JPH07255725A - Ultrasonic probe for intra-coelom use - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an ultrasonic probe for intra-coelom use to be used for an endoscope capable of visually observing the position of a vibrator and recognizing the correlative relation between an ultrasonic image and an intra-coelom image. CONSTITUTION:This ultrasonic probe 10 for the intra-coelom use is provided with the vibrator 12 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves at the front end of the probe. The vibrator 12 is held at a vibrator holder 13. This vibrator holder 13 consists of a metallic member or rigid resin and is connected to a shaft 14 which transmits the rotation from an operating section. The vibrator 12, the vibrator holder 13 and the shaft 14 are housed in a flexible tube 15 in common use as an acoustic film. This tube 15 is circumferentially provided with a mark 16 which is visually recognizable by the photodetecting part of the endoscope in such a manner as to intersect orthogonally with the longitudinal direction of the tube 15 along the rotating orbit of the rotating vibrator 12.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an intracorporeal ultrasonic probe, and more particularly to an intracorporeal ultrasonic probe for rotating a transducer within the coelom used with an endoscope for observing a diagnostic region. Regarding improvement.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the medical field, an ultrasonic probe is widely used as an input means of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for observing a subject or a diagnostic site. For example, when diagnosing the digestive system or circulatory system using an intracorporeal ultrasonic probe, the probe is manually operated and the inside of the probe tip inserted into the body cavity of the subject is examined. There is widely used a method in which a desired image diagnosis is carried out by rotating the vibrator of No. 1 and the affected area is displayed on the screen of a CRT display and observed. On the other hand, the endoscope is inserted into the body cavity,
It is used for observing the inner wall of a body cavity, cutting out a diseased part on the inner wall surface by ejecting forceps from the tip of an endoscope, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 10, the structure of the endoscope 60 is roughly divided into three parts, a distal end portion 50, an operating portion 62, and a connecting portion 56. The operation portion 62 is provided with a lever for operating the tip portion 50 of the endoscope 60 and a forceps port 72 for inserting the forceps 70. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a light guide 51a for irradiating light is attached to the tip portion 50,
51 b, an objective lens 52 (also referred to as “image guide 52”) that projects the inside of the body cavity, an air / water feed port 53, and a suction / forceps port 54 are provided.

However, although only the information from the objective lens 52 can detect the abnormal portion on the inner wall surface of the body cavity, the abnormal portion inside the inner wall cannot be detected.

Therefore, in recent years, as shown in FIG.
Ultrasonic probe 10 for intracorporeal cavity through forceps port 54 of the endoscope
By inserting 0 into the body cavity and obtaining information inside the inner wall of the body cavity together with the information from the objective lens 52, more accurate diagnosis and surgery are performed.

[0006]

However, since the conventional ultrasonic probe for body cavity is covered with the tube made of transparent and flexible resin, the light guide 5 is used.
The light from 1a and 51b is almost totally reflected. For this reason, the ultrasonic probe for body cavity reflected on the endoscope shines, and it becomes unclear which part has the transducer and which cross section in the body cavity is being scanned. No information could be obtained (see Figure 13).

Further, since the relationship between the position of the tip of the ultrasonic probe for body cavity, which is used by projecting from the endoscope and being curved, and the position of the tip of the endoscope is unknown, the image guide 52 is also used. The relationship between the image sent inside the body cavity and the ultrasonic image obtained by rotating the transducer inside the ultrasonic probe by 360 ° was unknown. That is, the correlation between the part shown in the image inside the body cavity and the part shown in the ultrasonic image, and the vertical relationship between the image inside the body cavity and the ultrasonic image obtained by rotating 360 ° are unknown. It was Therefore, the doctor, based on his / her knowledge of the tissue inside the body cavity, makes a diagnosis by estimating the relationship between the obtained image inside the body cavity and the ultrasonic image, and a difference in the diagnostic accuracy may occur between the doctors. there were.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope capable of visually recognizing a position of a transducer and grasping a correlation between an ultrasonic image and a body cavity image. An object is to provide an ultrasonic probe for a body cavity used for a mirror.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, an ultrasonic probe for body cavity according to the present invention is inserted into a body cavity through a forceps port of an endoscope, and its tip is closed. An ultrasonic probe having a vibrator, a vibrator holder carrying the vibrator, and a rotating means connected to the vibrator holder for rotating the vibrator about an insertion direction in a tube. A mark is provided near the surface of the tube so that the insertion status can be visually confirmed.

Further, another ultrasonic probe for body cavity according to the present invention is inserted into a body cavity through a forceps port of an endoscope and a vibrator and the above-mentioned vibration are placed in a tube whose tip is closed. In an ultrasonic probe having a vibrator holder carrying a child and a rotation means connected to the vibrator holder for rotating the vibrator about an insertion direction as an axis, along an orbit of rotation of the vibrator. It is characterized in that a mark visible by the light receiving portion of the endoscope is provided around the tube so as to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tube.

Further, the ultrasonic probe for body cavity according to the present invention is inserted into a body cavity through a forceps port of an endoscope, and a vibrator and the vibrator are placed in a tube whose tip is closed. In an ultrasonic probe having a vibrator holder to carry and a rotating means connected to the vibrator holder for rotating the vibrator about an insertion direction, an ultrasonic image obtained by rotating the vibrator. In order to grasp the correlation between the insertion state in the body cavity and the insertion state in the body cavity, a member that does not acoustically transmit the ultrasonic waves from the transducer is provided in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction of the tube.

The body cavity ultrasonic probe according to the present invention is inserted into a body cavity through a forceps port of an endoscope, and a vibrator and the vibrator are placed in a tube whose tip is closed. In an ultrasonic probe having a vibrator holder to carry and a rotating means connected to the vibrator holder for rotating the vibrator about an insertion direction as an axis, the tube along the rotation trajectory of the vibrator. In order to grasp the correlation between the mark visible by the light receiving part of the endoscope so as to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the endoscope and the ultrasonic image obtained by the rotation of the transducer and the insertion state in the body cavity, A member that is provided along the longitudinal direction in a band shape and that does not acoustically transmit ultrasonic waves from the vibrator.

[0013]

According to the structure of the ultrasonic probe for body cavity, since the mark for visually confirming the insertion state is provided near the surface of the tube, the ultrasonic probe for body cavity is detected by the image guide of the endoscope. The insertion position of the tentacle can be confirmed.

Further, a mark visually recognizable by the light receiving portion (for example, "image guide") of the endoscope is provided around the tube so as to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tube along the rotational trajectory of the vibrator. Therefore, the position of the transducer of the ultrasonic probe for insertion into the body cavity during insertion can be grasped.

Furthermore, since a member that does not acoustically transmit ultrasonic waves from the vibrator is provided in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction of the tube, the ultrasonic opaque member provided on the tube is shown in the ultrasonic image. To be done. On the other hand, this ultrasonic opaque member is visible by the image guide of the endoscope. Therefore, the relationship between the image in the body cavity sent from the image guide and the ultrasonic image obtained from the ultrasonic probe can be grasped based on the ultrasonic opaque member.

In addition, a mark which can be visually recognized by the light receiving portion of the endoscope so as to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tube along the rotational trajectory of the vibrator, and a vibrator which is provided in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction of the tube. Since it has a member that does not acoustically transmit the ultrasonic waves of, the position of the transducer of the ultrasonic probe for insertion into the body cavity during insertion is grasped, and the image inside the body cavity sent from the image guide and the ultrasonic probe. The relationship with the ultrasonic image obtained from the child can be grasped.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view showing the structure of an ultrasonic probe for body cavity according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2
3 and 4 are external views of the tip of the ultrasonic probe for body cavity according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the ultrasonic probe for body cavity of the first embodiment is projected from the tip of the endoscope. Further, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe of the present embodiment is inserted into the stomach.

First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probe 10 for body cavity has a transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves (indicated by "arrow 17") at the tip of the probe. 12 are provided. The vibrator 12 is held by a vibrator holder 13, and the vibrator holder 13 is made of a metal member or hard resin and is connected to a shaft 14 that transmits rotation from an operation unit (not shown). Then, in the flexible tube 15 that also serves as the acoustic film, the vibrator 12, the vibrator holder 13, and the shaft 1 are provided.
4 are stored. The shaft 14 is spring-shaped and has some elasticity, and is also called a flexible shaft. The tube 15 is usually made of transparent resin.

The feature of the present embodiment is that, in the ultrasonic probe 10 for body cavity, the light receiving portion (for example, the endoscope) of the endoscope is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tube 15 along the rotational trajectory of the rotating oscillator 12. Mark 1 that can be seen by "Image Guide")
6 is provided around the tube 15. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mark 16 may be formed by applying a coloring agent to the surface of the tube 15 or
It may be provided by embedding it within the thickness of the above, or the surface of the mark 16 may be made uneven so that light is diffusely reflected. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic probe 1 for intracorporeal cavity is used.
At 0 ', a mark 18 is formed by marking the position of the vibrator 12 with a line
a and 18b may be provided, and the marks 18a and 18b may be provided by the same method as described above. In addition, if the portion of the mark 16 does not impair the acoustic characteristics for ultrasonic waves,
Any member may be used. Alternatively, the member of the mark 16 and the member of the tube 15 may be connected to each other.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the mark 16 and the marks 18a and 18b are different from the portion of the other tube 15 and the light 3.
The reflection of 0 is different. Therefore, the marks 16 and 18a, 1
8b becomes visible by the image guide 52 of the endoscope,
The position of the transducer 12 of the ultrasonic probe 10 for body cavity can be grasped.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the mark 16 of the ultrasonic probe 10 for body cavity inserted in the stomach can be monitored with an endoscope, and the mark 16 can be brought close to the target diagnostic site X. it can. That is, the vibrator 12 can be aligned with the target diagnostic region X, and accurate ultrasonic diagnosis can be performed.

Next, a second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a situation in which the ultrasonic probe for body cavity of the second embodiment is projected from the tip of the endoscope. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of the ultrasonic probe for body cavity according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. 7. Figure 9
It is a figure which shows the ultrasonic image obtained from the ultrasonic probe for body cavity of the suitable 2nd Example of this invention.

Second Embodiment Here, the same members as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the ultrasonic probe 20 for body cavity of the present embodiment is a band-like acoustic wave that does not transmit ultrasonic waves from a transducer along the longitudinal direction of the tube. An impermeable member 26 is provided. Sound impermeable member 26
For example, a metal member can be used. Further, the sound opaque member 26 may be applied to the surface of the tube 15 or may be embedded in the thickness of the tube 15. In addition,
The oscillator holder 13 has an arrow 200 with the shaft 14 as an axis.
Rotate in the direction. Here, the sound opaque member 26, unlike the tube 15, reflects little light. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the sound opaque member 26 becomes visible through the image guide 52 of the endoscope. That is, the ultrasonic probe 20 for body cavity is used which is protruded from the endoscope and curved.
It is possible to grasp the relationship between the position of the distal end portion of the endoscope and the position of the distal end portion 50 of the endoscope.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
In the ultrasonic image 80 from the ultrasonic probe 20 for body cavity that is obtained by rotating the body cavity, the shadow 26 'of the acoustically opaque member is reflected.

Therefore, it is possible to grasp the relationship between the image in the body cavity sent from the image guide 52 of the endoscope and the ultrasonic image obtained from the ultrasonic probe 20 for the body cavity. As a result, a diagnosis that depends on the empirical rule or knowledge of the doctor can be made a more accurate diagnosis.

Third Embodiment Although not shown, an ultrasonic probe for body cavity which is a combination of the configurations of the first and second embodiments is also useful,
This allows the position of the transducer of the ultrasound probe for insertion into the body cavity to be grasped and the relationship between the image inside the body cavity sent from the image guide and the ultrasound image obtained from the ultrasound probe to be grasped. it can.

[0029]

As described above, according to the ultrasonic probe for body cavity of the present invention, the insertion position of the ultrasonic probe for body cavity can be visually recognized by the image guide of the endoscope. it can.

Further, since a mark that can be visually recognized by the light receiving portion of the endoscope is provided around the tube so as to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tube along the rotational trajectory of the oscillator, the inside of the body cavity being inserted. The position of the transducer of the ultrasonic probe for use can be grasped.

Furthermore, since a member that does not acoustically transmit ultrasonic waves from the vibrator is provided in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction of the tube, the ultrasonic opaque member provided on the tube is shown in the ultrasonic image. It is also visible by the image guide of the endoscope. Therefore, the relationship between the image in the body cavity sent from the image guide and the ultrasonic image obtained from the ultrasonic probe can be grasped based on the ultrasonic opaque member.

If both marks are used, the position of the transducer of the ultrasonic probe for body cavity during insertion is grasped and the image of the body cavity sent from the image guide and the ultrasonic obtained from the ultrasonic probe are used. The relationship with the sound wave image can be understood.

As described above, the position of the transducer in the ultrasonic probe for body cavity can be accurately aligned with the target diagnosis site in the body cavity, and excellent diagnosis can be performed. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the difference in the diagnostic accuracy between doctors.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an ultrasonic probe for body cavity according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the tip of the ultrasonic probe for body cavity according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external view of a tip of an ultrasonic probe for body cavity according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the ultrasonic probe for body cavity of the first embodiment is projected from the tip of the endoscope.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe according to the present embodiment is inserted into the stomach.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the ultrasonic probe for body cavity of the second embodiment is projected from the tip of the endoscope.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view showing the configuration of an ultrasonic probe for body cavity according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an ultrasonic image obtained from the ultrasonic probe for body cavity according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an external view showing a structure of a conventional endoscope.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure of a distal end portion of a conventional endoscope.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a situation in which a conventional ultrasonic probe for body cavity is protruding from the tip of the endoscope.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional body cavity ultrasonic probe that reflects light from a light guide of an endoscope.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 20 Ultrasonic probe for body cavity 12 Transducer 13 Transducer holder 14 Shaft 15 Tube 16, 18a, 18b Mark 26 Acoustic opaque member

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Wataru Takekawa Wataru 6-22-1 Mure, Mitaka City, Tokyo Aloka Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toshio Ito 6-22-1 Mure, Mitaka City, Tokyo Aroka Co., Ltd. Within

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A vibrator, a vibrator holder carrying the vibrator, and a vibrator inserted in the body cavity through a forceps opening of an endoscope and having a closed end, and the vibrator is axially inserted. In the ultrasonic probe having a rotating means connected to the transducer holder for rotating as a body, a mark for visually confirming the insertion state is provided near the surface of the tube inside the body cavity. Ultrasonic probe. 2. A vibrator, a vibrator holder carrying the vibrator, and a vibrator inserted in the body cavity through a forceps opening of an endoscope and having a closed tip, and the vibrator is inserted in an axial direction. In an ultrasonic probe having a rotating means connected to the transducer holder for rotating as a unit, the light receiving portion of the endoscope is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tube along the rotation trajectory of the transducer. The ultrasonic probe for body cavity is characterized in that a mark visually recognizable by is provided around the tube. 3. A vibrator, a vibrator holder carrying the vibrator, and a vibrator inserted in a body cavity through a forceps opening of an endoscope and having a closed tip, and the vibrator is inserted in the insertion direction. In order to grasp the correlation between the ultrasonic image obtained by the rotation of the transducer and the insertion status in the body cavity, in the ultrasonic probe having the rotation means connected to the transducer holder to rotate as A body cavity ultrasonic probe, wherein a member that does not acoustically transmit ultrasonic waves from the transducer is provided in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction of the tube. 4. A vibrator, a vibrator holder carrying the vibrator, and a vibrator inserted in the body cavity through a forceps opening of the endoscope and having a closed tip, and the vibrator is inserted in the insertion direction. In an ultrasonic probe having a rotating means connected to the transducer holder for rotating as a unit, the light receiving portion of the endoscope is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tube along the rotation trajectory of the transducer. In order to grasp the correlation between the visible mark and the ultrasonic image obtained by the rotation of the transducer and the insertion status in the body cavity, the transducer provided in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction of the tube And a member that does not acoustically transmit the ultrasonic waves in (1).