KR102288184B1 - Apparatus for prostate examination and method for providing prostate disease diagnosis information - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a prostate examination apparatus and a method for providing diagnosis information for a prostate disease, and the prostate examination apparatus according to the present invention includes a rod-shaped insertion rod 10 inserted into an anus (1); a probe unit 20 for detecting the prostate 3, including a main body 21 connected to the front end of the insertion rod 10, and a tactile sensor 23 disposed on the main body 21 and measuring a tactile physical quantity; a handle portion 30 connected to the distal end of the insertion rod 10 and gripped by the user; and a rod driving unit 40 for moving the distal end of the insertion rod 10 toward the prostate 3 .

Description

Prostate examination device and method of providing diagnostic information for prostate disease

The present invention relates to a prostate examination apparatus and a method for providing diagnosis information for a prostate disease, and more particularly, a prostate examination apparatus capable of replacing a conventional digital rectal examination or ultrasound imaging medical device for diagnosing prostate disease, or grafting it to an ultrasound imaging medical device. And it relates to a method of providing diagnostic information for prostate disease using the same.

Prostate disease is one of the male diseases that are increasing very rapidly in Korean society, where the aging population is rapidly progressing. Prostate diseases such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostatitis usually show mild symptoms in men in their 50s, and then rapidly increase in their 60s and 70s. Methods for diagnosing prostate disease include digital rectal examination and prostate ultrasound.

The digital rectal examination is a test that checks the size, shape, and touch of the prostate by directly touching the prostate area by putting a finger into the rectum. However, since the digital rectal examination involves placing a finger into the patient's rectum and relying on the touch of the medical staff, the subjective judgment of the medical staff is inevitably involved to a large extent. There is a limit to accurately conveying and sharing inspection information.

Prostate ultrasonography is performed while the patient is lying on his side, and an ultrasound source is inserted through the anus to obtain images, and the overall shape and size, symmetry, and shape of the seminal vesicles are observed. An example of an ultrasound diagnostic device is disclosed in the following prior art documents. However, a general ultrasound device provides only visual information to determine the degree of blood vessel distribution by photographing the shape and size of the prostate and using blue and red colors. In addition, when the digital rectal examination and the ultrasound examination are performed in parallel, there is a problem of causing shame and pain in the patient because ultrasound devices or fingers must be alternately inserted into the anus.

Accordingly, there is an urgent need for a method for solving the problems of the conventional prostate examination.

US 10-2015-0091748 A

The present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and an aspect of the present invention is that a tactile sensor is disposed at the tip of an insertion rod inserted into the anus to measure a physical amount of tactile sensation in the prostate to perform a prostate examination. To provide a prostate examination device.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a prostate examination apparatus capable of moving a position of a probe for detecting the prostate, and having a structure so as to simultaneously detect other parts of the prostate and capable of precisely examining the state of the prostate.

Another aspect of the present invention is a prostate that can image and quantify the state of the prostate based on the tactile physical quantity for the prostate measured by the probe unit, and furthermore, compare the tactile physical quantity for the pre-stored prostate disease to diagnose prostate disease To provide inspection equipment.

Prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a rod-shaped insertion rod inserted into the anus; a probe unit for detecting the prostate, including a main body connected to the front end of the insertion rod, and a tactile sensor disposed on the main body to measure a tactile physical quantity; a handle part connected to the distal end of the insertion rod and gripped by the user; and a rod driving unit for moving the distal end of the insertion rod toward the prostate.

Also, in the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the tactile physical quantity may include one or more selected from the group consisting of shape, hardness, elasticity, nodule, and temperature of the prostate.

In addition, in the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is disposed inside the insertion rod, is connected to the main body, the rotation unit for rotating the main body in the longitudinal direction of the insertion rod as a rotation axis; further comprising can

In addition, in the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the insertion rod, each of which is formed in a rod shape, a plurality of link bars connected to each other along the longitudinal direction; a joint for hinge-connecting the link bar; and a link driving unit for articulating the link bar around the joint.

In addition, in the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the main body, the hub connected to the front end of the insertion rod; a plurality of wings connected to the hub in a foldable manner, being closed around a central axis of the hub, and spread radially, the tactile sensor being disposed on each of the wings; and a wing driving unit for closing and spreading the plurality of wing units.

In addition, in the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the rod driving unit may lead or withdraw the distal end of the insertion rod into or out of the handle.

In addition, in the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the rod driving unit, a cylinder disposed in the inner space of the handle portion; a piston reciprocating within the cylinder; a piston rod connected to the piston, passing through the front end of the cylinder, and hingedly coupled to the distal end of the insertion rod; a rotating part for rotating the cylinder around a rotational axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder; and a telescoping member for closing a gap between the insertion rod and the opening communicating with the inner space of the handle.

In addition, in the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the operation button disposed on the handle portion; and a control unit for controlling the rod driving unit in conjunction with the operation button.

In addition, in the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the monitor unit for displaying the physical quantity of the tactile; may further include.

Further, in the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the monitor unit may be disposed on the handle unit.

In addition, in the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the image generating unit for generating a prostate image by imaging the shape of the prostate based on the physical quantity of touch; may further include.

In addition, in the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor display unit for displaying the position of the tactile sensor on the prostate image; may further include.

In addition, in the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is disposed in the handle portion, the communication module for transmitting the image of the prostate; may further include.

In addition, in the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the server unit for pre-stored tactile physical quantity according to the prostate disease; and a diagnosis unit for diagnosing the prostate disease by comparing the tactile physical quantity pre-stored in the server with the tactile physical quantity measured by the tactile sensor.

In addition, in the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the diagnosis of the prostate disease diagnosed by the diagnosis unit is found to be a misdiagnosis, a feedback unit for correcting the tactile physical quantity pre-stored in the server unit; can do.

Meanwhile, the method for providing diagnosis information for prostate disease according to an embodiment of the present invention provides information for diagnosing prostate disease based on the tactile physical quantity using the prostate examination device.

In addition, in the method for providing diagnostic information for prostate disease according to an embodiment of the present invention, the prostate disease may include one or more selected from the group consisting of prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostatitis.

The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Prior to this, the terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be construed as conventional and dictionary meanings, and the inventor may properly define the concept of the term to describe his invention in the best way. It should be interpreted as meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that there is.

According to the present invention, since the prostate examination can be performed by measuring the tactile physical quantity of the prostate through the tactile sensor, it is possible to accurately detect nodules that are difficult to detect by palpation and ultrasound, and the tactile sensor can be moved. It can detect different parts of the prostate at the same time, so that a more precise and reliable prostate examination can be performed.

In addition, since the state of the prostate can be imaged and quantified based on the tactile physical quantity related to the prostate, objective examination information can be provided to medical staff and patients, and furthermore, prostate disease can be diagnosed by comparing it with the stored tactile physical quantity for prostate disease. and the possibility of misdiagnosis can be minimized through the feedback process.

In addition, by performing palpation and examination at the same time by grafting it with an existing ultrasound device, it is possible to shorten the examination time, secure an objective medical imaging record, and reduce shame and pain for the patient.

1 is a perspective view showing a prostate examination apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a prostate examination apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an operation state diagram illustrating an operation process of the rod driving unit illustrated in FIG. 2 .
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the prostate examination apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a side view showing the insertion rod of the prostate examination apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a perspective view showing the main body of the prostate examination apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a block diagram of a prostate examination apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The objects, specific advantages and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. In the present specification, in adding reference numbers to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that only the same components are given the same number as possible even though they are indicated on different drawings. Also, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one component from another, and the component is not limited by the terms. Hereinafter, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a prostate examination apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a prostate examination apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is an operation state diagram showing the operation process of the rod driving unit.

1 to 3, the prostate examination apparatus according to the present invention includes a rod-shaped insertion rod 10 inserted into the anus 1; a probe unit 20 for detecting the prostate 3, including a main body 21 connected to the front end of the insertion rod 10, and a tactile sensor 23 disposed on the main body 21 and measuring a tactile physical quantity; a handle portion 30 connected to the distal end of the insertion rod 10 and gripped by the user; and a rod driving unit 40 for moving the distal end of the insertion rod 10 toward the prostate 3 .

The present invention relates to an apparatus for examining the prostate in order to diagnose a prostate disease. The conventional digital rectal examination, which examines the prostate by inserting a finger into the rectum, has a problem in that it is not possible to provide objective examination information because the subjective judgment of the medical staff is involved in a significant part and the examination information cannot be quantified. The examination, like the digital rectal examination, does not detect fine-sized nodules, etc., and has a problem of causing shame and pain in the patient. As a solution to this, the prostate examination apparatus according to the present invention has been devised.

The prostate examination apparatus according to the present invention includes an insertion rod 10 , a probe unit 20 , a handle unit 30 , and a rod driving unit 40 .

The insertion rod 10 is a rod-shaped member having a predetermined length, and is formed to be insertable through the anus 1 of the patient. The distal end of the insertion rod 10 is connected to and supported by the handle 30 . On the other hand, the front end of the insertion rod 10 is a free end that does not receive any restraint, and is connected to the probe unit 20 . Here, the insertion rod 10 is driven by the rod driving unit 40 to move the probe unit 20 toward the prostate 3 or along the surface of the prostate 3 , which will be described later.

The probe unit 20 is composed of a main body 21 and a tactile sensor 23 , and detects the prostate 3 . Here, the main body 21 is connected to the distal end of the insertion rod 10 and extends from the distal end. The direction in which the body 21 extends may be the longitudinal direction of the insertion rod 10 , but it is not necessarily the same direction and may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion rod 10 .

The tactile sensor 23 is a sensor disposed on the main body 21 , and detects the prostate 3 to measure a tactile physical quantity for the prostate 3 . Here, the tactile physical quantity may include at least one selected from the group consisting of size, shape, hardness, elasticity, nodule, and temperature of the prostate 3, but is not limited thereto, but prostate examination information for diagnosing prostate disease A basic physical quantity of is sufficient. The tactile sensor 23 provides tactile information by converting a physical quantity obtained through tactile sense into an electrical signal, and any one of various sensors such as a contact sensor, a pressure sensor, a slip sensor, a temperature sensor, a gyro sensor, or these It can be implemented in combination. That is, the tactile sensor 23 may be configured as a sensor capable of measuring pressure, temperature, surface roughness, contact force, position, size, speed, acceleration, etc. on the measurement target. The tactile sensors 23 may constitute a sensor array in which a plurality of tactile sensors 23 are arranged, wherein each tactile sensor 23 may measure different physical quantities.

The handle portion 30 is a portion gripped by a user, mainly a medical team, and is formed in a shape that is easy to grip and use, and is connected to the distal end of the insertion rod 10 . A rod driving unit 40 for generating movement of the insertion rod 10 is disposed on the handle unit 30 . At this time, the handle 30 may be provided with an internal space 31 in which the rod driving unit 40 can be disposed.

The rod driving unit 40 generates and transmits a driving force for operating the insertion rod 10 . The rod driving unit 40 may tilt the insertion rod 10 at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction in which the insertion rod 10 is initially disposed. At this time, since the front end of the insertion rod 10 moves in at least one of the left and right, up and down directions, the probe 20 disposed at the front end of the insertion rod 10 moves toward the prostate 3 and moves toward the prostate 3 can detect In addition, the rod driving unit 40 draws in or withdraws the distal end of the insertion rod 10 into the inside of the handle, and the reciprocating motion of the probe unit 20 that moves backward in the direction toward the handle 30 and advances in the opposite direction. may cause

As an embodiment of the rod driving unit 40 that can perform this function, the rod driving unit 40 includes a cylinder 41, a piston 43, a piston rod 45, a rotating unit 47, and a telescopic member ( 49) can be implemented. Here, the cylinder 41 is disposed in the inner space 31 of the handle portion 30 , and the piston 43 reciprocates along the inside of the cylinder 41 . At this time, the reciprocating motion of the piston 43 may be by a fluid flowing into and out of the cylinder 41, an electromagnet, or the like. The piston rod 45 is connected to the piston 43 and passes through the front end of the cylinder 41 and is coupled to the distal end of the insertion rod 10 . Here, the piston rod 45 and the insertion rod 10 are hinged, and the angle between the piston rod 45 and the insertion rod 10 about the hinge axis may be variably changed. The rotating part 47 is a rotating means such as a motor for rotating the cylinder 41 , and rotates the rotating shaft R connected to the cylinder 41 to rotate the cylinder 41 . Here, since the rotating shaft R is connected in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 41 , the front end of the cylinder 41 moves along a circular arc direction centering on the rotating shaft R. The elastic member 49 closes the gap between the opening 33 of the handle part 30 and the insertion rod 10 . Here, the opening 33 of the handle portion 30 communicates with the inner space 31 of the handle portion 30 , through which the distal end of the insertion rod 10 is inserted and coupled with the piston rod 45 . The elastic member 49 closes the gap and simultaneously supports the insertion rod 10 , and since it has elasticity, movement of the insertion rod 10 is allowed. The stretchable member 49 may have elasticity by being made of, for example, a rubber material or a wrinkle structure. Here, the edge of the elastic member 49 is coupled to the handle portion 30, and a through hole through which the insertion rod 10 passes is formed in the central portion, and the inner surface of the through hole and the outer surface of the insertion rod 10 are in close contact with each other, but , may be separated from or combined with each other. In the case of coupling, when the insertion rod 10 is retracted, the elastic member 49 is stretched in the retracted direction, and in the drawn out direction when the insertion rod 10 is retracted. In addition, the insertion rod 10 may rotate around the insertion rod support region of the telescopic member 49 , that is, the portion in which the through hole is formed. At this time, while the contact area of the elastic member 49 is contracted due to the pressure applied by the outer surface of the rotating insertion rod 10, the rotation of the insertion rod 10 is not disturbed, and the gap is maintained.

Referring to FIG. 3, when the operation process of the rod driving unit 40 for rotating the insertion rod 10 will be described in detail, the rotating unit 47 rotates in one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions about the rotation axis R. While rotating, the piston rod 45 is advanced. At this time, as the angle between the piston rod 45 and the insertion rod 10 is reduced, the insertion rod 10 is rotated around the insertion rod support area of the elastic member 49 .

However, the rod driving unit 40 does not necessarily have to be implemented in the above-described configuration, and may be implemented in any configuration as long as it is a means capable of generating and controlling the movement of the insertion rod 10 .

On the other hand, the movement of the insertion rod 10 through the control of the rod driving unit 40, the user operates the operation button 70 disposed on the handle portion 30, and is interlocked with the operation button 70, the rod driving unit (40) may be made by the control unit 80 that controls. Here, one or more operation buttons 70 may be provided, and the control unit 80 may be disposed on the handle unit 30 as a controller, and an insertion rod 10 of a joint structure to be described later, a rotating unit 60, FIG. 4 . See), the retracting and unfolding probe unit (20, see FIG. 6) may be involved in the operation and control.

The prostate examination apparatus according to the present invention configured in this way may replace the conventional digital rectal examination and prostate ultrasound apparatus, or may be grafted onto the prostate ultrasound apparatus. In particular, when the insertion rod 10 is inserted into the anus 1 together by being employed in the prostate ultrasound device, the image reading by the ultrasound device and the palpation of the probe unit 20 can be performed together.

In addition, the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a monitor unit 50 for displaying a physical quantity of tactile sense measured by the tactile sensor 23 . Here, the monitor unit 50 is preferably disposed on the handle unit 30, but use a desktop or laptop monitor, tablet PC, or smartphone display as the monitor unit 50, or use a separate display device. may be Meanwhile, the tactile physical quantity displayed on the monitor unit 50 may be expressed graphically and numerically, and may also be output by voice.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the prostate examination apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4 , in the prostate examination apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a rotating part 60 may be further included so that the main body 21 is rotated. Here, the rotating part 60 is disposed and fixed inside the insertion rod 10 , and is connected to the main body 21 to rotate the main body 21 . At this time, the main body 21 rotates with the longitudinal direction of the insertion rod 10 as a rotation axis. In this case, the tactile sensor 23 (refer to FIG. 1 ) disposed on the rotating main body 21 can be controlled to abut against the prostate 3, and the tactile sensor 23 is configured to construct a sensor array by different sensors. In this case, each sensor and the prostate 3 may be brought into contact by rotating the main body 21 . In addition, without the need for the user to adjust the position of the probe unit 20 (see FIG. 1 ) on the surface of the prostate 3 while moving the insertion rod 10 , it rotates in contact with the surface of the prostate 3 . Since the body 21 moves along the surface, the entire surface of the prostate 3 can be detected by precisely controlling the position of the probe 20, see Fig. 1. As an example of the rotating part 60, as shown A motor can be used, but as long as it is a rotating means capable of rotating the main body 21, there is no particular limitation.

5 is a side view showing the insertion rod of the prostate examination apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

5, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the insertion rod 10 may be made of a joint structure. To this end, the insertion rod 10 may be implemented with a plurality of link bars 11 , joints 13 , and link driving units 15 . Here, each of the plurality of link bars 11 is a member formed in the shape of a rod, and is connected by a joint 13 along the longitudinal direction in such a way that one front end and the other end are connected. Here, the link bars 11 are hinge-connected rotatably around the joint 13 , and receive the driving force generated by the link driving unit 15 to perform joint motion. In this case, the link driving unit 15 may be implemented as a motor that rotates the joint 13 connected to any one of the two link bars 11 connected to each other. However, the link driving unit 15 is not necessarily implemented as a motor, and may be an actuator that generates and transmits a driving force to enable the joint movement of the link bar 11 . Since the insertion rod 10 made of such a joint structure can be folded and unfolded like a finger, it is possible to freely control the movement of the probe unit 20 in the rectum of the patient. Here, the insertion rod 10 of the joint structure not only moves in two dimensions, but also arranges a plurality of joints 13 in different directions, or rotates the insertion rod 10 around the longitudinal direction of the insertion rod 10 . It is also possible to move in three dimensions by adopting a rotating means.

On the other hand, although not shown, it is easily inserted into the anus 1 (see FIG. 1 ), and in consideration of contamination prevention by foreign substances, and hygiene, the outer surface of the insertion rod 10 may be covered with a cover member. At this time, the cover member may block the inflow of foreign substances into the connecting portion by wrapping the connecting portion of the link bar 11 constituting the joint structure.

6 is a perspective view showing the main body of the prostate examination apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

6, the main body 21 of the prostate examination apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be composed of a hub 21a, a plurality of wing parts 21b, and a wing driving part 21c. there is. The hub 21a is a block member connected to the front end of the insertion rod 10 (refer to FIG. 1). The plurality of wing portions 21b are respectively foldably connected to the hub 21a, and are folded and unfolded about the central axis of the hub 21a. At this time, each wing part 21b is inserted into the rectum through the anus of the patient (1, see FIG. 1) in a closed state, and is spread radially while detecting the prostate (3, see FIG. 1) in the rectum. can A tactile sensor 23 may be disposed on each of these wing portions 21b. Accordingly, in a state in which the wing portion 21b is unfolded, the plurality of tactile sensors 23 can sense the prostate 3 (refer to FIG. 1 ) and control the unfolding angle, so that a plurality of tactile sensors 23 at the same time ) can detect different regions of the prostate 3 . On the other hand, the wing driving unit 21c is a means for closing and unfolding the wing unit 21b, and may be implemented by employing an arrangement of a motor, a cam, and a gear, or a known driving unit.

7 is a block diagram of a prostate examination apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

7 , the prostate examination apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention may further include an image generator 90 . Here, the image generator 90 generates an image of the prostate by imaging the shape of the prostate 3 (refer to FIG. 1 ) based on a physical quantity of tactile sensation. In the generated prostate image, in addition to the simple prostate (3, see FIG. 1) shape, the size of the prostate (3, see FIG. 1), the location and size of the nodule, temperature distribution by region, pressure distribution, hardness, elasticity, etc. can be displayed. there is.

In addition, the sensor display unit 100 for displaying the position of the tactile sensor 23 (see FIG. 1 ) on the prostate image may be further included. Since the position of the tactile sensor 23 (refer to FIG. 1 ) is displayed on the prostate image in real time by the sensor display unit 100 , the user can immediately identify an area where the examination is completed or a singularity.

The above-described image generating unit 90 and the sensor display unit 100 may be implemented by a computing device composed of software and hardware for processing and imaging data related to a physical quantity of tactile sense, and is manufactured to be miniaturized and the handle unit 30 . may be mounted on

Meanwhile, the prostate image generated by the image generating unit 90 and/or the sensor display unit 100 may be displayed on the aforementioned monitor unit 50 . To this end, the communication module 110 may be disposed on the handle 30 (refer to FIG. 1 ). Here, the communication module 110 is a means for providing a wired or wireless communication interface, and enables data transmission and reception between the image generating unit 90 and/or the sensor display unit 100 and the monitor unit 50 .

In addition, the prostate examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a server unit 120 and a diagnosis unit 130, so that prostate disease is based on a physical quantity measured by the tactile sensor 23 (refer to FIG. 1 ). can also be diagnosed. Here, the server unit 120 is a device that stores in advance data of prostate diseases such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and the corresponding tactile physical quantity data, and provides the tactile physical quantity according to the prostate disease to the diagnosis unit 130 . . Meanwhile, the diagnosis unit 130 receives the tactile physical quantity measured by the tactile sensor 23 (refer to FIG. 1 ) and compares it with the tactile physical quantity provided by the server unit 120 to diagnose prostate disease. Here, the tactile physical quantity measured by the tactile sensor 23 (refer to FIG. 1 ) may be transmitted directly to the diagnosis unit 130 , or may be stored in the server unit 120 and then transmitted to the diagnosis unit 130 . The server unit 120 and the diagnosis unit 130 may be implemented by a computing device composed of software and hardware for performing data storage and processing, and is manufactured in a small size and mounted on the handle unit 30 in one embodiment. Alternatively, an existing desktop, laptop, tablet PC, smartphone, or a separately manufactured device may be responsible for the function.

On the other hand, the prostate examination apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes the feedback unit 140 , thereby correcting the misdiagnosis of the diagnosis unit 130 , thereby improving the reliability of the diagnosis of prostate disease in the future. The prostate disease information diagnosed by the diagnosis unit 130 is displayed on the monitor unit 50 and the user can check it. Through this, it is possible to modify the tactile physical quantity pre-stored in the server unit 120 . To this end, when the user inputs the corrected tactile physical quantity data through the input means, the feedback unit 140 modifies the tactile physical quantity data for each prostate disease previously stored in the server unit 120 . Accordingly, when diagnosing prostate disease in the future, the corrected tactile physical quantity data is reflected, so that the false diagnosis rate of the diagnosis unit 130 can be reduced. In addition to the server unit 120 and the diagnosis unit 130 , the feedback unit 140 is also composed of data processing software and hardware and is mounted on the handle unit 30 , or an existing computer or smart phone may be used.

Overall, according to the prostate examination apparatus according to the present invention, since the prostate examination can be performed by measuring the tactile physical quantity for the prostate 3 through the tactile sensor 23, the nodules that are difficult to confirm by palpation and ultrasound It can also be accurately detected. In addition, the insertion and withdrawal of the insertion rod 10 is possible, and may be implemented as a joint structure, and since the probe unit 20 may be implemented to be retracted and unfolded, the position of the tactile sensor 23 can be moved and Since different parts of the prostate 3 can be simultaneously detected, a more precise and reliable prostate examination can be performed. In addition, since the state of the prostate 3 can be imaged and quantified based on the tactile physical quantity related to the prostate 3, objective examination information can be provided to medical staff and patients, and furthermore, compared with the pre-stored tactile physical quantity for prostate disease Thus, prostate disease can be diagnosed, and the possibility of misdiagnosis can be minimized through the feedback process. In addition, when grafted to an existing prostate ultrasound device, palpation and examination are performed at the same time, shortening the examination time, securing an objective medical imaging record, and reducing shame and pain for the patient.

On the other hand, the prostate disease diagnosis information providing method according to the present invention uses the above-described prostate examination apparatus. The tactile physical quantity for the prostate is acquired through the tactile sensor of the prostate examination device, and information necessary for diagnosis of prostate disease is provided to the medical staff based on the acquired tactile physical quantity. Here, the prostate disease may include one or more selected from the group consisting of prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostatitis.

Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific examples, this is intended to describe the present invention in detail, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and by those of ordinary skill in the art within the technical spirit of the present invention. It is clear that the modification or improvement is possible.

All simple modifications and variations of the present invention belong to the scope of the present invention, and the specific scope of protection of the present invention will be made clear by the appended claims.

1: Anal 3: Prostate
10: Insert load 11: Link bar
13: joint 15: link drive unit
20: probe 21: body
21a: hub 21b: wing
21c: wing driving unit 23: tactile sensor
30: handle part 40: rod driving part
41: cylinder 43: piston
45: piston rod 47: rotating part
49: elastic member 50: monitor unit
60: rotating part 70: operation button
80: control unit 90: image generating unit
100: sensor display 110: communication module
120: server unit 130: diagnostic unit
140: feedback unit

Claims (17)

a rod-shaped insertion rod inserted into the anus;
a probe unit for detecting the prostate, including a main body connected to the front end of the insertion rod, and a tactile sensor disposed on the main body to measure a tactile physical quantity;
a handle part connected to the distal end of the insertion rod and gripped by the user; and
and a rod driving unit for moving the distal end of the insertion rod toward the prostate.
The rod driving unit,
Prostate examination device for retracting or withdrawing the distal end of the insertion rod into the handle.
The method according to claim 1,
The tactile physical quantity includes at least one selected from the group consisting of shape, hardness, elasticity, nodule, and temperature of the prostate.
The method according to claim 1,
Prostate examination apparatus further comprising a; disposed inside the insertion rod, connected to the main body, and rotating the main body in the longitudinal direction of the insertion rod as a rotation axis.
The method according to claim 1,
The insert rod,
a plurality of link bars each formed in a rod shape and connected to each other along the longitudinal direction;
a joint for hinge-connecting the link bar; and
Prostate examination device comprising a; link driving unit for joint motion of the link bar around the joint.
The method according to claim 1,
The body is
a hub connected to the front end of the insertion rod;
a plurality of wings connected to the hub in a foldable manner, being closed around a central axis of the hub, and spread radially, each of which has the tactile sensor disposed thereon; and
Prostate examination device comprising a; wing driving unit for closing and spreading the plurality of wings.
delete The method according to claim 1,
The rod driving unit,
a cylinder disposed in the inner space of the handle;
a piston reciprocating within the cylinder;
a piston rod connected to the piston, passing through the front end of the cylinder, and hingedly coupled to the distal end of the insertion rod;
a rotating part for rotating the cylinder around a rotational axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder; and
Prostate examination device including; a telescopic member for closing the gap between the insertion rod and the opening communicating with the inner space of the handle portion.
The method according to claim 1,
an operation button disposed on the handle portion; and
Prostate examination apparatus further comprising; a control unit for controlling the rod driving unit in conjunction with the operation button.
The method according to claim 1,
The prostate examination apparatus further comprising; a monitor unit for displaying the tactile physical quantity.
10. The method of claim 9,
The monitor unit is a prostate examination device disposed in the handle unit.
The method according to claim 1,
The prostate examination apparatus further comprising a; image generator for generating a prostate image by imaging the shape of the prostate based on the tactile physical quantity.
12. The method of claim 11,
The prostate examination apparatus further comprising a; sensor display unit for displaying the position of the tactile sensor on the prostate image.
12. The method of claim 11,
Prostate examination apparatus comprising a; is disposed in the handle portion, the communication module for transmitting the image of the prostate.
The method according to claim 1,
a server unit that stores a physical quantity of tactile sensation according to prostate disease; and
and a diagnosis unit for diagnosing the prostate disease by comparing the tactile physical quantity pre-stored in the server with the tactile physical quantity measured by the tactile sensor.
15. The method of claim 14,
and a feedback unit configured to correct the tactile physical quantity stored in the server unit in case the prostate disease diagnosed by the diagnosis unit is determined to be a misdiagnosis.
16. A method for providing diagnosis information for a prostate disease that provides information for diagnosing a prostate disease based on the tactile physical quantity using the prostate examination device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7 to 15.
17. The method of claim 16,
The prostate disease, prostate cancer, prostatic hypertrophy, and prostate disease diagnosis information providing method comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of prostatitis.

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