JPH11169378A - Impulse therapeutic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable focusing of an impulse in a wider range. SOLUTION: An impulse generating means is arranged with a discharge electrode 31 to generate an impulse under water and an impulse focusing means 4 to focus the impulse onto one point outside the apparatus. The impulse focusing means 4 is provided with a first reflector 41 which comprises a hollow shell-shaped spheroid left on the side of one focus and cut off on the side of the other focus and a second reflector 42 comprising a part of a spherical shell. The discharge electrode 31 of the impulse generating means is arranged at one focus of the spheroid and the internal sides of the first reflector 41 and the second reflector 42 are made to face each other while the second reflector 42 is provided with an impulse passing hole. It is so arranged that the one focus of the spheroid containing the first reflector 41 coincides with the center of curvature of the spherical shell containing the second reflector 42.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a shock wave therapy apparatus, and more particularly, to a shock wave therapy apparatus which focuses a shock wave generated by an electric discharge in water on a diseased part in a body and crushes a calculus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIGS. 5 and 6 show a conventional example. The conventional shock wave treatment device 100 is a device that intensively irradiates a calculus generated in the body, for example, with a shock wave, and crushes the crushed stone to promote its removal.
0, and shock wave focusing means for focusing the generated shock wave to a single external point.

As shown in FIG. 6A, a shock wave generating means 110 includes a discharge electrode 111 for generating a shock wave, a high voltage generator 112 serving as a power supply for the discharge electrode 111, a closed circuit and an open circuit therebetween. And a discharge tube 113 as a switch for switching between the two. Further, reference numeral 114 in the drawing indicates a high-voltage capacitor, reference numeral 115 indicates a charging resistor,
Reference numeral 116 indicates the ground.

The discharge tube 113 is provided with a discharge timing control terminal 113a. When a drive signal is input from the outside, the discharge tube 113 closes the discharge electrode 111 and the high voltage generator 113 to apply a high voltage. . In the discharge electrode 111,
Discharge occurs due to the application of the high voltage, and a shock wave is generated due to a temperature change at that time.

[0005] The shock wave focusing means 120 is configured to leave one focal point f1 side of a hollow or shell-like spheroid and to leave the other focal point f.
A reflection plate 121 formed by cutting off two sides, and the reflection plate 121
And a deformable membrane for closing and sealing the resected section. Water is sealed in the internal space sealed by the reflection plate 121 and the membrane, and the discharge electrode 111 of the shock wave generation means 110 is arranged at a position of one focal point f1 of the reflection plate 121.

Since the reflection plate 121 is made of a material having an acoustic impedance higher than that of water, and the membrane is made of a material having an acoustic impedance close to water,
The shock wave generated from the discharge electrode 111 in water is reflected on the reflector 1
The light is reflected to the filter 21 and passes through the membrane.

[0007] In using the conventional example, the membrane is brought into contact with the body skin. At this time, artificial positioning is performed so that the other focal point f2 of the ellipsoid including the reflector 121 coincides with the affected part having a calculus. This positioning operation is performed while confirming the position of the calculus using an X-ray or ultrasonic sensor.

When the positioning of the focal point on the affected part is completed, an instantaneous high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 111 to cause a discharge. When a discharge is generated between the discharge electrodes 111, the surrounding water is heated at a stretch by the heat generated by the discharge and is vaporized and expanded, thereby generating a shock wave. The shock wave generated from one focal point f1 of the ellipsoid is reflected on the inner wall of the reflector 121 and is focused on the other focal point f2 (present in the body). For this reason, the shock wave intensively applies an impact force to the affected part in the body, and can crush calculi and the like in that part in a non-contact manner.

[0009]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, a shock wave (arrow A in FIG. 5) which propagates in a direction in which it spreads without being reflected by the reflection plate 121 is diffused without being focused on the affected part. Was gone. Therefore, the operation efficiency of the shock wave has been reduced.

The conventional shock wave generating means 110 uses the discharge tube 113 as a switch for the discharge electrode 111 as described above. When the open circuit is closed by the discharge tube 113, as shown in FIG.
The current continues to flow until after the discharge of the discharge electrode 1 has occurred, and the supply of the remaining current may cause the discharge electrode 111 to discharge again, which may hinder flexible control of the generation of a shock wave.

Further, the conventional shock wave therapy apparatus emits a shock wave in water, and when the shock wave is transmitted to the body, the loss increases when air is interposed. Therefore, a jelly-like substance is interposed therebetween. Was. However, there is a difference in the acoustic impedance difference between water and the body, which causes transmission loss, and the loss of the loss cannot be sufficiently achieved with a single jelly-like substance.

Further, the discharge electrodes provided in the conventional shock wave therapy apparatus have a structure in which a discharge is generated between the two electrodes. Therefore, each of these electrodes does not uniformly generate a shock wave around the body, and the body does not generate a shock wave. On the other hand, the shock wave was irradiated in an uneven state.

Further, since the conventional shock wave treatment apparatus is mounted on a treatment table for fixing the body through a positioning device, the body must be in a posture corresponding to the treatment table.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a shock wave therapy apparatus which can solve the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, can efficiently concentrate a shock wave on an initial position and can freely control the generation of a shock wave. Is its purpose.

[0015]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shock wave treatment apparatus comprising: a shock wave generating means having a discharge electrode for generating a shock wave in a hand; and a shock wave focusing means for focusing a shock wave to a single external point. A first reflector made of a hollow, shell-shaped spheroid leaving one focal side and a cutaway of the other, and a second reflector consisting of a part of a spherical shell The discharge electrode of the shock wave generating means is arranged at the position of one focal point of the spheroid, the inner surfaces of the first reflector and the second reflector are opposed to each other, and the second reflector Is provided with a passage hole for a shock wave, and the configuration is such that each of the reflectors is arranged such that one focal point of the spheroid including the first reflector and the center of curvature of the spherical shell including the second reflector coincide with each other. I am taking it.

In this configuration, the shock wave generated by the shock wave generating means is diverged from one focal point of the spheroid to the periphery. Among the diverging shock waves, the shock wave that has hit the inner surface of the first reflector is uniformly reflected toward the other focal point.
Further, the shock wave leaking from the first reflector collides with the second reflector facing the first reflector. The leaked shock wave originates from the center of curvature of the spherical shell including the second reflector, and is reflected again to the center of curvature of the spherical shell.

Since the center of curvature of the spherical shell coincides with one focal point of the spheroid, the shock wave reflected by the second reflector passes through the one focal point and strikes the inner surface of the first reflector. It collides and is reflected to the other focus.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the shock wave generating means includes a discharge electrode for generating a shock wave, a voltage generating section for generating a voltage applied to the discharge electrode, and a switching means for switching between a closed circuit and an open circuit therebetween. And the switching means is a semiconductor switch.

In such a configuration, when a shock wave is generated,
A closing signal is externally input to the semiconductor switch,
Electric current is supplied from the voltage generator to the discharge electrode. When the power is turned off, an open circuit signal is input and the power is turned off.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the shock wave treatment apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a watertight container having water sealed therein and equipped with a discharge electrode and a shock wave focusing means.
At the outlet of the shock wave of this watertight container, a shock wave transmitting member made of a material having a high water content is arranged in a plurality of layers, and the water content of each of the shock wave transmitting members is set gradually lower as going toward the direction of travel of the shock wave. The configuration is adopted.

A shock wave is easily reflected at an interface between two types of objects having greatly different acoustic impedances, and the transmission efficiency from one to the other is greatly reduced. On the other hand, the acoustic impedance is easily affected by the water content of the object, and the two objects having similar water contents have similar values of the acoustic impedance.

Therefore, in the above configuration, the shock wave generated in the water reaches the treatment target with a loss generated when passing through each shock wave transmitting member being suppressed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a discharge electrode is provided rotatably with respect to a watertight container, and the rotating operation of the discharge electrode is energized. In this case, a rotation driving means is provided. In this configuration, when a plurality of discharges are repeatedly performed, the treatment is performed by rotating the discharge electrode for each discharge.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the shock wave treatment apparatus according to the third aspect, the outlet of the shock wave of the watertight container is held toward the treatment target, and is detachable from the treatment target. It has a configuration that includes a fixture.

In such a configuration, the affected part of the subject to be treated is specified in advance by an inspection device or the like, and the fixing tool is manually positioned toward the affected part, and is attached to the body.
Give treatment.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same configuration as the fifth aspect of the present invention, the fixing device includes a band-shaped member which is wound around a treatment target and fixes the whole fixing device. The member is formed of a flexible material containing air therein, and is located closer to the treatment target than the watertight container.

In this configuration, the same operation as the invention described in claim 5 is performed, and when the apparatus is mounted on the treatment target, the operation is performed by winding the belt-like member around the target. Further, of the shock waves leaked from the shock wave focusing means, those incident on the belt-shaped member are not transmitted to the object due to the difference in acoustic impedance due to the air-containing structure.

[0028]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.
4 through FIG. The present embodiment is, for example, a shock wave treatment apparatus 1 that intensively irradiates a shock wave to a calculus generated in the body and urges the removal by finely crushing the shock wave. The shock wave treatment apparatus 1 focuses the shock wave at a predetermined point outside the apparatus. It is mainly composed of an irradiation unit 2 for irradiation and a fixture 10 for fixing and holding the irradiation unit 2 to the body to be treated.

The irradiation unit 2 includes a shock wave generating means 3 for generating a shock wave, a shock wave focusing means 4 for focusing the shock wave on an affected area having a calculus, and a bottomed cylinder which integrally holds these and water is sealed therein. And a frame body 5 in the shape of a circle.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the shock wave generating means 3 includes a discharge electrode 31 for generating a shock wave, a high voltage generator 32 serving as a power supply for the discharge electrode 31, a closed circuit and an open circuit therebetween. And a semiconductor switch 33 as a switch for switching between the two. Reference numeral 34 in the figure denotes a high-voltage capacitor, reference numeral 35 denotes a charging resistor, and reference numeral 36 denotes a ground.

The semiconductor switch 33 has a discharge timing control terminal 33a. When a drive signal is inputted from the outside, the discharge switch 31 and the high voltage generator 3 are turned on.
3, and a high voltage is applied. Discharge electrode 31
Since is disposed in the water inside the frame 5, it is instantaneously boiled by the discharge caused by the application of the high voltage, thereby generating a shock wave.

FIG. 2B shows the relationship between the conduction time and the discharge current during discharge. According to this figure, the semiconductor switch 33a is capable to break the current at any time width t _1, the discharge current also be energized continuously after the discharge as the discharge tube (see example conventional) There is no.

As shown in FIG. 1, the discharge electrode 31 is rotatably mounted on a central portion of the bottom surface (left surface in FIG. 1) of the frame 5 via a bearing and an O-ring for sealing. It is equipped in a watertight state through. This discharge electrode 3
Reference numeral 1 denotes one electrode 31a protruding toward the tip end, an arched conductor 31b surrounding the electrode 31a, and the other held in a state of facing the electrode 31a from the arched conductor 31b with a small distance therebetween. Electrode 31c. The one and the other electrodes 31a and 31c are electrically insulated, so that when a voltage is applied between the two electrodes by the high voltage generator 32, a discharge is generated between the electrodes.

A driven gear 61 is fixed to the rear end of the discharge electrode 31. The driven gear 61 is constituted by a drive motor 62 fixedly mounted on the frame body 5 and a main drive gear 63 which is driven to rotate by the drive motor 62 and transmits a rotational force to the driven gear. The discharge electrode 31 is rotated by the rotation driving means 6 with respect to the frame 5.

As described above, since the arc electrode 31b surrounds the discharge portion of the discharge electrode 31 as described above, the generated shock wave is blocked by the arc conductor 31b and is uniformly dispersed. Due to not doing so.
That is, due to the dispersion of the dispersion, even if the shock wave is focused by the shock wave focusing means 4, the irradiation state on the affected part becomes non-uniform. In order to prevent this, when a shock wave is generated, the rotation driving means 6 repeats the forward and reverse rotations of the discharge electrode 31 in the range of ± 45 [゜] by a control circuit (not shown) connected to the rotation driving means 6. .

The discharge electrode 31 and the first reflector 41 are connected to each other by a rotation axis of the above-mentioned rotating operation.
One focus F1 and the other focus F2 of the spheroid including
(See FIG. 3), and in addition to, and in addition to, the axis (long axis) connecting the electrodes 31 a and 31 of the discharge electrode 31.
The gap position of c is one focus F1 of the first reflector 41.
So that the discharge electrode 31 and the first reflector 4
1 are connected to each other.

Next, the shock wave focusing means 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. The shock wave generating means 4 is composed of two shock wave reflectors 41 and 42.
Each of these reflectors 41 and 42 is made of a material having a significantly different acoustic impedance from water, which is a conduction medium of the shock wave, in consideration of the fact that the shock wave is reflected at an interface between two kinds of substances having greatly different acoustic impedances. ing.

The first reflecting plate 41 is formed by a part of a hollow shell-like member that forms a spheroid. That is, the first reflecting plate 41 has a shape obtained by cutting a spheroid by a cutting surface perpendicular to the major axis thereof, and its inner surface is used as a reflecting surface. It is desirable that the cut surface of the spheroid be between at least one focal point F1 and the other focal point F2. By setting the cut plane near one focal point F1, the convergence angle θ of the shock wave (FIG. 3) can be reduced. It can be smaller, which is more desirable.

On the other hand, the second reflecting plate 42 is composed of a part of a spherical shell cut at least half or less in one plane, and its inner surface is used as a reflecting surface. At a position facing the cut surface of the second reflector 42, a shock wave passage hole 42a is provided. The cut surface of the second reflector 42 is desirably substantially the same as or slightly larger than the cut surface of the first reflector 41 described above.

As described above, the first reflector 41 is provided on the bottom surface of the frame 5 via the discharge electrode 31, and the second reflector 42 is provided on the open side of the frame 5. . As shown in FIG. 3, each of the reflectors 41 and 42 is arranged with the respective cut surfaces close to and opposed to each other, and has one focal point F1 of a spheroid including the first reflector 41 and a second focus F1. Reflector 42
Are set at the same position with the center of curvature of the spherical shell including. For this reason, when a shock wave is emitted at the position of one focal point F1, among shock waves diffused from the position, those that directly collide with the first reflector 41 are directed toward the other focal point F2 via the passage hole 42a. An object which is uniformly reflected and collides with the second reflector 42 is uniformly reflected again toward one focal point F1, is also reflected by the first reflector 41, and is focused on the other focal point F2. .

Next, the frame 5 will be described. As described above, the frame 5 holds the respective reflection plates 41 and 42 and the discharge electrode 31 inside, and seals water therein. The frame 5 has a central axis that is the first reflection plate 4.
The first reflector 41 is held so as to be parallel to an axis connecting one focus F1 and the other focus F2. The bottom side of the frame 3 is maintained watertight by an O-ring 51 provided around the discharge electrode 31, and the open side (shock wave exit: right end in FIG. 1) is a second reflector. 42
And a gel-like film 71, which will be described later, provided in a covered state along the outer surface of the second reflection plate 42, and watertightness is maintained. The supply of water to the inside of the frame 5 is performed via a supply port 52 provided at a lower portion of the frame 5, and the drainage is performed via a drain 53 provided at an upper portion of the frame 5.

On the outer peripheral surface of the frame 5, attaching / detaching means 54 for freely connecting and separating the irradiation unit 2 and the fixture 10 are provided.
Is equipped with several. The attachment / detachment means 54 includes a locking claw 54a for hooking a hook 11 provided on an outer peripheral surface of the fixture 10, which will be described later, and a lever 54b for pulling the locking claw 54a in the mounting direction or canceling the state of being pulled. Have.

Reference numeral 55 in FIG. 1 denotes an escape hole for an end portion of the tubular body 12 of the fixture 10 to be described later, which is formed uniformly on the circumference of the frame 5. . Reference numeral 56 denotes an escape groove provided to allow the fixing screw 11a of the hook 11 provided on the tubular body 12 to protrude on the inner peripheral surface.

Next, the fixture 10 will be described. The fixing device 10 includes a tubular body 12 into which the frame 5 of the irradiation unit 2 can be inserted, a band-shaped member 13 for fixing the entire fixing device 10 to the body to be treated, and a plurality of members for transmitting shock waves to the body. , A holding frame 14 for holding these gel films, and a fixing plate 15 for fixing each gel film to the holding frames 14.

The tubular body 12 has a flange at one end (the right side in FIG. 1), and inserts and holds the right end of the frame 5 inside. A plurality of hooks 11 are provided on the outer peripheral surface at the end opposite to the flange of the cylindrical body 12 in correspondence with the above-mentioned attaching / detaching means 54. The hook 11 is provided via a set screw 11a in a long hole 12a provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 12 along the central axis direction of the cylindrical body 12, and the set screw 11a is loosened. Thereby, the position can be changed along the elongated hole 12a. A gauge 12b is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 12 along the elongated hole 12a, and each hook 11 can be positioned based on the gauge 12b. That is, these hook 11, slot 1
The 2a, the set screw 11a, the gauge 12b, and the above-mentioned attaching / detaching means 54 constitute an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the distance of the focus position (the other focal point F2) of the shock wave to the affected part of the body.

A fixing plate 15 and a metallic holding frame 14 are interposed between the flange of the cylindrical body 12 and the band-shaped member 13, and are simultaneously and integrally integrated by a plurality of bolts 16 penetrating them simultaneously. Fixedly connected. Further, the fixed plate 15, the holding frame 14, and the band-shaped member 13 have through holes 15 for transmitting shock waves at the same positions in the connected state.
a, 14a and 13a are provided respectively. Of these, only the through hole 14a of the holding frame 14 is set to have a large inner diameter, and inside the gel film 72, 73, 74, which is almost the same size as the through hole 14a, is stacked and held in order. ing. Therefore, each of the gel-like films 72, 73, 7
4 is held between the belt-shaped member 13 and the fixing plate 15.

Further, the through hole 13a of the belt-shaped member 13 is provided in a shape having a small diameter from the side facing the holding frame 14 to the side opposite thereto. Therefore, when the gel-like film 75 formed in a truncated cone shape corresponding to the through-hole 13a is fitted inside the through-hole 13a, the gel-like film 74 is provided behind the same.
As long as there is, it does not come off carelessly.

Further, the diameter of the through hole 13a is set to allow passage of only the focused shock wave. That is, the radius of the focused shock wave in the through hole 13a is
It can be easily calculated from the radius of the cut surface of the first reflecting plate 41, the distance from the cut surface to the other focal point F2, and the distance from the focal point F2 to the through hole 13a. Or set somewhat larger. Thus, the shock wave not focused by the shock wave focusing means 4 enters the belt-shaped member 13. As will be described later, since the material of the belt-shaped member 13 is an air mat, unnecessary shock waves applied to the body side are not transmitted due to a difference in acoustic impedance.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the fixture 10 as viewed from the left side in FIG. 4, illustration of the hook 11 and the fixing bolt 16 is omitted. Although omitted in this figure, the belt-shaped member 13 has a length sufficient to be wound around the body to be treated, and the sticking sheets 13b provided at both ends after being wound around the body. To fix the entire fixture 10 to the body. The band-shaped member 13 is made of a sponge-like air mat containing fine air bubbles therein, and has a property of being highly deformable and not transmitting a shock wave incident to a part other than the through-hole 13a to the body side.

Next, each of the gel films 71, 72, 73, 7
4, 75 will be described. Fix the irradiation unit 2 to the fixture 1
When it is set to 0, the gel-like film 71 and the gel-like film 72 come into close contact with each other. When the shock wave therapy apparatus 1 is mounted on the body to be treated, the gel-like film 75 comes into close contact with the body skin, whereby the shock wave generated from the discharge electrode 31 causes the gel-like film 71 to pass through the water. , 72, 73, 74, 75 in that order to reach the affected part of the body.

As described above, the shock wave is reflected at the interface between two substances having greatly different acoustic impedances, and is hardly transmitted. On the other hand, there is almost no reflection at the interface between two substances whose acoustic impedances are close to each other, and it is possible to transmit with little loss.
In the present embodiment, focusing on the fact that the acoustic impedance of a substance greatly depends on its water content, the gel-like films 71, 7
The water content of 2, 73, 74, 75 is 95%, 90%,
80%, 70%, and 60% are set. Note that a water content of 60% approximates the water content of the body.

Thus, it is possible to minimize the loss of the shock wave generated in the water before reaching the body, and more effectively irradiate the shock wave to the affected stone with no power loss.

Each of the above gel films is made of an acrylic resin material whose surface is coated with an excipient.

The center of each gel film 72 is formed in a convex shape. Therefore, the gel films 72, 73, 74,
Numeral 75 designates an acoustic lens structure in which the central portions on both sides thereof are thickened as a whole, and in addition to the shock wave focusing means 4, also aims to focus the shock wave by such a structure.

Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. At the time of treatment, the position of a calculus is detected in advance by X-ray photography.
At the time of detection, the fixture 10
It is carried out in a state where is attached. Imaging is performed twice on the front and side of the body. At this time, since the holding frame 14 is made of metal, the holding frame 14 is clearly shown in the captured video. Thereby, the belt-shaped member 13 is loosened from the relative position between the calculus and the holding frame 14 to position the fixture 10 at a more accurate position.

When the positioning of the holder 10 is completed, the distance from the holder 10 to the calculus is obtained based on the above-mentioned photographed image, and the hook 11 of the holder 10 is positioned based on the distance. When the amount of movement of the hook 11 is within a certain range, the elastic deformation of the gel film 71 and the gel film 72 is allowed. However, when the amount of movement of the hook 11 is large, each of the gel films 71, 72 is used. In some cases, a gap may be formed between the gel-like films 72, 73, and 74, and the gel-like films 72, 73, and 74 are replaced with those having different thicknesses.

When the adjustment of the hook 11 is completed, the irradiation unit 2 is mounted on the holder 10. When the position of the calculus is determined, the fixing device 10 is attached to the body according to the position. Then, irradiation of a shock wave is performed. The shock wave is oscillated by a control circuit connected to the semiconductor switch 33 of the shock wave generating means 3 in a pulse form at a rate of about once a second. Further, at this time, the rotation driving means 6 urges the rotation operation of the forward and reverse rotation of the discharge electrode.

As described above, the shock wave focusing means 4 focuses the entire area covered by each of the reflection plates 41 and 42, and irradiates the calculus at the position of the other focal point F2. The irradiation of the shock wave is performed a predetermined number of times, or is terminated after the calculus is continuously performed by X-rays until crushing is observed. And the band-like member 1
3 is removed from the body and the entire treatment work is completed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the shock wave focusing means 4 is a combination of the first reflector 41 composed of a part of a spheroid and the second reflector 42 composed of a part of a spherical shell. Since the diverging shock waves are focused in a wide range, irradiation can be performed more effectively and efficiently with the same shock wave output as compared to the case where only a reflector made of a spheroid is used.

As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 3 and 5, in order to focus the shock wave over a wide range,
Since it is not necessary to lengthen the spheroidal reflector in the major axis direction, the convergence angle θ of the shock wave can be reduced. For the same reason, it is possible to reduce the size of the entire shock wave focusing means 4 in the irradiation direction of the shock wave.

Further, since the semiconductor switch 33 is used as the switching means of the shock wave generating means 3, it is possible to prevent the generation of a current which remains after the current is applied, as compared with the conventional discharge tube. Thereby, it is possible to effectively avoid occurrence of unnecessary discharge due to the residual current.

Further, since a multi-layered gel-like film having a gradually reduced water content is used, it is possible to reduce the transmission loss of shock waves generated in water to the body. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate the shock wave more effectively and efficiently.

Further, the discharge can be performed while the discharge electrode 31 is rotated, thereby suppressing the occurrence of non-uniform irradiation due to the non-uniform state of the shock wave generated by the shape and structure of the discharge electrode 31. It is possible to irradiate the shock wave more uniformly on the calculus.

Furthermore, since the entire device is fixed to the treatment target with the fixing device 10, the treatment can be performed while keeping the body in a free posture without the necessity of a medical table as in the related art. Is possible. Further, since facilities such as a medical table and a positioning device are not required, the device is excellent in portability and lightness, and it is possible to improve workability.

Further, since the belt-like member 13 is used for fixing the fixture 10, it is possible to improve the workability in which the attachment is easy. Further, since the band-shaped member 13 is an air mat containing air and is disposed closer to the body than the frame 5, of the shock waves generated from the shock wave generating means 3, those leaked from the shock wave focusing means 4 are the same. When a collision occurs with the band-shaped member 13, it is possible to prevent transmission to the body side due to a difference in acoustic impedance.

[0066]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a shock wave diverging as a shock wave focusing means is obtained by combining a first reflector made up of a part of a spheroid and a second reflector made up of a part of a spherical shell. Is focused over a wide range, and irradiation can be performed more effectively and efficiently with the same shock wave output as compared to the case where only a reflector made of a spheroid is used.

Further, since it is not necessary to set the spheroidal reflector long in the major axis direction in order to focus the shock wave in a wide range, the convergence angle of the shock wave can be reduced. is there. For the same reason, it is possible to reduce the size of the entire shock wave focusing means in the irradiation direction of the shock wave.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the semiconductor switch is used as the switching means of the shock wave generating means, it is possible to prevent the generation of a current which remains after energization as compared with the conventional discharge tube. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively avoid the occurrence of unnecessary discharge due to the residual current.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the shock wave transmission member having a plurality of layers with a gradually reduced water content is used, the transmission loss of shock waves generated in water to a medium having a low water content other than water is reduced. Can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate the shock wave more effectively and efficiently.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the discharge can be performed while the discharge electrode is rotated, whereby the non-uniform irradiation due to the non-uniform shock wave generated by the shape and structure of the discharge electrode is achieved. Can be suppressed, and the target position can be more uniformly irradiated with the shock wave.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the entire device is fixed to the object to be treated with the fixture, there is no need for a medical table as in the prior art, and the body can be kept in a free posture. It is possible to give treatment. Further, since facilities such as a medical table and a positioning device are not required, the device is excellent in portability and lightness, and it is possible to improve workability.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the belt-like member is used for fixing the fixture, it is possible to easily mount the device and to improve the workability. In addition, since the band-shaped member is a material that contains air and is disposed closer to the body than the watertight container, of the shock waves generated from the shock wave generating unit, those leaked from the shock wave focusing unit collided with the band-shaped member. In this case, it is possible to prevent transmission to the body due to a difference in acoustic impedance.

Since the present invention is constructed and functions as described above, it is possible to provide an unprecedented superior shock wave treatment apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing a shock wave generating means of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a current generation characteristic of the shock wave generating means.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the fixture disclosed in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a conventional example.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram showing a conventional shock wave generating means, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a current generation characteristic of the shock wave generating means.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Shock wave treatment device 3 Shock wave generating means 4 Shock wave converging means 5 Frame (watertight container) 6 Rotation driving means 10 Fixture 13 Band member 31 Discharge electrode 32 High voltage generator 33 Semiconductor switch 41 First reflector 42 Second Reflecting plate 42a Passing holes 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 Gel film (shock wave transmitting member) F1 One focus F2 The other focus

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A shock wave treatment apparatus comprising: a shock wave generating means having a discharge electrode for emitting a shock wave in water; and a shock wave focusing means for focusing a shock wave to a point outside the apparatus. A first reflector formed by cutting off the other focal side while leaving one focal side of the shell-shaped spheroid, and a second reflector consisting of a part of a spherical shell; Is disposed at the position of one focal point of the spheroid, the inner surfaces of the first reflector and the second reflector are opposed to each other, and the passage of the shock wave to the second reflector is performed. A hole is provided, and each of the reflectors is arranged so that one focal point of the spheroid including the first reflector and the center of curvature of the spherical shell including the second reflector coincide with each other. Shock wave treatment device. 2. The shock wave generating means includes the discharge electrode for generating a shock wave, a voltage generating unit for generating a voltage applied to the discharge electrode, and a switching means for switching between a closed circuit and an open circuit therebetween. 2. The shock wave therapy apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said switching means is a semiconductor switch. 3. The shock wave therapy apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a watertight container having water sealed therein and equipped with said discharge electrode and said shockwave focusing means, wherein an outlet of said shockwave of said watertight container contains water. A shock wave treatment device comprising: a plurality of shock wave transmitting members made of a material having a high property; and a water content of each of the shock wave transmitting members is set to gradually decrease as the shock wave travels. 4. The shock wave treatment according to claim 1, wherein the discharge electrode is rotatably provided with respect to the watertight container, and rotation driving means for energizing the rotation operation of the discharge electrode is provided. apparatus. 5. The shock wave therapy apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a fixture that holds an outlet of the shock wave of the watertight container toward a treatment target and is detachable from the treatment target. A shock wave treatment device characterized by the above-mentioned. 6. The fixing device includes a band-shaped member that is wound around the object to be treated and fixes the whole fixing device, and the band-shaped member is formed of a flexible material containing air therein. 6. The shock wave treatment apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the treatment is performed and the treatment body is located closer to the target body than the watertight container.