Acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment

Abstract

The present application aims to clearly show whether a liquid container used in HIFU treatment is in proper contact with a patient. An HIFU irradiation system is provided with a coupling bag (14) as a liquid container between each ultrasonic transducer that transmits ultrasonic waves for treatment and a patient, and a position adjustment section that sets the position of the coupling bag (14). On the outer side of the coupling bag (14) toward the patient, first to third index lines (50-1 to 50-3) showing the contact state with the patient are drawn.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to acoustic couplers for HIFU therapy, and more particularly to liquid containment bodies that come into contact with patients during HIFU therapy. Background Technology

[0002] Treatment devices using high-density focused ultrasound therapy have been widely adopted. These devices, known as HIFU irradiation devices or HIFU systems (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound), irradiate the treatment area with ultrasound waves, causing tissue necrosis.

[0003] Typically, a HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) device comprises multiple ultrasonic transducers arranged in a bowl-shaped surface. These transducers are configured to focus ultrasound waves emitted from each transducer at a single point. During treatment, the focused area is aligned with the treatment site to deliver the ultrasound waves. The location of the focus is confirmed using an ultrasound diagnostic device that displays the focal point on an ultrasound image.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an ultrasound therapy apparatus that uses an ultrasound diagnostic device displaying B-mode images (tomographic images) to observe the position of the focal point. In this apparatus, low-level ultrasound waves that have no effect on tissue are emitted from a therapeutic ultrasound transducer, and a tomographic image is displayed by transmitting and receiving the ultrasound waves using an ultrasound imaging probe. Since the acoustic properties of the examined tissue change according to the tissue's temperature, the position of the focal point is represented in the tomographic image by the intensity of brightness.

[0005] Patent documents 2 and 3 describe HIFU irradiation devices. In the HIFU irradiation device described in patent document 2, a coupling bag containing liquid is provided between the ultrasonic transducer emitting therapeutic ultrasound and the patient, and between the ultrasonic imaging probe and the patient. The coupling bag is filled with liquid. The coupling bag matches the acoustic impedance between the ultrasonic transducer and the patient, and between the ultrasonic imaging probe and the patient.

[0006] Patent Document 3 describes a HIFU irradiation device comprising an ultrasound therapy transducer and a coupling assembly configured to acoustically couple an ultrasound imaging transducer to a patient. The coupling assembly is formed in the shape of a container with an opening for accommodating the ultrasound therapy transducer and the ultrasound imaging transducer, the bottom surface of which contacts the patient. The coupling assembly is filled with a fluid serving as an acoustic coupling medium for acoustically coupling the ultrasound therapy transducer and the ultrasound imaging transducer to the patient. By immersing the ultrasound therapy transducer and the ultrasound imaging transducer in the fluid filling the coupling assembly, acoustic coupling is achieved between the ultrasound therapy transducer and the ultrasound imaging transducer and the patient.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-71069

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-104782

[0011] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-530477

[0012] Non-patent literature

[0013] Non-patent literature 1: "Photonic rubber," a nanotechnology material whose color changes upon deformation.

[0014] Internet <https: / / trinus.jp / projects / 12?locale=ja> Summary of the Invention

[0015] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0016] In the prior art, it is sometimes difficult for users to confirm whether the fluid containment, such as the coupling bag or coupling assembly placed between the ultrasonic transducer that emits therapeutic ultrasound and the patient is in proper contact with the patient.

[0017] The purpose of this invention is to clearly demonstrate whether the liquid containment used in HIFU treatment is in proper contact with the patient.

[0018] Technical means for solving problems

[0019] The HIFU acoustic coupler for therapeutic use according to the present invention includes: a liquid containment body located between an ultrasonic transducer that emits therapeutic ultrasonic waves and a patient; and a position adjustment unit for setting the position of the liquid containment body, wherein a contact index indicating the contact state with the patient is provided on the outer surface of the liquid containment body facing the patient.

[0020] In one embodiment, the outer surface has a curved surface that bulges toward the patient, and the contact index is indicated by an index line extending in a direction along the patient's body surface.

[0021] In one embodiment, the outer surface is formed to be generally circular when viewed from the patient's side, and the indicator line is part or all of a line that draws a circle or a generally circular shape along the surface of the patient's body.

[0022] In one embodiment, the region forming the outer surface is formed of a stretchable material having a curved surface bulging toward the patient side, the stretchable material being a material whose color changes with stretching, and the contact index being an index based on the color change of the outer surface.

[0023] In one embodiment, the liquid containment includes a housing for fixing the ultrasonic transducer, the liquid containment having a coupling bag covering the housing and the ultrasonic transducer from the patient side, the coupling bag holding liquid between itself and the housing and the ultrasonic transducer, and the position adjustment unit setting the position of the housing.

[0024] In one embodiment, the position adjustment unit adjusts the coupling distance between the housing and the ultrasonic transducer and the coupling bag, and is provided with a plurality of contact indicators whose positions are set according to the differences in the coupling distance.

[0025] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging probe is mounted on the housing, and the coupling bag covers the ultrasound imaging probe from the patient side.

[0026] In one embodiment, a housing is provided to fix the ultrasonic transducer, and the position adjustment unit independently sets the position of the liquid container.

[0027] Invention Effects

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to clearly demonstrate whether the liquid containment used in HIFU treatment is in proper contact with the patient. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the HIFU irradiation system according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2A This is a diagram showing the HIFU oscillator unit and coupling bag.

[0031] Figure 2B This is a diagram obtained by observing the coupling bag from below.

[0032] Figure 3A This diagram shows the HIFU transducer unit, adjustment mechanism, and coupling bag, as well as the propagation area and focal point of the therapeutic ultrasound waves.

[0033] Figure 3B This diagram shows the HIFU transducer unit, adjustment mechanism, and coupling bag, as well as the propagation area and focal point of the therapeutic ultrasound waves.

[0034] Figure 3CThis diagram shows the HIFU transducer unit, adjustment mechanism, and coupling bag, as well as the propagation area and focal point of the therapeutic ultrasound waves.

[0035] Figure 4A This is a diagram showing the state of the coupling bag and the patient when the fit between the coupling bag and the patient is insufficient.

[0036] Figure 4B This is a diagram showing the state of the coupling bag and the patient when the fit between the coupling bag and the patient is appropriate.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the HIFU irradiation system according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the same constituent element shown in multiple drawings, the same reference numeral is used, and descriptions of its corresponding elements are omitted. Furthermore, terms such as up, down, left, and right in this specification indicate directions in the drawings. These directional terms are for ease of explanation and do not limit the orientation of the constituent elements.

[0039] Figure 1 The diagram shows the configuration of a HIFU irradiation system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The HIFU irradiation system 100 includes an ultrasonic imaging probe 10 (hereinafter referred to as ultrasonic probe 10), a HIFU transducer unit 12, a coupling bag 14, a robotic arm 18, a controller 22, and a display device 24. Figure 1 In the diagram, the plane parallel to the patient's horizontal position is designated as the zx plane, and the coordinate axis perpendicular to the zx plane is designated as the y-axis.

[0040] The HIFU transducer unit 12 includes: a transducer housing 16 having a concave surface 4 with an opening facing downwards; and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 2 arranged along the concave surface 4 of the transducer housing 16 and fixed to the transducer housing 16. The HIFU transducer unit 12 may also not have a physical concave surface 4. In this case, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 2 can be fixed to the transducer housing 16 in a manner arranged along an imaginary concave surface 4.

[0041] The concave surface 4 of the transducer housing 16 can also have the same shape as the side surface of the cone. Here, a cone refers to a three-dimensional shape formed by a set of straight lines extending from a point in space to the bottom surface. Alternatively, the concave surface 4 of the transducer housing 16 can also have a shape that bulges upward in a dome shape. Each ultrasonic transducer 2 is fixed to the transducer housing 16 in such a way that the intensity of the ultrasonic wave is amplified at the treatment reference point P below the transducer housing 16 when each ultrasonic transducer 2 emits an ultrasonic wave. That is, each ultrasonic transducer 2 is fixed to the transducer housing 16 in such a way that each ultrasonic transducer 2 forms a focal point F at the treatment reference point P.

[0042] The ultrasonic probe 10 is mounted on the transducer housing 16 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves at a position below the transducer housing 16 and above the focal point F. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 10 extends vertically through the apex of the transducer housing 16, with the probe tip 32, which transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, facing downwards. The ultrasonic probe 10 is directional, transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in an observation plane facing a direction corresponding to the structure of the ultrasonic probe 10. The ultrasonic probe 10 can also move freely in the vertical direction. In addition, the ultrasonic probe 10 can also rotate freely about its longitudinal axis.

[0043] Below the HIFU transducer unit 12, a coupling bag 14 is provided to match the acoustic impedance between each ultrasound transducer 2 and the patient 30, and between the ultrasound probe 10 and the patient 30. The coupling bag 14, as a liquid containment, can be a bag filled with a liquid such as water. The coupling bag 14 can be formed of an elastic material such as silicone. The coupling bag 14 holds the liquid between each ultrasound transducer 2 and the ultrasound probe 10 and the patient 30.

[0044] The ultrasonic probe 10, the HIFU transducer unit 12, and the coupling bag 14 are mounted on the front end of the robotic arm 18, which serves as a conveying mechanism. The robotic arm 18 consists of multiple arms 18a connected by joints 18b, and is mounted on the housing of the controller 22 via the joints 18b. By swinging the joints 18b as rotation axes through each arm 18a, the robotic arm 18 conveys the movable body 20, including the ultrasonic probe 10, the HIFU transducer unit 12, and the coupling bag 14, in the three directions of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis.

[0045] The controller 22 includes a HIFU control unit 26 and a robot control unit 28. The HIFU control unit 26 includes a computer, circuitry for controlling the ultrasonic probe 10, and circuitry for controlling the HIFU transducer unit 12. The computer in the HIFU control unit 26 can be a commercial computer, a personal computer, a tablet computer, etc. The computer executes programs to perform image generation and display processing. The HIFU control unit 26 is connected to an operating device (not shown) for the user to operate the HIFU irradiation system 100. The operating device may include a mouse, a touch panel integrated with the display device 24, a switch, a keyboard, etc.

[0046] The HIFU control unit 26 performs processing to operate the ultrasound probe 10 and the HIFU transducer unit 12. For example, the HIFU control unit 26 causes the ultrasound probe 10 to transmit and receive ultrasound waves, generates B-mode image data based on the received ultrasound signals received by the ultrasound probe 10, and displays the B-mode image on the display device 24. Additionally, the HIFU control unit 26 causes each ultrasound transducer 2 of the HIFU transducer unit 12 to transmit therapeutic ultrasound waves.

[0047] The robot control unit 28 can control the robotic arm 18 in response to the control of the HIFU control unit 26, enabling the robotic arm 18 to transport the movable body 20. Alternatively, the robot control unit 28 may also be equipped with an operating device. In this case, the robot control unit 28 can control the robotic arm 18 in response to the user's operation of the operating device.

[0048] Before irradiating the patient 30 with therapeutic ultrasound from the HIFU transducer unit 12, the following positioning process can be performed: The HIFU control unit 26 causes each ultrasound transducer 2 to transmit ultrasound waves with an intensity lower than that used during treatment. The position and orientation of the ultrasound probe 10 are set such that the observation surface of the ultrasound probe 10 coincides with the observation target surface of the patient 30. Here, the observation target surface refers to the surface of the patient 30 that displays ultrasound images, such as B-mode images. The HIFU control unit 26 causes the ultrasound probe 10 to scan the ultrasound beam on the observation target surface of the patient 30 to obtain B-mode image data. The HIFU control unit 26 causes the display device 24 to display the B-mode image. The user, as the practitioner, refers to the B-mode image displayed on the display device 24 to confirm the difference between the focal point F of the ultrasound waves transmitted from the HIFU transducer unit 12 and the position of the affected area at the treatment reference point P.

[0049] When the difference between the position of the focal point F and the position of the affected area is not within the allowable range, the robotic arm 18 moves to change the position or orientation of the ultrasound probe 10 and the HIFU transducer unit 12. After confirming that the position of the focal point F is consistent with the position of the affected area, the user performs the treatment operation on the HIFU control unit 26. In response to the user's operation, the HIFU control unit 26 causes each ultrasound transducer 2 to emit therapeutic ultrasound waves of the required intensity for treatment. As a result, the biological tissue at the focal point F is burned, thereby performing treatment.

[0050] Figure 2A An example of the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and coupling bag 14 is shown. Figure 2BThe diagram shows a view of the coupling bag 14 from below. The coupling bag 14 according to this embodiment has a curved surface bulging towards the patient 30. The shape of the coupling bag 14 when viewed from below is circular or approximately circular. That is, the shape of the coupling bag 14 projected onto the zx plane is circular or approximately circular. Here, approximately circular refers to a shape where the circle is deformed to a degree that does not impair the function of the coupling bag 14.

[0051] On the outer surface of the coupling bag 14 facing the patient 30, first indicator lines 50-1 to third indicator lines 50-3 are drawn sequentially from top to bottom as contact indicators showing the contact state with the patient 30. The first indicator lines 50-1 to third indicator lines 50-3 are drawn in-plane along the surface of the patient 30 by lines extending along the body surface of the patient 30. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the coupling bag 14 shown, the first index line 50-1 to the third index line 50-3 can be depicted such that their respective centroids coincide with the centroid of the shape when the coupling bag 14 is projected onto the zx plane. When the projected shape of the coupling bag 14 onto the zx plane is circular, the first index line 50-1 to the third index line 50-3 can be depicted as concentric circles with the center of the projected shape as their common center.

[0052] In the HIFU irradiation system 100 of this embodiment, an adjustment mechanism 52 is provided between the HIFU transducer unit 12 and the coupling bag 14 to adjust the distance between them. The distance between the HIFU transducer unit 12 and the coupling bag 14 (hereinafter referred to as the coupling distance) is defined, for example, as the difference in the y-axis coordinate value between a reference point pre-set for the transducer housing 16 and the lowest point of the coupling bag 14.

[0053] The adjustment mechanism 52 is controlled by the robot control unit 28, and the coupling bag 14 can move vertically relative to the HIFU transducer unit 12. Thus, the coupling distance is adjusted according to the position of the focal point F. The coupling distance is pre-adjusted before treatment based on the depth of the focal point F from the patient's body surface 30.

[0054] Figures 3A-3C The diagram shows the HIFU transducer unit 12, adjustment mechanism 52, and coupling bag 14 for three different coupling distances, and also shows the propagation area 54 and focal point F of the therapeutic ultrasound. Figure 3B It shows relative to Figure 3A However, in the case where focus F is located at a shallower position than 30 on the patient's body... Figure 3C It shows relative to Figure 3B The focal point F is located at a shallower position than the patient's 30. The position of the coupling bag 14 is adjusted so that the shallower the focal point F, the greater the coupling distance.

[0055] The first indicator line 50-1 to the third indicator line 50-3 are drawn at the outer edge of the propagation region 54 or slightly outside the outer edge. That is, the first indicator line 50-1 is located at the point of minimum coupling distance. Figure 3A In the indicated state, it is drawn at the outer edge of the propagation region 54 or slightly outside the outer edge. The second index line 50-2 is located when the coupling distance is between its maximum and minimum values. Figure 3B In the indicated state, it is depicted at the outer edge of the propagation region 54 or slightly outside the outer edge. The third index line 50-3 is at the position where the coupling distance is greatest. Figure 3C In the state shown, it is depicted at the outer edge of the propagation area 54 or at a position slightly outside the outer edge.

[0056] The above example illustrates how the positions of the first indicator line 50-1 to the third indicator line 50-3 are set based on the difference in the propagation region 54. Since the propagation region 54 varies depending on the coupling distance, the vertical positions of the first indicator line 50-1 to the third indicator line 50-3 can be set according to the difference in coupling distance.

[0057] The following concerns the minimum coupling distance. Figure 3A The state shown illustrates how to utilize the first indicator line 50-1. Figure 4A The diagram illustrates the state of the coupling bag 14 and patient 30 when the fit between them is insufficient. In this state, the user can see the first indicator line 50-1 depicted on the coupling bag 14. In this state, a gap is created between the coupling bag 14 and patient 30 in the propagation area 54. In this case, at the gap between the coupling bag 14 and patient 30, the therapeutic ultrasound waves are lost due to multiple reflections, potentially reducing the energy supplied to the focal point F.

[0058] Figure 4B The diagram illustrates the state of the coupling bag 14 and patient 30 when the fit between them is appropriate. It also shows a state where the first indicator line 50-1 depicted on the coupling bag 14 is obscured by the patient 30's body surface due to the downward movement of the HIFU transducer unit 12 and coupling bag 14 under the control of the robot control unit 28. In this state, the first indicator line 50-1 is not visible to the user. In this state, there is no gap between the coupling bag 14 and patient 30 in the area where therapeutic ultrasound is transmitted, and the fit between them is appropriate. Therefore, relative to... Figure 4A The state in which the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and the coupling bag 14 move downwards and the state in which the first index line 50-1 drawn on the coupling bag 14 is first blocked by the patient's body surface becomes the appropriate state.

[0059] In such Figure 3B As shown, when the coupling distance is between the maximum and minimum values, the appropriate state is when the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and the coupling bag 14 are moved downwards, and the second index line 50-2 depicted on the coupling bag 14 is first obscured by the patient's body surface. Figure 3C As shown, when the coupling distance is between the maximum and minimum values, the state in which the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and the coupling bag 14 are moved downwards and the third index line 50-3 depicted on the coupling bag 14 is first blocked by the patient's body surface is the appropriate state.

[0060] Thus, the HIFU irradiation system 100 according to this embodiment includes an acoustic coupler for HIFU therapy. This HIFU therapeutic acoustic coupler includes: a coupling bag 14, which serves as a liquid containment body, located between each ultrasonic transducer 2 transmitting therapeutic ultrasound and the patient 30; and a robotic arm 18, which serves as a position adjustment unit, for setting the position of the coupling bag 14. On the outer surface of the coupling bag 14 facing the patient 30, contact indicators showing the contact state with the patient 30 are provided. In this embodiment, the contact indicators are first indicator lines 50-1 to third indicator lines 50-3 drawn on the coupling bag 14.

[0061] According to the acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment, the user can determine whether the contact state between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30 is appropriate based on contact indicators and the patient 30's condition. Specifically, the appropriateness of the contact state between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30 can be determined based on whether the indicator lines selected from the first indicator line 50-1 to the third indicator line 50-3 according to the coupling distance are obstructed by the patient 30's body surface.

[0062] The above example shows three indicator lines drawn in the coupling bag 14, but the number of indicator lines drawn in the coupling bag 14 is arbitrary. That is, any number of indicator lines can be drawn in the coupling bag 14 depending on the available value of the coupling distance.

[0063] Furthermore, as described above, as a contact indicator showing the contact state between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30, an example is shown where the first indicator line 50-1 to the third indicator line 50-3, which are solid lines forming a circle or a substantially circle, are drawn on the coupling bag 14. Each indicator line may also be drawn as a partial line within the area observed by the user. That is, the first indicator line 50-1 to the third indicator line 50-3 may also be part or all of a line drawn as a circle or a substantially circle along the surface of the patient 30.

[0064] Each indicator line can also be shown using the boundary lines of two regions marked with different colors. For example, on the outer side of the coupling bag 14 facing the patient 30, the upper and lower regions of the first indicator line 50-1 can be marked with different colors, and the first indicator line 50-1 can be drawn using the boundary lines of the upper and lower regions.

[0065] Alternatively, contact indicators can be circular, elliptical, polygonal, or other marks arranged along imaginary indicator lines, or patterns arranged along imaginary indicator lines.

[0066] At least a portion of the area forming the outer surface of the coupling bag 14 facing the patient can also be formed of a stretchable material, which can be a material whose color changes through stretching. Such stretchable color-changing materials include materials called photonic rubber (Non-Patent Document 1), stretchable color sheets, etc. The stretchable color-changing material functions as a contact indicator showing the contact state between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30. For example, a stretchable color-changing material extending in a strip along an imaginary indicator line can also be provided on the outer surface of the coupling bag 14 facing the patient 30. The user can determine whether the contact state between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30 is appropriate based on the color of the stretchable color-changing material.

[0067] Figure 5 The configuration of the HIFU irradiation system 102 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the HIFU irradiation system 102, the coupling bag 14 and the liquid inside it provided below the HIFU transducer unit 12 in the HIFU irradiation system 100 are removed. In the HIFU irradiation system 102, instead of the coupling bag 14, a coupling container 64 as a liquid containment body and a position adjustment device 60 as a position adjustment part for setting the position of the coupling container 64 are provided. Such a system, where the coupling container 64 is separated from the HIFU transducer unit 12, is described in Patent Document 3.

[0068] The coupling container 64 has an open-top container shape, into which liquid is injected. The outer bottom surface of the coupling container 64, i.e., the outer surface on the patient 30 side, may have a curved surface bulging towards the patient 30 side. The outer bottom surface of the coupling container 64 may be formed of an elastic material.

[0069] The coupling container 64 is mounted on the container position adjustment arm 62 of the position adjustment device 60. The position adjustment device 60 is controlled by the robot control unit 28, and the position of the coupling container 64 is adjusted by the container position adjustment arm 62. During treatment, liquid is injected into the coupling container 64 so that the bottom surface of the coupling container 64 contacts the patient 30. In this state, the robotic arm 18 moves the movable body 20 downward, immersing the HIFU transducer unit 12 and the ultrasound probe 10 in the liquid within the coupling container 64. Thus, the coupling container 64 is positioned between the HIFU transducer unit 12, which has each ultrasound transducer 2, and the patient 30, and the HIFU transducer unit 12 and the ultrasound probe 10 are acoustically coupled to the patient 30 via the liquid within the coupling container 64.

[0070] In this way, in the HIFU irradiation system 102 according to this embodiment, the position adjustment device 60, which is a position adjustment unit, adjusts the position of the coupling container 64, which is a liquid containment body, independently of the position of the oscillator housing 16 of the HIFU oscillator unit 12.

[0071] Alternatively, a position adjustment unit that adjusts the position of the coupling container 64 without relying on power can be used instead of the position adjustment device 60. For example, the container position adjustment arm 62 can also be used to manually adjust the position of the coupling container 64. Alternatively, a bracket having a columnar member standing on the ground and an arm-shaped member extending laterally from the columnar member can be used as the position adjustment unit. In this case, the coupling container 64 is fixed to the front end of the arm-shaped member, and the length, height, etc., of the arm-shaped member are adjusted manually.

[0072] Similar to the coupling bag 14 in the HIFU irradiation system 100, a contact indicator indicating the contact state with the patient 30 is provided on the outer surface of the coupling container 64 facing the patient 30. This contact indicator can be the same as the one provided in the coupling bag 14. Therefore, when the user brings the coupling container 64 into contact with the patient 30, they can determine whether the contact state between the coupling container 64 and the patient 30 is appropriate based on the contact indicator and the state with the patient 30.

[0073] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0074] 2. Ultrasonic transducer; 10. Ultrasonic imaging probe (ultrasonic probe); 12. HIFU transducer unit; 14. Coupling bag; 16. Transducer housing; 18. Robotic arm; 18a. Arm; 18b. Joint; 20. Movable body; 22. Controller; 24. Display device; 26. HIFU control unit; 28. Robot control unit; 30. Patient; 50-1. First indicator line; 50-2. Second indicator line; 50-3. Third indicator line; 52. Adjustment mechanism; 54. Propagation area; 60. Position adjustment device; 62. Container position adjustment arm; 64. Coupling container; 100, 102. HIFU irradiation system.

Claims

1. An acoustic coupler for HIFU therapy, characterized in that, have: A liquid containment body is located between the ultrasound transducer that transmits therapeutic ultrasound waves and the patient; and The position adjustment unit sets the position of the liquid container. On the outer surface of the liquid containment body facing the patient, there is a contact indicator showing the contact state with the patient.

2. The acoustic coupler for HIFU therapy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface has a curved surface that bulges out toward the patient side. The contact index is shown as an index line extending in a direction along the patient's body surface.

3. The acoustic coupler for HIFU therapy according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer surface is formed to be approximately circular when viewed from the patient's side. The indicator line is part or all of a line drawn in a circle or approximately a circle along the surface of the patient's body.

4. The acoustic coupler for HIFU therapy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The region forming the outer surface is made of a stretchable material. The outer surface has a curved surface that bulges out toward the patient side. The stretchable material is one whose color changes through stretching and contraction. The contact index is an index based on the color change of the outer surface.

5. The acoustic coupler for HIFU therapy according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It has a housing for fixing the ultrasonic transducer. The liquid containment body has a coupling bag that covers the housing and the ultrasonic transducer from the patient side. The coupling bag holds liquid between itself and the housing and the ultrasonic transducer. The position adjustment unit sets the position of the housing.

6. The acoustic coupler for HIFU therapy according to claim 5, characterized in that, The position adjustment unit adjusts the coupling distance between the housing, the ultrasonic transducer, and the coupling bag. The contact indicators are configured with positions set according to the differences in the coupling distance.

7. The acoustic coupler for HIFU therapy according to claim 5, characterized in that, It is equipped with an ultrasonic imaging probe mounted on the housing. The coupling bag covers the ultrasound imaging probe from the patient side.

8. The acoustic coupler for HIFU therapy according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It has a housing for fixing the ultrasonic transducer. The position adjustment unit sets the position of the liquid containment body independently of the position of the housing.

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