Ultrasonic treatment instrument device and driving method thereof

Abstract

This invention provides an ultrasonic treatment device and its driving method capable of rapidly raising the temperature of a structure using existing devices and equipment. Ultrasonic transducers (51a, 51b) emit ultrasonic waves. An ultrasonic drive unit (19) drives the ultrasonic transducers (51a, 51b) to propagate the ultrasonic waves in the structure (S) along a first direction (D1) from one side to the other, and along a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1). The ultrasonic drive unit (19) changes the frequency of the ultrasonic transducers (51a, 51b) to drive the ultrasonic transducers (51a, 51b) so that the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducers (51a, 51b) becomes a maximum current value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ultrasonic treatment device and its driving method for sealing structures such as blood vessels after the temperature of the structure is raised. Background Technology

[0002] In the medical field, it is known to use ultrasonic treatment devices that generate ultrasonic vibrations to perform various treatments on subjects. Patent Document 1 describes an ultrasonic treatment device that includes a pair of gripping parts for holding structures such as blood vessels and an ultrasonic transducer. Ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted through the gripping parts to perform treatments such as sealing or cutting blood vessels. The ultrasonic transducer is composed of various devices such as piezoelectric materials, converting the supplied electricity into ultrasonic vibrations.

[0003] Previous technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 055870 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] In ultrasonic treatment devices as described in Patent Document 1 above, structures such as blood vessels are sealed by a gripping part. Therefore, it is necessary to raise the temperature of the gripping part to the denaturation temperature of proteins, such as approximately 60°C to 90°C, within a short period of time. To achieve this rapid temperature increase, it is necessary to supply the ultrasonic transducer with the largest possible power. Therefore, it is desirable to supply a large amount of power to the ultrasonic transducer using existing devices or equipment, without requiring a separate device for supplying such a large amount of power, so that the temperature of the structure can rise rapidly.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ultrasonic treatment device and its driving method that, when ultrasonic waves are propagated to a structure and the temperature of the structure rises, can raise the temperature of the structure in a short time using existing devices and equipment without the need for a separate device for supplying large amounts of electricity.

[0009] means for solving technical problems

[0010] The ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the present invention comprises: a holding part for holding a structure within a subject body by means of a pair of holding plates disposed at a front end; an ultrasonic transducer disposed at least one of the pair of holding plates and emitting ultrasonic waves; and a processor for driving the ultrasonic transducer to propagate ultrasonic waves in the structure along a first direction from one side to the other and along a second direction opposite to the first direction, and performing a frequency variation mode of driving the ultrasonic transducer to change the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer so that the current value flowing through the ultrasonic transducer becomes a maximum current value.

[0011] Preferably, in a frequency variation mode, the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer is varied within a frequency range including the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic transducer. Preferably, the processor monitors the current values ​​of a repetitive portion of a first range of waveforms representing the current value of ultrasound in a first direction and a second range of waveforms representing the current value of ultrasound in a second direction, and controls the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer to maintain the current value of the repetitive portion as the maximum current value. Preferably, the structure includes a blood vessel. Preferably, it is an endoscopic treatment instrument inserted into the patient's body via a forceps channel of an endoscope.

[0012] The present invention relates to a driving method for an ultrasonic treatment device, wherein the ultrasonic treatment device has a holding part for holding a structure within a test body by means of a pair of holding plates disposed at the front end, and an ultrasonic transducer disposed at least one of the pair of holding plates and emitting ultrasonic waves. The driving method for the ultrasonic treatment device includes the following steps: a processor for driving the ultrasonic transducer in such a way that the ultrasonic waves propagate in the structure along a first direction from one side to the other and along a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a frequency variation mode for driving the ultrasonic transducer by changing the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer within a predetermined frequency range related to the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer, so that the current value flowing through the ultrasonic transducer becomes a maximum current value.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, when ultrasonic waves are propagated to a structure and the temperature of the structure rises, it is not necessary to use a separate device for supplying large amounts of electricity; the temperature of the structure can be raised in a short time using existing devices and equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of an endoscope system.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a front view of the endoscope and the ultrasonic treatment device of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3This is a sectional view of the main part of the ultrasonic treatment device, showing the closed (A) and open (B) states of the control part.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional diagram of an ultrasonic treatment device with the control section closed.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of an ultrasonic treatment device with the control section open.

[0020] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 (A) sectional view of VI-VI wire cutting.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing the outline of the ultrasonic drive unit.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a flowchart representing the process of frequency variation patterns.

[0023] Figure 9 It is a curve representing the waveform of the current value emitted from the ultrasonic transducer.

[0024] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic treatment device for holding a structure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope system 10 includes an endoscope 12, a light source device 14, a processor device 15, a display 16, a user interface 17, and an ultrasonic treatment device 20. The endoscope 12 captures images of the object being observed. The light source device 14 emits illumination light that shines onto the object being observed. The processor device 15 performs system control of the endoscope system 10. The display 16 is a display unit that displays observation images based on the endoscope images. The user interface 17 includes a mouse, touchpad, keyboard, etc., and is an input device for setting inputs to the processor device 15, etc.

[0026] The endoscope 12 is optically connected to the light source device 14 and electrically connected to the processor device 15. The endoscope 12 has an insertion portion 12a for insertion into the patient, an endoscope operation portion 12b provided at the base of the insertion portion 12a, a bending portion 12c provided at the front end of the insertion portion 12a, and a front end portion 12d. By operating the bend knob 12e of the endoscope operation portion 12b, the bending portion 12c bends. As a result, the front end portion 12d faces the desired direction. Furthermore, in addition to the bend knob 12e, the endoscope operation portion 12b also has a clamping port 21 (see reference). Figure 2The clamp opening 21 is the inlet for inserting the ultrasonic treatment device 18. The ultrasonic treatment device 18, inserted into the clamp opening 21, exits from the clamp outlet 22 at the front end 12d (see reference). Figure 2 )protrude.

[0027] Although not shown in the diagram, an observation window and an illumination window are provided on the front end face of the front end 12d. An image sensor (not shown) is disposed inside the observation window, and an optical fiber (not shown) is disposed inside the illumination window. The signal line of the image sensor and the optical fiber are connected to the processor device 15 and the light source device 14, respectively.

[0028] The processor device 15 is electrically connected to the display 16 and the user interface 17. The processor device 15 performs image processing on endoscopic images captured by the image sensor and displays them on the display 16. The ultrasonic treatment device 20 includes a forceps channel 23 via the endoscope (see reference). Figure 2 An ultrasonic treatment device 18, one of the endoscopic treatment devices inserted into the body of the patient, and an ultrasonic drive unit 19 that supplies power to the ultrasonic treatment device 18.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, a forceps channel 23 for inserting a penetrating ultrasonic treatment instrument 18 is provided in the insertion part 12a. One end of the forceps channel 23 is connected to the forceps outlet 22, and the other end is connected to the forceps passage 21 provided in the endoscope operation part 12b. A forceps latch 24 is provided in the forceps passage 21. Furthermore, the forceps channel 23 also serves as a path for conveying cleaning fluids such as water from the forceps outlet 22 and for aspirating bodily fluids such as blood and internal metabolic waste. Ultrasonic drive part 19 (reference) Figure 1 Power is supplied to the ultrasonic transducer 51 of the ultrasonic treatment device 18 (described later).

[0030] The ultrasonic treatment device 18 is an endoscopic treatment device that is inserted into the patient's body along with the insertion part 12a via the forceps channel 23. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic treatment device 18 is cited as an endoscopic treatment device combined with the endoscope 12, but it is not limited to this. Treatment devices such as biopsy forceps, strangulation instruments, or electrosurgical scalpels are also combined with the endoscope 12.

[0031] The ultrasonic treatment device 18 includes a flexible sheath 31 and an operating line 32 (for reference). Figure 3 ), Holding part 33, Ultrasonic transducer unit 34 (reference) Figure 3 The endoscope 12 includes an operating section 35 for handling instruments. A flexible sheath 31 is a tubular sheath made of a flexible material such as soft resin and is inserted into the forceps channel 23 of the endoscope 12. An operating cable 32 is integrally formed with the gripping section 33 and is inserted through the flexible sheath 31.

[0032] The operating part 35 for the treatment device includes an operating part body 36 and a slider 37 slidably supported on the operating part body 36. The operating part body 36 is connected to the base end of the flexible sheath 31. The operating part body 36 is provided with a finger rest 36A, a cylindrical part 36B, and a connector part 36C. The cylindrical part 36B extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the flexible sheath 31. The slider 37 engages with the cylindrical part 36B and slides along the cylindrical part 36B and along the axial direction of the flexible sheath 31. When performing treatment on a patient, the user's thumb rests on the finger rest 36A, and the same user's index and middle fingers rest on the slider 37. The base end of the operating line 32 is fixed in the slider 37. Therefore, the operating line 32 moves in a pushing and pulling motion along its axial direction within the flexible sheath 31 as the slider 37 slides. The connector part 36C is connected to the ultrasonic drive part 19 (see reference). Figure 1 Electrical connection.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the gripping part 33 is provided at the front end of the flexible sheath 31 and includes a pair of gripping plates 41 arranged vertically, a linkage mechanism 42, and a support member 43 supporting them. An ultrasonic transducer unit 34 is provided on the inner surfaces 41A of the pair of gripping plates 41 facing each other. Furthermore, when the gripping part 33 is closed, the inner surfaces 41A of the pair of gripping plates 41 abut against each other. Thus, structures such as blood vessels (see reference 31) can be held in place. Figure 5 The gripping part 33 is held in a manner that it is sandwiched between a pair of gripping plates 41. The pair of gripping plates 41 constituting the gripping part 33 can be opened and closed in the vertical direction with the support shaft 41B as the center. The support shaft 41B is supported on the support member 43. The gripping plates 41 are each formed in a semi-cylindrical shape so that the outer peripheral surface is a continuous cylindrical shape when the gripping part 33 is closed.

[0034] The linkage mechanism 42 includes a linkage plate 42A, a connecting pin 42B, and a mounting pin 42C. One end of the linkage plate 42A is connected to a pair of gripping plates 41 via the connecting pin 42B. The gripping plates 41 are connected to the linkage plate 42A at their base ends, which is closer to the base end than the support shaft 41B. The other end of the linkage plate 42A is connected to a connecting member 32A located at the front end of the operating line 32 via the mounting pin 42C. The mounting pin 42C rotatably connects the linkage plate 42A relative to the connecting member 32A.

[0035] The connecting member 32A is cylindrical in shape. It passes through the through hole 43A of the support member 43 and is partially located inside the flexible sheath 31. The support member 43 is generally cylindrical and is fixed to the front end of the flexible sheath 31. The support member 43 has a notch 43B cut from the front end. A pair of gripping plates 41 and a connecting rod plate 42A move inside the notch 43B, so the support member 43 does not obstruct the movement of the gripping plates 41 and the connecting rod plate 42A.

[0036] The linkage mechanism 42 converts the linear motion based on the push-pull action of the operating line 32 into rotational motion, causing the handle 41 to open and close. That is, if the slider 37 is pulled towards the finger rest 36A, then... Figure 3 (A) and Figure 4 As shown, the gripping piece 41 is closed, and the gripping part 33 is in a closed state. Conversely, if the slider 37 is pushed towards the gripping part 33, then as shown... Figure 3 (B) and Figure 5 As shown, the holding piece 41 is open and the holding part 33 is in the open state.

[0037] like Figure 6 As shown, the ultrasonic transducer unit 34 is constructed by stacking ultrasonic transducers 51 (reference). Figure 7 It is composed of a backing material layer 52 and an acoustic matching layer 53.

[0038] The ultrasonic transducer 51 consists of two opposing ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b. The ultrasonic transducer 51a is composed of a piezoelectric material 54a (also called a piezoelectric element) and electrodes 56a and 57a. The piezoelectric material 54a is formed in a plate shape. The electrodes 56a and 57a are formed in a plate shape thinner than the piezoelectric material 54a and are stacked on both sides of the piezoelectric material 54a. The ultrasonic transducer 51a is arranged parallel to the inner surface 41A of the holding plate 41 so as to face the blood vessel or other structure held by the holding part 33. Furthermore, the vibration direction Dk of the ultrasonic transducer 51 is parallel to the stacking direction Dx of the piezoelectric material 54a and the electrodes 56a and 57a. Furthermore, when the structure S is held by the holding part 33, the ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transducer 51a vibrate in the first direction D1 (from the ultrasonic transducer 51a toward the ultrasonic transducer 51b) along the cross-sectional direction of the structure S, and the ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transducer 51b vibrate in the second direction D2 (from the ultrasonic transducer 51b toward the ultrasonic transducer 51a) (see reference). Figure 10 For example, when structure S is set as living simulation material 73, the cross-sectional direction Dp of living simulation material 73 becomes the cross-sectional direction of structure S (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0039] Electrodes 56a and 57a are connected to connector 36C (reference) of operating section 35 for processing device via signal cables (not shown). Figure 2The signal cable is routed, for example, along the inner or outer circumferential surface of the flexible sheath 31. When the ultrasonic drive unit 19 is connected to the connector section 36C, the electrodes 56a and 57a are electrically connected to the ultrasonic drive unit 19 via the signal cable and the connector section 36C. One of the electrodes 56a and 57a is connected to the ground wire via the signal cable, etc., and the ultrasonic drive unit 19 supplies the other with power of the AC voltage signal described later. In addition, the ultrasonic transducer 51b is composed of a piezoelectric material 54b and electrodes 56b and 57b. The piezoelectric material 54b is the same as the piezoelectric material 54a, and the electrodes 56b and 57b are the same as the electrodes 56a and 57a.

[0040] The acoustic matching layer 53 is provided to achieve acoustic impedance matching between the patient's body and the ultrasonic transducer 51. The acoustic matching layer 53 is disposed on the outside of the ultrasonic transducer 51, and strictly speaking, overlaps with respect to the ultrasonic transducer 51 on the side facing the structure held by the holding part 33. That is, the acoustic matching layer 53 is disposed at a position exposed from the inner surface 41A of the holding piece 41.

[0041] By incorporating the acoustic matching layer 53, the transmittance of ultrasound waves can be improved. As the material for the acoustic matching layer 53, an organic material whose acoustic impedance value is closer to that of the patient's human body than the piezoelectric material of the ultrasound transducer 48 can be used. Specifically, examples of materials for the acoustic matching layer 53 include epoxy resins, silicone rubber, polyimide, and polyethylene. Furthermore, the acoustic matching layer 53 is formed of multiple layers, and the materials and the number of layers are appropriately selected according to the required acoustic impedance value.

[0042] The backing material layer 52 supports the ultrasonic transducer 51 from the inside (opposite to the acoustic matching layer 53). The backing material is made of a rigid material, such as hard rubber. An air gap layer 58 is formed between the backing material layer 52 and the ultrasonic transducer 51, creating a gap between them. The air gap layer 58 can reflect ultrasonic waves through internal air, thus reflecting ultrasonic waves emitted from the inside of the ultrasonic transducer 51. This allows for the effective transmission of ultrasonic vibrations to structures such as blood vessels. However, it is not limited to this; the backing material layer 52 may be filled with a material that reflects ultrasonic waves instead of the air gap layer 58.

[0043] like Figure 7 As shown, in the ultrasonic treatment device apparatus 20, the ultrasonic treatment device 18, which has an ultrasonic transducer 51, is electrically connected to the ultrasonic drive unit 19. Thus, power is supplied to the ultrasonic treatment device 18 from the ultrasonic drive unit 19.

[0044] The ultrasonic drive unit 19 includes a signal generator 61, an amplifier 62, an impedance matching circuit 63, and a control unit 65. The signal generator 61 has the function of generating an AC voltage signal with arbitrary frequency and waveform, and has the same structure and function as a well-known function generator. The frequency used to drive the ultrasonic transducer 51 is displayed on the frequency monitor 61a. In addition, it is preferable to provide a current probe 71 and a current value monitor 72, which is composed of an oscilloscope or the like, in the ultrasonic drive unit 19.

[0045] In the ultrasonic drive unit 19, programs related to various processes are stored in a program memory (not shown). The control unit 65, which is composed of a processor, executes the program in the program memory to realize the functions of the signal generator 61, amplifier 62, and impedance matching circuit 63.

[0046] Signal generator 61 outputs, for example, an AC voltage signal with a sine wave waveform. To power a pair of ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b, each ultrasonic transducer 51a and 51b is equipped with an amplifier 62 and an impedance matching circuit 63. Signal generator 61 outputs AC voltage signals with the same frequency and waveform to amplifier 62. Amplifier 62 amplifies the AC voltage signals output from signal generator 61 to a voltage level sufficient to drive ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b. Impedance matching circuit 63 is connected in series with amplifier 62 and enables the input impedance of the AC voltage signal output from amplifier 62 to match the impedance of ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b.

[0047] The control unit 65 is equipped with a frequency variation mode. If set as a settable operating mode, the frequency variation mode drives the ultrasonic transducer 51 by changing its frequency within a predetermined frequency range related to the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 51a, thereby maximizing the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer 51a. The detection of the maximum current value during the frequency variation mode is preferably performed within a predetermined time from the start of setting the frequency variation mode. The largest current value detected within the predetermined time is set as the maximum current value. Since the state of the blood vessel or the ultrasonic transducer 51 may change during treatment using the ultrasonic treatment device 18 (e.g., the effect of heating), and the optimal driving conditions of the ultrasonic treatment device 18 may also change, the frequency variation mode is provided to address such situations. Furthermore, the control unit 65 preferably executes the frequency variation mode using a control program according to the frequency variation mode.

[0048] In frequency scanning that changes the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 51, it is preferable to change the frequency within a frequency range including the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 51, with the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 51 as the center frequency. The frequency range is set between a lower frequency limit lower than the center frequency and an upper frequency limit higher than the center frequency. The current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer 51a is preferably set to the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer 51a in the interval between the impedance matching circuit 63 and the ultrasonic transducer 51a, and it is preferable to monitor the current value in this interval using a current probe 71. Furthermore, when the current flowing in the ultrasonic transducer 51a becomes a maximum current value or a current value near it, it is preferable to stop the frequency scanning at that moment and fix the frequency. On the other hand, when the current flowing in the ultrasonic transducer 51a changes again from the maximum current value, it is preferable to start the frequency scanning again. The method for calculating the resonant frequency will be described later.

[0049] The ultrasonic waves emitted from ultrasonic transducer 51a propagate in structure S along a first direction D1 from one side to the other. Conversely, the ultrasonic waves emitted from ultrasonic transducer 51b propagate along a second direction D2, opposite to the first direction. In the current monitor 72, time is represented on the horizontal axis and the current value on the vertical axis, displaying the current value at a specified frequency. The current value increases or decreases at specified intervals relative to the frequency scan. This is because, based on the relationship between the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves emitted from ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b and the distance the waves travel, the ultrasonic waves mutually reinforce or weaken each other. It is assumed that at frequencies of mutual reinforcement, the impedance of the piezoelectric material 54 decreases, resulting in an increase in the current value. Furthermore, when the propagation direction of the ultrasonic waves is only either the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, the current value remains unchanged.

[0050] The following is in accordance with Figure 8 The flowchart illustrates the driving method when actually using the ultrasonic treatment device 18. First, the structure S is held by the holding part 33 using the ultrasonic treatment device 18. When holding the structure S, the opposing ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b are positioned in a specific positional relationship. Preferably, the specific positional relationship includes the following: when the structure S has a predetermined thickness, the ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b are in a state of being opened at a specific angle (e.g., more than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees) around the support shaft 41B, depending on the thickness of the structure S. In addition, when the ultrasonic treatment device 18 of the type of support shaft 41B is not used in the opening and closing operation of the ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b, the specific positional relationship includes the ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b being in a parallel positional relationship.

[0051] Next, the control unit 65 is set to frequency variation mode, and a frequency scan is performed to drive the ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b by changing their frequencies. During the frequency scan, a current probe 71 is mounted on the probe mounting section of the ultrasonic treatment device 18, enabling the measurement of the current value flowing between the impedance matching circuit 63 and the ultrasonic transducer 51a. The current value detected by the current probe 71 is then displayed on the current value monitor 72.

[0052] Next, during frequency scanning, drive control is performed to maximize the current flowing through ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b. Specifically, the control unit 65 drives the ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b with a predetermined voltage and controls them to change their frequencies to maximize the current flowing through them. The frequency range that causes the frequencies of the ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b to change includes the resonant frequencies of the ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b. Furthermore, when the maximum current value is reached, frequency scanning is stopped, and the frequencies of the ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b are fixed. This allows the temperature of the structure S held by the holding unit 33 to rise rapidly within a short time.

[0053] The following section provides a detailed explanation of the relationship between the ultrasonic waves propagating toward structure S and the current value. Figure 9 In the diagram, the vertical axis represents the current flowing through ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b, and the horizontal axis represents the time it takes for ultrasonic waves to be emitted from ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b. The time corresponding to the first range A is the time for emission in the first direction D1 (reference). Figure 7 The time of the ultrasonic wave propagating along the first direction D1 is defined as the time of the ultrasonic wave. Therefore, the first range A represents the waveform of the current value of the ultrasonic wave propagating along the first direction D1. And, the time corresponding to the second range B is the time of the ultrasonic wave emitted in the second direction D2 (reference). Figure 7 The duration of the ultrasonic wave is defined as the time of its propagation. Therefore, the second range B represents the waveform of the current value of the ultrasonic wave propagating along the second direction D2. The time of the repeating portion C, corresponding to the first range A and the second range B, is the time of both the ultrasonic wave propagating in the first direction D1 and the ultrasonic wave propagating in the second direction D2. Therefore, the repeating portion C represents the waveform of the current value of the combined ultrasonic wave of the ultrasonic wave propagating in the first direction D1 and the ultrasonic wave propagating in the second direction D2.

[0054] The control unit 65 monitors the current value of the repeating section C and controls it to maintain the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 51, where the current value of the repeating section is the maximum current value. In this case, in order to detect the maximum current value, the monitoring period is preferably set to a predetermined time from the start of setting the frequency variation mode.

[0055] The following explains the method for calculating the resonant frequency. Figure 10As shown, when the distance between electrodes 57a and 57b, which simulate a structure S on a living body, is held by the holding part 33, and the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 51 is set to f, the speed of sound of the ultrasonic wave V is set to c, and the phase deviation of the terminal reflector is set to θ, when ultrasonic waves are emitted from both ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b, the condition for resonance between the ultrasonic wave in the first direction D1 and the ultrasonic wave in the second direction D2 (resonance condition) is that "(L×f / c)+θ" is an integer (N) and (N=(L×f / c)+θ). Therefore, when ultrasonic waves are emitted from both ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b, the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 51 that satisfies the resonance condition, i.e., the resonance frequency fr, can be expressed as "(c×(N-θ)) / L". In addition, the phase deviation θ of the terminal reflector when the terminal reflector is a fixed end is set to "0", and the phase deviation θ of the terminal reflector when the terminal reflector is a free end is set to "0.5". The terminal reflector is equivalent to electrodes 57a and 57b.

[0056] Furthermore, when ultrasound is emitted from only one of the ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b, in the resonance condition, "(2L×f / c)+θ" is an integer (N) and (N=(2L×f / c)+θ). Therefore, when ultrasound is emitted from only one of the ultrasonic transducers 51a and 51b, the resonant frequency fr that satisfies the resonance condition can be expressed as "(c×(N-θ)) / 2L".

[0057] In the above embodiments, the hardware structure of the processing unit, which performs various processes, such as the signal generator 61, amplifier 62, impedance matching circuit 63, and control unit 65, is as shown below. These processors include general-purpose processors that execute software (programs) and function as various processing units, such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphical Processing Units), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which allow for changes to their circuit structure after manufacturing; programmable logic devices (PLDs); and processors with circuit structures specifically designed for performing various processes, such as dedicated electrical circuits.

[0058] A processing unit can be composed of one of these various processors, or it can be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, a combination of CPUs and FPGAs, or a combination of CPUs and GPUs, etc.). Furthermore, a single processor can also constitute multiple processing units. As examples of multiple processing units composed of a single processor, firstly, in the case of a client or server computer, a processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Secondly, in the case of a System-on-Chip (SoC), a processor is used to implement the functions of the entire system, including multiple processing units, using a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. Thus, various processing units are constructed as hardware structures using one or more of the aforementioned processors.

[0059] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware architecture of these various processors is an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor components. And the hardware architecture of the storage section is a storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive).

[0060] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the endoscope 12 is not specifically combined with the ultrasonic treatment device of the present invention, but it is sufficient as long as it has a forceps channel for inserting the treatment device, such as a bronchoscope, an upper gastrointestinal endoscope, or a lower gastrointestinal endoscope.

[0061] Symbol Explanation

[0062] 10-Endoscope system, 12-Endoscope, 12a-Insertion section, 12b-Operating section for endoscope, 12c-Bend section, 12d-Front end, 12e-Angle knob, 14-Light source device, 15-Processor device, 16-Display, 17-User interface, 18-Ultrasonic treatment device, 19-Ultrasonic drive unit, 20-Ultrasonic treatment device device, 21-Forceps mouth, 22-Forceps outlet, 23-Forceps channel, 24-Forceps latch, 31-Flexible sheath, 32-Operating cable, 32A-Connecting component, 33-Holding part, 34-Ultrasonic transducer unit, 35-Operating section for treatment device, 36-Operating section body, 36A-Finger rest, 36B-Cylindrical part, 36C-Connector part, 37-Slider, 41- Holding plate, 41A-inner surface, 41B-support shaft, 42-linkage mechanism, 42A-linkage plate, 42B-connecting pin, 42C-embedded pin, 43-support component, 43A-through hole, 43B-notch, 51, 51a, 51b-ultrasonic transducer, 52-backing material layer, 53-acoustic matching layer, 54a, 54b-piezoelectric material, 56a, 56b-electrode, 57a, 57b-electrode, 58-air gap layer, 61-signal generator, 61a-frequency monitor, 62-amplifier, 63-impedance matching circuit, 65-control unit, 71-current probe, 72-current value monitor, 73-living simulation material, S-structure, D1-first direction, D2-second direction, L-distance, V-ultrasound.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic treatment device, comprising: The holding part holds the structure inside the test body by means of a pair of holding pieces provided at the front end; An ultrasonic transducer, disposed in at least one of the pair of gripping plates, and emitting ultrasonic waves; and The processor drives the ultrasonic transducer to propagate the ultrasonic waves within the structure along a first direction from one side to the other and a second direction opposite to the first direction. It also drives a frequency-varying mode that changes the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer to maximize the current flowing through it. The processor monitors the current value of a repeating portion of a waveform representing the current value of an ultrasonic wave in the first direction and a waveform representing the current value of an ultrasonic wave in the second direction, and controls the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer to maintain the current value of the repeating portion as the maximum current value.

2. The ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, In the frequency variation mode, the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer is varied within a frequency range that includes the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic transducer.

3. The ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The structure includes blood vessels.

4. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein it is an endoscopic treatment device inserted into the subject body via the forceps channel of an endoscope.

5. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 3, wherein it is an endoscopic treatment device inserted into the subject body via the forceps channel of an endoscope.

6. A driving method for an ultrasonic treatment device, wherein, The ultrasonic treatment device has a holding part for holding a structure inside the subject body by means of a pair of holding plates disposed at the front end, and an ultrasonic transducer disposed at least one of the pair of holding plates and emitting ultrasonic waves. The driving method of the ultrasonic treatment device has the following steps: The processor drives the ultrasonic transducer in a manner that causes the ultrasonic waves to propagate in the structure along a first direction from one side to the other and along a second direction opposite to the first direction. It performs a frequency variation mode to drive the ultrasonic transducer by changing its frequency, thereby maximizing the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer. The processor monitors the current value of a repeating portion of a waveform representing the current value of an ultrasonic wave in the first direction and a waveform representing the current value of an ultrasonic wave in the second direction, and controls the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer to maintain the current value of the repeating portion as the maximum current value.

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