KR102154691B1 - Effective equipment to remove the bubbles of rectal wall in situ High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy for Prostate Disease Treatment - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for effectively removing air bubbles from the rectal wall during a high intensity focused ultrasound treatment for prostate disease, and more particularly, between a focused ultrasound generator and a rectal wall inserted into the rectum during focused ultrasound prostate treatment. The present invention relates to an apparatus and method capable of removing air bubbles in the liquid layer formed so as to remove air bubbles without pulling out the focused ultrasound generator (probe) inserted into the rectum even when air bubbles are found in the liquid layer of the rectal wall.

Description

{Effective equipment to remove the bubbles of rectal wall in situ High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy for Prostate Disease Treatment}

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing air bubbles generated between a rectal wall and a focused ultrasound generator inserted into a rectum during a prostate disease treatment procedure by high intensity focused ultrasound therapy, and more particularly, focused ultrasound The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for removing air bubbles by ejecting a liquid from which air bubbles are removed by a liquid layer formed between a rubber film surrounding the outside of a focused ultrasound generator inserted into a rectum and a rectal wall during prostate treatment.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a device that focuses an ultrasound beam and treats various lesions such as cancer by using heat and mechanical energy generated at this time.

In the treatment of prostate disease using such a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) device, when inserted into the rectum using a transrectal ultrasound probe and a focused ultrasound is generated, the focused ultrasound waves pass through the rectal wall. The propagation is focused to the lesion of the prostate, and a focus point is formed in the region of treatment (ROT) of the prostate, and the treated area is excised with heat or mechanical energy generated by ultrasound focused on the localized area.

In the case of prostate treatment by using a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) device for prostate treatment, a thin liquid layer is formed between the ultrasound probe and the rectal wall. In this case, when bubbles occur in the liquid layer, the acoustic impedance increases rapidly and the surrounding air bubbles A large amount of ultrasonic energy loss occurs in the body, and heat is generated, and the heat causes serious side effects such as a rectal fistula, as well as a burn due to an increase in the temperature of the rectal wall.

In addition, bubbles in the liquid layer may impede accurate treatment by weakening ultrasonic energy or changing the shape of the focal point.

Therefore, when performing prostate treatment using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), be sure to confirm that there are no air bubbles in the thin liquid layer between the probe and the rectal wall through images taken using other medical imaging devices such as ultrasound and MRI. Should be.

However, bubbles are often generated in the liquid layer, and in the past, there is no clear method for removing bubbles during the procedure, so if the presence of bubbles is confirmed, the probe is removed from the rectum and inserted again to confirm the presence of bubbles repeatedly. The procedure was possible only after confirming that there was no.

This process requires a lot of time for the procedure and acts as a factor that increases the actual treatment time by several or tens of times depending on the number of repetitions, so it is becoming a major obstacle to prostate treatment using a high intensity focused ultrasound device, and patient safety in the treatment process. There is also a problem that acts as a great risk.

In order to solve the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method capable of removing air bubbles without pulling out the focused ultrasound generator (probe) inserted into the rectum even when bubbles are found in the liquid layer of the rectal wall. .

In the method for removing air bubbles in the treatment of prostate disease according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem, the air bubbles are discharged in a liquid layer including air bubbles formed on a contact surface of the ultrasonic generator and the rectal wall to release the air bubbles. By pushing out the liquid layer containing the bubble it is possible to remove the air bubbles that interfere with the ultrasonic propagation.

Here, the bubble removal method includes the steps of: installing an auxiliary rubber film in which the insertion tube is connected and microspheres are formed so as to be spaced apart from the sealing rubber film provided to form a closed space around the ultrasonic probe by a predetermined distance; Inserting the ultrasonic probe on which the auxiliary rubber film is installed into the rectum so that the microspheres of the auxiliary rubber film face the prostate direction; Checking the bubbles in the liquid layer formed between the rectal wall in the direction of the prostate and the auxiliary rubber membrane, and when the bubbles are found, the liquid from which the bubbles have been removed is introduced into the insertion tube and then discharged to the microspheres to push the bubbles. Can include.

In addition, the liquid from which the bubbles are removed may be sterile physiological saline from which the bubbles are removed, or a liquid containing a gel for adjusting viscosity and lubrication from which the bubbles are removed.

Next, the focused ultrasound generator used in the bubble removal method includes: an ultrasound probe having an ultrasound transducer to generate focused ultrasound; A sealing rubber film surrounding the ultrasonic probe to form a closed space; The liquid from which air bubbles are removed can penetrate into the spaced space between the sealing rubber film and the auxiliary rubber film by penetrating one side of the auxiliary rubber film and the auxiliary rubber film to form a space between the sealing rubber film and the auxiliary rubber film. It includes an insertion tube capable of, and a plurality of microspheres are formed on one surface of the auxiliary rubber film so that a liquid flowing through the insertion tube may flow.

Here, the plurality of microspheres may be formed to gradually decrease in size as the distance from the central portion of the auxiliary rubber film increases.

Next, in the auxiliary rubber film used in the focused ultrasonic wave generator, it is mounted to form a space outside the sealed rubber film formed to surround the ultrasonic probe, and is formed to discharge liquid on one side, and liquid injection on the other lower side. It can be formed to enable this.

A method and apparatus for effectively removing air bubbles from the rectal wall during a high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for prostate diseases according to an embodiment of the present invention include a liquid formed between the rectal wall and a focused ultrasound generator inserted into the rectum during focused ultrasound prostate treatment. It is formed to remove air bubbles in the layer so that even when air bubbles in the liquid layer of the rectal wall are found, bubbles can be removed without pulling out the focused ultrasound generator (probe) inserted into the rectum.

Through this, it is possible to significantly shorten the time for prostate treatment, and since there is a great effect of ensuring safety, there is an advantage that can bring great progress in the treatment of prostate diseases.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a form of treating a prostate gland with a conventional focused ultrasound generator.
2 is an exemplary view showing a form of treating a prostate while removing air bubbles with a focused ultrasound generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a diagram illustrating a form in which microspheres of a focused ultrasound generator according to an embodiment of the present invention have different sizes and a form in which a streamlined auxiliary film is added.
4 is a flowchart of a method of removing air bubbles formed on a workplace wall with a focused ultrasound generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the description of the present invention with reference to the drawings is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various transformations may be applied and various embodiments may be provided. In addition, the content described below should be understood to include all conversions, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In the following description, terms such as first and second are terms used to describe various elements, and their meanings are not limited thereto, and are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one element from other elements.

The same reference numbers used throughout this specification denote the same elements.

Singular expressions used in the present invention include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, terms such as "include", "include" or "have" described below are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification. It is to be construed and not to preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a form of treating a prostate gland with a conventional focused ultrasound generator.

Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional focused ultrasonic generator generates a focal point by emitting ultrasonic waves toward the prostate. At this time, when bubbles in the liquid layer formed between the rectal wall and the balloon surrounding the focused ultrasonic generator are contained, the ultrasonic wave The dissipation power of the device decreases, and heat is generated, which can cause a rectal wall burn and, in severe cases, a fistula of the rectal wall, so it was necessary to repeatedly remove and insert the focused ultrasonic generator until the air bubbles were removed.

For this reason, it takes a lot of time and also causes irritation to the rectum.

Accordingly, the focused ultrasonic generator for easy bubble removal according to an embodiment of the present invention emits ultrasonic waves to be inserted into the rectum to form a focal point toward the prostate, and at this time, a liquid layer generated between the focused ultrasound generator and the rectal wall The above problem was solved by being formed so as to remove air bubbles inside.

2 is an exemplary view showing a form of treating a prostate while removing air bubbles with a focused ultrasound generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a microsphere size of the focused ultrasound generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a diagram illustrating a form that is formed differently and a form in which a streamlined auxiliary film is added.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the focused ultrasonic wave generator for easy bubble removal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe 10, a sealing rubber film 20, an auxiliary rubber film 30, and an insertion tube ( 34) may be included.

Specifically, the ultrasonic probe 10 may be equipped with an ultrasonic transducer like a conventional ultrasonic probe to generate focused ultrasonic waves. At this time, the ultrasonic probe 10 may be formed to receive electricity and may be coupled by a socket. In addition, it is provided outside and may be connected to a controller equipped with an output means such as a display. Through this, it is possible to easily observe and control the ultrasonic probe 10 from the outside.

The sealing rubber film 20 surrounds the ultrasonic probe 10 and may create a closed space by forming a distance from the ultrasonic probe 10. The sealing rubber film 20 serves to reduce frictional force when the ultrasonic probe 10 is inserted into the workplace and protect the internal wall of the workplace due to heat generation.

The auxiliary rubber film 30 surrounds the sealing rubber film 20 and may form a space spaced apart from the sealing rubber film 20. At this time, the auxiliary rubber film 30 may be coupled to be supported by a support formed from the ultrasonic probe 10 or the sealing rubber film 20. In addition, when the auxiliary rubber membrane 30 is coupled, a sealing means or the like may be provided so that the coupling portion is completely blocked from the outside.

Meanwhile, an insertion tube 34 is connected to one side of the auxiliary rubber film 30, and a plurality of microspheres 32 may be formed on one side of the auxiliary rubber film 30. Here, the insertion tube 34 is a tube for injecting a liquid for removing bubbles, and the microsphere 32 is a space through which the liquid injected into the insertion tube 34 is discharged. That is, the liquid injected through the insertion tube 34 may flow into the spaced space between the sealing rubber film 20 and the auxiliary rubber film 30 to be discharged to the microspheres 32.

At this time, the liquid may be a liquid from which bubbles have been removed, and preferably, may be a sterilized physiological saline solution after removing the bubbles.

In addition, it is preferable that the plurality of microspheres 32 coincide with the ultrasonic divergence direction of the ultrasonic probe 10, and the insertion tube 34 is formed in a lower portion opposite to the plurality of microspheres 32.

This is to remove the air bubbles in the liquid layer of the rectal wall formed in the direction of the ultrasonic divergence, and the liquid from which the air bubbles injected through the insertion tube 34 are removed flows to the microspheres 32 by hydraulic pressure. When it is discharged through (32), it is possible to eliminate the obstacle of ultrasonic focusing by pushing out the liquid layer in which bubbles are formed.

In addition, the sealing rubber film 20 and the auxiliary rubber film 30 may be made of a rubber material.

On the other hand, the plurality of microspheres 32 may all have the same size, but are not limited thereto, and as shown in FIG. 3, the size increases as the distance from the center part of the auxiliary rubber film 30 increases. May be formed to gradually become smaller. That is, the hole of the microsphere closest to the center of the auxiliary rubber film 30 is the largest, and the size of the hole gradually decreases from the center to the upper or lower side, left or right.

In the form of different sizes of the holes, the liquid pressure increases toward the larger hole in the center, so that the liquid can be discharged with the greatest pressure in the center, and the liquid discharged through it pushes the liquid layer of the workplace wall with a greater force as the liquid gets closer to the center. Bubble removal may be more effective.

In addition, a streamlined auxiliary film 40 may be formed on one surface of the sealing rubber film 20 corresponding to the plurality of microspheres 32. This has the effect of facilitating the flow of the liquid flowing to the microspheres 32, and increasing the discharge pressure to the center by inducing a hydraulic pressure toward the center. At this time, the streamlined auxiliary film 40 is preferably formed together when the sealing rubber film 20 is manufactured.

Hereinafter, a method of removing air bubbles from a workplace wall performed using the focused ultrasound generator will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

4 is a flowchart of a method of removing air bubbles formed on a workplace wall with a focused ultrasound generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, in the method of removing bubbles using a focused ultrasonic generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, an insertion tube is connected so as to be spaced a predetermined distance outside the sealed rubber membrane provided to form a sealed space around the ultrasonic probe. Step of installing the auxiliary rubber membrane with microspheres formed (S10), inserting the ultrasonic probe with the auxiliary rubber membrane installed into the rectum so that the microspheres of the auxiliary rubber membrane face the prostate direction (S20), the rectal wall and the auxiliary rubber membrane in the prostate direction Checking the bubbles in the liquid layer formed therebetween (S30), and when the bubbles are found, introducing the liquid from which the bubbles have been removed into the insertion tube, and then discharging the bubbles in the direction of the microspheres (S40). have.

Specifically, step S10 is to form a focused ultrasonic generator capable of generating only ultrasonic waves in the prior art so that bubbles can be removed, and an auxiliary rubber film that enables such a function is installed outside the sealing rubber film to provide an auxiliary rubber film and a sealing rubber film. It is possible to form a space between them.

In this case, the auxiliary rubber film may have a plurality of microspheres formed on one surface of the ultrasonic probe in the direction in which the ultrasonic wave is emitted, and an insertion tube for inserting a liquid may be provided at a lower portion thereof.

Step S20 is a step of inserting into the rectum a focused ultrasonic wave generating device formed to remove air bubbles by installing an auxiliary rubber film in step S10, and inserting the plurality of microspheres and the ultrasonic probe so that the direction of the ultrasound divergence is toward the prostate, which is the treatment site. Can be.

The step S30 is a step of checking bubbles in the liquid layer formed during the step S20. When the focused ultrasonic generator is inserted into the workplace, a liquid layer is formed between the focused ultrasonic generator and the workplace wall. At this time, since the liquid layer generally contains air bubbles, the ultrasonic probe burns the rectal wall when the ultrasound is emitted, and in severe cases, it causes a rectal fistula and disturbs the focal point of the ultrasound, which is an obstacle to prostate treatment. do. Accordingly, the air bubbles must be checked.

In step S40, when bubbles are found in step S30, the liquid from which the bubbles have been removed is introduced through an insertion tube and then discharged to a plurality of microspheres to push out the bubbles. That is, it is a step of replacing the liquid layer in which bubbles are formed with a liquid in which bubbles are not formed. At this time, since the liquid flowing through the insertion tube pushes out bubbles and fills the liquid layer, there is no bubble, so that the ultrasonic probe can emit ultrasonic waves immediately.

Accordingly, conventionally, when air bubbles are found, it takes a considerable amount of time because the air bubbles must be removed by repeating the withdrawal and insertion of the probe, and the safety is low due to the increase in the procedure time and anesthesia duration, but the present invention is a method for removing bubbles as described above. Through this, the treatment time can be remarkably shortened, and safety is also guaranteed, so there is an effect that can bring great progress in the treatment of prostate disease.

In addition, the liquid may be harmless to the human body while acting as a medium by using sterilized physiological saline after removing air bubbles.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. You can understand. Therefore, the embodiments described above are illustrative and non-limiting in all respects.

1: Conventional focused ultrasonic generator
2: balloon
10: ultrasonic probe
20: sealing rubber membrane
30: auxiliary rubber membrane
32: microsphere
34: insertion tube
40: streamlined auxiliary membrane
P: prostate
ROT: Treatment site
SL: liquid layer
B: air bubbles
BRL: Liquid from which air bubbles have been removed
U: ultrasound
FU: ultrasonic focusing point
R: rectum
RW: rectal wall

Claims (6)

delete delete delete In the focused ultrasound generator for removing air bubbles formed on the wall of the rectum,
An ultrasonic probe having an ultrasonic transducer to generate focused ultrasonic waves;
A sealing rubber film surrounding the ultrasonic probe to form a closed space;
An auxiliary rubber film surrounding the sealing rubber film outside to form a space between the sealing rubber film and
It includes an insertion tube that penetrates through one side of the auxiliary rubber membrane and allows the liquid from which air bubbles are removed into a spaced apart space between the sealing rubber membrane and the auxiliary rubber membrane,
A focused ultrasonic generator for easy bubble removal, characterized in that a plurality of microspheres are formed on one surface of the auxiliary rubber film to allow a liquid flowing through the insertion tube to flow.
The method of claim 4,
The plurality of microspheres,
A focused ultrasonic wave generator for easy removal of bubbles, characterized in that the size of the auxiliary rubber film is formed to gradually decrease in size as the distance from the center portion of the auxiliary rubber film increases.
The method of claim 5
The auxiliary rubber membrane
A focused ultrasound generator, characterized in that it is mounted so as to form a spaced space outside the sealed rubber film formed to surround the ultrasonic probe, is formed to discharge liquid on one side, and formed to allow liquid injection on the other lower side.

Images