JPH0551296B2 - - Google Patents

Description

Claim 1: An acoustic coupler for use with an ultrasound probe, disposed between the ultrasound probe and a surface to be acoustically diagnosed, comprising at least: a hardness that is partially variable; A body made of an elastic, acoustically transparent gel material, the body further comprising at least: an upper side surface that is attached to an ultrasound probe provided in a portion of the gel material that has low hardness; an insertion means provided in the upper part of the main body that partially has high hardness and elasticity, where the insertion means utilizes high hardness and high elasticity to connect the main body and the probe; the coupling allows the probe to be moved with and removed from the body; a lower surface that is part of the gel material of low hardness and placed on the target surface; and the gel of low hardness. an acoustically transparent passageway between the upper surface and the lower surface using a.

2. An acoustic coupler according to claim 1, wherein the gel material of the acoustic coupler is a polyvinyl alcohol gel.

3. An acoustic coupler according to claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the body of the acoustic coupler is concave.

4. An acoustic coupler used with an ultrasound probe and placed between the object to be acoustically diagnosed and consisting of at least the following: an acoustically transparent coupler made of an acoustically transparent gel material; , a body comprising at least the following: an upper surface attached to the probe; a lower surface applied to the target surface; an acoustically transparent passageway provided between the upper surface and the lower surface; and made of a resilient material. a coupling means for coupling the main body and the probe;
The resiliency of the elastic material is used to keep the probe attached to the upper surface, allowing the probe to move with the body, and for removing the probe from the body; produced near the surface.

5. An acoustic coupler according to claim 4, wherein the gel material of the body of the acoustic coupler is selected from the group consisting of silicone gel, paraffin gel and polyvinyl alcohol gel.

6. An acoustic coupler according to claim 4, wherein the elastic material of the coupling means of the acoustic coupler is silicone rubber.

7. An acoustic coupler according to claim 4, wherein the lower surface of the acoustically transparent body of the acoustic coupler is concave.

8. An acoustic coupler according to claim 4, wherein the coupling means of the acoustic coupler has a structure in which its lower part is thinner than its upper part.

9. An acoustic coupler according to claim 1, further comprising at least a stopper attached to the probe, the stopper for increasing the friction between the probe and the attachment means when the probe is pushed into the insertion means. and can be removed from the probe.

10. The acoustic coupler according to claim 9, wherein the insertion means of the acoustic coupler is provided with at least a receiving mechanism for fixing the probe,
When the probe is pushed into the insertion means, it cooperates with the stopper means.

11. The acoustic coupler according to claim 1, further comprising at least a cover film covering the side surface of the main body to prevent water vapor from evaporating from the main body.

12 An acoustic coupler according to claim 11, which
The cover film of the acoustic coupler is made of a material selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, vinyl and polyethylene.

13. The acoustic coupler according to claim 4, further comprising at least a cover film covering the side surface of the main body to prevent water vapor from evaporating from the main body.

14 An acoustic coupler according to claim 13, which
The cover film of the acoustic coupler is made of a material selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, vinyl and polyethylene.

15. An acoustic coupler according to claim 1, wherein the insertion means of the acoustic coupler includes at least a mechanism for draining water in the insertion means from the body when the coupler is submerged in water and a probe is pushed into the insertion means. It is equipped with holes.

16 An acoustic coupler according to claim 15, which
The hole in the acoustic coupler is provided with at least a valve for allowing water within the insertion means to exit the body and for preventing water outside the body from entering the insertion means.

17. An acoustic coupler according to claim 4, wherein the coupling means of the acoustic coupler includes at least a mechanism for discharging water in the coupling means from the body when the coupler is submerged in water and a probe is pushed into the coupling means. It is equipped with holes.

18 An acoustic coupler according to claim 17, which
The aperture of the acoustic coupler is provided with at least a valve for allowing water within the coupling means to exit the body and for preventing water outside the body from entering the coupling means.

19. A container for holding an acoustic coupler, which is used with an ultrasound probe, having a body made of an acoustically transparent gel material, which opens and holds to receive the probe. having a retaining means that closes for
The container comprises at least the following: a box having an upwardly opening opening for mounting the probe with the holding means facing upward; opening means, the opening means opening until the probe presses against the body; keeping the retaining means open;
When the probe is inserted into the holding means and the main body is pressed, the holding means opens to support the probe.

20. A method of manufacturing an acoustic coupler comprising a cured gel portion and an acoustically transparent gel portion, comprising at least the following steps: (1) Mixing a first material for molding the cured gel portion. (2) a second material for forming the acoustically transparent gel portion; (2) a second material for forming the acoustically transparent gel portion; Mix. (3) gelling the first material and the second material; In the process of molding the material and the second material into a hardened part and an acoustically transparent part, respectively, the gelling results in them bonding, and the first and second materials are simultaneously frozen and thawed. By repeating this process, an acoustic coupler is formed.

21. A method according to claim 20, in which: the conventional material is polyvinyl alcohol; the first weight percentage is 20% or more; the second weight percentage is 10% or less; The freezing and thawing temperatures in 3) are -20℃, respectively.
and room temperature; and the number of repetitions of freezing and thawing in (3) is one or more.

22. A method of manufacturing an acoustic coupler comprising a cured gel portion and an acoustically transparent gel portion, comprising at least the following steps: (1) mixing a first material for molding the cured gel portion; (2) A second material is mixed to form the acoustically transparent gel portion. (3) gelling the first material and the second material, wherein the second material comprises a second weight percentage of the conventional material that is lower than the first weight percentage; In the process of molding the first material and the second material into a hardened portion and an acoustically transparent portion, respectively, the gel-like formation causes them to bond and simultaneously form the first and second materials. forming an acoustic coupler by repeated freezing and thawing; (4) heating the first material to create a heated first material; (5) heating the first material to form the acoustic coupler; (3) The heated first material is molded into the hardened gel portion and the molded second material.
(6) By freezing and thawing both materials once, the heated first material is gelled together with the gel-like second material. .

23. A method according to claim 20, in which: the conventional material is polyvinyl alcohol; the first weight percentage is 20% or more; the second weight percentage is 10% or less; The freezing and thawing temperatures in 3) are -20℃, respectively.
and room temperature; the temperature of the heated first material is 80°C or more; and the freezing and thawing temperatures in (6) are -10°C, respectively.
and room temperature.

24. A method of manufacturing an acoustic coupler comprising a cured gel portion and an acoustically transparent gel portion, comprising at least the following steps: (1) mixing the first material to form the cured gel portion; (2) a second material for forming the acoustically transparent gel portion; (3) gelling the first material, wherein the second material includes a second weight percentage of the conventional material that is lower than the first weight percentage; (4) heating the second material to form a heated second material; (5) molding the heated second material into a cured gel portion and the molded first material to form an acoustic coupler;
(6) by repeatedly freezing and thawing both materials one or more times, the heated second material is brought into contact with the gel-like first material prepared in step (6); Form into a gel together with the first material.

25. A method according to claim 24, in which: the conventional material is polyvinyl alcohol; the first weight percentage is 10% or more; the second weight percentage is 10% or less; The cooling and thawing temperatures in 3) are 0°C or below and room temperature, respectively; the temperature of the heated first material in (4) is 80°C or above; and the freezing and thawing temperatures in (6) are 0° C. or below and room temperature, respectively.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an ultrasound coupler provided between an ultrasound probe and a surface of an object to be diagnosed.

BACKGROUND ART An ultrasonic probe, such as an ultrasonic transducer, diagnoses an affected area by applying the probe to the surface of the human body. When the probe is applied to the body, the ultrasonic transducer transmits ultrasonic waves to the human body through an ultrasonic beam and receives echoes of the ultrasonic waves from the human body in order to investigate the human body.

As is well known, there are two types of ultrasound transducers. There are a single type with one ultrasonic transducer and an array type with a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in a linear or matrix type. Therefore, ultrasound probes vary in size and shape depending on the type of ultrasound transducer.

When the surface of the human body is soft enough to press the ultrasound probe strongly against it, and the affected area is deep enough from the surface of the body that the ultrasound echoes can be concentrated, the probe and A thin film of water, vegetable oil, glycerin, or liquid paraffin is placed in the gap between the probe and the human body surface to prevent multiple reflections of ultrasonic waves, and the probe is used in contact with the human body surface.

However, when the surface of the human body is not soft or flat, such as when diagnosing the thyroid gland or carotid artery using an ultrasound probe, it is difficult to apply the probe firmly to the skin of the throat without stopping. Furthermore, the thyroid
In cases where the affected area is near the surface of the human body, such as when diagnosing carotid artery or breast cancer, the depth of field of ultrasound echoes is shallow, making it difficult to accurately detect echoes from the affected area. In such cases, 1~10cm
A thick ultrasound coupler is used between the human body surface and the ultrasound probe. The thickness of the ultrasound coupler varies depending on the flatness of the body surface and/or the location of the affected area.

Ultrasonic coupler materials are required to have low acoustic attenuation and acoustic impedance equal to that of the human body surface. This type of material is referred to as an "acoustically transparent material" or simply a "transparent material." For example, water contained in a bag made of transparent elastic material such as silicone rubber has been used as the transparent material in an ultrasonic coupler. The reason for this is that water is easily obtained and is hygienic with no risk of contaminating the human body.

However, there was a problem that if the bag were torn, water would suddenly splash onto the body, but this problem has been solved by using a gelled material in the ultrasonic coupler. The gel is acoustically transparent, easy to apply on the body without creating any voids, and can be removed after use without leaving any gel fragments behind. Such a gelled product will be simply referred to as a "gel" hereinafter.

Many patents have been filed regarding gels and their application in ultrasound couplers. For example, Utsukai Showa 59-
No. 11708, published on January 25, 1984, Imai's utility model discloses the application of silicone rubber gel, water gel, oil gel, or mixed water and oil gel to ultrasonic couplers. Miyamoto's invention, published in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-49750, March 22, 1984, is based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel, which is a hydrous compound gel consisting of about 80% water, and has high elasticity and hardness. The present invention discloses a gel that has very low acoustic attenuation. In PVA gel, the elasticity and hardness are determined by the cooling temperature of the material and the frequency of cooling-warming cycles during the PVA gel manufacturing process. Miyamoto's invention, published in JP-A-59-82838, May 22, 1984, discloses details of PVA gel. For example, he describes the composition of gels, the relationship between water content and acoustic attenuation, and the relationship between water content and the hardness of PVA gels, and states that when PVA gels become moderately hard, they can be shaped as desired to fit an ultrasound probe. There is. Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-288842,
Furuta's invention, published December 19, 1986, discloses a probe applicator similar to an ultrasound coupler, consisting of a U-shaped case containing an ultrasound probe and water or some type of gel placed inside the case. JP-A-63
-36173, published on February 16, 1988, Machida's invention is a tapered water bottle that can be attached to an ultrasound probe, with one end large to fit the probe and the other end small to make contact with the human body surface. Alternatively, an ultrasonic coupler comprising a case containing a colloidal liquid is disclosed. Furthermore, JP-A-63-49146, 1988
Machida's invention, published on March 1, 2018, is a device that uses ultrasound to diagnose blood flow in blood vessels that run close to the surface of the body. Since the necessary parallel directions are required, a bag containing water or colloidal liquid inside the case has different shaped parts for attaching the ultrasonic probe to satisfy these two directions. An ultrasonic coupler is disclosed comprising a case enclosed in a case. Several of the above-mentioned patents describe ultrasound couplers each having a membrane for contacting a body surface and a case consisting of a gel or colloidal substance contained in the space created by the case and membrane. Disclosed. However, in this case, there is a problem that the ultrasonic waves (echoes) are attenuated by the membrane. Attenuation mainly occurs due to acoustic attenuation of the membrane due to multiple reflections due to different acoustic impedances between the human body and the membrane.

Typically, gels have low hardness and viscosity, making the material rigid enough to be mechanically gripped and supported by small supports. Therefore, gels are often used directly on the body surface, without a membrane between the body surface and the gel, and the ultrasound probe is placed on top of the gel. but,
It is inconvenient for the operator to always handle the gel with both hands in addition to handling the ultrasound probe, so even if it inevitably causes multiple reflections due to the membrane, it is difficult to use the membrane. It has been used in a carrying case.

However, among the above-mentioned patents, Miyamoto's invention
Nos. 59-49750 and 59-82838 each disclose an ultrasound coupler made of PVA gel. Especially 59−
No. 82838 discloses the concept that by making PVA gel appropriately hard, it can be easily attached to an ultrasound probe. 59-82838 proposes to use PVA gel as an ultrasound coupler directly attached to an ultrasound probe without using a case and membrane. However, this is only a suggestion and does not disclose anything about the completed construction of the ultrasonic fogger using cured PVA gel.

Acoustically transparent gel materials, whether regular gel or PVA gel, are generally difficult to use in ultrasonic couplers without the use of a case and membrane. This is because, as mentioned above, gel materials have low hardness and low viscosity. How to overcome this difficulty has been a traditional problem.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object (first object) of the present invention to provide an ultrasound coupler containing a gel material that allows easy attachment of an ultrasound probe and for direct contact with the human body.

Another object (second object) of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic coupler containing a gel material, which allows an ultrasonic probe to be easily attached and which makes direct contact with the human body.

A third purpose is to provide an ultrasonic coupler that allows an ultrasonic probe to be easily attached, contains a gel material for direct contact with the human body, and allows the ultrasonic probe to be easily directed toward the human body. It is to be.

The fourth purpose is to store an ultrasonic coupler containing a gel material so that the ultrasonic probe can be easily attached and to allow direct contact with the human body, so that the ultrasonic probe can be attached with a single touch whenever needed. The purpose is to provide containers for

The first purpose is to attach an acoustically transparent gel material such as silicone gel or paraffin gel, a general gel material such as silicone rubber, and an ultrasound probe to the ultrasound coupler, hereinafter simply referred to as "general gel material". This is achieved by applying a coupler made of elastic material. One end of the coupler is embedded in a common gel material, and the other end is free to open to accept the probe. When the probe is pushed into the open coupler, the coupler uses its elasticity to firmly grip one end of the probe. The upper side of the general gel material is in contact with the end of the probe, and the lower side is made to be in direct contact with the human body.

Furthermore, the first objective can also be achieved by applying another gel material, such as PVA gel, to the ultrasound coupler. In this case a coupler is not required. Instead, to capture the end of the ultrasound probe
It is made by curing a portion of PVA gel, and requires an insertion mechanism that utilizes the elasticity of the hardened portion. The top side of the PVA gel is attached to the end of the probe, and the bottom side is made to be in direct contact with the human body.

The second object of manufacturing an ultrasonic coupler made of common gel material is accomplished by creating one side of the coupler with a mechanism mechanically and firmly coupled to the common gel material.

The second objective is to produce an ultrasonic coupler made of PVA gel material by partially increasing the polymerization temperature and/or saponification temperature of the PVA gel, and/or
Alternatively, this can be achieved by locally concentrating repeated freezing steps to increase the hardness of the PVA gel near the inlet.

The third purpose is to obtain a relatively large amount of general gel material or
This is achieved by using a PVA gel material and a coupler made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber or the like. The upper surface of the general gel material or PVA gel material is attached to the end of the ultrasound probe, the coupler is placed near the upper surface, and its lower surface forms a glove-like back surface that is in direct contact with the human body.

A fourth object is achieved by providing a container that allows the ultrasonic coupler to be contained in a liquid, such as water, so that it does not dry out. The tip of the probe into which the coupler is inserted can be easily received at the mouth of the container into which water is poured, the coupler is placed, and the tip of the probe is inserted. A mechanism will be established. In addition, when a probe is inserted and its tip is applied to a coupler in a container, the coupler holds the tip and the probe and the coupler can be taken out of the container without touching the coupler. at the mouth of the same container.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figure 1a is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the principle of an ultrasound probe that is applied directly to the human body surface for acoustic diagnosis; Figure 1b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ultrasound probe that is applied directly to the human body surface through an ultrasonic coupler. FIG. 2a is a schematic sectional view illustrating a conventional ultrasonic coupler equipped with an ultrasonic probe; FIG. 2b is a schematic sectional view illustrating a conventional ultrasonic coupler shown in FIG. Figure 3a is a schematic perspective view of an example case; Figure 3a is a schematic diagram illustrating a block of acoustically transparent gel-like material placed between the ultrasound probe and the human body surface; Figure 3b 3a is a schematic perspective view of the block of FIG. 3a; FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ultrasound coupler according to an embodiment of the invention made of acoustically transparent PVA gel material equipped with an ultrasound probe; FIG. FIG. 5 shows an ultrasound coupler according to an embodiment of the invention made of an acoustically transparent general gel material or PVA gel material with a coupler and equipped with an ultrasound probe having a linear array transducer; Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic coupler using PVA gel, with an ultrasonic probe attached using a ring attached to the probe; Fig. 7 a and b are FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ultrasound coupler made of PVA gel attached to an ultrasound probe using an attached headband-type retainer; FIG. FIG. 9a is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an ultrasonic coupler made of gel material with an ultrasonic probe attached using a case; FIG. 9b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lower surface of FIG. 9a. FIGS. 10a to 10e are enlarged views of related symbol A; FIGS. 10a to 10e are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the steps of a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic coupler made of PVA gel; FIGS. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of another method for manufacturing a coupler; FIGS. Figures a to F are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing an ultrasonic coupler consisting of a body made of PVA gel and a coupler embedded in the body; FIG. 14b is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the coupler and the ultrasonic probe housed in a container together with water; FIG. FIG. 15b is a schematic sectional view illustrating another ultrasonic coupler; FIG. 15b is a schematic sectional view illustrating another ultrasonic coupler and an ultrasonic probe housed in a container with water; FIGS. 16a to d 17 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the mechanism of a means for opening a container for storing an ultrasonic coupler; FIG. 17 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a cover attached to the ultrasonic coupler; and FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another cover attached to another ultrasonic coupler.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Before disclosing the best mode for carrying out the invention, the reason for using an ultrasound probe in combination with an ultrasound coupler will be explained using FIGS. Examples of ultrasonic couplers and combinations of ultrasonic couplers will be explained using FIGS. 2a and 2b, respectively.

FIG. 1a illustrates an ultrasonic probe that is applied directly to the body surface 101 of a human body 100 and is used to diagnose blood vessels 102 running near the body surface 101. In reality, a transparent thin film is applied to the body surface 101, so it does not look like the one depicted in FIG. 1a. When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 1 with a field of view 1-1 as shown in FIG. However, since the observation location is shallow, it is difficult to sufficiently focus the ultrasound echoes from the blood vessel 102. These problems can be solved by inserting an ultrasound coupler 2 between the probe 1 and the body surface 101, as shown in FIG. 1b. By inserting the ultrasonic coupler 2, blood vessels can be observed over a wide range as shown by the hatched area 102 in FIG. 1b, and the ultrasonic echoes are sufficiently focused.

In the prior art, the ultrasonic coupler 2 consists of a case 21, a transparent membrane 23, 23' and a transparent material 22 injected into the place created by the case 21 and the membrane 23, 23'. Water is used as the transparent material 22. but,
Recently, transparent gel materials have begun to be used. Ultrasonic waves and ultrasound echoes are attenuated by the membranes 23, 23', and each time the ultrasound coupler is replaced,
For example, there is an inconvenience in that the case 21 must be fixed using a screw or the like to attach the ultrasonic coupler 2 to the ultrasonic probe 1, which is troublesome. Therefore, in order to attach the ultrasonic coupler 2 to the end of the ultrasonic probe 1, as shown in FIG.
As shown in the schematic diagram of case 21, case 21
An insertion mechanism 25 is provided. Since the transparent gel material has a certain degree of hardness and viscosity, the gel material can be formed into a block, as shown by the related number 200 in Figure 3b, and the body surface 1 as shown in Figure 3a.
It is used as an ultrasonic coupler that can be placed freely on top of 01. While such a block may be convenient in some cases, it is often inconvenient because it requires the use of both hands to move the block independently of the ultrasound probe.

These problems in the prior art are solved by integrating the gel material and the ultrasound probe without using a case and membrane. This is achieved by the invention disclosed in the following examples.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the acoustically transparent gel material includes two types: one containing a material whose hardness can be partially changed, and the other containing a material whose elasticity can be easily changed partially. separated into As mentioned above, the former is a known material such as silicon gel or paraffin gel, which are called general gel materials. And the latter is PVA, hereafter referred to as PVA gel.
It is a gel-like substance. The properties of the PVA gel used in the present invention are as follows.

(PVA gel with high hardness) Degree of polymerization: 1700 Degree of saponification: 99.5mol% Concentration of PVA: 20wt% Hardness (elastic module): 2×10 ³ N/m (PVA gel with low hardness) Degree of polymerization: 1700 Degree of saponification: 99.5mol% Concentration of PVA: 10wt% Hardness (elastic module): 4×10 ² N/m Acoustic impedance: 1.58×10 ⁶ (Kg/m)s Acoustic attenuation rate: 0.07dB/cm/MHz Figure 4 shows super 1 is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic coupler made only of PVA gel and equipped with a sonic probe 1. FIG. In the figures, the same numbers as in FIG. 2 indicate similar devices. The coupler 3 is shown divided into two parts 31 and 32, and the materials composing the parts 31 and 32 are the same and differ only in hardness. That is, the hardness of 32 is greater than 31, but the acoustic transparency of 31 is greater than 32. 32 is hard, so
The coupler 3 is firmly attached to the probe 1 by using the elasticity of the probe 32. Probe 1 is cured
Insertion mechanism (round hole) made of PVA gel (section 32)
32' can be slid into place. When probe 1 is used with coupler 3, the lower surface 31' of coupler 3 is in direct contact with the body surface, and the upper surface 31 is in direct contact with probe 1.
It is attached to the end of the ultrasonic wave and ultrasonic echo.
pass through the part. FIG. 5 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an acoustic coupler 4' equipped with an ultrasound probe 1' having an array type transducer (not shown). In this case, since the acoustic coupler 4 is large and heavy, the ultrasonic probe 1' is also relatively large.
Therefore, a coupler made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber is required, and as shown in FIG.
1' is used. As the gel material 41', a partially uncured general gel material or a PVA gel material is used. The coupler 42 has an upper surface and an insertion mechanism 42' (square hole) at the end (into which the probe 1' is pushed until it touches the upper surface 41'' of the gel material 41).
It is shaped like a standing collar. The upright collar of the coupler 42 firmly catches the end of the probe 1' mainly due to the elasticity of the coupler and the elasticity of the gel material.
A gel material 41 is embedded in the lower surface of the coupler 42 . A plurality of holes are provided on the lower surface to increase the bonding force between the coupler 42 and the gel material 41. Acoustic couplers for typical array ultrasound probes typically have holes 2 mm in diameter and 4 mm apart. The lower surface 41' of the gel material 41 directly contacts the body surface.

FIG. 6 is almost the same as FIG. 4. In the figure, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 4 indicate the same parts as in FIG. The difference between FIG. 6 and FIG. 4 is that in FIG. 6 a ring 11 is attached to the end of the probe 1, and a round groove is made in the insertion mechanism 32' to accommodate the protruding ring 11. The reason for attaching the ring 11 is that the coupler 3 is large and heavy. That is, when the friction between the probe 1 and the coupler 3 increases, the probe 1 is lifted together with the coupler 3. coupler 3 is 3
The probe 1 is attached to the probe 1 by opening the insertion mechanism 32' against the elastic force of the probe 2 and pushing the end of the probe 1 into the opened insertion mechanism 32'. The ring 11 is made of a solid material that has friction against the cured PVA gel, such as silicone rubber or natural rubber, and is attached to the probe 1. The ring can be removed from the probe 1.

If the coupler has more overlap than that of FIG. 6, an elastic probe coupler 11' is attached to the end of the probe 1, as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b.
In FIGS. 7a and 7b, the same numbers as in FIG. 6 indicate the same parts in FIG. 6. The elastic probe coupler 11' is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber or natural rubber and is shaped like a headband surrounding the end of the probe 1. A section 32 of cured PVA gel is also made to fit the elastic probe coupler 11' as shown in Figure 7b. probe 1
When the probe 1 is attached to the coupler 3, open the coupler 11' as shown in FIG. When the end of probe 1 touches top surface 31'', coupler 11' covers part 32 as shown in Figure 7b.
It is attached to the probe 1 by closing the .

In Figures 4, 6 and 7b, PVA
The upper surface 31' of the gel is made flat. but,
The surface 31' can also be modified to any shape to suit the body surface, such as the uneven surface shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the same numbers as in FIG. 6 indicate the same parts or parts in FIG. The lower surface of the acoustic coupler, the surface that contacts the body surface, can also be changed as shown in Figure 5.

Diagnosis using ultrasound may require changing the direction of the ultrasound probe toward the body surface. For example, when measuring the flow velocity of blood in blood vessels that are close to the body surface and run along the body surface, the probe must be placed horizontally against the body surface in order to examine the blood flowing in the blood vessels. FIG. 9 shows how an ultrasound probe is placed on the body surface using the elastic characteristics of the gel material. In the figure, a large
An ultrasound probe 1 is attached to an acoustic coupler 3 using PVA gel 31. In FIG. 9, the same numbers as in FIG. 4 indicate the same parts or parts as in FIG. 4, and the case 33 is newly attached to the coupler 3. When coupler 3 is attached to probe 1 by means of an insertion mechanism made of hardened PVA gel as shown in FIG.
Probe 1 cannot be lifted together with coupler 3. The case 33 is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber, and has a structure that supports the probe 1 by making it thicker than the part near the bottom surface 31' of the case. This is to make the case 33 flexible, and the PVA gel 31 attached to the case 33 changes its shape as the probe 1 tilts.
Furthermore, the case 33 is as shown in FIG. 9 a and b.
It has a structure that mechanically bonds tightly with PVA gel. FIG. 9b is an enlarged view of reference numeral A in FIG. 9a. The figure shows a number of small holes inside the case 33 into which the PVA gel 31 is poured.

Since the proportion of water in the gel material is usually 90% or more, the water in the gel material easily evaporates into the air, resulting in acoustic attenuation. Therefore, when using an acoustic coupler using a gel material for a relatively long period of time, the gel material 41 should be covered with a film 35 such as a sheet made of silicone rubber, vinyl, or polyethylene, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. I have to. The same numbers in FIG. 17 as in FIG. 4 and the same numbers in FIG. 18 as in FIG. 5 indicate the same parts or components in the respective figures.

A method of manufacturing an acoustic coupler made of partially cured PVA gel for mounting an ultrasound probe is shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7. There are three manufacturing methods, and the first, second, and third methods will be explained using FIGS. 10 a to e, FIGS. 11 a to f, and FIGS. 12 a to f, respectively.

The first method is carried out by the following steps shown in FIGS. 10a-e.

(1) Using the box 5 for molding the cured PVA gel, mold the PVA gel 20 as shown in Figure 10a.
% (20% or more is required) aqueous solution is poured into box 5, and solution 6 in box 5 is left at room temperature.

(2) Due to PVA gel (uncured) molding,
Place box 5' on top of box 5 and pour a 10% aqueous solution of PVA (less than 10% is required) as shown in Figure 10b.

(3) Cool the solutions in boxes 5 and 5' to below -20℃ in boxes 6 and 6', respectively, and thaw them at room temperature twice (1
(need more than 10 times), the result is Figure 10c.
As shown, solutions 6 and 6' are gel 7 and gel 7, respectively.
7' and join.

(4) As shown in Figure 10d, take out the PVA gel 7 shaped into an acoustic coupler from the boxes 5 and 5',
As shown in Figure 10e, the protrusions made during molding are cut off.

Typical dimensions and components of acoustic couplers made by the above method are as follows.

(Coupler size) Width: 30mm Height: 50mm Depth: 100mm Thickness of insertion mechanism: 5mm (Hardened PVA gel) Degree of polymerization: 1700 Degree of saponification: 99.5mol% Concentration of PVA: 20wt% Hardness (elastic module): 2×10 ³ N/m ² (PVA gel with low hardness) Polymerization degree: 1700 Saponification degree: 99.5 mol% PVA concentration: 10 wt% Hardness (elastic module): 4×10 ² N/m Acoustic impedance: 1.58×10 ⁶ Kg/(m ² s) Sound attenuation rate: 0.07 dB/cm/MHz The second method is performed by the following steps shown in Figures 11a-f.

(1) For PVA gel molding, pour a 10% PVA aqueous solution (less than 10% is required) into box 8, as shown in Figure 11a.

(2) As shown in Figure 11b, the aqueous solution 9 in the box 8 is cooled at -20℃ (-20℃ or below is required) and thawed at room temperature to form a gel.
Make a gel.

(3) Place box 11 on top of box 8 for molding the cured PVA gel material, as shown in Figure 11c.
Pour a 20% PVA aqueous solution (20% or more is required),
Heat box 11 to 90°C (80°C or higher is possible). This results in partial melting of the normal PVA gel near the interface between the PVA gel and the heated solution 12, as shown at 13 in FIG. 11c'.

(4) Cool solution 12 and regular PVA gel 10 to -20°C (necessarily below -10°C) and then thaw. As a result, as shown in Figure 11d,
Hardened PVA gel and regular PVA in one
The gel material 13 made of gel becomes gel-like.

(5) As shown in FIG. 11e, take out the bell material 13 from boxes 11 and 8, and cut off the protruding parts as shown in FIG. 11f.

The third method is carried out by the following steps shown in FIGS. 12a-f.

(1) For PVA gel molding, pour a 10% PVA aqueous solution 14 (more than 10% is required) into a box 15, as shown in Figure 12a.

(2) As shown in Figure 12, the aqueous solution 14 was heated to 0°C.
(requires below 0℃) and PVA
After the gel is made into a gel, it is cured and thawed at room temperature. (Repeat this cooling and thawing process 4 times. (One or more times required) (3) For PVA gel molding, place box 17 on top of box 15 and heat it to 80℃ or higher as shown in 19 of Figure 12 c'. Pour a 10% PVA aqueous solution 18 (more than 10% is required) into the box 17. As a result, the hardened
The near contact between the PVA gel 16 and the poured hot solution 18 will partially melt the cured PVA gel.

(4) Both materials placed in boxes 15 and 17 were heated to 0°C.
(it may be below -0°C), and then thawed at room temperature to form gel material 1, as shown in Figure 12.
Make 9. This cooling and thawing cycle is repeated five times for cured PVA gel and once for regular PVA gel.

(5) Gel material 1 consisting of a hardened part and a normal part from boxes 15 and 17, as shown in Figure 12e.
3 and cut off the protrusion as shown in Figure 12f.

The method of manufacturing an acoustic coupler made from the gel material described in FIG. 5 is carried out by the following steps shown in FIGS. 13a-d. (This example describes the case where PVA gel is used as the gel material.) (1) A coupler 51 similar to the coupler 42 in FIG. insert. As mentioned in connection with FIG. 5, the coupler 51 is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber, plastic or cured PVA gel.
A plurality of holes are provided to increase the friction between the coupler 51 and the gel material. Another box 53 is placed on top of the box 51 for gel material molding, and a 10% aqueous solution 54 of PVA gel is placed in the box 5 as shown in FIG. 13a.
Pour into 3.

(2) Includes a coupler 51 made of gel-like aqueous solution 54
To form a PVA gel, the aqueous solution 54 is cooled to -20°C and thawed at room temperature twice.
As shown in FIG. 13b, the coupler 51 is
Embedded in PVA gel 55, they are mechanically tightly bonded.

(3) As shown in FIG. 13c, take out the ordinary PVA gel from the boxes 52 and 53 together with the coupler 51,
Cut off the protruding portion as shown in Figure 13d.

If a gel material is used in the acoustic coupler as described in FIG. 5, silicone gel or paraffin gel may also be used in a similar manner as in FIGS. 13a-d. However, a suitable hardening agent is used to gel the material and embed the coupler.

As discussed in connection with Figures 17 and 18, gel materials tend to dry out easily. Therefore, before coupling an acoustic coupler made of gel material with an ultrasound probe, it is better to immerse the acoustic coupler in a container of liquid, for example water containing a preservative, in order to preserve the gel material of the acoustic coupler. Once a container is prepared for this purpose, the container has a mechanism that, when placed in a liquid (hereinafter referred to simply as water), couples to the ultrasound probe by simply pushing the probe into the container. It is better to let This is shown in Figures 14a and b, Figures 15a and b, and Figures 16a to d.
This is achieved by the present invention as explained by the embodiments described in . In an embodiment, an invention is disclosed for a container and an acoustic coupler suitable for inclusion in the container.

14a and 14b are cross-sectional views of the container 56 and the lid 57, respectively, into which water 3 is placed and the acoustic coupler 31 is placed into the water. In the figure, the coupler 3 is the same as the coupler 3 of FIG.
The coupler 3 of FIG. 14a having a diameter is different. 14th
In Figures a and b, the same numbers as in Figure 6 indicate the same parts or parts in Figure 6. When the acoustic coupler 1 is pushed into the container 56 as shown in FIG. 14b, the coupler 3
The insertion mechanism 32', surrounded by a section 32 made of hardened PVA gel, is opened by the pushed probe 1, and the end of the probe 1 is inserted into the normal position of the coupler 3.
It attaches to the upper surface 31'' of the part 31 made of PVA gel 31. The ring 11 of the probe 1 then slides into the groove 32' made on the inside of 32. In this case, as shown by W in FIG. Insertion mechanism 32'
Since the water put in flows through the hole 301,
The probe 1 can be easily pushed into the insertion mechanism 32', and a hole 301 is provided for this purpose. After pushing the probe 1 into the insertion mechanism 32' of the coupler 3, the probe 1 is lifted together with the coupler 3.

An alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 15a, b, is shown in FIGS.
This is the same as the embodiment described in . In FIGS. 15a and 15b, the same numbers as in FIGS. 5 and 14a and b indicate the same parts or parts in those figures. The difference from FIGS. 14a and 14b is that a valve 302 is provided in the hole 301. Valve 302 prevents water outside of coupler 4 from flowing back into insertion mechanism 42'. Groove 4 for receiving ring 11 of probe 1
The coupler 4 differs from the coupler 4 shown in FIG. 5 in that the coupler 3 is provided inside the insertion mechanism 42'.

Yet another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16a-d is
This embodiment is the same as the embodiment described in FIGS. 15a and 15b, except that the container 56 is provided with an opening mechanism 56' for opening the insertion mechanism 42' of the probe 4. 1st
In FIGS. 6a and 6b, the same numbers as in FIGS. 15a and 15b indicate the same parts or parts in these figures. coupler 4
by placing the coupler in the container 56 and pushing the coupler toward the bottom of the container 56 and opening the opening mechanism 56'.
Insertion mechanism 42' is opened. and insertion mechanism 4
The portion 2' of the container 56 is held open by engaging the opening mechanism 56' of the container 56. The elasticity of the parts 41 and 42 in FIG. 16a keeps the insertion mechanism 42' of the coupler 4 open until the probe 1 is pushed into the insertion mechanism 42'. This state is a waiting state of the probe 1 pushed into the insertion mechanism 42'. When the probe 1 pushes against the upper surface 41'' of the coupler 4, as shown in FIG. 16b, the section 41 is also pushed towards the bottom of the container 56. As a result, the section 42, as shown in FIG. 16c, Opening mechanism 5
Fall from 6 and support probe 1. The probe 1 is then lifted together with the coupler 4 as shown in FIG. 16d.

The acoustic coupler for carrying out the present invention can also be used as an ultrasonic probe for general acoustically diagnosing a target defect location.