JP7443584B2 - Puncture guide adapter, ultrasound probe and ultrasound imaging equipment - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a puncture guide adapter, an ultrasound probe, and an ultrasound imaging apparatus.

In recent years, when testing a subject, a modality is sometimes used that collects internal information of the subject and images the inside of the subject based on the collected information to generate a medical image. This modality may include, for example, an ultrasound imaging apparatus. The ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus receives reflected signals of ultrasound waves transmitted toward a diagnosis target site, and generates an ultrasound image regarding the diagnosis target site.

While the user observes the obtained ultrasound image, a puncture procedure is performed on the diagnosis target site depicted in the ultrasound image. Through this puncture technique, a puncture needle is inserted toward the diagnostic target site of the subject to collect tissue from the diagnostic target site, and a drug is injected into the diagnostic target site, or a heating element is inserted into the diagnostic target site. treatment.

Puncture guide adapters have conventionally been used in such puncture techniques. By using this puncture guide adapter, the puncture needle can be held and its insertion angle can be maintained, so that the puncture needle can be safely and accurately inserted into the region to be diagnosed.

Specifically, when performing a puncture procedure, a puncture guide adapter is attached to an ultrasound probe. A puncture needle is inserted into the subject at a predetermined angle by a puncture guide adapter attached to the ultrasound probe. Further, by using the puncture guide adapter, it is possible to hold the puncture needle so that the insertion path of the puncture needle is located on the ultrasound image.

Here, as the puncture guide adapter, for example, there is one that is used by being attached to an ultrasound probe having a general shape. Alternatively, there is also a puncture guide adapter that is attached to a cutout part of an ultrasound probe that has a shape in which a part of the scan surface is cut out.

An ultrasound probe including such a notch has a large effective aperture in the slice direction of the scan plane. Therefore, since the puncture needle inserted into the subject through the puncture guide adapter passes through the center of the scan plane, it is easy to confirm on the generated ultrasound image. Furthermore, the point where the puncture needle is first inserted into the subject (insertion point) is also displayed on the ultrasound image.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-168679

Here, the operator of the ultrasound probe may, for example, perform an examination or puncture by applying the ultrasound probe provided with the above-mentioned notch between the ribs of the subject. In order to make an ultrasonic probe suitable for such cases, it must be made smaller and thinner, and this can be achieved by making it thinner in the slicing direction.

However, if an ultrasonic probe has a structure that becomes thinner in the slice direction, the notch has an effective part that can transmit and receive ultrasound and an ineffective part that does not transmit and receive ultrasound. Both will be constructed thinly.

On the other hand, in order to pass the puncture needle through the center of the scan plane, the thickness of the puncture guide adapter, that is, the size of the ineffective part, is required to a certain extent, so that the effective part becomes even thinner. If the effective part in the notch is configured to be thin in this way, the brightness of the ultrasound image generated based on the transmission and reception of ultrasound waves in the effective part decreases, making it difficult to see the image of the puncture needle. Similarly, the insertion point of the puncture needle becomes difficult to see.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to minimize the influence of the invalid part in an ultrasound probe equipped with a cutout part to prevent a decrease in brightness in an ultrasound image. The aim is to position the puncture needle in the center of the scan plane and ensure visibility of the puncture needle while maintaining uniformity of image quality.

The puncture guide adapter in the embodiment is a puncture guide adapter that is attached to the end of the scan surface of the probe, and includes an insertion port for inserting the puncture needle , an outlet for sending out the puncture needle, and a puncture guide adapter that is attached to the end of the scan surface of the probe. The device includes an inclined portion that is formed continuously, faces a surface parallel to the ultrasound transmission direction, and is inclined with respect to the normal direction of the surface from the insertion port toward the output port.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an ultrasound probe according to an embodiment with a puncture guide adapter attached. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the ultrasound probe shown in FIG. 1 with the puncture guide adapter removed. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the ultrasound probe shown in FIG. 1 and showing a region where the puncture guide adapter is attached. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the beam shape, focus, and puncture needle when ultrasound is transmitted from the scanning surface of the ultrasound probe. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the overall configuration of an ultrasound imaging diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasound probe in an embodiment.

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an ultrasound probe 1 according to an embodiment, with a puncture guide adapter 20 attached. 2 is a perspective view of the ultrasound probe 1 shown in FIG. 1 with the puncture guide adapter 20 removed. The ultrasound probe 1 includes a probe body 10 and a puncture guide adapter 20.

The probe body 10 includes a probe section 11 and a grip section 12. The probe section 11 includes an ultrasonic transducer. The probe unit 11 transmits ultrasonic waves from the scanning surface 13 to the subject and receives reflected waves. The grip portion 12 is a portion of the ultrasound probe 1 that is gripped by the operator. The grip part 12 is provided on the opposite side to the scanning surface 13 so as to form an L-shape with one end of the probe part 11 as a corner.

Further, a connection cable (not shown) is provided at the end of the grip portion 12 opposite to the corner of the L-shape. The connection cable is similarly connected to the main body of the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus (not shown). In addition to the case where the ultrasound probe 1 and the ultrasound imaging diagnostic apparatus main body are connected using a connecting cable, there is also a structure in which information is exchanged wirelessly between the ultrasound probe 1 and the ultrasound imaging diagnostic equipment main body. may be adopted.

Further, the probe body 10 has a notch 14 including a notch formed at the end of the scan surface 13. This notch 14 is formed at the end of the scan surface 13 on the opposite side from the grip 12 . In FIG. 1, a puncture guide adapter 20 is attached to this notch 14. On the other hand, in FIG. 2 , the puncture guide adapter 20 is not attached to the cutout 14 .

Here, the above-described notch 14 will be explained using FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially L-shaped notch is formed at the end of the scanning surface 13. That is, the effective aperture of the scan plane 13 in the slice direction is cut out in a part of the scan plane 13. Therefore, the cutout portion 14 is configured to have a smaller effective aperture than the other portions of the scan surface 13.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 2, the direction indicated by the double-headed arrow on the scan plane 13 is referred to as the slice direction. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2, the effective aperture of the notch 14 in the slicing direction of the scanning surface 13 is hereinafter appropriately referred to as "effective portion E." On the other hand, since ultrasonic waves are not transmitted or received in the portion of the scanning surface 13 that is cut out in the cutout portion 14, this portion will hereinafter be appropriately referred to as an “ineffective portion NE”.

The cutout portion 14 has two surfaces formed along the L-shaped cutout as cutout surfaces. For example, the notch 14 has a first surface 141 and a second surface 142. The first surface 141 is formed continuously on the scan surface 13. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the second surface 142 is configured such that its end portion is joined substantially perpendicularly to the end portion of the first surface 141. The puncture guide adapter 20 is placed in contact with the first surface 141 and the second surface 142 of the notch 14, respectively.

The first surface 141 is formed to be parallel to the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the scan surface 13. Furthermore, depending on the type of puncture guide adapter 20 attached to the notch 14, the first surface 141 of the notch 14 may be tilted toward the focal point of the ultrasound when the ultrasound is transmitted, as will be described later. It may be formed with an inclination so as to The relationship between the first surface 141 and the type of puncture guide adapter 20 will be described later.

Note that when the puncture guide adapter 20 is placed in the notch 14 and connected to the ultrasound probe 1, the puncture guide adapter 20 is placed in the notch 14 so that the puncture guide adapter 20 does not move on the first surface 141 of the notch 14, for example. Both the part 14 and the puncture guide adapter 20 may be provided with fitting parts. However, in FIG. 2, illustration of the fitting portion provided in the notch 14 is omitted.

Returning to FIG. 1, the puncture guide adapter 20 fits into the notch 14 of the probe body 10. That is, this adapter 20 is removably attached to the notch 14 of the probe body 10. Here, the puncture guide adapter 20 includes a base portion 21, a guide portion 22, and a fixing portion 23.

The base 21 serves to place the puncture guide adapter 20 in the notch 14 in contact with at least the first surface 141 when the puncture guide adapter 20 is attached to the notch 14 . The base portion 21 is arranged in the cutout portion 14 of the ultrasound probe 1 at a position facing the first surface 141 .

The guide section 22 is arranged at a position facing the base 21, and the puncture needle is passed between the guide section 22 and the base 21. That is, the guide section 22 plays a role of guiding the puncture needle inserted into the puncture guide adapter 20 so that the operator can maintain a desired insertion angle when sending the puncture needle toward the subject. .

Further, the guide section 22 includes an insertion section 221 into which a puncture needle is inserted, and a delivery section 222. A plurality of insertion sections 221 are provided for each insertion angle, and the operator of the ultrasound probe 1 and puncture guide adapter 20 can arbitrarily select the insertion angle for each puncture procedure.

On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention, the delivery section 222 is formed as one opening so that the puncture needle can be delivered from the puncture guide adapter 20 toward the subject no matter which angle is selected. . However, the insertion section 221 and the delivery section 222 may be formed for each insertion angle of the puncture needle.

Further, the distance from the boundary between the effective part E and the ineffective part NE in the notch 14 to the central axis of the puncture needle is less than or equal to the radius of the puncture needle N having the maximum diameter that can be accommodated in the puncture guide adapter 20. That is, when the puncture guide adapter 20 allows use with puncture needles N having various thicknesses, the distance (radius) from the boundary between the effective part E and the invalid part NE to the central axis of the puncture needle is the maximum. This is the puncture needle with the largest thickness. Therefore, a puncture needle that is thinner than a puncture needle with such a thickness has a smaller radius, so a puncture needle with a smaller radius than a puncture needle with such a thickness has an effective part E and an ineffective part NE. It is included within the maximum distance (radius) from the boundary of the puncture needle to the central axis of the puncture needle.

Therefore, the height of the opening of the delivery section 222 from the base 21 is determined by taking into account the maximum thickness of the puncture needles N used in the puncture guide adapter 20.

In FIG. 1, four broken lines are shown passing through the puncture guide adapter 20. These broken lines indicate the orientation when the puncture needle is inserted into the puncture guide adapter 20. That is, in the puncture guide adapter 20 shown in FIG. 1, the operator can select four puncture angles. Further, in the puncture guide adapter 20 shown in FIG. 1, as described above, the delivery portion 222 is formed at only one location. Therefore, even if the puncture needle is inserted into the puncture guide adapter 20 from any of the four insertion sections 221, the insertion angle is maintained, and the puncture needle exits from one delivery section 222 and is inserted into the subject.

The fixing part 23 has the role of connecting the base part 21 and the guide part 22 and fixing the puncture guide adapter 20 to the ultrasound probe 1. Note that regarding the configuration of the fixing part 23, any method may be used for fixing the puncture guide adapter 20 to the ultrasound probe 1 as long as it can be fixed to the ultrasound probe 1.

Furthermore, in the puncture guide adapter 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the base portion 21 is formed with an inclination so as to be inclined toward the focal point of the ultrasound waves. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the region of the ultrasound probe 1 shown in FIG. 1 where the puncture guide adapter 20 is attached.

As shown in FIG. 3, the puncture guide adapter 20 is placed on the first surface 141 of the notch 14. Furthermore, the second surface 142 of the notch 14 is visible at the back of the puncture guide adapter 20. The base 21 of the puncture guide adapter 20 is in contact with the first surface 141 . A guide portion 22 is disposed at a position facing the base 21, and a puncture needle N is shown inserted between the base 21 and the guide portion 22.

Further, in FIG. 3, the scanning surface 13 is provided on the right side. Therefore, the object (not shown) that the scanning surface 13 comes into contact with is located further to the right of the scanning surface 13. Therefore, the ultrasound waves are transmitted to the right and focused within the subject. Therefore, the puncture needle N is inserted from left to right.

Here, the base portion 21 of the puncture guide adapter 20 in the embodiment of the present invention is formed with an inclination so as to be inclined toward the focal point of the ultrasound waves. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the base portion 21 is formed to be inclined from the insertion portion 221 of the guide portion 22 toward the delivery portion 222. Therefore, the puncture needle N is inserted into the subject at an angle along the base 21 while the insertion angle is maintained by the guide part 22.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship among the beam shape, focal point T, and puncture needle N when ultrasound is transmitted from the scanning surface 13 of the ultrasound probe 1. In the explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 4, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from left to right. Therefore, on the left side of FIG. 4, an effective portion E and an ineffective portion NE on the scan plane 13 of the cutout portion 14 are shown. As shown in FIG. 1, the puncture guide adapter 20 is placed in the invalid portion NE.

Further, as described above, since the ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the left side to the right side in FIG. 4, the shape of the beam U is shown to be once focused and then spread out. Near the position where the beam U is focused, a focal point T is indicated by a dashed line. The puncture needle N is inserted toward this focal point T.

In FIG. 4, three lines, a thin solid line, a thick solid line, and a broken line, are shown tilted from the top left toward the bottom right from the bottom. These three lines represent the central axis of the puncture needle N. Therefore, these three lines each indicate puncture needles N having different diameters.

Note that although a thin solid line is shown near the boundary between the effective portion E and the invalid portion NE, it does not touch the boundary. This is because, as described above, all three lines shown in FIG. 4 indicate the central axis of the puncture needle N. The actual puncture needle N moves in contact with the boundary and is inserted into the subject.

Moreover, the puncture needle N moves between the guide part 22 along the base part 21 as mentioned above. Here, since the base portion 21 is formed with an inclination, the puncture needle N also moves from the upper left toward the lower right, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Since the base 21 has an inclination, moving the puncture needle N along the base 21 allows the puncture needle N to pass through the focal point T. At the same time, the focus T also passes through the center of the scan plane 13. Furthermore, since the insertion point of the puncture needle N is included in the effective aperture, the operator can also easily confirm the puncture needle N on the ultrasound image.

The base portion 21 is formed to be inclined toward the focal point T at an angle between, for example, 1.5 degrees and 2.5 degrees with respect to the first surface 141 of the notch portion 14, for example. has been done. Note that the angles indicating the inclination of the base portion 21 mentioned here are merely examples, and are not limited to these angles.

The puncture guide adapter 20 whose base portion 21 is inclined toward the ultrasound focus, and the ultrasound probe 1 equipped with the puncture guide adapter 20 have been described above. However, the inclination may not be formed on the base 21. For example, the base portion 21 is formed to be parallel to the first surface 141 of the cutout portion 14 of the ultrasound probe 1, while the guide portion 22 is inclined from the insertion portion 221 toward the delivery portion 222. Also good.

On the other hand, the first surface 141 of the notch 14 of the ultrasound probe itself may be inclined (hereinafter, such an ultrasound probe will be appropriately referred to as "ultrasonic probe 1A"). In this case, neither the base portion 21 nor the guide portion 22 of the puncture guide adapter 20 may have the above-mentioned inclination. Furthermore, the inclination of the first surface 141 and the base 21 may be set so that the first surface 141 of the ultrasound probe 1A and the puncture guide adapter 20 exhibit a predetermined inclination.

That is, since the first surface 141 of the notch 14 of the ultrasound probe 1A has an inclination, it is possible to pass the focal point T by moving the puncture needle N along the first surface 141. It becomes possible. At the same time, the focus T also passes through the center of the scan plane 13. Furthermore, since the insertion point of the puncture needle N is included in the effective aperture, the operator can also easily confirm the puncture needle N on the ultrasound image.

Further, the inclination of the first surface 141 is similar to the case where the base portion 21 of the puncture guide adapter 20 described above has an inclination. It is formed to be inclined toward T. Note that the angle indicating the inclination of the first surface 141 mentioned here is just an example, and is not limited to this angle.

Next, an ultrasound probe using the ultrasound probe 1 equipped with the puncture guide adapter 20 having the above-mentioned inclination, or the ultrasound probe 1A equipped with the puncture guide adapter 20 attached to the notch 14 having the tilt on the first surface 141. The sonic image diagnostic apparatus S will be explained.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the overall configuration of an ultrasound imaging diagnostic apparatus S including the ultrasound probe 1 or the ultrasound probe 1A in the embodiment. Note that the ultrasonic probe connected to the device main body 30 is the ultrasonic probe 1 with the puncture guide adapter 20 attached to the base 21 or the like having an inclination, or the ultrasonic probe 1 with the first surface 141 of the notch 14 at a predetermined inclination. Any of the ultrasonic probes 1A may be used, and since there is no difference in the internal configuration of the device main body 30, they will be collectively referred to as the device main body 30 below.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus S includes ultrasound probes 1 and 1A that transmit and receive ultrasound waves to and from a subject (transmission and reception waves), and a puncture guide that is attached to the ultrasound probes 1 and 1A. The device includes an adapter 20 and a device main body 30 to which the ultrasound probes 1 and 1A are detachably connected.

The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus S is an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus that can non-invasively examine the internal structure and blood flow state of a subject. The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus S transmits ultrasonic waves into the interior of a subject from ultrasonic probes 1 and 1A each having a vibrator (piezoelectric vibrator) at the tip. Then, the reflected waves generated by the acoustic impedance mismatch inside the subject are received by the transducers of the ultrasound probes 1 and 1A. An ultrasound image is generated based on the received signal thus obtained.

The device main body 30 includes a transmitting circuit 31, a receiving circuit 32, a signal processing circuit 33, an image processing circuit 34, a display 35, and an input circuit 36. The transmission circuit 31 transmits drive signals to the ultrasound probes 1 and 1A. The receiving circuit 32 receives reflected signals from the ultrasound probes 1 and 1A. The signal processing circuit 33 processes the reflected signal. Image processing circuit 34 generates ultrasound images. The display 35 displays the generated ultrasound image. The input circuit 36 receives a signal input by an input operation by an operator such as an examiner.

Further, the device main body 30 includes a communication control circuit 37 that controls transmission and reception of signals with other devices (not shown), a storage circuit 38, and a control circuit 39 that controls each part. Further, each of these circuits is connected to a bus B, so that various signals can be exchanged. Note that detailed functions of each of these circuits will be further explained below.

The transmission circuit 31 generates a drive signal for causing the ultrasound probes 1 and 1A to generate ultrasound, that is, an electric pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as "drive pulse") to be applied to each piezoelectric vibrator, under the control of the control circuit 39. is generated and the drive pulse is transmitted to the ultrasound probes 1 and 1A. The transmission circuit 31 includes various circuits (not shown) such as a reference pulse generation circuit, a delay control circuit, a drive pulse generation circuit, etc., and each circuit performs the above-mentioned functions.

Further, the receiving circuit 32 receives a reflected signal that is a received signal from the ultrasound probes 1 and 1A, performs phasing addition on the received signal, and transmits the signal obtained by the phasing addition to the signal processing circuit 32. Output to.

The signal processing circuit 33 generates various data using the received signals from the ultrasound probes 1 and 1A supplied from the receiving circuit 32, and outputs the data to the image processing circuit 34 and the control circuit 39. The signal processing circuit 33 includes, for example, a B mode processing circuit (or Bc mode processing circuit), a Doppler mode processing circuit, a color Doppler mode processing circuit, etc., all of which are not shown. The B-mode processing circuit visualizes the amplitude information of the received signal and generates data based on the B-mode signal. The Doppler mode processing circuit extracts the Doppler shift frequency component from the received signal and further performs FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing or the like to generate Doppler signal data of blood flow information. The color Doppler mode processing circuit visualizes blood flow information based on the received signal and generates data based on the color Doppler mode signal.

The image processing circuit 34 generates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound image regarding the scan area based on the data supplied from the signal processing circuit 33. For example, the image processing circuit 34 generates volume data regarding the scan area from the supplied data. From the generated volume data, two-dimensional ultrasound image data is generated by MPR processing (multi-planar reconstruction method) and three-dimensional ultrasound image data is generated by volume rendering processing. The image processing circuit 34 outputs the generated two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound image to the display 35. Note that the ultrasound images include, for example, a B mode image, a Doppler mode image, a color Doppler mode image, an M mode image, and the like.

The display 35 displays various images such as an ultrasound image generated by the image processing circuit 34 and an operation screen (for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various instructions from the user) under the control of the control circuit 39. As the display 35, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, or the like can be used.

The input circuit 36 receives various input operations by the user, such as image display, image switching, mode designation, and various settings, for example. As this input circuit 36, it is possible to use, for example, a GUI, or an input device such as a button, a keyboard, a trackball, or a touch panel displayed on the display 35.

In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the display 35 and the input circuit 36 are described as one component of the ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus S, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. do not have. For example, it is also possible to configure the display 35 not as a component of the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus S but as a separate body from the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus S. Moreover, it is also possible to use the input circuit as a touch panel using the separate display.

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

The storage circuit 38 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor or a magnetic disk, and stores programs, data, and other information to be executed by the control circuit 39.

The control circuit 39 centrally controls each part of the ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus S. The control circuit 39 causes the display 35 to display the ultrasound image generated by the image processing circuit 34.

Note that, for example, various functions executed by the control circuit 39 can also be realized by causing a processor to execute a program such as a medical image display program, which is stored in a predetermined memory, storage circuit 38, etc. It is. Here, the word "processor" in this specification refers to, for example, a dedicated or general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), an arithmetic circuit (circuitry), or an application specific integrated circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Circuit: ASIC), programmable logic device (For example, Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (Field Programmable Gate) Array: means a circuit such as FPGA).

The processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program stored, for example, in the memory circuit 38 or directly incorporated into the processor's circuit. The recording circuit that stores the program may be provided individually for each processor, or may store a program corresponding to the function performed by the signal processing circuit 33 in FIG. 5, for example. Furthermore, the configuration of the memory circuit 38 shown in FIG. 5 may be adopted. For example, a storage device such as a general RAM (Random Access Memory) such as a semiconductor or a magnetic disk or a HDD (Hard Disc Drive) is applied to the configuration of the storage circuit.

By using a puncture guide adapter and an ultrasound probe that adopt the configuration described above, it is possible to minimize the influence of the ineffective part of an ultrasound probe with a notch and prevent a decrease in brightness in the ultrasound image. The visibility of the puncture needle can be ensured by positioning the puncture needle at the center of the scan plane while maintaining uniformity of image quality.

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

Further, embodiments of the present disclosure may be as described in the appendix below.

(Additional note 1)
A base portion of the cutout portion of the ultrasound probe that is formed continuously on the scanning surface and is disposed at a position facing a surface configured parallel to the ultrasound transmission direction;
a guide portion that is disposed at a position facing the base and allows the puncture needle to pass between the guide portion and the base;
a fixing part that connects the base part and the guide part and fixes it to the ultrasound probe,
The puncture guide adapter, wherein the base portion is formed with an inclination toward the focal point of the ultrasonic wave.

(Additional note 2)
The puncture needle may be guided by the guide portion and pass through the focal point along the inclination of the base.

(Additional note 3)
The line through which the puncture needle passes may pass through the center of the scanning plane of the ultrasound probe at the focal point.

(Additional note 4)
The inclination may be 1.5 degrees to 2.5 degrees with respect to the surface.

(Appendix 5)
An ultrasonic transducer that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from the scanning surface,
a notch portion in which the effective aperture in the slicing direction of the scanning plane is cut out in a part of the scanning plane;
The puncture guide adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is attached to the notch and guides a puncture needle;
An ultrasonic probe characterized by comprising:

(Appendix 6)
An ultrasonic transducer that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from the scanning surface,
a notch portion in which the effective aperture in the slicing direction of the scanning plane is cut out in a part of the scanning plane;
a puncture guide adapter that guides a puncture needle attached to the notch,
The cutout portion may be formed with an inclination toward the focal point of the ultrasonic wave.

(Appendix 7)
The puncture needle may be guided by the puncture guide adapter and pass through the focal point along the inclination of the notch.

(Appendix 8)
A line passed by the puncture needle may be characterized in that it passes through the center of the scan plane at the focal point.

(Appendix 9)
The inclination may be 1.5 degrees to 2.5 degrees with respect to the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves.

(Appendix 10)
an effective part formed in the slice direction of the scan plane in the notch of the ultrasound probe;
A notch part of the ultrasound probe, comprising an ineffective part that is continuously formed in the slice direction from the effective part,
The insertion point of the puncture needle may be included in the effective aperture.

(Appendix 11)
an ultrasound probe to which a puncture guide adapter is attached;
an image processing circuit that generates an ultrasound image based on reflected signals from ultrasound waves transmitted to a diagnosis target region of a subject;
a control circuit that displays the ultrasound image on a display;
An ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus comprising:

(Appendix 12)
an ultrasonic probe,
an image processing circuit that generates an ultrasound image based on reflected signals from ultrasound waves transmitted to a diagnosis target region of a subject;
a control circuit that displays the ultrasound image on a display;
An ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus comprising:

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above description. It is therefore understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

1,1A Ultrasonic probe 10 Probe body 11 Probe section 12 Grip section 13 Scanning surface 14 Notch section 20 Puncture guide adapter 21 Base section 22 Guide section 221 Insertion section 222 Delivery section 30 Device main body N Puncture needle S Ultrasonic image diagnostic device

Claims (8)

A puncture guide adapter attached to the end of the scanning surface of the probe,
an insertion port for inserting a puncture needle ;
a delivery port for delivering the puncture needle;
A surface formed continuously on the scanning surface of the probe, facing a surface configured parallel to the ultrasound transmission direction, and inclined with respect to the normal direction of the surface from the insertion port toward the output port. an inclined part;
Puncture guide adapter. The insertion port and the delivery port are provided at positions shifted in the slice direction of the scan plane,
The puncture guide adapter according to claim 1. The inclined portion is provided such that the puncture needle sent out from the delivery port passes through a focal point of the ultrasonic wave.
The puncture guide adapter according to claim 1. The inclined portion is inclined within a range of 1.5 degrees to 2.5 degrees with respect to the normal direction of the surface .
The puncture guide adapter according to claim 1. the probe body;
a puncture guide adapter attached to the end of the scanning surface of the probe body,
The puncture guide adapter is
an insertion port for inserting a puncture needle ;
a delivery port for delivering the puncture needle;
A surface formed continuously on the scanning surface of the probe body, facing a surface configured parallel to the ultrasound transmission direction, and inclined with respect to the normal direction of the surface from the insertion port toward the output port. and a sloped portion;
Ultrasonic probe. The end of the scanning surface of the probe body has a notch formed in the slicing direction of the scanning surface,
The puncture guide adapter includes a base that is placed in the notch.
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 5. The end of the scanning surface of the probe body includes a notch formed in the slicing direction of the scanning surface and a non-cutting portion continuously formed in the scanning surface,
the non-cut portion is longer in the slice direction than the notch portion;
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 6. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 5;
an image processing circuit that generates an ultrasound image based on a reflected signal from the ultrasound transmitted from the ultrasound probe;
a control circuit that displays the ultrasound image on a display;
Ultrasound imaging equipment.

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