JPH0856947A - Ultrasonic wave probe for three-dimensional scan - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an ultrasonic wave probe for three-dimensional scan capable of improving the follow-up ability of a tip part by a driving operation at an at-hand side operating part. CONSTITUTION: A probe main body 1 is covered with an outer sheath 3, and the outer sheath 3 is loaded on the fixed part of the at-hand side operating part, and also, the probe main body 1 is loaded on a rotary driving part and an advance/retreat driving part provided In the inside of the at-hand side operating part, and torque transmission to a vibrator unit 17 is performed only by a flexible shaft in an elastic sheath, and the transmission of advancing/retreating force by the whole probe main body 1. By employing such constitution, since the amount of resistance when the vibrator unit 17 advances/retreats can be limited only to the one between the elastic sheath and the outer sheath 3, stable advance/retreat movement can be obtained.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer, or an ultrasonic transducer and a mirror, or three-dimensional scanning capable of constructing an ultrasonic three-dimensional image by driving the mirror forward and backward in the rotation and insertion axis directions. Ultrasonic probe for use.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic transducer or a mirror is provided at the tip of an insertion portion into a body cavity so as to be capable of rotating and advancing and retreating in the insertion axis direction, and a flexible shaft or the like extending from the radial / linear driving portion is provided. An ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning that performs mechanical three-dimensional scanning while rotating and advancing and retracting through it is known (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-30939).
In this type of ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning, an ultrasonic transducer or a mirror is supported through a housing, and a flexible shaft containing a signal cable is connected to one end of the housing, and the flexible shaft surrounds these. Along with the flexible sheath, it extends to the connector portion located at the rear end of the probe.

The connector section is detachably connected to a drive section in the hand side operation section, and the drive section supplies and controls scanning power of the ultrasonic transducer and detects the position of the ultrasonic transducer. . Further, the inside of the flexible sheath forming the outer skin portion of the insertion portion is filled with an ultrasonic transmission medium to efficiently transmit the ultrasonic beam, and the ultrasonic transmission medium is flexible. The lubricant also plays a role of smoothly rotating and advancing and retracting the flexible shaft in the sheath. In order to prevent air bubbles from entering the ultrasonic transmission medium, it is usually sealed in the flexible sheath from the front or rear end of the flexible sheath, and then the front end of the flexible sheath is sealed by thermoforming or the like. It

[0004]

However, the conventional ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning as described above has the following drawbacks. First, since the ultrasonic transducer is rotated and reciprocated by the flexible shaft, the force of pulling and compressing the flexible shaft acts especially when the flexible shaft advances and retracts. On the other hand, since the flexible shaft has a spring property, the flexible shaft repeatedly expands and contracts due to the pulling and compressing forces. Then, the rotation transmissibility changes to the ultrasonic transducer due to expansion and contraction, and the rotation and advance / retreat position of the actual ultrasonic transducer, which is detected by the rotation / advance / retreat position detector provided in the hand operation part. There is a risk that a proper ultrasonic image will not be obtained due to the misalignment. Further, since the signal cable having no spring property passing through the hollow portion of the flexible shaft cannot be expanded and contracted, there is a risk that the flexible shaft may be broken due to repeated expansion and contraction of the flexible shaft.

Next, since a hollow flexible shaft is used, air bubbles will remain inside the flexible shaft when the ultrasonic transmission medium is filled. If the flexible shaft is moved back and forth in this state, the remaining bubbles may adhere to the ultrasonic transducer surface through the gap from the gap formed in the coil forming the flexible shaft. Then, ultrasonic waves may be attenuated, and a good ultrasonic image may not be obtained. In addition, since the tip of the flexible sheath is sealed, it is possible to compress the ultrasonic transmission medium inside the sheath, especially when the flexible shaft advances and retracts.
Tensile resistance acts. Therefore, it is necessary to move the flexible shaft forward and backward with a force larger than this resistance force, which requires a large force. Further, when a change in pressure occurs in the ultrasonic transmission medium, bubbles in the ultrasonic transmission medium may grow and cause attenuation of ultrasonic waves.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is for three-dimensional scanning in which the resistance of the ultrasonic transducer during rotation and advance / retreat, especially during advance / retreat is reduced to improve the followability of the driving operation. The purpose is to provide an ultrasonic probe. Further, another object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning which can prevent bubbles from adhering to the surface of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a vibrator unit, a vibrator unit and a signal cable at the distal end in a flexible sheath forming an insertion portion. In an ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning, which has an internal hollow flexible shaft, an ultrasonic transmission medium, and a drive unit that applies rotation and forward / backward driving force to the transducer unit, the probe body is covered with an outer sheath. It is an ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning characterized in that an outer sheath is attached to a fixed portion of a proximal side operation section, and a probe body is attached to a rotation drive section and an advance / retreat drive section provided in the proximal side operation section.

[0008]

With this structure, the rotational force can be transmitted to the vibrator unit only by the flexible shaft within the flexible sheath, and the forward / backward force can be transmitted through the flexible shaft within the outer sheath. The sheath, the ultrasonic transmission medium, and the flexible shaft, that is, the entire probe body can be used. Therefore, the amount of resistance force when the vibrator unit moves back and forth is only friction between the flexible sheath and the outer sheath, and stable forward and backward movement can be realized.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 to FIG. 13 show a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an overall view of an ultrasonic three-dimensional image diagnostic system using the ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning of the present invention. The ultrasonic probe body 1 is detachable from the drive unit 2 via the connector section. The outer sheath 3 has an insertion portion 3a and a connection portion 3b, and is detachable from the drive unit 2 via the connection portion, like the probe main body 1. The drive unit 2 includes a support arm 4
The observation device 7 is electrically connected via the flexible tube 5 and the connector 6, and is further electrically connected to the image processing device 9 via the connector 8. The observation device 7 and the image processing device 9 are electrically connected via a communication cable (not shown) on the rear panel. The image processing device 9 and the monitor 10 are electrically connected via a signal cable (not shown) on the rear panel. The observation device 7, the image processing device 9, the monitor 10, and the support arm 4 described above are mounted on the cart 11, respectively.

FIG. 2 is an overall view of the probe body 1. An insertion portion 13 is continuous with the tip portion 12, and the insertion portion 13 extends to a connector 14 connected to the drive unit 2 (FIG. 1). FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the tip portion 12 of the probe body 1. Metal housing 16 inside the sheath 15
A vibrator unit 17 having an electrode, an acoustic lens, a piezoelectric plate and the like is adhesively fixed to the housing 16. A coaxial cable 18 is connected to the vibrator unit 17, and the coaxial cable 18 is inserted into the hollow portion of the flexible shaft 19. Further, one end of the flexible shaft 19 is connected to the rear end of the housing 16, and a portion of the outer surface of the flexible shaft 19 where friction occurs with the inner surface of the sheath 15 is hydrophilically lubricated to reduce frictional resistance. Layer 20 is applied. It goes without saying that the hydrophilic lubrication layer 20 may be provided on the inner surface of the sheath 15 or on both the outer surface of the flexible shaft 19 and the inner surface of the sheath 15.

The sheath 15 is divided into three parts, a tip portion 12, a protrusion portion 21, and an insertion portion 13. The tip portion 12 is located on the ultrasonic beam passage surface and is inserted through the protrusion portion 21. The part 13 is continuous. And these outer diameters are adapted to satisfy the following formula. Outer diameter of tip portion 12 ≤ Outer diameter of insertion portion 13 <Outer diameter of protrusion 21 ≈ Inner diameter of outer sheath 3 Further, the tip of the sheath 15 is formed in a hemispherical shape, and the inside thereof is filled with an ultrasonic transmission medium 22. There is.

FIG. 4 shows the connector portion 14 of the probe body 1.
It is sectional drawing which showed the detail of (FIG. 2). As shown in the figure, the rear end of the flexible shaft 19 is connected to a hard shaft 24 supported by a bearing 23, and the sheath 15 enclosing the flexible shaft 19 is connected to a base 25. The hard shaft 24 is further connected to the connector unit 26. This connector unit 26
Is configured to transmit rotational force from the drive unit 2 (FIG. 1), exchange signals from the vibrator unit 17 (FIG. 1) to the drive unit 2, and electrically match the vibrator unit 17. There is. The electrical matching is performed by the matching coil 27 provided in the connector unit 26. The ultrasonic transmission medium 22 (FIG. 3) is injected through the opening 28 provided in the base 25, and after injection, it is sealed with a rubber stopper 29.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the tip of the insertion portion 3a of the outer sheath 3 (FIG. 1). The insertion portion 3a is a hollow polyethylene sheath, and has a distal sheath portion 30 through which an ultrasonic beam passes, and a probe guide sheath 3 extending from the rear end of the distal sheath portion 30 to the connecting portion 3b (FIG. 1).
One. Further, the distal sheath portion 30 has an ultrasonic beam passage portion 32 and a molding portion 33 in which the distal end of the ultrasonic beam passage portion 32 is spherically shaped. Low-density polyethylene is used as the material of the ultrasonic beam passage portion 32. In addition, an opening 34 is formed in the molding portion 33, and a mesh-shaped filter 35 is formed in the opening 34.
Is attached. The filter 35 is formed so as to pass only the liquid. Instead of the filter 35, a filtration filter formed so as to also prevent the suction of bacteria may be provided.

The probe guide sheath 31 is formed of a two-layered sheath consisting of an inner sheath 36 and an outer sheath 37. The inner sheath 36 has a high-density polyethylene that reduces the coefficient of friction with the probe body 1 (FIG. 1). Alternatively, Teflon is used, and the outer sheath 37 is made of flexible low-density polyethylene. In addition, between the inner sheath 36 and the outer sheath 37, a SUS or brass blade 38 for improving the adhesiveness between the inner sheath 36 and the outer sheath 37 and the shield property against electric noise from the outside is interposed. Further, the distal sheath 30 and the probe guide sheath 31 are formed to have the same inner diameter, and the wall thickness of the distal sheath portion 30 is thin to prevent attenuation of ultrasonic waves, and the probe guide sheath 31 to prevent bending during insertion. It is formed thick.

FIG. 6A is a sectional view showing details of the connecting portion 3b of the outer sheath 3 (FIG. 1). The base 39 has a two-layer structure, the inner part 39a is made of metal, and the outer part 39b is made of an electrical insulator. Further, the inner portion 39a has a hollow structure, and one end thereof has such an inner diameter that the sheath 15 (FIG. 3) of the probe body 1 (FIG. 1) passes through, and gradually increases toward the other end. Then connector 14
(Fig. 2) passes through. Further, a brass blade 38 in the probe guide sheath 31 is fixed to one end of the inner portion 39a of the mouthpiece 39 in a state of being exposed inward as shown in a partially enlarged view of FIG. 6B. At the other end, a metal fitting pipe 40 into which the connection pipe of the drive unit 2 is fitted is fixed by screws. In this fitting pipe 40,
A flange 41 is provided. Further, on the outside of the fitting pipe 40, a connection ring 42 made of an electrical insulator for fixing the drive unit 2 is provided. This connection ring 4
A projecting portion 43 projecting toward the inner diameter side is formed on the member 2, and is rotatable with respect to the mouthpiece 39 and the fitting pipe 40, and is also movable to some extent in the axial direction. A screw 44 is formed at the rear end of the connection ring 42.

FIG. 7 (front view) and FIG. 8 (top view) are views showing details of the drive unit 2 (FIG. 1). Note that FIG.
Section A is shown in cross section. A support base 46 that supports the outer sheath is fixed to the base 45, and a connection pipe 47 is attached to the support base 46. The base 45, the support base 46, and the connection pipe 47 are each made of a conductive metal and are electrically connected to each other. The base 45 has a common potential with the GND of the patient circuit (not shown). Further, the connecting pipe 47 has a screw portion 48 and a fitting portion 4
9 is provided. Further, the probe main body connection unit 50 is located coaxially with the connection pipe 47. The probe main body connection unit 50 includes a probe support base 51.
The probe connector 52 is rotatably supported by two bearings 53a and 53b inside and covers the probe connector 52 for rotating the probe body to the connector unit 26 (FIG. 4) and transmitting signals, and the outer circumference of the probe support base 51. A ferrite core 54 is provided.

Further, behind the probe main body connection unit 50, a radial drive unit 55 including a motor, an encoder, a slip ring, a radial rotation control circuit, and an ultrasonic signal amplification circuit is located, and is connected to the probe connector 52. It is connected via a flexible coil shaft 56 having a cable therein. Further, the probe main body connection unit 50 and the radial drive unit 55
Are fixed to the linear base plate 57. The linear base plate 57 is attached to the linear guide 58 and the ball screw 59. The linear guide 58 is provided so as to be slidable in the insertion axis direction of the probe main body, and a ball screw 59 is positioned parallel to the linear guide 58. One end of the ball screw 59 is free, and the other end is connected to a subordinate pulley 61 via a support unit 60 that rotatably supports the ball screw 59.

The dependent pulley 61 is connected to the drive pulley 63 via a transmission belt 62, and an idler pulley 64 for adjusting the tension of the transmission belt 62 is also arranged in the transmission belt 62. Further, the shaft of the stepping motor 65 is fixed to the shaft of the drive pulley 63. The support unit 60 and the stepping motor 65 are fixed to the base 45, respectively. A signal cable (not shown) output from the radial drive unit 55 and the stepping motor 65 respectively extends into the flexible tube 5 (FIG. 1) via a signal connector (not shown).

Next, a method for filling the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 into the clearance between the probe main body 1 and the ultrasonic wave passing portion of the outer sheath 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. A shows a state in which the probe main body 1 is inserted into the outer sheath 3. First, the probe main body 1,
It is dipped with the outer sheath 3 in a container 67 filled with the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 with its tip facing downward (B in the same figure). Next, hold the outer sheath 3 with one hand and the probe body 1 with the other hand, pull only the probe body 1 within the linear scanning range, and suck the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 from the opening 34 of the outer sheath 3 (the same figure). C). Next, the probe main body 1 and the outer sheath 3 are taken out from the container 67, and the tips are directed upward. Then, the air layer 68 is formed thereon (FIG. 10A). Then, the probe body 1 is pushed up and the air layer 68 is removed (B in the figure). FIG. 10C shows a state in which the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 is thus filled in the clearance between the outer sheath 3 and the ultrasonic wave passing portion.

However, when the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 has a high viscosity, the above work cannot be performed smoothly. That is, the air layer 68 does not rise as shown in FIG. 10A. Therefore, the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 is filled by the method shown in FIG. First, the tube 6 is attached to the tip of the outer sheath 3 into which the probe body 1 is inserted.
9 and the ultrasonic wave transmission medium 2 on the other end of the tube 69.
Insert the syringe 70 containing 2a (A in the figure). Next, the ultrasonic transmission medium 22a is injected into the outer sheath 3 from the syringe 70. Then, the probe main body 1 is pushed out to the right side in the drawing by the pressure (B in the drawing). afterwards,
The syringe 70 and the tube 69 are removed from the outer sheath 3, and the tip opening 34 is pressed with a finger to push in the probe body 1 as shown in FIG. 11C. Then, the air layer remaining at the stage of FIG. 2B is expelled to the rear end side beyond the protruding portion 21 (FIG. 3) of the outer sheath 3 while expanding the inner diameter of the outer sheath 3 by the pressure of pushing the probe body 1. Like

After the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 is charged in the clearance between the probe body 1 and the outer sheath 3 in this manner, the probe body 1 and the outer sheath 3 are attached to the drive unit 2. FIG. 12 shows the attached state. Explaining how to attach, first, the connector 14 of the probe body 1 is inserted into the probe connection unit 50 of the drive unit 2. Next, the outer sheath 3 is rotatably fixed to the drive unit 2. To this end, the connecting ring 42 is moved until it abuts on the base 39, and the fitting pipe 40 is fitted to the fitting portion 49 of the connection pipe 47. Then, the connection ring 42 is moved to the connection pipe 47, and is screwed and fixed by the screw portion 48 of the screw 44. By attaching the outer sheath 3 to the drive unit 2, the brass blade 38 (FIG. 5) in the outer sheath 3 is attached to the base 3
It is at the same potential as the GND of the patient circuit through 9, the fitting pipe 40, the connection pipe 47, the support base 46, and the base 45.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. The radial rotation is transmitted to the vibrator unit by the radial drive unit 55, the coil shaft 56 and the probe connector 5.
2, connector unit 26, flexible shaft 19
And the path of the coaxial cable 18 and the transducer unit 17 (FIG. 8, FIG. 7, FIG. 4, and FIG. 3). On the other hand, in the transmission of the forward / backward movement of the probe main body insertion axis, the rotation of the stepping motor 65 is converted into an operation in the probe main body insertion axial direction by the ball screw 59, and the radial drive unit 55 fixed to the ball screw 59 and this radial drive unit 55. The probe main body 1 is detachably attached to the probe main body 1 (FIGS. 7, 8, and 12). In other words, the radial rotation is the probe body 1
The flexible shaft 19 inside the probe main body 1 performs the forward / backward movement in the insertion direction of the probe main body in the entire probe main body 1 including the flexible shaft 19 and the sheath 15.

Then, the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 injected into the clearance between the probe body 1 and the outer sheath 3 during the operation of the probe body 1 in the insertion axis direction is as shown in FIG.
It operates as shown in. In the figure, A is the case where the probe main body 1 is moved to the most distal end side of the outer sheath 3, and B is the case where the probe main body 1 is moved to the most rear end side. As shown, the sheath 15 of the probe body 1
The outer diameter of the protrusion 21 provided on the outer sheath 3 and the inner diameter of the distal sheath portion 30 of the outer sheath 3 are substantially the same. Therefore, the clearance between the probe main body 1 and the outer sheath 3 is divided before and after the protrusion 21 to be in a sealed state. The ultrasonic transmission medium 22 (22a) is injected from the protrusion 21 toward the transducer unit 17 side.

In the process of shifting from the state of FIG. 13A to the state of B, a negative pressure is applied to the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 (22a). Considering this in a minute time, this negative pressure is generated in the protrusion 21 of the probe body 1 and is transmitted to the tip side. Therefore, the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 (22a) transmits this pressure to the tip side while moving in the direction in which the negative pressure is generated. That is, the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 (22a) is
It will move together with the probe body 1. The negative pressure transmitted to the distal end side returns to the normal state by sucking the outside air from the opening 34 (if it is water, sucking the water). And since the above-mentioned thing happens instantly, the pressure fluctuation which acts on the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 (22a) does not occur.

Next, in the process of shifting from the state of FIG. 13B to the state of A, a positive pressure is applied to the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 (22a). Considering this in a very small time,
This positive pressure is generated at the protrusion 21 of the probe body 1 and transmitted to the tip side. Therefore, the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 (22
In a), the pressure is transmitted to the tip side while moving in the opposite direction where the positive pressure is generated. That is, the ultrasonic transmission medium 22
(22a) will move together with the probe body 1. The positive pressure transmitted to the distal end side returns to the normal state by expelling the outside air from the opening 34 (if water, expels water). And since the above-mentioned thing happens instantly, the pressure fluctuation which acts on the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 (22a) does not occur. During the above operation, the ultrasonic beam moves in the linear direction within the distal sheath portion 30 of the outer sheath 3.

The first embodiment is configured as described above, and since the transducer unit 17 is moved back and forth by the entire probe body 1, the flexible shaft 1
The tensile and compressive forces acting on 9 are extremely small. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the rotation transmissibility to the ultrasonic transducer unit 17 from changing and eliminate the possibility of uneven rotation.
Furthermore, a good ultrasonic image can be obtained without breaking the signal cable.

Moreover, since the probe unit 1 is moved back and forth as a whole, that is, the transducer unit 17 and the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 (22a) move together, bubbles in the probe body 1 cause the transducer surface to move. Will not adhere to. Further, since the holding mechanism (projection portion 21) for the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 (22a) is provided between the probe body 1 and the outer sheath 3, the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 at least at the portion through which the ultrasonic beam passes. It is possible to prevent bubbles from being mixed into (22a). In addition, the probe body 1 and the outer sheath 3
Since pressure fluctuation does not occur in the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 (22a) between them, even if minute bubbles are present in the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 (22a), they do not grow. Therefore, a good ultrasonic image with little ultrasonic attenuation due to bubbles can be obtained.

Further, the distal end opening 34 of the outer sheath 3
Since the mesh-shaped filter 35 is provided at the end, it is possible to prevent solid dirt from being sucked when the probe body 1 moves back and forth. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the probe body 1 is moved back and forth due to the suction of the filth, and a good ultrasonic image can be obtained. Furthermore, the opening 34 protects the suction of bacteria,
If a filtration filter is used, suction of bacteria into the outer sheath 3 can also be prevented, and the probe body 1 and the outer sheath 3 can be easily disinfected and sterilized.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the flexible shaft 19 is subjected to the hydrophilic lubrication treatment, the friction during rotation can be reduced and good rotation can be realized. Further, both the sheath 15 of the probe main body 1 and the outer sheath 3 are thinned at the portion through which the ultrasonic beam passes, so that the attenuation of the ultrasonic beam can be reduced. Further, since the outer sheath 3 is rotatably held, the outer sheath 3 will not be twisted even if a twisting force is applied during insertion. Further, the brass blade 38 in the outer sheath 3 can prevent the external external noise from entering the ultrasonic image due to the shielding effect.

14 and 15 show the second embodiment of the present invention, in which the portions corresponding to those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals (the same applies to the following embodiments). Of these, FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part in a state where the probe body 1 and the outer sheath 3 are assembled. In the present embodiment, the sheath 15 of the probe body 1 has a sheath molding portion 7 from the tip.
It has a single-layer sheath portion 72, a single-layer sheath portion 72, and a double-layer sheath portion 73, and the sheath molding portion 71 is provided with a check valve 74. The single-layer sheath 72 is located in the portion through which the ultrasonic beam passes, and the low-density polyethylene sheath 76 is used. Further, the double-layer sheath portion 73 is located in a portion where the ultrasonic beam does not pass, and the high-density polyethylene sheath 75 is provided outside the low-density polyethylene sheath 76 that continuously extends from the single-layer sheath portion 72. ing.
A blade 77 is provided between the low-density polyethylene sheath 76 and the high-density polyethylene sheath 75 to prevent buckling, improve followability between the hand side and the tip side when moving forward and backward, and shield external noise. . The blade 77 has the same potential as the GND of the patient circuit (not shown).

Next, the outer sheath 3 is formed of a polyethylene sheath having a lower density, and a thick portion 78 is formed near the connecting portion with the drive unit, and an O ring 79 is provided therein as a seal. An opening 81 for connecting to an opening / closing member 80 (for example, a three-way stopcock) that establishes electrical connection between the inside and outside of the outer sheath 3 is provided on the side of the O-ring 79 near the tip of the insertion portion. The extending portions of the probe body 1 and the outer sheath 3 are led to a connector and a connecting portion (not shown).

Further, the probe body 1 and the outer sheath 3
An ultrasonic wave transmission medium (for example, degassed water) 22 is filled in the clearances up to about half of the entire length of the probe main body 1, and the filling is performed by the following procedure. First, the opening / closing member 80 is set to “open”, and deaerated water is injected from the distal end opening portion 34 of the outer sheath 3 by a syringe (not shown). Then, the injection is stopped at about half of the total length of the probe main body 1, and the opening / closing member is closed. Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

The operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15A shows a case where the probe main body 1 is moved to the most distal end side, and B is a case where the ultrasonic probe main body 1 is moved to the most rear end side. A to B
In the process of moving to (1), the probe main body 1 moves together with the transducer unit 17 without leaking degassed water at the tip end due to the action of the check valve 74. Further, since about half of the entire length of the probe body 1 on the hand side is air, it can be easily compressed and does not cause a great resistance when the probe body 1 moves. Then B to A
In the process of moving to, the force that pushes the compressed air to the original state causes the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 to be pushed toward the tip side, and the probe body 1 moves together with the transducer unit 17. At this time, air does not flow into the vibrator unit 17 side from the check valve 74.

Since the second embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to prevent the rotation transmissibility of the ultrasonic transducer unit 17 from changing and eliminate the possibility of uneven rotation. Furthermore, a good ultrasonic image can be obtained without breaking the signal cable. Since the transducer unit 17 and the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 move together, the same effect as in the first embodiment is obtained in that bubbles in the ultrasonic probe main body 1 do not adhere to the transducer surface. Further, since the medium holding mechanism (check valve 74) is provided, the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 can be held between the probe body 1 and the outer sheath 3 more reliably than in the first embodiment. Further, by providing the blade 77 in the sheath 15 of the probe body 1,
Since the rigidity of the probe main body 1 in the insertion direction becomes strong, it is possible to prevent the probe main body 1 from buckling and obtain a good ultrasonic image. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent electrical external noise from entering the ultrasonic signal line, it is possible to obtain a good ultrasonic image even in a noisy environment. Further, since the sheath 15 of the probe main body 1 has a double structure and high density polyethylene is used on the outer side, friction with the outer sheath 3 is reduced, and the amount of force when moving back and forth can be reduced. Therefore, the durability of the probe main body 1 is improved, the power unit for moving the probe main body 1 back and forth can be downsized, and the drive unit can be made lightweight and compact.

FIG. 16 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. 16A is a sectional view of the tip of the ultrasonic probe, and FIG. 16B is a sectional view of the tip showing the positional relationship between the probe main body and the outer sheath when the ultrasonic transmission medium is injected. As shown in FIG. 16A, the probe body 1
The sheath 15 has a sheath molding portion 71 and an insertion portion 8 from the distal end.
2 and the sheath molding portion 71 has
A ring 83 is provided. Further, the insertion portion 82 is formed of a single layer polyethylene sheath. The outer sheath 3 has a tip portion 84 and an insertion portion 85, and the tip portion 84 has an opening formed by thermoforming.

When the inner diameter of the outer sheath tip portion 84 is φA, the inner diameter of the outer sheath insertion portion 85 is φB, the outer diameter of the O-ring 83 is φC, and the outer diameter of the probe body 1 is φD, There is an expression relationship. φA> φC ≧ φB> φD Further, in the vicinity of the connection portion of the outer sheath 3 with the drive unit, as in the second embodiment (FIG. 14), the outer sheath 3 is partially thickened. An O-ring is provided inside as a seal. In addition, an opening (not shown) is provided on the side near the tip of the insertion portion of the O-ring to connect with an opening / closing member (for example, a three-way stopcock) that allows the air inside and outside the outer sheath to communicate.

Next, the probe body 1 and the outer sheath 3
16B to fill the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 between
As shown in FIG. 5, the probe body 1 is pushed until the O-ring 83 enters the tip portion 84 of the outer sheath 3, and the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 is injected from the opening 34 of the outer sheath 3. At this time, the opening / closing member is “open”. The injection is stopped when the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 sufficiently covers the transducer unit 17, and the probe body 1 is stopped until the O-ring 83 reaches the insertion portion 85 of the outer sheath 3 (position in FIG. 16A).
Return and close the open / close member. The probe body 1
The forward / backward movement of is performed at a position where the O-ring 83 is inside the insertion portion 85 of the outer sheath 3. Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

The operation of the third embodiment as described above is substantially the same as that of the second embodiment, and therefore its explanation is omitted. Since the third embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to prevent the rotation transmissibility to the vibrator unit 17 from changing and eliminate the possibility of uneven rotation. Furthermore, a good ultrasonic image can be obtained without breaking the signal cable. Transducer unit 17
Since the ultrasonic wave transmission medium 22 and the ultrasonic wave transmission medium 22 move together, the same effect as in the first embodiment is obtained in that bubbles in the probe body 1 do not adhere to the transducer surface. In addition, since the medium holding mechanism (O-ring 83) is provided, the probe body 1 and the outer sheath 3 can be more reliably provided than in the first embodiment.
The ultrasonic transmission medium 22 can be held between and. Further, unlike the case of the second embodiment, since there is no resistance of the check valve, the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 can be more easily and reliably filled.

FIG. 17 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 17A is a sectional view of the tip of an ultrasonic probe, and FIG. 17B is a sectional view of the tip showing its operation. As shown in the figure, a donut-shaped balloon 86 is provided between the probe body 1 and the outer sheath 3, and the balloon 86 is fixed to the fixed portion 8 of the tip molding portion 71 of the probe body 1.
One end is fixed via 7. The balloon 86
The inside is filled with degassed water 22 as an ultrasonic transmission medium.

As shown in FIG. 17B, when the probe main body 1 moves to the hand side (rear end side), one end of the balloon 86 is fixed, and therefore the balloon 86 rotates as shown by the arrow, and the ultrasonic probe main body 1 and the outer body are rotated. The ultrasonic transmission medium 22 is always held between the sheath 3 and the sheath 3. On the other hand, when the probe main body 1 moves to the tip side, the balloon 86 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow, and the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 can be held similarly.

Since the fourth embodiment is constructed as described above, it is possible to prevent the rotation transmissibility of the vibrator unit 17 from changing and eliminate the possibility of uneven rotation. Furthermore, a good ultrasonic image can be obtained without breaking the signal cable. Since the transducer unit 17 and the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 move together, the same effect as in the first embodiment is obtained in that bubbles in the probe body 1 do not adhere to the transducer surface. Furthermore, since the balloon 86 rotates,
The probe body 1 and the outer sheath 3 can be moved back and forth with almost no friction. Therefore, the probe body 1
It is possible to further reduce the amount of forward / backward movement of the.

18 and 19 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention and are sectional views of the tip of an ultrasonic probe. As shown in FIG. 18A, the transducer unit 15 and the flexible shaft 19 are provided inside the flexible sheath 15, and after filling the ultrasonic transmission medium 22, the tip is sealed by thermoforming. A resin mesh 88 is inserted between the vibrator unit 17 and the flexible sheath 15. As the material of the mesh 88, a material having good ultrasonic permeability is used, and examples thereof include polyethylene, Teflon, vinyl chloride, and polyolefin. The mesh 88 may have stitches (A) or polka dots (B) as shown in FIG. 19, but the shape is not limited to this, and the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 can be smoothly distributed. Any shape may be used as long as it is one.

Therefore, when the transducer unit 17 is rotated and moved back and forth by the flexible shaft 19, the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 is separated from the inside and outside of the mesh 88 as a boundary, as shown in FIG. It will circulate in. Therefore, no pressure is applied to the ultrasonic transmission medium 22 when the flexible shaft 19 moves back and forth. Therefore, even if the distal end of the flexible sheath 15 is sealed, the amount of advancing / retreating force of the flexible shaft 19 can be small.

Since the fifth embodiment is constructed as described above, almost no force is applied to the flexible shaft 19, so that the flexible shaft 19 and the vibrator unit 1 provided at its tip end against the forward / backward movement of the proximal side.
The followability of 7 is good, and uneven rotation does not occur. In addition, disconnection of the signal cable in the flexible shaft 19 can be prevented. Therefore, a good three-dimensional ultrasonic image can be drawn. Moreover, since an outer sheath is not required unlike the first to fourth embodiments, the outer diameter can be made smaller and the suffering of the subject can be alleviated. Further, since the resin having good ultrasonic wave permeability is used as the material of the mesh, the mesh 88 does not cause attenuation of the ultrasonic wave. Therefore, a highly sensitive three-dimensional ultrasonic image can be drawn.

The present invention shown in the above embodiments can be understood as the following inventions. (1) The ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning according to claim 1, wherein the probe body and the outer sheath are attachable to and detachable from the operating portion on the proximal side. (2) When mounting the ultrasonic probe on the rotary drive unit and the advance / retreat drive unit in the hand side operation unit, connect the flexible shaft in the ultrasonic probe main body to the rotary drive unit to advance / retreat the ultrasonic probe main unit and the rotary drive unit. The ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic probe is mounted on a driving unit. (3) The ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning according to claim 1, wherein an opening communicating with the outside is formed at the tip of the outer sheath. (4) The ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning according to claim 1 or (3), wherein a filter is provided in the opening formed at the tip of the outer sheath. (5) An ultrasonic transducer in a flexible sheath forming an insertion portion, a hollow flexible shaft having an ultrasonic transducer at the tip and having a signal cable therein, an ultrasonic transmission medium, and an ultrasonic transducer. In the ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning, which is provided with a drive unit for applying rotation and forward / backward drive force to
Attach the probe body to the rotation drive unit and advance / retreat drive unit of the near side scanning unit, cover the probe body with the outer sheath and attach this outer sheath to the fixed portion of the near side operation unit to connect the probe body and the outer sheath. An ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning, characterized in that a medium holding mechanism capable of holding an ultrasonic transmission medium is provided between and at least in a portion where an ultrasonic beam passes. (6) The ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning according to (5), characterized in that the medium holding mechanism is formed by at least one seal member in the vicinity of the transducer unit and between the flexible sheath and the outer sheath. (7) For three-dimensional scanning according to (5) or (6), the medium holding mechanism is formed near the ultrasonic transducer and behind the transducer so as to have a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the outer sheath. Ultrasonic probe. (8) The ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning according to (5) or (6), characterized in that the medium holding mechanism is formed as a reciprocal valve on the tip side of the ultrasonic transducer. (9) Expression φA on the tip side from the ultrasonic transducer of the flexible sheath
> ΦC ≧ φBA φD (φA: tip side outer sheath inner diameter, φB: rear end side outer sheath inner diameter, φC: O-ring outer diameter, φD: flexible sheath outer diameter) and the inner diameter of the outer sheath The ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning according to (5) or (6) is characterized in that a medium holding mechanism is formed such that the vicinity of the tip also satisfies the above formula. (10) As a medium holding mechanism, a ring-shaped balloon is filled with water inside the clearance portion between the flexible sheath and the outer sheath and on the ultrasonic beam passage surface, and a part of the ring-shaped balloon is superposed. (3) The ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning according to (5), characterized in that the medium holding mechanism is fixed to a flexible sheath near the acoustic wave oscillator. (11) An ultrasonic transducer inside a flexible sheath forming an insertion portion, a hollow flexible shaft having an ultrasonic transducer at the tip and having a signal cable therein, an ultrasonic transmission medium, and an ultrasonic transducer. In the ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning, which is provided with a drive unit for applying rotation and forward / backward drive force, a resin mesh is provided inside the flexible sheath at least in the range in which the ultrasonic transducer moves forward / backward. Characteristic three-dimensional scanning ultrasonic probe. (12) The ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning according to (11), characterized in that the resin mesh is a resin having good ultrasonic permeability. (13) The ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning according to (11) or (12), characterized in that polyethylene, Teflon, vinyl chloride, polyolefin or the like is used as a resin material.

Since the configurations (1) to (10) are adopted, the ultrasonic transmission medium is always held at a predetermined position between the probe body and the outer sheath even if the probe holding body is moved back and forth by the medium holding mechanism. Therefore, it is possible to suppress attenuation and realize stable transmission and reception of ultrasonic beams. Furthermore, even if the tip of the ultrasonic probe is sealed, the flexible shaft can be smoothly moved back and forth without causing a change in pressure in the ultrasonic transmission medium when the flexible shaft is moved back and forth. Further, since the meshes made of resin are provided in the ranges (11) to (13) and the vibrator unit moves forward and backward, when the flexible shaft in the flexible sheath moves forward and backward,
The ultrasonic transmission medium flows from the inside of the mesh through the mesh to the outside of the mesh. For this reason, pressure change does not occur in the ultrasonic transmission medium, and smooth movement of the transducer unit can be realized.

[0047]

As described above, according to the present invention, the rotational force is transmitted to the ultrasonic transducer only by the flexible shaft in the flexible sheath, and the forward / backward force is transmitted in the flexible sheath in the outer sheath. Since the ultrasonic transmission medium and the flexible shaft, that is, the entire probe main body is used, the amount of resistance force when the ultrasonic transducer moves back and forth is only the friction between the flexible sheath and the outer sheath, and the resistance when driving back and forth. A small amount of power is required, and the forward / backward drive on the hand side has good followability at the tip, and stable forward / backward drive can be realized. Further, it is possible to prevent bubbles from adhering to the surface of the ultrasonic transducer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall view of an ultrasonic three-dimensional diagnostic system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is likewise an overall view of the probe body.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the tip of the probe body.

FIG. 4 is a detailed sectional view of a connector portion of the probe body.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the tip of the outer sheath.

FIG. 6 is a detailed sectional view of a connecting portion of the outer sheath,
FIG.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the drive unit.

FIG. 8 is likewise a top view of the drive unit.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of filling an ultrasonic transmission medium in the same manner.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of filling the same with an ultrasonic transmission medium.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a method of filling another ultrasonic transmission medium.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a state in which the probe body and the outer sheath are similarly attached to the drive unit.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the same when the ultrasonic probe is operating in the insertion axis direction.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an essential part of a state where a probe body and an outer sheath according to a second embodiment of the present invention are assembled.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view for explaining the same operation.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the tip of an ultrasonic probe according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a distal end sectional view of an ultrasonic probe according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the tip of the ultrasonic probe according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view showing the same mesh shape.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Probe body 3 Outer sheath 17 Transducer unit 21 Projection portion 22 Ultrasonic wave transmission medium 30 Tip sheath portion 34 Opening portion

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Junichi Ichikawa 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Koichi Matsui 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor, Tadashi Abe 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A transducer unit, a hollow flexible shaft provided with the transducer unit at its tip and having a signal cable therein, an ultrasonic transmission medium, and a transducer in a flexible sheath forming an insertion portion. In an ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning, which is provided with a drive unit for applying a rotation and forward / backward drive force to the unit, the probe body is covered with an outer sheath, and this outer sheath is attached to the fixed portion of the proximal side operation unit, and the probe An ultrasonic probe for three-dimensional scanning, characterized in that the main body is attached to a rotation drive section and an advance / retreat drive section provided in a hand side operation section.