Neck ultrasound imaging device and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cervical ultrasound imaging device, comprising: a first track, the first track is set according to the circumferential contour of the neck; a second base, the second base is slidably connected to the first track, and the second base moves circumferentially relative to the neck along the first track; the second base is provided with a second track, and the second track is extended along the radial direction of the first track; a probe moving mechanism, the probe moving mechanism is slidably connected to the second track, and the probe moving mechanism moves radially relative to the neck along the second track. The present invention has a simple structure and occupies a small space; it solves the problem of transposition of the left and right carotid arteries, and uses a bracket to fix the chin, which can ensure that the position of the detection object is stable during the scanning process. The linear guide rail cooperates with the spring to ensure that the pressure during the scanning process is appropriate, and the probe is in close contact with the skin without excessive pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of ultrasonic equipment and relates to a cervical ultrasonic imaging device and method. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of modern ultrasound technology, the continuous improvement of high-frequency probes, and the improvement of ultrasound image quality, the application of vascular ultrasound is becoming more and more common. This technology is simple, intuitive, non-invasive, and radiation-free, and the subjects are willing to accept it. It has become the primary means of screening vascular lesions.

[0003] In recent years, with the improvement of people's living standards, the incidence of carotid atherosclerosis has increased year by year and has a trend of younger people. Carotid atherosclerosis can cause carotid artery stenosis or even occlusion, leading to cerebral blood supply disorders. If it can be diagnosed and treated early, it will reduce and prevent the occurrence of cerebrovascular events, which is of great significance. Currently, the non-invasive imaging methods used for carotid artery examinations are mainly ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography and CT angiography. Ultrasound examination is simple and easy, with real-time imaging and good repeatability, and has become the preferred examination method for carotid artery disease.

[0004] The current method used in the industry is mainly manual scanning and real-time judgment by senior doctors, which places high demands on doctors. The purpose of this product development is to design a product that can realize automatic scanning and complete image reconstruction. The front-end scanning only requires trained technicians to operate, and doctors read the images and make judgments in the background. This effectively improves the scanning efficiency and reduces the demand for professional doctors. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a cervical ultrasound imaging device and method, which can perform early diagnosis and treatment, and reduce and prevent the occurrence of cerebrovascular events.

[0006] According to the technical solution provided by the present invention: a cervical ultrasound imaging device comprises:

[0007] a first track, the first track being arranged according to a circumferential contour of the neck;

[0008] A second base, the second base is slidably connected to the first track, and the second base moves circumferentially relative to the neck along the first track; the second base is provided with a second track, and the second track is extended along the radial direction of the first track;

[0009] A probe moving mechanism, wherein the probe moving mechanism is slidably connected to the second track, and the probe moving mechanism moves radially relative to the neck along the second track;

[0010] A probe is installed at the moving end of the probe moving mechanism, and the moving end of the probe moving mechanism moves relative to a vertical direction of the second track.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first track is arranged on the first base, and the first track is slidably mounted on the second base through a first sliding block.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the second base is L-shaped, and the second track is arranged on the side plate of the second base along the radial direction of the first track.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the second track is slidably arranged with a second slider to move the probe.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the probe moving mechanism comprises:

[0015] A movable frame, the movable frame being slidably connected to the second track;

[0016] The movable frame is provided with a screw rod perpendicular to the second track;

[0017] The screw rod has at least one movable end passing through it, and the movable end is a slide.

[0018] A screw motor is arranged on the probe moving mechanism and drives the screw to rotate.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, a probe clamp is provided at the moving end of the probe moving mechanism; and the probe is installed in the probe clamp.

[0020] As a further improvement of the present invention, the probe clamp includes a probe mounting frame, and the probe is hinged to the probe mounting frame.

[0021] As a further improvement of the present invention, a spring is arranged between the probe moving mechanism and the second base, and one end of the spring is connected to the probe moving mechanism and the other end is connected to the second base.

[0022] As a further improvement of the present invention, a circumferential movement mechanism is arranged between the second base and the first track.

[0023] As a further improvement of the present invention, the circumferential movement mechanism includes a driving wheel shaft and a driving wheel;

[0024] The second base is equipped with the driving wheel shaft; the driving wheel shaft is connected to the driving wheel;

[0025] The driving wheel shaft is meshedly connected to the circumferential moving motor;

[0026] There are at least two driving wheels, which are located on both sides of the first track.

[0027] 11. A method for neck ultrasound imaging, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

[0028] The probe is driven to move vertically on one side of the neck by the moving end of the probe moving mechanism, and the probe transmits and receives ultrasonic signals to obtain at least 2 frames of ultrasonic images on one side of the neck;

[0029] The second base moves circumferentially relative to the neck along the first track, driving the probe to move from one side of the neck to the other side of the neck;

[0030] The probe is driven to move in a vertical direction on the other side of the neck by the moving end of the probe moving mechanism, and the probe transmits and receives ultrasonic signals to obtain at least 2 frames of ultrasonic images of the other side of the neck;

[0031] A three-dimensional ultrasonic image of the neck is obtained according to the at least two frames of ultrasonic images of one side of the neck and the at least two frames of ultrasonic images of the other side of the neck.

[0032] The positive effects of this application are:

[0033] 1. The present invention has a simple structure and occupies a small space; an arc-shaped guide rail is used as a base to solve the problem of transposition of the left and right carotid arteries.

[0034] 2. The present invention uses a bracket to fix the chin, which can ensure that the position of the detection object is stable during the scanning process, making the scanning easier.

[0035] 3. The linear guide rail in the present invention cooperates with the spring to provide real-time pressure during the scanning process, which can ensure that the pressure during the scanning process is appropriate, and the probe is in close contact with the skin without excessive pressure.

[0036] 4. The handle of the present invention cooperates with the guide rail structure, so that the probe can be pulled up when switching between the left and right carotid arteries to avoid hitting the detection object.

[0037] 5. The screw slide table driven by the stepping motor in the present invention can realize the smooth scanning of the probe.

[0038] 6. The present invention has a center pin for positioning and a probe clamp with limits on both sides, so that the probe can be adaptively adjusted within a certain angle range while pressing the carotid artery, ensuring that the probe fits well with the carotid artery during the scanning process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 It is a top view of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the automatic moving mechanism of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the position of the affected part of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0046] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, it can also be the internal connection of two components, it can be a wireless connection, or it can be a wired connection. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0047] In addition, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0048] Figure 1-5 In it, it includes a first base 100, a first track 200, a second base 300, a second track 400, a probe clamp 500, a probe 600, a spring 700, a moving frame 810, a slide 820, a screw rod 830, a handle 900 and the like.

[0049] like Figure 1As shown, the present invention is a cervical ultrasound imaging device, including a first track 200, a second base 300 is slidably installed on the first track 200, a second track 400 is installed on the second base 300, a probe moving mechanism 800 is slidably set on the second track 400, and a probe 600 is installed on the moving end of the probe moving mechanism 800.

[0050] The first base 100 is installed at the bottom of the first track 200 , and the second base 300 is slidably installed on the first track 200 via a first sliding block.

[0051] In order to keep the distance between the probe and the neck consistent and achieve better imaging effect, the first track 200 is set according to the circumferential contour of the neck.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, the circumferential direction of the neck is C direction, the radial direction is r direction, and the height direction is h direction.

[0053] The first track 200 is a single curvature arc that best fits the circumferential contour of the neck.

[0054] The first base 100 is located below the first track 200. The first base 100 is similar in shape to the first track 200, but is larger in size than the first track 200. The first track 200 is installed on the color ultrasound inspection station to increase the stability of the first track 200 during operation.

[0055] The first slide block is slidably mounted on the first track 200 , and the second base 300 is mounted on the first slide block.

[0056] The second rail 400 is horizontally mounted on the second base 300 .

[0057] The second base 300 is L-shaped, and the second track 400 is horizontally installed on the side plate of the second base 300 .

[0058] The probe moving mechanism 800 is slidably arranged on the second track 400 via a second slider.

[0059] The probe moving mechanism 800 includes a moving frame 810, which is connected to the second slider. A screw rod 830 is installed in the moving frame 810 for vertical rotation through a bearing. A slide 820 is slidably provided in the moving frame 810. The slide 820 is threadedly sleeved on the outer periphery of the screw rod 830, and the screw rod 830 is driven by a screw motor.

[0060] In other embodiments, the probe moving mechanism 800 is a moving cylinder, the cylinder body of the moving cylinder is connected to the second slider, the piston end of the moving cylinder is vertically upward, and the probe 600 is installed.

[0061] When the second sliding block is not used, it is only necessary to provide a sliding groove adapted to the second track 400 on the moving frame 810 or the moving cylinder body.

[0062] In order to enable the probe 600 to be adaptively adjusted within a certain angle range during the scanning process, and to ensure that the probe 600 is well fitted with the carotid artery during the scanning process, the moving end of the probe moving mechanism 800 is mounted with the probe 600 through the probe clamp 500 .

[0063] A probe clamp 500 is installed on one side of the slide table 820 .

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the probe clamp 500 includes a probe mounting frame 510 , in which the probe 600 is hingedly connected via a pin.

[0065] The probe mounting frame 510 is a rectangular structure, and the middle part is a probe mounting cavity. The probe mounting frame 510 provides a hinge fulcrum for the probe 600 and limits the swing amplitude of the probe.

[0066] In order to prevent the probe 600 from being bumped during the rotation of the probe clamp 500 , a probe protection cover 610 is provided on the outer periphery of the probe 600 , and the middle of the upper part of the probe protection cover 610 is hinged to the probe mounting frame 510 .

[0067] The probe protective cover 610 is made of elastic material, which is not only anti-collision but also waterproof.

[0068] The probe protection cover 610 is slightly smaller than the probe mounting frame 510 in the width direction, and the probe 600 can swing around the pin axis in the horizontal plane.

[0069] In other embodiments, the lower portion of the probe protection cover 610 is hinged to the probe mounting frame 510 .

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, in order to ensure that the probe 600 is in close contact with the skin without excessive pressure during the scanning of the neck artery, a spring 700 is arranged between the probe moving mechanism 800 and the second base 300, one end of the spring 700 is connected to the fixed end of the probe moving mechanism 800, and the other end is connected to the second base 300. The spring 700 can be a compression spring or a tension spring. When the spring 700 is a tension spring, the spring 700 is located on the inner side of the probe moving mechanism 800, that is, on the side close to the neck. When the spring 700 is a compression spring, the spring 700 is located on the outer side of the probe moving mechanism 800, that is, on the side away from the neck.

[0071] In other embodiments, the probe moving mechanism 800 is provided on the second track 400 by sliding the second slider. The spring 700 is located between the second slider and the second base 300. One end of the spring 700 is connected to the second slider, and the other end is connected to the second base 300.

[0072] In order to pull the probe away when switching between the left and right carotid arteries to avoid hitting the test object, a handle 900 is installed on the side of the mobile frame 810.

[0073] In other embodiments, the handle 900 is mounted on the probe mounting frame 510 .

[0074] The specific shape of the handle 900 is set according to the user's habits, and can be U-shaped or T-shaped.

[0075] An automatic moving mechanism is disposed between the second base 300 and the first track 200 , so that the automatic moving mechanism 1000 of the second base 300 on the first track 200 is realized.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, the automatic moving mechanism 1000 includes a guide wheel shaft 1010 and a driving wheel shaft 1020. The guide wheel shaft 1010 is installed in the second base 300, the bottom of the second base 300 is exposed, and the guide wheel 1030 is installed horizontally and rotatably. The driving wheel shaft 1020 is rotatably installed in the second base 300, the bottom of the second base 300 is exposed, and the driving wheel 1040 is horizontally fixedly connected. The driving wheel shaft 1020 is driven by a circumferential moving motor, and the circumferential moving motor is connected to the driving wheel shaft 1020 by a direct connection or a gear structure. The guide wheel 1030 and the driving wheel 1040 are respectively located on both sides of the first track 200.

[0077] The circumferential moving motor drives the driving wheel shaft 1020 to rotate, and the second base 300 moves along the first track 200 through friction force, thereby realizing the position conversion of the probe 600.

[0078] In other embodiments, the automatic moving mechanism 1000 includes a transmission tooth and a driving gear shaft, and the transmission tooth is arranged on the side of the first track 200. The driving gear shaft is rotatably installed in the second base 300, the bottom is exposed from the second base 300, and is horizontally fixedly connected to the driving gear. The driving wheel shaft 1020 is driven by a circumferential moving motor, and the circumferential moving motor is connected to the driving gear by a direct connection or a sprocket structure. The driving gear is meshed with the transmission tooth.

[0079] The circumferential moving motor drives the driving gear to rotate, and the second base 300 moves along the first track 200 through the gear transmission structure, thereby realizing the position conversion of the probe 600.

[0080] A support plate 1100 is provided above the first track 200 to support and fix the affected part, so as to ensure that the position of the detected object is stable during the scanning process, which is convenient for scanning. In this embodiment, the support plate 1100 supports the chin.

[0081] Ultrasound imaging of the neck:

[0082] The subject places the neck in the first track 200, the subject's chin is placed on the support plate 1100, and the probe is close to the artery on one side of the neck;

[0083] The lead screw motor drives the lead screw to rotate, and the slide table drives the probe to move up and down to scan and image the aorta on one side of the neck;

[0084] After completing the unilateral carotid artery, pull the handle to move the probe away from the subject;

[0085] The circumferential moving motor drives the active wheel shaft to rotate, and the second base moves along the first track through friction force, so that the position of the probe is transferred to the artery on the other side of the neck circumference;

[0086] The lead screw motor drives the lead screw to rotate, and the slide table drives the probe to move up and down to scan and image the aorta on one side of the neck.

[0087] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for the purpose of clear explanation, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods. For those skilled in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the implementation methods here. The obvious changes or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A cervical ultrasound imaging device, characterized in that: The device comprises: a first track, the first track being arranged according to a circumferential contour of the neck; A second base, the second base is slidably connected to the first track, the second base moves circumferentially relative to the neck along the first track, and a circumferential movement mechanism for driving the second base to automatically move is provided between the second base and the first track; the second base is provided with a second track, and the second track is extended along the radial direction of the first track; A first base, the first base is installed at the bottom of the first track, and the shape of the first base is similar to that of the first track; A probe moving mechanism, wherein a second slider is slidably arranged on the second track, the probe moving mechanism is connected to the second slider, the second slider moves radially relative to the neck along the second track to drive the probe moving mechanism to move radially relative to the neck, a spring is arranged between the second slider and the second base, one end of the spring is connected to the second slider, and the other end is connected to the second base; The moving end of the probe moving mechanism is equipped with a probe, and the moving end of the probe moving mechanism moves in a vertical direction relative to the second track; the second base moves circumferentially relative to the neck along the first track, and the probe moving mechanism moves radially relative to the neck along the second track.

2. The cervical ultrasound imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rail is slidably mounted on the second base via a first sliding block.

3. The cervical ultrasound imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second base is L-shaped, and the second track is arranged on the side plate of the second base along the radial direction of the first track.

4. The cervical ultrasound imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The probe moving mechanism comprises: A movable frame, the movable frame being slidably connected to the second track; The movable frame is provided with a screw rod perpendicular to the second track; The screw rod has at least one movable end passing through it, and the movable end is a slide. A screw motor is arranged on the probe moving mechanism and drives the screw to rotate.

5. The cervical ultrasound imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A probe clamp is provided at the moving end of the probe moving mechanism; the probe is installed in the probe clamp.

6. The cervical ultrasound imaging device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The probe clamp comprises a probe mounting frame, and the probe is hinged to the probe mounting frame.

7. The cervical ultrasound imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circumferential movement mechanism includes a driving wheel shaft and a driving wheel; The second base is equipped with the driving wheel shaft; the driving wheel shaft is connected to the driving wheel; The driving wheel shaft is meshedly connected to the circumferential moving motor; There are at least two driving wheels, which are located on both sides of the first track.

8. A method for neck ultrasound imaging using the neck ultrasound imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: The probe is driven to move vertically on one side of the neck by the moving end of the probe moving mechanism, and the probe transmits and receives ultrasonic signals to obtain at least 2 frames of ultrasonic images on one side of the neck; The second base moves circumferentially relative to the neck along a first track installed on the first base, thereby driving the probe to move from one side of the neck to the other side of the neck; The probe is driven to move in a vertical direction on the other side of the neck by the moving end of the probe moving mechanism, and the probe transmits and receives ultrasonic signals to obtain at least 2 frames of ultrasonic images of the other side of the neck; A three-dimensional ultrasonic image of the neck is obtained according to the at least two frames of ultrasonic images of one side of the neck and the at least two frames of ultrasonic images of the other side of the neck.

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