Ultrasonic treatment device and propagation member

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic treatment device capable of easily irradiating a living body with a non-converged ultrasonic wave with a good BNR, and to provide a propagation member capable of easily irradiating the living body with a non-converged ultrasonic wave transmitted from an ultrasonic probe in a good BNR state.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic treatment device (100) includes: an ultrasonic probe (10) arranged outside a living body, and having a transmission part (11) including an ultrasonic wave transmission element (11a) for transmitting a non-converged ultrasonic wave; and a propagation member for propagating the non-converged ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmission part (11) inside the living body. The propagation member includes a connection part detachably attached to the transmission part and an ultrasonic propagation tube for forming a propagation path (24a) for the non-converged ultrasonic wave. When an area of an ultrasonic transmission region in the ultrasonic wave transmission element is represented as S1, and a cross-sectional area perpendicular to an ultrasonic wave propagation direction in the propagation path is represented as S2, S1>S2 is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to ultrasound therapy devices and transmitting members. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultrasound therapy is known in which ultrasonic waves are irradiated to a treatment site on a patient's body. For example, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy focuses ultrasonic waves on a treatment site. When HIFU is applied to prostate cancer, a probe that irradiates focused ultrasonic waves is inserted through the rectum (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In HIFU, the focused part of the ultrasound becomes hot, which may cause damage to the surrounding area of ​​the treatment site. Therefore, in recent years, unfocused ultrasound has been considered as an alternative to focused ultrasound for use in ultrasound therapy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2010-504172 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when unfocused ultrasound is used in ultrasound therapy, the following problems may occur. First, the uniformity of unfocused ultrasound can be mentioned. When the uniformity is low, unfocused ultrasound contains high-intensity ultrasound locally. Since such high-intensity ultrasound can damage biological tissue unrelated to the treatment site, it is desirable for the unfocused ultrasound used in ultrasound therapy to have a low BNR (beam nonuniformity ratio). Second, the size of the probe can be mentioned. The BNR depends on the area of ​​the ultrasound transmission region of the ultrasound transmission element (transducer) in the probe. For this reason, when the BNR of unfocused ultrasound is reduced, it is necessary to make the ultrasound transmission element larger. In other words, when the BNR of unfocused ultrasound is reduced, the size of the probe tends to increase. On the other hand, a probe with a large size is difficult to insert through the rectum, for example, in the treatment of prostate cancer. In light of the above-mentioned problems, the inventors have intensively studied means for delivering unfocused ultrasound to a treatment site in a living body while reducing the burden on the patient, and have completed the present invention.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made based on the above circumstances, and aims to provide an ultrasound treatment device that can easily irradiate unfocused ultrasound with good BNR into a living body, and a propagation member that can easily irradiate unfocused ultrasound transmitted from an ultrasound probe into a living body with good BNR. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An ultrasonic therapy device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a transmitting unit including an ultrasonic transmitting element that transmits unfocused ultrasonic waves, and is equipped with an ultrasonic probe that is placed outside the living body, and a propagation member that propagates the unfocused ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting unit into the living body, the propagation member having a connecting part that is detachably attached to the transmitting unit and an ultrasonic propagation tube that forms a propagation path for the unfocused ultrasonic waves, and satisfies the following formula (1) when the area of ​​the ultrasonic transmission region in the ultrasonic transmitting element is S1 and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the ultrasonic propagation direction in the propagation path is S2. S1>S2 (1)

[0008] A propagation member according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a propagation member capable of propagating unfocused ultrasound transmitted from a transmitting unit of an ultrasound probe placed outside the living body into the living body, and has a connecting portion that is detachably attached to the transmitting unit and an ultrasound propagation tube that forms a propagation path for the unfocused ultrasound, and the propagation path is configured to keep the unfocused ultrasound transmitted from the transmitting unit in an unfocused state while reducing the irradiation range. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The ultrasonic therapy device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can easily irradiate unfocused ultrasonic waves with good BNR into a living body. Also, the propagation member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can easily irradiate unfocused ultrasonic waves with good BNR from an ultrasonic probe into a living body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an ultrasonic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a pre-assembled state. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the ultrasonic therapy device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view including a cross section of the adapter taken along line III-III in a state where the adapter is attached to the adjustment portion of the ultrasound transmission tube in the ultrasound treatment device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view including a cross section of the adapter taken along line III-III in a state where the ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic treatment device of FIG. 3 is inserted into the adapter. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view including a cross section taken along line VV of the adapter in the ultrasonic therapy device of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view including a cross section of the adapter corresponding to FIG. 3, showing a state in which the adapter is attached to an adjustment portion of an ultrasonic propagation tube in an ultrasonic treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a schematic side view including a cross section of the adapter corresponding to FIG. 3, showing a state in which the ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic treatment device of FIG. 6 is inserted into the adapter. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view including a cross section of an adapter corresponding to FIG. 3 in a pre-assembly state of an ultrasonic therapy device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view including a cross section of the adapter corresponding to FIG. 3, showing a state in which an adapter is attached to the adjustment portion of the ultrasound transmission tube in the ultrasound treatment device of FIG. 8 and an ultrasound probe is inserted into the adapter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0012] [1] An ultrasonic therapeutic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a transmitting unit including an ultrasonic transmitting element that transmits unfocused ultrasonic waves, and is equipped with an ultrasonic probe that is placed outside the living body, and a propagation member that propagates the unfocused ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting unit into the living body, wherein the propagation member has a connecting part that is detachably attached to the transmitting unit and an ultrasonic propagation tube that forms a propagation path for the unfocused ultrasonic waves, and satisfies the following formula (1) when the area of ​​the ultrasonic transmission region in the ultrasonic transmitting element is S1 and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the ultrasonic propagation direction in the propagation path is S2. S1>S2 (1)

[0013] The ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic therapy device is placed outside the living body, so the transmission unit can be made large. That is, the area S1 of the ultrasonic transmission region of the ultrasonic transmission element can be made large, so the BNR of the unfocused ultrasonic waves can be reduced. Also, from the above formula (1), the cross-sectional area S2 perpendicular to the ultrasonic propagation direction of the propagation path is smaller than the area S1 of the ultrasonic transmission region. Therefore, the ultrasonic propagation tube forming the propagation path can be provided with a small outer diameter so that it can be easily inserted into the living body. Therefore, the ultrasonic therapy device can easily irradiate the unfocused ultrasonic waves with good BNR originating from the ultrasonic probe into the living body through the ultrasonic propagation tube.

[0014] In this disclosure, "unfocused ultrasound" refers to ultrasound that is not focused to a single point or line on the propagation path. "Placed outside the body" refers to placement outside the body surface. "BNR" is an abbreviation for Beam Nonuniformity Ratio, and is the maximum intensity I in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of ultrasound propagation. MAX [w / cm 2 ] is the average intensity I AVE [w / cm 2 ] is divided by I MAX / I AVE It is.

[0015] [2] In the ultrasonic treatment device described in [1] above, it is preferable that S1 and S2 in the above formula (1) further satisfy the following formula (2). 2 x S2 <S1<20×S2 ···(2) By making S1 and S2 in the above formula (1) further satisfy the above formula (2), the diameter of the propagation path and the outer diameter of the ultrasonic propagation tube can be set in an appropriate range, thereby improving the handleability of the propagation member and appropriately irradiating the inside of the body with unfocused ultrasonic waves having a good BNR.

[0016] [3] In the ultrasonic treatment device described in [1] or [2] above, the connection part preferably has a cylindrical adapter into which the transmission part fits, and a first medium filled in a space surrounded by the transmission part and the adapter, and the adapter preferably has a bubble discharge part capable of discharging bubbles remaining in the space. By having the adapter in this way, the ultrasonic probe and the propagation member can be easily connected. In addition, by having the first medium in the connection part, it is possible to suppress the blocking or attenuation of the unfocused ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmission part before they reach the ultrasonic propagation tube. Furthermore, by having the adapter discharge bubbles remaining in the space from the bubble discharge part, the BNR of the unfocused ultrasonic waves propagating through the connection part can be maintained at a good level.

[0017] [4] In the ultrasonic treatment device described in [3] above, it is preferable that the adapter has a flange protruding inward to define the space, and the bubble exhaust portion is provided on the flange. By having the adapter have a flange on which the bubble exhaust portion is provided, it is possible to discharge bubbles remaining in the space while stabilizing the connection between the ultrasonic probe and the propagation member with a simple configuration.

[0018] [5] In the ultrasonic therapy device described in [4] above, it is preferable that the flange is provided at the end of the adapter on the side where the transmitting unit is inserted. By providing the flange at the end of the adapter on the side where the transmitting unit is inserted in this way, the transmitting unit can be easily fixed to the adapter. In addition, air bubbles remaining in the space when the transmitting unit is inserted into the adapter can be discharged.

[0019] [6] In the ultrasonic therapy device according to any one of [3] to [5] above, it is preferable that the bubble discharge part is a groove or a hole. By using the bubble discharge part as a groove or a hole in this way, bubbles remaining in the space can be discharged with a simple structure.

[0020] [7] In the ultrasonic therapy device according to any one of [3] to [6] above, it is preferable that the connection part further has a gel-like or solid second medium that is disposed in the space and is pressed by the transmission part when the transmission part is inserted. By having the connection part have the gel-like or solid second medium that is pressed by the transmission part in this way, the deformation of the second medium when pressed by the transmission part can promote the discharge of air bubbles remaining in the space.

[0021] [8] In the ultrasonic therapy device described in [7] above, it is preferable that the second medium has a protuberance that protrudes toward the side where the transmitting unit is inserted. By having the protuberance in this way, the protuberance is compressed when pressed by the transmitting unit. This can further promote the discharge of air bubbles remaining in the space in the direction from the top of the protuberance toward its periphery.

[0022] [9] In the ultrasonic therapy device described in [8] above, the raised portion is preferably cone-shaped or hemispherical. By making the raised portion cone-shaped or hemispherical, the discharge of air bubbles remaining in the space in the direction from the top of the raised portion to the bottom of the raised portion when pressed by the transmitting portion can be further promoted.

[0023]

[10] In the ultrasonic therapy device according to any one of [1] to [9] above, the connection part may be detachably attached to the ultrasonic transmission tube. By detachably attaching the connection part to the ultrasonic transmission tube in this manner, the customizability of the transmission member according to the purpose of use of the ultrasonic therapy device is improved.

[0024]

[11] In the ultrasonic treatment device according to any one of [1] to [9] above, the connection part may be integrally formed with the ultrasonic propagation tube. By forming the connection part integrally with the ultrasonic propagation tube in this manner, the structure of the propagation member can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[0025]

[12] A propagation member according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a propagation member capable of propagating unfocused ultrasound transmitted from a transmitting unit of an ultrasound probe placed outside the living body into the living body, and includes a connecting portion that is detachably attached to the transmitting unit and an ultrasound propagation tube that forms a propagation path for the unfocused ultrasound, and the propagation path is configured to keep the unfocused ultrasound transmitted from the transmitting unit in an unfocused state while reducing the irradiation range.

[0026] The propagation member has the propagation path that maintains the unfocused state of the unfocused ultrasound, so that the unfocused ultrasound transmitted from the ultrasonic probe can be propagated in a state of good BNR. In addition, since the irradiation range of the unfocused ultrasound can be reduced in the propagation path, the ultrasound propagation tube can be provided with a small outer diameter so that it can be easily inserted into a living body. Therefore, the propagation member can easily irradiate the unfocused ultrasound with good BNR from the ultrasonic probe into the living body.

[0027] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Hereinafter, an ultrasonic treatment device and a propagation member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. It is possible to adopt only one of the upper limit value and the lower limit value described in the present specification, or to arbitrarily combine the upper limit value and the lower limit value. In this specification, all combinable numerical ranges are described as suitable ranges. In addition, each figure is schematic and may not match the actual dimensions, ratios, etc.

[0028] [Ultrasonic treatment device] First Embodiment The ultrasonic treatment device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 5 has a transmitting unit 11 including an ultrasonic transmitting element 11a that transmits unfocused ultrasonic waves, and is equipped with an ultrasonic probe 10 that is placed outside the living body, and a propagation member 20 that propagates the unfocused ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting unit 11 into the living body. The propagation member 20 has a connecting part 21 that is detachably attached to the transmitting unit 11, and an ultrasonic propagation tube 22 that forms a propagation path 24a of the unfocused ultrasonic waves. When the area of ​​the ultrasonic transmission region in the ultrasonic transmitting element 11a is S1 and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the ultrasonic propagation direction X in the propagation path 24a is S2, the following formula (1) is satisfied. S1>S2 (1)

[0029] Since the ultrasonic probe 10 of the ultrasonic therapy device 100 is placed outside the living body, the transmitting section 11 can be made large. That is, since the area S1 of the ultrasonic transmission region of the ultrasonic transmission element 11a can be made large, the BNR of the unfocused ultrasonic wave can be reduced. Also, from the above formula (1), the cross-sectional area S2 perpendicular to the ultrasonic propagation direction X of the propagation path 24a is smaller than the area S1 of the ultrasonic transmission region. Therefore, the ultrasonic propagation tube 22 forming the propagation path 24a can be provided with a small outer diameter so that it can be easily inserted into the living body. Therefore, the ultrasonic therapy device 100 can easily irradiate the unfocused ultrasonic wave with a good BNR from the ultrasonic probe 10 into the living body through the ultrasonic propagation tube 22.

[0030] [Ultrasonic probe] As described above, the ultrasonic probe 10 has a transmission section 11 including ultrasonic transmission elements 11a that transmit unfocused ultrasonic waves (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "ultrasound waves").

[0031] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic transmission element 11a is a disk-shaped member that vibrates in the thickness direction and transmits ultrasonic waves in the thickness direction. More specifically, the ultrasonic transmission element 11a is disk-shaped having a circular surface that defines an ultrasonic transmission region, another circular surface that is parallel to the circular surface and spaced apart in the thickness direction, and an outer peripheral surface that connects these two surfaces. Since the ultrasonic transmission element 11a is disk-shaped in this way, ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transmission region tend to be uniform in the surface direction of the ultrasonic transmission element 11a, and the BNR of the ultrasonic waves is easily reduced.

[0032] The material of the ultrasonic transmission element 11a is, for example, piezoelectric ceramics. The frequency of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic transmission element 11a depends on the thickness of the ultrasonic transmission element 11a. From the viewpoint of transmitting ultrasonic waves with an appropriate frequency effective for treatment, the lower limit of the thickness of the ultrasonic transmission element 11a is preferably 1 mm, more preferably 1.5 mm, and even more preferably 2 mm. On the other hand, from the same viewpoint, the upper limit of the thickness of the ultrasonic transmission element 11a is preferably 5 mm, more preferably 4 mm, and even more preferably 3 mm.

[0033] The closer to the periphery of the ultrasonic transmission area, the more the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic transmission element 11a are likely to be interfered with by ultrasonic waves generated from the outer peripheral surface. Therefore, if the size of the ultrasonic transmission area is not sufficient relative to the thickness of the ultrasonic transmission element 11a, the BNR of the ultrasonic waves is likely to increase (easily deteriorate). Therefore, from the viewpoint of reducing the BNR of the ultrasonic waves, the lower limit of the area S1 of the ultrasonic transmission area is set to 800 mm 2 is preferable, and 900 mm 2 is more preferable, and 1000 mm 2 On the other hand, the upper limit of the area S1 of the ultrasonic transmission region is set to 2800 mm from the viewpoint of the ease of handling and manufacturability of the ultrasonic therapy device 100. 2 is preferred, 2300mm 2 is more preferable, and 1700 mm 2 is more preferred.

[0034] The lower limit of the ratio of the diameter of the ultrasonic transmission region to the thickness of the ultrasonic transmission element 11a is preferably 5, more preferably 10, and even more preferably 15, from the viewpoint of reducing the BNR of the ultrasonic wave. On the other hand, the upper limit of the ratio is preferably 60, more preferably 50, and even more preferably 40, from the viewpoint of the handling and manufacturability of the ultrasonic therapy device 100.

[0035] In this embodiment, the transmitting unit 11 is a cylindrical member. The transmitting unit 11 has an ultrasonic transmission element 11a disposed therein. One end face in the axial direction of the transmitting unit 11 and the ultrasonic transmission region of the ultrasonic transmission element 11a face each other in parallel, and ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic transmission element 11a are transmitted to the outside from the one end face of the transmitting unit 11. The size of the transmitting unit 11 can be appropriately set according to the ultrasonic transmission element 11a. The lower limit of the diameter of the one end face of the transmitting unit 11 can be R, when the diameter of the ultrasonic transmission region of the ultrasonic transmission element 11a is R. In addition, the upper limit of the diameter of the one end face of the transmitting unit 11 is preferably 2×R, more preferably 1.5×R, and even more preferably 1.2×R, from the viewpoint of the handling and manufacturability of the ultrasonic treatment device 100.

[0036] The center point of the one end face of the transmitting section 11 and the center point of the ultrasonic transmission area of ​​the ultrasonic transmitting element 11a coincide with each other in the ultrasonic propagation direction X.

[0037] The ultrasonic probe 10 may further include a base 12 connected to the transmission unit 11. The base 12 may function as a handle when a user holds the ultrasonic probe 10. The base 12 may also include a power source for applying a voltage to the ultrasonic transmitting elements 11a and a control unit for adjusting the frequency and intensity of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic transmitting elements 11a.

[0038] From the viewpoint of avoiding unintended damage to biological tissue, the upper limit of the BNR of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting unit 11 is preferably 5, more preferably 4, and even more preferably 3. The lower limit of the BNR of the ultrasonic waves is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 1.

[0039] [Transmission member] As described above, the propagation member 20 has the connection part 21 detachably attached to the transmission part 11, and the ultrasound propagation tube 22 forming the ultrasound propagation path 24a. The propagation member 20 propagates the unfocused ultrasound transmitted from the transmission part 11 into the living body while maintaining the unfocused state.

[0040] (Ultrasonic transmission tube) 1, the ultrasonic wave propagation tube 22 has an adjustment unit 23 that narrows the irradiation range of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10, and an ultrasonic wave propagation tube main body 24 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "main body 24") connected to the adjustment unit 23. The inner peripheral surface of the main body 24 forms an ultrasonic wave propagation path 24a.

[0041] In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 23 is a cylindrical member including an adjustment path 23a extending in the axial direction. The adjustment unit 23 is disposed so that its axial direction coincides with the ultrasonic wave propagation direction X. The adjustment unit 23 is also disposed so that its central axis passes through the center of the ultrasonic wave transmission area. The adjustment path 23a penetrates the adjustment unit 23 in the axial direction and is filled with a medium capable of propagating ultrasonic waves.

[0042] The medium may be selected from known media capable of propagating ultrasonic waves. The medium may be, for example, liquid, gel, or solid. Examples of liquid media include water, motor oil, machine oil, and glycerin. Examples of gel media include agar and gelatin. Examples of solid media include silicone rubber.

[0043] The adjustment section 23 may have a sealant (not shown) at one or both axial ends where the adjustment path 23a opens, for preventing the medium from leaking out of the adjustment path 23a. An example of this sealant is a resin film capable of propagating ultrasonic waves.

[0044] One end face of the adjustment unit 23 faces the transmission unit 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10, and the other end face of the adjustment unit 23 is connected to the main body 24. Therefore, the adjustment unit 23 can propagate ultrasonic waves originating from the ultrasonic probe 10 to the main body 24 along the ultrasonic propagation direction X by the adjustment path 23a filled with the above-mentioned medium.

[0045] The adjustment path 23a is provided so as to block ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transmission element 11a from the outer periphery of the ultrasonic transmission region. In this embodiment, the adjustment path 23a is in a truncated cone shape whose diameter is reduced toward the ultrasonic propagation direction X. By forming the adjustment path 23a in a truncated cone shape in this manner, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transmission element 11a can be made to enter the inner wall surface of the adjustment part 23 from an oblique direction. Therefore, the ultrasonic waves that enter the inner wall surface are easily reflected multiple times by the inner wall surface. As a result, by suppressing the direct reflection of the ultrasonic waves toward the ultrasonic transmission element 11a, the energy of the ultrasonic waves (reflected waves) toward the ultrasonic transmission element 11a can be reduced, and the reflected waves can be prevented from interfering with the vibration of the ultrasonic transmission element 11a.

[0046] The central axis of the adjustment path 23a coincides with the central axis of the main body 24. The minimum area of ​​the cross section perpendicular to the ultrasonic propagation direction X of the adjustment path 23a is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area S2 perpendicular to the ultrasonic propagation direction X of the propagation path 24a of the main body 24, and may be the same as the cross-sectional area S2.

[0047] The lower limit of the diameter of one end face of the adjustment unit 23 facing the transmission unit 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 can be the same as the diameter R of the ultrasonic transmission region of the ultrasonic transmission element 11a. On the other hand, the upper limit of the diameter of the one end face of the adjustment unit 23 is preferably 2×R, more preferably 1.5×R, and even more preferably 1.2×R. When the diameter of the one end face of the adjustment unit 23 is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the necessary part of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic probe 10 can be reliably propagated to the main body 24. Furthermore, when the diameter of the adjustment unit 23 is equal to or less than the upper limit, the adjustment unit 23 and the transmission unit 11 can be easily connected to each other using the adapter 25 of the connection unit 21 described later.

[0048] The main body 24 is a straight tube. The central axis of the main body 24 is arranged to pass through the center of the ultrasonic transmission area. By arranging the main body 24 in this manner, ultrasonic waves with a good BNR can be reliably propagated. The main body 24 is inserted into a living body, such as through the rectum, during treatment using the ultrasonic treatment device 100.

[0049] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, the propagation path 24a of the main body 24 is rod-shaped. The propagation path 24a is filled with a medium capable of propagating ultrasonic waves. The medium can be appropriately selected from the media listed as the medium filling the adjustment path 23a.

[0050] The main body 24 may have a sealant (not shown) for preventing the medium from leaking from the propagation path 24a, similar to the adjustment unit 23. The sealant is disposed, for example, at one end or both ends in the axial direction where the propagation path 24a opens.

[0051] The cross-sectional area S2 perpendicular to the ultrasonic propagation direction X in the propagation path 24a and the area S1 of the ultrasonic transmission region in the ultrasonic transmitting element 11a may satisfy S1<200×S2, S1<100×S2, or S1<50×S2. In addition to the above-mentioned formula (1), it is preferable to further satisfy the following formula (2). 2 x S2 <S1<20×S2 ···(2) By further satisfying the above formula (2), the diameter of the propagation path 24a and the outer diameter of the main body 24 can be set within an appropriate range. This improves the ease of handling of the propagation member 20, and allows ultrasonic waves with a good BNR to be appropriately irradiated into the body.

[0052] The lower limit of the cross-sectional area S2 of the propagation path 24a is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 5 mm 2 On the other hand, the upper limit of the cross-sectional area S2 of the propagation path 24a is set to 300 mm from the viewpoint of facilitating the insertion of the main body 24 into the living body. 2 is preferred, and 250 mm 2 is more preferable, and 200 mm 2 is more preferred.

[0053] The length of the main body 24 is appropriately set according to the purpose of the treatment using the ultrasonic treatment device 100. The lower limit of the length of the main body 24 is preferably 30 mm, more preferably 40 mm, and may be more preferably 50 mm, from the viewpoint of insertion into a living body. On the other hand, the upper limit of the length of the main body 24 is not particularly limited, but may be 500 mm, 400 mm, or 300 mm, from the viewpoint of preventing the propagation path 24a from becoming too long.

[0054] (Connection) In this embodiment, the connection unit 21 has an adapter 25 that connects the transmission unit 11 and the adjustment unit 23, and a first medium 26. The adapter 25 is configured in a cylindrical shape so that the transmission unit 11 and the adjustment unit 23 are fitted together while facing each other therein. Since the connection unit 21 has the adapter 25 in this manner, the ultrasonic probe 10 and the propagation member 20 can be easily connected to each other.

[0055] In this embodiment, the adapter 25 is cylindrical. The diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the adapter 25 is configured to be larger than the diameters of the outer circumferential surfaces of both the transmitting unit 11 and the adjusting unit 23 so that the transmitting unit 11 and the adjusting unit 23 can be fitted together. The adapter 25, the transmitting unit 11, and the adjusting unit 23 are fitted together so that their axial directions coincide with each other.

[0056] When the adapter 25 is fitted to the transmitting unit 11 and the adjusting unit 23, a space is defined which is surrounded by the transmitting unit 11, the adjusting unit 23, and the adapter 25. The first medium 26 is filled in the space. By filling the space with the first medium 26 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting unit 11 from being blocked or attenuated before reaching the adjusting unit 23.

[0057] The first medium 26 is a liquid or gel-like medium. The first medium 26 can be selected from known media capable of propagating ultrasonic waves. The first medium 26 can be appropriately selected from those listed as media for filling the adjustment path 23a. Since the first medium 26 is filled in the space formed by fitting the transmission unit 11 and the adjustment unit 23 inside the adapter 25, it is preferable that the first medium 26 is liquid from the viewpoint of being sufficiently fluid when the space is formed.

[0058] The adapter 25 has a flange 25a that protrudes toward the central axis of the adapter 25 and abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the transmission unit 11. That is, the flange 25a protrudes inward to define the above-mentioned space. By the adapter 25 having the flange 25a that abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the transmission unit 11 in this manner, the connection between the ultrasonic probe 10 and the propagation member 20 can be stabilized.

[0059] The flange 25a is disposed at an end of the adapter 25 on the side where the transmitting unit 11 is inserted. By disposing the flange 25a at the end of the adapter 25 on the side where the transmitting unit 11 is inserted, the transmitting unit 11 can be easily fixed to the adapter 25.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the first medium 26 may have fine bubbles therein. The bubbles may interfere with the ultrasonic waves and may lead to an increase in BNR. In order to reduce the effect of the bubbles on the ultrasonic waves, the flange 25a is provided with a plurality of groove-shaped bubble discharge sections 25b penetrating the adapter 25 in the axial direction. By providing the bubble discharge sections 25b on the flange 25a, bubbles remaining in the ultrasonic wave propagation path in the first medium 26 can be discharged. In addition, by having the bubble discharge sections 25b in the shape of a groove, bubbles remaining in the ultrasonic wave propagation path can be discharged with a simple configuration.

[0061] In this embodiment, the multiple bubble discharge portions 25b are provided discontinuously along the circumferential direction of the adapter 25. Therefore, in the flange 25a, the portions protruding toward the central axis of the adapter 25 and the bubble discharge portions 25b are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the adapter 25. By providing the bubble discharge portions 25b in this manner, air bubbles remaining in the propagation path of the ultrasonic waves can be discharged evenly in the circumferential direction of the adapter 25.

[0062] Here, the procedure for attaching the transmitting unit 11 to the connecting unit 21 (inserting the transmitting unit 11 into the adapter 25) will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 5. Fig. 2 shows the ultrasonic treatment device 100 in a state before assembly. As shown in Fig. 3, when the adjusting unit 23 is fitted into the adapter 25, a recess is formed by the adjusting unit 23 and the inner peripheral surface of the adapter 25. The first medium 26 is filled into the recess. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 4, the transmitting unit 11 is inserted into the inside of the adapter 25 so as to face the adjusting unit 23. At this time, bubbles in the first medium 26 are pushed out of the ultrasonic wave propagation path together with a part of the first medium 26, and are discharged from the bubble discharge portion 25b of the flange 25a. When the transmitting unit 11 is fitted into the adapter 25, a space surrounded by the transmitting unit 11, the adjusting unit 23, and the adapter 25 is defined. As shown in Fig. 5, the outer peripheral surface of the transmitting unit 11 is fitted into the adapter 25 while abutting against the flange 25a. Moreover, the space is filled with the first medium 26 that is substantially free of air bubbles.

[0063] The connection portion 21 may have a sealant (not shown) for preventing the first medium 26 from leaking out from the inside of the adapter 25. An example of this sealant is a resin film.

[0064] In this embodiment, the connection part 21 is detachably attached to the ultrasonic wave propagation tube 22 (adjustment part 23) as described above. By detachably attaching the connection part 21 to the ultrasonic wave propagation tube 22 in this manner, the customizability of the propagation member 20 according to the purpose of use of the ultrasonic treatment device 100 is improved.

[0065] Second Embodiment The ultrasonic treatment device 200 shown in Figures 6 and 7 has a transmitting unit 211 including an ultrasonic transmitting element that transmits ultrasonic waves, and is equipped with an ultrasonic probe 210 that is placed outside the living body, and a propagation member 220 that propagates the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting unit 211 into the living body. The propagation member 220 has a connecting part 221 that is detachably attached to the transmitting unit 211, and an ultrasonic propagation tube 222 that forms a propagation path for the above ultrasonic waves, and satisfies the following formula (1) when the area of ​​the ultrasonic transmission region in the above ultrasonic transmitting element is S1 and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the ultrasonic propagation direction X in the above propagation path is S2. S1>S2 (1)

[0066] Each configuration of the ultrasonic probe 210 of the ultrasonic treatment device 200 can be the same as the ultrasonic probe 10 in the first embodiment described above. The ultrasonic propagation tube 222 has an adjustment unit 223 that narrows the irradiation range of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic probe 210, and a main body 224 connected to the adjustment unit 223. The connection unit 221 has an adapter 225 that connects the transmission unit 211 and the adjustment unit 223, a first medium 226, and a second medium 227. Each configuration of the propagation member 220 can be the same as the propagation member 20 in the first embodiment described above, except for the second medium 227 described later.

[0067] (Second medium) As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the connection unit 221 is disposed in a space surrounded by the transmitting unit 211, the adjusting unit 223, and the adaptor 225, and has a gel-like or solid second medium 227 pressed by the transmitting unit 211 when the transmitting unit 211 is inserted into the adaptor 225. The second medium 227 may be disposed on the adjusting unit 223 after the adjusting unit 223 is inserted into the adaptor 225, as shown in Fig. 6. In this way, the connection unit 221 has the gel-like or solid second medium 227 pressed by the transmitting unit 211, and the deformation of the second medium 227 when pressed by the transmitting unit 211 can promote the discharge of air bubbles remaining in the space. Note that when the second medium 227 is pressed by the transmitting unit 211, the transmitting unit 211 and the second medium 227 may be in partial contact with each other. Moreover, the transmitting section 211 and the second medium 227 may be in partial contact with each other, so that the first medium 226 remains between the transmitting section 211 and the second medium 227. Furthermore, the transmitting section 211 and the second medium 227 may be in contact with each other without any gap.

[0068] The second medium 227 has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the side where the transmitting unit 211 is inserted in the adapter 225 (hereinafter, also referred to as the "transmitting side"). In this embodiment, the protruding portion is cone-shaped. By having the protruding portion in this manner in the second medium 227, the discharge of air bubbles remaining in the space in the direction from the top of the protruding portion toward the bottom when pressed by the transmitting unit 211 can be further promoted.

[0069] From the viewpoint of effectively promoting the discharge of air bubbles remaining in the space, it is preferable that the apex of the raised portion of the second medium 227 is located on the central axis of the adapter 225. Here, the apex of the raised portion means the point located on the furthest transmitting side along the ultrasonic propagation direction X within the adapter 225.

[0070] As described above, the second medium 227 is a gel-like or solid-like medium. The second medium 227 can be selected from known media capable of propagating ultrasonic waves. Examples of gel-like media include agar and gelatin. Examples of solid-like media include silicone rubber.

[0071] <Third embodiment> The ultrasonic treatment device 300 shown in Figures 8 and 9 has a transmitting unit 311 including an ultrasonic transmitting element that transmits ultrasonic waves, and is equipped with an ultrasonic probe 310 that is placed outside the living body, and a propagation member 320 that propagates the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting unit 311 into the living body. The propagation member 320 has a connecting part 321 that is detachably attached to the transmitting unit 311, and an ultrasonic propagation tube 322 that forms a propagation path for the above ultrasonic waves, and satisfies the following formula (1) when the area of ​​the ultrasonic transmission region in the above ultrasonic transmitting element is S1 and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the ultrasonic propagation direction X in the above propagation path is S2. S1>S2 (1)

[0072] Each configuration of the ultrasonic probe 310 of the ultrasonic treatment device 300 can be the same as the ultrasonic probe 10 in the first embodiment described above. The ultrasonic propagation tube 322 has an adjustment unit 323 that narrows the irradiation range of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic probe 310, and a main body 324 connected to the adjustment unit 323. The connection unit 321 has an adapter 325 that connects the transmission unit 311 and the adjustment unit 323, a first medium 326, a second medium 327, and a third medium 328. Each configuration of the propagation member 320 can be the same as the propagation member 20 in the first embodiment described above, except for the first flange and the second flange of the adapter 325 of the connection unit 321, and the second medium 327 and the third medium 328.

[0073] (Connection) In the connection part 321, as in the first embodiment described above, when the adapter 325 is fitted with the transmitting part 311 and the adjusting part 323, a space surrounded by the transmitting part 311, the adjusting part 323, and the adapter 325 is defined. The first medium 326 is filled in the adapter 325 before the adapter 325 is fitted with the transmitting part 311 and the adjusting part 323. The adapter 325 has a first flange that protrudes toward the central axis of the adapter 325 and abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the transmitting part 311, and a second flange that protrudes toward the central axis of the adapter 325 and abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the adjusting part 323. The first flange is disposed at an end of the adapter 325 on the side where the transmitting part 311 is inserted. The second flange is disposed at an end of the adapter 325 on the side where the adjusting part 323 is inserted. The first flange and the second flange protrude inward to define the space. The first flange and the second flange are each provided with a plurality of groove-like bubble discharge portions that penetrate the adapter 325 in the axial direction.

[0074] Similar to the flange 25a of the first embodiment described above, the multiple bubble discharge portions of the first flange are provided discontinuously along the circumferential direction of the adapter 325. The multiple bubble discharge portions of the second flange are similar to those of the first flange.

[0075] When the transmitting unit 311 is inserted into the adapter 325, any air bubbles in the first medium 326 are pushed out of the ultrasonic wave propagation path together with a portion of the first medium 326, and are discharged from the air bubble discharge portion of the first flange. When the adjusting unit 323 is inserted into the adapter 325, any air bubbles in the first medium 326 are pushed out of the ultrasonic wave propagation path together with a portion of the first medium 326, and are discharged from the air bubble discharge portion of the second flange. In this embodiment, the transmitting unit 311 and the adjusting unit 323 may be inserted into the adapter 325 at the same time.

[0076] The connection unit 321 has a gel-like or solid second medium 327 and a third medium 328 arranged in the space surrounded by the transmission unit 311, the adjustment unit 323, and the adapter 325. The second medium 327 is pressed by the transmission unit 311 when the transmission unit 311 is inserted into the adapter 325. The third medium 328 is pressed by the adjustment unit 323 when the adjustment unit 323 is inserted into the adapter 325. Since the connection unit 321 has the second medium 327 and the third medium 328 in this manner, the second medium 327 and the third medium 328 are deformed when pressed by the transmission unit 311 and the adjustment unit 323, and the discharge of air bubbles remaining in the space can be promoted. Note that when the second medium 327 is pressed by the transmission unit 311, the transmission unit 311 and the second medium 327 may be in partial contact with each other. Moreover, the transmitting unit 311 and the second medium 327 may be in partial contact with each other, so that the first medium 326 remains between the transmitting unit 311 and the second medium 327. Furthermore, the transmitting unit 311 and the second medium 327 may be in contact with each other without any gaps. Similarly, when the third medium 328 is pressed by the adjusting unit 323, the adjusting unit 323 and the third medium 328 may be in partial contact with each other. Furthermore, the adjusting unit 323 and the third medium 328 may be in partial contact with each other, so that the first medium 326 remains between the adjusting unit 323 and the third medium 328. Furthermore, the adjusting unit 323 and the third medium 328 may be in contact with each other without any gaps.

[0077] The second medium 327 and the third medium 328 may be disposed in the first medium 326 inside the adapter 325 before the transmitting section 311 and the adjusting section 323 are inserted inside the adapter 325, as shown in FIG.

[0078] The connection part 321 may further have a fixing sheet (not shown) for fixing the second medium 327 and the third medium 328 in the adapter 325. The fixing sheet is, for example, disposed perpendicular to the axial direction of the adapter 325 and fixed in the adapter 325 so as to separate the first flange and the second flange. At this time, the second medium 327 may be fixed to a surface of the fixing sheet facing the transmitting part 311. Also, the third medium 328 may be fixed to a surface of the fixing sheet facing the adjusting part 323. The fixing sheet is made of a material capable of propagating ultrasonic waves, such as a resin film.

[0079] The second medium 327 has a raised portion that is raised on the side (transmission side) where the transmitting unit 311 is inserted in the adapter 325. The third medium 328 has a raised portion that is raised on the side (hereinafter also referred to as the "adjustment side") where the adjusting unit 323 is inserted in the adapter 325. In this embodiment, the raised portions of the second medium 327 and the third medium 328 are both pyramidal. Moreover, the raised portions of the second medium 327 and the third medium 328 are arranged so that their bottom surfaces face each other. By the second medium 327 and the third medium 328 each having a raised portion in this way, the discharge of air bubbles remaining in the above-mentioned space in the direction from the top to the bottom of each of the raised portions when pressed by the transmitting unit 311 and the adjusting unit 323 can be further promoted.

[0080] From the viewpoint of effectively promoting the discharge of air bubbles remaining in the space, it is preferable that the apex of the raised portion of the second medium 327 and the third medium 328 is located on the central axis of the adapter 325. Here, the apex of the raised portion of the second medium 327 means a point located on the furthest side of the transmission along the ultrasonic propagation direction X within the adapter 325. Moreover, the apex of the raised portion of the third medium 328 means a point located on the furthest side of the adjustment along the ultrasonic propagation direction X within the adapter 325.

[0081] The materials of the second medium 327 and the third medium 328 can be the same as the second medium 227 of the above-mentioned second embodiment.

[0082] [Transmission components] A propagation member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a propagation member capable of propagating unfocused ultrasound transmitted from a transmitting unit of an ultrasound probe placed outside the living body into the living body, and has a connecting portion that is detachably attached to the transmitting unit, and an ultrasound propagation tube that forms a propagation path for the unfocused ultrasound, and the propagation path is configured to keep the unfocused ultrasound transmitted from the transmitting unit in an unfocused state while reducing the irradiation range.

[0083] The propagation member has the propagation path that maintains the unfocused state of the unfocused ultrasound, so that the unfocused ultrasound transmitted from the ultrasonic probe can be propagated in a state of good BNR. In addition, since the irradiation range of the unfocused ultrasound can be reduced in the propagation path, the ultrasound propagation tube can be provided with a small outer diameter so that it can be easily inserted into a living body. Therefore, the propagation member can easily irradiate the unfocused ultrasound with good BNR from the ultrasonic probe into the living body.

[0084] The configuration of the propagation member may be similar to the propagation member 20 described above in the first embodiment of the ultrasonic treatment device, the propagation member 220 described above in the second embodiment, or the propagation member 320 described above in the third embodiment.

[0085] [Other embodiments] The above-mentioned embodiment does not limit the configuration of the present invention. Therefore, the above-mentioned embodiment may omit, replace or add components of each part of the above-mentioned embodiment based on the description in this specification and common technical knowledge, and it should be construed that all of them belong to the scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the ultrasonic wave propagation tube has an adjustment portion, but the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the main body of the ultrasonic wave propagation tube may be directly inserted into the adapter of the connection portion.

[0087] In the above first embodiment, when the transmitting unit is engaged with the adapter, the space surrounded by the transmitting unit, the adjusting unit, and the adapter is filled with the first medium, but the transmitting unit and the adjusting unit may be in partial contact, the transmitting unit and the adjusting unit may be in contact with no gaps, and the space may not be substantially filled with the first medium.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the adjustment section of the ultrasound transmission tube has an adjustment path having a truncated cone shape therein, but the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this. The shape of the adjustment path may be, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the bubble discharge part provided on the flange of the adapter is formed in a groove shape, but the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this. The bubble discharge part may be in the form of a hole. In addition, the bubble discharge part is arbitrarily provided while adjusting its shape and number according to the configuration of the ultrasonic treatment device.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the connection part is detachably attached to the ultrasound propagation tube, but the connection part may be integrally formed with the ultrasound propagation tube. In other words, the adapter and the adjustment part may be integrally formed.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the second medium and the third medium are pyramidal in shape, but the second medium and the third medium may be hemispherical or frustum-shaped. [Industrial Applicability]

[0092] An ultrasonic therapy device and a propagation member according to one aspect of the present disclosure are used in ultrasonic therapy for irradiating ultrasonic waves to a treatment site on a patient's body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 100, 200, 300 ultrasound therapy equipment 10, 210, 310 Ultrasonic probe 11, 211, 311 Transmitter 11a Ultrasonic transmitting element 12 base 20, 220, 320 Transmission components 21, 221, 321 Connection 22, 222, 322 Ultrasonic transmission tube 23, 223, 323 Adjustment section 23a Regulatory path 24, 224, 324 Main Unit 24a Propagation path 25, 225, 325 Adapters 25a flange 25b Air bubble discharge section 26, 226, 326 First medium 227, 327 Second medium 328 Third Medium

Claims

1. an ultrasonic probe having a transmitting unit including an ultrasonic transmitting element that transmits unfocused ultrasonic waves and disposed outside a living body; a propagation member that propagates the unfocused ultrasound transmitted from the transmission unit into a living body; Equipped with The transmission member is a connection part detachably attached to the transmission part; an ultrasonic transmission tube forming a transmission path for the unfocused ultrasonic wave; having An ultrasonic treatment device that satisfies the following formula (1), where the area of ​​the ultrasonic transmission region in the ultrasonic transmitting element is S1 and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the ultrasonic propagation direction in the propagation path is S2. S1>S2...(1)

2. 2. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1, wherein S1 and S2 in the above formula (1) further satisfy the following formula (2). 2×S2<S1<20×S2...(2)

3. The above connection part is a cylindrical adapter into which the transmitter is fitted; a first medium filled in a space surrounded by the transmitting unit and the adapter; having 2. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the adaptor has an air bubble exhaust section capable of exhausting air bubbles remaining in the space.

4. the adapter has an inwardly projecting flange to define the space; The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 3, wherein the bubble discharge portion is provided on the flange.

5. 5. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 4, wherein the flange is provided at an end of the adapter into which the transmitting unit is inserted.

6. 6. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 3, wherein the bubble discharge portion is a groove or a hole.

7. An ultrasonic therapeutic device as described in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the connection portion further has a gel-like or solid second medium that is disposed in the space and is pressed by the transmitting portion when the transmitting portion is inserted.

8. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 7, wherein the second medium has a protruding portion on a side where the transmitting portion is inserted.

9. The ultrasonic therapeutic device according to claim 8, wherein the protrusion is cone-shaped or hemispherical.

10. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the connection portion is detachably attached to the ultrasonic transmission tube.

11. 2. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion is integrally formed with the ultrasonic propagation tube.

12. A propagation member capable of propagating unfocused ultrasound transmitted from a transmitting unit of an ultrasound probe disposed outside a living body into a living body, a connection part detachably attached to the transmission part; an ultrasonic transmission tube forming a transmission path for the unfocused ultrasonic wave; having The propagation path is a propagation member that is provided to keep the unfocused ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmission unit in an unfocused state and to reduce an irradiation range.

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