A tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe and medical equipment

Abstract

The present invention discloses a tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe and medical equipment, which relate to the technical field of medical equipment, and include an ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and a tactile module, wherein the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module includes a piezoelectric sensor array element layer, and the tactile module includes a tactile sensor array element layer, wherein the piezoelectric sensor array element layer and the tactile sensor array element layer are arranged on the same layer. The present invention fuses the morphological structure image obtained by ultrasonic detection with the tissue elasticity image obtained by the tactile imaging system to improve the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical equipment, and in particular to a tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe and medical equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultrasonic detection is used in many occasions such as medical diagnosis, treatment and ultrasonic flaw detection. As an example of medical equipment, an ultrasonic imaging device transmits an ultrasonic signal from the surface of the object body toward the target part of the object, and uses the information of the reflected (or transmitted) ultrasonic signal (ultrasonic echo signal) to obtain a tomographic image of soft tissue or an image of blood flow in a non-invasive manner. Compared with other image diagnostic equipment such as X-ray diagnostic equipment, X-ray computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment and nuclear medicine diagnostic equipment, the ultrasonic imaging system is small in size, low in price, allows real-time display of images, and has no radiation exposure. It has high safety and is widely used in the diagnosis of cardiac or abdominal areas, urinary system and obstetric / gynecological diseases.

[0003] The palpation imaging system adopts the principle of tissue elasticity imaging, imitates the doctor's palpation process, and converts the pressure signal of clinical palpation into a fully digital electronic signal through a pressure (tactile) sensing tactile probe. It can immediately generate an image of the surface pressure distribution and display a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image of the lesion in real time.

[0004] In clinical diagnosis, images of a single modality often cannot provide doctors with sufficient information they need, which affects the accuracy of the diagnosis. Images of different modalities require patients to go to multiple places for testing separately, and then the doctor makes a diagnosis based on the test results, resulting in low diagnostic efficiency. [Summary of the invention]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe, which fuses the morphological structure image obtained by ultrasonic detection and the tissue elasticity image obtained by the palpation imaging system to improve the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe comprises an ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module for collecting ultrasonic signals and a tactile module for collecting tactile pressure signals. The tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe has several layers. The ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module comprises a piezoelectric sensor array element layer, and the tactile module comprises a tactile sensing array element layer. The piezoelectric sensor array element layer and the tactile sensing array element layer are arranged on the same layer.

[0008] Optionally, the piezoelectric sensor array element layer includes piezoelectric material, and the tactile sensor array element layer includes a plurality of tactile sensors, and the plurality of tactile sensors are arranged in a plane where the piezoelectric material is located.

[0009] Optionally, the piezoelectric material is a piezoelectric crystal or a composite piezoelectric material.

[0010] Optionally, the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe has a signal transmission end. Along the end of the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe that contacts the patient being detected to the signal transmission end of the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe, the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module sequentially includes an acoustic lens layer, a matching layer and a backing material layer, and the piezoelectric sensor array element layer is located between the matching layer and the backing material layer.

[0011] Optionally, the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe includes a support frame for supporting and fixing the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile module, and the backing material layer of the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module is installed on the support frame.

[0012] Optionally, the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe has a wireless communication module, and the ultrasonic signal collected by the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile pressure signal collected by the tactile module are output through the wireless communication module.

[0013] Optionally, the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe has a signal line, and the ultrasonic signal collected by the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile pressure signal collected by the tactile module are output through the signal line.

[0014] Optionally, the signal line passes through the support frame to connect the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile module.

[0015] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The technical solution provided by the present invention can integrate ultrasound and palpation imaging. While providing ultrasound morphological and structural images, the tactile module can also obtain a large amount of information such as the morphology, hardness, size, margins, mobility, internal homogeneity of the tumor, etc. of the diseased mass, thereby realizing the organic combination of anatomical structure information and functional information, and comprehensively expressing information from multiple imaging sources on one image at the same time. This not only improves the accuracy of diagnosis, but also makes it easier for doctors to understand the comprehensive situation of diseased tissues or organs, make more accurate diagnoses or develop more scientific and optimized treatment plans. At the same time, there is no need for patients to go to multiple places for testing, which reduces the burden on patients and improves the efficiency of diagnosis.

[0017] In addition, the present invention also provides a medical device, which includes the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe described in any one of the above.

[0018] Optionally, the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile module transmit signals to the medical device, and the medical device performs imaging according to the signals.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the medical device provided by the present invention are similar to the reasoning process of the beneficial effects of the aforementioned tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe, and will not be repeated here.

[0020] These features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and drawings. The best embodiments or means of the present invention will be described in detail in conjunction with the drawings, but they are not intended to limit the technical solutions of the present invention. In addition, there are multiple features, elements, and components that appear in each of the following texts and drawings, and different symbols or numbers are marked for convenience, but they all represent components with the same or similar structures or functions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figures 2 to 6 It is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the tactile sensors in the plane where the piezoelectric material is located in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Specific implementation method]

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention are explained and described below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, but the following embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, not all. Based on the embodiments in the implementation mode, other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0026] References in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an example" or "an example" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment itself may be included in at least one embodiment of the present patent disclosure. The appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0027] Embodiment 1:

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe, which is mainly used for breast cancer detection. The tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe 1 has several layers, including an ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module for collecting ultrasonic signals and a tactile module for collecting tactile pressure signals.

[0029] The ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module includes an acoustic lens layer 11, a matching layer 12, a piezoelectric sensor array element layer 13 and a backing material layer 14. The acoustic lens layer 11 is the end that directly contacts the patient to be detected, and is used to focus in the horizontal and / or vertical directions. The matching layer 12 is used to reduce the multiple reflections caused by the difference in acoustic impedance between the skin and the acoustic lens layer 11. The piezoelectric sensor array element layer 13 includes a piezoelectric material 131, which can be a piezoelectric crystal or a composite piezoelectric material. Its geometric shape and size can be designed according to the diagnostic scenario and requirements, including convex arrays, linear arrays and other shapes, which are not limited here. The piezoelectric sensor array element layer 13 is used to transmit / receive ultrasonic waves, complete the acoustic-electric and electroacoustic conversion work, and can convert electrical signals into ultrasonic signals and ultrasonic signals into electrical signals, that is, it has the dual functions of ultrasonic transmission and reception. When powered on, the piezoelectric material 131 can produce elastic deformation, thereby generating ultrasonic waves; in the opposite case, when ultrasonic waves pass through the piezoelectric material 131, elastic deformation can be generated, which in turn causes a change in voltage. The backing material layer 14 is used to reduce the vibration from the piezoelectric material 131, shorten the wavelength and improve the axial resolution. The ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module generates the required image by controlling the ultrasonic signal it transmits or using the received ultrasonic signal, and allows real-time display of the image without radiation exposure, which is highly safe.

[0030] The tactile module includes a tactile sensor array element layer 17, which includes a plurality of tactile sensors 171. The physical pressure signal of clinical palpation is converted into a digital signal by using the principle of tissue elasticity imaging, and an image of surface pressure distribution can be immediately generated, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of the lesion can be displayed in real time. When the entire tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe 1 touches the breast and applies a certain pressure, the tactile sensor 171, that is, the pressure sensor can obtain the reaction force generated by tissues of different hardness, and then the information of these forces is detected by the palpation probe and converted into electrical signals through the circuit. The image features formed by the digital signal generated by the tactile module are clear and definite, and a large amount of information such as the shape, hardness, size, margin, activity, and internal homogeneity of the lesion mass can be obtained, which is easy to identify and analyze, and can be recorded and replayed in real time.

[0031] The piezoelectric sensor array element layer 13 and the tactile sensor array element layer 17 are arranged in the same layer. Specifically, a plurality of tactile sensors 171 are arranged in the plane where the piezoelectric material 131 is located, and the arrangement is as follows: Figures 2 to 6 As shown:

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the tactile sensors 171 are arranged vertically and spaced apart in the piezoelectric material 131;

[0033] like Figure 3As shown, the tactile sensors 171 are arranged in a transversely spaced manner within the piezoelectric material 131;

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, the tactile sensors 171 are arranged in a ring-shaped manner and spaced apart in the piezoelectric material 131;

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown, the tactile sensors 171 are arranged in a square ring array within the piezoelectric material 131;

[0036] like Figure 6 As shown, the tactile sensors 171 are arranged in a circular array within the piezoelectric material 131 .

[0037] The geometric shape of the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe 1 can be divided into rectangular probes, various shaped probes at the column section, convex (also known as arc) probes, circular probes, etc. according to the use scenario, and also includes a support frame 15. The support frame 15 is used to support and fix the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile module.

[0038] The tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe 1 has a signal transmission end. The ultrasonic signal collected by the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile pressure signal collected by the tactile module can be output in a wired or wireless manner. When the wireless mode is used for output, wifi, Bluetooth and other wireless transmission modes can be used, which are not limited here. When the wired mode is used for output, the signal line 16 of the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe 1 passes through the support frame 15 to connect the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile module. In this embodiment, the backing material layer 14 of the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module is installed on the support frame 15. Along the direction from the acoustic lens layer 11 to the signal line 16, the layers of the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module are arranged in sequence as follows: the acoustic lens layer 11, the matching layer 12, the piezoelectric sensor element layer 13 and the backing material layer 14, that is, the piezoelectric sensor element layer is located between the matching layer 12 and the backing material layer 14. The acoustic lens layer 11, the matching layer 12 and the piezoelectric sensor element layer 13 are installed on the support frame 15 through the backing material layer 14.

[0039] The tactile ultrasound medical detection probe 1 provided in this embodiment can integrate the ultrasound detection mode and the tactile imaging mode. While providing the ultrasound image, the tactile module can also obtain a large amount of information such as the shape, hardness, size, margin, mobility, internal homogeneity of the tumor, etc. of the diseased mass, thereby realizing the organic combination of anatomical information and functional information, and comprehensively expressing information from multiple imaging sources on one image at the same time. This not only improves the accuracy of diagnosis, but also facilitates doctors to understand the comprehensive situation of diseased tissues or organs, make more accurate diagnoses or formulate more scientific and optimized treatment plans. At the same time, it does not require patients to go to multiple places for testing, thereby reducing the burden on patients and improving the efficiency of diagnosis.

[0040] Embodiment 2

[0041] like Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment provides a medical device, and the medical device 2 includes the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe described in Embodiment 1. The ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile module transmit signals to the medical device 2, and the medical device 2 performs imaging according to the signals.

[0042] The tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe 1 is connected to the breast cancer detector by wired connection or wireless connection. When a wired connection is adopted, the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe 1 is directly powered by the medical device 2. When a wireless connection is adopted, a battery is used to power the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe 1.

[0043] When the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe 1 is used, firstly, a coupling agent is applied to the surface of the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe 1, and then the surface of the tissue to be inspected is lightly pressed. The ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile module receive the ultrasonic signal and the tactile signal of the tissue respectively, and then the received signal is sent to the medical device 2. The transmission method can be wired transmission or wireless transmission, which is not limited here. After being processed by the medical device 2, an ultrasonic image 21 and a palpation image 22 of the inspected tissue are obtained. The ultrasonic image 21 displays the anatomical information of the tissue, and the tactile module can detect the position of the tissue. The palpation image 22 formed includes a variety of different forms of display, such as a two-dimensional plane map and a three-dimensional grid map. The two-dimensional plane map shows the hardness and edge information of the detected tissue. Generally, the darker the color, the greater the hardness of the lesion. The three-dimensional grid map shows the edge of the lesion, the size of the hardness meter, a single nodule or multiple nodules. The higher the height, the greater the hardness, and the larger the base, the larger the size.

[0044] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention includes but is not limited to the contents described in the drawings and the above specific embodiments. Any modification that does not deviate from the functional and structural principles of the present invention will be included in the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe, characterized in that: The tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe comprises an ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module for collecting ultrasonic signals and a tactile module for collecting tactile pressure signals. The tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe has several layers. The ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module comprises a piezoelectric sensor array element layer. The tactile module comprises a tactile sensing array element layer. The piezoelectric sensor array element layer and the tactile sensing array element layer are arranged on the same layer. The piezoelectric sensor array element layer comprises a piezoelectric material, and the piezoelectric material is a piezoelectric crystal or a composite piezoelectric material. The tactile sensing array element layer comprises a plurality of tactile sensors, and the plurality of tactile sensors are arranged at intervals in the piezoelectric material. The tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe has a signal transmission end, and a signal is transmitted along the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe. From the end in contact with the detected patient to the signal transmission end, the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module includes an acoustic lens layer, a matching layer and a backing material layer in sequence, the piezoelectric sensor element layer is located between the matching layer and the backing material layer, and the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe has a wireless communication module, and the ultrasonic signal collected by the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile pressure signal collected by the tactile module are output through the wireless communication module, wherein the detection results of the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile module are displayed on the same image, and the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe includes a support frame for supporting and fixing the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile module, and the backing material layer of the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module is installed on the support frame.

2. The tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe has a signal line, and the ultrasonic signal collected by the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile pressure signal collected by the tactile module are output through the signal line.

3. The tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal line passes through the support frame to connect the ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile module.

4. A medical device, characterized in that: The medical device comprises the tactile ultrasonic medical detection probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The medical device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The ultrasonic piezoelectric detection module and the tactile module transmit signals to the medical device, and the medical device performs imaging according to the signals.

Images