circuit 33 processes the reflected signal. The image processing circuit 34 generates an ultrasonic image. The display 35 displays the generated ultrasonic image and the puncture angle that can be taken when using the puncture adapter in an overlapping manner with the ultrasonic image. The input circuit 36 receives a signal input by being input-operated by a user such as an inspector.

Further, the apparatus main body 3 includes a communication control circuit 37 for controlling transmission / reception of signals with other devices (not shown), a storage circuit 38, and a control circuit 39 for controlling each unit. Further, these circuits are connected to each other on the bus B, and various signals can be exchanged. The detailed functions of each of these circuits will be further described below.

The transmission circuit 31 generates a drive signal for generating ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic probe 2, that is, an electric pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as “drive pulse”) applied to each piezoelectric vibrator based on the control by the control circuit 39. Then, the drive pulse is transmitted to the ultrasonic probe 2. The transmission circuit 31 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-mentioned functions.

Further, the receiving circuit 32 receives the reflected signal which is the received signal from the ultrasonic probe 2, performs phasing addition to the received signal, and outputs the signal acquired by the phasing addition to the signal processing circuit 33. do.

The signal processing circuit 33 generates various data using the received signal from the ultrasonic probe 2 supplied from the receiving circuit 32, and outputs the various data to the image processing circuit 34 and the control circuit 39. The signal processing circuit 33 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 data based on the B-mode signal. 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 blood flow information based on the received signal and generates data based on the color Doppler mode signal.

The image processing circuit 34 generates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic image regarding the scan region based on the data supplied from the signal processing circuit 33. For example, the image processing circuit 34 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 circuit 34 outputs the generated two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic image to the display 35. 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 35 displays an ultrasonic image generated by the image processing circuit 34 and various images such as an operation screen (for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various instructions from the user) under the control of the control circuit 39. , The insertion angle of the puncture needle at the time of performing puncture can be displayed by using a guideline or the like. As the display 35, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electrologic) display, or the like can be used. be.

The input circuit 36 accepts various input operations by the user, such as image display, image switching, mode designation, and various settings. As the input circuit 36, for example, a GUI or an input device such as a button, a keyboard, a trackball, or a touch panel displayed on the display 35 can be used.

In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the display 35 and the input circuit 36 are described as one component of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1, but the configuration is limited to such a configuration. do not have. For example, the display 35 may be configured separately from the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 instead of being a component of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1. It is also possible to use the input circuit as a touch panel using the separate display.

The communication control circuit 37 plays a role of connecting the ultrasonic image diagnostic device 1 to, for example, a medical image diagnostic device (modality), a server device, a medical image processing device, etc., which are connected to each other in a communication network (not shown). ing. The standard for information and medical images exchanged with other devices via the communication control circuit 37 and the communication network may be any standard such as DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine). In addition, when connecting to a communication network or the like, it does not matter whether it is wired or wireless.

The storage circuit 38 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor or a magnetic disk, and stores programs and data executed by the control circuit 39, and information on the type of piercing adapter 4 that can be attached to the ultrasonic probe 2. Further, regarding the puncture adapter 4, for example, in addition to the product name, etc. for identifying the puncture adapter 4, for example, a plurality of puncture angles that can be adopted by the puncture adapter 4 and a plurality of puncture angles are given for each puncture angle. Information about the index number and the like is also stored.

The control circuit 39 comprehensively controls each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1. The control circuit 39 causes the display 35 to display the ultrasonic image generated by the image processing circuit 34. Further, the control circuit 39 displays a plurality of user-selectable guidelines on the ultrasonic image in an overlapping manner, which indicates the insertion angle of the puncture needle when the subject is inserted as a path.

The control circuit 39 executes a puncture adapter specifying function, a display control function, and a freeze control function. The puncture adapter specifying function is a function of specifying the puncture adapter to be attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 based on the information of the ultrasonic probe 2 used when the puncture operation is performed by the user.

The control circuit 39 identifies the puncture adapter 4 to be used by the user from the information of the ultrasonic probe 2 by using the puncture adapter specifying function. The control circuit 39 acquires information regarding the insertion angle and the like of the puncture adapter 4 from the storage circuit 38 and displays it on the display 35.

The display control function of the control circuit 39 is a function of displaying an ultrasonic image including a diagnosis target portion on the display 35. Further, when the user performs the puncture operation, the display 35 displays the information necessary for inserting the puncture needle into the target subject. Specifically, it is the insertion position of the puncture needle shown in FIG. 3, the insertion angle of the puncture needle, the guideline G indicating the insertion route, the index number for distinguishing the guideline G, and the like.

The control circuit 39 acquires the information of the puncture adapter 4 mounted on the ultrasonic probe 2 used by using the puncture adapter specifying function described above, and is displayed on the ultrasonic image displayed on the display 35 according to the information. Display guideline G, etc. The guideline G shows the insertion angle of the puncture needle when the subject is inserted as a route.

A mode in which the control circuit 39 causes the display 35 to display the guideline G or the like by using the display control function will be described by exemplifying a screen example shown in FIGS. 3 to 9. 3 to 9 are screen examples displayed on the display 35 when the user performs the puncture angle selection process in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows one aspect of the screen example, and the ultrasonic image A is displayed in the center of the display 35. Further, a region surrounded by a circle is shown substantially in the center of the ultrasonic image A, and the region represents the diagnosis target site X. The user selects an appropriate insertion angle by looking at the insertion angle used when the puncture is performed on the diagnosis target site X shown in the ultrasonic image A displayed on the display 35.

A plurality of broken lines are displayed from the upper right to the lower left of the ultrasonic image A. The broken line indicates the guideline G indicating the insertion angle of the puncture needle as a path. In FIG. 3, five guideline G, that is, the insertion angles of five types of puncture needles are shown.

As described above, the five guideline Gs are displayed from the upper right to the lower left of the ultrasonic image A. That is, all of the five guideline Gs extend radially from the approximately 1 point on the upper right toward the lower left, but the guideline G extends from the approximately 1 point on the upper right because this point is the point of the puncture needle for the subject. This is because it hits the insertion point. On the other hand, the guideline G is shown to extend radially because even if the puncture needle is inserted into the subject from the same insertion point, the insertion angle is different.

A number is displayed at the point where the guideline G extends radially. This number is an index I, and distinguishes each insertion angle or each guideline G indicated by each guideline G. Although the index I is represented by a number here, it is not limited to a number as long as each guideline G can distinguish each insertion angle as described above, and is not limited to a number, for example, by an alphabet or the like. There may be.

Further, the display method of the index I can be changed for each insertion angle. For example, the insertion angle to which odd numbers such as "1st", "3rd", and "5th" are assigned, and the insertion angle to which even numbers such as "2nd", "4th" are assigned. So, for example, it is possible to change the display by changing the color or the size of the font.

In this way, the display 35 shows a plurality of puncture angles that can be selected when using the puncture adapter 4. In FIG. 3, since the five guideline Gs are shown on the display 35, the user can understand that there are five options for the insertion angle of the puncture needle. It should be noted that whether to display all or any of the plurality of selectable insertion angles will be described later.

On the display 35, the insertion angle selection display window W1 is displayed on the right side of the screen so as to slightly cover the ultrasonic image A. The display position of the insertion angle selection display window W1 may be arranged at any position on the display 35 as long as it does not interfere with the display of the guideline G. Further, the display position of the insertion angle selection display window W1 can be moved by the user's operation.

The insertion angle selection display window W1 is used when the user selects the angle (insertion angle) at which the puncture needle is inserted into the subject when performing the puncture operation. When the control circuit 39 receives the input signal by the user for performing the insertion angle selection process from the input circuit 36, the control circuit 39 displays the insertion angle selection display window W1 at a predetermined position on the display 35.

In the insertion angle selection display window W1 shown in FIG. 3, the insertion angle that can be selected by the user is displayed under the display of "Biopsy Angle". Here, it is displayed as "3:65 deg". This indicates that the user has selected "65 deg", which is the "third" insertion angle, among the insertion angles that can be selected multiple times. Further, the display of the insertion angle can be changed by operating the left and right arrows shown at both ends of the insertion angle selection display window W1.

In FIG. 3, the insertion angle indicated by "3" is selected in such an insertion angle selection display window W1. Then, among the numbers indicating the index I, the display of "3" is blinking. That is, here, among the five guideline Gs displayed on the ultrasonic image A by the control circuit 39 using the display control function, the guideline G corresponding to the “3: 65 deg” selected by the user is five. It clearly states which of the books it is.

The user can select an insertion angle suitable for the puncture performed on the subject. That is, when there are a plurality of insertion angles, the user can consider various insertion angles in order to select a suitable insertion angle. By operating the arrow of the insertion angle selection display window W1, the user can select either the insertion angle specified in the "second" or the insertion angle specified in the "fourth". You can choose.

In this way, when the user has performed the insertion angle selection process, the control circuit 39 is selected each time the user selects the insertion angle using the insertion angle selection display window W1. The display is controlled so that the guideline G and the index I corresponding to the insertion angle are highlighted.

That is, for example, when the "third" insertion angle is displayed in the insertion angle selection display window W1 among the insertion angles that can be selected by the user, the index I of "3" is set. Flashes. On the other hand, when the "second" insertion angle is displayed in the insertion angle selection display window W1, the index I "2" is displayed blinking.

As a method of indicating which insertion angle is selected by the user, in addition to the above-mentioned display of blinking the index I, for example, only the corresponding index I is displayed in a large size, and other methods are used. The display of the index I can be displayed small. Further, not only the index I but also the corresponding guideline G can be displayed together, or only the guideline G can be emphasized and displayed.

A "decision button C" is displayed at the lower right of the display 35. The "decision button C" is used to select and determine any one of the insertion angles as a result of the user performing the insertion angle selection process. Therefore, when the "decision button C" is pressed down, the selected insertion angle is fixed, and only the insertion angle is displayed on the display 35. Then, in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1, an internal process for starting puncture using the ultrasonic probe 2 is started next.

Although the "decision button C" here is displayed on the display 35, for example, it is possible to assign the role of the decision button C to any button or the like constituting the input circuit 36.

Further, as described above, in the insertion angle selection display window W1 shown in FIG. 3, the display of the insertion angle can be changed by operating the left and right arrows shown at both ends thereof. .. Therefore, for example, it is possible to assign the role of the decision button C to the insertion angle selection display window W1 itself or the central portion thereof. By making such settings, you can confirm the determination of the insertion angle by clicking the insertion angle selection display window W1.

FIG. 4 is a screen example showing a display mode of the display 35, which is different from that of FIG. In FIG. 4, an insertion angle selection display window having a different form from the insertion angle selection display window W1 of FIG. 3 is displayed. That is, the insertion angle selection display window W2 in FIG. 4 displays "Biopsy Angle" by operating a so-called pull-down menu. Unlike the insertion angle selection display window W1, the insertion angle selection display window W2 displays a list of all the insertion angles that can be selected by the user.

When the user puts the cursor on any of the insertion angles displayed in the pull-down menu, for example, the display of the selected insertion angle is changed. In addition, the display of the guideline G and the index I corresponding to the insertion angle also changes. In FIG. 4, since the insertion angle currently selected is “3: 65 deg”, the display of “3: 65 deg” in the insertion angle selection display window W2 is shaded. Further, by pushing down the "3:65 deg" portion by a click operation or the like, the selection of the insertion angle of "3: 65 deg" can be confirmed.

At the same time, in the display of the index I, the number "3" corresponding to "3: 65 deg" blinks, indicating that "3: 65 deg" is currently selected by the user. The display of the other displays 35 is as shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a case where the display form of the index I is different from that of FIGS. 3 and 4. In the screen examples of FIGS. 5 to 9, the display of the insertion angle selection display windows W1 and W2 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, among the numbers shown as the index I, the display size is different between "1" to "3" and "4" and "5". That is, the index I of "1" to "3" indicating a relatively shallow angle is displayed larger than the index I of "4" and "5" indicating a deep angle when viewed from the insertion point of the puncture needle. ing.

For example, when the user actually performs puncture using a puncture needle, this is an index of "1" to "3" rather than the insertion angle indicated by the index I of "4" and "5". This is because the insertion angle indicated by I is often used. By displaying the display of the index I, which is likely to be selected by the user, on the display 35 in a large size, the user's selection process can be facilitated.

In particular, while displaying a plurality of insertion angles selectable by the user on the display 35, the range of selection is substantially narrowed by changing the display form of the index I, for example, as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the user actually selects the insertion angle, the selection becomes easy. In addition, the effect of displaying the insertion angle often selected by the user in an easy-to-see manner can be expected.

In order for such a display to be made by the control circuit 39, it is necessary that the index I is set to be displayed in a large size by the user in advance and stored in the storage circuit 38. When the control circuit 39 displays the display on the display 35 using the display control function, the control circuit 39 reads the setting from the storage circuit 38 and displays the index I as shown in FIG. 5, for example. Therefore, it is possible to arbitrarily set which index I is displayed in a large size or in a different color.

FIG. 6 is a screen example showing a display mode when, for example, 5 or more puncture angles are set as selectable puncture angles when the user uses the puncture adapter 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the index I represented by the numbers “1” to “5” and the five guideline G corresponding to each index I are all displayed on the left side of the diagnosis target site X. , Neither guideline G is displayed to pass over the diagnosis target site X.

Then, a right-pointing arrow IA is displayed next to the display of the index I represented by the numbers "1" to "5". This arrow IA serves as a button for displaying a hidden puncture angle that is provided on the puncture adapter 4 as a user-selectable puncture angle but has not yet been displayed on the display 35. It is a thing. Therefore, when the user operates the arrow IA, the display instruction signal is transmitted to the control circuit 39.

FIG. 7 is a screen example showing a state in which the insertion angle, which was hidden on the display 35 shown in FIG. 6, is displayed. In FIG. 7, the insertion angle represented by the number of the index I from “6” to “10” is displayed. Here, for example, the number of the index I is displayed so that the insertion angle indicated by "6" passes over the diagnosis target site X.

A left-pointing arrow IB is displayed next to the index I. The arrow IB is a button for displaying the insertion angle represented by the numerical value of the index I from "1" to "5" hidden on the display 35 shown in FIG. 7 again. That is, when the arrow IA is operated by the user, the screen transitions from FIG. 6 to the screen of the display 35 shown in FIG. 7, and conversely, when the arrow IB is operated by the user, the display 35 shown in FIGS. 7 to 6 is displayed. It will transition to the screen.

FIG. 8 is a screen example showing another display mode when, for example, 5 or more puncture angles are set as selectable puncture angles when the user uses the puncture adapter 4. As shown in FIG. 8, the puncture adapter 4 in this case has as many as 20 selectable puncture angles, which can be represented by "1" to "20" as the index I. However, when there are so many options for the insertion angle, it may not be appropriate to display all of them on the display 35 from the viewpoint of visibility and the like. Therefore, in FIG. 8, only the five insertion angles whose indexes I are indicated by “1”, “5”, “10”, “15”, and “20” are displayed on the display 35.

Of course, it is not displayed on the display 35, and for example, the hidden insertion angle represented by the index I of "2" to "4" is between "1" and "5" of the index I. Exists.

In the screen example shown in FIG. 8, although none of the displayed guideline G passes on the diagnosis target site X, the numbers "10" to "15" are shown near the diagnosis target site X. There is a guideline G corresponding to the index I. Therefore, the user selects the insertion angle indicated by the index I indicated by the numbers "10" to "15".

However, as described above, only the guideline G corresponding to the index I indicated by the numbers "10" and "15" is displayed on the display 35 of FIG. 8, and the numbers "11" to "14" are displayed. The guideline G corresponding to the numerical index I is not displayed. On the other hand, in the state of the screen example shown in FIG. 8, even if the guideline G indicated by the numbers "11" to "14" is displayed between the guideline G indicated by the numbers "10" and "15". Guideline G may be displayed in a dense manner, making it difficult to see.

Therefore, when the user selects the index I represented by the numbers "10" to "15", the control circuit 39 switches the display of the display 35 using the display control function, and the selected index I is used. The guideline G indicating the indicated insertion angle is enlarged and displayed. FIG. 9 is a screen example showing a state in which the guideline G corresponding to the index I represented by the numbers “10” to “15” including the diagnosis target site X is enlarged and displayed on the display 35.

Looking at the screen example of FIG. 9, although the size of the ultrasonic image A is not changed, the region of the diagnosis target portion X is larger than the region of the diagnosis target portion X of FIG. That is, the diagnosis target site X and the related guideline G are enlarged and displayed.

In the screen example shown in FIG. 9, not only the guideline G corresponding to the index I indicated by the numbers “10” and “15” but also the screen example shown in FIG. 8 is hidden on the display 35. , The guideline G corresponding to the index I represented by the numbers "11" to "14" is also displayed. Moreover, as described above, since the diagnosis target site X is also enlarged and displayed, the positional relationship of the displayed six guideline G with respect to the diagnosis target site X can be clearly grasped. The control circuit 39 uses the display control function to display the display as shown in the screen example of FIG. 9 on the display 35, so that the user can select a suitable insertion angle for performing puncture more easily and reliably. can do.

The freeze control function executed by the control circuit 39 is a function of stopping (freezing) the ultrasonic image A displayed in the background of the guideline G while the user is performing the process of selecting the insertion angle.

Normally, when an ultrasonic image diagnostic device 1 inspects a subject using an ultrasonic probe 2, the ultrasonic image A is displayed on the display 35 in a state of capturing the movement of the subject in real time. Therefore, it is highly possible that the user also determines that the examination or the puncture can be performed when the ultrasonic image A in the state of capturing the movement of the subject is displayed.

However, when the user performs the puncture angle selection process, as described above, a plurality of puncture angles that can be selected by the puncture adapter 4 to be used are displayed on the display 35. If the ultrasonic image A is displayed in a moving state in such a state, it is possible that the user may start the puncture operation even though the insertion angle selection process is not completed, for example. Be done. Further, in the state where the puncture angle selection process is not completed, a plurality of guideline Gs indicating each of the plurality of puncture angles are displayed, and which guideline G should be used for puncturing the puncture needle? , Users are also confused. And in general, it is considered that no user performs puncture while the ultrasound image is frozen.

Therefore, the freeze control function is naturally provided in the normal ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1, but in the embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit 39 is further inserted by the user by using the freeze control function. The ultrasonic image A is frozen from the start of the angle selection process to the completion.

However, although the freeze control function is provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, a veteran user who is excellent in puncturing using the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 When selecting the puncture angle of the puncture needle, the puncture angle may be selected without freezing the ultrasonic image A, and the puncture may be started immediately.

In such a case, if the ultrasonic image A is to be frozen without fail, it is necessary to release the freeze during the transition from the insertion angle selection process to the insertion of the puncture needle, which may be troublesome. .. Therefore, the freeze control function of the control circuit 39 may be canceled by the user who uses the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1.

Here, for example, for the puncture adapter specifying function, the display control function, and the freeze control function of the control circuit 39, a program stored in a predetermined memory, a storage circuit 38, or the like, for example, a medical image display program is executed in the processor. It is also possible to realize it by letting it. 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 Specific Integrated Circuit) 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 Programgable Gate Array: CPU).

The processor realizes the function by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit 38 or directly incorporated in the circuit of the processor, for example. The recording circuit for storing the program may be individually provided for each processor, or may, for example, store a program corresponding to the function performed by the signal processing circuit 33 in FIG. 1. Further, the configuration of the storage circuit 38 shown in FIG. 1 may be adopted. For example, a storage device such as a general RAM (Random Access Memory) such as a semiconductor or a magnetic disk or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is applied to the configuration of the storage circuit.

[motion]
Next, using FIGS. 10 and 11, the flow when the user performs puncture surgery using the puncture adapter 4 attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 will be described below. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a rough flow when performing puncture surgery in the embodiment. Further, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow in which the user selects a puncture angle that is selectively displayed in the embodiment.

First, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 identifies the ultrasonic probe 2 used by the user in performing the puncture procedure (ST1). Then, the user operates the input circuit 36 and brings the ultrasonic probe 2 into contact with the subject to be punctured to start taking an ultrasonic image (ST2). When the imaging is started, the ultrasonic image generated by the image processing circuit 34 based on the reflected wave from the subject is displayed on the display 35 (ST3).

When the ultrasound image is displayed on the display 35, the user then selects the angle for inserting the puncture needle into the subject (ST4). The flow of the insertion angle selection process is shown in detail in FIG.

First, the control circuit 39 uses the puncture adapter specifying function to access, for example, the storage circuit 38, and from the information about the ultrasonic probe 2 used in the puncture operation, the puncture associated with the ultrasonic probe 2 is performed. Acquire information about the adapter 4 (ST11). Here, the "information about the puncture adapter 4" is, for example, information such as a type of puncture angle that can be selected by the user and an actual puncture angle that can be expressed numerically.

Further, the control circuit 39 uses the freeze control function to freeze the ultrasonic image A currently displayed on the display 35 (ST12). In this state, the user's selection process of the insertion angle is started (ST13).

Then, the control circuit 39 uses the display control function to display the acquired information on the puncture adapter 4 on the ultrasonic image A on the display 35. At this point, a plurality of user-selectable puncture angles will be displayed in the puncture adapter 4 used (ST14).

That is, the index I representing a plurality of insertion angles and the guideline G corresponding to the index I are displayed on the display 35. Further, the insertion angle selection display window W1 or the insertion angle selection display window W2 used when the user performs the selection process is displayed on the display 35. Further, the determination button C used when the insertion angle selection process is completed is also displayed on the display 35.

Since a plurality of selectable insertion angles are displayed on the display 35 in this way, the user can select which insertion angle is suitable for performing the puncture operation. can.

The control circuit 39 determines whether or not the determination button C has been pressed by the user, that is, whether or not the insertion angle selection process by the user has been completed (ST15). When the input signal from the decision button C is not received in the control circuit 39 (NO in ST15), the control circuit 39 further determines whether the display switching signal has been received from the input circuit 36 (ST16). If the display switching signal is not received from the input circuit 36 (NO in ST16), the process returns to step ST15 and the standby state is set until the switching signal is received.

On the other hand, for example, whether or not the left and right arrows on the insertion angle selection display window W1 shown in FIG. 3 are operated by the user. When the user operates any of the left and right arrows, for example, the display of "3:65 deg" shown in FIG. 3 is switched to "2:55 deg". When the control circuit 39 receives an operation by the user, that is, a display switching signal from the input circuit 36 (YES in ST16), the control circuit 39 switches the display based on the display switching signal (ST17).

Explaining this by giving an example of the screen example shown in FIG. 3, when the control circuit 39 switches the display using the display control function from the state of the screen example shown in FIG. 3, the process returns to step ST14 and the insertion is performed. The display in the angle selection display window W1 is switched to "2:55 deg", and the index I blinks the number "2" indicating the "2:55 deg". In this way, the selection process by the user is performed while the display is appropriately switched in conjunction with the operation of the user.

Then, when the control circuit 39 receives the input signal from the decision button C and determines that the insertion angle selection process by the user is completed (YES in ST15), the control circuit 39 uses the display control function. Then, only the insertion angle selected by the user is displayed on the display 35 (ST18). If a plurality of insertion angles are displayed on the ultrasonic image A even after the selection process is completed, it becomes unclear which insertion angle was selected when the user inserts the puncture needle. Because it will end up.

Further, the control circuit 39 uses the freeze control function to perform a process of releasing the freeze of the frozen ultrasonic image A while the selection process is being performed by the user (ST19). This completes the process of selecting the insertion angle by the user.

In this state, the user's puncture is started (ST5 in FIG. 10). The control circuit 39 waits in that state until the puncture is completed (NO in ST6), that is, performs various processes necessary for performing the puncture.

When the user performs some operation for completing the puncture, for example, a button operation, the control circuit 39 determines that the puncture has been completed (YES in ST6), and also takes an ultrasonic image. Finish (ST7). As described above, the puncture adapter 4 selection process of the puncture angle and the puncture operation with the selected puncture angle are completed.

In the above, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 has been described on the premise that the selection process is performed while switching the display so that the user can consider various things when selecting the insertion angle. However, for example, the insertion angle selection display window W2 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed in the form of a pull-down menu, and the selection of the insertion angle is completed by placing the cursor on the insertion angle displayed in the pull-down menu. It can also be. In this case, no particular process of switching the display is performed, and the user can select the insertion angle from the insertion angle displayed in the pull-down menu while viewing the plurality of selectable insertion angles displayed on the display 35. You will have a choice.

As described above, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus and a medical image display program that display a plurality of puncture angles included in the puncture adapter in a manner selectable by the user. By displaying a plurality of puncture angles on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus in this way, the time for the user to select the puncture angle can be shortened, and the puncture angle that can be selected by the user can be shortened. It is possible to easily select a suitable insertion angle in puncture surgery from a plurality of options while grasping a plurality of.

Up to now, when the process of selecting the insertion angle by the user is completed, only the selected insertion angle is displayed on the display 35, and the freeze processing for the displayed ultrasonic image A is canceled. did. That is, when the insertion angle selection process is completed, the freeze process is released and the image is switched to the live image for puncturing. When the live image is displayed, the selection screen displayed on the display 35 during the selection process, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 9, disappears along with this screen transition.

However, if the selection screen disappears while preparing for puncture until the puncture angle selection process is completed and the puncture is actually started, the user will be asked to perform puncture on the screen. It may not be possible to confirm. Therefore, when the insertion angle selection process is completed, instead of transitioning from the selection screen to the live display screen, for example, the screen is divided and the selection screen is left on one side and the live display is performed on the other side. It's fine as a matter of fact.

That is, when the insertion angle selection process is completed, the control circuit 39 divides the screen display of the display 35 by using the display control function. The mode of division can be arbitrarily selected by the user, for example, up / down, left / right, or the like. Further, as long as the selection screen and the live display screen are displayed on the display 35, the screen may be divided into any number of parts.

For example, when the display 35 is divided into two, a selection screen is displayed on one side and a live display screen is displayed on the other side. FIG. 12 is an example of a screen displayed on the display 35 when the puncture procedure is performed in the embodiment. In the display 35 shown in FIG. 12, the screen is divided into upper and lower parts. An ultrasonic image A (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “selected image A”), which is a selected image, is displayed in the first region 351 on the upper side. Further, in the lower second region 352, the live display image L including the selected guideline G is displayed.

When the screen division of the display 35 is performed, the control circuit 39 may, for example, save and display the selected image at the time when the selection process is completed on the selection screen. Further, the image in the state where the freeze process is continuously applied may be displayed. On the other hand, in displaying the live display image L, for example, when the live display is displayed after the freeze process is canceled, the alignment with the displayed selected image A is performed. By performing such a process, the user can check the selection screen while watching the live display.

In FIG. 12, the screen is divided so that the first area 351 and the second area 352 have the same size. However, for example, if the selection screen is for confirmation only, the selection image The first area 351 in which A is displayed may be displayed smaller than the second area 352 in which the live display image L is displayed.

Further, a plurality of guideline Gs are displayed in the selected image A displayed in the first region 351 of FIG. However, the user can arbitrarily set the display mode of the selected image A in the first area 351. For example, the guideline G indicating all the insertion angles may be displayed at the beginning, and only the guideline G indicating the selected insertion angle may be displayed when the puncture operation is started.

Further, when the insertion angle selection process is completed, the freeze process is canceled and the transition to the live image is performed. For example, the control circuit 39 can be set to perform the transition to the live image as soon as possible. Is.

That is, the fact that the ultrasonic image is frozen means that the ultrasonic image displayed on the screen shows the state of the subject at a time point before the present time. For example, while the user selects the insertion angle, the ultrasonic image freezes, but during that time, the subject moves by breathing or the like. Therefore, it is unclear whether the position of the subject indicated by the displayed frozen ultrasound image matches the position of the subject at the present time. Therefore, when performing puncture surgery, there is a request from the user to confirm the current state of the subject with a live image before actually inserting the puncture needle into the subject.

Therefore, the user can arbitrarily set the freeze release time via the control circuit 39 in order to grasp the position of the subject with respect to the selected insertion angle as soon as possible. For example, it can be set when the user selects the insertion angle and presses down the enter button, or when the movement of the puncture needle is detected. The latter is based on the premise that when the user is performing the puncture angle selection process, the puncture needle is not selected by hand and the puncture needle does not move.

Further, as described above, when the insertion angle selection process is completed, the freeze process is released and the image is switched to the live image for puncturing. Of course, it is expected that the puncture will be performed according to the insertion angle selected by the user, but in some cases, for example, the puncture needle may be inserted at an angle different from the selected insertion angle. It's not unthinkable.

In such a case, the control circuit 39 does not release the freeze process on the ultrasonic image, or detects that the puncture needle has been inserted at an angle different from the selected insertion angle, and temporarily releases the freeze process. You may perform the process of executing the freeze process again.

(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.

In the first embodiment described above, for the selection process of a plurality of puncture angles selectable by the user, the type and information of the ultrasonic probe and the corresponding mountable puncture adapter used in the control circuit in advance. I was able to grasp and display multiple selectable puncture angles on the display. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which information regarding a plurality of insertion angles can be exchanged between the puncture adapter and the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment. The puncture adapter 4A shown in FIG. 13 includes an acquisition circuit 44 and a transmission circuit 45. The acquisition circuit 44 acquires information about the insertion angle selected by the user. Further, the transmission circuit 45 transmits the acquired information to the device main body 3.

In the second embodiment, when the user selects a desired puncture angle from a plurality of puncture angles that can be changed and selected, the user himself operates the puncture adapter 4A to select the puncture angle. conduct. The puncture adapter 4A is provided with the acquisition circuit 44 described above, and acquires information on which puncture angle has been selected by the user. It also holds information about a plurality of puncture angles that can be selected in advance in the puncture adapter 4A.

When such a puncture adapter 4A is used, for example, when the user starts the puncture angle selection process, the puncture adapter 4A is directed from the puncture adapter 4A toward the device main body 3 via the transmission circuit 45. Information about multiple selectable puncture angles is transmitted. The timing at which the information regarding the plurality of puncture angles selectable in the puncture adapter 4A is transmitted to the apparatus main body 3 can be arbitrarily set.

Further, as described above, in the second embodiment, since the puncture adapter 4A transmits information regarding a plurality of puncture angles selectable in the puncture adapter 4A, the control circuit according to the first embodiment. Unlike 39, the control circuit 39A does not have a puncture adapter specific function. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which, for example, only information regarding the type of the puncture adapter 4A is transmitted from the puncture adapter 4A instead of information regarding a plurality of puncture angles that can be selected in the puncture adapter 4A. .. In this case, in the control circuit 39, it is necessary to specify the puncture adapter 4A to be used by using the puncture adapter specifying function.

Information regarding a plurality of puncture angles selectable in the puncture adapter 4A transmitted from the puncture adapter 4A is received by the communication control circuit 37 of the apparatus main body 3, and the information is handled by the control circuit 39A. Based on the received information, the control circuit 39A causes the display 35 to display a plurality of insertion angles that can be selected by the user, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 9.

Further, each time the user selects the puncture angle, the acquisition circuit 44 acquires the information regarding the selected puncture angle, and transmits the information regarding the puncture angle selected by the user from the puncture adapter 4A to the device main body 3. .. In the control circuit 39A, the display on the display 35 is switched so as to match the selected insertion angle by reflecting the information regarding the insertion angle selected by the receiving user. That is, by operating the puncture adapter, the display regarding the selected puncture angle displayed on the display is switched.

As described above, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus and a medical image display program that display a plurality of puncture angles included in the puncture adapter in a manner selectable by the user. By displaying a plurality of puncture angles on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus in this way, the time for the user to select the puncture angle can be shortened, and the puncture angle that can be selected by the user can be shortened. It is possible to easily select a suitable insertion angle in puncture from a plurality of options while grasping a plurality of.

In particular, the user actually operates the puncture adapter in order to perform the puncture angle selection process while the display shows a plurality of puncture angles that can be selected by the puncture adapter, and is linked to the operation of the puncture adapter. Then, the display will be switched. Therefore, it is obvious to the user which insertion angle is selected. Therefore, the user can easily and surely perform the insertion angle selection process in a short time.

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

In the second embodiment described above, a configuration is adopted in which information regarding a plurality of insertion angles can be exchanged between the puncture adapter and the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the information regarding the plurality of insertion angles selectable by the user is grasped based on the position information of the puncture needle. The position information of the puncture needle referred to here includes not only the spatial coordinates represented by the x, y, and z coordinates, but also the angle information indicating the inclination of the puncture needle.

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. The puncture adapter 4 and the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 14 are not different from the puncture adapter 4 and the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 in the first embodiment in their configurations. On the other hand, the sensor N1 is attached to the puncture needle N used by the user in the puncture technique. The sensor N1 measures the position information of the puncture needle N, and transmits the position information of the puncture needle N to the apparatus main body 3.

The control circuit 39 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 acquires information about the puncture adapter used in the puncture operation by using the puncture adapter identification function, for example, from the storage circuit 38. This point is as described in the first embodiment. The acquired information regarding the plurality of puncture angles that can be selected in the puncture adapter 4 is displayed on the display 35. Further, the control circuit 39 sets the current position of the puncture needle N to any of a plurality of puncture angles selectable in the puncture adapter 4 based on the position information of the puncture needle N transmitted from the sensor N1. Judging whether it is represented, the corresponding index I or guideline G is emphasized and displayed.

Further, when the user moves the puncture needle N in order to select the puncture angle, the display regarding the selected puncture angle displayed on the display 35 is switched according to the movement of the puncture needle N.

As described above, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus and a medical image display program that display a plurality of puncture angles included in the puncture adapter in a manner selectable by the user. By displaying a plurality of puncture angles on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus in this way, the time for the user to select the puncture angle can be shortened, and the puncture angle that can be selected by the user can be shortened. It is possible to easily select a suitable insertion angle in puncture from a plurality of options while grasping a plurality of.

Therefore, if the position of the puncture needle can be grasped, the insertion angle selected by the user can be accurately displayed on the display without preparing a puncture adapter as described in the second embodiment. be able to.

Further, depending on the type of the puncture adapter, the puncture adapter that can be selected is not predetermined, and there is also a puncture adapter that can select the puncture angle steplessly from the mechanism. Especially when such a puncture adapter is used, the angle selected in the puncture adapter can be grasped from the position of the puncture needle by adopting the configuration described in the third embodiment. It also has an advantageous effect in that the puncture adapter used in this way is not selected.

Furthermore, since the position of the puncture needle can be grasped by the sensor, for example, the freeze of the ultrasonic image that is frozen when the user is performing the insertion angle selection process is performed in conjunction with the movement of the puncture needle. Is also possible.

That is, as described above, the user does not move the puncture needle when the insertion angle selection process is being performed. When the insertion angle is selected and the actual puncture is to be performed, the user obtains, for example, a puncture needle. Therefore, the movement of the puncture needle at this time can be detected by the sensor, the freeze on the ultrasonic image can be released, and the selection screen can be automatically changed to the screen for displaying the live image. By performing such a process, it is possible to save the user the trouble of releasing the freeze.

Regarding the point where the position of the puncture needle is detected by the sensor, the detection process may be started after the user completes the puncture angle selection process, or may be continued from the puncture angle selection process. It may be broken. In the latter case, the detection process may be initialized (reset) once when the selection process is completed, and the detection process may be performed again.

Further, regarding the automatic release of the freeze by the control circuit, even if the puncture needle is not provided with a sensor, for example, a means for detecting the movement of the puncture needle is provided in the puncture adapter. Then, the same effect can be obtained.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, 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 embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

For example, as described above, when the user selects one insertion angle from a plurality of insertion angles, the insertion angle is selected from the insertion angle selection display window via the input circuit. .. However, for example, when the input circuit also serves as a display (for example, when the input circuit is a touch panel), the selection of the insertion angle is completed by directly touching the insertion angle selected by the user on the display. do.

Further, in the flow of the insertion angle selection process by the user described above, for example, it is possible to set a limit on the selectable time for the user's selection process. In this case, the control circuit measures the time from the time when the user starts the process of selecting the insertion angle, and if the predetermined time elapses without receiving the signal from the enter button, the user is notified. Inquires whether the selection process is completed. As a result, when the signal that the selection process is not completed is received, the control circuit continuously performs the selection process by the user. On the other hand, when the signal that the selection process is completed is received, only the selected insertion angle is displayed and the freeze process for the ultrasonic image is released.

Further, after the insertion angle selection process is completed and the freeze processing for the ultrasonic image is canceled, the user is inquired again whether or not the insertion angle selection process is completed, or the selection process is restarted again. You may also make an inquiry as to whether or not.

1 Ultrasound image diagnostic device 2 Ultrasound probe 3 Device body 31 Transmission circuit 32 Reception circuit 33 Signal processing circuit 34 Image processing circuit 35 Display 36 Input circuit 37 Communication control circuit 38 Storage circuit 39 Control circuit 4 Penetration adapter A Ultrasound image C Enter button G Guideline I Index W1, W2 Insertion angle selection display Window X Diagnosis target site

Claims (18)

An ultrasonic probe equipped with an ultrasonic transducer that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves,
A puncture adapter attached to the ultrasonic probe and having a plurality of puncture angles when puncturing a puncture needle toward a diagnosis target site of a subject, and a puncture adapter.
A display that displays an ultrasonic image generated based on a reflected signal from an ultrasonic wave transmitted to the diagnosis target site, and a display.
A control circuit for displaying the ultrasonic image on the display is provided.
The control circuit is
It is provided with a display control function of overlapping the ultrasonic image and displaying it on the display as a plurality of selectable insertion angles of the puncture needle to be inserted into the subject.
The display control function is
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus characterized in that the display size of a plurality of indexes that distinguish each of the plurality of insertion angles is changed and displayed according to the size of the insertion angles . An ultrasonic probe equipped with an ultrasonic transducer that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves,
A puncture adapter attached to the ultrasonic probe and having a plurality of puncture angles when puncturing a puncture needle toward a diagnosis target site of a subject, and a puncture adapter.
A display that displays an ultrasonic image generated based on a reflected signal from an ultrasonic wave transmitted to the diagnosis target site, and a display.
A control circuit for displaying the ultrasonic image on the display is provided.
The control circuit is
It is provided with a display control function of overlapping the ultrasonic image and displaying it on the display as a plurality of selectable insertion angles of the puncture needle to be inserted into the subject.
The display control function is
It is characterized in that a plurality of indexes that distinguish each of the plurality of insertion angles are displayed, and a certain number of indexes that are continuously arranged in the order of the insertion angles among the plurality of indexes are hidden. Ultrasound diagnostic imaging equipment. The first aspect of the invention is characterized in that the control circuit includes a freeze control function that freezes the ultrasonic image displayed on the display when the user selects the insertion angle of the puncture needle. The described ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device. The control circuit matches the selected insertion angle according to the selection process of the insertion angle by the user among the plurality of selectable insertion angles displayed on the display. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the display on the display is changed. The control circuit according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 4, wherein when the user completes the process of selecting an angle, only the selected angle is left and displayed on the display. Ultrasound diagnostic imaging equipment. Claims 1, 3 to 5 are characterized in that the control circuit emphasizes and displays the insertion angle selected by the user among the plurality of selectable insertion angles on the display. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of the above. The display control function displays a plurality of indexes that distinguish each of the plurality of insertion angles, and hides a certain number of indexes that are continuously arranged in the order of the insertion angles among the plurality of indexes. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 6, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is characterized in that. The display control function is characterized in that, when the index is hidden, the hidden index is displayed on the display in response to a display instruction signal from the user . The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus described in. The display control function is characterized in that when the hidden index is displayed on the display, the area including the diagnosis target site and the hidden insertion angle is enlarged and displayed. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 8. The control circuit divides the display area of the display into a first area and a second area, and in the first area, the plurality of selectable insertion angles are displayed in an overlapping manner. The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an ultrasonic image is displayed, and an ultrasonic image after the freeze is released is displayed in the second region. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control circuit changes the size of the first region and the second region to be displayed on the display. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control circuit can release the freeze of the ultrasonic image based on the freeze control function by setting. The puncture adapter includes an acquisition circuit that acquires information about the insertion angle selected by the user , and a transmission circuit that transmits the acquired information to the device main body.
1. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of 3. The third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the control circuit is changed to a display on the display that matches the insertion angle selected by reflecting the position information based on the position information of the puncture needle. Ultrasound diagnostic imaging equipment. The control circuit is characterized in that after the user completes the process of selecting the insertion angle, the control circuit receives the position information of the puncture needle and automatically releases the freeze on the ultrasonic image. 14. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to 14. For ultrasonic diagnostic imaging equipment,
Steps to identify the ultrasonic probe to be used,
Steps to obtain information about the puncture adapter used for the identified ultrasonic probe, and
When using the puncture adapter, a plurality of user-selectable puncture angles, which indicate the puncture angle of the puncture needle to be inserted into the subject as a path, are distinguished from each of the plurality of puncture angles. A step of changing the size of the index display according to the size of the puncture angle and displaying it on the display in an overlapping manner with the ultrasonic image.
Among the plurality of selectable insertion angles displayed on the display, the display is changed to match the selected insertion angle according to the selection process of the insertion angle by the user. Steps and
A step of displaying only the selected insertion angle when the selection process by the user is completed, and a step of displaying only the selected insertion angle.
A medical image display program characterized by executing a process including. For ultrasonic diagnostic imaging equipment,
Steps to identify the ultrasonic probe to be used,
Steps to obtain information about the puncture adapter used for the identified ultrasonic probe, and
When using the puncture adapter, a step of displaying a plurality of user-selectable puncture angles on an ultrasonic image in an overlapping manner, which indicates the puncture angle of the puncture needle inserted into the subject as a path. When,
A step of displaying a plurality of indexes that distinguish each of the plurality of insertion angles and hiding a certain number of indexes that are continuously arranged in the order of the insertion angles among the plurality of indexes .
Among the plurality of selectable insertion angles displayed on the display, the display is changed to match the selected insertion angle according to the selection process of the insertion angle by the user. Steps and
A step of displaying only the selected insertion angle when the selection process by the user is completed, and a step of displaying only the selected insertion angle.
A medical image display program characterized by executing a process including. A step of freezing the ultrasonic image displayed on the display before the selection process by the user is started.
When the selection process by the user is completed, the step of releasing the freeze of the ultrasonic image and the step of releasing the freeze.
The medical image display program according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the process including the above is further executed.

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