JP7309595B2 - ultrasound probe and forceps - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to ultrasound probes and forceps.

Conventionally, there are ultrasonic probes that are used while being inserted into body cavities of living organisms. An operator inserts an ultrasonic probe through a trocar (cylinder) into a hole formed in the body cavity, and grips the ultrasonic probe with forceps inserted through another trocar from another hole formed in the body cavity. When the operator grasps the ultrasonic probe with the forceps, the operator engages the forceps with the engaging portion of the ultrasonic probe so that the forceps and the ultrasonic probe are not displaced. The operator adjusts the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe, for example, by operating forceps engaged with the ultrasonic probe.

For this reason, the operator needs to have the forceps grip the ultrasound probe in an appropriate state within the body cavity. However, the inside of the body cavity must be viewed through, for example, an endoscope camera, and visibility is low. Therefore, it is difficult for the operator to confirm that the forceps are holding the ultrasound probe in an appropriate state.

JP-A-6-189974

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic probe and forceps that can easily confirm that the ultrasonic probe is grasped by forceps in a body cavity.

An ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment is an ultrasonic probe that is used by being engaged with forceps inside a body cavity, and has a first engaging portion. A first area in the first engaging portion and a second area adjacent to the second area are set in the ultrasonic probe. A first discriminator is provided in the first region. The visual properties of the first discriminator are different from the visual properties of the second area.

1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic probe 10 and forceps 20 of the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a state in which the forceps 20 normally grip the ultrasonic probe 10; 4 is a plan view of a state in which the forceps 20 do not normally grip the ultrasonic probe 10; FIG. The perspective view of the ultrasonic probe 10 and forceps 20 of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a state in which the forceps 20 normally grip the ultrasonic probe 10; 4 is a plan view of a state in which the forceps 20 do not normally grip the ultrasonic probe 10; FIG. The figure which shows the other example of a discrimination|determination part. The figure which shows the other example of a discrimination|determination part.

Hereinafter, an ultrasonic probe and forceps according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the configurations having the same or similar functions. Duplicate descriptions of these configurations may be omitted. In the following description, positional relationships and the like will be described using an XYZ coordinate system as appropriate. The Z direction represents the vertical direction, the X direction represents one direction on the horizontal plane perpendicular to the Z direction, and the Y direction represents one direction on the horizontal plane perpendicular to the X direction. One side in the X direction is "front side", the other side is "back side", one side in the Y direction is "left side", the other side is "right side", one side in the Z direction is "upper side", the other side is "down side". Sometimes referred to as "side".

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic probe 10 and forceps 20 of the first embodiment. The ultrasound probe 10 and forceps 20 are used in surgery, especially laparoscopic surgery. The ultrasonic probe 10 is used by being engaged with the forceps 20 inside the body cavity. Laparoscopic surgery is performed, for example, by making a plurality of small holes around the surgical site in a body cavity and inserting surgical instruments and diagnostic instruments such as the ultrasonic probe 10 into the body cavity through a cylindrical member called a trocar. In laparoscopic surgery, for example, an operator performs surgery while changing the position and orientation of the probe head of the ultrasonic probe 10 inside the body. For this reason, the ultrasonic probe 10 is provided with a forceps grasping portion for grasping by the forceps.

The ultrasonic probe 10 includes a probe body 11 and a grasping portion 12 . The probe main body 11 includes a vibrator, an acoustic lens, and the like. The probe main body 11 is, for example, a columnar body having a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the X direction, and the shape of the rear side is tapered, with the width in the left-right direction narrowing toward the rear and the rear end tapering off. . A probe head is provided at the tip of the probe main body 11 .

All the corners of the cross section of the probe body 11 perpendicular to the X direction are chamfered. Therefore, the probe main body 11 has fewer angular portions. For example, a cable 13 extends from the tapered portion at the rear end of the ultrasonic probe 10 . The ultrasonic probe 10 oscillates ultrasonic waves from the front end surface of the probe body 11 toward the inside of the body cavity. The ultrasonic probe 10 examines the inside of a body cavity by receiving reflected waves of oscillated ultrasonic waves.

A grasping portion 12 that is a forceps grasping portion is provided on the upper surface of the probe main body 11 . The probe main body 11 and the grip portion 12 are integrally molded. The probe main body 11 and the grip portion 12 are made of, for example, a titanium alloy. The probe main body 11 and the grip portion 12 may be made of other materials, such as metals other than titanium alloys or light metals.

The grip portion 12 includes a pedestal portion 15 , a left engaging portion 16 and a right engaging portion 17 . The pedestal portion 15 is directly connected to the probe main body 11 and protrudes upward from the probe main body 11 . The plane cross-sectional shape of the base portion 15 is a substantially isosceles triangular shape in which the width in the left-right direction narrows toward the rear and the rear end portion tapers. The left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 are examples of the "first engaging portion".

A left engaging portion 16 and a right engaging portion 17 are formed so as to protrude in the horizontal direction from near the center in the X direction of the upper end portions of the left and right side surfaces of the pedestal portion 15 . The shapes of the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 formed on the left and right sides of the base portion 15 are linearly symmetrical to each other. The left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the X axis. The height (thickness) of the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 along the Z direction is lower than the height of the base portion 15 . Therefore, gaps are formed between the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 and the probe main body 11, respectively. The shape of the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 in a plan view is a substantially triangular shape in which the width in the left-right direction narrows toward the rear and the rear end portion tapers.

A left first discriminating portion 41 is formed on the upper surface of the left engaging portion 16 , and a right first discriminating portion 42 is formed on the upper surface of the right engaging portion 17 . The left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42 are, for example, titanium oxide films formed by oxidizing a titanium alloy. The visual property, eg, color, of the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42 is a different color from the portions other than the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42 of the ultrasonic probe 10 . For example, the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42 are light blue, while the portions other than the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42 are silver. The left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42 are colored by adjusting the thickness of the titanium oxide film, for example. A visual property is a property that appeals to the eye. The properties of the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42 may be the same or different.

The colors of the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42 may be colors other than light blue. The colors of the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42 may be the same color or different colors. The colors of the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42 may be a single color or multiple colors. The left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42 may be formed in the entirety of the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17, or may be formed in a part thereof. The upper surfaces of the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 are an example of the "first area".

A region sandwiched between the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 on the upper surface of the pedestal portion 15 is a region adjacent to the upper surfaces of the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17, and is a "second area." An example. The color of the area sandwiched between the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 on the upper surface of the base portion 15 is silver. Thus, the colors of the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42 are different from the colors of the upper surfaces of the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 adjacent to each other. The second region may be set in a region other than the region sandwiched between the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 on the upper surface of the base portion 15 . The second region may be set in the ultrasonic probe 10, or may be set in a forceps 20 other than the ultrasonic probe 10, for example.

When the second region is set other than the ultrasonic probe 10, the criterion for interpreting "adjacent to the first region" is a predetermined state, for example, a state in which the ultrasonic probe 10 is grasped by the forceps 20, or a state in which the forceps 20 do not grasp it. state (failed to grasp). The relationship “adjacent to the first region” may be physically adjacent or may be physically separated but adjacent when viewed from one direction. For example, a second region is formed in the probe body 11, and is physically separated from the first region (upper surfaces of the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17). It may be adjacent to the first area.

The forceps 20 includes a connecting portion 21 , a left gripping portion 22 and a right gripping portion 23 . The connecting portion 21 is a pin that connects the left grip portion 22 and the right grip portion 23 . The left grip portion 22 has a rear end fixed to the connecting portion 21 and a free end. The left grip portion 22 includes a spring that biases the tip toward the right grip portion 23 side.

The right grip portion 23 has one end fixed to the connecting portion 21 and a free end. The right grip portion 23 includes a spring that biases the tip toward the left grip portion 22 side. The left gripping part 22 and the right gripping part 23 are provided with springs for urging their respective distal ends toward each other, so that they are urged in a direction to sandwich an object, for example, the ultrasonic probe 10 .

A left engagement hole 24 and a right engagement hole 25 are formed in the left grip portion 22 and the right grip portion 23 . The shape of the left engaging hole 24 is an elongated hole that extends along the longitudinal direction of the left gripping portion 22 and has a shape into which the left engaging portion 16 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is fitted. The shape of the right engagement hole 25 is an elongated hole that extends along the longitudinal direction of the right grip portion 23 and has a shape into which the right engagement portion 17 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is fitted. The left grip portion 22 and the right grip portion 23 are examples of the "second engaging portion".

Therefore, when the forceps 20 hold the ultrasonic probe 10 in a normal state, the left engaging portion 16 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is fitted into the left engaging hole 24 of the forceps 20, and the right engaging portion of the forceps 20 is engaged. The right engaging portion 17 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is fitted into the hole 25 . Then, the base portion 15 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is gripped by the left gripping portion 22 and the right gripping portion 23 of the forceps 20 .

The width (thickness) of the left grip portion 22 in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is longer than the width of the tip portion of the left engaging portion 16 . Therefore, when the forceps 20 grip the ultrasonic probe 10 in a normal state, the left first discriminating portion 41 provided in the left engaging portion 16 is covered with the left gripping portion 22 . Similarly, when the forceps 20 grip the ultrasonic probe 10 in a normal state, the right first discriminating portion 42 provided in the right engaging portion 17 is covered with the right gripping portion 23 .

Next, the manner of use and action of the ultrasonic probe 10 and the forceps 20 of the first embodiment will be described. For example, when an operator uses the ultrasonic probe 10 and the forceps 20 during surgery, three holes are made in the body cavity and a trocar is inserted into each hole. Subsequently, the ultrasonic probe 10 is inserted into the body cavity through the trocar inserted in the first hole, and the forceps 20 are inserted into the body cavity through the trocar inserted in the second hole. Also, an endoscope camera is inserted into the body cavity through the trocar inserted in the third hole.

Subsequently, the operator starts the work of causing the forceps 20 to grip the ultrasound probe 10 . The operation of gripping the ultrasonic probe 10 with the forceps 20 is photographed by an endoscope camera. The operator manipulates the forceps 20 to grasp the ultrasonic probe 10 while viewing the image captured by the endoscope camera.

When gripping the ultrasonic probe 10 with the forceps 20 , the operator first brings the distal ends of the left gripping portion 22 and the right gripping portion 23 of the forceps 20 into contact with the rear end portion of the base portion 15 of the ultrasound probe 10 . Subsequently, the operator slides the forceps 20 in the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe 10 . When the operator slides the forceps 20, the space between the tips of the left gripping portion 22 and the right gripping portion 23 is pushed apart from the rear end portion of the base portion 15 by the reaction force of the biasing force of the spring.

The left gripping portion 22 remains in contact with the left side surface of the base portion 15 , and the forceps 20 moves forward relative to the ultrasonic probe 10 while the right gripping portion 23 is in contact with the right side surface of the base portion 15 . During this time, the left gripping portion 22 and the right gripping portion 23 are gradually pushed apart following the flat cross-sectional shape of the base portion 15 due to the reaction force of the biasing force of the spring. Further, when the left gripping portion 22 and the right gripping portion 23 reach the positions of the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17, respectively, the left gripping portion 22 and the right gripping portion 23 move toward the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion. The flat cross-sectional shape of the joining portion 17 is followed and gradually expanded. During this time, the left gripping portion 22 and the right gripping portion 23 are maintained in contact with the pedestal portion 15, the left engaging portion 16, and the right engaging portion 17 due to the biasing force of the springs.

Subsequently, the tip of the left gripping portion 22 reaches the left engaging portion 16 , and the left engaging hole 24 formed in the left gripping portion 22 passes through the tip surface of the left engaging portion 16 . When the left engaging hole 24 passes through the tip surface of the left engaging portion 16, the left gripping portion 22 is released from the reaction force of the left engaging portion 16 and moves toward the pedestal portion 15 due to the biasing force of the spring. The movement of the left gripping portion 22 causes the left gripping portion 22 to engage with the left engaging portion 16 .

Similarly, the tip of the right gripping portion 23 reaches the right engaging portion 17 , and the right engaging hole 25 formed in the right gripping portion 23 passes through the tip surface of the right engaging portion 17 . When the right engaging hole 25 passes through the tip surface of the left engaging portion 16, the right gripping portion 23 is released from the reaction force of the right engaging portion 17 and moves toward the base portion 15 due to the biasing force of the spring. The movement of the right gripping portion 23 engages the right gripping portion 23 with the right engaging portion 17 . The forceps 20 grip the ultrasonic probe 10 by engaging the left gripping portion 22 with the left engaging portion 16 and engaging the right gripping portion 23 with the right engaging portion 17 .

Here, a case where the forceps 20 normally grip the ultrasonic probe 10 and a case where it does not normally grip the ultrasonic probe 10 will be described. 2 is a plan view of the forceps 20 normally gripping the ultrasound probe 10, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the forceps 20 not normally gripping the ultrasound probe 10. FIG.

When the forceps 20 normally grip the ultrasonic probe 10, the left gripping portion 22 of the forceps 20 is positioned to cover the left first discriminating portion 41, and the right gripping portion 23 is positioned as shown in FIG. , is arranged at a position to cover the right first discriminating portion 42 . Therefore, the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42 cannot be seen by the operator who holds the ultrasonic probe 10 with the forceps 20 while viewing the image captured by the endoscope camera.

On the other hand, the forceps 20 does not grip the ultrasound probe 10 normally. For example, as shown in FIG. The right grip part 23 is arranged at a position where the right first discriminating part 42 cannot be covered. Therefore, the operator can see the colors of the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42 in the vicinity of the forceps 20 .

Therefore, when the operator cannot see the colors of the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42, the operator can determine that the grasping of the ultrasonic probe 10 by the forceps has been performed normally. On the other hand, when the operator can see the colors of the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 42, the operator can determine that the forceps 20 are not properly grasping the ultrasonic probe 10. FIG. Therefore, whether or not the ultrasound probe 10 is properly grasped by the forceps 20 can be determined by whether or not the colors of the left first determination portion 41 and the right first determination portion 42 are visible. Therefore, the operator can easily confirm that the ultrasonic probe 10 is held by the forceps 20 inside the body cavity. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of diagnosis using the ultrasonic probe 10, and contribute to shortening the operation time.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic probe 10 and forceps 20 of the first embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configurations of the grasping portion 12 of the ultrasonic probe 10 and the left grasping portion 22 and the right grasping portion 23 of the forceps 20 . Other points are the same as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the grip portion 12 of the ultrasonic probe 10 includes a base portion 51, an upper left engaging portion 52, a lower left engaging portion 53, an upper right engaging portion 54, a lower right engaging portion 55, Prepare. The pedestal portion 51 is configured similarly to the pedestal portion 15 of the first embodiment.

An upper left engaging portion 52 and a lower left engaging portion 53 are formed so as to protrude in the horizontal direction from near the center in the X direction of the upper end portions of the left and right side surfaces of the pedestal portion 15 . An upper right engaging portion 54 and a lower right engaging portion 55 are formed below the upper left engaging portion 52 and the lower left engaging portion 53 so as to protrude in the left-right direction.

The upper left engaging portion 52 and the upper right engaging portion 54 have shapes that are line-symmetrical to each other. The shapes of the lower left engaging portion 53 and the lower right engaging portion 55 are symmetrical to each other. The upper left engaging portion 52 and the upper right engaging portion 54 are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the X axis. The lower left engaging portion 53 and the lower right engaging portion 55 are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the X axis.

A gap is formed between the upper left engaging portion 52 and the lower left engaging portion 53 and between the upper right engaging portion 54 and the lower right engaging portion 55 . A gap is formed between the lower left engaging portion 53 and the upper surface of the pedestal portion 51 and between the lower right engaging portion 55 and the condition of the pedestal portion 51 . The shapes of the upper left engaging portion 52 and the upper right engaging portion 54 in plan view are both substantially rectangular. The shape of the lower left engaging portion 53 and the lower right engaging portion 55 in a plan view is a substantially triangular shape in which the width in the left-right direction narrows toward the rear and the rear end portion tapers.

In the forceps 20 of the second embodiment, a left third discriminating portion 43 is provided on the upper surface of the left gripping portion 22 and a right third discriminating portion 44 is provided on the upper surface of the right gripping portion 23 . The left third discriminating portion 43 and the right third discriminating portion 44 are, for example, titanium oxide films formed by oxidizing a titanium alloy. The visual characteristics of the left third discriminating portion 43 and the right third discriminating portion 44, for example, the color, are different from those of the left gripping portion 22 and the right gripping portion 23 of the forceps 20 other than the left third discriminating portion 43 and the right third discriminating portion 44. It is a different color than the part. The left third discriminating portion 43 and the right third discriminating portion 44 are colored by adjusting the film thickness of the titanium oxide film, for example.

A region in which the left third discriminating portion 43 and the right third discriminating portion 44 are provided on the upper surfaces of the left grip portion 22 and the right grip portion 23 is an example of the "third region". The area adjacent to the area provided with the left third discriminating section 43 on the upper surface of the left grip section 22 and the area adjacent to the area provided with the right third discriminating section 44 on the upper surface of the right grip section 23 are the "fourth This is an example of "area". Note that the relationship of "the fourth area adjacent to the third area" is the same as that of the "second area adjacent to the first area".

Next, when the forceps 20 grips the ultrasonic probe 10 in the second embodiment, the left gripping portion 22 of the forceps 20 engages the lower left engaging portion 53 of the ultrasound probe 10, and the right gripping portion 23 engages. It engages with the lower right engaging portion 55 . Therefore, when viewed from above, the left gripping portion 22 of the forceps 20 is arranged below the upper left engaging portion 52 of the ultrasonic probe 10, and part of the left gripping portion 22 is hidden by the upper left engaging portion 52. Become invisible. The right gripping portion 23 of the forceps 20 is arranged below the upper right engaging portion 54 of the ultrasonic probe 10, and a part of the right gripping portion 23 is hidden by the upper right engaging portion 54 and cannot be seen.

Here, a case where the forceps 20 normally grip the ultrasonic probe 10 and a case where it does not normally grip the ultrasonic probe 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a state in which the forceps 20 of the second embodiment normally grip the ultrasonic probe 10, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of a state in which the forceps 20 do not normally grip the ultrasonic probe 10. .

When the forceps 20 normally grip the ultrasonic probe 10, for example, as shown in FIG. It is arranged at a position that covers the third discriminating portion 43 . Also, the upper right engaging portion 54 of the grip portion 12 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is arranged at a position that covers the right third discriminating portion 44 formed on the left grip portion 22 of the forceps 20 . For this reason, the left third discriminating portion 43 and the right third discriminating portion 44 are invisible to the operator who grips the ultrasonic probe 10 with the forceps 20 while viewing the image captured by the endoscope camera.

On the other hand, the forceps 20 does not grip the ultrasonic probe 10 normally. For example, as shown in FIG. The upper right engaging portion 54 is arranged at a position where it cannot be hidden, and the right third discriminating portion 44 is arranged at a position where it cannot be hidden. Therefore, the operator can see the colors of the left third discriminating portion 43 and the right third discriminating portion 44 in the vicinity of the forceps 20 .

Therefore, when the operator cannot see the colors of the left third discriminating portion 43 and the right third discriminating portion 44, the operator can determine that the grasping of the ultrasonic probe 10 by the forceps 20 has been performed normally. On the other hand, if the operator can see the colors of the left third discriminating portion 43 and the right third discriminating portion 44, the operator can determine that the forceps 20 are not properly grasping the ultrasonic probe 10. FIG. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the ultrasound probe 10 has been properly grasped by the forceps 20 based on whether or not the colors of the left third discriminating portion 43 and the right third discriminating portion 44 are visible. Therefore, the operator can easily confirm that the ultrasonic probe 10 is held by the forceps 20 inside the body cavity. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of diagnosis using the ultrasonic probe 10, and contribute to shortening the operation time.

(Modified example of discriminating unit)
In the first embodiment, when the first discriminating portion is provided in the engaging portion of the ultrasonic probe 10, the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 41 are formed on the entire surfaces of the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 as viewed from above. 1 discriminator 42 is provided, but the discriminator may be provided in another mode. For example, the second discriminating portion may be provided in the second region adjacent to the first region without providing the discriminating portion in the first region, which is the upper surface region of the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 . The second discriminator may be provided only in the second region, or may be provided in a region including the second region and other regions. The second discriminating portion may be provided at a single location, or may be provided at a plurality of locations. When a plurality of second discriminators are provided, the visual properties of the respective second discriminators are all different from the visual properties of the first discriminator, but the visual properties of the second discriminators are different. may or may be common.

An example in which the second determination section is provided in the second area will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, a second discriminating portion 45 may be provided on the entire upper surface of the pedestal portion 15 including the second region sandwiched between the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 on the upper surface of the pedestal portion 15. good. In this example, the forceps 20 are arranged along the second determination portion 45 when the forceps 20 grip the ultrasonic probe 10 in a normal state. Therefore, the operator can recognize that the forceps 20 are not properly gripping the ultrasonic probe 10 when the forceps 20 are arranged at a position deviated from the second determination section 45, for example.

Further, in the second embodiment, a fourth discrimination section may be provided in addition to the third discrimination section, just as the second discrimination section is provided in addition to the first discrimination section in the first embodiment. The fourth discriminator may be provided only in the fourth region shown in the second embodiment, or may be provided in a region including other regions in the fourth region. The fourth discriminating portion may be provided at a single location or at a plurality of locations.

Also, the first area and the second area may be set at a single location, or may be set at a plurality of locations. For this reason, the first discriminating section and the second discriminating section may be provided singularly or plurally. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the first region on the upper surface of the left engaging portion 16 and the right engaging portion 17 is divided into a plurality of segment regions, and the left first discriminating portion 41 and the right first discriminating portion 41 are divided into the respective segment regions. A determination unit 42 may be provided.

Further, in the above-described first embodiment, only the first discrimination unit is provided as the discrimination unit, and in the second embodiment, only the third discrimination unit is provided. Both the second discrimination section may be provided, and in the second embodiment, both the third discrimination section and the fourth discrimination section may be provided. Further, in the first embodiment, the forceps 20 may be provided with a third discriminating section and a fourth discriminating section as in the second embodiment.

Although the visual property is color in each of the above embodiments, the visual property may be properties other than color. For example, the visual properties may be glossiness, properties represented by chromaticity such as color tone, or properties represented by shapes such as patterns. Also, the visual properties may be provided across different discrimination portions. For example, when a first discriminating portion and a third discriminating portion are provided, the specific property is formed when the provided first shape and the second shape provided in the second discriminating portion are normally combined. You may do so. Specific properties are, for example, specific patterns, colors, shapes, and the like. For example, when the specific property is a specific shape, when the forceps 20 normally grips the ultrasonic probe 10, the first shape and the second shape are normally combined, and the forceps 20 normally grips the ultrasonic probe 10. The first shape and the second shape should be prevented from being properly combined when not gripped.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, when the ultrasonic probe 10 is viewed from above (upper side in the Z direction), whether or not the identification portion is visible determines whether the forceps 20 have normally grasped the ultrasonic probe 10. However, the direction in which the ultrasonic probe 10 is viewed may be any direction other than the upward direction. For example, when the ultrasonic probe 10 is viewed from the side, it may be possible to determine whether or not the forceps 20 have normally grasped the ultrasonic probe 10 based on whether or not the identification portion is visible.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, when the ultrasonic probe 10 and the forceps 20 are normally engaged, the discrimination section (first discrimination section to fourth discrimination section) is covered and invisible, and the ultrasonic probe 10 and the forceps 20 are not properly engaged, the discrimination becomes visible. On the other hand, another mode may be used depending on whether the ultrasonic probe 10 and the forceps 20 are normally engaged with each other. For example, when the ultrasonic probe 10 and the forceps 20 are not properly engaged, the discriminating portion is covered and invisible, and when the ultrasonic probe 10 and the forceps 20 are normally engaged, the discriminating portion is visible. You may make it

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Ultrasonic probe, 11... Probe main body, 12... Gripping part, 15... Base part, 16... Left engaging part, 17... Right engaging part, 20... Forceps, 22... Left gripping part, 23... Right gripping part , 24... Left engaging hole 25... Right engaging hole 41... Left first discriminating portion 42... Right first discriminating portion 43... Left third discriminating portion 44... Right third discriminating portion 45... Third 2 discriminating portion 51 pedestal portion 52 upper left engaging portion 53 lower left engaging portion 54 upper right engaging portion 55 lower right engaging portion

Claims (16)

An ultrasonic probe used in engagement with forceps within a body cavity,
a first engaging portion having a shape that can be engaged with the forceps and engaging with the forceps;
a first region hidden when the forceps in the first engaging portion is engaged with the first engaging portion ;
a second region adjacent to the first region and exposed when the forceps are engaged with the first engaging portion ;
A first determination unit is provided in the first region,
The visual properties of the first discrimination unit are different from the visual properties of the second region,
ultrasound probe. A second determination unit is provided in the second region,
The visual properties of the first discrimination unit are different from the visual properties of the second discrimination unit,
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1. The second area is set at a plurality of locations,
The visual property of the first discrimination unit is different from any of the plurality of second regions,
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1. The first region and the second region are formed of a titanium alloy,
The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The first discriminating portion is a titanium oxide film,
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 4. wherein the visual property is at least one of color, gloss, and tone;
The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A gripping portion gripped by the forceps is provided,
The forceps is provided with a second engaging portion that has a shape capable of gripping the gripping portion and grips the gripping portion to engage with the ultrasonic probe ,
to the forceps;
a third region hidden when the second engaging portion of the second engaging portion grips the gripping portion ;
a fourth region adjacent to the third region and exposed when the second engaging portion grips the gripping portion ;
A third determination unit is provided in the third region,
The visual properties of the third discrimination unit are different from the fourth region,
The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 6. By engaging the forceps with the ultrasonic probe, a specific property is formed by the first discriminating unit and the third discriminating unit,
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 7. A forceps used by being engaged with an ultrasonic probe in a body cavity,
a second engaging portion that is formed in the ultrasonic probe and engages with the ultrasonic probe by grasping a grasping portion that is grasped by the forceps ;
a third region hidden when the second engaging portion of the second engaging portion grips the gripping portion ;
a fourth region adjacent to the third region and exposed when the second engaging portion grips the gripping portion ;
A third determination unit is provided in the third region,
The visual properties of the third discrimination unit are different from the visual properties of the fourth region,
forceps. A fourth determination unit is provided in the fourth region,
The visual properties of the third discrimination unit are different from the visual properties of the fourth discrimination unit,
Forceps according to claim 9. The fourth area is set at a plurality of locations,
The visual properties of the third discrimination unit are different from any of the plurality of fourth regions,
Forceps according to claim 9. The third region and the fourth region are formed of a titanium alloy,
Forceps according to any one of claims 9 to 11. The third discriminating portion is a titanium oxide film,
Forceps according to claim 9. wherein the visual property is at least one of color, gloss, and tone;
Forceps according to any one of claims 9-13. a first engaging portion having a shape that can be engaged with the forceps, and the ultrasonic probe is provided with a first engaging portion that engages with the forceps;
to the ultrasonic probe,
a first region hidden when the forceps in the first engaging portion is engaged with the first engaging portion ;
a second region adjacent to the first region and exposed when the forceps are engaged with the first engaging portion ;
A first determination unit is provided in the first region,
The visual properties of the first discrimination unit are different from the second region,
Forceps according to any one of claims 9 to 14. By engaging the ultrasonic probe with the forceps, a specific property is formed by the third discriminating unit and the first discriminating unit,
Forceps according to claim 15.

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