Ultrasonic endoscope probe and ultrasonic endoscope system

Abstract

The present application discloses an ultrasonic endoscope probe and an ultrasonic endoscope system, wherein the ultrasonic endoscope probe includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in a circular array, and these ultrasonic transducers constitute a transducer array arranged in M ​​rows × N columns, that is, each column of the transducer array is composed of at least two ultrasonic transducers. Such a transducer array enables the ultrasonic endoscope probe to not only have good focusing ability in the array arrangement direction, but also to achieve acoustic focusing in the extension direction of each column of array elements by changing the aperture size, so that the ultrasonic endoscope probe can obtain uniform and consistent acoustic images in the near, middle and far fields, and compared with the ultrasonic endoscope probe in the prior art, the detection range of the ultrasonic endoscope probe is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of ultrasonic endoscopes, and more specifically, to an ultrasonic endoscope probe and an ultrasonic endoscope system. Background Art

[0002] Endoscopic Ultrasonography System (EUS) is a medical device that integrates ultrasound and endoscopy. When the insertion part of the ultrasound endoscope enters the body cavity, the ultrasound endoscope probe at the top of the insertion part directly scans the wall of the internal organs or adjacent organs, and obtains ultrasound images of various layers below the mucosa of the wall of the internal organs and the surrounding adjacent organs, such as the mediastinum, pancreas, bile duct and lymph nodes. It has great advantages in the staging of gastrointestinal tumors and the determination of the nature of tumors originating from the intestinal wall.

[0003] Early ultrasonic endoscope systems mainly adopted mechanical scanning, using a micro-motor to drive the connecting rod to drive the single ultrasonic transducer at the top of the ultrasonic endoscope to rotate 360°, thereby obtaining a circular tomographic ultrasound image perpendicular to the axis; this scanning method requires high-precision mechanical connections and drive equipment, is easy to damage, and the obtained ultrasound image is not stable enough.

[0004] In order to solve the above shortcomings of the ultrasonic endoscope system based on mechanical scanning to obtain ultrasonic images, researchers have developed a 360° electronic ring scanning ultrasonic probe, combined with a color Doppler ultrasonic diagnostic device using fully digital image processing technology, to achieve the purpose of new fully digital ultrasonic endoscope imaging. This ultrasonic endoscope system does not require the use of a DC motor drive, avoids the shortcomings of mechanical ring scanning ultrasonic endoscopes, and is suitable for clinical applications such as large-scale scanning, overall evaluation and judgment.

[0005] However, in actual application, it was found that this 360° electronic ring scanning ultrasound probe can only achieve good focusing ability in the array arrangement direction, and the detection range is relatively small. Summary of the invention

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides an ultrasonic endoscope probe and an ultrasonic endoscope system to solve the problem that the ultrasonic endoscope probe in the prior art can only obtain good focusing ability in the direction of the array element arrangement and has a small detection range.

[0007] To achieve the above technical objectives, the present application provides the following technical solutions:

[0008] An ultrasonic endoscope probe, comprising:

[0009] Hard part;

[0010] A plurality of ultrasonic transducers located on the outer surface of the hard portion and arranged in a ring array, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic transducers serve as array elements to form a transducer array arranged in M ​​rows × N columns, wherein M and N are both positive integers greater than 1;

[0011] The transducer array is used to control part or all of the array elements in the transducer array to work according to the working signal after receiving the working signal, so that the ultrasonic endoscope probe has a focal depth corresponding to the working signal.

[0012] Optionally, the hard portion is cylindrical in shape;

[0013] The extending direction of the array elements in the transducer array is a preset direction;

[0014] The preset direction is the radial direction of the hard part.

[0015] Optionally, M=3, and the first row of array elements and the third row of array elements in each column of array elements in the transducer array are electrically connected as the first connection end;

[0016] The second row of array elements in each column of array elements in the transducer array serves as a second connection end;

[0017] The first connection end and the second connection end are connected via a first switch, and a closed state of the first switch is controlled by the working signal.

[0018] Optionally, the lengths of the first row of array elements and the third row of array elements in the preset direction are the same and equal to half of the length of the second row of array elements in the preset direction.

[0019] Optionally, M=5, and the first row of array elements and the fifth row of array elements in each column of array elements in the transducer array are electrically connected as the first connection end;

[0020] The second row of array elements in each column of array elements in the transducer array is electrically connected to the fourth row of array elements as a second connection end;

[0021] The third row of array elements in each column of array elements in the transducer array serves as the third connection end.

[0022] Optionally, the sum of the lengths of the first row of array elements and the fifth row of array elements in each column of array elements in the transducer array in the preset direction is equal to the sum of the lengths of the second row of array elements and the fourth row of array elements in the preset direction, and is equal to half of the length of the third row of array elements in the preset direction.

[0023] Optionally, M>5, and each array element in the transducer array serves as a connection end to receive the working signal.

[0024] Optionally, the length of each array element in the transducer array in the preset direction is the same.

[0025] Optionally, the transducer array comprises: a plurality of positive electrodes arranged in a ring array;

[0026] A plurality of ultrasonic chips are located on the outer surface of the positive electrode, and the ultrasonic chips correspond to the positive electrodes one by one;

[0027] The common electrode layer is located on a side of the ultrasonic wafer away from the positive electrode.

[0028] Optionally, the transducer array further includes:

[0029] an acoustic backing located on a side of the plurality of positive electrodes facing away from the ultrasonic wafer;

[0030] A first matching layer and a second matching layer located at a side of the common electrode layer away from the ultrasonic wafer;

[0031] An acoustic lens is located on a side of the second matching layer facing away from the ultrasonic chip.

[0032] Optionally, also include:

[0033] an acoustic coupling capsule wrapping the outer side of the transducer array;

[0034] The acoustic coupling capsule is provided with coupling liquid.

[0035] An ultrasonic endoscope system comprises: an ultrasonic endoscope probe as described in any one of the above items.

[0036] It can be seen from the above technical scheme that the embodiment of the present application provides an ultrasonic endoscope probe and an ultrasonic endoscope system, wherein the ultrasonic endoscope probe includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in a circular array, and these ultrasonic transducers constitute a transducer array arranged in M ​​rows × N columns, that is, each column of the transducer array is composed of at least two ultrasonic transducers. Such a transducer array enables the ultrasonic endoscope probe to not only have good focusing ability in the array arrangement direction, but also to achieve acoustic focusing in the extension direction of each column of array elements by changing the aperture size, so that the ultrasonic endoscope probe can obtain uniform and consistent acoustic images in the near, middle and far fields. Compared with the ultrasonic endoscope probe in the prior art, the detection range of the ultrasonic endoscope probe is greatly improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying any creative work.

[0038] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of ultrasonic transducers in an ultrasonic endoscope probe in the prior art;

[0039] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a 360-degree radial image of an ultrasound echo;

[0040] Figure 3 A schematic three-dimensional diagram of an ultrasonic endoscope probe provided for one embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an arrangement of array elements in a transducer array provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an arrangement of array elements in a transducer array provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an arrangement of array elements in a transducer array provided in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an arrangement of array elements in a transducer array provided in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 8 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of electrical connection relationship of each column of array elements;

[0046] Fig. 9 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of electrical connection relationship of each column of array elements;

[0047] Fig.10 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of electrical connection relationship of each column of array elements;

[0048] Fig.11 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of electrical connection relationship of each column of array elements;

[0049] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of an ultrasonic endoscope probe provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Fig.13A schematic structural diagram of an ultrasonic endoscope probe provided for one embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Fig.14 A schematic structural diagram of an ultrasonic endoscope system provided for one embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the structure of a puncture needle provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the puncture needle assembly provided for one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] As described in the background technology, the 360° electronic annular scanning ultrasound probe in the prior art can only obtain good focusing ability in the array arrangement direction. Figure 1 , Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of an array of ultrasonic transducers in a 360° electronic annular scanning ultrasonic probe in the prior art. Figure 1 Dozens to hundreds of long ultrasonic transducers are used as array elements Z1 to form the transducer array of the ultrasonic probe. These array elements Z1 are evenly arranged in a circle along the radial direction. These array elements Z1 can be excited by electric pulses to obtain Figure 2 The 360° circular scanning image shown. This 360° electronic circular scanning ultrasound probe does not require the use of a DC motor drive, avoiding the shortcomings of a mechanical circular scanning ultrasound endoscope and is suitable for large-scale scanning to provide ultrasound images for overall evaluation and judgment of clinical diagnosis.

[0055] However, this 360° electronic annular scanning ultrasound probe can only be used in the array arrangement direction (i.e., the adjacent Figure 1 The higher electron focusing ability in the X-axis direction) cannot be achieved by Figure 1 The Y-axis direction (also the extension direction of the ultrasonic transducer) is used to adjust the aperture of the ultrasonic transducer to achieve acoustic focusing, so that the detection range of the 360° electronic annular scanning ultrasonic probe is relatively small.

[0056] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides an ultrasonic endoscope probe and an ultrasonic endoscope system, wherein the ultrasonic endoscope probe includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in a circular array, and these ultrasonic transducers constitute a transducer array arranged in M ​​rows × N columns, that is, each column of the transducer array is composed of at least two ultrasonic transducers. Such a transducer array enables the ultrasonic endoscope probe to not only have good focusing ability in the array arrangement direction, but also to achieve acoustic focusing in the extension direction of each column of array elements by changing the aperture size, so that the ultrasonic endoscope probe can obtain uniform and consistent acoustic images in the near, middle and far fields. Compared with the ultrasonic endoscope probe in the prior art, the detection range of the ultrasonic endoscope probe is greatly improved.

[0057] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0058] The present application embodiment provides an ultrasonic endoscope probe, such as Figure 3 As shown, the ultrasonic endoscope probe comprises:

[0059] Hard part 21a;

[0060] A plurality of ultrasonic transducers 20 arranged in a ring array on the outer surface of the hard portion 21a, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 20 serve as array elements to form a transducer array arranged in M ​​rows×N columns, wherein M and N are both positive integers greater than 1;

[0061] The transducer array is used to control part or all of the array elements in the transducer array to work according to the working signal after receiving the working signal, so that the ultrasonic endoscope probe has a focal depth corresponding to the working signal.

[0062] Figure 3 In addition to the hard portion 21a and the array elements in the transducer array, the figure also shows the bending portion 21 connected to the ultrasonic endoscope probe, the camera 36, ​​the light source 35, the jet hole 34, the water jet hole 33, the top opening 31b and the treatment instrument channel 31a arranged at the top of the ultrasonic endoscope probe; the needle tube of the puncture needle of the ultrasonic endoscope system is used to be set in the treatment instrument channel.

[0063] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic endoscope probe includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 20 arranged in a circular array, and these ultrasonic transducers 20 constitute a transducer array arranged in M ​​rows × N columns, that is, each column of the transducer array is composed of at least two ultrasonic transducers 20. Such a transducer array enables the ultrasonic endoscope probe to not only have good focusing ability in the array arrangement direction, but also to achieve acoustic focusing in the extension direction of each column of array elements by changing the aperture size, so that the ultrasonic endoscope probe can obtain uniform and consistent acoustic images in the near, middle and far fields. Compared with the ultrasonic endoscope probe in the prior art, the detection range of the ultrasonic endoscope probe is greatly improved.

[0064] Optional, still reference Figure 3 , the shape of the hard portion 21a is cylindrical;

[0065] The extending direction of the array elements in the transducer array is a preset direction;

[0066] The preset direction is the radial direction of the hard portion 21 a.

[0067] Optionally, the specific arrangement diagram of the transducer array is shown in Figures 4 to 7 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 The schemes of transducer array elements with different numbers of rows are shown respectively. Figures 4 to 7 In the figure, a right-handed coordinate system is established with the extension direction of the ultrasonic transducer 20 (i.e., the long side direction of the ultrasonic transducer 20) as the Y-axis extension direction, and the Y-axis extension direction of the coordinate system is the preset direction, which can also be called the height direction of the ultrasonic endoscope probe, and the X-axis extension direction is the extension direction of the "row" of array elements in the transducer array. That is, M rows represent the number of array elements in each column extending along the Y-axis direction, and N columns represent the number of array elements in each row extending along the X-axis direction.

[0068] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 8 , Figure 8 Shows Figure 4 The electrical connection mode of each column of array elements, in this embodiment, M=3, and the first row of array elements and the third row of array elements in each column of the transducer array are electrically connected as the first connection end;

[0069] The second row of array elements of each column of array elements in the transducer array serves as the second connection end, and preferably, the length of the second row of array elements in the preset direction is equal to the sum of the length of the first row of array elements in the preset direction and the length of the third row of array elements in the preset direction;

[0070] The first connection end and the second connection end are connected via a first switch K1 , and a closed state of the first switch K1 is controlled by the working signal.

[0071] In this embodiment, the array elements on both sides of the central array element in each column of array elements are symmetrically connected; preferably, the lengths of the first row of array elements and the third row of array elements in the preset direction are the same, and are equal to half of the length of the second row of array elements in the preset direction, so that the impedance of the first row of array elements and the third row of array elements after electrical connection is substantially consistent with the impedance of the second row of array elements, which facilitates impedance matching of the array elements in the transducer array; of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the lengths of the first row of array elements and the third row of array elements in the preset direction may also be different, and the length of the second row of array elements in the preset direction may not be twice the length of the first row of array elements or the second row of array elements in the preset direction, and the present application does not limit this.

[0072] In addition, in this embodiment, the change of the acoustic focusing depth of the ultrasonic endoscope probe can be achieved by controlling the working state of the array elements at different positions in each column of the array elements in the transducer array. Specifically, when the first switch is disconnected, only the second connection end is used to provide a working signal for the second row of array elements in each column of the array elements. At this time, the length of the working array elements in each column of the ultrasonic endoscope probe is relatively small, so that the acoustic focusing depth of the ultrasonic endoscope probe is relatively small; when the first switch is closed, the first connection end and the second connection end are used to simultaneously provide a working signal for all array elements in each column of the array elements. At this time, the length of the working array elements in each column of the ultrasonic endoscope probe is relatively large, so that the acoustic focusing depth of the ultrasonic endoscope probe is relatively large.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first connection end and the second connection end can be used as receiving ends to receive signals, or can be used as transmitting ends to transmit signals.

[0074] Optional, reference Figure 5 and Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 Shows Figure 5 The electrical connection mode of each column of array elements, in this embodiment, M=5, and the first row of array elements and the fifth row of array elements in each column of the transducer array are electrically connected as the first connection end 1;

[0075] The second row of array elements in each column of array elements in the transducer array is electrically connected to the fourth row of array elements as a second connection terminal 2;

[0076] The third row of array elements in each column of the transducer array serves as the third connection end 3; preferably, the sum of the lengths of the first row of array elements and the fifth row of array elements in each column of the transducer array in the preset direction is equal to the sum of the lengths of the second row of array elements and the fourth row of array elements in the preset direction, and is equal to half of the length of the third row of array elements in the preset direction.

[0077] and Figure 4 The transducer array shown is similar to that in Figure 5 In the transducer array shown, the array elements on both sides of the central array element in each column of array elements are symmetrically connected, and the length of the third row of array elements in each column of array elements in the transducer array in the preset direction is equal to twice the length of the first row of array elements, the second row of array elements, the fourth row of array elements and the fifth row of array elements in the preset direction, so that the impedance of the array elements symmetrically connected on both sides is basically consistent with the impedance of the third row of array elements, which facilitates the impedance matching of the array elements in the transducer array. Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the lengths of the first row of array elements, the second row of array elements, the fourth row of array elements and the fifth row of array elements in the preset direction may also be different, and the length of the third row of array elements in the preset direction may not be twice the lengths of the first row of array elements, the second row of array elements, the fourth row of array elements and the fifth row of array elements in the preset direction, and the present application does not limit this.

[0078] Similarly, in this embodiment, the acoustic focusing depth of the ultrasonic endoscope probe can be changed by controlling the delay time of the array elements at different positions in each column of the array elements in the transducer array. Specifically, the delay time of the first row of array elements and the fifth row of array elements in each column is the same, and the delay time of the second row of array elements and the fourth row of array elements is the same; in actual application, when a higher focusing depth is required, all array elements in each column of array elements can be controlled to be in a working state to excite the sound beam and receive the working signal; when it is necessary to reduce the focusing depth, the first row of array elements and the fifth row of array elements in each column of array elements can be controlled to stop working or the second row of array elements and the fourth row of array elements can be controlled to stop working; when it is necessary to reduce the focusing depth again, the first row of array elements, the second row of array elements, the fourth row of array elements and the fifth row of array elements in each column of array elements can be controlled to stop working.

[0079] Similarly, in this embodiment, the first connection end, the second connection end and the third connection end can be used as receiving ends to receive signals, and can also be used as transmitting ends to transmit signals.

[0080] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the sound beam excited by the ultrasonic transducer 20 probe can be focused in the XOZ plane.

[0081] Optional, reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 , Fig.10 Shows Figure 6 The electrical connection method of each row of array elements, Fig.11 Shows Figure 7 The electrical connection mode of each row of array elements in the transducer array; in this embodiment, M>5, and each array element in the transducer array serves as a connection end to receive the working signal;

[0082] Preferably, the length of each array element in the transducer array in the preset direction is the same. Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the length of each array element in the transducer array in the preset direction may also be different, and the present application does not limit this.

[0083] In this embodiment, all array elements in the transducer array are individually connected, that is, all array element channels are independent, and the change of the acoustic focusing depth and the deflection of the acoustic focusing direction of the ultrasonic endoscope probe can be achieved by controlling the excitation and receiving states of different array elements in the transducer array.

[0084] Figure 7 The number of array elements in each row is compared with Figure 6 The transducer array shown has a larger number of elements per row. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The acoustic beam of the transducer array shown can not only be focused in the XOZ plane, but also be deflected in the Y direction.

[0085] Similarly, the connection end in this embodiment can be used as a receiving end to receive signals, and can also be used as a transmitting end to transmit signals.

[0086] It should be noted that Figures 4 to 7 Several feasible arrangements of array elements in the transducer array are shown. In other embodiments of the present application, the value of M may also be 2, 4, or other values. The present application does not limit this, and the specific value depends on the actual situation.

[0087] Based on the above embodiments, an embodiment of the present application provides a specific structure of a transducer array, such as Fig.12 As shown, the transducer array includes: a plurality of positive electrodes 201 arranged in a circular array;

[0088] A plurality of ultrasonic chips 202 are located on the outer surface of the positive electrode 201, and the ultrasonic chips 202 correspond to the positive electrode 201 one by one;

[0089] The common electrode layer 203 is located on a side of the ultrasonic wafer 202 away from the positive electrode 201 .

[0090] The ultrasonic chip 202 can be any one of piezoelectric ceramics, ceramic composite materials, single crystal materials, single crystal composite materials, and CMUT.

[0091] Optional, still reference Fig.12 , the transducer array further comprises:

[0092] An acoustic backing 204 located on a side of the plurality of positive electrodes 201 away from the ultrasonic wafer 202;

[0093] A first matching layer 205 and a second matching layer 206 located on a side of the common electrode layer 203 away from the ultrasonic wafer 202;

[0094] The acoustic lens (attached) located on the side of the second matching layer 206 away from the ultrasonic chip 202 Fig.12 not shown).

[0095] besides, Fig.12 Also shown are epoxy resin 208 filled between the plurality of ultrasonic wafers and a circuit board 207 electrically connected to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 20 .

[0096] The multiple positive electrodes, multiple ultrasonic chips and the common electrode layer are the main functional structures of the transducer array. The multiple positive electrodes and the multiple ultrasonic chips share a common electrode layer to form multiple array-arranged ultrasonic transducers.

[0097] The acoustic backing has an attenuation effect on the acoustic energy emitted backward by the ultrasonic probe on the one hand, and has a supporting effect on the entire probe on the other hand, which is beneficial to the outward transmission of the acoustic beam in the form of a short signal excited by the ultrasonic chip, and is beneficial to improving the resolution of the ultrasonic endoscope probe;

[0098] The first matching layer and the second matching layer are conducive to improving the impedance matching degree between the ultrasonic transducer 20 and the measured human body;

[0099] The acoustic lens is used to improve the focusing degree of the acoustic beam excited by the ultrasonic chip, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the ultrasonic endoscope probe.

[0100] Optionally, in another embodiment of the present application, Fig.13 As shown, the ultrasonic endoscope probe also includes:

[0101] An acoustic coupling capsule 90 wrapping the outside of the transducer array;

[0102] The acoustic coupling capsule 90 is provided with coupling liquid.

[0103] The acoustic coupling capsule 90 is generally made of silicone rubber or similar materials with low acoustic attenuation and biocompatibility, and is required to have a certain elasticity and be able to withstand a certain pressure.

[0104] The coupling liquid can be deionized water or a liquid with a similar impedance to that of the human body. The acoustic coupling capsule is beneficial to further improve the impedance matching between the ultrasonic endoscope probe and the measured human body, and is beneficial to the outward propagation of the excited acoustic beam.

[0105] The ultrasonic endoscope system provided in an embodiment of the present application is described below, and the parts related to the ultrasonic endoscope probe described below can be referenced in correspondence with the above.

[0106] Correspondingly, such as Figures 14 to 16 As shown, the ultrasonic endoscope system includes a display device 5, an ultrasonic observation device 4 and an insertion portion 24;

[0107] The top end of the insertion portion 24 is used to set the ultrasonic endoscope probe;

[0108] The ultrasonic endoscope probe is the ultrasonic endoscope probe as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0109] In addition, the ultrasonic endoscope system further includes: an operation portion 22 provided at the base end of the insertion portion 24, a universal cable 13 extending from the side of the operation portion 22, and a light source cable 16 branching from the middle of the universal cable 13;

[0110] An ultrasonic connector 14a is provided at the base end of the cable 14 of the ultrasonic endoscope probe. The ultrasonic connector 14a can be attached to and detached from the ultrasonic observation device 4. An endoscope connector 16a is provided at the base end of the light source cable 16. The endoscope connector 16a can be attached to and detached from the light source device 6 and the video processor device.

[0111] A treatment instrument through-hole 27a is provided at the distal end side of the operation portion 22. The treatment instrument through-hole 27a is connected to a treatment instrument channel 31a (see reference 21) provided in the insertion portion 24. Figure 3 ) is connected. The treatment tool through hole 27a has a pipe joint, and a fixing ring 30 is connected to the pipe joint. The fixing ring 30 is set on the handle part 31 of the puncture needle 3. The fixing ring 30 can be installed and removed relative to the pipe joint. In addition, the needle tube 80 of the puncture needle 3 passes through the treatment tool through hole 27a and passes through the treatment tool channel 31a (see reference Figure 3 , Fig.14 and Fig.15The insertion portion 24 is provided with a distal end hard portion 21a, a bending portion 21, and a flexible tube portion 23 in order from the distal end side. For example, the insertion portion 24 can be actively bent in the vertical and horizontal directions by operating the bending operation knobs 28a and 28b. The flexible tube portion 23 has flexibility.

[0112] The treatment instrument channel 31a has a distal opening 31b on the distal surface 21d of the distal hard portion 21a. The treatment instrument channel 31a can be inserted with a treatment instrument for puncture or the like around the central axis near the distal opening 31b.

[0113] In summary, the embodiments of the present application provide an ultrasonic endoscope probe and an ultrasonic endoscope system, wherein the ultrasonic endoscope probe includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in a circular array, and these ultrasonic transducers constitute a transducer array arranged in M ​​rows × N columns, that is, each column of the transducer array is composed of at least two ultrasonic transducers. Such a transducer array enables the ultrasonic endoscope probe to not only have good focusing ability in the array arrangement direction, but also to achieve acoustic focusing in the extension direction of each column of array elements by changing the aperture size, so that the ultrasonic endoscope probe can obtain uniform and consistent acoustic images in the near, middle and far fields. Compared with the ultrasonic endoscope probe in the prior art, the detection range of the ultrasonic endoscope probe is greatly improved.

[0114] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0115] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to implement or use the present application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application will not be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but will conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic endoscope probe, characterized in that: include: Hard part; A plurality of ultrasonic transducers located on the outer surface of the hard portion and arranged in a ring array, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic transducers serve as array elements to form a transducer array arranged in M ​​rows × N columns, wherein M and N are both positive integers greater than 1; The extending direction of the array element columns in the transducer array is a preset direction, the preset direction is the long side direction of the ultrasonic transducer, and the preset direction is the height direction of the ultrasonic endoscope probe; M=3, and the first row of array elements and the third row of array elements in each column of the transducer array are electrically connected as a first connection end; The second row of array elements in each column of array elements in the transducer array serves as a second connection end; The first connection end and the second connection end are connected via a first switch, and a closed state of the first switch is controlled by a working signal. The lengths of the first row of array elements and the third row of array elements in the preset direction are the same and equal to half the length of the second row of array elements in the preset direction; Or M=5, and the first row of array elements and the fifth row of array elements in each column of array elements in the transducer array are electrically connected as the first connection end; The second row of array elements in each column of array elements in the transducer array is electrically connected to the fourth row of array elements as a second connection end; The third row of array elements in each column of array elements in the transducer array serves as a third connection end, The sum of the lengths of the first row of array elements and the fifth row of array elements in each column of array elements in the transducer array in the preset direction is equal to the sum of the lengths of the second row of array elements and the fourth row of array elements in the preset direction, and is equal to half the length of the third row of array elements in the preset direction; The transducer array is used to control part or all of the array elements in the transducer array to work according to the working signal after receiving the working signal, so that the ultrasonic endoscope probe has a focal depth corresponding to the working signal.

2. The ultrasonic endoscope probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hard portion is cylindrical in shape.

3. The ultrasonic endoscope probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transducer array comprises: a plurality of positive electrodes arranged in a ring array; A plurality of ultrasonic chips are located on the outer surface of the positive electrode, and the ultrasonic chips correspond to the positive electrodes one by one; The common electrode layer is located on a side of the ultrasonic wafer away from the positive electrode.

4. The ultrasonic endoscope probe according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transducer array further comprises: an acoustic backing located on a side of the plurality of positive electrodes facing away from the ultrasonic wafer; A first matching layer and a second matching layer located at a side of the common electrode layer away from the ultrasonic wafer; An acoustic lens is located on a side of the second matching layer facing away from the ultrasonic chip.

5. The ultrasonic endoscope probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: an acoustic coupling capsule wrapping the outer side of the transducer array; The acoustic coupling capsule is provided with coupling liquid.

6. An ultrasonic endoscope system, characterized in that: include: An ultrasonic endoscope probe as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images