WO2021020528A1 - Blood flow meter - Google Patents

Blood flow meter Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021020528A1
WO2021020528A1 PCT/JP2020/029316 JP2020029316W WO2021020528A1 WO 2021020528 A1 WO2021020528 A1 WO 2021020528A1 JP 2020029316 W JP2020029316 W JP 2020029316W WO 2021020528 A1 WO2021020528 A1 WO 2021020528A1
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Prior art keywords
blood flow
temperature
tissue surface
measured
range
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PCT/JP2020/029316
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
徳一郎 永田
哲以 山下
光 薩摩
Original Assignee
株式会社ジェイ・エム・エス
学校法人 聖マリアンナ医科大学
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Priority to JP2021535436A priority Critical patent/JPWO2021020528A1/ja
Publication of WO2021020528A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021020528A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/026—Measuring blood flow

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a blood flow meter that measures blood flow by bringing a measurement probe into contact with the tissue surface and a measurement probe used in the blood flow meter.
  • a laser blood flow meter is known as a blood flow meter for measuring blood flow on the surface of tissues such as skin and gastrointestinal mucosa.
  • the laser blood flow meter is a device that non-invasively and continuously measures the microcirculatory blood flow (tissue blood flow) of capillaries, arterioles, etc. under the skin several mm, and confirms the presence or absence of diseases and the therapeutic effect. It was developed for the purpose.
  • the blood flow meter is basically composed of a main body having a display unit and an operation unit for displaying the blood flow rate, and a measurement probe having a laser light irradiation unit and a light receiving unit.
  • the measurement principle is that the measurement probe is brought into close contact with the skin surface or gastrointestinal mucosa surface, which is the measurement site, and near-infrared light is irradiated by a semiconductor laser, and the reflected light from the tissue surface or scattered light from moving red blood cells is emitted. Is received by a light receiving element and converted into an electric signal, and the blood flow is measured by an arithmetic formula.
  • Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 propose to reduce the variation in measured values by providing a pressure sensor on the measuring probe and measuring the blood flow at a pressure equal to or lower than the reference pressing pressure.
  • a laser blood flow meter is used to confirm the effect of continuous treatment for each patient.
  • the measured value of the blood flow changes depending on the measurement conditions, so that it is required to measure the blood flow under certain measurement conditions for each patient.
  • the measurement conditions include the measurement site, body position, rest, environmental temperature, pressing pressure of the measurement site, surface temperature of the measurement site, and the like.
  • the measurement site, body position, rest, and environmental temperature can be easily set to be constant for each patient under predetermined conditions.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a blood flow meter that can be easily adjusted to a predetermined pressing pressure and a predetermined surface temperature for a measurement site, and a measurement probe used for the blood flow meter.
  • the present invention is a blood flow meter including a measuring probe for measuring blood flow in contact with the tissue surface, wherein the measuring probe is from an irradiation unit that irradiates a laser beam toward the tissue surface and a tissue surface.
  • the present invention relates to a blood flow meter having a light receiving portion that receives reflected light and scattered light, a pressure sensor that measures a pressing pressure on the tissue surface, and a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the tissue surface.
  • the blood flow meter further includes a notification unit for notifying whether or not the blood flow can be measured and a control unit for operating the notification unit, and the control unit is measured by the pressure sensor. It is preferable to operate the notification unit when the pressing pressure is within a predetermined pressure range and the temperature of the tissue surface measured by the temperature sensor is within a predetermined temperature range.
  • the notification unit includes a pressure notification unit that notifies whether or not the pressing pressure measured by the pressure sensor is within a predetermined pressure range, and a tissue surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor in a predetermined temperature range. It is preferable to provide a temperature notification unit for notifying whether or not the temperature has increased.
  • control unit after a certain period of time has elapsed after the pressing pressure measured by the pressure sensor is within a predetermined pressure range and the temperature of the tissue surface measured by the temperature sensor is within a predetermined temperature range. It is preferable to start the measurement of the blood flow by controlling the irradiation of the laser beam from the irradiation unit.
  • the predetermined pressure range can be set to an arbitrary value in a range of 0.3 N or more and 1.5 N or less.
  • the predetermined pressure range can be set to an arbitrary value in a range of 0.8 N or more and 1.2 N or less.
  • the predetermined temperature range can be set to an arbitrary value within a range of 10 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower.
  • the present invention is a measurement probe used in a blood flow meter that measures blood flow by contacting the tissue surface, and includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a laser beam toward the tissue surface and reflected light from the tissue surface.
  • the present invention relates to a measuring probe having a light receiving portion that receives scattered light, a pressure sensor that measures a pressing pressure on the tissue surface, and a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the tissue surface.
  • the measuring probe further includes a notification unit for notifying whether or not the blood flow can be measured and a control unit for operating the notification unit, and the control unit is measured by the pressure sensor. It is preferable to operate the notification unit when the pressing pressure is within a predetermined pressure range and the temperature of the tissue surface measured by the temperature sensor is within a predetermined temperature range.
  • the blood flow meter and the measuring probe of the present invention it is possible to measure the pressing pressure and temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) as the measurement site, and the blood flow can be measured with stable accuracy.
  • FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the blood flow meter which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the blood flow meter of this invention. This is the result of measuring the blood flow rate with the arm or foot by changing the pressing pressure of the measurement probe on the skin surface. Based on the results measured in FIG. 3, the rate of change in blood flow when the pressing pressure of the measuring probe on the skin surface is changed is shown.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 a case where the blood flow rate on the skin surface is measured will be described as an example of the tissue surface of the measurement site.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the blood flow meter 1 of the first embodiment, and the blood flow meter 1 includes a measurement probe 10 and a main body 20.
  • the measuring probe 10 (head 11) is connected to a head 11 including an irradiation unit 111, a light receiving unit 112, a pressure sensor 113, and a temperature sensor 114, and a main body unit 20. It is configured to include and include a cable 12 (see FIG. 1).
  • the head 11 is formed with an opening 110 for irradiating and receiving laser light, and an irradiation unit 111 for irradiating the laser light inside the opening 110 and a light receiving portion for receiving reflected light or scattered light from the skin surface of the laser light. Section 112 and are arranged.
  • the irradiation unit 111 is composed of a light emitting unit composed of a semiconductor laser that emits near infrared light.
  • the light emitting portion may be provided in the main body portion 20 and the near infrared light may be introduced into the opening 110 through the optical fiber in the cable 12.
  • the light receiving unit 112 is composed of a photodiode that converts light into an electric signal.
  • the near-infrared light emitted from the irradiation unit 111 is reflected by the skin surface (tissue surface), and the light scattered by red blood cells is converted into an electric signal. Based on this converted electric signal, the blood flow rate is calculated by the control unit 24 described later according to the principle of the Doppler method.
  • a pressure sensor 113 and a temperature sensor 114 are arranged in the vicinity of the opening 110 of the head 11. As the pressure sensor 113 and the temperature sensor 114, existing thin film types can be used. Further, the head 11 may be configured to include a heater as a heating mechanism in order to adjust the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface).
  • the main body unit 20 includes an operation unit 21, a display unit 22, a notification unit 23, and a control unit 24.
  • the main body 20 is configured to be connectable to a terminal such as a personal computer or tablet by wire or wirelessly, and uses designated application software to set a predetermined pressure range of pressing pressure and a predetermined temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface). It is possible to set each setting such as the range. Further, the main body 20 may be provided with an operation unit such as a setting button so that each setting can be performed.
  • the operation unit 21 includes a power button 211, a measurement start / stop button 212, and the like.
  • the display unit 22 is composed of a liquid crystal screen or the like capable of displaying the measured pressing pressure on the skin surface, the measured temperature on the skin surface, and the like. Since the pressing pressure is displayed on the display unit 22, when the measuring probe 10 is attached to the measurement site, it can be attached while adjusting the pressing pressure so as to be a predetermined pressure.
  • the notification unit 23 notifies whether or not the blood flow rate can be measured.
  • the notification unit 23 has a light emitting diode as a pressure notification unit 231 that lights up and notifies when the pressing pressure reaches a predetermined pressure range, and the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) is in a predetermined temperature range. It is composed of a light emitting diode as a temperature notification unit 232 that lights up and notifies when the temperature becomes.
  • the two light emitting diodes as the pressure notification unit 231 and the temperature notification unit 232 are turned on, it can be seen that the blood flow meter 1 is in a state where the blood flow amount can be measured accurately.
  • the notification unit 23 may be configured to display on the display unit 22 whether or not the blood flow rate can be measured and notify the notification.
  • the control unit 24 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire blood flow meter 1, is connected to each component of the head 11 via a cable 12, and is connected to the operation unit 21 and the display unit of the main body 20. It controls the operation of 22 and the notification unit 23 and the like. Further, the control unit 24 calculates and measures the blood flow rate, the pressing pressure, the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface), etc. from the electric signals converted by various sensors such as the light receiving unit 112, the pressure sensor 113, and the temperature sensor 114. The information is displayed on the display unit 22. When the head 11 of the measuring probe 10 is provided with a heating mechanism, the control unit 24 controls the temperature of the heating mechanism to be an arbitrary value or a fixed value set in advance.
  • a CPU Central Processing Unit
  • control unit 24 controls the light emitting diode 231 of the notification unit 23 to light up when the pressing pressure measured by the pressure sensor 113 falls within a predetermined pressure range set in advance. Further, the control unit 24 controls the light emitting diode 232 of the notification unit 23 to be turned on when the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) measured by the temperature sensor 114 falls within a preset predetermined temperature range. .. As a result, the operator of the blood flow meter 1 can visually confirm whether the pressing pressure and the temperature of the skin surface are in an appropriate state and the blood flow rate can be measured, and the measurement can be started / stopped. You can press the button 212 to start measuring blood flow with stable accuracy.
  • control unit 24 automatically adjusts the blood flow rate after the pressing pressure and the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) are in an appropriate state and after a certain period of time has elapsed in that state, without waiting for the operator to start the measurement. It may be controlled to start the measurement.
  • control unit 24 is provided with a storage unit for storing data on the blood flow rate, pressing pressure, and temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) during measurement, and is configured to display the data on the display unit 22 or the terminal. You may.
  • the pressing pressure is preferably set to an arbitrary value in the range of 0.3N or more and 1.5N or less so that the blood flow rate can be measured. If the pressing pressure is less than 0.3 N, the contact state between the skin surface (tissue surface) and the head 11 of the measuring probe 10 is not stable, and there is a possibility that a slight vibration may cause a deviation. Further, if the pressing pressure exceeds 1.5 N, the blood flow in the peripheral circulation may be obstructed.
  • the pressing pressure is preferably set to an arbitrary value in the range of 0.8 N or more and 1.2 N or less.
  • the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) is preferably set to an arbitrary value in the range of 10 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower, and more preferably set to an arbitrary value in the range of 15 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower.
  • the predetermined pressure range and the predetermined temperature range are set to arbitrary values, but fixed values may be used. Further, a predetermined temperature range may be set in relation to the room temperature of the room where the blood flow rate is measured (where the blood flow meter is installed).
  • the blood flow meter is configured to include a room temperature sensor that measures room temperature. Then, the control unit sets a predetermined temperature range with reference to the room temperature measured by the room temperature sensor. For example, the control unit sets a predetermined temperature range in which the difference from the temperature measured by the room temperature sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined value.
  • the control unit sets a predetermined temperature range in which the difference from the temperature measured by the room temperature sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined value.
  • Table 1 shows the results of measuring the blood flow at the same site on the left and right second toes by changing the temperature of the skin surface.
  • FIG. 3 shows the results of measuring the blood flow rate with the arm or foot by changing the pressing pressure of the measuring probe against the skin surface.
  • FIG. 4 shows the rate of change in blood flow when the pressing pressure of the measuring probe on the skin surface is changed based on the results measured in FIG.
  • the measuring probes were used for the five subjects at a pressing pressure of 0.4N, 0.6N, 0.8N, 1.0N, 1.2N, 1.5N, 1.8N, and 2.0N, respectively.
  • the blood flow while pressed against the skin surface was measured.
  • a measurement probe was attached to the ankle for measurement.
  • the measurement probe was attached to the forearm for measurement.
  • the irradiation unit 111 that irradiates the blood flow meter 1 with laser light toward the skin surface (tissue surface), the light receiving unit 112 that receives the reflected light and scattered light from the skin surface (tissue surface), and the skin.
  • a measuring probe 10 having a pressure sensor 113 for measuring the pressing pressure on the surface (tissue surface) and a temperature sensor 114 for measuring the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) was provided. Thereby, the blood flow rate can be measured under certain conditions for each patient with respect to the pressing pressure and temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface), and the therapeutic effect can be evaluated.
  • the pressing pressure measured by the notification unit 23 and the pressure sensor 113 is within a predetermined pressure range, and the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) measured by the temperature sensor 114 is predetermined. It is provided with a control unit 24 that operates the notification unit 23 so as to notify that the blood flow can be measured when the temperature falls within the temperature range.
  • the pressing pressure and temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) as the measurement site can be easily adjusted within a predetermined range, and the blood flow rate can be measured with stable accuracy. Therefore, with respect to the pressing pressure and temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface), the blood flow rate can be measured under certain conditions for each patient, and the therapeutic effect can be evaluated.
  • the measurement probe 10 is provided with a heating mechanism for heating the tissue surface.
  • the temperature of the skin surface can be easily adjusted to a predetermined temperature range.
  • the pressure notification unit 231 that notifies the notification unit 23 whether or not the pressing pressure measured by the pressure sensor 113 is within a predetermined pressure range, and the temperature of the tissue surface measured by the temperature sensor 114 are predetermined. It is provided with a temperature notification unit 232 for notifying whether or not the temperature is within the temperature range.
  • the blood flow meter of the second embodiment is configured such that the measurement probe and the main body are detachable.
  • the measurement probe is provided with a notification unit and a control unit. More specifically, the measurement probe includes a probe main body portion (not shown) having the same configuration as the measurement probe in the first embodiment, and a probe adapter portion (not shown) having a notification unit and a control unit. And are configured to include.
  • the probe main body portion and the probe adapter portion may be integrally configured, or may be configured as separate detachable bodies.
  • the measurement probe was configured to include a notification unit and a control unit. As a result, by replacing only the measuring probe with the conventional blood flow meter, the blood flow rate can be measured under certain conditions for each patient with respect to the pressing pressure and temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface), and the therapeutic effect. Can be evaluated.
  • the measurement probe is configured to include a probe main body and a probe adapter that can be attached to and detached from the probe main body.
  • the probe adapter unit having the notification unit and the control unit can be continuously used while exchanging the probe main body as a consumable item according to the measurement target person. Therefore, the blood flow meter can be used for a large number of measurement subjects by reusing the probe adapter portion and replacing only the probe main body portion, so that the maintenance cost of the blood flow meter can be reduced.
  • the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified.
  • the case of measuring the blood flow rate on the skin surface as a measurement site has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to the case of measuring the blood flow rate on the surface of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
  • Blood flow meter 10 Measurement probe 11 Head 12 Cable 20 Main body 21 Operation unit 22 Display unit 23 Notification unit 24 Control unit 110 Opening 111 Irradiation unit 112 Light receiving unit 113 Pressure sensor 114 Temperature sensor

Abstract

Provided is a blood flow meter that can easily be adjusted to a predetermined surface temperature and a predetermined pressing pressure for a measurement region. A blood flow meter 1 comprises a measurement probe 10 which has an irradiation part 111 for radiating laser light, a light-receiving part 112 for receiving reflected light and scattered light, a pressure sensor 113 for measuring a pressing pressure, and a temperature sensor 114 for measuring the temperature of a tissue surface. The blood flow meter 1 preferably further comprises a reporting unit 23 for reporting whether measurement of a blood flow rate is possible, and a control unit 24 for causing the reporting unit 23 to operate so as to report that measurement of a blood flow rate is possible when the pressing pressure measured by the pressure sensor 113 is in a predetermined pressure range and the temperature of the tissue surface measured by the temperature sensor 114 is in a predetermined temperature range.

Description

血流計Blood flow meter
　本発明は、組織表面に測定用プローブを接触させて血流量を測定する血流計及び当該血流計に用いられる測定用プローブに関する。 The present invention relates to a blood flow meter that measures blood flow by bringing a measurement probe into contact with the tissue surface and a measurement probe used in the blood flow meter.
　皮膚や消化管粘膜等の組織表面における血流量を測定する血流計として、従来、レーザー血流計が知られている。レーザー血流計は、皮下数ｍｍにおける毛細血管や細動脈等の微小循環血流（組織血流）を非侵襲的また連続的に測定する機器であり、疾病の有無や治療効果の確認を行う目的で開発されたものである。
　血流計は基本的に、血流量を表示する表示部や操作部を有する本体と、レーザー光の照射部及び受光部を有する測定用プローブと、で構成される。その測定原理は、測定用プローブを測定部位である皮膚表面や消化管粘膜表面に密着させて、半導体レーザーによる近赤外光を照射し、組織表面からの反射光や移動する赤血球からの散乱光を受光素子で受けて電気信号に変換し、演算式により血流量を測定する方式である。 Conventionally, a laser blood flow meter is known as a blood flow meter for measuring blood flow on the surface of tissues such as skin and gastrointestinal mucosa. The laser blood flow meter is a device that non-invasively and continuously measures the microcirculatory blood flow (tissue blood flow) of capillaries, arterioles, etc. under the skin several mm, and confirms the presence or absence of diseases and the therapeutic effect. It was developed for the purpose.
The blood flow meter is basically composed of a main body having a display unit and an operation unit for displaying the blood flow rate, and a measurement probe having a laser light irradiation unit and a light receiving unit. The measurement principle is that the measurement probe is brought into close contact with the skin surface or gastrointestinal mucosa surface, which is the measurement site, and near-infrared light is irradiated by a semiconductor laser, and the reflected light from the tissue surface or scattered light from moving red blood cells is emitted. Is received by a light receiving element and converted into an electric signal, and the blood flow is measured by an arithmetic formula.
　レーザー血流計で血流量を測定する場合、測定用プローブを組織表面に密着させて測定するが、この測定用プローブの皮膚表面への押付け圧が強すぎると血流が阻害されて正しく血流量が測定できなくなる。そのため、特許文献１及び特許文献２では、測定用プローブに圧力センサを設けて基準の押付け圧以下で血流量を測定することにより、測定値のバラつきを低減することが提案されている。 When measuring blood flow with a laser blood flow meter, the measurement probe is brought into close contact with the tissue surface, but if the pressing pressure of this measurement probe against the skin surface is too strong, blood flow is obstructed and blood flow is correct. Can no longer be measured. Therefore, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 propose to reduce the variation in measured values by providing a pressure sensor on the measuring probe and measuring the blood flow at a pressure equal to or lower than the reference pressing pressure.
特開昭６３－９７１４６号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63-97146 実公平３－２１２０８号公報Jitsufuku 3-21208 Gazette
　ところで、臨床の現場においてレーザー血流計は、各患者について継続的な治療による効果を確認するために用いられる。レーザー血流計を用いて血流量を測定する場合、血流量は測定条件によって測定値が変わるため、患者毎にそれぞれ一定の測定条件で血流量を測定することが求められる。ここで測定条件とは、測定部位、体位、安静、環境温度、測定部位の押付け圧、測定部位の表面温度等である。これらの測定条件のうち、測定部位、体位、安静、環境温度については、容易に患者毎に所定の条件で一定とすることができる。
　患者毎に測定条件をそろえるため、前述の特許文献１及び特許文献２に提案されていたように、測定用プローブに圧力センサを設けることで、測定時の押付け圧を所定の値に調整して、押付け圧の変動に起因する血流量のバラつきを低減することが可能である。しかしながら、測定部位の表面温度が測定毎に異なる場合、たとえ押付け圧を所定の値に調整したとしても、表面温度の変動に起因して血流量はバラついてしまう。よって、押付け圧に加えて、測定部位の表面温度も所定の値に調整しなければ、血流量を正しく評価できず、治療の効果を確認することが困難となる。 By the way, in clinical practice, a laser blood flow meter is used to confirm the effect of continuous treatment for each patient. When the blood flow is measured using a laser blood flow meter, the measured value of the blood flow changes depending on the measurement conditions, so that it is required to measure the blood flow under certain measurement conditions for each patient. Here, the measurement conditions include the measurement site, body position, rest, environmental temperature, pressing pressure of the measurement site, surface temperature of the measurement site, and the like. Of these measurement conditions, the measurement site, body position, rest, and environmental temperature can be easily set to be constant for each patient under predetermined conditions.
In order to make the measurement conditions uniform for each patient, as proposed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above, by providing a pressure sensor on the measurement probe, the pressing pressure at the time of measurement can be adjusted to a predetermined value. , It is possible to reduce the variation in blood flow due to the fluctuation of the pressing pressure. However, when the surface temperature of the measurement site is different for each measurement, the blood flow rate varies due to the fluctuation of the surface temperature even if the pressing pressure is adjusted to a predetermined value. Therefore, unless the surface temperature of the measurement site is adjusted to a predetermined value in addition to the pressing pressure, the blood flow rate cannot be evaluated correctly, and it becomes difficult to confirm the effect of the treatment.
　従って、本発明は、測定部位について所定の押付け圧及び所定の表面温度に容易に調整可能な血流計及び当該血流計に用いられる測定用プローブを提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a blood flow meter that can be easily adjusted to a predetermined pressing pressure and a predetermined surface temperature for a measurement site, and a measurement probe used for the blood flow meter.
　本発明は、組織表面に接触させて血流量を測定する測定用プローブを備える血流計であって、前記測定用プローブは、組織表面へ向けてレーザー光を照射する照射部と、組織表面からの反射光及び散乱光を受光する受光部と、組織表面への押付け圧を測定する圧力センサと、組織表面の温度を測定する温度センサと、を有する血流計に関する。 The present invention is a blood flow meter including a measuring probe for measuring blood flow in contact with the tissue surface, wherein the measuring probe is from an irradiation unit that irradiates a laser beam toward the tissue surface and a tissue surface. The present invention relates to a blood flow meter having a light receiving portion that receives reflected light and scattered light, a pressure sensor that measures a pressing pressure on the tissue surface, and a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the tissue surface.
　また、血流計は、血流量の測定が可能であるか否かを報知する報知部と、前記報知部を作動させる制御部と、を更に備え、前記制御部は、前記圧力センサで測定される押付け圧が所定の圧力範囲となり、かつ、前記温度センサで測定される組織表面の温度が所定の温度範囲となった場合に、前記報知部を作動させることが好ましい。 Further, the blood flow meter further includes a notification unit for notifying whether or not the blood flow can be measured and a control unit for operating the notification unit, and the control unit is measured by the pressure sensor. It is preferable to operate the notification unit when the pressing pressure is within a predetermined pressure range and the temperature of the tissue surface measured by the temperature sensor is within a predetermined temperature range.
　また、前記報知部は、前記圧力センサで測定される押付け圧が所定の圧力範囲となったか否かを報知する圧力報知部と、前記温度センサで測定される組織表面の温度が所定の温度範囲となったか否かを報知する温度報知部と、を備えることが好ましい。 Further, the notification unit includes a pressure notification unit that notifies whether or not the pressing pressure measured by the pressure sensor is within a predetermined pressure range, and a tissue surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor in a predetermined temperature range. It is preferable to provide a temperature notification unit for notifying whether or not the temperature has increased.
　また、前記制御部は、前記圧力センサで測定される押付け圧が所定の圧力範囲となり、かつ、前記温度センサで測定される組織表面の温度が所定の温度範囲となった後、一定時間経過後に、前記照射部からレーザー光を照射するよう制御して血流量の測定を開始することが好ましい。 Further, in the control unit, after a certain period of time has elapsed after the pressing pressure measured by the pressure sensor is within a predetermined pressure range and the temperature of the tissue surface measured by the temperature sensor is within a predetermined temperature range. It is preferable to start the measurement of the blood flow by controlling the irradiation of the laser beam from the irradiation unit.
　また、前記所定の圧力範囲は、０．３Ｎ以上１．５Ｎ以下の範囲において任意の値に設定可能であることが好ましい。 Further, it is preferable that the predetermined pressure range can be set to an arbitrary value in a range of 0.3 N or more and 1.5 N or less.
　また、前記所定の圧力範囲は、０．８Ｎ以上１．２Ｎ以下の範囲において任意の値に設定可能であることが好ましい。 Further, it is preferable that the predetermined pressure range can be set to an arbitrary value in a range of 0.8 N or more and 1.2 N or less.
　また、前記所定の温度範囲は、１０℃以上４０℃以下の範囲で任意の値に設定可能であることが好ましい。 Further, it is preferable that the predetermined temperature range can be set to an arbitrary value within a range of 10 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower.
　また、本発明は、組織表面に接触させて血流量を測定する血流計に用いられる測定用プローブであって、組織表面へ向けてレーザー光を照射する照射部と、組織表面からの反射光及び散乱光を受光する受光部と、組織表面への押付け圧を測定する圧力センサと、組織表面の温度を測定する温度センサと、を有する測定用プローブに関する。 Further, the present invention is a measurement probe used in a blood flow meter that measures blood flow by contacting the tissue surface, and includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a laser beam toward the tissue surface and reflected light from the tissue surface. The present invention relates to a measuring probe having a light receiving portion that receives scattered light, a pressure sensor that measures a pressing pressure on the tissue surface, and a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the tissue surface.
　また、測定用プローブは、血流量の測定が可能であるか否かを報知する報知部と、前記報知部を作動させる制御部と、を更に備え、前記制御部は、前記圧力センサで測定される押付け圧が所定の圧力範囲となり、かつ、前記温度センサで測定される組織表面の温度が所定の温度範囲となった場合に、前記報知部を作動させることが好ましい。 Further, the measuring probe further includes a notification unit for notifying whether or not the blood flow can be measured and a control unit for operating the notification unit, and the control unit is measured by the pressure sensor. It is preferable to operate the notification unit when the pressing pressure is within a predetermined pressure range and the temperature of the tissue surface measured by the temperature sensor is within a predetermined temperature range.
　本発明の血流計及び測定用プローブによれば、測定部位としての皮膚表面（組織表面）の押付け圧及び温度を測定することが可能となり、安定した精度で血流量を測定することができる。 According to the blood flow meter and the measuring probe of the present invention, it is possible to measure the pressing pressure and temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) as the measurement site, and the blood flow can be measured with stable accuracy.
本発明の第１実施形態に係る血流計の外観を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the appearance of the blood flow meter which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の血流計の構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the blood flow meter of this invention. 測定プローブの皮膚表面への押付け圧を変えて腕又は足で血流量を測定した結果である。This is the result of measuring the blood flow rate with the arm or foot by changing the pressing pressure of the measurement probe on the skin surface. 図３において測定された結果に基づいて、測定プローブの皮膚表面への押し付け圧を変化させていく場合における血流量の変化率を表したものである。Based on the results measured in FIG. 3, the rate of change in blood flow when the pressing pressure of the measuring probe on the skin surface is changed is shown.
　以下、本発明の各実施形態について図１及び図２を参照して詳細に説明する。本実施形態では、測定部位の組織表面の一例として皮膚表面の血流量を測定する場合について説明する。 Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, a case where the blood flow rate on the skin surface is measured will be described as an example of the tissue surface of the measurement site.
　図１は、第１実施形態の血流計１の外観を示す図であり、血流計１は、測定用プローブ１０と、本体部２０と、を備える。 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the blood flow meter 1 of the first embodiment, and the blood flow meter 1 includes a measurement probe 10 and a main body 20.
　測定用プローブ１０（ヘッド１１）は、図２に示すように、照射部１１１と、受光部１１２と、圧力センサ１１３と、温度センサ１１４と、を備えるヘッド１１と、本体部２０と接続されるケーブル１２と、を含んで構成される（図１参照）。ヘッド１１には、レーザー光を照射及び受光するための開口部１１０が形成され、その内部にレーザー光を照射する照射部１１１と、レーザー光の皮膚表面からの反射光や散乱光を受光する受光部１１２と、が配置される。
　照射部１１１は、近赤外光を発光する半導体レーザーで構成される発光部により構成される。尚、発光部を本体部２０に設けてケーブル１２内に光ファイバーを通して、近赤外光を開口部１１０に導入するよう構成してもよい。
　受光部１１２は光を電気信号に変換するフォトダイオードで構成される。受光部１１２では、照射部１１１から照射された近赤外光が皮膚表面（組織表面）で反射した光、及び、赤血球で散乱した光が電気信号に変換される。この変換された電気信号に基づいて、ドップラー法の原理により後述する制御部２４により血流量が算出される。
　また、ヘッド１１の開口部１１０の近傍には、圧力センサ１１３及び温度センサ１１４が配置される。圧力センサ１１３及び温度センサ１１４は、既存の薄膜型のものを用いることができる。また、ヘッド１１は、皮膚表面（組織表面）の温度を調整するために、加温機構としてヒータを備えるよう構成してもよい。 As shown in FIG. 2, the measuring probe 10 (head 11) is connected to a head 11 including an irradiation unit 111, a light receiving unit 112, a pressure sensor 113, and a temperature sensor 114, and a main body unit 20. It is configured to include and include a cable 12 (see FIG. 1). The head 11 is formed with an opening 110 for irradiating and receiving laser light, and an irradiation unit 111 for irradiating the laser light inside the opening 110 and a light receiving portion for receiving reflected light or scattered light from the skin surface of the laser light. Section 112 and are arranged.
The irradiation unit 111 is composed of a light emitting unit composed of a semiconductor laser that emits near infrared light. The light emitting portion may be provided in the main body portion 20 and the near infrared light may be introduced into the opening 110 through the optical fiber in the cable 12.
The light receiving unit 112 is composed of a photodiode that converts light into an electric signal. In the light receiving unit 112, the near-infrared light emitted from the irradiation unit 111 is reflected by the skin surface (tissue surface), and the light scattered by red blood cells is converted into an electric signal. Based on this converted electric signal, the blood flow rate is calculated by the control unit 24 described later according to the principle of the Doppler method.
Further, a pressure sensor 113 and a temperature sensor 114 are arranged in the vicinity of the opening 110 of the head 11. As the pressure sensor 113 and the temperature sensor 114, existing thin film types can be used. Further, the head 11 may be configured to include a heater as a heating mechanism in order to adjust the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface).
　図２に示すように、本体部２０は、操作部２１と、表示部２２と、報知部２３と、制御部２４と、を備える。
　本体部２０は、パーソナルコンピュータやタブレット等の端末と有線又は無線により接続可能に構成され、指定のアプリケーションソフトウェアを用いて、押付け圧の所定の圧力範囲や、皮膚表面（組織表面）の所定の温度範囲等の各設定を行うことが可能となっている。また、本体部２０に設定ボタン等の操作部を設けて、各設定を行うように構成してもよい。 As shown in FIG. 2, the main body unit 20 includes an operation unit 21, a display unit 22, a notification unit 23, and a control unit 24.
The main body 20 is configured to be connectable to a terminal such as a personal computer or tablet by wire or wirelessly, and uses designated application software to set a predetermined pressure range of pressing pressure and a predetermined temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface). It is possible to set each setting such as the range. Further, the main body 20 may be provided with an operation unit such as a setting button so that each setting can be performed.
　操作部２１は、電源ボタン２１１や測定開始／停止ボタン２１２等を含んで構成される。 The operation unit 21 includes a power button 211, a measurement start / stop button 212, and the like.
　表示部２２は、測定された皮膚表面の押付け圧や測定された皮膚表面の温度等を表示可能な液晶画面等で構成される。表示部２２に押付け圧が表示されることで、測定用プローブ１０を測定部位に取り付ける際に、押付け圧が所定の圧力となるように加減しながら取り付けることが可能となる。 The display unit 22 is composed of a liquid crystal screen or the like capable of displaying the measured pressing pressure on the skin surface, the measured temperature on the skin surface, and the like. Since the pressing pressure is displayed on the display unit 22, when the measuring probe 10 is attached to the measurement site, it can be attached while adjusting the pressing pressure so as to be a predetermined pressure.
　報知部２３は、血流量の測定が可能であるか否かを報知する。本実施形態では、報知部２３は、押付け圧が所定の圧力範囲となった場合に点灯して報知する圧力報知部２３１としての発光ダイオードと、皮膚表面（組織表面）の温度が所定の温度範囲となった場合に点灯して報知する温度報知部２３２として発光ダイオードと、により構成される。圧力報知部２３１及び温度報知部２３２としての２つの発光ダイオードが点灯することにより、血流計１が精度よく血流量を測定可能な状態であることが分かる。また、押付け圧及び皮膚表面（組織表面）の温度が両方とも所定の範囲になった場合に点灯して、測定開始可能であることを報知する発光ダイオードを１つだけ設ける構成としてもよい。また、報知部２３として表示部２２に血流量の測定が可能であるか否かを表示し、報知するように構成してもよい。 The notification unit 23 notifies whether or not the blood flow rate can be measured. In the present embodiment, the notification unit 23 has a light emitting diode as a pressure notification unit 231 that lights up and notifies when the pressing pressure reaches a predetermined pressure range, and the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) is in a predetermined temperature range. It is composed of a light emitting diode as a temperature notification unit 232 that lights up and notifies when the temperature becomes. When the two light emitting diodes as the pressure notification unit 231 and the temperature notification unit 232 are turned on, it can be seen that the blood flow meter 1 is in a state where the blood flow amount can be measured accurately. Further, it may be configured to provide only one light emitting diode that lights up when both the pressing pressure and the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) reach a predetermined range to notify that the measurement can be started. Further, the notification unit 23 may be configured to display on the display unit 22 whether or not the blood flow rate can be measured and notify the notification.
　制御部２４は、血流計１全体を制御するＣＰＵ（中央処理装置）により構成されており、ケーブル１２を介してヘッド１１の各構成要素に接続され、本体部２０の操作部２１、表示部２２及び報知部２３等の動作を制御する。また、制御部２４は、受光部１１２、圧力センサ１１３、温度センサ１１４等の各種センサで変換された電気信号から血流量、押付け圧、皮膚表面（組織表面）の温度等を算出、測定し、表示部２２にそれらの情報を表示する。また、測定用プローブ１０のヘッド１１が加温機構を備える場合は、制御部２４は、加温機構の温度が予め設定された任意の値又は固定の値になるよう制御する。 The control unit 24 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire blood flow meter 1, is connected to each component of the head 11 via a cable 12, and is connected to the operation unit 21 and the display unit of the main body 20. It controls the operation of 22 and the notification unit 23 and the like. Further, the control unit 24 calculates and measures the blood flow rate, the pressing pressure, the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface), etc. from the electric signals converted by various sensors such as the light receiving unit 112, the pressure sensor 113, and the temperature sensor 114. The information is displayed on the display unit 22. When the head 11 of the measuring probe 10 is provided with a heating mechanism, the control unit 24 controls the temperature of the heating mechanism to be an arbitrary value or a fixed value set in advance.
　具体的には、制御部２４は、圧力センサ１１３で測定された押付け圧が、予め設定された所定の圧力範囲となった場合に、報知部２３の発光ダイオード２３１を点灯するよう制御する。また、制御部２４は、温度センサ１１４で測定される皮膚表面（組織表面）の温度が予め設定された所定の温度範囲となった場合に、報知部２３の発光ダイオード２３２を点灯するよう制御する。これにより、血流計１の操作者は、押付け圧及び皮膚表面の温度が適切な状態にあり、血流量の測定が開始可能であるかどうかを目視で確認することができ、測定開始／停止ボタン２１２を押して安定した精度で血流量の測定を開始することができる。また、制御部２４は、押付け圧及び皮膚表面（組織表面）の温度が適切な状態となり、その状態で一定の時間経過後に、操作者による測定開始の操作を待たずに自動的に血流量の測定を開始するよう制御するようにしてもよい。また、制御部２４に、測定中の血流量、押付け圧及び皮膚表面（組織表面）の温度のデータを記憶する記憶部を設け、それらのデータを表示部２２や端末に表示するように構成してもよい。 Specifically, the control unit 24 controls the light emitting diode 231 of the notification unit 23 to light up when the pressing pressure measured by the pressure sensor 113 falls within a predetermined pressure range set in advance. Further, the control unit 24 controls the light emitting diode 232 of the notification unit 23 to be turned on when the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) measured by the temperature sensor 114 falls within a preset predetermined temperature range. .. As a result, the operator of the blood flow meter 1 can visually confirm whether the pressing pressure and the temperature of the skin surface are in an appropriate state and the blood flow rate can be measured, and the measurement can be started / stopped. You can press the button 212 to start measuring blood flow with stable accuracy. In addition, the control unit 24 automatically adjusts the blood flow rate after the pressing pressure and the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) are in an appropriate state and after a certain period of time has elapsed in that state, without waiting for the operator to start the measurement. It may be controlled to start the measurement. Further, the control unit 24 is provided with a storage unit for storing data on the blood flow rate, pressing pressure, and temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) during measurement, and is configured to display the data on the display unit 22 or the terminal. You may.
　次に、押付け圧の所定の圧力範囲及び皮膚表面（組織表面）の温度の所定の温度範囲について、設定可能な値について説明する。
　押付け圧は、血流量を測定可能とするため、０．３Ｎ以上１．５Ｎ以下の範囲において任意の値に設定することが好ましい。押付け圧が０．３Ｎ未満であると、皮膚表面（組織表面）と測定用プローブ１０のヘッド１１との接触状態が安定せず、少しの振動でずれが生じてしまうおそれがある。また、押付け圧が１．５Ｎを超えると、末梢循環の血流を阻害するおそれがある。また、押付け圧の変化が血流量に与える影響をより低減する観点から、押付け圧は、０．８Ｎ以上１．２Ｎ以下の範囲において任意の値に設定することがより好ましい。
　皮膚表面（組織表面）の温度は、１０℃以上４０℃以下の範囲で任意の値に設定することが好ましく、１５℃以上４０℃以下の範囲で任意の値に設定することがより好ましい。
　尚、本実施形態では、所定の圧力範囲及び所定の温度範囲を任意の値に設定するものとしたが、固定した値を用いてもよい。
　また、所定の温度範囲を、血流量の測定が行われる（血流計が設置される）部屋の室温との関係により設定してもよい。この場合、血流計を、室温を測定する室温センサを含んで構成する。そして、制御部は、所定の温度範囲を、室温センサにより測定された室温を基準として設定する。例えば、制御部は、所定の温度範囲として、室温センサにより測定された温度との差が所定の値以下となる範囲を設定する。これにより、測定対象者の皮膚表面の温度と室温との差が所定の値以下となった場合に血流量を測定可能な状態と判定させられる。よって、例えば、測定対象者が温度の低い環境下から血流量の測定が行われる部屋に訪れた場合等において、測定対象者の身体が暖まり室温と皮膚表面の温度差が小さくなった状態で、血流量の測定を行うことができる。 Next, the values that can be set for the predetermined pressure range of the pressing pressure and the predetermined temperature range of the skin surface (tissue surface) temperature will be described.
The pressing pressure is preferably set to an arbitrary value in the range of 0.3N or more and 1.5N or less so that the blood flow rate can be measured. If the pressing pressure is less than 0.3 N, the contact state between the skin surface (tissue surface) and the head 11 of the measuring probe 10 is not stable, and there is a possibility that a slight vibration may cause a deviation. Further, if the pressing pressure exceeds 1.5 N, the blood flow in the peripheral circulation may be obstructed. Further, from the viewpoint of further reducing the influence of the change in the pressing pressure on the blood flow rate, it is more preferable to set the pressing pressure to an arbitrary value in the range of 0.8 N or more and 1.2 N or less.
The temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) is preferably set to an arbitrary value in the range of 10 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower, and more preferably set to an arbitrary value in the range of 15 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower.
In the present embodiment, the predetermined pressure range and the predetermined temperature range are set to arbitrary values, but fixed values may be used.
Further, a predetermined temperature range may be set in relation to the room temperature of the room where the blood flow rate is measured (where the blood flow meter is installed). In this case, the blood flow meter is configured to include a room temperature sensor that measures room temperature. Then, the control unit sets a predetermined temperature range with reference to the room temperature measured by the room temperature sensor. For example, the control unit sets a predetermined temperature range in which the difference from the temperature measured by the room temperature sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined value. As a result, when the difference between the temperature of the skin surface of the person to be measured and the room temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the blood flow rate can be determined to be measurable. Therefore, for example, when the measurement target person visits a room where the blood flow rate is measured from a low temperature environment, the measurement target person's body is warmed and the temperature difference between the room temperature and the skin surface is small. Blood flow can be measured.
　次に表１を参照して、測定条件の１つである皮膚表面の温度が血流量に与える影響について説明する。表１は、皮膚表面の温度を変えて左右の第２足趾の同じ部位で血流量を測定した結果である。 Next, with reference to Table 1, the effect of the temperature of the skin surface, which is one of the measurement conditions, on the blood flow rate will be described. Table 1 shows the results of measuring the blood flow at the same site on the left and right second toes by changing the temperature of the skin surface.
Figure JPOXMLDOC01-appb-T000001
Figure JPOXMLDOC01-appb-T000001
　表１によれば、皮膚表面温度が異なれば、同じ測定部位であっても血流量が大幅に異なることが分かる。これにより、測定条件の１つである皮膚表面温度を一定にして血流量を評価することが重要であることが分かる。また、皮膚表面の温度は、室温が低ければ低く、室温が高ければ高いことが分かる。よって、測定条件を一定とするためには、室温を一定とすることが好ましい。 According to Table 1, it can be seen that if the skin surface temperature is different, the blood flow rate is significantly different even at the same measurement site. From this, it can be seen that it is important to evaluate the blood flow rate by keeping the skin surface temperature constant, which is one of the measurement conditions. It can also be seen that the temperature of the skin surface is low when the room temperature is low and high when the room temperature is high. Therefore, in order to keep the measurement conditions constant, it is preferable to keep the room temperature constant.
　次に、図３及び図４を参照して、測定条件の１つである測定プローブの皮膚表面への押付け圧が血流量に与える影響について説明する。図３は、測定プローブの皮膚表面への押付け圧を変えて腕又は足で血流量を測定した結果である。図４は、図３において測定された結果に基づいて、測定プローブの皮膚表面への押し付け圧を変化させていく場合における血流量の変化率を表したものである。 Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the effect of the pressing pressure of the measurement probe on the skin surface, which is one of the measurement conditions, on the blood flow rate will be described. FIG. 3 shows the results of measuring the blood flow rate with the arm or foot by changing the pressing pressure of the measuring probe against the skin surface. FIG. 4 shows the rate of change in blood flow when the pressing pressure of the measuring probe on the skin surface is changed based on the results measured in FIG.
　図３においては、５名の被験者について、それぞれ０．４Ｎ、０．６Ｎ、０．８Ｎ、１．０Ｎ、１．２Ｎ、１．５Ｎ、１．８Ｎ、２．０Ｎの押付け圧で測定プローブを皮膚表面に押し付けた状態の血流量を測定した。図４においては、５名の被験者について、０．４Ｎ～０．６Ｎ、０．６Ｎ～０．８Ｎ、０．８Ｎ～１．０Ｎ、１．０Ｎ～１．２Ｎ、１．２Ｎ～１．５Ｎ、１．５Ｎ～１．８Ｎ、１．８Ｎ～２．０Ｎのそれぞれの範囲において、血流量の変化率（血流量の変化量／押付け圧の変化量）を求めた。
　尚、図３及び図４中の１～３の被験者については、測定プローブを足首に取り付けて測定を行った。また、４及び５の被験者については、測定プローブを前腕に取り付けて測定を行った。 In FIG. 3, the measuring probes were used for the five subjects at a pressing pressure of 0.4N, 0.6N, 0.8N, 1.0N, 1.2N, 1.5N, 1.8N, and 2.0N, respectively. The blood flow while pressed against the skin surface was measured. In FIG. 4, for 5 subjects, 0.4N to 0.6N, 0.6N to 0.8N, 0.8N to 1.0N, 1.0N to 1.2N, 1.2N to 1.5N. , 1.5N to 1.8N, 1.8N to 2.0N, and the rate of change in blood flow rate (change in blood flow rate / change in pressing pressure) was determined.
For the subjects 1 to 3 in FIGS. 3 and 4, a measurement probe was attached to the ankle for measurement. In addition, for the subjects 4 and 5, the measurement probe was attached to the forearm for measurement.
　図３及び図４に示すように、測定プローブの皮膚表面への押付け圧が変化すると、測定される血流量も変化することが示された。また、測定プローブの皮膚表面への押付け圧が０．８Ｎ以上１．２Ｎ以下の範囲において、測定される血流量が大きくなり、かつ、これらの範囲（０．８Ｎ以上１．０Ｎ以下の範囲、及び１．０Ｎ以上１．２Ｎ以下の範囲）においては、押付け圧を変化させた場合における血流量の変化率が小さくなる（５％以下である）ことが示された。即ち、本実施形態においては、測定プローブ１０の皮膚表面への押付け圧を０．８Ｎ以上１．２Ｎ以下の範囲に設定することで、正確で安定的な血流量の測定が可能であることが示された。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, it was shown that when the pressing pressure of the measuring probe on the skin surface changed, the measured blood flow rate also changed. Further, in the range where the pressing pressure of the measuring probe against the skin surface is 0.8 N or more and 1.2 N or less, the measured blood flow rate becomes large, and these ranges (0.8 N or more and 1.0 N or less range). And in the range of 1.0 N or more and 1.2 N or less), it was shown that the rate of change in blood flow when the pressing pressure was changed was small (5% or less). That is, in the present embodiment, by setting the pressing pressure of the measuring probe 10 against the skin surface in the range of 0.8 N or more and 1.2 N or less, accurate and stable blood flow measurement can be performed. Shown.
　以上、説明した本発明の実施形態に係る血流計１によれば、以下の効果を奏する。 According to the blood flow meter 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the following effects are obtained.
　（１）血流計１を、皮膚表面（組織表面）へ向けてレーザー光を照射する照射部１１１と、皮膚表面（組織表面）からの反射光及び散乱光を受光する受光部１１２と、皮膚表面（組織表面）への押付け圧を測定する圧力センサ１１３と、皮膚表面（組織表面）の温度を測定する温度センサ１１４と、を有する測定用プローブ１０を備えるものとした。これにより、皮膚表面（組織表面）の押付け圧及び温度について、患者毎に一定の条件で血流量を測定でき、治療効果を評価することができる。 (1) The irradiation unit 111 that irradiates the blood flow meter 1 with laser light toward the skin surface (tissue surface), the light receiving unit 112 that receives the reflected light and scattered light from the skin surface (tissue surface), and the skin. A measuring probe 10 having a pressure sensor 113 for measuring the pressing pressure on the surface (tissue surface) and a temperature sensor 114 for measuring the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) was provided. Thereby, the blood flow rate can be measured under certain conditions for each patient with respect to the pressing pressure and temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface), and the therapeutic effect can be evaluated.
　（２）血流計１を、報知部２３と、圧力センサ１１３で測定される押付け圧が所定の圧力範囲となり、かつ、温度センサ１１４で測定される皮膚表面（組織表面）の温度が所定の温度範囲となった場合に、血流量の測定が可能であることを報知するように報知部２３を作動させる制御部２４と、を備えるものとした。これにより、測定部位としての皮膚表面（組織表面）の押付け圧及び温度を容易に所定の範囲に調整することが可能となり、安定した精度で血流量を測定することができる。よって、皮膚表面（組織表面）の押付け圧及び温度について、患者毎に一定の条件で血流量を測定でき、治療効果を評価することができる。 (2) For the blood flow meter 1, the pressing pressure measured by the notification unit 23 and the pressure sensor 113 is within a predetermined pressure range, and the temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) measured by the temperature sensor 114 is predetermined. It is provided with a control unit 24 that operates the notification unit 23 so as to notify that the blood flow can be measured when the temperature falls within the temperature range. As a result, the pressing pressure and temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) as the measurement site can be easily adjusted within a predetermined range, and the blood flow rate can be measured with stable accuracy. Therefore, with respect to the pressing pressure and temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface), the blood flow rate can be measured under certain conditions for each patient, and the therapeutic effect can be evaluated.
　（３）測定用プローブ１０を、組織表面を加温するための加温機構を備えるものとした。これにより。皮膚表面（組織表面）の温度を容易に所定の温度範囲に調整することができる。 (3) The measurement probe 10 is provided with a heating mechanism for heating the tissue surface. By this. The temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface) can be easily adjusted to a predetermined temperature range.
　（４）報知部２３を、圧力センサ１１３で測定される押付け圧が所定の圧力範囲となったか否かを報知する圧力報知部２３１と、温度センサ１１４で測定される組織表面の温度が所定の温度範囲となったか否かを報知する温度報知部２３２と、を備えるものとした。これにより、押付け圧及び皮膚表面の温度のそれぞれの状態について操作者が容易に把握することが可能となり、押付け圧及び皮膚表面の温度の調整が容易となる。 (4) The pressure notification unit 231 that notifies the notification unit 23 whether or not the pressing pressure measured by the pressure sensor 113 is within a predetermined pressure range, and the temperature of the tissue surface measured by the temperature sensor 114 are predetermined. It is provided with a temperature notification unit 232 for notifying whether or not the temperature is within the temperature range. As a result, the operator can easily grasp each state of the pressing pressure and the temperature of the skin surface, and the pressing pressure and the temperature of the skin surface can be easily adjusted.
　（５）制御部２４を、圧力センサ１１３で測定される押付け圧が所定の圧力範囲となり、かつ、温度センサ１１４で測定される組織表面の温度が所定の温度範囲となった後、一定時間経過後に、照射部１１１からレーザー光を照射するよう制御して血流量の測定を開始するものとした。これにより、操作者が測定開始／停止ボタン等を操作する動作をしなくても、血流量の測定が可能となる。 (5) A certain period of time elapses after the pressing pressure measured by the pressure sensor 113 in the control unit 24 is in a predetermined pressure range and the temperature of the tissue surface measured by the temperature sensor 114 is in a predetermined temperature range. Later, the measurement of the blood flow was started by controlling the irradiation unit 111 to irradiate the laser beam. As a result, the blood flow rate can be measured without the operator operating the measurement start / stop button or the like.
　次に、本発明の第２実施形態について説明する。第２実施形態の血流計は、測定用プローブと本体部とが着脱可能に構成されている。そして、測定用プローブに報知部及び制御部が備えられている。より具体的には、測定用プローブは、第１実施形態における測定用プローブと同様の構成を有するプローブ本体部（図示せず）と、報知部及び制御部を有するプローブアダプタ部（図示せず）と、を含んで構成される。プローブ本体部とプローブアダプタ部とは、一体的に構成されていてもよく、また、着脱可能な別体に構成されていてもよい。 Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The blood flow meter of the second embodiment is configured such that the measurement probe and the main body are detachable. The measurement probe is provided with a notification unit and a control unit. More specifically, the measurement probe includes a probe main body portion (not shown) having the same configuration as the measurement probe in the first embodiment, and a probe adapter portion (not shown) having a notification unit and a control unit. And are configured to include. The probe main body portion and the probe adapter portion may be integrally configured, or may be configured as separate detachable bodies.
　第２実施形態によれば、第１実施形態と同様の効果を奏する他、以下のような効果を奏する。
　（６）測定用プローブを、報知部及び制御部を含んで構成した。これにより、従来の血流計に対して、測定用プローブのみを交換することで、皮膚表面（組織表面）の押付け圧及び温度について、患者毎に一定の条件で血流量を測定でき、治療効果を評価することが可能となる。
　（７）測定用プローブを、プローブ本体部と、このプローブ本体部に着脱可能なプローブアダプタ部と、を含んで構成した。これにより、血流計に対して着脱可能な測定用プローブについて、測定対象者に応じてプローブ本体部を消耗品として交換しつつ、報知部及び制御部を有するプローブアダプタ部を継続使用できる。よって、プローブアダプタ部を再利用してプローブ本体部のみの交換により血流計を多数の測定対象者に使用できるので、血流計の維持費用を低減できる。 According to the second embodiment, in addition to the same effect as that of the first embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
(6) The measurement probe was configured to include a notification unit and a control unit. As a result, by replacing only the measuring probe with the conventional blood flow meter, the blood flow rate can be measured under certain conditions for each patient with respect to the pressing pressure and temperature of the skin surface (tissue surface), and the therapeutic effect. Can be evaluated.
(7) The measurement probe is configured to include a probe main body and a probe adapter that can be attached to and detached from the probe main body. As a result, with respect to the measurement probe that can be attached to and detached from the blood flow meter, the probe adapter unit having the notification unit and the control unit can be continuously used while exchanging the probe main body as a consumable item according to the measurement target person. Therefore, the blood flow meter can be used for a large number of measurement subjects by reusing the probe adapter portion and replacing only the probe main body portion, so that the maintenance cost of the blood flow meter can be reduced.
　以上、本発明の血流計の好ましい各実施形態について説明したが、本発明は、上述した実施形態に制限されるものではなく、適宜変更が可能である。
　例えば、測定部位として皮膚表面の血流量を測定する場合を一例として説明したが、本発明は、消化管粘膜の表面の血流量を測定する場合にも適用可能である。 Although the preferred embodiments of the blood flow meter of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified.
For example, the case of measuring the blood flow rate on the skin surface as a measurement site has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to the case of measuring the blood flow rate on the surface of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
　１　血流計
　１０　測定用プローブ
　１１　ヘッド
　１２　ケーブル
　２０　本体部
　２１　操作部
　２２　表示部
　２３　報知部
　２４　制御部
　１１０　開口部
　１１１　照射部
　１１２　受光部
　１１３　圧力センサ
　１１４　温度センサ 1 Blood flow meter 10 Measurement probe 11 Head 12 Cable 20 Main body 21 Operation unit 22 Display unit 23 Notification unit 24 Control unit 110 Opening 111 Irradiation unit 112 Light receiving unit 113 Pressure sensor 114 Temperature sensor

Claims (9)

  1. 　組織表面に接触させて血流量を測定する測定用プローブを備える血流計であって、
    　前記測定用プローブは、
    　　組織表面へ向けてレーザー光を照射する照射部と、
    　　組織表面からの反射光及び散乱光を受光する受光部と、
    　　組織表面への押付け圧を測定する圧力センサと、
    　　組織表面の温度を測定する温度センサと、を有する血流計。     A blood flow meter equipped with a measuring probe that is in contact with the tissue surface to measure blood flow.
    The measurement probe is
    An irradiation part that irradiates the tissue surface with laser light,
    A light receiving part that receives reflected light and scattered light from the tissue surface,
    A pressure sensor that measures the pressing pressure on the tissue surface,
    A blood flow meter having a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the tissue surface.
  2. 　血流量の測定が可能であるか否かを報知する報知部と、
    　前記報知部を作動させる制御部と、を更に備え、
    　前記制御部は、前記圧力センサで測定される押付け圧が所定の圧力範囲となり、かつ、前記温度センサで測定される組織表面の温度が所定の温度範囲となった場合に、前記報知部を作動させる請求項１に記載の血流計。     A notification unit that notifies whether or not blood flow can be measured,
    A control unit for operating the notification unit is further provided.
    The control unit operates the notification unit when the pressing pressure measured by the pressure sensor falls within a predetermined pressure range and the temperature of the tissue surface measured by the temperature sensor falls within a predetermined temperature range. The blood flow meter according to claim 1.
  3. 　前記報知部は、
    　　前記圧力センサで測定される押付け圧が所定の圧力範囲となったか否かを報知する圧力報知部と、
    　　前記温度センサで測定される組織表面の温度が所定の温度範囲となったか否かを報知する温度報知部と、
    を備える請求項２に記載の血流計。     The notification unit
    A pressure notification unit that notifies whether or not the pressing pressure measured by the pressure sensor is within a predetermined pressure range, and
    A temperature notification unit that notifies whether or not the temperature of the tissue surface measured by the temperature sensor is within a predetermined temperature range, and
    The blood flow meter according to claim 2.
  4. 　前記制御部は、前記圧力センサで測定される押付け圧が所定の圧力範囲となり、かつ、前記温度センサで測定される組織表面の温度が所定の温度範囲となった後、一定時間経過後に、前記照射部からレーザー光を照射するよう制御して血流量の測定を開始する請求項２又は３に記載の血流計。 In the control unit, after a certain period of time has elapsed after the pressing pressure measured by the pressure sensor is within a predetermined pressure range and the temperature of the tissue surface measured by the temperature sensor is within a predetermined temperature range, the control unit said. The blood flow meter according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the measurement of the blood flow is started by controlling the irradiation of the laser beam from the irradiation unit.
  5. 　前記所定の圧力範囲は、０．３Ｎ以上１．５Ｎ以下の範囲において任意の値に設定可能である請求項２～４のいずれかに記載の血流計。 The blood flow meter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the predetermined pressure range can be set to an arbitrary value in a range of 0.3 N or more and 1.5 N or less.
  6. 　前記所定の圧力範囲は、０．８Ｎ以上１．２Ｎ以下の範囲において任意の値に設定可能である請求項２～５のいずれかに記載の血流計。 The blood flow meter according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the predetermined pressure range can be set to an arbitrary value in a range of 0.8 N or more and 1.2 N or less.
  7. 　前記所定の温度範囲は、１０℃以上４０℃以下の範囲で任意の値に設定可能である請求項２～６のいずれかに記載の血流計。 The blood flow meter according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the predetermined temperature range can be set to an arbitrary value in a range of 10 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower.
  8. 　組織表面に接触させて血流量を測定する血流計に用いられる測定用プローブであって、
    　　組織表面へ向けてレーザー光を照射する照射部と、
    　　組織表面からの反射光及び散乱光を受光する受光部と、
    　　組織表面への押付け圧を測定する圧力センサと、
    　　組織表面の温度を測定する温度センサと、を有する測定用プローブ。     A measurement probe used in a blood flow meter that measures blood flow by contacting the tissue surface.
    An irradiation part that irradiates the tissue surface with laser light,
    A light receiving part that receives reflected light and scattered light from the tissue surface,
    A pressure sensor that measures the pressing pressure on the tissue surface,
    A measuring probe having a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the tissue surface.
  9. 　血流量の測定が可能であるか否かを報知する報知部と、
    　前記報知部を作動させる制御部と、を更に備え、
    　前記制御部は、前記圧力センサで測定される押付け圧が所定の圧力範囲となり、かつ、前記温度センサで測定される組織表面の温度が所定の温度範囲となった場合に、前記報知部を作動させる請求項８に記載の測定用プローブ。     A notification unit that notifies whether or not blood flow can be measured,
    A control unit for operating the notification unit is further provided.
    The control unit operates the notification unit when the pressing pressure measured by the pressure sensor falls within a predetermined pressure range and the temperature of the tissue surface measured by the temperature sensor falls within a predetermined temperature range. The measurement probe according to claim 8.
PCT/JP2020/029316 2019-08-01 2020-07-30 Blood flow meter WO2021020528A1 (en)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH06217952A (en) * 1993-01-21 1994-08-09 Kao Corp Method and device for measuring blood flow
WO2015199159A1 (en) * 2014-06-24 2015-12-30 国立大学法人九州大学 Blood flow measurement apparatus, blood flow measurement method, blood pressure measurement apparatus and blood pressure measurement method

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH06217952A (en) * 1993-01-21 1994-08-09 Kao Corp Method and device for measuring blood flow
WO2015199159A1 (en) * 2014-06-24 2015-12-30 国立大学法人九州大学 Blood flow measurement apparatus, blood flow measurement method, blood pressure measurement apparatus and blood pressure measurement method

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