JP7253058B2 - Measuring device, ultrasonic diagnostic device, measuring method, measuring program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a measuring device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, a measuring method, and a measuring program.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that acquires an ultrasonic image of the inside of a subject by driving a plurality of ultrasonic transducers inside the subject (for example, inside the body of a patient) or on the surface of the body and transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, already known. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a unit for inserting and removing the puncture needle is attached to an ultrasonic observation unit that includes a probe at the tip, and the puncture needle is led out from the forceps opening at the tip of the ultrasonic observation unit. There is a device that enables puncture by touching the skin (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).

In Patent Document 1, when a puncture target position is specified with respect to an ultrasound image displayed on a display unit, ultrasonic waves are used to measure the distance between the puncture target position and the fixed position of the puncture needle at the tip of the probe. A diagnostic device is described.

JP-A-62-258645

As in Patent Document 1, specifying an arbitrary position on an ultrasound image requires the operator to predict the reachable range of the puncture needle, but this prediction requires a lot of experience. Also, even with a lot of experience, it is difficult to make this prediction accurately. Therefore, it is conceivable that the puncture target position may be specified outside the reach of the puncture needle. In this case, even if the distance between the puncture needle and the puncture target position is measured, the distance cannot be used for the puncture procedure.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a measuring device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, a measuring method, and a measuring device capable of reliably specifying a puncture target position within the reach of a puncture needle and supporting a puncture procedure. The purpose is to provide a program.

In the measuring device of the present invention, the ultrasonic image generated based on the output signal of the ultrasonic observation unit including the probe at the tip and displayed on the display unit can be reached by the puncture needle provided at the tip. a display control unit that superimposes and displays information indicating a range; measures a distance between a puncture target position specified in the reachable range in the ultrasonic image on which the information is superimposed and a predetermined virtual position; and a measurement unit that outputs a measurement result.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention includes the measuring device and an image processing unit that generates the ultrasonic image based on the output signal of the ultrasonic endoscope.

In the measurement method of the present invention, an ultrasound image generated based on an output signal of an ultrasound observation unit including a probe at its tip and displayed on a display unit can be reached by the puncture needle provided at the tip. a display control step of superimposing and displaying information indicating a range; measuring a distance between a puncture target position specified in the reachable range in the ultrasonic image on which the information is superimposed and a predetermined virtual position; and a measurement step of outputting a measurement result.

The measurement program of the present invention enables the puncture needle provided at the tip to reach the ultrasonic image generated based on the output signal of the ultrasound observation unit including the probe at the tip and displayed on the display. a display control step of superimposing and displaying information indicating a range; measuring a distance between a puncture target position specified in the reachable range in the ultrasonic image on which the information is superimposed and a predetermined virtual position; and a measuring step of outputting the measurement result.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a measurement device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, a measurement method, and a measurement program that can reliably specify a puncture target position within the reach of a puncture needle and support a puncture procedure. can be done.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope system 10; FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing the distal end portion of the insertion section 22 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and its surroundings. FIG. FIG. 3 is a view showing a cross section of the distal end portion 40 of the insertion portion 22 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 taken along the II cross section shown in FIG. 2; 2 is a block diagram showing configurations of an ultrasonic endoscope 12 and an ultrasonic processor 14. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the external configuration of the console 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a measurement control unit 158; FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen displayed on the monitor 20 at the time of measurement mode. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen displayed on the monitor 20 at the time of measurement mode. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an initial position of a pointer P; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which a pointer P has been moved from the state shown in FIG. 8; FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the example of a screen displayed on the monitor 20 at the time of measurement mode. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 20 in the measurement mode when the lead-out angle of the puncture needle is fixed; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the initial position of the pointer P when the lead-out angle of the puncture needle is fixed; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 20 in the measurement mode when the lead-out angle of the puncture needle is fixed;

<<Overview of Ultrasound Diagnostic Equipment>>
An outline of an ultrasonic endoscope system 10 including an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope system 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing the distal end portion of the insertion portion 22 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and its surroundings. In addition, in FIG. 2, for convenience of illustration, the later-described balloon 37 is illustrated by a dashed line. FIG. 3 is a view showing a cross section of the distal end portion 40 of the insertion portion 22 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 taken along the II cross section shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and the ultrasonic processor device 14. As shown in FIG.

The ultrasonic endoscope system 10 is used to observe (hereinafter, also referred to as ultrasonic diagnosis) the state of a site to be observed inside the body of a patient, who is a subject, using ultrasonic waves. Here, the site to be observed is a site that is difficult to inspect from the patient's body surface side (outside), such as the gallbladder or pancreas. By using the ultrasonic endoscope system 10, ultrasonic diagnosis is performed to determine the state of an observation target site and whether or not there is an abnormality via the gastrointestinal tract such as the patient's body cavities such as the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, and large intestine. Is possible.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic endoscope system 10 includes an ultrasonic endoscope 12 constituting an ultrasonic observation unit, an ultrasonic processor device 14, an endoscope processor device 16, and a light source device. 18, a monitor 20 forming a display unit, and an operator console 100. FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, as accessories of the ultrasonic endoscope system 10, a water supply tank 21a, a suction pump 21b, and an air supply pump 21c are provided. Further, inside the ultrasonic endoscope 12, a conduit (not shown) is formed as a flow path for water and gas. The ultrasound processor device 14, the endoscope processor device 16, and the light source device 18 constitute an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus. Note that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may further include an ultrasonic endoscope 12 .

The ultrasonic endoscope 12 has, as shown in FIG. 1, an insertion section 22 to be inserted into a patient's body cavity and an operation section 24 to be operated by an operator such as a doctor or a technician. An ultrasonic transducer unit 46 having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers is attached to the distal end portion 40 of the insertion section 22 .

The function of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 allows the operator to obtain an endoscopic image of the inner wall of the patient's body cavity and an ultrasonic image of the observation target region. An endoscopic image is an image obtained by photographing the inner wall of a patient's body cavity using an optical technique. An ultrasonic image is an image obtained by receiving reflected waves (echoes) of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the inside of a patient's body cavity toward an observation target site and imaging the received signals.

The ultrasonic processor device 14 is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 via a universal cord 26 and an ultrasonic connector 32a provided at its end. The ultrasound processor device 14 controls the ultrasound transducer unit 46 of the ultrasound endoscope 12 to cause the ultrasound transducer unit 46 to transmit ultrasound. Further, the ultrasonic processor 14 generates an ultrasonic image by imaging a received signal when the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 receives a reflected ultrasonic wave (echo).

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope processor device 16 is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 via the universal cord 26 and an endoscope connector 32b provided at the end thereof. The endoscope processor device 16 acquires image data of a site adjacent to the observation target imaged by the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and performs predetermined image processing on the acquired image data to generate an endoscopic image. do.

As shown in FIG. 1, the light source device 18 is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 via a universal cord 26 and a light source connector 32c provided at the end thereof. The light source device 18 emits white light or specific wavelength light composed of the three primary colors of red, green, and blue light when imaging a site adjacent to the observation target using the ultrasonic endoscope 12 . The light emitted by the light source device 18 propagates through the ultrasonic endoscope 12 through a light guide (not shown) included in the universal cord 26 and is emitted from the ultrasonic endoscope 12 . As a result, the adjacent site to be observed is illuminated by the light from the light source device 18 .

In this embodiment, the ultrasound processor 14 and the endoscope processor 16 are composed of two separate devices (computers). However, it is not limited to this, and both the ultrasound processor device 14 and the endoscope processor device 16 may be configured by one device.

The monitor 20 is connected to the ultrasound processor device 14 and the endoscope processor device 16, and displays the ultrasound images generated by the ultrasound processor device 14 and the ultrasound images generated by the endoscope processor device 16. Displays endoscopic images, etc. The monitor 20 is configured by a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display device, or the like. Regarding the display of the ultrasound image and the endoscopic image, either one of the images may be switched and displayed on the monitor 20, or both images may be displayed simultaneously. Moreover, the configuration may be such that these display methods can be arbitrarily selected and changed.

In this embodiment, an ultrasonic image and an endoscopic image are displayed on the single monitor 20, but a monitor for displaying the ultrasonic image and a monitor for displaying the endoscopic image are provided separately. good too. Further, a display form other than the monitor 20, for example, a form in which an ultrasonic image and an endoscopic image are displayed on a display of a personal terminal carried by an operator may be used.

The operator console 100 is an input device provided for the operator to input necessary information for ultrasonic diagnosis and for the operator to instruct the ultrasonic processor 14 to start ultrasonic diagnosis. is. The console 100 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touch pad, a touch panel, or a combination of these. As shown in FIG. It is connected. A keyboard, mouse, trackball, touch pad, touch panel, or the like included in the console 100 constitutes a pointing device. When the operator console 100 is operated, the system control section 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14 controls each section of the device (for example, a receiving circuit 142 and a transmitting circuit 144 which will be described later) in accordance with the contents of the operation.

In addition, the operator can set various control parameters on the console 100 when performing ultrasonic diagnosis. Control parameters include, for example, the result of selection between live mode and freeze mode, the set value of display depth, and the result of selection of ultrasonic image generation mode.

Here, the "live mode" is a mode in which ultrasonic images (moving images) obtained at a predetermined frame rate are sequentially displayed (real-time display). The “freeze mode” is a mode in which one frame of ultrasound images (still images) acquired in the past is read out from a cine memory (not shown) and displayed.

There are a plurality of selectable ultrasonic image generation modes in this embodiment, specifically, B (Brightness) mode, CF (Color Flow) mode, and PW (Pulse Wave) mode. The B mode is a mode for displaying a tomographic image by converting the amplitude of an ultrasonic echo into luminance. The CF mode is a mode in which average blood flow velocity, flow fluctuation, flow signal intensity, flow power, etc. are mapped in various colors and displayed superimposed on a B-mode image. The PW mode is a mode for displaying the velocity of an ultrasonic echo source (for example, blood flow velocity) detected based on the transmission and reception of pulse waves. The ultrasonic image generation mode described above is merely an example, and modes other than the three types of modes described above, such as A (Amplitude) mode and M (Motion) mode, may be further included.

<<Configuration of Ultrasound Endoscope>>
The ultrasonic endoscope 12 constitutes an ultrasonic observation unit, and has an insertion section 22 and an operation section 24 as shown in FIG. The insertion portion 22 includes a distal end portion 40, a curved portion 42, and a flexible portion 43 in order from the distal end side (free end side), as shown in FIG. The distal end portion 40 is provided with an ultrasonic observation section 36 and an endoscope observation section 38 as shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the distal end portion 40 is provided with a treatment instrument lead-out port 44 . The treatment tool lead-out port 44 serves as an outlet for a treatment tool (not shown) such as forceps, a puncture needle, or a high-frequency scalpel, and also serves as a suction port for sucking aspirated substances such as blood and bodily waste.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the distal end portion 40 is provided with a cleaning nozzle 90 formed for cleaning the surfaces of the observation window 82 and the illumination window 88 . Air or cleaning liquid is jetted from the cleaning nozzle 90 toward the observation window 82 and the illumination window 88 .

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the distal end portion 40 is provided with an inflatable and deflatable balloon 37 at a position covering the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 . The balloon 37 is inserted into the patient's body cavity together with the ultrasound transducer unit 46 . Water (specifically, degassed water) as an ultrasonic transmission medium is injected into the balloon 37 from a water supply port 47 formed near the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 in the distal end portion 40 , so that the balloon 37 expands. When the inflated balloon 37 contacts the inner wall of the body cavity (for example, the vicinity of the adjacent site to be observed), air is removed from between the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 and the inner wall of the body cavity. This makes it possible to prevent attenuation of ultrasonic waves and their reflected waves (echoes) in the air.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bending portion 42 is a portion of the insertion portion 22 that is provided closer to the proximal side than the distal end portion 40 (on the side opposite to the side on which the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 is provided). It is bendable. As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible portion 43 is a portion that connects the bending portion 42 and the operating portion 24, has flexibility, and is provided in an elongated state.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the operating portion 24 is provided with a pair of angle knobs 29 and a treatment instrument insertion opening 30 . When each angle knob 29 is rotated, the bending portion 42 is remotely operated to bend and deform. By this deformation operation, the distal end portion 40 of the insertion portion 22 provided with the ultrasonic observation portion 36 and the endoscope observation portion 38 can be directed in a desired direction. The treatment instrument insertion port 30 is a hole formed for inserting a treatment instrument such as a puncture needle or forceps, and communicates with a treatment instrument outlet 44 via a treatment instrument channel 45 (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 24 includes an air/water supply button 28a for opening and closing an air/water supply conduit (not shown) extending from the water supply tank 21a, and a suction conduit (not shown) extending from the suction pump 21b. (not shown) is provided for opening and closing the suction button 28b. Gas such as air sent from the air supply pump 21c and water in the water supply tank 21a flow through the air/water supply conduit. When the air/water supply button 28a is operated, the open portion of the air/water supply conduit is switched, and correspondingly, the gas and water ejection ports are also switched between the cleaning nozzle 90 and the water supply port 47. In other words, cleaning of the endoscope observation section 38 and inflation of the balloon 37 can be selectively performed through operation of the air/water supply button 28a.

The suction channel is provided for sucking the sucked matter in the body cavity sucked from the washing nozzle 90 and for sucking the water inside the balloon 37 through the water supply port 47 . When the suction button 28b is operated, the part of the suction channel to be opened is switched, and the suction port is also switched between the washing nozzle 90 and the water supply port 47 correspondingly. In other words, the object to be sucked by the suction pump 21b can be switched by operating the suction button 28b.

At the other end of the universal cord 26, as shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic connector 32a connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and an endoscope connector connected to the endoscope processor device 16 32b and a light source connector 32c connected to the light source device 18 are provided. The ultrasonic endoscope 12 is detachably connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14, the endoscope processor device 16, and the light source device 18 via these connectors 32a, 32b, and 32c, respectively.

Next, among the constituent elements of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, the ultrasonic observation section 36 and the endoscope observation section 38 will be described in detail.

(Ultrasound observation unit)
The ultrasonic observation part 36 is a part provided for acquiring an ultrasonic image, and is arranged on the distal end side of the distal end part 40 of the insertion part 22 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . The ultrasonic observation unit 36 includes an ultrasonic transducer unit 46, a plurality of coaxial cables 56, and an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 60, as shown in FIG.

The ultrasonic transducer unit 46 is a convex probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 are arranged in an arc, as shown in FIG. 3, and transmits ultrasonic waves radially (in an arc). However, the type (model) of the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 is not particularly limited, and other types may be used as long as they can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, such as a sector type, linear type, or radial type.

The ultrasonic transducer unit 46 is constructed by laminating a backing material layer 54, an ultrasonic transducer array 50, an acoustic matching layer 76, and an acoustic lens 78, as shown in FIG.

The ultrasonic transducer array 50 is composed of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 (ultrasonic transducers) arranged in a one-dimensional array as shown in FIG. More specifically, the ultrasonic transducer array 50 includes N (for example, N=128) ultrasonic transducers 48 arranged in a convex curve along the axial direction of the distal end portion 40 (longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 22). It is configured by being arranged at equal intervals. In the ultrasonic transducer array 50, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 may be arranged in a two-dimensional array.

Each of the N ultrasonic transducers 48 is configured by arranging electrodes on both sides of a single-crystal transducer, which is a piezoelectric element. As a single crystal oscillator, crystal, lithium niobate, lead magnesium niobate (PMN), lead zinc niobate (PZN), lead indium niobate (PIN), lead titanate (PT), lithium tantalate, langasite , and zinc oxide. The electrodes consist of individual electrodes (not shown) individually provided for each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 and a ground electrode (not shown) common to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 . The electrodes are also electrically connected to the ultrasound processor unit 14 via the coaxial cable 56 and the FPC 60 .

Each ultrasonic transducer 48 is supplied with a pulsed driving voltage as an input signal from the ultrasonic processor unit 14 through the coaxial cable 56 . When this drive voltage is applied to the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducer 48 , the piezoelectric element expands and contracts to drive (vibrate) the ultrasonic transducer 48 . As a result, a pulsed ultrasonic wave is output from the ultrasonic transducer 48 .

When each ultrasonic transducer 48 receives a reflected ultrasonic wave (echo) or the like, it vibrates (drives) accordingly, and the piezoelectric element of each ultrasonic transducer 48 generates an electric signal. This electrical signal is output from each ultrasonic transducer 48 toward the ultrasonic processor 14 as a received signal.

The ultrasonic transducer unit 46 of the present embodiment is of convex type as described above. That is, in the present embodiment, by sequentially driving the N ultrasonic transducers 48 of the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 with an electronic switch such as the multiplexer 140, the ultrasonic transducer array 50 is arranged along the curved surface. The scanning range, for example, a range of several tens of millimeters from the center of curvature of the curved surface, is scanned with ultrasonic waves.

The puncture needle led out from the treatment instrument outlet 44 can be led out at a different angle from the treatment instrument outlet 44. FIG. A range R of movement of the needle is shown. The lead-out angle of the puncture needle is defined by the angle formed by the longitudinal axis direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 3) of the insertion portion 22 (the distal end portion 40) and the traveling direction of the lead-out puncture needle. A dashed-dotted line N1 shown in FIG. 3 indicates the advancing direction of the puncture needle when the lead-out angle of the puncture needle is the minimum. A two-dot chain line N2 shown in FIG. 3 indicates the advancing direction of the puncture needle when the lead-out angle of the puncture needle is maximum.

The backing material layer 54 supports the ultrasonic transducer array 50 from the back side (the side opposite to the acoustic matching layer 76), as shown in FIG. In addition, the backing material layer 54 absorbs ultrasonic waves transmitted to the back side of the ultrasonic transducer array 50 from among ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transducers 48 or ultrasonic waves (echoes) reflected at the site to be observed. has the function of attenuating The backing material is made of rigid material such as hard rubber, and an appropriate amount of ultrasonic attenuation material (ferrite, ceramics, etc.) is added.

The acoustic matching layer 76 is provided to achieve acoustic impedance matching between the patient's human body and the transducer to be driven. The acoustic matching layer 76 is positioned outside the ultrasonic transducer array 50 (that is, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48) and, more precisely, overlies the ultrasonic transducer array 50 as shown in FIG. ing. By providing the acoustic matching layer 76, it is possible to increase the transmittance of ultrasonic waves. As the material of the acoustic matching layer 76, various organic materials whose acoustic impedance value is closer to the acoustic impedance value of the patient's human body than the piezoelectric element of the ultrasonic transducer 48 can be used. Specific examples of materials for the acoustic matching layer 76 include epoxy resin, silicone rubber, polyimide, and polyethylene.

The acoustic lens 78 converges the ultrasonic waves emitted from the transducer to be driven toward the site to be observed, and is superimposed on the acoustic matching layer 76 as shown in FIG. The acoustic lens 78 is made of, for example, silicon-based resin (millable type silicon rubber (HTV rubber), liquid silicon rubber (RTV rubber), etc.), butadiene-based resin, polyurethane-based resin, or the like. Alternatively, powder such as silica is mixed.

The FPC 60 is electrically connected to electrodes provided on each ultrasonic transducer 48 . Each of the plurality of coaxial cables 56 is wired to the FPC 60 at one end thereof, as shown in FIG. When the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 via the ultrasonic connector 32a, each coaxial cable 56 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device at the other end (opposite to the FPC 60 side). 14 is electrically connected.

(Endoscope observation section)
The endoscopic observation section 38 is a section provided for acquiring an endoscopic image, and as shown in FIGS. placed on the edge. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the endoscope observation section 38 includes an observation window 82, an objective lens 84, an imaging device 86, an illumination window 88, a cleaning nozzle 90, a wiring cable 92, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the observation window 82 is attached to the distal end portion 40 of the insertion section 22 so as to be inclined with respect to the axial direction (longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section 22). The light incident through the observation window 82 and reflected by the site adjacent to the observation object forms an image on the imaging surface of the imaging element 86 by the objective lens 84 .

The imaging device 86 photoelectrically converts the reflected light of the observation target adjacent region that has passed through the observation window 82 and the objective lens 84 and is imaged on the imaging plane, and outputs an imaging signal. As the imaging device 86, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or the like can be used. A captured image signal output by the imaging element 86 is transmitted to the endoscope processor device 16 by the universal cord 26 via a wiring cable 92 extending from the insertion section 22 to the operation section 24 .

The illumination windows 88 are provided on both sides of the observation window 82 as shown in FIG. An output end of a light guide (not shown) is connected to the illumination window 88 . The light guide extends from the insertion portion 22 to the operation portion 24 and its incident end is connected to the light source device 18 connected via the universal cord 26 . Illumination light emitted by the light source device 18 travels through the light guide and is irradiated from the illumination window 88 toward the site adjacent to the observation target.

<<Configuration of Ultrasonic Processor Device>>
As shown in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic processor device 14 includes a multiplexer 140, a receiving circuit 142, a transmitting circuit 144, an A/D (Analog to Digital) converter 146, an image processing section 148, a system control section 152, a DSC (digital scan converter) 154 and a measurement control unit 158 .

The receiving circuit 142 and the transmitting circuit 144 are electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer array 50 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 via the multiplexer 140 . A multiplexer 140 selects one or more of the N ultrasound transducers 48 to open that channel.

The transmission circuit 144 is a circuit that supplies a drive voltage for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic transducers 48 selected by the multiplexer 140 in order to transmit ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 . The driving voltage is a pulsed voltage signal and is applied to the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducer 48 to be driven via the universal cord 26 and coaxial cable 56 .

The receiving circuit 142 is a circuit for receiving an electric signal, that is, an output signal output from the ultrasonic transducer 48 that has received ultrasonic waves (echoes). Further, the receiving circuit 142 amplifies the received signal received from the ultrasonic transducer 48 according to the control signal sent from the system control section 152 and transfers the amplified signal to the A/D converter 146 . The A/D converter 146 is connected to the receiving circuit 142 as shown in FIG. output to

The image processing unit 148 generates an ultrasound image based on the digital received signal output from the A/D converter 146 . The ultrasound image generated by the image processing unit 148 is stored in a cine memory (not shown) or transferred to the DSC 154 . When an ultrasonic image reading operation is performed by the operator console 100 , the image processing unit 148 reads the designated ultrasonic image from the cine memory and transfers it to the DSC 154 .

The DSC 154 converts (raster-converts) the ultrasound image signal (including the image read from the cine memory) generated by the image processing unit 148 into an image signal according to the scanning method of a normal television signal (raster conversion), and performs gradation processing on the image signal. The image is output to the monitor 20 after being subjected to various necessary image processing such as.

The system control unit 152 controls each unit of the ultrasound processor device 14, is connected to the receiving circuit 142, the transmitting circuit 144, the A/D converter 146, the image processing unit 148, and the measurement control unit 158, and controls them. do. The system control unit 152 is connected to the operator console 100, and controls each part of the ultrasound processor device 14 according to the inspection information and control parameters input from the operator console 100 during examination of the subject. As a result, an ultrasonic image corresponding to the ultrasonic image generation mode specified by the operator is acquired. In particular, in the live mode, ultrasonic images are obtained as needed at a constant frame rate and displayed on the monitor 20 via the DSC 154 .

The measurement control unit 158 measures the distance between the puncture target position specified via the pointing device included in the console 100 and a predetermined virtual position in the ultrasound image displayed on the monitor 20 in the live mode. and display the measurement result on the monitor 20 . The measurement control unit 158 also performs control to support specification of the puncture target position. The measurement control unit 158 constitutes a measurement device.

The image processing unit 148, the system control unit 152, and the measurement control unit 158 each include various processors that execute programs to perform processing, RAMs (Random Access Memory), and ROMs (Read Only Memory).

The various processors in this specification include CPUs (Central Processing Units), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), etc., which are general-purpose processors that execute programs and perform various processes, and processors whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture. Programmable Logic Device (PLD), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), which is a processor having a circuit configuration specially designed to execute specific processing, etc. . More specifically, the structure of these various processors is an electric circuit combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

The system control unit 152 may be configured with one of various processors, or a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a combination of a plurality of FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). may be

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the external configuration of the console 100. As shown in FIG. The operator console 100 includes a touch panel 101 integrated with a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and a touch pad 102 as a pointing device. A trackball, mouse, cross key, or the like may be provided instead of the touch pad 102 . A needle distance button 107 for instructing the start of the measurement mode is displayed on the touch panel 101 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the measurement control unit 158. As shown in FIG. The processor of the measurement control unit 158 functions as a measurement device including the display control unit 158A and the measurement unit 158B by executing the measurement program in the measurement mode.

The display control unit 158A superimposes information indicating the reachable range of the puncture needle on the ultrasonic image showing the inside of the living tissue displayed on the monitor 20 for display.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen example displayed on the monitor 20 in the measurement mode. A screen 20A shown in FIG. 7 includes an ultrasonic image G. As shown in FIG. The upper side of the ultrasonic image G in FIG. 7 is the side closer to the distal end portion 40 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 , and the lower side in FIG. The vertical direction in FIG. 7 is defined as the depth direction Z of the ultrasonic image G, and the direction orthogonal to the depth direction Z (horizontal direction in FIG. 7) is described as the direction X.

The display control unit 158A displays a straight line L1 indicating the movable path of the puncture needle when the puncture needle is inserted into the living tissue with the puncture needle leading-out angle being the minimum, and a line of the puncture needle. A straight line L2 indicating the movable path of the puncture needle when the puncture needle is inserted into the living tissue with the maximum lead-out angle is superimposed as information indicating the reachable range of the puncture needle.

A virtual position V1 corresponding to the center of the opening plane of the treatment instrument outlet 44 is shown outside the ultrasonic image G on the screen 20A shown in FIG. The virtual position V1 is a predetermined position that is uniquely determined by the configuration of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 . A straight line L1 and a straight line L2 are lines extending from the virtual position V1 as a starting point. The straight line L1 is composed of a sub-straight line L1a that overlaps the ultrasonic image G and a sub-straight line L1b that connects the sub-straight line L1a and the virtual position V1. The straight line L2 is composed of a sub-straight line L2a that overlaps the ultrasonic image G and a sub-straight line L2b that connects the sub-straight line L2a and the virtual position V1.

The puncture needle led out from the treatment instrument lead-out port 44 includes a needle portion that is pierced into the living tissue including the puncture target site, and a sheath that accommodates the needle portion. Of the straight line L1 shown in FIG. 7, the sub-straight line L1b indicates the movable path of the tip of the sheath of the puncture needle, and the sub-straight line L1a indicates that the needle is inserted into the living tissue from the tip of the sheath in contact with the living tissue. It shows the movable path of the tip of the part. Similarly, of the straight line L2 shown in FIG. 7, the sub-straight line L2b indicates the movable path of the tip of the sheath of the puncture needle, and the sub-straight line L2a extends from the tip of the sheath in contact with the living tissue to the inside of the living tissue. It shows the movable path of the tip of the stabbed needle.

The display control unit 158A causes the screen 20A to display at least the sub-straight line L1a of the straight lines L1 shown in FIG. 7, and causes the screen 20A to display at least the sub-straight line L2a of the straight lines L2 shown in FIG. By displaying the sub-straight line L1a and the sub-straight line L2a superimposed on the ultrasonic image G, the reachable range RR (the ultrasonic wave shown in FIG. The operator can be made to recognize the shaded pentagonal range sandwiched between the straight line L1a and the straight line L2a in the image G).

Therefore, the sub-straight line L1a and the sub-straight line L2a serve as information indicating the reachable range RR of the puncture needle in the ultrasound image G. FIG. The sub straight line L1a and the sub straight line L2a constitute a first straight line and a second straight line.

When the sub-straight line L1a and the sub-straight line L2a are displayed by the display control unit 158A, the measurement unit 158B displays a movable image (a pointing device included in the console 100) for designating the puncture target position (coordinates) in the ultrasound image G. A pointer P shown in FIG. 8 is displayed at a predetermined position in the reachable range RR of the puncture needle in the ultrasonic image G as an image that can be moved by the device. Furthermore, the measuring unit 158B causes the screen 20A to display a straight line M connecting the pointer P and the virtual position V1, as shown in FIG. Further, the measurement unit 158B measures the length of this straight line M (the distance between the treatment instrument outlet 44 and the position of the pointer P (puncture target position)), and the measurement result (“Distance 15. 50 mm") is displayed on the screen 20A.

Note that the measurement unit 158B may display the pointer P, the straight line M, and the measurement result shown in FIG. good. Alternatively, after the display control unit 158A displays the straight line L1 and the straight line L2 (the sub-straight line L1a and the sub-straight line L2a), the measuring unit 158B displays the pointer P, the straight line M and the measurement result may be displayed.

As shown in FIG. 9, the measurement unit 158B calculates the initial display position (predetermined position) of the pointer P by measuring the angle formed by the straight line L1 and the straight line L2 (in other words, the extension line of the sub-straight line L1a and the sub-straight line). It is preferable to set it at the intersection of the straight line L3 that bisects the angle formed by the extension line of L2a and the center line L4 in the direction X of the ultrasonic image G. The center line L4 can also be said to be a straight line extending in the direction Z of the ultrasonic image G and passing through the center of curvature of the curved surface on which the ultrasonic transducer array 50 is arranged.

Since this intersection point is located directly below the curved surface on which the ultrasonic transducer array 50 is arranged, there is a high possibility that the puncture target site exists. Further, since this intersection point is between the straight lines L1 and L2, whether the pointer P is moved to a position closer to the straight line L1 or to a position closer to the straight line L2, The moving distance of the pointer P can be reduced. Therefore, by setting this intersection as the initial position of the pointer P, it is possible to reduce the amount of movement when the operator moves the pointer P as described later.

After the pointer P is displayed as shown in FIG. 8, the measurement unit 158B receives an instruction to move the pointer P by operating the touch pad 102 of the operator console 100, and then adjusts the display position of the pointer P in accordance with the movement instruction. After the change, the display position of the pointer P after the change is accepted as the designated puncture target position. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the touch pad 102 is operated to change the position of the pointer P from the state shown in FIG.

Note that the measuring unit 158B limits the movable range of the pointer P (the range in which the pointer P can be moved by the touch pad 102) to the reachable range RR of the puncture needle described with reference to FIG. This makes it possible to specify the puncture target position only within the reachable range RR of the puncture needle.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the position of the pointer P is changed and the specification of the puncture target position is accepted, measurement unit 158B determines the difference between the specified puncture target position (display position of pointer P) and virtual position V1. The distance is measured, the measurement result (“Distance 17.50 mm” in the example of FIG. 10) is displayed on the screen 20A, and the straight line M connecting the pointer P and the virtual position V1 is displayed on the monitor 20. In the screen 20A shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the measurement unit 158B may measure the derivation angle of the puncture needle indicated by the straight line M and further display information on this angle.

<<Effect of Measurement Mode of Ultrasound Endoscope System 10>>
According to the ultrasonic endoscope system 10, when the operator designates a target puncture position (position of the pointer P) on the ultrasonic image G, the distance between the target puncture position and the treatment instrument outlet 44 is measured. and displayed on the monitor 20. The operator operates the puncture needle so as to match this distance with the lead-out distance of the puncture needle inserted into the treatment-instrument insertion port 30 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 from the treatment-instrument outlet 44, thereby performing the puncture. The tip of the needle portion of the needle can be made to reach the puncture target position accurately.

Further, according to the ultrasonic endoscope system 10, the operator can set the puncture target position with the sub-straight line L1a and the sub-straight line L2a shown in FIGS. can be specified. That is, the operator can specify the puncture target position while recognizing the reachable range RR of the puncture needle in the ultrasonic image G from the sub-straight line L1a and the sub-straight line L2a displayed on the monitor 20 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the target puncture position from being specified outside the reachable range RR. This makes it possible to support an accurate puncture technique.

Further, in the ultrasonic endoscope system 10, the movable range of the pointer P for designating the puncture target position is limited to the reachable range RR of the puncture needle. This can reliably prevent the puncture target position from being specified outside the reachable range RR.

In particular, in a configuration in which the pointer P is moved using a pointing device included in the operator console 100 arranged at a position spaced apart from the monitor 20, when the puncture target position is designated near the sub-straight line L1a or the sub-straight line L2a. In addition, the difficulty of the operation to prevent the pointer P from protruding outside the sub-straight line L1a and the sub-straight line L2a is increased. The difficulty is particularly high when using a trackball or touchpad.

However, according to the ultrasonic endoscope system 10, even in such a case, the pointer P can be stopped at the edge of the reachable range RR. Therefore, it is possible to easily move the pointer P to the intended position. For example, when it is desired to designate the puncture target position on the sub-straight line L1a or the sub-straight line L2a, the designation can be performed remarkably easily, and the examination efficiency can be improved.

The position of the pointer P shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 may be specified by operating a touch panel integrally formed with the display surface of the monitor 20, for example. Even with this configuration, the sub-straight line L1a and the sub-straight line L2a are displayed so that the operator can accurately recognize the reachable range RR. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the puncture target position from being specified outside the reachable range RR. In addition, even with this configuration, since the movable range of the pointer P is limited to the reachable range RR, it is possible to easily specify the puncture target position inside the reachable range RR. It can be said that the pointing device included in the operator console 100 described above is configured separately from the monitor 20 (in other words, configured non-integrally with the monitor 20).

<<First modified example of ultrasonic endoscope system>>
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the measurement unit 158B displays the straight line M connecting the virtual position V1 and the pointer P, and displays the length of the straight line M as the measurement result. The display method of the range to be measured by the measurement unit 158B and the measurement result is not limited to this, and the configurations shown in (A) to (C) below can also be adopted.

(A) As shown in FIG. 11, the measuring unit 158B sets the intersection position V2 between the straight line connecting the virtual position V1 and the pointer P and the upper end of the ultrasonic image G as a second virtual position. and the pointer P (the length of the needle portion of the puncture needle inserted into the living tissue) is measured. Then, the measurement unit 158B displays the measurement result and the straight line Ma connecting the intersection position V2 and the pointer P on the screen 20A. The intersection position V2 can be set at each coordinate of the portion between the straight line L1 and the straight line L2 in the upper edge of the ultrasonic image G, and one of these coordinates is selected according to the position of the pointer P. is set as the second virtual position. The settable range of the intersection position V2 is uniquely determined by the configuration of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 . Therefore, the intersection position V2 can be said to be a predetermined position.

(B) The measurement unit 158B displays a straight line M connecting the virtual position V1 and the pointer P, measures the distance between the virtual position V1 and the pointer P, and measures the distance between the intersection position V2 and the pointer P. , and the respective measurement results are separately displayed on the monitor 20 .

(C) In addition to the processing of (B), the measurement unit 158B further measures the distance between the virtual position V1 and the intersection position V2 (the length of the sheath derived from the treatment instrument outlet 44), and measures the distance. The results are displayed on the monitor 20.

<<Second Modification of Ultrasound Endoscope System>>
In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the lead-out angle of the puncture needle is variable, but puncturing may be performed with a puncture needle whose lead-out angle is fixed. In the second modified example, the operation of the measurement control section 158 in this case will be described.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a screen example displayed on the monitor 20 in the measurement mode. A screen 20A shown in FIG. 12 includes an ultrasonic image G. As shown in FIG. The display control unit 158A superimposes, on the ultrasonic image G, a straight line L5 indicating the movable path of the puncture needle when the puncture needle is drawn out from the treatment instrument outlet 44 as information indicating the reachable range of the puncture needle. Let

A straight line L5 is a line extending from the virtual position V1 as a starting point. The straight line L5 is composed of a sub-straight line L5a that overlaps the ultrasonic image G and a sub-straight line L5b that connects the sub-straight line L5a and the virtual position V1.

Of the straight line L5 shown in FIG. 12, the sub-straight line L5b indicates the movable path of the tip of the sheath of the puncture needle, and the sub-straight line L5a indicates that the needle pierces the inside of the living tissue from the tip of the sheath in contact with the living tissue. It shows the movable path of the tip of the part.

The display control unit 158A causes the screen 20A to display at least the sub-straight line L5a among the straight lines L5 shown in FIG. By displaying the sub-straight line L5a superimposed on the ultrasonic image G, it is possible for the operator to recognize the reachable range of the puncture needle inside the biological tissue shown by the ultrasonic image G. Therefore, the sub-straight line L5a serves as information indicating the reachable range of the puncture needle in the ultrasound image G. FIG.

When the straight line L5 or the sub-straight line L5a is displayed by the display control unit 158A, the measurement unit 158B moves the above-described pointer P for designating the puncture target position (coordinates) in the ultrasound image G as shown in FIG. , are displayed at predetermined positions on the sub-straight line L5a.

The measurement unit 158B preferably sets the initial position of the pointer P to the position of the intersection of the sub-straight line L5a and the center line L4, as shown in FIG. Since the position of this intersection point is directly below the curved surface on which the ultrasonic transducer array 50 is arranged, there is a high possibility that the puncture target site exists. Therefore, by setting this as the initial position, it is possible to reduce the amount of movement when the operator moves the pointer P. FIG.

When the pointer P shown in FIG. 13 is displayed, the measurement unit 158B measures the distance between the pointer P and the virtual position V1. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the measurement unit 158B displays the measurement result (“Distance 15.50 mm”) and a straight line L6 connecting the pointer P and the virtual position V1 on the screen 20A.

In the state shown in FIG. 14, the measuring unit 158B limits the movable range of the pointer P to the sub-straight line L5a. Then, when the position of the pointer P is changed by operating the pointing device included in the console 100, the pointer P is moved on the sub-straight line L5a along the sub-straight line L5a, and the position after the movement is set as the puncture target position. accept. Then, the distance between the puncture target position and the virtual position V1 is measured, and the measurement result is displayed on the screen 20A.

As described above, even when the extraction angle of the puncture needle is fixed, the puncture target position can be specified reliably and easily within the reachable range of the puncture needle.

<<Third Modification of Ultrasound Endoscope System>>
The virtual position V<b>1 described above and the reachable range of the puncture needle in the ultrasonic image G may also change depending on the model (type) of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 . Therefore, in the memory of the measurement control unit 158, for each type of ultrasonic endoscope 12, information indicating the reachable range of the puncture needle in the ultrasonic image G (coordinates of the sub-straight line L1a and the sub-straight line L2a, or A set of the coordinates of the straight line L5a) and the coordinates of the virtual position V1 is stored. Then, when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected, the measurement unit 158B determines the type of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and uses the set according to the determined type to perform the above-described Processing (display of a straight line indicating the reachable range of the puncture needle, measurement of the distance between the virtual position V1 and the pointer P, etc.) is performed.

According to this modification, even if the ultrasonic endoscope 12 of a different type is used, it is possible to appropriately support the puncture procedure.

<<Fourth Modification of Ultrasound Endoscope System>>
In this modified example, it is assumed that the ultrasonic image G displayed on the monitor 20 is an ultrasonic image generated in CF mode, for example.

The measurement unit 158B measures the overlapped portion of the ultrasound image G between the designated puncture target position (the position of the pointer P) and the straight line connecting the virtual position V1 (or the intersection position V2) (of the ultrasound image G shown in FIG. 8). 11 overlapping with the straight line M, overlapping with the straight line Ma in the ultrasonic image G shown in FIG. 11, or overlapping with the straight line L6 in the ultrasonic image G shown in FIG. , the blood flow rate in this overlapping portion is determined. If the measurement unit 158B determines that there is a region in which the blood flow rate is equal to or greater than the threshold value in the overlapping portion, the measurement unit 158B performs notification control to call attention.

The measurement unit 158B uses, for example, the monitor 20 or a speaker (not shown) to output a message such as "Please be careful as there are blood vessels on the movement path of the puncture needle", Call the operator's attention by changing the color of M to another color, etc.

According to this modification, when inserting the puncture needle toward the puncture target position specified by the operator, if there is a region with a large blood flow on the movement path of the puncture needle, attention is called. Therefore, safety in the puncture procedure can be enhanced.

In addition, each functional block of the measurement control unit 158 in the above embodiment and its modification may be provided in a processor included in the endoscope processor device 16, or may be provided in the ultrasonic endoscope system 10. A processor included in an external device such as a connectable external server may have the configuration.

In the above description, the ultrasonic endoscope system 10 including the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is taken as an example, but an ultrasonic image of the inside of the living body is obtained by bringing the ultrasonic probe constituting the ultrasonic observation unit into contact with the body surface. Execution of the measurement mode described in the present embodiment can also be applied in a processor device connected to an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for acquisition.

As described above, this specification discloses the following matters.

(1)
Information indicating the reachable range of the puncture needle provided at the tip is superimposed on the ultrasound image generated based on the output signal of the ultrasound observation unit including the probe at the tip and displayed on the display. a display control unit that causes
a measuring unit that measures a distance between a puncture target position specified in the reachable range in the ultrasonic image on which the information is superimposed and a predetermined virtual position, and outputs a measurement result. .

(2)
(1) The measuring device according to
The measurement unit causes the display unit to display a movable image for specifying an arbitrary position in the ultrasonic image, and the designated position is specified by operating the pointing device while the movable image is displayed. A measuring device that accepts the movement position of the movable image as the puncture target position, and limits the movable range of the movable image to the reachable range.

(3)
(2) The measuring device according to
The measuring device, wherein the pointing device is configured separately from the display unit.

(4)
(3) The measuring device according to
The measuring device, wherein the pointing device is a trackball or a touchpad.

(5)
The measuring device according to any one of (2) to (4),
The display control unit uses, as the information indicating the reachable range, a first straight line indicating a movable path of the puncture needle in a state in which the lead-out angle of the puncture needle is set to a minimum, and a line in which the lead-out angle of the puncture needle is set to a maximum. displaying a second straight line indicating the movable path of the puncture needle in the set state;
The measurement unit determines the initial position of the movable image so that the straight line that bisects the angle formed by the extension of the first straight line and the extension of the second straight line is perpendicular to the depth direction of the ultrasonic image. A measuring device set at the point of intersection with the centerline of a direction.

(6)
The measuring device according to any one of (1) to (5),
The measurement device, wherein the measurement unit determines the type of the ultrasonic observation unit and determines the information and the virtual position according to the type.

(7)
The measuring device according to any one of (1) to (6),
The measurement unit determines the blood flow in the overlapping portion based on the color component of the overlapping portion of the puncture target position and the straight line connecting the virtual position in the ultrasonic image, and determines the blood flow in the overlapping portion, and the blood flow is equal to or greater than a threshold. A measuring device that issues a warning when there is an area where

(8)
a measuring device according to any one of (1) to (7);
and an image processing unit that generates the ultrasonic image based on the output signal of the ultrasonic observation unit.

(9)
Information indicating the reachable range of the puncture needle provided at the tip is superimposed on the ultrasound image generated based on the output signal of the ultrasound observation unit including the probe at the tip and displayed on the display. a display control step that causes
a measuring step of measuring a distance between a puncture target position specified in the reachable range in the ultrasonic image on which the information is superimposed and a predetermined virtual position, and outputting the measurement result; .

(10)
Information indicating the reachable range of the puncture needle provided at the tip is superimposed on the ultrasound image generated based on the output signal of the ultrasound observation unit including the probe at the tip and displayed on the display. a display control step that causes
a measurement step of measuring a distance between a puncture target position specified in the reachable range in the ultrasonic image on which the information is superimposed and a predetermined virtual position, and outputting the measurement result to the computer; measurement program for

From the above description, it is possible to understand the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses according to the following additional items 1 to 7 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the additional item 8 below.
[Appendix 1]
with a processor
The above processor
Information indicating a reachable range of the puncture needle provided at the tip is superimposed on an ultrasound image generated based on an output signal of an ultrasound observation unit including a probe at the tip and displayed on a monitor. ,
A measuring device that measures a distance between a puncture target position specified in the reachable range in the ultrasonic image on which the information is superimposed and a predetermined virtual position, and outputs a measurement result.
[Appendix 2]
The measuring device according to appendix 1,
The processor causes the monitor to display a movable image for designating an arbitrary position in the ultrasonic image, and the movable image designated by operating a pointing device performed while the movable image is displayed. as the puncture target position, and limits the movable range of the movable image to the reachable range.
[Appendix 3]
The measuring device according to additional item 2,
The measuring device, wherein the pointing device is configured separately from the monitor.
[Appendix 4]
The measuring device according to additional item 3,
The measuring device, wherein the pointing device is a trackball or a touchpad.
[Appendix 5]
The measuring device according to any one of additional items 2 to 4,
The above processor
As the information indicating the reachable range, a first straight line indicating a movable path of the puncture needle when the lead-out angle of the puncture needle is set to the minimum, and the puncture needle when the lead-out angle of the puncture needle is set to the maximum Display a second straight line indicating the movable path of the needle,
The initial position of the movable image is defined by a straight line that bisects the angle formed by the extension of the first straight line and the extension of the second straight line, and the center line of the ultrasonic image in the direction perpendicular to the depth direction. A measuring device set at the intersection of .
[Appendix 6]
6. The measuring device according to any one of additional items 1 to 5,
The processor determines the type of the ultrasonic observation unit, and determines the information and the virtual position according to the type.
[Appendix 7]
7. The measuring device according to any one of additional items 1 to 6,
The processor determines the blood flow in the overlapping portion based on the color component of the overlapping portion of the puncture target position and the straight line connecting the virtual position in the ultrasound image, and determines that the blood flow is equal to or greater than a threshold. A measuring device that alerts you when there is an area that is
[Appendix 8]
Equipped with the measuring device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7,
The above processor
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates the ultrasonic image based on the output signal of the ultrasonic observation unit.

10 Ultrasonic Endoscope System 12 Ultrasonic Endoscope 14 Ultrasonic Processor Device 16 Endoscope Processor Device 18 Light Source Device 20 Monitor 20A Screen 21a Water Supply Tank 21b Suction Pump 21c Air Supply Pump 22 Insertion Portion 24 Operation Portion 26 Universal cord 28a Air supply/water supply button 28b Suction button 30 Treatment instrument insertion port 32a Ultrasound connector 32b Endoscope connector 32c Light source connector 36 Ultrasound observation section 37 Balloon 38 Endoscope observation section 40 Tip section 42 Bending section 43 Flexible part 46 Ultrasonic transducer unit 47 Water supply port 48 Ultrasonic transducer 50 Ultrasonic transducer array 54 Backing material layer 56 Coaxial cable 60 FPC
76 Acoustic matching layer 78 Acoustic lens 82 Observation window 84 Objective lens 86 Imaging element 88 Illumination window 90 Cleaning nozzle 92 Wiring cable 100 Operator console 101 Touch panel 102 Touch pad 107 Needle distance button 140 Multiplexer 142 Receiving circuit 144 Transmitting circuit 146 A/D converter 148 image processing unit 152 system control unit 154 DSC
158 Measurement control unit 158A Display control unit 158B Measurement unit R Movable range N1 One-dot chain line N2 Two-dot chain lines L1, L2, L3, L5, L6 Straight line L4 Center line L1a, L1b, L2a, L2b, L5a, L5b Sub-straight line V1 Virtual position V2 Intersection position RR Reachable range P Pointer G Ultrasonic images M, Ma Straight line

Claims (10)

Information indicating the reachable range of the puncture needle provided at the tip is superimposed on the ultrasonic image generated based on the output signal of the ultrasound observation unit including the probe at the tip and displayed on the display. a display control unit that causes
Corresponding to the puncture target position specified in the reachable range in the ultrasonic image on which the information is superimposed, and the center of the opening surface of the treatment instrument outlet provided at the tip, outside the ultrasonic image A measuring device, comprising: a measuring unit that measures a distance from a set virtual position and outputs a measurement result. The measuring device according to claim 1,
The measurement unit causes the display unit to display a movable image for specifying an arbitrary position in the ultrasonic image, and the designated position is specified by operating a pointing device while the movable image is displayed. A measuring device that accepts the movement position of the movable image as the puncture target position, and limits the movable range of the movable image to the reachable range. The measuring device according to claim 2,
The measuring device, wherein the pointing device is configured separately from the display unit. The measuring device according to claim 3,
The measuring device, wherein the pointing device is a trackball or a touchpad. Information indicating the reachable range of the puncture needle provided at the tip is superimposed on the ultrasonic image generated based on the output signal of the ultrasound observation unit including the probe at the tip and displayed on the display. a display control unit that causes
a measurement unit that measures the distance between a puncture target position specified in the reachable range in the ultrasonic image on which the information is superimposed and a predetermined virtual position, and outputs the measurement result;
The measurement unit causes the display unit to display a movable image for specifying an arbitrary position in the ultrasonic image, and the designated position is specified by operating a pointing device while the movable image is displayed. accepting the movement position of the movable image as the puncture target position, and limiting the movable range of the movable image to the reachable range;
The display control unit uses, as the information indicating the reachable range, a first straight line indicating a movable path of the puncture needle when the lead-out angle of the puncture needle is set to a minimum, and a line when the lead-out angle of the puncture needle is set to a maximum displaying a second straight line indicating the movable path of the puncture needle in the set state;
The measurement unit sets the initial position of the movable image perpendicular to a straight line that bisects an angle formed by an extension line of the first straight line and an extension line of the second straight line, and a deep direction of the ultrasonic image. A measuring device set at the point of intersection with the centerline of a direction. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The measurement unit determines the type of the ultrasonic observation unit, and determines the information and the virtual position according to the type. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The measuring unit determines the blood flow in the overlapping portion based on the color component of the overlapping portion of the puncture target position and the straight line connecting the virtual position in the ultrasonic image, and determines that the blood flow is equal to or greater than a threshold. A measuring device that issues a warning when there is an area where a measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
and an image processing unit that generates the ultrasonic image based on the output signal of the ultrasonic observation unit. Information indicating the reachable range of the puncture needle provided at the tip is superimposed on the ultrasonic image generated based on the output signal of the ultrasound observation unit including the probe at the tip and displayed on the display. a display control step that causes
Corresponding to the puncture target position specified in the reachable range in the ultrasonic image on which the information is superimposed, and the center of the opening surface of the treatment instrument outlet provided at the tip, outside the ultrasonic image a measuring step of measuring a distance from a set virtual position and outputting a measurement result. Information indicating the reachable range of the puncture needle provided at the tip is superimposed on the ultrasonic image generated based on the output signal of the ultrasound observation unit including the probe at the tip and displayed on the display. a display control step that causes
Corresponding to the puncture target position specified in the reachable range in the ultrasonic image on which the information is superimposed, and the center of the opening surface of the treatment instrument outlet provided at the tip, outside the ultrasonic image A measurement program for causing a computer to execute a measurement step of measuring a distance from a set virtual position and outputting the measurement result.

Images