JPH04307042A - Ultrasonic endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable accurate diagnosis of a lesion part by facilitating correspondence of a surface image visible in an endoscope image to be obtained by an observation optical system and a C mode image of a deep part to be inspected to be observed with an ultrasonic probe on the same monitor. CONSTITUTION:An observation optical system 9 for obtaining an endoscope image and an ultrasonic probe 3 for obtaining an ultrasonic tomographic image are provided at the tip 26 of an endoscope. The observation optical system 9 and the ultrasonic probe 3 are arranged at the tip 26 of the endoscope so that a view range of the observation optical system 9 almost coincides with an ultrasonic tomographic range by an ultrasonic probe 3 while a position detector 10 is positioned so that the surface of a part 20 to be inspected is parallel with the end part 26 of the endoscope in positional relationship. The position detector 10 performs a positioning so that the surface of the part 20 to be inspected is parallel with the tip part 26 of the endoscope. This enables the obtaining of an endoscope image of the part to be inspectedin which the position detector 10 achieves a positioning so as to make the surface of the part 20 to be inspected parallel with the tip part 26 of the endoscope and the ultrasonic probe 3 provides an ultrasonic tomographic image of the part 20 to be inspected while the observation optical system 9 is withint the view range.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improved ultrasonic endoscope having an ultrasonic transducer at the distal end of its insertion section.

0002

[Prior Art] Conventionally, by inserting an elongated insertion section into a body cavity, organs within the body cavity can be observed, and when necessary, various therapeutic procedures can be performed using a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument channel. Endoscopes that can be used are widely used.

On the other hand, conventionally, an ultrasonic transducer is used to transmit ultrasonic pulses into a living body, and the echoes reflected by the living tissue are received again by the ultrasonic transducer and converted into electrical signals. ,
Ultrasonic diagnostic devices are used that process this to form and display tomographic images of living bodies. In order to efficiently obtain ultrasonic tomographic images inside body cavities, ultrasonic endoscopes have been developed that incorporate an ultrasonic probe into the tip of the endoscope insertion section. ,It is used.

[0004] Some of the conventional ultrasonic endoscopes are capable of depicting ultrasonic tomographic images, for example, transverse sections, longitudinal sections, or both (biplane). Images obtained using this ultrasound endoscope are configured to display endoscopic images and ultrasound tomographic images separately.

[0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] As mentioned above, when using a conventional ultrasound endoscope, the images obtained using the ultrasound endoscope are divided into endoscopic images and ultrasound tomographic images. In particular, there has been no system that displays C-mode images, which allow observation of the deep part of the examined region using ultrasonic waves, and endoscopic images in association with each other on the same monitor.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and is a method of associating the surface image seen with an endoscope and the C-mode image of the test area observed with an ultrasound probe on the same monitor. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope that makes it easy to perform diagnosis and accurately diagnose a lesion.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The ultrasound endoscope of the present invention has an insertion section that can be inserted into a body cavity of a subject, and includes an ultrasound probe and an endoscope for obtaining ultrasound tomographic images. An ultrasound endoscope is provided with an observation optical system for obtaining a mirror image at the distal end of the insertion section, the field of view range in which an endoscopic image can be obtained by the observation optical system, and an ultrasonic wave produced by the ultrasound probe. The observation optical system and the ultrasound probe are disposed at the distal end of the insertion section so that the ultrasound tomographic ranges from which tomographic images are obtained almost coincide, and the surface of the region to be examined of the subject and the interior of the subject are disposed. Means for positioning the distance and angle from the distal end of the endoscope insertion section is provided.

[0008]

[Operation] With this configuration, the positioning means positions the distance and angle between the surface of the examined part of the subject and the distal end of the endoscope insertion part, and the ultrasonic probe positions the ultrasonic tomographic range. While obtaining an ultrasonic tomographic image of the site to be examined,
An endoscopic image of the area to be examined within the visual field is obtained using the observation optical system.

[0009]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the tip of an ultrasound endoscope, and FIG. 2 is an explanation showing an imaging position for obtaining a C-mode ultrasound tomographic image. 3 are explanatory diagrams showing the display relationship between an endoscopic image and a C-mode ultrasonic tomographic image.

FIG. 1 shows a distal end portion 2 of an ultrasonic endoscope 1. As shown in FIG. This ultrasonic endoscope 1 includes an elongated and flexible insertion section (not shown) for insertion into a subject, an operation section disposed at the rear end of the insertion section, and a side section of the operation section. It is equipped with a universal cable (not shown) extending from the top to the bottom.

As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the distal end portion 2 has a plurality of ultrasonic probes 3 disposed on the distal end side so as to face the subject in order from the distal end side. Probe head 4, ultrasound emission surface of ultrasound probe 3, and test area 20
A plurality of (for example, four) shafts 5 that can be expanded and contracted in the axial direction by rotating, for example, so that the surfaces of the shafts are parallel to each other.
and an insertion tube main body 6 through which the shaft 5 is inserted. Note that FIG. 1(b) is a view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1(a).

The probe head 4 includes, in order from the tip side, an acoustic lens 7 that allows the ultrasonic waves emitted by the plurality of ultrasonic probes 3 to pass therethrough to increase directivity, and an acoustic lens 7 that increases directivity by passing the ultrasonic waves emitted by the plurality of ultrasonic probes 3. and a probe head main body 8 having the four shafts 5 connected to each other on the rear end side. As shown in FIG. 1(b), the acoustic lens 7 has an observation optical system 9 disposed at its center for observing the endoscopic image, while the acoustic lens 7 is arranged equally on a concentric circle slightly larger than the observation optical system 9. For example, in the illustrated example, four position detectors 10 are provided as positioning means. These four position detectors 10 detect the reflected light using, for example, light receiving and emitting elements to make the ultrasonic wave output surface of the ultrasound probe 3 parallel to the surface of the test site 20. It is used to detect the distance to the surface. The plurality of ultrasound probes 3 are located on the rear end side of the acoustic lens 17, and are densely arranged on the tip side of the probe head 4, as shown in FIG. 1(b). An ultrasonic tomographic range B, which is a range in which a C-mode image (described later) can be obtained by the ultrasonic probe 3, is arranged to coincide with a visual field F of the observation optical system 9.

Further, the ultrasonic probe 3 is connected to an ultrasonic processing device (not shown) via the universal cable, and this ultrasonic processing device sequentially processes the plurality of ultrasonic probes 3 electronically. When scanning, the corresponding ultrasound probe 3
are configured to sequentially emit ultrasound waves to the test site 20. The ultrasonic probe 3 receives the ultrasonic waves reflected by the test site 20, converts them into electrical reflected echo signals, and the ultrasonic processing device performs image processing. The ultrasonic processing device is configured to obtain a tomographic image in a direction perpendicular to the depth direction of the examined region 20, that is, a C-mode image, from the reflected echo signal outputted by the ultrasound probe 3. The depth of the part 20 is specified by specifying the return time of the reflected wave. Further, a monitor (not shown) receives a signal output from the ultrasonic processing device and displays a C-mode image.

[0014] On the other hand, the four position detectors 10 correspond to the four axes 5, and these position detectors 10 detect the distance to the surface of the test site 20 and send the detected distance signals. The input is input to a drive device (not shown), and this drive device drives each axis 5 as necessary so that the ultrasound emission surface of the ultrasound probe 3 and the surface of the test site 20 are parallel to each other. It is supposed to be done. That is, the position detector 10 is
It functions as a tilt sensor that corrects the tilt between the surface of the subject 20 and the ultrasound emission surface of the ultrasound probe 3. Note that the distance detection 10 may be arranged further toward the outer circumference than in the illustrated example.

Further, the observation optical system 9 has a solid-state image pickup device (not shown) disposed on its rear end side, and this solid-state image pickup device is connected to a video processor (not shown) via a signal line (not shown), so that the video The processor converts an electrical signal output from the solid-state image sensor into a standard video signal, and outputs the signal to the monitor via the ultrasonic processing device. This monitor is configured to switch and display a C-mode image output from the ultrasonic processing device and an endoscopic image output from the video processor by switching the ultrasonic processing device.

With this configuration, the four position detectors 10 detect the respective distances to the surface of the test site 20 and output them to the driving device. This drive device drives each axis 5 as necessary so that the distances outputted by the four position detectors 10 are approximately equal, and connects the ultrasound emission surface of the ultrasound probe 3 and the test site 2. is parallel to the surface of

In this state, as shown in FIG. 2, the monitor displays an endoscopic image via the observation optical system 9, solid-state image pickup device, video processor, and ultrasonic processing device. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probe 3 passes through deaerated water 22 to the test site 2 in order to improve the transmission efficiency of ultrasonic waves.
0 (for example, the stomach wall), the ultrasound processing device processes the reflected echo signal output by the ultrasound probe 3,
A C-mode image at a predetermined depth is obtained, and the monitor displays the C-mode image. Figure 2 shows the endoscopic image and the X in Figure 1(b).
When the ultrasound probe 3 is scanned in the Y direction and when the ultrasound probe 3 is scanned in the Y direction, ultrasound tomographic images in the depth direction (B mode) of the subject part 20 are shown; For example, 1 mm to 7 mm from the reference position for obtaining a C-mode image.
It is shown that a C-mode image can be obtained in each case. FIG. 3 shows a distance of 1 mm from the reference position in FIG.
This shows that C-mode images every 7 mm and an endoscopic image of the surface of the region to be examined 20 are sequentially switched and displayed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the test site 20 has a lesion 2 inside.
1. For example, assume that there is a tumor.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic processing device sequentially switches and displays the endoscopic image and each C mode image 1 mm to 6 mm from the reference position, and further displays each C mode image 6 mm to 1 mm from the reference position. Switch in order of mode images,
Display the endoscopic image again.

In this embodiment, using the distance signal detected by the position detector 10, the ultrasonic emission surface of the ultrasonic probe 3 and the
Ultrasonic tomographic images, that is, C-mode images, can be obtained with the surface of the test site 20 substantially parallel, and cross-sectional images at each depth that are always substantially parallel to the surface of the test site 20 are obtained. be able to. Therefore, in each C-mode image obtained, the points on each surface are at equal distances from the surface (reference position) of the test region 20, and the depth from the surface and the position of the obtained image are correlated. is easy. In addition, since the endoscopic image and the C-mode image at each depth are sequentially displayed on the same monitor, it is easy to determine the shape of the lesion 21 (tumor) and position it from the surface of the test site 20. This method is very effective for accurate diagnosis of part 21.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the distal end of an ultrasound endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasound endoscope 12 shown in FIG. 4 has a forward-viewing type ultrasound probe 3 and an observation optical system 9 in the first embodiment, whereas the ultrasound endoscope 12 has a side-viewing type ultrasound probe 3 and an observation optical system 9. A probe 3 and an observation optical system 9 are provided. Other configurations and operations similar to those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The tip 13 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 has the acoustic lens 7 protruding from its outer peripheral surface, and the ultrasonic probe 3 (not shown) and the position detection device are provided inside the acoustic lens 7. A container 10 is provided. Further, the objective optical system 9 is
It is disposed near the acoustic lens 7 and at a position oblique to the axial direction. Further, the ultrasonic probe 3 has an ultrasonic tomographic range B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, and a visual field F of the observation optical system 9 is arranged to intersect with the ultrasonic tomographic range B. . The objective optical system 9 has a solid-state image sensor 14 disposed at its rear end, and the solid-state image sensor 14 is connected to the ultrasonic processing device via a signal line 15.

[0022] In this embodiment, the test site on the side can be observed. The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and their explanation will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a first modification of the present invention. Tip portion 16 of the ultrasound endoscope shown in FIG.
is a plurality of ultrasonic probes 3 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.
In contrast, a plurality of ultrasound probes 17 are arranged in a line (in a row), and the ultrasound probes 17 are moved in a row by a moving mechanism (not shown). It is configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of ultrasound probes 17 arranged in a row. Then, the plurality of ultrasound probes 1
7 is sequentially electronically scanned, and upon completion of one scan, the position is mechanically moved and electronic scanning is repeated again, thereby making it possible to perform planar scanning. Further, the objective optical system 9 is disposed near the ultrasound probe 17 and at a position where the viewing range F of the observation optical system 9 and the ultrasound tomographic range B of the ultrasound probe 17 almost match. It becomes. The other configurations and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given and explanations are omitted.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the distal end of an ultrasonic endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasound endoscope of this embodiment has a forward-viewing ultrasound probe 3 in the first embodiment, whereas the ultrasound endoscope has a perspective-viewing ultrasound probe 3. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the lens 9 is disposed outside the ultrasound probe.

The ultrasonic endoscope 25 shown in FIG. 6 has an acoustic lens 27 on the distal end surface of its distal end 26, and a plurality of ultrasonic probes 28 are arranged on the rear end side of this acoustic lens 27. are doing. The plurality of ultrasound probes 28 are arranged in a band shape on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 26, with the central axis of the ultrasonic tomographic range D being oblique with respect to the axial direction of the insertion section. There is. In addition, the tip section 26 has a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) position detectors 29 disposed on the top of the tip surface, except for the ultrasonic probe 28 arranged in a strip shape. An objective optical system 9 is disposed at the bottom. Ultrasonic probe 28
The ultrasonic tomographic range D and the field of view E of the observation optical system 9 are designed to almost match.

The ultrasonic probe 28 and position detector 29 are
It has the same functions and effects as the ultrasonic probe 3 and position detector 10 of the first embodiment, and the other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first or second embodiment, so explanations will be omitted. do.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams of a second modification of the present invention. In the modification shown in FIG.
In place of the position detector 27 of the embodiment, a fixed needle 31 is provided that can be inserted through a forceps channel 30 normally included in an endoscope. This fixed needle 31 can pierce the test site 20 and maintain a constant distance from the distal end surface of the distal end portion 26. The fixed needle 31 can be positioned more effectively by marking the puncture position (or scale) on the distal end side. Further, by puncturing a plurality of fixed needles 31 using a plurality of forceps channels, a positional relationship parallel to the surface of the test site 20 can be maintained. On the other hand, in the modification shown in FIG. 8, a guide tube 33 having a suction cup 32 at its tip is inserted into the forceps channel 31 and fixed to the test site 20. Moreover, by providing a suction port in place of the suction cup 32 and sucking through a conduit passing through the guide tube 33,
It may be fixed to the test site 20.

The other configurations are not shown in the drawings, and the effects are also the same as those of the third embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

In the present invention, a position detector is provided as a positioning means, but some of the plurality of ultrasonic probes may be used as the position detector.

[0030]

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, the surface image seen with an endoscope image and the C-mode image of the deep part of the subject observed with an ultrasound probe can be correlated on the same monitor. This has the effect of making it easier to diagnose the lesion and making it possible to accurately diagnose the lesion.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the distal end of an ultrasound endoscope.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing imaging positions for obtaining a C-mode ultrasound tomographic image.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the display relationship between an endoscope and a C-mode ultrasound tomographic image.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a distal end portion of an ultrasound endoscope according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a first modified example.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a distal end portion of an ultrasound endoscope according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram according to a second modification.

FIG. 8 is another schematic configuration diagram according to a second modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

1...Ultrasound endoscope 3...Ultrasonic probe 5...Axis 7...Acoustic lens 9...Observation optical system 10...Position detector 20...Tested part

Claims (1)

[Claims] Claim 1: An insertion section that can be inserted into a body cavity of a subject, and an ultrasound probe for obtaining an ultrasound tomographic image and an observation optical system for obtaining an endoscopic image are attached to the distal end of the insertion section. In the provided ultrasound endoscope, a field of view range in which an endoscopic image can be obtained by the observation optical system and an ultrasound tomographic range in which an ultrasound tomographic image can be obtained by the ultrasound probe are almost the same, means for arranging the observation optical system and the ultrasound probe at the distal end of the insertion section, and for positioning the distance and angle between the surface of the test region of the subject and the distal end of the endoscope insertion section; An ultrasonic endoscope characterized by being provided with.