WO2009151079A1

WO2009151079A1 - Ultrasound diagnostic device and method for ultrasound contrast imaging by use of same

Info

Publication number: WO2009151079A1
Application number: PCT/JP2009/060625
Authority: WO
Inventors: 剛木村; 浩栗原; 達也林
Original assignee: 株式会社日立メディコ
Priority date: 2008-06-12
Filing date: 2009-06-10
Publication date: 2009-12-17
Also published as: JPWO2009151079A1

Abstract

An ultrasound diagnostic device is provided with a probe that transmits/receives ultrasound wave to/from an examinee body, a transmission unit that generates a transmission signal to be supplied to the probe, a control unit that carries out a delay processing of the transmission signal generated by the transmission unit to control a focus depth of an ultrasound beam and changes the focus depth of the ultrasound beam when scanning the examinee body by the ultrasound to destroy an ultrasound contrast media dosed into the examinee body, an image generation unit that generates an ultrasound tomographic image in accordance with a reflecting echo signal received by the probe in the state where the focus depth of the ultrasound beam is changed, and an image display unit that displays the generated ultrasound tomographic image.

Description

Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and ultrasound contrast imaging method

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of generating an ultrasonic tomographic image based on a reflected echo from an ultrasonic contrast agent administered to a subject and an ultrasonic contrast imaging method thereof. .

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus irradiates a subject with ultrasonic waves via a probe, receives a reflected echo signal generated from the subject, and generates an ultrasonic tomographic image based on the received reflected echo. .

In such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a contrast echo that administers an ultrasound contrast agent to a subject and generates an ultrasonic tomogram based on a reflected echo from the contrast agent The law is widely used.

The ultrasound contrast agent is formed with microbubbles. Ultrasound contrast agents include high sound pressure contrast agents for generating tomographic images from reflected echoes generated by destroying contrast agents with relatively high sound pressure ultrasound, and relatively low sound pressure ultrasound. And a medium and low sound pressure contrast medium for generating a tomographic image from a reflection echo derived from a contrast medium without destroying the contrast medium.

In contrast-enhanced echo using a medium-low sound pressure contrast agent, the contrast agent that fills the entire observation site is destroyed by irradiating ultrasonic waves with high sound pressure, and the contrast agent is applied to the target region in the observation site. A mode is used to observe the flow in, that is, recirculation.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-318890

By the way, in the contrast echo method of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is described that the contrast agent is destroyed in a short time by transmitting the ultrasonic wave used for destroying the contrast agent in advance of the ultrasound for imaging. Has been.

However, in Patent Document 1 above, there is no problem to select and destroy a contrast agent existing in the depth region of the observation site in the image and obtain an ultrasound contrast image in the depth region of the observation site. It was just breaking the contrast agent in a short time.

In other words, in the mode of observing the reperfusion of the contrast agent using the contrast echo, it can be said that no consideration is given to selecting and destroying the contrast agent filling the depth region of the observation site.

In addition, in order to destroy the contrast medium filled in the observation site, the contrast medium moves on the flow of body fluid such as blood, and thus it is necessary to repeatedly perform ultrasonic scanning multiple times. Since the time required for the observation of re-refluxing increases, the diagnostic efficiency may decrease.

In order to destroy the contrast medium at the observation site quickly, for example, it is possible to increase the sound pressure of the ultrasonic beam. However, for example, the US FDA Guidance and the Pharmaceutical Affairs Basic Requirements Compliance Checklist should not be affected. There is a limit to the thermal index and mechanical index that can be set.

An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic contrast imaging method capable of selecting and destroying a contrast agent administered to a subject and filling a depth region of an observation site.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention includes a probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a subject, a transmission unit that generates a transmission signal to be supplied to the probe, and a transmission signal that is generated by the transmission unit The ultrasonic beam is controlled by ultrasonic scanning inside the subject to destroy the ultrasound contrast agent administered into the subject. A control unit that changes a focus depth of the ultrasonic beam, an image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic tomographic image based on a reflected echo signal received by the probe in a state where the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam is changed, and the generation And an image display unit for displaying the ultrasonic tomographic image.

Further, the ultrasonic contrast imaging method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention includes a first step of transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from a subject using a probe, and a transmission signal supplied to the probe by a transmitter And a control unit that performs a delay process on the transmission signal generated by the transmission unit to control the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam, and ultrasonically scans the inside of the subject. A third step of changing a focus depth of the ultrasound beam when destroying the ultrasound contrast agent administered in the probe, and the probe in a state where the focus depth of the ultrasound beam is changed by an image generation unit And a fourth step of generating an ultrasonic tomographic image based on the reflected echo signal received by the above and a fifth step of displaying the generated ultrasonic tomographic image by an image display unit.

According to the above configuration, the probe transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from the subject, the transmission unit generates a transmission signal to be supplied to the probe, and the control unit generates the transmission signal generated by the transmission unit. The ultrasonic beam is controlled by ultrasonic scanning inside the subject to destroy the ultrasound contrast agent administered into the subject. And the image generation unit generates an ultrasonic tomographic image based on the reflected echo signal received by the probe in a state where the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam is changed, and the image display unit By displaying the generated ultrasonic tomographic image, it is possible to select and destroy the contrast agent administered to the subject and filling the depth region of the observation site.

According to the present invention, there is an effect of providing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic contrast imaging method capable of selecting and destroying a contrast agent administered to a subject and filling a depth region of an observation site.

1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. The time chart for demonstrating the concept of operation | movement of the ultrasonic diagnosing device of this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of an operation in a mode for observing reperfusion using a medium-low sound pressure contrast medium. 12 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of an operation in a mode for observing reperfusion using a contrast medium for medium and low sound pressures. 12 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the operation in the mode for observing reperfusion using the medium and low sound pressure contrast medium. The figure which shows the example of a setting of ROI in 3rd Example.

Hereinafter, embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described. In the following description, the same functional parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes a probe 1 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a subject, a receiving unit 2 that performs reception processing on reflected echo signals from the subject, An image generation unit 3 that generates an ultrasonic tomographic image based on the reflected echo signal that has undergone reception processing, an image display unit 4 that displays the generated ultrasonic tomographic image, and a transmission signal that is supplied to the probe 1 The transmission unit 5 to be generated, the control unit 6 that performs delay processing of the transmission signal generated by the transmission unit 5 and controls the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam, the operation unit 7 that the operator performs various settings, and the like. ing.

The probe 1 has a plurality of transducers that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to and from the subject, and is driven by ultrasonic pulses supplied from the transmission unit 5, and mechanically or electronically performs beam scanning. To do.

The reception unit 2 performs reception processing such as amplification on the reflected echo signal received by the probe 1.
The image generation unit 3 adjusts and adds the delay time of each channel so that the reflected echo signals of the multiple channels amplified by the reception unit 2 are in focus, and performs a filtering process such as a bandpass filter to obtain an ultrasonic tomogram Is generated. The image display unit 4 is a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal that displays the ultrasonic tomogram generated by the image generation unit 3 and various information.

The transmission unit 5 generates a transmission signal of a plurality of channels based on the control signal from the control unit 6 and supplies it to the probe 1. The control unit 6 controls each block including the transmission unit 5. For example, when irradiating with ultrasonic waves to generate an ultrasonic tomographic image, control of which depth (distance from the probe) the formed ultrasonic beam is focused (transmission focus control) ). Specifically, an ultrasonic wave is generated from a plurality of transducers in the probe to generate an ultrasonic beam, and the waveform of the ultrasonic transmission signal supplied to each transducer and the generation time are controlled. To perform transmission focus control.

The operation unit 7 is various input interfaces such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel for an operator to set various conditions of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Subsequently, the ultrasonic transmission operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the mode for observing reperfusion using the medium / low sound pressure contrast medium will be described. FIG. 2 is a time chart for explaining the concept of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the reperfusion observation mode refers to a state in which the entire observation site (region where the ultrasonic tomographic image is generated) is filled with the contrast agent, and then ultrasonic waves with high sound pressure are used in the contrast agent destruction mode. Is a mode in which the entire contrast medium is destroyed by irradiating and the subsequent contrast medium flows into the target region in the observation site.

As described above, the ultrasonic transmission operation mode is roughly classified into a landscape agent observation mode for observing the contrast agent and a contrast agent destruction mode for destroying the contrast agent. There are two means for switching between the two modes, one manually performed by the operator and one automatically performed by the apparatus at a pre-programmed time. In this embodiment, the operator manually starts the contrast medium destruction mode. It shall be done in

The control unit 6 has a memory for storing transmission signal conditions, and stores conditions for the contrast medium observation mode and conditions for the contrast medium destruction mode. This transmission signal condition is, for example, the frequency, wave number, amplitude, delay time, etc. of the transmission signal. These conditions are determined by conditions and devices set by the operator from the operation unit 7, conditions optimized by the probe, and the like.

Usually, the contrast agent observation mode is a condition that results in a relatively low sound pressure that does not destroy the contrast agent, and the contrast agent destruction mode is a condition that results in a relatively high sound pressure that destroys the contrast agent. When the operator selects the contrast agent observation mode from the operation unit 7, the control unit 6 controls the transmission unit 5 under the contrast agent observation mode conditions. The transmitter 5 generates a transmission signal as a condition for the contrast agent observation mode, supplies it to each transducer of the probe 1, and transmits an ultrasonic wave from the probe 1 to the subject, and reflects a reflected echo from the contrast agent. Receive. This operation is repeated until the contrast agent destruction mode is selected via the operation unit 7 by the operator.

When the contrast medium destruction mode is selected by the operator via the operation section 7, the control section 6 controls the transmission section 5 under the contrast medium destruction mode conditions. The transmitter 5 generates a transmission signal as a condition for the contrast agent destruction mode and supplies it to each transducer of the probe 1.The ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the probe 1 to the subject, and the sound pressure is transmitted to the observation site. Destroy the filled contrast agent.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the ultrasonic contrast agent is efficiently destroyed for reperfusion observation of the ultrasonic contrast agent. The details will be described below based on specific examples.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of an operation in a mode for observing reperfusion using a medium-low sound pressure contrast medium. In this embodiment, the operator inputs and sets the focus depth and the number of frames at each focus depth, and the contrast agent is destroyed based on this setting.

First, a screen for setting a plurality of focus depths and the condition of the number of frames at each focus depth is displayed on the image display unit 4 (S1). The operator inputs conditions via the operation unit 7 (S2). Here, (Condition A) Focus depth: 30 mm, Number of frames: 3 frames, (Condition B) Focus depth: 70 mm, Number of frames: 5 frames, (Condition C) Focus depth: 120 mm, Number of frames: 7 frames Suppose that

Subsequently, when a contrast echo start operation is performed (S3), a contrast agent observation mode is set (S4). In the contrast agent observation mode, as described above, ultrasonic scanning is performed with a relatively low sound pressure that does not destroy the contrast agent, and an ultrasonic tomographic image is generated and displayed.

Subsequently, when an operation for starting the contrast destruction mode is performed (S5), the contrast medium destruction mode is set, and ultrasonic scanning is performed with a relatively high sound pressure that destroys the contrast medium (S6). First, as condition A, ultrasonic scanning is performed with an ultrasonic beam adjusted so that the depth of focus is 30 mm until the number of frames becomes three. (S7, 8). In other words, ultrasonic scanning is performed three times.

Next, as condition B, ultrasonic scanning is performed with the ultrasonic beam adjusted so that the depth of focus becomes 70 mm until the number of frames reaches five. (S9, 10). Subsequently, as condition C, ultrasonic scanning is performed until the number of frames becomes seven with the ultrasonic beam adjusted so that the focus depth becomes 120 mm. (S11, 12).

When the ultrasound scan under condition C is completed, the contrast agent destruction mode is terminated (S13), and an ultrasound scan is performed at a relatively low sound pressure that does not destroy the contrast agent again. An ultrasonic tomographic image showing the flow is generated and displayed (S14).

According to this embodiment, it is possible to select and destroy the contrast agent administered to the subject and filling the depth region of the observation site.
In addition, a contrast agent that is administered to the subject and fills the depth region of the observation site can be selected and destroyed.
Also, in the ultrasonic contrast agent destruction mode, by sequentially changing the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam from shallow to deep, and shifting the focus position where the ultrasonic sound pressure is high and the contrast agent is easily destroyed, The contrast agent can be destroyed more efficiently than when the focus depth is fixed. In other words, when the transmission focus depth is reduced, the sound pressure in the region closer to the probe becomes higher and the contrast agent becomes more fragile, whereas when the transmission focus is deeper, the sound pressure in the region far from the probe is reduced. It becomes higher and the contrast agent becomes more fragile. Accordingly, it is possible to destroy the contrast agent more efficiently than when the contrast agent is destroyed while repeating the ultrasonic scanning with the transmission focus fixed.

In particular, the transmittance of the ultrasonic wave irradiated to the subject in the region where the contrast agent exists is lower than the region where the contrast agent does not exist because the sound scatters, so the region from the region near the probe to the region far from the probe By destroying the contrast agent in order, that is, by changing the transmission focus depth in time from the shallower to the deeper according to the destruction rate of the contrast agent, the contrast agent that fills the entire observation site can be efficiently Can be destroyed.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the number of frames at each focus depth is input has been described. However, for example, an ultrasonic transmission time at each focus depth may be input and set, or an ultrasonic wave optimized by experiment or the like The transmission time may be stored in the memory in advance. In this case, when the contrast agent destruction mode is started, the control unit 6 starts counting time, controls the transmission unit 5 under the condition A, and repeats the transmission operation of the condition A until the transmission time of the condition A passes. When the transmission time of the condition A has passed, the control unit 6 controls the transmission unit 5 under the condition B and repeats the transmission operation of the condition B until the transmission time of the condition B passes. Subsequently, the same operation is performed for the condition C, and when the transmission time for the condition C has elapsed, the operation is switched to the operation in the contrast observation mode.

Further, not only when the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam is changed sequentially from the shallow part to the deep part, but when the ultrasonic contrast agent administered into the subject is destroyed by ultrasonic scanning inside the subject, the ultrasonic wave By changing the focus depth of the beam, it is possible to destroy the contrast agent more efficiently than in the case of destroying the contrast agent while fixing the transmission focus and repeating ultrasonic scanning.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the operation in the mode for observing reperfusion using the medium and low sound pressure contrast medium. In this embodiment, the operator does not input and set the number of frames at each focus depth, but the generated ultrasonic tomographic image is out of a plurality of regions divided in the depth direction according to the plurality of focus depths of the ultrasonic beam. The focus depth of the ultrasonic beam is automatically switched based on the luminance information of the area corresponding to the focus depth at which ultrasonic scanning is performed.

As shown in FIG. 4, when a contrast echo start operation is first performed (S21), a contrast agent observation mode is set (S22). In the contrast agent observation mode, as described above, ultrasonic scanning is performed with a relatively low sound pressure that does not destroy the contrast agent, and an ultrasonic tomographic image is generated and displayed.

Subsequently, when an operation for starting the contrast destruction mode is performed (S23), the contrast medium destruction mode is set, and ultrasonic scanning is performed with a relatively high sound pressure that destroys the contrast medium (S24). First, ultrasonic scanning is performed with an ultrasonic beam adjusted so that the depth of focus is the shallow part of the subject (part close to the probe) (S25), and the contrast agent brightness in the shallow area is also measured. Analysis is performed (S26).

Specifically, the luminance value of the ultrasonic tomogram in the shallow region is compared with a preset threshold value, and ultrasonic scanning is repeated until the luminance value becomes smaller than the threshold value (S27). That is, since the reflected echo signal in the region where the contrast agent exists has a higher luminance than that in the region where the contrast agent does not exist, the contrast agent identifies the degree of destruction by the luminance information. As the luminance value to be compared with the threshold value, for example, an average value of luminance values of pixels in the region can be used.

If it is determined in S27 that the luminance value is smaller than the threshold value and most of the contrast agent in the shallow region has been destroyed, the focus depth is switched to the intermediate portion and ultrasonic scanning is performed (S28). Then, in the same manner as in the shallow region, the contrast agent luminance analysis in the intermediate region is performed (S29), and the ultrasonic scanning is repeated until the luminance value becomes smaller than the threshold value (S30).

If it is determined in S30 that the luminance value is smaller than the threshold value and most of the contrast agent in the intermediate region has been destroyed, the focus depth is switched to the deep part, and ultrasonic scanning is performed (S31). Then, in the same manner as in the shallow region, the contrast agent luminance analysis in the deep region is performed (S32), and the ultrasonic scanning is repeated until the luminance value becomes smaller than the threshold value (S33).

If it is determined in S33 that the luminance value is smaller than the threshold value and most of the contrast agent in the deep region has been destroyed, the contrast agent destruction mode is terminated (S34), and it is relatively low so as not to destroy the contrast agent again. Ultrasonic scanning with sound pressure is performed, and an ultrasonic tomographic image in which the subsequent contrast agent flows is generated and displayed (S35). The setting of the shallow part, the intermediate part, and the deep part of the focus depth may be input by the operator as in the first embodiment, or a plurality of preset focus depths may be used.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to select and destroy the contrast agent administered to the subject and filling the depth region of the observation site.
In addition, since the focus depth is switched by automatically determining the degree of destruction of the contrast agent, it is not necessary for the operator to set the number of frames at each focus depth, and the usability of the apparatus can be improved. In addition, in the setting by the operator, it may be considered that it takes time to scan more than necessary and the diagnosis efficiency is lowered, and conversely, there is a possibility that the contrast agent cannot be completely destroyed due to too few scans. For example, an appropriate number of scans can be performed using the luminance value.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the operation in the mode for observing reperfusion using the medium / low sound pressure contrast medium.
This embodiment does not destroy the contrast agent in the entire region where the ultrasonic tomographic image is generated, but uses the minimum necessary contrast agent based on the region where the operator wants to observe the recirculation of the contrast agent set by the operator. This is an example of destruction.

As shown in FIG. 5, when a contrast echo start operation is first performed (S41), a contrast agent observation mode is set (S42). In the contrast agent observation mode, as described above, ultrasonic scanning is performed with a relatively low sound pressure that does not destroy the contrast agent, and an ultrasonic tomographic image is generated and displayed.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6, the region (ROI) where the operator wants to observe the recirculation of the contrast medium is set by the operator via the operation unit 7 (S43), and the position of the ROI is recognized by the control unit 6. (S44).

Next, when an operation for starting the contrast destruction mode is performed (S45), the contrast medium destruction mode is set, and ultrasonic scanning is performed with a relatively high sound pressure that destroys the contrast medium (S46). Here, ultrasonic scanning is performed so that the contrast agent in the set ROI region is destroyed.

Specifically, the scanning range is set so that the ultrasonic beam is transmitted into the ROI area based on the both ends of the set ROI area in the scanning direction, and the focus depth is set at, for example, the center of the ROI area. In addition, ultrasonic scanning is performed (S47). Then, the luminance analysis in the ROI region of the ultrasonic tomographic image is performed as in the second embodiment (S48), and the ultrasonic scanning is repeatedly performed until the luminance value becomes smaller than the threshold value (S49).

When it is determined in S49 that the luminance value is smaller than the threshold value and most of the contrast agent in the ROI region has been destroyed, the contrast agent destruction mode is terminated (S50), and it is relatively low so as not to destroy the contrast agent again. Ultrasonic scanning with sound pressure is performed, and an ultrasonic tomographic image in which the subsequent contrast agent flows is generated and displayed (S51).

In this embodiment, an example is given in which the end of the contrast medium destruction mode is determined by comparing the brightness value in the ROI region with a threshold value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the operator sets the number of scans (the number of scans) in advance. You may keep it.

Further, in this embodiment, an example in which ultrasonic scanning is performed by adjusting the focus depth to the center of the ROI region has been described, but in addition, for example, the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam based on the position of the deepest portion in the depth direction of the ROI region. Ultrasound scanning may be performed by sequentially changing the focus depth from the shallow part to the set deepest part within the set scanning range.

In other words, if the ROI area is set relatively deep in the ultrasound diagnostic image, it may take time to destroy even if the ultrasound scan is performed with the focus directly on the ROI area. The contrast agent can be efficiently destroyed by destroying the contrast agent in the deep ROI region while destroying the agent.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to select and destroy the contrast agent administered to the subject and filling the depth region of the observation site.
Also, rather than destroying the contrast agent in all the areas where ultrasonic tomograms are generated, only the contrast agent in the area that you want to observe truly is destroyed, leading to shortened destruction time and diagnostic efficiency. Can be improved.

Also, with reference to the attached drawings, several preferred embodiments such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

1 probe, 2 receiving unit, 3 image generating unit, 4 image display unit, 5 transmitting unit, 6 control unit, 7 operation unit, 10 ultrasonic diagnostic device

Claims

A probe that transmits and receives ultrasound to and from the subject;
A transmission unit for generating a transmission signal to be supplied to the probe;
Controlling the depth of focus of an ultrasonic beam by delaying a transmission signal generated by the transmitter, and ultrasonically scanning the subject to destroy the ultrasound contrast agent administered into the subject A control unit that changes a focus depth of the ultrasonic beam,
An image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic tomographic image based on a reflected echo signal received by the probe in a state in which the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam is changed;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: an image display unit that displays the generated ultrasonic tomographic image.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sequentially changes a focus depth of the ultrasonic beam from a shallow part to a deep part.
A scan number setting unit for setting the number of scans of the ultrasonic beam;
2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches a focus depth of the ultrasonic beam when ultrasonic scanning for the set number of scans is completed.
The scan number setting unit sets the number of scans at each of a plurality of focus depths of the ultrasonic beam,
4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit switches the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam when ultrasonic scanning for the number of scans set at each focus depth is completed.
The control unit includes luminance information of a region corresponding to a focus depth in which ultrasonic scanning is performed among a plurality of regions obtained by dividing the generated ultrasonic tomogram in a depth direction according to a plurality of focus depths of an ultrasonic beam. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a focus depth of the ultrasonic beam is switched based on the frequency.
An area setting unit for setting an area for observing reperfusion of the ultrasonic contrast agent;
The control unit sets the scanning range of the ultrasonic beam based on the set observation area and sets the deepest part of the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam, and sets the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam in the set scanning range. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus sequentially changes from a shallow part to the deepest part.
A first step of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the subject using a probe;
A second step of generating a transmission signal to be supplied to the probe by the transmission unit;
A control unit that delays a transmission signal generated by the transmission unit and controls the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam, and is ultrasonically scanned in the subject and administered into the subject. A third step of changing the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam when destroying the agent;
A fourth step of generating an ultrasonic tomographic image based on a reflected echo signal received by the probe in a state in which the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam is changed by an image generation unit;
A fifth step of displaying the generated ultrasonic tomographic image by an image display unit; and an ultrasonic contrast imaging method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
The ultrasonic contrast imaging method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the third step sequentially changes the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam from a shallow part to a deep part by the control unit.
Including a sixth step of setting the number of scans of the ultrasonic beam by a scan number setting unit;
The ultrasonic contrast imaging method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the third step switches the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam when the ultrasonic scanning of the number of scans set by the control unit is completed.
The sixth step sets the number of scans at each of a plurality of focus depths of the ultrasonic beam by the scan number setting unit,
10. The ultrasonic contrast imaging method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the third step switches the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam when the ultrasonic scanning of the number of scans set at each focus depth by the control unit is completed.
The third step corresponds to a focus depth in which ultrasonic scanning is performed among a plurality of regions obtained by dividing the generated ultrasonic tomographic image by the control unit in a depth direction according to a plurality of focus depths of an ultrasonic beam. 8. The ultrasonic contrast imaging method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam is switched based on luminance information of a region to be performed.
Including a seventh step of setting a region for observing reperfusion of the ultrasound contrast agent by a region setting unit,
The third step sets the scanning range of the ultrasonic beam based on the observation region set by the control unit and sets the deepest part of the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam, and the ultrasonic wave is set in the set scanning range. 8. The ultrasonic contrast imaging method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the focus depth of the beam is sequentially changed from a shallow part to the deepest part.
A probe that transmits and receives ultrasound to and from the subject;
A transmitter for generating a transmission signal to be supplied to the probe;
A control unit that performs delay processing of the transmission signal generated by the transmission unit and controls the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam;
An image generating unit that generates an ultrasonic tomographic image based on a reflected echo signal received by the probe based on a focus depth of the ultrasonic beam;
An image display unit that displays the generated ultrasonic tomogram, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:
The control unit changes the focus depth of the ultrasonic beam when the ultrasonic contrast agent administered into the subject is destroyed by ultrasonic scanning in the subject. apparatus.