JPH10328189A - Ultrasonic blood flow measuring instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To precisely measure a blood flow within a brain and to reduce uncomfortable feeling and a burden to give an examinee by providing a part for covering a rear head part to an attachment fixing a probe to a head part so as to prevent the aberration of the probe at the head part. SOLUTION: The attachment 11 for positioning the probe of an ultrasonic doppler blood flow meter to the head part consists of a part covering the top part of a head 1 and a part covering the rear head part and the latter part makes a shape widely covering the whole rear head part. In addition, the probe 12 for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic is fixed to a position in close contact with the side head part of the attachment. In addition, a filling material for filling a gap between the rear head part and the attachement 11 is arranged inside of a part covering the rear head part of the attachment 11. This attachement reduces fastening to the head part from front/back and right/left to be suited to mounting in a long period and to avoid the probe from easily mis-regulated, to obtain precisely measured data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic blood flow measuring apparatus for detecting blood flow in the brain using ultrasonic waves, and more particularly to an apparatus for improving measurement accuracy and reducing discomfort and burden on a subject. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art By observing the blood flow in the brain using an ultrasonic Doppler blood flow meter, it is possible to grasp signs such as subarachnoid hemorrhage. No. 204655 and the like.

[0003] As shown in FIG. 14, the apparatus includes an ultrasonic Doppler signal detection circuit 4 for generating a transmission signal and detecting a frequency shift component of the reception signal, and a probe for transmitting and receiving the signal by converting the signal into ultrasonic waves. 3, an A / D converter 5 for converting a detection signal into a digital signal, a frequency analyzer 6 for generating a frequency spectrum of the detection signal, and a display 7 for displaying the generated frequency spectrum. FIG.
In 4, reference numeral 1 denotes the head of the subject, and 2 denotes blood vessels in the brain.

In this apparatus, the probe 3 is connected to the head 1 of the subject.
To emit ultrasonic waves into the brain and detect the state of blood flow from the reflected waves.

At this time, first, the ultrasonic Doppler signal detection circuit 4 generates a signal, and this signal is converted into an ultrasonic signal by the probe 3 and emitted into the brain of the subject. As a portion to which the probe 3 is applied, a thin temporal part of a bone is often used.

A part of the ultrasonic wave radiated into the brain is reflected by the blood flow and returns to the probe 3 again. The ultrasonic Doppler signal detection circuit 4 detects a frequency shift component of the received signal. The A / D converter 5 converts the detection signal into a digital signal, the frequency analyzer 6 performs signal processing on the detection signal to obtain a frequency spectrum, and the display 7 displays the obtained frequency spectrum. The operating principle of the ultrasonic Doppler blood flow meter is known, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0007] The measurement of blood flow in the brain is generally performed in hospitals and the like. For example, cerebral thrombosis and the like are likely to occur during sleep or immediately after waking up, and it is difficult to predict the risk at the time of diagnosis in a hospital. .

For this reason, a method is used in which a subject is allowed to live with a measuring device attached for approximately 24 hours, and a true pathological condition is diagnosed from the obtained data. A device for that purpose has been devised.

[0009] As shown in FIG.
Is provided with a memory 8 for storing data output from the frequency analyzer 6. Other configurations are the same as those of the apparatus shown in FIG.

The subject performs daily life while wearing this device, and blood flow data during that time is stored in the memory 8. Then, when the subject returns to the hospital again, the reading device is connected to this device, and the information stored in the memory 8 is provided to the diagnostician.

In such long-time data collection, it is an important issue how to stably fix the probe to the head.

For example, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 7-37104 discloses a device for observing the blood flow of the brain, in which a blood flow sensor 10 is fixed to headphones 9 as shown in FIG. As a modification, an example is shown in which a blood flow sensor is provided on a hair band, an eyeglass frame, or the like.

[0013]

However, in these fixing methods, there is a problem that the position of the sensor is easily shifted, and data with the desired accuracy cannot be obtained.

In this measurement, it is originally necessary to obtain information on all the blood vessels of the brain. However, when recording data while performing daily life, it is difficult to search because there is no specialist in the examination. There is a problem that the direction of the tentacle cannot be changed and only one blood vessel can be measured.

Further, when the ultrasonic Doppler blood flow meter is operated for a long time, a large amount of power is consumed. Therefore, the subject has to carry a large and heavy battery, and the subject has a heavy burden. Has occurred.

The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and can measure the blood flow in the brain with high accuracy. In addition, in a long-time measurement, the discomfort and burden given to the subject are reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic blood flow measurement device that can be reduced.

[0017]

Therefore, in the ultrasonic blood flow measuring device of the present invention, an attachment for fixing the probe to the head is provided with a portion for covering the back of the head, and the probe is attached to the head. Prevents misalignment.

Further, the probe is configured to be brought into contact with the head via a water bag or the like, thereby improving the contact with the head.

The probe is configured so that the ultrasonic beam radiated from the probe covers a wide range so that blood flow information can be obtained from many parts in the brain.

Further, the measurement is performed intermittently to reduce the power consumption.

With such a configuration, it becomes possible to measure the blood flow in the brain with high accuracy, and it is possible to eliminate the discomfort given to the subject and reduce the burden on the subject during long-time measurement. .

[0022]

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is directed to an ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting a blood flow in a brain, wherein an attachment for fixing a probe to a head is provided. This attachment is provided with a portion covering the back of the head, so that the degree of fixation of the probe to the head is improved, and a highly accurate measurement result can be obtained.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a filler solidified according to the shape of the head is provided inside the attachment, so that the degree of fixation of the probe to the head is further improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the attachment is provided with a ventilation hole, so that the retention of water vapor generated by perspiration or the like can be prevented, and a comfortable wearing feeling can be realized.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting a blood flow in a brain, wherein a probe contacts a head via a water bag. It is possible to prevent the head from being excessively pressed, and to maintain good contact between the probe and the head.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the water bag is connected to a pressure reservoir for keeping the pressure in the water bag constant, and the distance between the probe and the head varies slightly. Even
The pressure of the water bag is kept constant, and good contact between the probe and the head can be maintained.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting blood flow in the brain, the probe is configured to contact the head via an adhesive substance. Due to the presence of the adhesive substance, the probe can be easily fixed to the head.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting blood flow in the brain, the probe is configured to contact the head via a spherical coupler. Regardless of the direction of the probe, the probe and the head make good contact.

According to the invention described in claim 8, the probe is supported by an attachment for fixing the probe to the head via a support mechanism capable of freely changing the direction of the probe. By adjusting the direction of the probe, the blood flow at a desired site in the brain can be observed in a favorable state.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting the blood flow in the brain, the directivity of the probe is expanded so that the beam shape becomes radial. Blood flow information can be obtained from a wide range in the brain.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting blood flow in the brain, a plurality of transducers having different ultrasonic beam radiation directions are provided on the probe. Thus, blood flow information in a wide range in the brain can be obtained without lowering the sensitivity.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting blood flow in the brain, a plurality of probes fixed at different positions on the head are provided. Good blood flow information can be obtained from a wide range.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of probes is configured to share a different region to be examined, and highly accurate blood flow information can be obtained from a wide range in the brain. Can be obtained.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in an ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting a blood flow in a brain, a measuring operation is performed intermittently, power consumption is reduced,
The weight of the battery can be reduced.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting blood flow in the brain, the measured data
C memory card, and the IC
By transferring the measurement data using the card memory, the handling of the device by the subject and the diagnostician becomes easier, and the labor can be reduced.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) In the first embodiment,
The improvement of the attachment for positioning the probe of the ultrasonic Doppler blood flow meter on the head will be described.

FIG. 1 is an external view of the attachment 11. The attachment 11 includes a portion that covers the top of the head 1 and a portion that covers the occipital region. The latter portion is shaped to widely cover the entire occipital region. In addition, transmission of ultrasonic waves
A probe 12 for performing reception is fixed at a position in close contact with the temporal region of the attachment 11.

The attachment 11 has a small amount of tightening to the head from front, rear, left and right, and is suitable for long-time wearing. At the same time, displacement of the probe 12 is less likely to occur, and highly accurate measurement data can be obtained.

The attachment shown in FIG. 2 is a further improvement of the structure shown in FIG. 1, and a filler 13 for filling a gap between the back of the head and the attachment 11 is arranged inside a portion covering the back of the attachment 11.

The filler 13 is made of a material such as a room-temperature-cured urethane rubber. The filler is injected into the attachment 11 in an uncured state, and solidified while being kept in close contact with the head 1. The inner surface shape of the filling 13 can be made to match the shape of the occiput.

With this attachment 11, displacement is less likely to occur, and accurate measurement data can be obtained.

FIG. 3 shows a vent hole 14 in a portion which covers the back of the head widely.
Shows an attachment 11 provided with. If the attachment 11 is worn for a long time, water vapor may accumulate inside the attachment 11 due to sweating or the like, which may cause discomfort to the subject. However, since the attachment 11 is provided with the vent hole 14, the water vapor does not accumulate and the comfort can be improved.

By using these attachments, the measurement accuracy of the blood flow in the brain over a long period of time can be increased,
In addition, discomfort to the subject can be reduced.

(Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment,
A configuration for improving the contact between the probe and the head of the ultrasonic Doppler blood flow meter will be described.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the probe 16 contacts a part of the head 1 via the water bag 15. The water bag 15 contains a liquid that does not hinder the propagation of ultrasonic waves.
By sandwiching the water bag 15 between the head 1 and the probe 16 in this manner, the adhesion between the probe 16 and the head 1 is improved, and the probe 16 is strongly pressed against the head. Even if it does not, good contact can be maintained.

The configuration shown in FIG. 5 is a further improvement of the water bag 15 of FIG. 4, and has a pressure reservoir 20 for adjusting the internal pressure of the water bag 15. The pressure reservoir 20 is made of a resilient substance, and shares the contained liquid with the water bag 15.

The pressure reservoir 20 functions to adjust the internal pressure of the water bladder 15 and keep it constant even when the distance between the probe 16 and the head 1 changes. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the head 16 from being excessively tightened by the probe 16 and, conversely, the probe 16 from being displaced due to insufficient holding.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration in which the head 1 and the probe are brought into contact with each other with the adhesive 28 interposed therebetween.

The adhesive substance 28 does not hinder the propagation of ultrasonic waves as used in, for example, a low-frequency treatment device.
It is made of a material having sound permeability. The adhesive 28 functions to fix the probe 12 to the head 1. Therefore, the probe 12 does not shift in position due to the presence of the adhesive substance 28. Also,
Due to the presence of the adhesive material 28, the time and effort for applying gel or the like to the position of the head contacting the probe 12 can be saved.

FIG. 7 shows a probe 28 in which a hemispherical coupler 36 is fitted at the tip in order to enhance the contact property of the probe 28.

The material of the coupler 36 has a sound velocity close to that of water. Therefore, the coupler 36 does not affect the focusing of the ultrasonic beam.

When the probe 28 is applied to the head 1, it is necessary to adjust the direction of the ultrasonic beam by changing the direction of the probe 28 so that the blood flow can be properly caught. Therefore, the probe
In some cases, the end face of the tip end becomes not parallel to the surface of the head 1. At this time, if there is no coupler, the contact area between the probe 28 and the head surface is reduced, and the propagation of ultrasonic waves is hindered.However, in this probe 28 having the hemispherical coupler 36, No matter how the direction of the probe 28 is changed, the coupler 36 contacts the surface of the head 1 with a constant area, propagates the ultrasonic wave output from the probe 28 to the head 1, and The ultrasound reflected by the blood flow of the head 1 is transmitted to the probe 28.

This hemispherical coupler 36 improves the contact with the head and the propagation of ultrasonic waves into the head.

As described above, each configuration shown in the second embodiment can increase the contact property of the probe to the head, and can increase the measurement accuracy in the examination of the blood flow in the brain.

(Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment,
The structure for attaching the probe to the attachment will be described.

FIG. 8 shows this mounting structure.
A hemispherical hollow holder 17 is fixed to the attachment 18, and a fixing screw 19 is screwed to the holder 17. On the other hand, the probe 16 contacts the head 1 via the water bag 15, and a sphere is fixed to the other end, and the sphere is held by the holder 17.

For the probe 16 having this sphere, a holder
Reference numeral 17 denotes a bearing, and the direction of the probe 16 can be freely changed by the presence of the bearing. When fixing the direction of the probe 16, the fixing screw 19 is tightened, and its tip is pressed against the sphere to restrict the rotation of the sphere in the holder 17.

It is necessary to adjust the direction of the ultrasonic beam by changing the direction of the probe 16 so that the blood flow can be observed well. In this configuration, however, the probe 16 is directed in an arbitrary direction. By tightening the fixing screw 19, the direction can be maintained. Regardless of the direction of the probe 16, the water bag 15 is provided between the probe 16 and the head 1, so that a stable contact can be obtained regardless of the direction of the probe 16. Can be kept.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment,
The generation of an ultrasonic beam for observing a wide part in the brain will be described.

In a normal ultrasonic inspection, as shown in FIG. 9, an ultrasonic wave is emitted so that the ultrasonic wave is focused at a site to be observed. However, there are many blood vessels in the brain, and various sites exhibit abnormalities. Therefore, when the beam is focused, only a part of the beam can be seen.

Therefore, the directivity of the probe 12 is expanded, and FIG.
As shown as 21, the probe 12 emits ultrasonic waves so that the beam shape shows a radial spread. This makes it possible to detect a wide range of blood flow in the brain.

FIG. 10 shows a probe 28 which incorporates a plurality of transducers 29, 30, 31 in order to extend the range of observation. These vibrators 29 to 31 have slightly different beam emission directions, and the vibrators 29 to 31 selected by the changeover switch 35 emit respective beams 32, 33, and 34 to detect signals. The changeover of the changeover switch 35 is performed under the control of a control unit (not shown) of the blood flow measurement device.

As described above, it is important to detect a wide range of blood flow in the examination in the brain. However, if the focusing range of the beam is too wide, a reduction in sensitivity becomes a problem. In the probe 28, a plurality of transducers 29 to 32 are used, and a wide range is covered by beams emitted from the transducers 29 to 32. Spread is small. Therefore, this probe can detect a wide range of blood flow in the brain without lowering the sensitivity.

FIG. 11 shows the probe 2 on the left and right sides of the head 1.
The case where 3 and 24 are arranged is shown. Probe 23 is head 1
The probe 24 detects the blood flow in that region as the test region 25, and the probe 24 detects the blood flow in the right half of the head 1 as the test region 26. The operations of these probes 23 and 24 are switched by a changeover switch 27. Selector switch
Switching of 27 is performed under the control of the control unit of the blood flow measuring device (not shown).

When observing blood flow information from one position, accurate information may not be obtained due to noise or the like. However, the probes 23 and 24 are provided on the left and right sides of the head 1. , Respectively, is responsible for the right half and the left half of the head 1, so that good blood flow information can be obtained.

It should be noted that the area to be examined of each probe can be divided in various ways, such as dividing the head into right and left, and vertically.

As described above, by using the probe shown in the fourth embodiment to adjust the range of the ultrasonic beam reaching the head, a highly accurate measurement result can be obtained.

(Fifth Embodiment) In the fifth embodiment,
A configuration for reducing the power consumption of the ultrasonic Doppler blood flow meter will be described.

As shown in FIG. 12, the ultrasonic Doppler blood flow meter generates a transmission signal, detects an ultrasonic Doppler signal detection circuit 4 for detecting a frequency shift component of a reception signal, and converts the signal into an ultrasonic wave. A probe 12 for transmission / reception, an A / D converter 5 for converting a detection signal into a digital signal, a frequency analyzer 6 for generating a frequency spectrum of the detection signal, and data output from the frequency analyzer 6 are stored. A memory 8, a power supply control device 37 for controlling on / off of the power supply of each section, and a timer 38 for measuring the timing of the on / off operation are provided.

In this device, the life of the power supply is improved by performing the measurement operation intermittently. The timer 38 gives time information to the power control device 37,
37 turns on the power of each part of the device based on the information of the timer 38
-Turn off. When the power is on, each unit performs a normal operation, measures the blood flow, and stores the measurement result in the memory 8. When the power is off, the measurement is stopped. In this way, long-term blood flow information can be stored in the memory while minimizing power consumption.

In the ultrasonic Doppler blood flow meter, the power consumption is reduced, so that the weight of the portable battery when the subject is worn for a long time and the examination is continued can be reduced, and the burden on the subject can be reduced. .

(Sixth Embodiment) In the sixth embodiment,
A configuration for facilitating the transfer of measurement data will be described.

As shown in FIG. 13, the ultrasonic Doppler blood flow meter includes an ultrasonic Doppler signal detection circuit 4 and an A / D converter 5.
Subject-side device 39 comprising a frequency analyzer 6 and a probe
12 and an IC memory 40 for storing measurement data.

On the other hand, under the diagnostician, a diagnostician's device 41 including a data analyzer 42 for analyzing the measurement data and a display 43 for displaying the measurement result is placed.
Is an IC that stores the measurement data collected by the subject device 39
The measurement data is read from the memory 40 and analyzed and displayed.

The subject attaches the probe 12 of the ultrasonic Doppler blood flow meter to the head 1 at home, measures the blood flow data in the brain for 24 hours, and stores the measured data in the IC memory.
Accumulate in 40. Then, only the IC memory 40 is brought to the hospital to receive a diagnosis. The doctor reads the data stored in the IC memory 40 with the diagnostician's device 41 and makes a diagnosis while displaying the measurement results on the display 43.

As described above, in this apparatus, the transfer of the measurement data can be performed extremely easily.
The burden on the subject can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where the device itself is brought to the hospital and the data stored in the built-in memory 8 is transferred to the device of the diagnostician.

The IC memory 40 can also transfer data by mail.

The configurations shown in the embodiments may be implemented independently, or may be implemented by combining some configurations.

[0080]

As is clear from the above description, the ultrasonic blood flow measuring device of the present invention enables highly accurate measurement of blood flow in the brain, and also makes the subject uncomfortable and burdensome when measuring. Can be reduced.

For this reason, even when the subject performs a long-term blood flow measurement at home or the like, accurate measurement data can be collected without using a large burden by using this apparatus. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a first attachment in an ultrasonic blood flow measurement device according to a first embodiment,

FIG. 2 is an external view of a second attachment in the ultrasonic blood flow measurement device of the first embodiment,

FIG. 3 is an external view of a third attachment in the ultrasonic blood flow measurement device according to the first embodiment,

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a first contact structure of a probe in the ultrasonic blood flow measuring device according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a second contact structure of a probe in the ultrasonic blood flow measurement device according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a third contact structure of a probe in the ultrasonic blood flow measuring device according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth contact structure of a probe in the ultrasonic blood flow measurement device according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a mounting structure of a probe in the ultrasonic blood flow measuring device according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing beam formation by a first probe of the ultrasonic blood flow measuring device according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows a second example of the ultrasonic blood flow measuring device according to the fourth embodiment.
Explanatory diagram showing beam formation by the probe of

FIG. 11 shows a third example of the ultrasonic blood flow measuring device according to the fourth embodiment.
Explanatory diagram showing beam formation by the probe of

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic blood flow measuring device according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic blood flow measuring device according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional ultrasonic blood flow measuring device;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of another conventional ultrasonic blood flow measurement device.

FIG. 16 is an external view showing an attachment of a probe of a conventional ultrasonic blood flow measuring device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Subject's head 2 Brain blood vessel 3, 12, 16, 23, 24, 28 Probe 4 Ultrasonic Doppler signal detection circuit 5 A / D converter 6 Frequency analyzer 7, 43 Display 8 Memory 9 Headphones 10 Blood flow sensor 11, 18 Attachment 13 Filler 14 Vent hole 15 Water bag 17 Bearing 19 Fixing screw 20 Pressure reservoir 21, 22, 32 to 34 Beam focusing shape 25, 26 Test area 27, 35 Switch 28 Adhesive 29 ~ 31 Oscillator 36 Coupler 37 Power control device 38 Timer 39 Subject device 40 IC memory 41 Diagnosis device 42 Data analyzer

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting blood flow in a brain, comprising: an attachment for fixing a probe to a head, wherein the attachment has a portion covering an occipital region. An ultrasonic blood flow measuring device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The ultrasonic blood flow measuring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a filler solidified according to the shape of the head inside the attachment. 3. The ultrasonic blood flow measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment has a vent. 4. An ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting a blood flow in the brain, wherein the probe contacts the head via a water bag. 5. The ultrasonic blood flow measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the water bag is connected to a pressure reservoir for keeping the pressure in the water bag constant. 6. An ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting a blood flow in the brain, wherein the probe contacts the head via an adhesive substance. 7. An ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting a blood flow in the brain, wherein the probe contacts the head via a spherical coupler. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the probe is supported by an attachment for fixing the probe to the head via a support mechanism capable of freely changing the direction of the probe. The ultrasonic blood flow measurement device according to claim 4, 5 or 7. 9. An ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting a blood flow in a brain, wherein the directivity of the probe is widened so that the beam shape is radial. . 10. An ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting a blood flow in a brain, wherein the probe comprises a plurality of transducers having different ultrasonic beam radiation directions. Blood flow measurement device. 11. An ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting blood flow in the brain, comprising a plurality of probes fixed at different positions on the head. 12. The ultrasonic blood flow measuring device according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of probes shares a different test area. 13. An ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting a blood flow in a brain, wherein the measuring operation is performed intermittently. 14. An ultrasonic blood flow measuring device for detecting a blood flow in a brain, wherein the measurement data is stored in an IC memory card.