ULTRASOUND PROBE

Abstract

An ultrasound probe is provided which enables a user to easily and clearly know a correspondence relationship between an area visible in an ultrasound tomography image and an area of ​​an actual organ. An ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic transducer that emits an ultrasonic wave, and a housing having a substantially cylindrical shape that accommodates the ultrasonic transducer, and the housing includes one or more area markers provided at positions visible from the outside and indicating a radiation area of ​​the ultrasonic wave.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present description discloses an ultrasound probe that is inserted into a body cavity. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] In the prior art, a technique is known in which an ultrasound probe is inserted into a body cavity and ultrasound diagnosis is performed to determine the internal condition of an organ of a subject (e.g., a patient or an animal). In ultrasound diagnosis, the ultrasound probe is brought into contact with the surface of the organ. In this state, ultrasound waves from the ultrasound probe are transmitted into the interior of the organ, and reflected waves therefrom are received. Then, an ultrasound tomography image indicating the internal condition of the organ is formed based on the obtained reflected wave signal. An operator, such as a doctor, performs various treatments, such as cell collection or injection of a drug through a puncture cannula, on the interior of the organ while referring to the obtained ultrasound tomography image.

[0003] There is a need to easily and clearly know the precise correspondence between a region visible in the ultrasound tomography image and a region of the actual organ. For example, the operator might want to know which position of the actual organ corresponds to an end portion of the ultrasound tomography image. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] However, with the prior art ultrasound probe, it is difficult to clearly determine the position of the end portion of the ultrasonic wave radiation range when the ultrasound probe is pressed against the organ surface. As a result, the operator cannot accurately determine which position of the actual organ the end portion of the ultrasound tomography image corresponds to.

[0005] Furthermore, JP2010-119484A discloses an ultrasound probe having a scale on a side surface. According to this ultrasound probe, it is possible to easily know a center position of the radiation range of ultrasonic waves and a distance from the center position. However, even in a case where this scale is provided, the end portion of the radiation range of ultrasonic waves does not necessarily coincide with the scale. Therefore, even in a case where this scale is referred to, it is difficult to easily know the end portion of the radiation range of the ultrasonic wave, and thus the correspondence relationship between the area visible in the ultrasound tomography image and the area of ​​the actual organ.

[0006] Therefore, the present specification discloses an ultrasound probe that enables a user to easily and clearly know a correspondence relationship between a region visible in an ultrasound tomography image and a region of an actual organ.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic probe which is inserted into a body cavity and which comprises: an ultrasonic transducer which radiates an ultrasonic wave; and a casing which has a substantially cylindrical shape and which houses the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the casing includes one or more area markers which are provided at positions visible from the outside and which indicate a radiation area of ​​the ultrasonic wave.

[0008] This configuration allows an operator to view the area marker to know the radiation area of ​​the ultrasonic wave and to easily and clearly know a correspondence relationship between the area visible in the ultrasound tomography image and the area of ​​the actual organ.

[0009] In this case, a radiation surface of the ultrasonic wave may be elongated in an axial direction of the housing, and the one or more area markers may include an area marker arranged in a circumferential direction near the radiation surface of the ultrasonic wave.

[0010] Because the area marker is positioned close to the radiation surface, the area marker is naturally close to the organ surface when the radiation surface is pressed against the organ surface. This allows the operator to accurately mark the radiation area of ​​the ultrasonic wave on the organ surface.

[0011] Furthermore, the one or more area markers may comprise a pair of area markers arranged respectively on both sides in the circumferential direction with the radiation surface of the ultrasonic wave interposed therebetween.

[0012] Because the area markers are provided in the circumferential direction on both sides, it is possible to discriminate the radiation area from either the left or right direction of the ultrasound probe. In particular, in many cases, only one endoscope is generally used to observe the view inside the body cavity. Therefore, in many cases, the operator can generally only see one surface of the ultrasound probe. However, because the area markers are arranged on both surfaces, the operator can always know the radiation area of ​​the ultrasonic wave.

[0013] Further, the one or more area markers may comprise three or more area markers spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and at least one of the area markers may be visible from any direction in 360 degrees around the housing.

[0014] This configuration allows the operator to always know the radiation range of the ultrasonic wave.

[0015] Furthermore, at least one of the one or more area markers may also function as a direction marker having a surface parallel or perpendicular to a radiation surface of the ultrasonic wave and indicating a radiation direction of the ultrasonic wave.

[0016] This configuration allows the operator to know not only the radiation range of the ultrasonic wave but also the radiation direction. Therefore, this allows the operator to more clearly understand the correspondence between the position visible in the ultrasound tomography image and the actual position.

[0017] Furthermore, at least one of the one or more area markings may be a striped pattern extending in an axial direction in the same area as the radiation area of ​​the ultrasonic wave.

[0018] Since the area marker has a shape that is easy to see, such as a striped pattern, the operator can clearly know the radiation area of ​​the ultrasonic wave.

[0019] Furthermore, the housing may further include a scale provided at a position visible from the outside, and the scale may be arranged to be close to at least one of the one or more area markings in a circumferential direction or to overlap at least one of the one or more area markings.

[0020] This configuration allows the operator to clearly know not only the radiation range of the ultrasonic wave but also the actual distance. Therefore, this allows the operator to more clearly know the correspondence between the position visible in the ultrasound tomography image and the actual position.

[0021] Furthermore, a color of the area marking may be opposite to a color of the housing.

[0022] This configuration allows the operator to clearly identify the area marker.

[0023] According to the ultrasound probe disclosed in the present specification, it is possible to easily know the correspondence relationship between the area visible in the ultrasound tomography image and the area of ​​the actual organ. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing an aspect of using an ultrasonic probe. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a distal end portion of the ultrasound probe. Fig. 3 is a side view showing the distal end portion of the ultrasound probe and shows an ultrasound tomography image. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line BB of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is an image diagram showing a relationship between a radiation direction of an ultrasonic wave and a target part. Fig. 7 is a view showing an example of another ultrasonic probe. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] A configuration of an ultrasonic probe 10 will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing one aspect of using the ultrasound probe 10. Furthermore, a laparoscopic probe used in an abdominal cavity will be described below as an example. However, the technology disclosed in the present specification is not limited to the laparoscopic probe, as long as it is inserted into a subject 110, and other types of ultrasound probes 10 may be used. Furthermore, the subject may be a person or an animal.

[0025] The ultrasound probe 10 according to the present example is used in laparoscopic surgery. During laparoscopic surgery, an operator inserts an endoscope 100, the ultrasound probe 10, and other surgical instruments (for example, forceps, an electric scalpel, and the like) (not shown) from a port into an abdominal cavity 112. A camera is provided with the endoscope 100, and a video captured by the camera is displayed in real time on a display (not shown). The operator operates the ultrasound probe 10 or other surgical instruments while observing the video on the display.

[0026] Furthermore, using the ultrasound probe 10, the operator knows the internal condition of an organ (e.g., a liver) in a body cavity. Then, the operator performs a predetermined treatment (e.g., tumor resection or the like) on the organ based on the obtained information.

[0027] The ultrasound probe 10 is roughly divided into an operating section 12, an insertion section 14, and a distal end section 16. The operating section 12 is a section held by the operator. The operating section 12 is provided with a plurality of controls (e.g., buttons, dials, and the like) that receive various operations.

[0028] The insertion section 14 is a tubular member that is inserted into the subject. The insertion section 14 can be bent by operating the operating section 12, and the position and orientation of the distal end section 16 are changed by bending the insertion section 14. A signal cable for transmitting and receiving an electrical signal and a transmission cable for transmitting a force to bend the insertion section 14 are provided in the insertion section 14.

[0029] The distal end portion 16 is attached to a connection of the insertion portion 14. The distal end portion 16 has an ultrasonic transducer 23 (in Fig. 1 not shown, see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The distal end portion 16 is described with reference to Fig. 2 to 5.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the distal end portion 16. In addition, Fig. 3 is a side view showing the distal end portion 16, and is an image diagram showing an ultrasonic tomography image 120 obtained by the ultrasonic probe 10. Further, Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view along line AA of Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line BB of Fig. 4. Further, in order to clarify directions, hereinafter, an axial direction of a housing 20 is referred to as a “front-back direction”, a direction parallel to a radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves is referred to as an “up-down direction”, and a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction and the up-down direction is defined as a “left-right direction”.

[0031] The distal end portion 16 comprises the housing 20, which has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the ultrasonic transducer 23, which is accommodated in the housing 20. The ultrasonic transducer 23 has a plurality of transducer elements 24 (see Fig. 5) that transmit and receive the ultrasonic waves. Furthermore, Fig. 5, the transducer element 24 is shown larger or smaller than the actual size for ease of understanding. The ultrasonic probe 10 according to the present example is a linear probe that performs linear scanning with an ultrasonic beam, and the plurality of transducer elements 24 are linearly arranged in the front-to-back direction (i.e., the axial direction of the housing 20). A matching layer 28 and an acoustic lens 26 are arranged in a thickness direction of the transducer element 24. The ultrasonic beam passes through the matching layer 28 and the acoustic lens 26 and is radiated to the outside of the ultrasonic probe 10. Therefore, an outer surface of the acoustic lens 26 is a radiation surface 30 for transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic waves.

[0032] In a case where the ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer 23 to an object, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are sequentially reflected by a discontinuous surface of acoustic impedance of the object. The ultrasonic transducer 23 receives the reflected waves and converts the reflected waves into an electrical signal (i.e., a reflected wave signal). The reflected wave signal is transmitted to an ultrasonic diagnostic device (not shown) at an arbitrary time. The ultrasonic diagnostic device generates the ultrasonic tomographic image 120 (see Fig. 3) of the object based on the reflected wave signal output from the ultrasonic probe 10.

[0033] The ultrasonic transducer 23 is accommodated in the housing 20. As described above and in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the housing 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape. In the present example, the housing 20 includes a first housing piece 20a and a second housing piece 20b. The first housing piece 20a is a substantially cylindrical member in which a portion of a peripheral surface is chipped. A lens hole 21 (see Fig. 5), to which the acoustic lens 26 is adapted, and a mounting hole 22 (see Fig. 5), to which the second housing piece 20b is fitted, are formed on the peripheral surface of the first housing piece 20a. The mounting hole 22 is a hole facing the lens hole 21. In a process of manufacturing the ultrasonic probe 10, the ultrasonic transducer 23 is arranged in the housing 20 through the mounting hole 22. The second housing piece 20b is attached to the first housing piece 20a after the ultrasonic transducer 23 and the like are mounted.

[0034] However, the configuration of the housing 20 is an example and can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, the housing 20 may be configured by one component or may be configured by three or more components. Moreover, in the present example, the acoustic lens 26 is exposed to the outside through the lens hole 21. However, the acoustic lens 26 may be completely housed in the housing 20. In this case, the lens hole 21 is not formed in the housing 20, and the housing 20 is made of a material having ultrasonic wave permeability. Furthermore, in this case, a portion of the housing 20 facing the acoustic lens 26 is the radiation surface 30.

[0035] In the housing 20, a range bar 44 is provided in a portion that is located in a circumferential direction near the radiation surface 30 of the ultrasonic waves. As shown in Fig. 4, a total of two range bars 44 are provided on both sides of the radiation surface 30 in the circumferential direction. The range bar 44 is a striped pattern elongated in the front-back direction. The area of ​​the range bar 44 in the front-back direction coincides with the area of ​​a radiation area Ae of the ultrasonic waves in the front-back direction (see Fig. 3). The range bar 44 is formed, for example, by painting, plating, laser printing, or the like. The range bar 44 functions as a range marker 42 that indicates the radiation range Ae of the ultrasonic waves. The reason for providing the range marker 42 is described below.

[0036] Furthermore, a scale 38 is provided on the peripheral surface of the housing 20. As in Fig. 3, the scale 38 includes a center mark 40 and a plurality of lines 41 arranged at equal intervals from the center mark 40. The center mark 40 is a mark indicating the center of the radiation area Ae of the ultrasonic waves in the axial direction. In the present example, the center mark 40 is an isosceles triangle facing downward (i.e., facing the radiation surface 30). The plurality of lines 41 are arranged at equal intervals in the front-rear direction on both sides of the center mark 40. Each line 41 extends in the circumferential direction from the inner side of the area bar 44 to the outer side of the area bar 44. Therefore, it can be said that a portion of the scale 38 overlaps the area mark 42.

[0037] In the housing 20, a recessed portion 32, which is recessed from a surrounding area, is formed on a side 180 degrees opposite the radiation surface 30. A directional plate 36 is arranged in the recessed portion 32. The directional plate 36 is a flat plate having a flat upper surface. One surface of the directional plate 36 is perpendicular to the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves and functions as a directional marker 34 indicating the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves, which will be described below.

[0038] The housing 20 is further provided with two puncture guides 50 and 62 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 5). The puncture guides 50 and 62 are both sections that guide a direction of travel of a puncture cannula (not shown). The first puncture guide 50 is arranged closer to a proximal side than the recessed section 32. The first puncture guide 50 includes a guide hole 52 that penetrates the housing 20 in the up-down direction and a transverse hole 58 (see Fig. 2) that connects the guide hole 52 and a side surface of the housing 20. As shown in Fig. As shown in FIG. 5, the guide hole 52 has an hourglass shape whose dimension in the front-to-back direction decreases toward the center in the up-down direction. In other words, the guide hole 52 is roughly divided into a tapered upper portion 52a whose dimension in the front-to-back direction becomes smaller as the tapered upper portion 52a is farther from an entrance, and a tapered lower portion 52b whose dimension in the front-to-back direction becomes smaller as the tapered lower portion 52b is farther from an exit. Hereinafter, one end surface of the tapered upper portion 52a in the front-to-back direction will be referred to as a "first wall 54," and the other end surface thereof in the front-to-back direction will be referred to as a "second wall 56."In a case where the operator inserts the puncture cannula, the operator pushes the puncture cannula in a state of pressing the puncture cannula against the first wall 54 or the second wall 56. Then, the puncture cannula stably moves forward in the direction defined by the first wall 54 or the second wall 56.

[0039] A guide mark 60 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) is provided on a side of the housing 20 opposite the transverse hole 58. The guide mark 60 is a pattern indicating a guiding direction of the puncture cannula through the first puncture guide 50. In the present example, the guide mark 60 is a triangle surrounded by a first line indicating the inclination of the first wall 54, a second line indicating the inclination of the second wall 56, and a third line connecting the first line and the second line.

[0040] The second puncture guide 62 is arranged at a connection of the housing 20. In the present example, the second puncture guide 62 includes a guide groove 64 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 5) formed on a connection surface of the housing 20. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the guide groove 64 has a third wall 66 that advances toward the proximal side as it descends. When the operator inserts the puncture cannula, the operator pushes the puncture cannula while pressing the puncture cannula against the third wall 66. Then, the puncture cannula stably advances in the direction defined by the third wall 66.

[0041] Meanwhile, as apparent from the above description, in the present example, the area marker 42 is provided in the housing 20. The reason for providing the area marker 42 will be described. As described above, the ultrasound probe 10 according to the present example is inserted into the abdominal cavity 112 and then used. In this case, the position and orientation of the ultrasound probe 10 are checked by the camera of the endoscope 100. Furthermore, the operator knows the internal state of the organ from the ultrasound tomography image 120 obtained by the ultrasound probe 10.

[0042] Here, a case where a predetermined treatment is performed on a target part 122 shown in the ultrasonic tomography image 120 is considered. In this case, the operator estimates the actual position of the target part 122 from the position of the target part 122 in the ultrasonic tomography image 120. For example, in a case where the operator resects the target part 122, the operator specifies a distance from an end portion of the ultrasonic tomography image 120 to the target part 122 as a resection margin Mc. The resection margin Mc corresponds to the actual distance from an end portion of the radiation range Ae of the ultrasonic waves to the target part 122. Therefore, in a case where the end portion of the radiation range Ae of the ultrasonic waves can be specified, the operator can know the actual position of the target part 122.

[0043] However, in the prior art ultrasound probe, the radiation range Ae of the ultrasonic waves is not clearly specified. Therefore, in a case where the prior art ultrasound probe is used, it is difficult for the operator to clearly know the end portion of the radiation range Ae. In addition, the ultrasonic waves are radiated from the acoustic lens 26. However, since the acoustic lens 26 is pressed against the surface of the organ, a large part of the acoustic lens 26 is obscured and not visible. Moreover, even in a case where the acoustic lens 26 is visible, it is not possible to clearly know the end portion of the radiation range Ae by observing the acoustic lens 26 because the acoustic lens 26 is slightly larger than the radiation range Ae.Therefore, the operator is unable to clearly know the actual position of the target part 122 because the operator is unable to clearly know the end portion of the radiation area Ae.

[0044] In contrast, in the present example, as described above, the range bar 44 indicating the irradiation area Ae is provided in the housing 20. The range bar 44 is provided on both sides of the irradiation surface 30 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, even in a state where the irradiation surface 30 is pressed against the surface of the organ, the operator can easily visually recognize the range bar 44. As a result, the operator can easily know the end portion of the irradiation area Ae and the actual position of the target part 122. Furthermore, since the range bar 44 is provided on both sides of the irradiation surface 30, the operator can clearly know the irradiation area Ae regardless of whether the endoscope 100 is located on the left or right side of the ultrasound probe 10.

[0045] Meanwhile, in order to properly treat the target part 122, a mark indicating the end portion of the irradiation area Ae may be placed on the surface of the organ. The marking is performed, for example, by burning a very small portion of the organ surface. In a case where the area bar 44 is located far from the organ surface, a marking position is likely to deviate. In the present example, the area bar 44 is arranged near the irradiation surface 30. Therefore, in a case where the irradiation surface 30 is pressed against the organ surface, the area bar 44 is naturally located near the organ surface. Therefore, this allows the operator to accurately mark the end portion of the irradiation area Ae on the organ surface.

[0046] Furthermore, as described above, the scale 38 is arranged to partially overlap the range bar 44. Therefore, the operator can clearly know the distance as well as the radiation range Ae. Therefore, this allows the operator to clearly know the actual position of the target part 122.

[0047] Meanwhile, it is also considered that the range bar 44 is not provided, and the scale 38 is used to know the end portion of the radiation range Ae. Generally, however, graduations (distances) of the scale 38 are set regardless of the distance of the radiation range Ae, and the line 41 of the scale 38 deviates from the end portion of the radiation range Ae. That is, the graduation of the scale 38 is set to a readable value, for example, a readable value of 5 mm or 10 mm. In a case where the radiation range Ae is not an integer multiple of the graduation, for example, 23 mm, the line 41 of the scale 38 deviates from the end portion of the radiation range Ae.Of course, in a case where the graduation of the scale 38 is significantly reduced, for example, in a case where the graduation of the scale 38 is set to 1 mm, it is possible to make the line 41 of the scale 38 coincide with the end portion of the radiation range Ae. However, since the number of lines 41 of the scale 38 increases in this case, it is difficult for the operator to read the scale 38. That is, it is difficult to represent the end portion of the radiation range Ae with the scale 38 while taking into account the visibility of the scale 38. Therefore, in the present example, the range bar 44 indicating the radiation range Ae is provided separately from the scale 38.

[0048] In addition, as described above, the ultrasonic probe 10 is further provided with the directional plate 36. The area of ​​the directional plate 36 in the front-back direction coincides with the area of ​​the irradiation area Ae in the front-back direction. Therefore, the directional plate 36 also functions as the area marker 42 indicating the irradiation area Ae. As a result, it can be said that the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the present example has three area markers 42 in the circumferential direction. The pitch at which the three area markers 42 are arranged is less than 180 degrees. Therefore, at least one area marker 42 can be visually recognized from any direction in 360 degrees around the housing 20. Therefore, even in a case where only a narrow field of view 102 (see Fig. 1), the range marker 42 and thus the radiation range Ae can be reliably known. For example, depending on the positional relationship between the endoscope 100 and the ultrasound probe 10, the range bar 44 may not be visible to the camera of the endoscope 100. Even in this case, the operator can see the direction plate 36 to clearly know the radiation range Ae.

[0049] Meanwhile, as repeatedly described, the housing 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape. Therefore, in the case of the prior art ultrasonic probe, it is difficult to know a rotation angle of the housing 20 about an axis. As a result, in the case of the prior art ultrasonic probe, it is difficult for the operator to know the position of the ultrasonic transducer 23 and thus the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves. In this case, it is difficult for the operator to know the exact position of the target part 122. For example, a case where the ultrasonic tomography image 120 including the target part 122 is obtained is considered. In a case where the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves is a direction E1 in Fig. 6, it can be estimated that the target part 122 is located at a position P1. Similarly, in a case where the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves has a direction E2 in Fig. 6, it can be estimated that the target part 122 is located at a position P2. In a case where the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves has a direction E3 in Fig. 6, it can be estimated that the target part 122 is located at a position P1. As described above, the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves is very important in estimating the actual position of the target part 122. However, the ultrasonic probe according to the prior art is not provided with a feature indicating the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves.

[0050] In contrast, as described above, in the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the present example, the directional plate 36 is provided in the housing 20. An upper surface of the directional plate 36 is perpendicular to the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves and functions as the directional mark 34 indicating the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves. Therefore, the operator can observe the directional plate 36 to know the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves and thus the actual position of the target part 122. Moreover, the directional plate 36 has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the front-back direction. In a case where the directional plate 36 has a simple geometric shape, such as a rectangle, the operator can easily recognize the inclination of the directional plate 36 and thus the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves from the appearance of the angle of the side or corner portion of the directional plate 36.

[0051] Furthermore, in a case where a plane (i.e., a plane functioning as the direction notification mark 34) perpendicular to the radiation direction is provided on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical casing 20, the plane must be recessed from the surrounding area or protrude from the surrounding area. In a case where the plane protrudes from the peripheral surface of the casing 20, the protruding portion is likely to be caught in the surrounding tissue or the terminal. Since, in the present example, the plane functioning as the direction notification mark 34 is recessed from the surrounding area, contact of the direction notification mark 34 with other members is effectively prevented. However, the plane functioning as the direction notification mark 34 may protrude from the surrounding area in a case where there is no problem of the plane being caught in surrounding tissue and the like.

[0052] Moreover, in the present example, the plane perpendicular to the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves is provided as the direction mark 34. However, the direction mark 34 may have other shapes as long as the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves can be made known. For example, in the housing 20, a plane parallel to the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves may be provided as the direction mark 34. Moreover, the number of planes functioning as the direction mark 34 is not limited to one, and multiple planes may be provided. For example, the plane perpendicular to the radiation direction may be arranged on the upper surface of the housing 20, and the plane parallel to the radiation direction may be arranged on the side surface of the housing 20.

[0053] Furthermore, in the present example, the guide mark 60 indicating a puncture direction is provided on the peripheral surface of the housing 20. The provision of the guide mark 60 allows the operator to easily know the direction of travel of the puncture needle. Therefore, this reduces the need to reinsert the puncture needle and makes it possible to achieve minimally invasive treatment.

[0054] Meanwhile, all the colors of the range bar 44, the scale 38, the direction plate 36, and the guide mark 60 are opposite to the color of the housing 20. For example, in a case where the color of the housing 20 is a light color, such as white or silver, the color of the range bar 44 or the like is a dark color, such as black or gray. This coloring makes it possible to improve the visibility of the range bar 44 or the like and allows the operator to easily recognize the radiation area Ae and the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves, as well as the guidance direction of the puncture needle.

[0055] Furthermore, the configurations described above are only examples, and other configurations can be appropriately changed as long as the ultrasonic probe 10 has the characteristics described in claim 1. Therefore, the area marker 42 is not limited to the stripe shape such as the area bar 44, as long as it has a shape indicating the irradiation area Ae. For example, the area marker 42 may be a triangle, a line, or the like arranged in the end portion of the irradiation area Ae, as shown in Fig. 7. Furthermore, in a case where at least one area marker 42 is provided, the number of area markers 42 and the position thereof are not limited.

[0056] Furthermore, the above-described ultrasonic probe 10 includes the scale 38, the direction mark 34, and the guide mark 60 in addition to the range mark 42. However, as long as the ultrasonic probe 10 includes the range mark 42, the other marks may be omitted. Furthermore, the above-described ultrasonic probe 10 is a linear probe in which the plurality of transducer elements 24 are arranged linearly. However, the technology disclosed in the present specification is not limited to the linear probe and can be applied to other types of probes, such as convex probes.

[0057] Furthermore, some techniques have been proposed in which the ultrasound tomography image 120 is displayed so as to be superimposed on an image (hereinafter referred to as a "camera image") captured by the camera of the endoscope 100. In this case, a pattern acting as an AR mark is provided on the ultrasound probe 10, and the position and posture of the ultrasound probe 10 are specified from the AR mark shown in the camera image. Then, a three-dimensional positional relationship between the camera image and the ultrasound tomography image 120 is specified from the specified position and posture, and a superimposition position of the ultrasound tomography image 120 with the camera image and the like is determined. The range bar 44, the scale 38, the direction plate 36, and the guide mark 60 can be used as the AR mark. List of reference symbols 10 Ultrasound probe 12 Operating section 14 Introductory section 16 distal end section 20 housings 20a first housing piece 20b second housing piece 21 lens hole 22 mounting hole 23 ultrasonic transducers 24 transducer element 26 acoustic lens 28 Adaptation layer 30 radiation area 32 recess section 34 Direction marking 36 Direction plate 38 scale 40 center mark 41 Line 42 Area marking 44 Area bar 50 first puncture guide 52 guide hole 52a tapered upper section 52b tapered lower section 54 first wall 56 second wall 58 cross hole 60 guide marking 62 second puncture guide 64 guide groove 66 third wall 100 endoscopes 102 field of view 110 Subject 112 Abdominal cavity 120 ultrasound tomography image 122 Target part Ae radiation range Mc resection margin QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2010-119484A

[0005]

Claims

[1] An ultrasound probe that is inserted into a body cavity, the ultrasound probe comprising: an ultrasonic transducer that emits an ultrasonic wave; and a housing which has a substantially cylindrical shape and which accommodates the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the housing includes one or more area markers provided at positions visible from the outside and indicating a radiation area of ​​the ultrasonic wave. [2] Ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein a radiation surface of the ultrasonic wave is elongated in an axial direction of the housing, and the one or more area markers comprise an area marker arranged in a circumferential direction near the radiation surface of the ultrasonic wave. [3] The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, wherein the one or more area markers comprise a pair of area markers respectively arranged on both sides in the circumferential direction with the radiation surface of the ultrasonic wave interposed therebetween. [4] Ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, wherein the one or more area markings comprise three or more area markings arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, and at least one of the area markers is visible from every direction in 360 degrees around the enclosure. [5] The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the one or more area markers also functions as a direction marker having a surface parallel or perpendicular to a radiation surface of the ultrasonic wave and indicating a radiation direction of the ultrasonic wave. [6] An ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the one or more area markers is a stripe-shaped pattern extending in an axial direction in the same area as the radiation area of ​​the ultrasonic wave. [7] Ultrasonic probe according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing further includes a scale provided at a position visible from the outside, and the scale is arranged to be close to or overlap at least one of the one or more range markings in a circumferential direction. [8] An ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a color of the area marker is opposite to a color of the housing.

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