WO2014054807A1

WO2014054807A1 - Ultrasound medical device and ultrasound image diagnostic device

Info

Publication number: WO2014054807A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/077176
Authority: WO
Inventors: 秀樹小作; 平間　信
Original assignee: 株式会社東芝; 東芝メディカルシステムズ株式会社
Priority date: 2012-10-04
Filing date: 2013-10-04
Publication date: 2014-04-10
Also published as: JP2014073271A; JP6099926B2

Abstract

Provided are an ultrasound medical device and an ultrasound image diagnostic device whereby a burden on a patient is reduced, and it is possible to change an angle of an ultrasound oscillator. An ultrasound medical device of an embodiment comprises a capsule-shaped main body part which contains an ultrasound oscillator. The ultrasound medical device transmits ultrasound to the inner part of a subject from the ultrasound oscillator within the capsule-shaped main body part which is inserted into a tube-shaped part of the subject, and receives reflected waves of the transmitted ultrasound. A change means which is disposed within the capsule-shaped main body part changes the angle of the ultrasound oscillator.

Description

Ultrasonic medical apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic medical apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus.

The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus scans the inside of a subject with ultrasonic waves using an ultrasonic probe, and images the inside of the subject based on data generated from the reflected waves.

An example of an ultrasonic probe used in an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is a TEE (trans-esophageal echocardiography) probe (for example, Patent Document 1).

The TEE probe is inserted orally into the esophagus, for example, and is used for photographing the heart and the like. The TEE probe changes the angle of the guiding tube inserted into the esophagus, the insertion portion provided at the distal end of the guiding tube, the ultrasonic transducer disposed at the distal end of the insertion portion, and the ultrasonic transducer Or changing means for bringing the insertion portion into close contact with the esophageal wall.

The lead tube is operated with a power line for sending power to the ultrasonic transducer, a control line for sending control signals to the ultrasonic transducer, a data line for sending data from the ultrasonic transducer, and a changing means. The wire to be placed is placed.

Since the guiding pipe has a certain degree of rigidity, the inserting section can be sent into the esophagus by the guiding pipe. However, since the guide tube has a thickness of about φ10-12 mm, the patient is burdened when and after the guide tube is inserted into the esophagus.

In order to reduce the burden on the patient, it is desirable to make the guiding tube as thin as possible. If the guide tube is made thin, even if the insertion portion is left in the esophagus for a long time, the patient is not burdened greatly. For example, the patient's body after the operation can be observed over a long period of time. The patient may be referred to as “subject”.

JP 2002-159495 A

If a wire is not arranged in the guiding pipe, the guiding pipe can be made thinner by the thickness of the wire. However, in that case, the problem is how to change the direction of the ultrasonic transducer.

Also, when the guide tube is made thin, the rigidity is lowered, and it is difficult to send the insertion portion into the esophagus by the guide tube.

This embodiment solves the above-described problem, and provides an ultrasonic medical apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus capable of reducing the burden on the patient and changing the angle of the ultrasonic transducer. With the goal.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic medical apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus that can reduce the burden on the patient and can easily send the insertion portion to the esophagus.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an ultrasonic medical apparatus according to an embodiment includes a capsule-type main body that houses an ultrasonic vibrator, and the ultrasonic vibrator in the capsule-type main body inserted into a tubular portion of a subject. Transmits ultrasonic waves to the inside of the subject and receives the reflected waves. The changing means is provided in the capsule-type main body and changes the angle of the ultrasonic transducer.

1 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. The perspective view of an ultrasonic medical device. The front view which shows the inside of a capsule type main-body part. The perspective view which shows the inside of a capsule type main-body part. The figure when changing the angle of an ultrasonic transducer | vibrator. The schematic diagram of a 1st ultrasonic motor. The figure which shows a drive means typically. The figure of an electromagnetic coil when a piston is in the middle of descent. The figure of an electromagnetic coil when a piston moves to the lowest position. The figure of an electromagnetic coil when a piston exists in the lowest position. The figure of an electromagnetic coil when a piston is in the middle of ascent. The figure of an electromagnetic coil when a piston moves to the uppermost position. The figure which shows the inside of a capsule type main-body part typically. The flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement when observing the inside of a subject using an ultrasonic medical device. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus. The figure which shows typically the drive means which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure of the ultrasonic vibrator concerning a 3rd embodiment. The figure of the ultrasonic vibrator concerning a 4th embodiment. The schematic diagram of the change means which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment places a capsule-type main body 10 at a desired position in the esophagus E, and in the placed state, a desired organ (heart H) in a subject P. 1 shows an example in which an ultrasonic wave is transmitted, a reflected wave from the heart H is received as an echo signal, and the heart H is observed. Hereinafter, transmission of ultrasonic waves and reception of reflected waves may be collectively referred to as “transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves”. The capsule main body 10 transmits an echo signal to the external device 60, and the external device 60 processes the signal received from the capsule main body 10 to create and display an ultrasonic image. The heart H shown in each drawing is schematically shown in order to make it easy to understand that the observation target in this embodiment is the heart H. The throat is indicated by “T” in FIG.

In the following description, the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 refers to a configuration including the ultrasound medical apparatus 2 and the external apparatus 60. In addition, the ultrasonic medical device 2 refers to a configuration including the capsule main body 10 and the guiding tube 20. However, these devices 1 and 2 are separated for convenience of explanation, and the ultrasonic medical device 2 may include the ultrasonic image diagnostic device 1.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic medical device.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultrasonic medical apparatus has a capsule-type main body 10 and a guiding tube 20. FIG. 1 shows the guiding pipe 20 with a broken line, and FIG. 2 shows the tip of the guiding pipe 20.

The capsule body 10 is connected to the leading end of the guiding pipe 20. An external device 60 is connected to the proximal end portion of the guiding pipe 20.

The capsule body 10 and the guide tube 20 are inserted into the esophagus E of the subject. The capsule-type main body 10 is placed in a desired position in the esophagus E and used in a state of being in close contact with the wall of the esophagus E.

(Capsule body 10)
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the inside of the capsule-type main body 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the capsule body 10 has a hemispherical outer surface at one end in the long axis direction so that it can be easily inserted into the esophagus E, and at the other end in the long axis direction. It has a hemispherical outer surface so that it can be easily pulled out from the esophagus E.

The capsule body 10 has spherical inner surface portions 11 at both ends in the major axis direction. The position of the center of the sphere is indicated by “O1” in FIG.

The ultrasonic transducer 30, the changing unit 40, and the driving unit 50 are disposed between the both inner surface portions 11. An acoustic medium (for example, water) 13 is filled between the circumferential surface 12 of the capsule body 10 and the ultrasonic transducer 30.

(Guide pipe 20)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the guiding pipe 20 has a string-like body 21.

Inside the string-like body 21, a power line EL and a signal line SL (see FIG. 10) are arranged at most. The power line EL is for sending electric power from the external device 60 to the capsule main body 10. The signal line SL is for transmitting and receiving a signal (control signal) between the external device 60 and the capsule main body 10.

In this embodiment, in order to make the string-like body 21 as thin as possible, wires and data lines other than the power supply line EL and the signal line SL are not arranged. Since no wire is arranged, a changing means 40 (described later) for changing the angle of the ultrasonic transducer 30 is provided inside the capsule-type main body 10.

Since no data line is disposed, the reflected wave (echo signal) from the subject P received by the ultrasonic transducer 30 is transmitted from the capsule main body 10 to the external device 60 by radio. As means for transmitting an echo signal from the capsule main body 10 to the external device 60 wirelessly, a capsule transmission / reception unit 32 (described later) is provided in the capsule main body 10, and a transmission / reception unit 61 (described later) is provided by the external device 60. Is provided.

The material that can be used in the body cavity is selected for the covering of the power line EL and the like, and the softness that does not burden the subject P even if it is placed on the pharynx.

The string-like body 21 is provided with a marker 22 that can identify a specific distance (length) from the capsule-type main body 10. The marker 22 is configured so that it can be visually recognized by its shape and color. An example of the marker 22 may be a scale. As a specific example, when the capsule body 10 is placed in the esophagus E and the heart H is observed, the general length from the oral cavity to the approximate position where the heart H of the esophagus E can be observed (hereinafter referred to as a predetermined position). Based on this, a marker 22 is provided on the string-like body 21. The operator confirms the position of the marker 22 while pushing the string-like body 21 and inserting the capsule-type main body 10 into the esophagus E. Therefore, when the marker 22 reaches the vicinity of the oral cavity, the operator can easily grasp that the capsule-type main body 10 is located at a predetermined position in the esophagus E. In order to prevent the inserted capsule-type main body 10 from proceeding due to the peristaltic movement of the esophagus E, for example, one end of the string-like body 21 is fixed to the mouthpiece M or the like placed in the oral cavity of the subject P. Is possible.

(Ultrasonic transducer 30)
The ultrasonic transducer 30 is stored in the capsule body 10. The ultrasonic transducer 30 transmits ultrasonic waves from the radiation surface based on a drive signal from the capsule control unit 33 (see FIG. 10). Further, the ultrasonic transducer 30 receives a reflected wave (echo signal) from the subject P and sends it to the capsule transceiver 32 (see FIG. 10).

The ultrasonic transducer 30 is composed of an acoustic lens, a matching layer, a piezoelectric element, and a backing material. In FIG. 3, the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 30 as these aggregate | assembly is shown.

The acoustic lens is arranged on the tip side of the ultrasonic transducer 30 and focuses the ultrasonic beam in the slice direction. The matching layer is disposed between the piezoelectric element and the living tissue and has an acoustic impedance intermediate between the two. The piezoelectric element converts a new electric word into an ultrasonic signal, and vice versa. The backing material is disposed on the back surface of the piezoelectric element and absorbs acoustic energy radiated to the back surface.

The plurality of ultrasonic transducers 30 are arranged in a cylindrical shape, a substantially partial cylindrical shape, or a flat plate shape. Here, a radial array type in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 30 are arranged in a cylindrical shape is shown in FIG. Although the ultrasonic transducers 30 are arranged on the support 15 formed in a cylindrical shape, piezoelectric elements and the like may be arranged on a backing material formed in a cylindrical shape. At this time, the support 15 is made of a backing material. In addition, the cylinder axis in the cylindrical shape may be simply referred to as “rotation axis”, “rotation axis of ultrasonic transducer”, or “rotation axis of support”.

(Change means 40)
4 is a perspective view showing the inside of the capsule-type main body 10, and FIG. 5 is a view when the angle of the ultrasonic transducer 30 is changed.

4 and 5, the changing means 40 has a first ultrasonic motor 41, a second ultrasonic motor 42, and a ball body 43.

A holding body 16 is provided at one end of the support 15 (the lower end in FIGS. 4 and 5). The holding body 16 is formed integrally with the support body 15.

The ball body 43 is supported by the holding body 16 so as to roll along the inner surface portion 11 on one end side. According to this configuration, when the ball body 43 rolls along the inner surface portion 11, one end portion of the rotation shaft 31 of the ultrasonic transducer 30 is also moved along the inner surface portion 11.

The first ultrasonic motor 41 is disposed on either the other end (the upper end in FIGS. 4 and 5) of the rotating shaft 31 of the ultrasonic transducer 30 or the inner surface 11 on the other end side. The inner surface portion on one end side may be referred to as “first inner surface portion”, and the inner surface portion on the other end side may be referred to as “second inner surface portion”.

Hereinafter, description will be made assuming that the first ultrasonic motor 41 is disposed at the other end of the rotating shaft 31 of the ultrasonic transducer 30.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the first ultrasonic motor 41. As shown in FIG. 6, the first ultrasonic motor 41 includes a piezoelectric ceramic 411, a stator 412, and a rotor 413. The piezoelectric ceramic 411 is disposed on the opposite side of the rotor 413 with the stator 412 therebetween, and is attached to the stator 412. The surface 414 on the side where the stator 412 is not attached has an uneven shape and is in close contact with the rotor 413.

When a high frequency voltage is applied to the piezoelectric ceramic 411, it vibrates (expands and contracts). Thereby, a traveling wave is generated on the surface 414 of the stator 412, and the rotor 413 is moved in a direction opposite to the traveling wave direction. In FIG. 6, the direction of the traveling wave and the opposite direction are indicated by “D1” and “D2”.

In this embodiment, the piezoelectric ceramic 411 and the stator 412 are provided at the other end of the rotating shaft 31 of the ultrasonic transducer 30. The rotor 413 constitutes the second inner surface portion 11. The stator 412 and the rotor 413 have an arc shape along the second inner surface portion 11. Since the capsule-type main body 10 is pulled by the guiding pipe 20, the rotor 413 is fixed.

Note that the rotor 413 may be provided on the second inner surface portion 11. In the configuration in which the first ultrasonic motor 41 is disposed on the second inner surface portion 11, the piezoelectric ceramic 411 and the stator 412 are provided on the second inner surface portion 11, and the rotor 413 is the other end of the rotating shaft 31 of the ultrasonic transducer 30. What is necessary is just to comprise a part.

When the piezoelectric ceramic 411 is driven, the stator 412 tries to move the second inner surface portion 11 in the opposite direction D2, but since the rotor 413 is fixed, other than the rotating shaft 31 of the ultrasonic transducer 30 The end is moved in the traveling wave direction D1.

When the piezoelectric ceramic 411 is driven, for example, when the other end portion of the rotation shaft 31 of the ultrasonic transducer 30 is moved relative to the second inner surface portion 11 in the clockwise direction, the ball body 43 is provided. One end portion of the rotation shaft 31 of the ultrasonic transducer 30 is moved in the clockwise direction along the first inner surface portion 11. On the other hand, when the piezoelectric ceramic 411 is driven, for example, when the other end of the rotating shaft 31 of the ultrasonic transducer 30 is moved relative to the second inner surface portion 11 in the counterclockwise direction, the ultrasonic transducer One end portion of the 30 rotation shafts 31 is moved in the counterclockwise direction along the first inner surface portion 11.

With the above configuration, the rotating shaft 31 of the ultrasonic transducer 30 is tilted clockwise or counterclockwise about the position O1.

FIG. 3 shows the rotating shaft 31 of the ultrasonic transducer 30 in an initial state that is not tilted in any direction. In FIG. 5, the inclination angle of the rotation shaft 31 of the ultrasonic transducer 30 tilted in the clockwise direction (the angle of the ultrasonic transducer 30) is indicated by “θ”.

The capsule body 10 includes a capsule controller 33 (see FIG. 10) for controlling the first ultrasonic motor 41 and a capsule power supply 34 (see FIG. 10) for supplying power to the first ultrasonic motor 41. Is provided.

The capsule control unit 33 outputs the “angle change” instruction from the control unit 65 and the end of the instruction to the changing unit 40. In response to the instruction “change angle”, the changing unit 40 applies the generated high-frequency voltage to the piezoelectric ceramic 411 and vibrates (stretches) the piezoelectric ceramic 411. Thereby, the angle of the ultrasonic transducer 30 is changed.

The changing means 40 stops the supply of the high-frequency voltage to the piezoelectric ceramic 411 in response to the end of the “angle change” instruction. Thereby, the vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic 411 is stopped and the angle of the ultrasonic transducer 30 is maintained.

As described above, the first ultrasonic motor 41 changes and holds the angle of the ultrasonic transducer 30 (the tilt angle of the rotation shaft 31 of the ultrasonic transducer 30).

Next, the second ultrasonic motor 42 will be described with reference to FIG. Since the basic configuration of the second ultrasonic motor 42 is the same as that of the first ultrasonic motor 41, the configuration different from the first ultrasonic motor 41 will be mainly described, and the redundant description will be omitted.

The second ultrasonic motor 42 changes the angle in the circumferential direction of the ultrasonic transducer 30 and holds it at that angle.

The second ultrasonic motor 42 also has a piezoelectric ceramic, a stator, and a rotor (each not shown). These are arranged on one end (lower end in FIG. 4) side of the support 15. For example, a piezoelectric ceramic and a stator are provided on the support 15, and a rotor is provided on the ultrasonic transducer 30. The stator and the rotor have an annular shape along the circumference of the ultrasonic transducer 30.

Note that, similarly to the first ultrasonic motor 41, the rotor may be provided on the support 15, and the piezoelectric ceramic and the stator may be provided on the ultrasonic transducer 30.

The driving method of the piezoelectric ceramic is the same as that of the first ultrasonic motor 41. That is, when a high frequency voltage is applied to the piezoelectric ceramic 411, the piezoelectric ceramic 411 vibrates (expands and contracts). As a result, a traveling wave is generated on the surface of the stator and tries to move the rotor in a direction opposite to the direction of the traveling wave. However, since the rotor is fixed, the ultrasonic vibrator 30 is moved relative to the support 15. , Relative rotation about the rotation axis 31 (circumferential direction).

The capsule main body 10 includes a capsule control unit 33 (see FIG. 10) for controlling the second ultrasonic motor 42 and a capsule power supply unit 34 (see FIG. 10) for supplying power to the second ultrasonic motor 42. Is provided.

The capsule control unit 33 outputs the “rotation angle change” and “change end” instructions from the control unit 65 to the change means 40. In response to the instruction “change rotation angle”, the changing unit 40 applies the generated high-frequency voltage to the piezoelectric ceramic, and vibrates (stretches) the piezoelectric ceramic. Thereby, the rotation angle of the ultrasonic transducer 30 is changed.

The changing means 40 stops the supply of the high frequency voltage to the piezoelectric ceramic in response to the instruction of “end of change”. Thereby, the vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic is stopped, and the rotation angle of the ultrasonic transducer 30 is maintained.

As described above, since the changing means 40 is provided inside the capsule-type main body 10, a wire for changing the corner of the ultrasonic transducer 30 becomes unnecessary, and the wire is not arranged in the string-like body 21. However, the string-like body 21 can be made thinner by that amount. By narrowing the string-like body 21, when observing the inside of the subject P, the burden on the subject P is reduced.

(Drive means 50)
Next, the drive means 50 for advancing the capsule type main body 10 in the esophagus E will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 7A and 8. FIG.

7A is a diagram schematically showing the driving means 50, and FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the inside of the capsule-type main body 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7A shows the piston 51, and only the polarity ("N", "S") of the electromagnetic coil 53 is shown above and below it. The lower direction shown in FIG. 3 is the traveling direction of the capsule-type main body 10 and is represented by “S1” in FIG. 7A, and the upper direction shown in FIG. 3 is the direction opposite to the traveling direction and is represented by “S2” in FIG. The same applies to FIGS. 7B to 7F. In some cases, the traveling direction is referred to as the downward direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the upward direction. In FIG. 8, an example of the area | region where the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 30 is arrange | positioned is shown with a dashed-dotted line.

As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 7A and FIG. 8, the driving means 50 is disposed in the hollow portion 151 of the support 15.

The driving means 50 includes a piston 51, a permanent magnet 52, and an electromagnetic coil 53.

The piston 51 is disposed so as to be able to reciprocate in the direction of the cylinder axis (moving up and down in FIG. 3) through the hollow portion 151 of the cylindrical support 15. The hollow portion 151 corresponds to the inside of the capsule body 10 in the cylindrical shape.

The permanent magnet 52 is provided, for example, such that one end (upper end in FIG. 3) of the piston 51 is an N pole and the other end (lower end in FIG. 3) is an S pole.

The electromagnetic coil 53 is disposed on the upper end side and the lower end side of the hollow portion 151. Therefore, the piston 51 is configured to be capable of reciprocating between the upper end side electromagnetic coil 53 and the lower end side electromagnetic coil 53. The acceleration when the piston 51 is lowered is configured to be larger than the acceleration when the piston 51 is raised. Since the magnetic flux density is proportional to the current, by increasing the current flowing through the electromagnetic coil 53 at the time of lowering than at the time of rising, the acceleration at the time of rising becomes larger than that at the time of lowering. With this configuration, the impact force when the piston 51 collides with the bottom portion 152 becomes larger than the impact force when the piston 51 collides with the ceiling portion 153. Thereby, the downward movement of the capsule-type main body 10 is continued. In order to reduce the impact force when the piston 51 collides with the ceiling portion 153, an impact relaxation member may be disposed on the ceiling portion 153.

The capsule main body 10 is provided with a capsule controller 33 (see FIG. 10) for controlling the electromagnetic coil 53 and a capsule power supply unit 34 (see FIG. 10) for supplying electric power to the electromagnetic coil 53.

The capsule control unit 33 outputs “Progress” and “Progress end” instructions from the control unit 65 to the driving unit 50. In response to the “Progress” instruction, the driving unit 50 sends an alternating current to the electromagnetic coil 53 at a predetermined cycle. Thereby, the magnetic poles generated at both end portions (the upper end portion and the lower end portion in FIG. 3) of the electromagnetic coil 53 are changed. The drive unit 50 stops the alternating current sent to the electromagnetic coil 53 in response to the instruction “end of progress”.

An example of the control of the electromagnetic coil 53 by the capsule controller 33 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7F.

FIG. 7A is a diagram of the electromagnetic coil 53 when the piston 51 moves to the uppermost position. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the piston 51 is moved to the uppermost position, an alternating current is sent so as to generate an N pole in the electromagnetic coil 53 on the upper end side. Thereby, the N pole on the upper end side of the piston 51 receives a repulsive force and lowers the piston 51.

FIG. 7B is a diagram of the electromagnetic coil 53 when the piston 51 is in the middle of lowering. As shown in FIG. 7B, during the downward movement of the piston 51, an alternating current is sent so as to generate an N pole in the electromagnetic coil 53 on the lower end side. By this N pole, the S pole on the lower end side of the piston 51 receives an attractive force, and the piston 51 is accelerated. When the piston 51 is moved to the lowest position, it is caused to collide with the bottom 152 of the support 15. The impact force at that time is transmitted from the support 15 to the capsule-type main body 10 and advances the capsule-type main body 10 downward.

FIG. 7C is a diagram of the electromagnetic coil 53 when the piston 51 moves to the lowest position. As shown in FIG. 7C, the polarity of the electromagnetic coil 53 is not changed until the piston 51 collides with the bottom. That is, an alternating current is sent so as to generate an N pole in the electromagnetic coil 53 on the lower end side.

FIG. 7D is a diagram of the electromagnetic coil 53 when the piston 51 is in the lowest position. After the piston 51 collides with the bottom, when the piston 51 is at the lowest position, as shown in FIG. 7D, an alternating current is sent so as to generate an S pole in the electromagnetic coil 53 on the lower end side. Due to this S pole, the S pole on the lower end side of the piston 51 receives a repulsive force and raises the piston 51.

FIG. 7E is a diagram of the electromagnetic coil 53 when the piston 51 is in the middle of ascent. As shown in FIG. 7E, during the upward movement of the piston 51, an alternating current is sent so as to generate an S pole in the electromagnetic coil 53 on the upper end side. By this S pole, the N pole on the upper end side of the piston 51 receives an attractive force, and the piston 51 can be moved to the uppermost position.

FIG. 7F is a diagram of the electromagnetic coil 53 when the piston 51 moves to the uppermost position. As shown in FIG. 7F, the polarity of the electromagnetic coil 53 is not changed until the piston 51 is moved to the uppermost position. That is, an alternating current is sent so as to generate an S pole in the electromagnetic coil 53 on the upper end side.

The capsule controller 33 repeats the movement of the piston 51 shown in FIGS. 7A to 7F while receiving the “Progress” instruction, and causes the piston 51 to repeatedly collide with the bottom 152 of the support 15. Since the impact force when the piston 51 collides with the bottom portion 152 is larger than the impact force when the piston 51 collides with the ceiling portion 153, the capsule-type main body portion 10 continues to proceed downward.

When the capsule controller 33 receives an instruction of “end of progress”, the capsule controller 33 stops the alternating current to the electromagnetic coil 53 and ends the reciprocating movement of the piston 51.

As described above, the driving means 50 is configured to advance the capsule body 10 in the direction (downward in FIG. 3) opposite to the side (upward in FIG. 3) to which the string-like body 21 is connected. ing.

In the above description, it is assumed that the “progress” of the capsule-type main body 10 does not include the progression of the esophagus E due to peristalsis or body movement.

When positioning the capsule-type main body 10 in the esophagus E, only “advance” by the driving means 50 is insufficient. For example, when the movement progresses too much due to a peristaltic movement or the like, “retraction” is required to retract the capsule-type main body 10 by the guiding pipe 20.

Similarly, when the capsule main body 10 is placed in a predetermined position in the esophagus E through long-term observation, “progress” by the driving means 50 and “retraction” by the guiding pipe 20 are required. When one end of the string-like body 21 is fixed to the mouthpiece M or the like placed in the oral cavity of the subject P in order to prevent the inserted capsule-type main body 10 from proceeding due to the peristaltic movement of the esophagus E. Does not require “retraction”. However, when the observation is finished, the capsule-type main body 10 is taken out of the body by this “retraction”.

(Operation of ultrasonic medical device)
The configuration of the ultrasonic medical device has been described above.
Next, the operation of the ultrasonic medical apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a series of operations when the inside of the subject is observed using the ultrasonic medical apparatus.

First, the ultrasonic transducer 30 is orally inserted into the esophagus E (S101).

Next, when the ultrasonic transducer 30 is inserted to some extent, scanning for positioning is started (S102). Thereby, the user can insert the capsule main body 10 into a predetermined position in the esophagus E while viewing the image. At this time. The string 21 is also inserted into the esophagus E.

Next, the ultrasonic transducer 30 is positioned (S103). As described above, the positioning of the ultrasonic transducer 30 is performed by “advance” by the driving means 50 and “retraction” by the guiding pipe 20. In positioning, since the capsule body 10 is advanced by the driving means 50 in the direction opposite to the side to which the string-like body 21 is connected, the string-like body 21 is pulled, and the pulling force and driving force are When is balanced, the position of the capsule-type main body 10 stops.

Next, the image is viewed, and the rotation angle of the ultrasonic transducer 30 is changed by the changing means 40 (S104). For example, an image of the heart to be observed is included in the image.

Next, looking at the image, the angle (inclination angle) of the ultrasonic transducer 30 is changed by the changing means 40 (S105). For example, an image of the heart is included in a predetermined range of the image.

After determining the positioning, rotation angle, and angle (tilt angle) of the ultrasonic transducer 30 as described above, the capsule body 10 is placed at a predetermined position in the esophagus E and scanning for diagnosis is started. (S106).
The Doppler effect may be used to automate the positioning, rotation angle, and angle (tilt angle) (S103-S105) of the ultrasonic transducer 30 so that the heart image is included within a predetermined range of the image. .

(Basic configuration of ultrasonic diagnostic imaging equipment)
Next, a basic configuration of the ultrasonic medical imaging apparatus will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus.

(Other components in the capsule body)
Next, the configuration within the capsule-type main body 10 will be described.

As described above, the ultrasonic transducer 30, the changing unit 40, and the driving unit 50 are arranged inside the capsule body 10.

In addition to these, a capsule transceiver 32, a capsule controller 33, and a capsule power supply 34 are arranged inside the capsule-type main body 10.

The capsule transmission / reception unit 32 transmits a control signal from the external device 60 (a control unit 65 described later) to the capsule control unit 33. The capsule control unit 33 transmits a drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer 30 based on the control signal. The capsule transmission / reception unit 32 receives the echo signal received by the ultrasonic transducer 30. In the present embodiment, transmission / reception of control signals and the like between the capsule main body 10 and the external device 60 is performed via the signal line SL disposed in the string-like body 21.

As a specific example, the capsule controller 33 supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer 30 to perform scanning, and transmits an ultrasonic wave to the heart H. The capsule controller 33 includes, for example, a clock generator (not shown), a transmission delay circuit, and a pulsar circuit. The clock generator generates a clock signal that determines the transmission timing and transmission frequency of the ultrasonic signal. The transmission delay circuit transmits a delay when transmitting an ultrasonic wave according to a focusing delay time for focusing the ultrasonic wave to a predetermined depth and a deflection delay time for transmitting the ultrasonic wave in a predetermined direction. Implement focus. The pulsar circuit has pulsars corresponding to the number of individual channels corresponding to the piezoelectric elements. The pulsar circuit generates a driving pulse (driving signal) at a transmission timing subjected to a delay, and supplies the driving pulse (driving signal) to the piezoelectric element constituting the ultrasonic transducer 30.

The capsule transmission / reception unit 32 performs delay processing on the received echo signal, thereby converting the analog echo signal into digital data subjected to phasing addition. The capsule transmission / reception unit 32 includes, for example, a gain circuit (not shown), an A / D converter, a reception delay circuit, and an adder. The gain circuit amplifies (applies gain) the echo signal output from the piezoelectric element of the ultrasonic transducer 30 for each reception channel. The A / D converter converts the amplified echo signal into a digital signal. The reception delay circuit gives a delay time necessary for determining the reception directivity to the echo signal converted into the digital signal. Specifically, the reception delay circuit digitally combines a focusing delay time for focusing ultrasonic waves from a predetermined depth and a deflection delay time for setting reception directivity with respect to a predetermined direction. Is given to the echo signal. The adder adds echo signals given delay times. By the addition, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized. In other words, the echo signal obtained from the predetermined direction is phased and added by the reception delay circuit and the adder. The capsule transmission / reception unit 32 outputs the echo signal subjected to the delay process to the external device 60.

The capsule transmission / reception unit 32 modulates the echo signal with a carrier wave (carrier signal) having a predetermined frequency, and outputs it as an electric wave from an antenna (not shown) to the external device 60 (transmission / reception unit 61 described later). The antenna of the capsule transceiver unit 32 and the antenna (not shown) of the transceiver unit 61 are configured to perform wireless communication. In the present embodiment, transmission / reception of echo signals between the capsule main body 10 and the external device 60 is performed wirelessly.

The capsule power supply unit 34 receives power supply from the external device 60. The capsule power supply unit 34 distributes the supplied power to the ultrasonic transducer 30, the capsule transmission / reception unit 32, and the capsule control unit 33. In the present embodiment, power supply from the external device 60 is performed via the power supply line EL arranged in the string-like body 21.

That is, since the signal line SL and the power line EL are arranged in the string-like body 21 and no other wires or data lines are arranged, the string-like body 21 can be made thin. Thereby, when the inside of the subject P is observed, the burden on the subject P is reduced.

As the above configuration, the capsule transmission / reception unit 32, the capsule control unit 33, and the capsule power supply unit 34 are provided in the capsule body 10. However, the configuration may be as follows.

A configuration in which only the ultrasonic transducer 30, the capsule transmitting / receiving unit 32, the changing unit 40, and the driving unit 50 are arranged in the capsule body 10 is also possible. In this case, the control unit 65 of the external device 60 controls each component in the capsule main body 10 such as driving of the ultrasonic transducer 30 via the transmission / reception unit 61. Further, the power supply unit 67 transmits power for driving each component in the capsule-type main body unit 10 through the power supply line EL. By adopting such a configuration, the configuration of the capsule control unit 33 and the capsule power supply unit 34 becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the capsule body 10 can be downsized.

Note that a battery or the like may be provided in the capsule-type main body 10 as a power source for the capsule-type main body 10. In this case, since it is not necessary to supply power from the external device 60 to the capsule-type main body 10, the power supply line EL becomes unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the string-like body cable portion 30. Therefore, the burden on the subject P is further reduced.

(External device 60)
Next, the configuration of the external device 60 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10, the external device 60 includes a transmission / reception unit 61, a reception data processing unit 62, an image creation unit 63, a display unit (monitor) 64, a control unit 65, an operation unit 66, and a power supply unit. 67.

The transmission / reception unit 61 receives the echo signal from the capsule transmission / reception unit 32 and outputs it to the reception data processing unit 62. In addition, the transmission / reception unit 61 transmits a control signal from the control unit 65 to the capsule transmission / reception unit 32.

The reception data processing unit 62 performs various signal processes on the echo signal output from the transmission / reception unit 61. For example, the reception data processing unit 62 has a B mode processing unit. The B-mode processing unit receives the echo signal from the transmission / reception unit 61 and visualizes the amplitude information of the echo signal. The reception data processing unit 62 may include a CDI (Color Doppler Imaging) processing unit. The CFM processing unit visualizes blood flow information. The reception data processing unit 62 may include a Doppler processing unit. The Doppler processing unit extracts the Doppler shift frequency component by phase detection of the echo signal, and generates a Doppler frequency distribution representing the blood flow velocity by performing FFT processing. The reception data processing unit 62 outputs the echo signal subjected to the signal processing to the image creation unit 63.

The image creating unit 63 processes a signal based on the reflected wave received by the ultrasonic transducer 30 (the echo signal after the signal processing output from the reception data processing unit 62), and converts the image data (ultrasound image data). create.

The control unit 65 controls the operation of each unit of the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus 1. For example, the control unit 65 transmits a drive signal for driving the ultrasonic transducer 30 to the capsule transmission / reception unit 32 via the transmission / reception unit 61 to control transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves. Alternatively, the control unit 65 causes the display unit 64 to display an image (ultrasonic image) based on the image data (ultrasound image data) created by the image creation unit 63.

The display unit 64 includes a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 66 includes an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. The surgeon performs transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves by the capsule main body 10 via the operation unit 66.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, as the driving unit 50, the piston 51 is caused to collide with the bottom 152 of the support 15 and the ultrasonic vibrator 30 is advanced by the impact force. However, the driving unit 50 is not limited thereto. 50 may be configured such that, inside the capsule main body 10, an impact force is applied to the capsule main body 10 in the advancing direction to advance the capsule main body 10.

Next, a second embodiment of the ultrasonic medical apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the driving means.

In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and different components are mainly described.

In the second embodiment, the driving unit 50 includes an arm unit 501, a cam unit 502, and an urging unit 503.

This driving means 50 is arranged in an empty space inside the capsule-type main body 10. Here, it is arranged inside the distal end portion (lower end portion in FIG. 11) of the capsule-type main body portion 10, but it may be arranged inside the proximal end portion (upper end portion in FIG. 11) of the capsule-type main body portion 10. Good. Further, similarly to the first embodiment, it may be disposed in the hollow portion 151 of the cylindrical support 15.

One end of the arm portion 501 is pivotally supported by the capsule-type main body portion 10. Thereby, the other end portion of the arm portion 501 is configured to swing around the one end portion. A weight 504 is provided at the other end of the arm portion 501.

The cam portion 502 is rotatably disposed inside the capsule-type main body portion 10. A motor (not shown) applies a rotational force to the cam portion 502. The cam portion 502 abuts against an intermediate portion between one end portion and the other end portion of the arm portion 501, and when the cam portion 502 is rotated, the intermediate portion of the arm portion 501 is pushed up and down, The arm portion 501 has a cam surface that swings around one end.

The cam surface of the cam portion 502 has a long diameter portion 505 whose distance (diameter) from the rotation center gradually increases counterclockwise in FIG. 11 and a short diameter portion 506 whose distance from the rotation center is short and constant. is doing. The starting end of the long diameter portion 505 (the end having the same length as the short diameter portion) and the end of the short diameter portion 506 are continuous. Further, the end of the long diameter portion 505 (the end having the longest diameter) and the start end of the short diameter portion 506 are continuous.

The urging means 503 urges the intermediate part of the arm part 501 in a direction in which the intermediate part is brought into contact with the cam part 502. An example of the biasing means 503 is a tension spring. Therefore, when the cam portion 502 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 11, the intermediate portion of the arm portion 501 moves along the cam surface of the cam portion 502, for example, from the start end of the short diameter portion 506 to the end of the short diameter portion 506. It moves relatively from the end to the start of the long diameter portion 505, from the start of the long diameter portion 505 to the end, and from the end of the long diameter portion 505 to the start of the short diameter portion 506.

Next, the operation of the driving means 50 will be described.

Rotate the cam portion 502 in the clockwise direction in FIG.

When the cam portion 502 is rotating clockwise, the arm portion 501 does not swing while the arm portion 501 is in contact with the short diameter portion 506. Since the arm portion 501 is in contact with the long diameter portion 505, the arm portion 501 gradually swings clockwise in FIG. 11 against the urging force. At the end of the long diameter portion 505, the arm portion 501 swings greatly. Then, by moving from the end of the long diameter portion 505 to the start end of the short diameter portion 506, the arm portion 501 is rapidly swung counterclockwise by the biasing force. Thereby, the rotating shaft of the cam portion 502 receives an impact of the arm portion 501 (including the weight 504), and the capsule main body portion 10 moves forward by the impact force. Each time the cam portion 502 makes one rotation, the capsule main body portion 10 moves forward in response to an impact from the arm portion 501.

The capsule main body 10 includes a capsule control unit 33 (see FIG. 10) that controls the rotation of the cam unit 502, and a capsule power supply unit 34 (see FIG. 10) that supplies power to a motor (not shown) that rotates the cam unit 502. 10). The capsule controller outputs instructions of “progress” and “progress end” to the driving unit 50. The driving unit 50 receives the “progress” instruction and supplies power to the motor. In response to the “progress end” instruction, the driving unit 50 stops the power supplied to the motor.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the ultrasonic medical device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram of an ultrasonic transducer.

In the third embodiment, the changing means 40 and the driving means 50 are the same as those in the first embodiment. About the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the same number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted, and a different structure is mainly demonstrated.

In the first embodiment, the ultrasonic transducers 30 are of a radial array type arranged in a cylindrical shape (see FIG. 3), but the ultrasonic transducers 30 in the third embodiment are arranged in a flat plate shape. (One-dimensional array type).

As shown in FIG. 12, the cylindrical support 15 is provided with a substantially circular window, and the ultrasonic transducer 30 is arranged so as to correspond to the window. The ultrasonic transducer 30 is configured to be rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the flat plate. The direction of rotation is indicated by arrows in the figure.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the ultrasonic medical apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram of an ultrasonic transducer.

In addition, in 4th Embodiment, the same number is attached | subjected about the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted, and a different structure is mainly demonstrated.

In the first embodiment, the ultrasonic transducers 30 are of a radial array type (see FIG. 3). However, the ultrasonic transducers 30 of the fourth embodiment are arranged in a cylindrical shape and have a cylindrical axis. (Two-dimensional array type).

By adopting the two-dimensional array type, it is possible to drive the ultrasonic transducers 30 in a predetermined region in a predetermined order and scan an observation target such as the heart, and physically change the direction of the ultrasonic transducer 30 to the heart or the like. It is not necessary to turn to the observation object. Thereby, the changing means 40 used in the first embodiment is not necessary. In addition, an acoustic lens for narrowing the ultrasonic beam is not necessary.

It is possible to generate a three-dimensional image at an arbitrary position by using a two-dimensional array with a narrow field of view and adjusting the field of view with a turning mechanism, not limited to the two-dimensional array type arranged in a cylindrical shape.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of an ultrasonic medical device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the changing means.

In the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and different components are mainly described.

In the first embodiment, the changing unit 40 includes the first ultrasonic motor 41, the second ultrasonic motor 42, and the ball body 43. However, the changing unit 40 has a triangular cross-sectional bag shape. The ultrasonic transducer 30 may be provided with an angle (elevation angle) by arranging 40 under the flat-plate ultrasonic transducer 30. The direction of this “angle” corresponds to the direction of the elevation angle (the direction of the heart) on the side (throat side) looking up from the capsule-type main body 10 placed in the esophagus. FIG. 14 shows the direction of the elevation angle as “θ1”.

For example, there is a rubber air pocket outside the body, and air can be fed by pressing it. When the pressure is released, the air returns and the elevation angle decreases. By measuring the relationship between the air feeding and the elevation angle in advance, the elevation angle can be shown by visualizing the feeding amount. A cock is provided in the feeding section, and the cock is closed and held when a predetermined elevation angle is obtained.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the triangular cross-sectional shape, and may be cylindrical balloons arranged at two corners or four corners of the mechanism for attaching the ultrasonic transducer 30. By sending air from outside the body into each balloon and inflating it, it can be adjusted to any elevation angle. In addition, air is not sent into the balloon, but it is stably held at an adjusted elevation angle by feeding water or a harmless liquid into a viscous living body.

In the above-described embodiment, the capsule-type main body 10 is caused to collide with the capsule-type main body 10 in the direction in which the piston 51, the weight 504, and the like move forward, and by the impact force. Although the drive means 50 which advances this is shown, it is not restricted to this. For example, the capsule-type main body 10 may be moved forward by rotating a screw provided at the rear end of the capsule-type main body 10 and reversely moved by reversing the screw.

In the above embodiment, the power line EL is arranged in the string-like body 21 and power is supplied from the external device 60 to the capsule main body 10 (capsule power supply section 34) via the power line EL. If the power feeding method is used, the power line EL becomes unnecessary, and the string-like body 21 can be further thinned. As an example of a method of wireless power feeding, a power feeding coil provided on the transmission side (external device 60), a resonance coil provided on the reception side (capsule body 10) and coupled to the power feeding coil by mutual induction, and And a resonance frequency adjusting circuit connected to the resonance coil, and for supplying power wirelessly from the transmission side to the reception side (for example, JP-A-2001-185939).

Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although transmission / reception of the control signal etc. between the capsule type main-body part 10 and the external apparatus 60 showed what was performed via the signal wire | line SL arrange | positioned in the string-like body 21, If a method for wirelessly transmitting and receiving a control signal and the like between the capsule-type main body 10 and the external device 60 is used, the signal line SL becomes unnecessary, and the string-like body 21 can be further thinned. Thereby, when the inside of the subject P is observed, the burden on the subject P is reduced.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, rewrites, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 2 Ultrasound medical device 10 Capsule type main body part 11 Inner surface part 12 Circumferential surface 13 Acoustic medium 15 Support body 151 Hollow part 152 Bottom part 16 Holding body 20 Guide pipe 21 String-like body 22 Marker 30 Ultrasonic wave Vibrator 31 Rotation axis (cylinder axis)
32 Capsule Transmission / Reception Unit 33 Capsule Control Unit 34 Capsule Power Supply Unit 40 Changing Means 41 First Ultrasonic Motor 411 Piezoelectric Ceramics 412 Stator 413 Rotor 42 Second Ultrasonic Motor 43 Ball Body 50 Driving Means 51 Piston 52 Permanent Magnet 53 Electromagnetic Coil 501 Arm Unit 502 cam unit 503 biasing means 504 weight 505 major axis unit 506 minor axis unit 60 external device 61 transmission / reception unit 62 received data processing unit 63 image creation unit 64 monitor 65 control unit 66 operation unit 67 power supply unit

Claims

An ultrasonic wave is transmitted to the inside of the subject from the ultrasonic vibrator in the capsule-type main body inserted into the tubular portion of the subject, and the reflection is reflected. An ultrasonic medical device for receiving waves,
Change means provided in the capsule-type main body and changing the angle of the ultrasonic transducer;
Having
Ultrasonic medical device characterized by.
An ultrasonic wave is transmitted to the inside of the subject from the ultrasonic vibrator in the capsule-type main body inserted into the tubular portion of the subject, and the reflection is reflected. An ultrasonic medical device for receiving waves,
The capsule-type main body is provided at the tip, and a guide pipe that can be inserted into the tubular part;
A driving means provided in the capsule-type main body, and causing the capsule-type main body to advance in the tubular portion;
Having
Ultrasonic medical device characterized by.
An ultrasonic wave is transmitted to the inside of the subject from the ultrasonic vibrator in the capsule-type main body inserted into the tubular portion of the subject, and the reflection is reflected. An ultrasonic medical device for receiving waves,
The capsule-type main body is provided at the tip, and a guide pipe that can be inserted into the tubular part;
A driving means provided in the capsule-type main body, and causing the capsule-type main body to advance in the tubular portion;
Change means provided in the capsule-type main body and changing the angle of the ultrasonic transducer;
Having
Ultrasonic medical device characterized by.
The plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a cylindrical shape,
The changing means is configured to incline a cylindrical axis in the cylindrical shape;
The ultrasonic medical device according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein
The capsule-type main body is arranged with a spherical inner surface facing the both ends of the cylindrical shaft,
The changing means is
A ball body provided at one end of the cylindrical shaft and provided so that the one end of the cylindrical shaft can roll along the inner surface;
The other end portion of the cylindrical shaft or the other end portion of the cylindrical shaft is disposed at one of the inner surface portions facing the other end portion of the cylindrical shaft or the other end portion of the cylindrical shaft. An ultrasonic motor for moving the inner surface relative to the inner surface,
Having
The ultrasonic medical apparatus according to claim 4.
The guiding pipe has a string-like body,
In the string-like body, at most, a power line for sending power to the capsule-type main body, and a signal line for sending a signal to the capsule-type main body,
The ultrasonic medical device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
The string-like body has a mark capable of identifying the length of insertion of the capsule-type main body portion into the tubular portion;
The ultrasonic medical device according to claim 6.
The drive means is configured to advance the capsule main body in a direction opposite to the side to which the string-like body is connected;
The ultrasonic medical device according to claim 6, wherein:
The driving means is configured to advance the capsule main body by applying an impact in the traveling direction to the capsule main body within the capsule main body.
The ultrasonic medical device according to claim 8.
The driving means includes
A piston provided in the cylindrical shape of the capsule-type main body portion so as to be capable of reciprocating in the direction of the cylinder axis;
A permanent magnet provided on the piston;
An electromagnetic coil for advancing the capsule body by reciprocating the piston and causing the piston to collide with a bottom of the cylindrical shape;
Having
The ultrasonic medical device according to claim 9.
The driving means includes
An arm portion provided in the capsule-type main body, one end of which is pivotally supported by the capsule-type main body, and the other end swings around the one end;
A cam portion pivotally supported by the capsule-type main body portion and swinging the arm portion;
Urging means for urging the arm portion toward the cam portion;
Have
The capsule-type main body is advanced by causing the arm to collide with the cam by the biasing force;
The ultrasonic medical device according to claim 9.
The driving means is disposed at a front end or a rear end of the capsule-type main body;
The ultrasonic medical device according to claim 11.
The ultrasonic medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
Imaging the inside of the subject based on the received signal generated from the reflected wave;
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus.