JP2018153553A - Ultrasonic imaging probe and operating method of acoustic imaging probe - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve positioning and stable fixing of a probe.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic imaging probe comprises: a detection part 1 which transmits ultrasonic waves to the surface of a test object and receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the inside of the test object; and a fixation part 2 which holds the detection part 1. The detection part 1 has a first sticking part 3 having a first adhesive force at a portion to be brought into contact with the surface of the test object, and the fixation part 2 has a second sticking part 4 having a second adhesive force larger than the first adhesive force at a portion to be brought into contact with the surface of the test object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging probe and a method for operating the ultrasonic imaging probe.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits ultrasonic waves from the outside of the living body to the inside of the body, receives reflected ultrasonic waves reflected from respective parts having different acoustic impedances inside the living body, and generates a tomographic image inside the body based on the received signal. Create and display on the display screen.

  In general, an inspector holds an ultrasonic imaging probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and a transmitting / receiving surface at the tip of the probe is placed on the surface of a living body, and a diagnosis is performed at a position where a desired image is obtained.

  At this time, a jelly-like liquid is interposed between the ultrasonic probe and the skin in order to efficiently transmit the ultrasonic wave into the body by suppressing the reflection of the ultrasonic wave caused by the air layer generated on the skin surface and the probe interface. Is generally done. Since the ultrasonic image on the display screen is updated at predetermined time intervals, the inspector checks the image while changing the position and angle of the ultrasonic probe, holds the probe at the position where the desired image was obtained, and Diagnose in that state for the time.

  As described above, in a state where the inspector holds the ultrasonic probe, an angle shift occurs due to the movement of the inspector or the subject. In particular, when it is necessary to continue to observe the same part for a long time, there is a possibility that an accurate inspection cannot be performed due to the displacement of the probe. Therefore, when performing a long-time ultrasonic inspection, it is necessary to stably fix the position of the probe.

  As a technique related to such an ultrasonic imaging probe, for example, there is Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, an adhesive material is disposed between an ultrasonic sensor and a living body to improve adhesion to the living body and the ultrasonic sensor so that ultrasonic waves can be easily propagated. The ultrasonic sensor is fixed to.

JP 2004-298249 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, since the entire surface of the probe is fixed with an adhesive material, it is difficult to achieve both the positional adjustment of the probe and the stable fixing.

For example, if the adhesive force of the adhesive material is increased in order to stably fix the probe, the probe is strongly fixed to the surface of the living body, so that the position adjustment of the probe becomes difficult. On the other hand, if the adhesive force of the adhesive material is weakened to facilitate the probe position adjustment, it becomes difficult to fix the probe stably for a long time.
An object of the present invention is to enable position adjustment and stable fixation of a probe.

  An ultrasonic imaging probe of one embodiment of the present invention includes a detection unit that transmits ultrasonic waves to the surface of an inspection target and receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the inside of the inspection target, and a fixing unit that holds the detection unit. The detection unit includes a first sticking portion having a first adhesive force at a portion in contact with the surface of the inspection target, and the fixing portion is provided at the portion in contact with the surface of the inspection target. It has the 2nd sticking part with the 2nd adhesive force larger than an adhesive force, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In the operation method of the ultrasonic imaging probe of one aspect of the present invention, the ultrasonic imaging probe is moved in a state where at least the first sticking part of the detection unit is in contact with the surface of the inspection target, and the ultrasonic wave After the imaging probe is moved to a predetermined position, the detection unit is fixed to the surface of the inspection object by the second sticking unit of the fixing unit.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, position adjustment and stable fixation of a probe can be performed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows the ultrasonic imaging probe of Example 1, (a) is a top view, (b) is A-A 'sectional drawing. It is a figure which shows an example of the probe shape of Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the probe shape of Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the ultrasonic imaging probe of Example 2, (a) Top view, (b) B-B 'sectional drawing. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an ultrasonic imaging probe according to a third embodiment, where (a) is a top view and (b) is a C-C ′ cross-sectional view. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operation of a modification of the ultrasonic imaging probe of Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation of the ultrasonic imaging probe of Embodiment 2. FIG.

  Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

With reference to FIG. 1, an ultrasonic imaging probe according to the first embodiment will be described.
The ultrasonic imaging probe transmits ultrasonic waves to the surface of the inspection target (living body) and receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the inside of the inspection target.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), an ultrasonic imaging probe has a detection unit 1 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and a fixing unit that holds the detection unit 1 of the probe and fixes the detection unit 1 to a living body surface. Part 2. A detection sticking member (detection sticking part) 3 and a fixed sticking member (fixing sticking part) 4 are provided at portions of the detection part 1 and the fixing part 2 that are in contact with the living body surface. The fixing unit 2 is provided with a fixing screw 5 for fixing the detection unit 1 inserted into the opening 11. And the detection part 1 is fixed by the fixing | fixed part 2 so that the surface which touches the biological body of the detection sticking member 3 and the fixed sticking member 4 may correspond.

  The fixed sticking member 4 is stronger (larger) than the adhesive force of the detection sticking member 3 to the surface of the living body, and a position search for obtaining a desired image using the detection unit 1 having a weak (small) adhesive force. The fixed sticking member 4 is brought into close contact with the living body surface after the position is determined. Thereby, the probe can be stably fixed while maintaining the operability of the probe.

  Moreover, the detection sticking member 3 has a function of suppressing the reflection of ultrasonic waves due to the generation of an air layer between the surface of the living body and the probe interface and propagating the ultrasonic waves into the body. In the jelly-like liquid generally used, an air layer is generated when the liquid dries, and it is difficult to acquire images continuously for a long time. Therefore, by providing the detection adhesive material 3 with a function of propagating ultrasonic waves, it is possible to suppress the generation of an air layer during long-time use. Here, in order to propagate the ultrasonic wave, the detection sticking member 3 is held on the surface of the detection unit 1 in contact with the living body so as to cover the entire ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 6.

  As such a detection sticking member 3, it is preferable to use any one material of silicone gel, urethane gel, and hydrogel. Since these materials have an acoustic impedance that is relatively close to that of a living tissue, ultrasonic waves can be propagated by being interposed between the living body surface and the probe interface. Further, a silicone gel, urethane gel, or hydrogel having an adhesive strength stronger than that of the detection adhesive member 3 may be used as the fixed adhesive member 4.

  As a method for evaluating the adhesive strength of the detection sticking member 3 and the fixed sticking member 4, a peel adhesion test, an inclined ball tack test, a rolling ball tack test, a probe tack test, and the like can be used. By these tests, the adhesive member is evaluated, and the adhesive member is adjusted so that the adhesive strength of the fixing portion adhesive material 4 is stronger than the adhesive strength of the detection adhesive member 3.

  Further, when the probe operation is performed with the detection sticking member 3 in close contact with the living body, the fixed sticking member 4 may stick to the surface of the living body, making the operation difficult. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the structure which provided the peeling film 12 on the surface of the fixed sticking member 4 is used suitably.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the detection adhesive member 3 is brought into close contact with the living body in a state where the release film 12 is provided on the surface of the fixed adhesive member 4. Can be prevented. After determining the position where a desired image is obtained, the release film 12 provided on the sticking member is removed, and the fixed sticking member 4 is brought into close contact with the living body to fix the probe.

  Thus, in the operation method of the acoustic imaging probe of the first embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 6A, the release film 12 is provided on the surface of the fixed sticking member 4 of the fixing portion 2. Next, the probe is moved in a state where the release film 12 of the fixing unit 2 is in contact with the surface of the living body. Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, after the probe is moved to a predetermined position, the release film 12 is removed, and the detection unit 1 is fixed to the surface of the living body by the fixing adhesive member 4 of the fixing unit 2.

  Further, in order to stabilize the probe, a belt (not shown) may be used as a fixing aid. A belt is provided on the fixing unit 2, and the probe is fixed by bringing the fixing sticking member 4 into close contact with the living body, and then the belt is wound around the living body. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the moment peeling generated by the probe handle and the cable and fix the probe more stably.

  2 and 3 show an example of a probe handle shape suitably used in the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the moment generated by the probe handle 7 and the cable 8 can be reduced by making the probe handle 7 bend at a right angle to the detection unit 1.

  In FIG. 3, the probe handle 9 is formed in a valve shape, so that the size and the generated moment can be further reduced as compared with the shape of FIG.

  According to the first embodiment, a position search operation for obtaining a desired image is performed using the detection sticking member 3 of the detection unit 1 having a weak adhesive force, and after the position is determined, the fixing part sticking member 4 of the fixing unit 2 is attached to the living body. By being in close contact with the surface, the probe can be stably fixed while maintaining operability.

Next, an ultrasonic imaging probe according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the second embodiment, the position of the fixing unit 22 can be adjusted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the living body. Specifically, it has a movable part (Z-axis movable mechanism 27) that moves the fixed part 22 in the vertical direction with respect to the surface of the living body. Here, the two-dimensional surface of the living body surface is defined as the XY plane, and the direction substantially perpendicular to the living body is defined as the Z axis.

  The ultrasonic imaging probe of Example 2 includes a detection unit 21 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and a fixing unit 22 that fixes the probe to the surface of the living body. A detection sticking member 23 and a fixing sticking member 24 are provided on portions of the detection unit 21 and the fixing part 22 that are in contact with the living body surface, respectively. The detection unit 21 and the fixed unit 22 are connected by a Z-axis movable mechanism 27 that can operate in the Z-axis direction. The fixing unit 22 is provided with a fixing screw 25 for fixing the detection unit 21 connected via the Z-axis movable mechanism 27. As the Z-axis movable mechanism, for example, a slider or a ball bearing is preferably used.

  As in the first embodiment, the fixed adhesive member 24 has a stronger adhesive force than the adhesive force of the detection adhesive member 23 to the living body surface, and the detection adhesive member 23 covers the entire surface of the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 26. Is provided. When the probe operation is performed with the detection sticking member 23 in close contact with the living body, the fixing portion 22 is moved away from the surface of the living body and fixed by the fixing screw 25. Thereby, since the fixed sticking member 24 having a strong adhesive force does not contact the surface of the living body, it is possible to prevent a decrease in operability during the position search. After the position is determined, the fixing unit 22 is operated so that the fixing sticking member 24 is in close contact with the living body surface, and the probe is fixed at a predetermined position.

  As described above, in the operation method of the acoustic imaging probe of the second embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 7A, the probe is moved upward by the Z-axis movable mechanism 27 (movable portion) (see FIG. 7A). ) In the direction of the arrow) to move the fixing part 22 away from the living body surface. Next, the detection sticking member 23 of the detection unit 21 is moved to a predetermined position in contact with the surface of the living body. Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, after the probe is moved to a predetermined position, the fixed portion 22 is moved downward (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7B) by the Z-axis movable mechanism 27 (movable portion). ) And the detection unit 21 is fixed to the surface of the living body by the fixing sticking member 24 of the fixing unit 22.

  Here, as in the first embodiment, a belt (not shown) may be used as a fixing aid for stabilizing the probe. Moreover, the shape of the probe and the material of the detection sticking member 23 can be the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, a position search operation for obtaining a desired image is performed using the detection sticking member 23 of the detection unit 21 having a weak adhesive force, and the fixing part sticking member 24 of the fixing part 22 is brought into close contact with the living body surface after the position is determined. Let Thereby, the probe can be stably fixed while maintaining the operability of the probe.

Next, an ultrasonic imaging probe according to Example 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the third embodiment, the detection unit 31 has an angle adjustment mechanism that can be adjusted in three directions of roll, yaw, and pitch. Here, the roll indicates a tilt to the left and right, the pitch indicates a tilt to the front and back, and the yaw indicates a twist to the left and right. If the two-dimensional surface of the living body is defined as the XY plane, the direction substantially perpendicular to the living body is defined as the Z axis, the left / right direction is the X axis, and the front / rear direction is the Y axis, the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis are shifted. Pitch, roll, and yaw axes.

  The ultrasonic imaging probe of Example 3 includes a detection unit 31 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and a fixing unit 32 that fixes the probe to the surface of the living body. A detection sticking member 33 and a fixing sticking member 34 are provided at portions of the detection unit 31 and the fixing part 32 that are in contact with the surface of the living body. Here, the detection part 31 and the fixing | fixed part 32 have a universal joint mechanism (structure). Specifically, the detection unit 31 has a convex curved surface shape, and the fixing unit 33 has a concave curved surface shape. By arranging the convex surface of the detection unit 31 so as to be received by the concave surface of the fixed unit 32, the detection unit 31 of the probe can be inclined by a predetermined angle in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the universal joint mechanism has the detection unit 31 formed into a convex curve, the fixed unit 32 formed into a concave curve, and the convex surface of the detection unit 31 is formed into a concave surface of the fixed unit 32. It is configured to receive.

  After the angle adjustment of the probe detection unit 31 is performed by the universal joint mechanism, the angle of the detection unit 31 is fixed by the fixing screw 35. Further, the detection unit 31 and the fixing unit 32 are arranged so that the body surface side center of the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface 36 is the rotation center of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. By setting the center of rotation as the center of the body surface of the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface 36, it is possible to prevent the probe surface from separating from the living body surface when the angle is adjusted.

  As in the first embodiment, the fixed sticking member 34 has a strong adhesive force compared to the adhesive force of the detection sticking member 33 to the living body surface, and the detection sticking member 33 covers the entire surface of the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 36. Is provided. Further, when the probe operation is performed with the detection sticking member 33 in close contact with the living body, in order to prevent the fixing sticking material 34 from sticking to the surface of the living body and making the operation difficult, as shown in FIG. The release film 12 may be provided on the surface 34.

  With the release film 12 provided on the surface of the fixed adhesive member 34, the position where the detection adhesive member 33 is brought into close contact with the living body to obtain a desired image is determined, and the release film 12 provided on the fixed adhesive member 34 is removed. The probe is fixed by bringing the detection sticking member 33 into close contact with the living body. Since the detection sticking member 33 has weak adhesive force, the angle can be adjusted while the probe is fixed, and the position of the probe can be finely adjusted.

  It is also possible to adopt a combination configuration with the Z-axis movable mechanism 27 (see FIG. 4) of the second embodiment. As an example, a configuration in which a housing is disposed outside the universal joint mechanism via a Z-axis movable mechanism 27 can be given. In this case, a configuration is adopted in which the sticking member is not disposed outside the universal joint (fixing portion 22 in the third embodiment), and the sticking member is provided in the outer casing via the Z-axis movable mechanism 27.

  At the time of position search, the casing holding the fixed patch is moved in a direction away from the surface of the living body, and the position and angle are adjusted. After the position where a predetermined image is obtained is determined, the fixing patch is moved in the Z-axis direction so as to contact the living body.

  When changing the angle or the ultrasonic wave irradiation direction after the position is fixed, the detection unit is moved in a direction away from the living body while the fixing adhesive is in close contact, and the rotation and angle adjustment of the probe is performed using the universal joint mechanism. Thereby, the rotation and angle adjustment of the probe can be easily performed as compared with the state where the detection sticking member is in close contact with the living body.

  Further, as in the first embodiment, a belt (not shown) may be used as a fixing aid for stabilizing the probe. Moreover, the shape of a probe and the material of a detection patch can take the same structure as Example 1.

  In Example 3, a position search operation for obtaining a desired image is performed using the detection sticking member 33 of the detection unit 31 having a weak adhesive force, and after fixing the position, the fixing sticking member 34 of the fixing unit 32 is brought into close contact with the surface of the living body. Let As a result, the probe can be stably fixed while maintaining the operability of the probe, and the fine adjustment of the angle can be easily performed.

Next, an ultrasonic imaging probe according to Example 4 will be described.
In the fourth embodiment, a 2D array probe is used for the detection unit in the configurations of the first to third embodiments. The 2D array probe has a 2D array transducer in which a plurality of transducers are arranged two-dimensionally, a 2D array IC in which a plurality of ICs are arranged in two dimensions, and a drive circuit that drives each transducer with a predetermined delay amount. The 2D array probe can scan not only in the azimuth direction (XY direction) as in the 1D array probe but also in the elevation direction (Z direction).

  Similar to the first embodiment, the configuration of the ultrasonic imaging probe of the fourth embodiment includes a detection unit 1 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves and a fixing unit 2 that fixes the probe to the surface of the living body (see FIG. 1). A detection sticking member 3 and a fixed sticking member 4 are provided at portions of the detection unit 1 and the fixing unit 2 that are in contact with the living body surface, respectively. The fixing unit 2 is provided with a fixing screw 5 for fixing the detection unit 1 inserted into the opening 11, and the detection unit 3 and the surface of the fixing bonding member 4 that come into contact with the living body coincide with each other. 1 is fixed to the fixing part 2.

  In Example 4, the detection unit 1 is a 2D array probe having a 2D array transducer. Moreover, you may employ | adopt the fixing | fixed part which has the Z-axis movable mechanism shown in Example 2 or Example 3, or an angle adjustment mechanism.

  In Example 4, the fixed sticking member 4 is stronger than the adhesive force of the detection sticking member 3 to the living body surface, and a position search operation for obtaining a desired image using a detection unit having a weak adhesive force is performed. After fixing the position, the fixing part sticking member is brought into close contact with the living body surface. Thereby, the probe can be stably fixed while maintaining the operability of the probe.

  In the conventional probe, it is necessary to set the desired scan direction and acquire an image while the probe is pressed against the surface of the living body by hand. However, by adopting the configuration of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to select a scan direction in which a desired image can be obtained with the probe fixed, and image acquisition can be easily performed.

1, 21, 31 Detection unit 2, 22, 32 Fixing unit 3, 23, 33 Detection sticking member 4, 24, 34 Fixed sticking member 5, 25 Detection unit fixing screw 6, 26, 36 Ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surfaces 7, 9 Probe handle 8, 10 Cable 27 Z axis movable mechanism

Claims (9)

A detector that transmits ultrasonic waves to the surface of the inspection object and receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the inside of the inspection object; and
A fixing unit for holding the detection unit;
The detection unit has a first sticking unit having a first adhesive force in a portion in contact with the surface of the inspection object,
The ultrasonic imaging probe according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion includes a second sticking portion having a second adhesive force larger than the first adhesive force at a portion in contact with the surface of the inspection target.   The ultrasonic imaging probe according to claim 1, wherein the first sticking portion is formed of any one material selected from silicone gel, urethane gel, and hydrogel.   The ultrasonic imaging probe according to claim 1, further comprising a movable unit that is between the detection unit and the fixed unit and moves the fixed unit in a vertical direction with respect to the surface of the inspection target.   The ultrasonic imaging probe according to claim 3, wherein the movable part is configured by a slider or a ball bearing.   The ultrasonic imaging probe according to claim 1, further comprising an angle adjustment unit that can adjust the detection unit in three directions of roll, yaw, and pitch.   The ultrasonic imaging probe according to claim 5, wherein the angle adjustment unit is a universal joint mechanism that tilts the detection unit. An operation method of the ultrasonic imaging probe according to claim 1,
Moving the ultrasonic imaging probe in a state where at least the first sticking portion of the detection unit is in contact with the surface of the inspection target;
A method of operating an acoustic imaging probe, comprising: moving the ultrasonic imaging probe to a predetermined position; and then fixing the detection unit to the surface of the inspection object by the second sticking unit of the fixing unit. A release film is attached to the surface of the second sticking part of the fixing part,
The ultrasonic imaging probe is moved in a state where the release film of the fixed portion is in contact with the surface of the inspection target,
The ultrasonic imaging probe is moved to a predetermined position, the release film is removed, and the detection unit is fixed to the surface of the inspection object by the second sticking unit of the fixing unit. Item 8. A method for operating the acoustic imaging probe according to Item 7. An operation method of the ultrasonic imaging probe according to claim 3,
Moving the fixed part upward by the movable part, and moving the ultrasonic imaging probe to a predetermined position in a state where the first sticking part of the detection part is in contact with the surface of the inspection object;
After the ultrasonic imaging probe is moved to a predetermined position, the fixed part is moved downward by the movable part, and the detection part is moved to the surface of the inspection object by the second sticking part of the fixed part. A method of operating a sound wave imaging probe, characterized by being fixed.

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