Ultrasonic probe

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic probe that enables easy recognition of an arrangement state within a subject.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic probe 1 comprises a tip 40 that is provided with an ultrasonic transducer 41A, and first and second light emission parts 431 and 432 that are provided at the tip 40 and that emit light toward the opposite side of the side provided with the ultrasonic transducer 41A. The first and second light emission parts 431 and 432 emit point-like light 431L and light 432L.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology of this disclosure relates to ultrasound probes. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an ultrasound probe that emits a light beam from a light source arranged adjacent to a transducer array toward the inner wall of a subject's body cavity in a direction opposite to the conversion surface of the transducer array.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an ultrasound probe for endoscopic surgery having a long, slender main body portion that is inserted into a trocar tube inserted into the patient's abdominal wall, a bending portion attached to the tip of the main body portion, a head portion attached to the tip of the bending portion and having an ultrasound transducer at its tip, a beam emission means provided in the head portion for irradiating a beam from the head portion toward the abdominal wall, and a guide portion provided in the head portion for guiding a puncture needle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 166302 [Patent Document 2] JP 2002-191602 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique that enables easy recognition of the placement state of an ultrasound probe within a subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An ultrasonic probe according to one aspect of the technology disclosed herein comprises a tip portion having an ultrasonic transducer provided thereon, and a light emitting portion provided at the tip portion for emitting light toward the side opposite to the side on which the ultrasonic transducer is provided, and the light emitting portion emits a plurality of dots of light or linear light. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the technology of the present disclosure, the placement state inside the subject can be easily recognized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the insertion portion 10 of the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in FIG. 1 as viewed in a direction Y1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the insertion portion 10 of the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in FIG. 2 as viewed in the direction Z2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the insertion portion 10 of the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in FIG. 2 as viewed in the Z1 direction. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the insertion portion 10 of the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction Y2. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram of the imaginary plane VO viewed in a direction Z2. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of the cross section taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the tip portion 40, and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example of the tip portion 40, and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram of the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in FIG. 10 viewed in a direction Z2. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram of the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in FIG. 10 viewed in a direction Z1. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a modified example of the irradiation form of a plurality of dot-like lights. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a third modified example of the tip portion 40, and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the light emitted from the second light emitting portion 432 and irradiated onto the imaginary plane VO. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of the light path control section 432B. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the light path control section 432B. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a modified example of the emission form of a plurality of linear light beams. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing light emitted from the second light emitting portion 432 having the configuration shown in FIG. 19 onto the imaginary plane VO. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a modification of the light irradiation form shown in FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a modification of the light irradiation form shown in FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the state of light irradiated onto an imaginary plane VO when a light emitting portion that emits a plurality of dot-like light beams arranged in a perfect circle is provided on the tip portion 40. In FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the state of light irradiated onto the imaginary plane VO when a light emitting portion that emits a plurality of dot-like light beams arranged in an ellipse is provided on the tip portion 40. In FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a modified example of the ultrasonic probe 1. As shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 according to an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 includes an ultrasonic probe 1 and a control device 2 mainly composed of a processor that controls the ultrasonic probe 1 and generates an ultrasonic image based on the output of the ultrasonic probe 1.

[0010] The ultrasonic probe 1 is used by being introduced into the abdominal cavity through one of a number of trocars inserted into the abdomen of a subject such as a human or animal. While observing the state inside the abdominal cavity through an endoscope introduced into the body cavity through another of the multiple trocars, the user operates the ultrasonic probe 1 at hand, brings the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit into close contact with the target examination site, and obtains an ultrasonic observation image to perform the examination.

[0011] The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a long, columnar insertion section 10 to be inserted into the abdominal cavity, and an operation section 50 to be held by a user. In FIG. 1, a direction X1 from the base end to the tip end of the insertion section 10 and a direction X2 opposite to the direction X1 are shown as the axial direction X of the insertion section 10. In FIG. 1, directions Y and Z that intersect with the axial direction X and intersect with each other are shown. In the example of FIG. 1, the directions Y and Z are each perpendicular to the direction X. The directions Y and Z are also perpendicular to each other. One of the directions Y is referred to as the direction Y1, and the other of the directions Y is referred to as the direction Y2. One of the directions Z is referred to as the direction Z1, and the other of the directions Y is referred to as the direction Z2.

[0012] The insertion section 10 includes a tip section 40, a bending section 30 provided at the base end of the tip section 40, and a connection section 20 that connects the bending section 30 and the operation section 50. The bending section 30 is configured to have a sufficiently lower rigidity than the connection section 20 and the tip section 40, and is configured to be bendable in two intersecting directions (for example, direction Y and direction Z) by operating a bending operator (not shown) provided on the operation section 50, using a wire or the like connected to the bending operator. The bending section 30 is not limited to one that can be bent by operating the bending operator, and may be configured to be bent passively when the tip section 40 is pressed against an examination site, for example.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a side view of the insertion section 10 of the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in Fig. 1 as viewed in direction Y1. Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the insertion section 10 of the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in Fig. 2 as viewed in direction Z2. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the insertion section 10 of the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in Fig. 2 as viewed in direction Z1. Fig. 5 is a side view of the insertion section 10 of the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in Fig. 1 as viewed in direction Y2. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 3.

[0014] 2 shows an axis 100J of the insertion section 10. The tip section 40 is provided with an ultrasonic transmission / reception section 41, a guide section 42 for guiding a treatment tool such as a puncture needle, a first light emission section 431, and a second light emission section 432. In the following description, the treatment tool is described as a puncture needle, but is not limited to this.

[0015] The ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit 41 is provided on the surface of the tip portion 40 on the direction Z2 side, and transmits ultrasonic waves toward the direction Z2 side of the axis 100J in the side view shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit 41 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 41A arranged side by side in the axial direction X, and an acoustic matching layer and an acoustic lens, etc., which are not shown. The ultrasonic transducers 41A have a rectangular shape, for example, when viewed in the vibration direction. The ultrasonic transducers 41A are provided on the tip portion 40 with their longitudinal direction aligned with the direction Y, for example.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 5, a scale 45 is provided on the surface of the tip portion 40 on the direction Y1 side. The scale 45 includes a mark 45A indicating the center of the axial direction X of the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit 41. By referring to the scale 45, it is possible to grasp the correspondence between the ultrasonic scanning range 41B (the area observed in the ultrasonic image, see Fig. 2) of the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit 41 and the ultrasonic image. The scale 45 may be provided on the surface of the tip portion 40 on the direction Y2 side.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 6, the guide section 42 guides a treatment tool (puncture needle) to a scanning range 41B of ultrasonic waves, and the use of the guide section 42 allows the puncture needle to accurately puncture the puncture target. Specifically, the guide section 42 is configured with a hole section connecting, for example, a circular opening 42A provided on a surface on the direction Z1 side and, for example, a circular opening 42B provided on a surface on the direction Z2 side. The guide section 42 is provided between the ultrasonic transmission / reception section 41 and the curved section 30. In the axial direction X, the opening 42B is disposed on the direction X1 side of the opening 42A. That is, an extension line 42J of the axis of the guide section 42 is inclined toward the direction X2 side with respect to the direction Z. By inserting a treatment tool (puncture needle) into the guide section 42 from the opening 42A while the ultrasonic transmission / reception section 41 is pressed against an organ or the like of the subject, the tip of the treatment tool can be made to reach the scanning range 41B of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transmission / reception section 41. The extension line 42J extends in a direction along the inner wall surface of the guide portion 42, and in the example of FIG. 6, is parallel to the inner wall surface (the inner wall surface 421 on the X1 side and the inner wall surface 422 on the X2 side).

[0018] The first light emitting portion 431 and the second light emitting portion 432 are provided on a surface on the direction Z1 side of the tip portion 40, and emit light toward the direction Z1 side of the axis 100J. In the tip portion 40, the direction Z2 side of the axis 100J constitutes the side on which the ultrasonic transducer 41A is provided, and the first light emitting portion 431 and the second light emitting portion 432 each emit light toward the side opposite to the side on which the ultrasonic transducer 41A is provided.

[0019] 3, the first light emitting portion 431 and the second light emitting portion 432 are aligned in the axial direction X and are provided at positions facing each other with the guide portion 42 in between. The first light emitting portion 431 includes a recess 431a provided on a surface of the tip portion 40 on the direction Z1 side, and a light source 431A provided in the recess 431a. The second light emitting portion 432 includes a recess 432a provided on a surface of the tip portion 40 on the direction Z1 side, and a light source 432A provided in the recess 432a. The second light emitting portion 432 is provided on the tip side (direction X1 side) of the tip portion 40 with respect to the first light emitting portion 431. A first distance L1 (defined as the distance between the opening center of the recess 431a and the center of the opening 42A in the axial direction X) between the first light emitting portion 431 and the guide portion 42 and a second distance L2 (defined as the distance between the opening center of the recess 432a and the center of the opening 42A in the axial direction X) between the second light emitting portion 432 and the guide portion 42 are the same, but may be different.

[0020] The light source 432A emits a dot-like light 432L traveling in the direction in which the extension line 42J extends (synonymous with the direction along the inner wall surface 421). The light source 431A emits a dot-like light 431L traveling in the direction in which the extension line 42J extends (synonymous with the direction along the inner wall surface 422). The light source 431A and the light source 432A can each be a light-emitting element such as a laser, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an organic EL (electro-luminescence), or an inorganic EL, or a xenon lamp or the like with a light guide interposed therebetween. Although not particularly limited, it is preferable to use a laser from the viewpoint of visibility. The first light emitting portion 431 and the second light emitting portion 432 may further include an optical member or the like for improving the straightness of the light from the light source or controlling the traveling direction.

[0021] The light emitted from the first light emitting portion 431 and the second light emitting portion 432 is irradiated from the abdominal cavity to the abdominal wall of the subject, but here, in order to explain the irradiation state of the light from the tip portion 40 to the subject, a case where the light is irradiated to a virtual plane VO perpendicular to the direction Z will be explained. The virtual plane VO corresponds to the abdominal wall of the subject. As shown in Fig. 6, the virtual plane VO is disposed on the direction Z1 side with respect to the tip portion 40.

[0022] 7 is a view of the virtual plane VO viewed in the direction Z2. The virtual plane VO is irradiated with dot-like light 432L and dot-like light 431L arranged at intervals along the axial direction X (synonymous with the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 41A). In this manner, the first light emitting section 431 and the second light emitting section 432 emit dot-like light 432L and dot-like light 431L based on the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers 41A. In addition, since the light 432L and the light 431L are emitted in a direction along the inner wall surface 421 and the inner wall surface 422 of the guide section 42, it can be said that they are based on the shape of the guide section 42. In other words, the first light emitting section 431 and the second light emitting section 432 emit dot-like light 432L and dot-like light 431L based on the shape of the guide section 42.

[0023] On the imaginary plane VO, the range between the light 432L and the light 431L is defined as a light irradiation range 430. An intersection point P with the extension line 42J on the imaginary plane VO overlaps with the irradiation range 430. The intersection point P is located at the center of the irradiation range 430 in the axial direction X.

[0024] The irradiation range 430 corresponds to a region in which the second light emitting portion 432, the opening 42A, and the first light emitting portion 431 are provided on the surface on the direction Z1 side of the distal end portion 40, which is translated in the direction Z1 along the extension line 42J. Therefore, by inserting the treatment tool obliquely with respect to the approximate center of the irradiation range 430, it becomes easy to insert the treatment tool into the guide portion 42.

[0025] According to the ultrasonic probe 1 configured as above, the puncture needle is inserted obliquely into the abdomen with the base end side of the puncture needle tilted toward the light 431L, aiming at the approximate center of the irradiation range 430 surrounded by the light 431L and the light 432L irradiated from the abdominal cavity of the subject, and it becomes easy to make the puncture needle reach the guide part 42. For example, in a configuration in which only one of the light 431L and the light 432L is irradiated to the abdominal wall, it is difficult to grasp the direction in which the guide part 42 is located with respect to the irradiated light, and it is difficult to determine in which direction the puncture needle should be inserted with respect to the irradiated light. In contrast, according to the ultrasonic probe 1, the direction in which the light 431L and the light 432L are aligned can be recognized as the puncture direction of the puncture needle, so that the puncture with the puncture needle can be efficiently performed on the part against which the ultrasonic transmission / reception part 41 is pressed. Furthermore, by inserting the puncture needle into the guide portion 42, the puncture needle can be accurately inserted into a target site within the ultrasound scan range that can be confirmed in an ultrasound image.

[0026] Furthermore, when the first distance L1 between the first light emitting portion 431 and the opening 42A and the second distance L2 between the second light emitting portion 432 and the opening 42A are made the same, the intersection point P is located in the center of the irradiation range 430, as shown in FIG. 7, so that the insertion position of the treatment tool relative to the irradiation range 430 can be more easily recognized.

[0027] In order to easily recognize the direction in which the guide unit 42 exists with respect to the irradiation range 430, or to easily recognize which of the light 432L and the light 431L is closer to the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 41, the light emission form of the light 432L and the light 431L may be made different. For example, the colors of the light 432L and the light 431L may be made different, the irradiation sizes of the light 432L and the light 431L in the virtual plane VO may be made different, the luminance of the light 432L and the light 431L may be made different, or the emission period of the light 432L and the light 431L (emission intermittently, emission continuously, etc.) may be made different. Making the irradiation sizes of the light 432L and the light 431L in the virtual plane VO different means that the irradiation sizes of the light 432L and the light 431L are non-uniform.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of the cross section of the line AA in FIG. 3. The modified example shown in FIG. 8 is the same as FIG. 3, except that the emission direction of the light 432L is inclined toward the extension line 42J side with respect to the extension direction of the extension line 42J. In addition, in FIG. 8, the emission direction of the light 431L may be inclined toward the extension line 42J side with respect to the extension direction of the extension line 42J. Also, the emission direction of the light 432L may be the same as the extension direction of the extension line 42J, and the emission direction of the light 431L may be inclined toward the extension line 42J side with respect to the extension direction of the extension line 42J. Even with these configurations, it is possible to recognize the insertion direction of the treatment tool by the irradiation range 430. Also, since the width of the irradiation range 430 is narrowed, it is possible to suppress the deviation of the insertion position of the treatment tool.

[0029] 9 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the tip portion 40 and corresponds to FIG. 5. The tip portion 40 of the first modified example has the same configuration as the tip portion 40 shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, except that the position of the second light emitting portion 432 is changed to the same position as the mark 45A in the axial direction X. In the tip portion 40 shown in FIG. 9, the second distance L2 between the second light emitting portion 432 and the guide portion 42 is greater than the first distance L1 between the first light emitting portion 431 and the guide portion 42.

[0030] 9, light 431L corresponding to a position near guide portion 42 and light 432L corresponding to the position of mark 45A are irradiated onto the abdominal wall. As a result, by referring to light 432L, it is possible to easily recognize where the center position of the ultrasound image is located, and by referring to light 431L, it is possible to easily recognize where guide portion 42 is located. For example, even when it is desired to insert a treatment tool into a position different from guide portion 42, it is easy to insert the treatment tool into the desired position by being able to recognize the center of the ultrasound image.

[0031] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second modified example of the tip portion 40, and corresponds to Fig. 2. Fig. 11 is a diagram of the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in Fig. 10 as viewed in direction Z2. Fig. 12 is a diagram of the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in Fig. 10 as viewed in direction Z1. Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 11.

[0032] The tip portion 40 shown in Figures 10 to 12 has the same configuration as the tip portion 40 shown in Figures 2-5, except that the shape of the guide portion 42 is different and the light emission directions of the first light emission portion 431 and the second light emission portion 432 are different.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 11, the opening 42A has an elliptical shape extending in the axial direction X. As shown in FIG. 12, the opening 42B has an elliptical shape extending in the axial direction X, but is shorter than the opening 42A. As shown in FIG. 13, the cross-sectional shape of the guide portion 42 is a tapered shape in which the inner diameter increases from the direction Z2 toward the direction Z1. In the cross section shown in FIG. 13, the inner wall surface 421 of the guide portion 42 on the direction X1 side is inclined toward the direction X1 side with respect to the direction Z, and the inner wall surface 422 of the guide portion 42 on the direction X2 side is inclined toward the direction X2 side with respect to the direction Z. Note that the tip portion 40 may have a through hole 42C extending to the guide portion 42 on the surface on the direction Y1 side, for example, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0034] Light source 432A shown in Fig. 13 emits dot-like light 432L traveling in a direction along inner wall surface 421. An extension line 42L of inner wall surface 421 is shown in Fig. 13, and light 432L is parallel to extension line 42L. Light source 431A shown in Fig. 13 emits dot-like light 431L traveling in a direction along inner wall surface 422. An extension line 42R of inner wall surface 422 is shown in Fig. 13, and light 431L is parallel to extension line 42R.

[0035] By using guide portion 42 configured in this manner, it becomes possible to insert a treatment tool at an angle along inner wall surface 421, or at an angle along inner wall surface 422. Even with such a configuration of guide portion 42, it is possible to easily insert a treatment tool into guide portion 42 at different angles by inserting a treatment tool at an angle along inner wall surface 421 at a position near light 432L in irradiation range 430, or by inserting a treatment tool at an angle along inner wall surface 422 at a position near light 431L in irradiation range 430.

[0036] In the above description, two point-like lights, light 431L and light 432L, are emitted from the distal end 40. However, the number of point-like lights emitted is not limited to two, and may be three or more. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a light emitting section may be added to the distal end 40 so that at least one point-like light 433L (five in the example of FIG. 14) is irradiated between the light 432L and the light 431L. By increasing the number of point-like lights, the visibility of the irradiation range 430 can be improved. Also, more complicated treatments can be supported.

[0037] For example, by making the irradiation size of the seven lights shown in FIG. 14 non-uniform, the insertion position of the treatment tool can be easily recognized. Specifically, by configuring the irradiation size of the light 433L, which is a part of the seven point-like lights shown in FIG. 14 and overlaps with the intersection point P, to be larger than that of the other lights, the insertion position of the treatment tool can be easily recognized. In addition, by controlling the lighting pattern of the seven lights, for example, by sequentially emitting the lights from the light 431L side to the light 432L side, and repeating the process of stopping the emission of all the lights when the emission of all the seven lights is completed (dynamically changing the seven lights), it becomes easy to recognize which of the light 432L and the light 431L is closer to the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 41. The light may be dynamically changed by sequentially changing the brightness or color of the seven lights from the direction X2 to the direction X1.

[0038] Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining a third modified example of the tip portion 40, and corresponds to Fig. 6. The tip portion 40 of the third modified example has the same configuration as the tip portion 40 shown in Fig. 2-5, except that the first light emitting portion 431 is deleted and a light path control portion 432B is added to the recess 432a of the second light emitting portion 432. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the light emitted from the second light emitting portion 432 and irradiated onto the imaginary plane VO.

[0039] The light path control section 432B converts the light emitted from the light source 432A into linear light 432La extending along the axial direction X (synonymous with the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 41A) and emits the linear light 432La from the second light emitting section 432. The light 432La is emitted in a state intersecting with the extension line 42J. In this way, the second light emitting section 432 emits linear light 432La based on the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers 41A. Since the second light emitting section 432 emits the linear light 432La so as to overlap with the extension line 42J, it can be said that the second light emitting section 432 emits linear light 432La based on the shape of the guide section 42. When the configuration shown in FIG. 10 to FIG. 13 is adopted as the guide section 42, the extending direction of the opening 42A constituting the entrance of the guide section 42 and the extending direction of the linear light 432La are the same. From this, it can be said that the second light emitting portion 432 emits linear light 432La based on the shape of the guide portion .

[0040] Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of the light path control section 432B. In the example shown in Fig. 17, the light source 432A and the light path control section 432B are arranged in line in the recess 432a along the bottom surface of the recess 432a. The light path control section 432B is an optical member made of glass, resin, or the like that generates linear light 432La by reflecting light incident therein by a mountain-shaped reflecting surface 432Bs in a direction intersecting the emission direction of light from the light source 432A. The light path control section 432B can also be replaced with a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror, a polyhedral rotating mirror, or the like.

[0041] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the light path control part 432B. In the example shown in Fig. 18, the light source 432A and the light path control part 432B are arranged in the recess 432a in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the recess 432a. The light path control part 432B is composed of a Powell lens, and converts the incident light into linear light 432La and emits it from the opening surface of the recess 432a. The light path control part 432B can also be replaced with a cylindrical lens.

[0042] As described above, according to the distal end portion 40 of the third modification, the extending direction of the light 432La shown in Fig. 16 can be recognized as the insertion direction of the treatment tool, so that the treatment tool can be used efficiently to treat the area against which the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit 41 is pressed, similarly to the configurations shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 5. Of the linear light 432La, the light at the edge on the direction X1 side in Fig. 15 may be configured to be emitted in a direction along the inner wall surface 421.

[0043] In the distal end portion 40 of the third modified example, it is also preferable to make it easier to recognize which of the two ends of the light 432La shown in Fig. 16 is closer to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit 41. For example, the light 432La may be configured such that a plurality of colors are arranged in the direction in which the light 432La extends. For example, the above configuration may be realized by arranging a color filter in which filters of a plurality of colors are arranged one-dimensionally above the light path control unit 432B in Fig. 17 or above the light path control unit 432B in Fig. 18.

[0044] The second light emitting unit 432 may be configured to emit a plurality of linear light beams 432La instead of emitting a single linear light beam 432La. For example, as shown in Fig. 19, a light blocking filter 432F having a partial light blocking region may be disposed on the light emission side of a light path control unit 432B formed of a Powell lens, so that a plurality of (five in the example of Fig. 19) linear light beams 432La arranged at intervals in the axial direction X may be emitted.

[0045] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing light irradiated onto a virtual plane VO from the second light emitting unit 432 having the configuration shown in Fig. 19. As shown in Fig. 20, five linear lights 432La are irradiated onto the virtual plane VO in a state where they are arranged at intervals along the axial direction X. In the five linear lights 432La shown in Fig. 20, the color of a particular light 432La may be changed, each light 432La may be dynamically changed, or the width of the particular light 432La in the direction X or the direction Y may be changed, thereby making it possible to recognize the direction in which the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit 41 exists or the position of the guide unit.

[0046] The position of the intersection P in the irradiation range 430A of the five linear lights 432La shown in FIG. 20 may change in the left-right direction in the figure depending on the arrangement position in the direction Z of the virtual plane VO, but it is preferable that the five linear lights 432La are emitted so that the central light 432La of the five lights 432La always overlaps with the intersection P. In this way, it is possible to easily recognize the insertion position of the treatment tool in the irradiation range 430A. In this case, as shown in FIG. 21, for the light 432La overlapping with the intersection P, at least one of the width in the direction Y and the width in the direction X (defined as the irradiation width of the light 432La) is made different from that of the other lights 432La (for example, made larger as shown in FIG. 21), so that it is possible to more easily recognize the insertion position of the treatment tool. Regarding the irradiation width of the five lights 432La, the irradiation width of the light 432La overlapping with the intersection P may be set to the maximum, and the irradiation width may become smaller as it moves away from the intersection P. In this manner, by making the irradiation width of the five lights 432La shown in FIG. 20 non-uniform, the insertion position of the treatment tool can be easily recognized.

[0047] Moreover, by making the color of the light 432La overlapping the intersection P different from that of the other light 432La, the insertion position of the treatment tool can be more easily recognized. Moreover, by making the luminance of the light 432La overlapping the intersection P different from that of the other light 432La, the insertion position of the treatment tool can be more easily recognized. Moreover, by intermittently irradiating the light 432La overlapping the intersection P and continuously irradiating the other light 432La, the insertion position of the treatment tool can be more easily recognized.

[0048] Up to this point, multiple linear light beams 432La are emitted from the tip portion 40 in a state aligned in the axial direction X. For example, in addition to the five light beams 432La shown in Fig. 20, a light emitting portion may be added to the tip portion 40 so as to emit multiple (two in the example of Fig. 22) linear light beams 432Ls aligned in a direction intersecting (orthogonal in the example of Fig. 22) the direction in which the five light beams 432La are aligned, as shown in Fig. 22.

[0049] 2 to 14 includes a light emitting portion that emits a plurality of dot-like light beams arranged in one direction (i.e., in a straight line). As a modification of this, the tip portion 40 may be provided with a light emitting portion that emits a plurality of dot-like light beams arranged in a ring shape.

[0050] 23 is a diagram showing a state of light irradiated onto a virtual plane VO when a light emitting section that emits a plurality of dot-like light beams arranged in an annular shape is provided on the distal end portion 40. In the example shown in FIG. 23, eight dot-like light beams 433 are irradiated onto the virtual plane VO in a state of being arranged in a perfect circle. An extension line 42J intersects with the inside of an irradiation range 430 of the eight dot-like light beams 433, and an intersection point P is located inside the irradiation range 430. With this configuration, the treatment tool can be easily reached by inserting the treatment tool aiming at the inside of the irradiation range 430.

[0051] The eight light beams 433 shown in FIG. 23 can be realized, for example, by arranging eight light emitting portions in an annular shape around the opening 42A and emitting point-like light beams from each light emitting portion in a direction along the extension line 42J.

[0052] In the configuration shown in FIG. 23, eight dot-like lights 433 are irradiated onto the virtual plane VO in a state of being arranged in a perfect circle, but this is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, eight dot-like lights 433 may be irradiated onto the virtual plane VO in a state of being arranged in an ellipse. In the example of FIG. 24, the outer edge of the irradiation range 430 is elliptical, and its long axis direction coincides with the axial direction X, and its short axis direction coincides with the direction Y. According to this configuration, the treatment tool can be easily reached by inserting the treatment tool aiming at the inside of the irradiation range 430 to the guide part 42. In addition, since the long axis direction of the irradiation range 430 coincides with the axial direction X, the insertion direction of the treatment tool can be easily recognized by the shape of the irradiation range 430.

[0053] The same effect can be obtained by providing the tip 40 with a light emitting section that irradiates the entire circular ring-shaped irradiation range 430 shown in Fig. 22, or by providing the tip 40 with a light emitting section that irradiates the entire elliptical ring-shaped irradiation range 430 shown in Fig. 23. Such circular ring-shaped or elliptical ring-shaped light corresponds to both ends of curved light overlapping each other, and can therefore be considered a type of linear light. Such ring-shaped and linear light can be generated, for example, by blocking the center part of a point-like light with a large irradiation size.

[0054] Although the ultrasonic probe 1 described so far has the guide unit 42, the guide unit 42 is not essential and can be omitted. Even in the case of an ultrasonic probe 1 that does not have the guide unit 42, the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 41A inserted into the subject can be easily recognized from outside the subject by irradiating the abdominal wall with a plurality of dot-like lights or at least one linear light as shown in Figures 7, 14, 16, 20, 21, 22, and 24.

[0055] For example, there are cases where it is desired to confirm the part of the subject by the ultrasound image by aligning the direction of the ultrasound transducer 41A with the direction perpendicular to the spine of the subject. In such a case, the direction of the arrangement of the ultrasound transducer 41A with respect to the spine can be easily recognized by the direction in which the multiple dot-like lights irradiated to the abdominal wall are arranged or the direction in which the linear light extends (the long axis direction of the irradiation range 430 in the example of FIG. 24). As a result, the intended examination can be performed efficiently.

[0056] The ultrasonic probe 1 may be a drop-in type probe (see FIG. 25) that does not have a support mechanism capable of holding the position of the tip 40 and is moved or fixed by gripping with forceps or the like. The drop-in type ultrasonic probe 1 shown in FIG. 25 is configured such that a cable 60 that is less rigid and more flexible than the tip 40 is provided at the base end of the tip 40, and the base end of the cable 60 is connected to the control device 2. Such a drop-in type ultrasonic probe 1 can be moved over a wide range by gripping a gripping part 61 provided at the tip 40 with forceps or the like inserted from a trocar other than the trocar into which the drop-in type ultrasonic probe 1 is inserted.

[0057] It is preferable that the ultrasonic probe 1 is configured to emit light from the light emitting portion when the tip 40 is inserted into the subject, and not to emit light from the light emitting portion when the tip 40 is outside the subject.

[0058] For example, when the control device 2 generates an ultrasound image based on the output of the ultrasound probe 1 and displays the image on the display, the control device 2 causes the light emitting unit to emit light when the control device 2 receives a light emission instruction from the user. Alternatively, the control device 2 detects the brightness of the environment in which the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 is placed, and causes the light emitting unit to emit light when the detected brightness is equal to or less than a threshold value. In a situation in which the insertion unit 10 is inserted into the subject, the brightness is likely to be equal to or less than the threshold value. For this reason, it is possible to prevent light from being emitted from the light emitting unit when the tip 40 is outside the subject. Alternatively, the control device 2 may obtain an image captured by an endoscope inserted in a trocar, and cause the light emitting unit to emit light when it is determined that the image includes at least a part of the insertion unit 10 of the ultrasound probe 1. The determination of whether the ultrasound probe 1 is included in the image of the endoscope may be performed by a processor device connected to the endoscope, not by the control device 2, and the control device 2 may obtain the determination result from the processor device.

[0059] As described above, this specification describes at least the following items. In the following, components corresponding to the above-described embodiment are shown in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0060] (1) A tip portion (tip portion 40) provided with an ultrasonic transducer (ultrasonic transducer 41A), a light emitting unit (a first light emitting unit 431 and a second light emitting unit 432) provided at the tip portion and emitting light toward the opposite side to the side where the ultrasonic transducer is provided, The light emitting section is an ultrasonic probe (ultrasonic probe 1) that emits a plurality of dot-like lights (light 431L and light 432L) or a linear light (light 432La).

[0061] (2) 1. An ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, A guide portion (guide portion 42) is provided at the tip portion to guide a treatment tool, The light emitting section is an ultrasonic probe that emits the plurality of dot-like lights or the linear light based on the shape of the guide section.

[0062] (3) The ultrasonic probe according to (2), The guide portion is configured by a hole portion formed in the tip portion, An ultrasonic probe in which the light emitted from the light emitting portion includes light emitted in a direction along an inner wall surface of the hole.

[0063] (4) The ultrasonic probe according to (2), the plurality of dot-like light beams emitted from the light emitting unit are irradiated onto the subject while being aligned in one direction; The guide portion is configured by a hole portion formed in the tip portion, The direction in which the point-like light is emitted is inclined toward an extension line (extension line 42J) of the axis of the hole with respect to the extension direction of the extension line.

[0064] (5) The ultrasonic probe according to (2), The guide portion is configured by a hole portion formed in the tip portion, The plurality of dot-like light beams emitted from the light emitting unit are irradiated onto the subject in a state of being arranged in a ring shape, or the linear light beams emitted from the light emitting unit are irradiated onto the subject in a ring shape, An ultrasonic probe in which an extension line (extension line 42J) of the axis of the hole intersects with the inside of the annular light irradiated to the subject.

[0065] (6) An ultrasonic probe according to any one of (1) to (5), An ultrasound probe in which the plurality of dot-like light beams emitted from the light emitting unit are irradiated onto the subject in a ring-shaped arrangement, or the linear light beams emitted from the light emitting unit are irradiated onto the subject in a ring-shaped arrangement.

[0066] (7) (6) An ultrasonic probe according to the present invention, The annular shape of the ultrasonic probe is an ellipse or a perfect circle.

[0067] (8) An ultrasonic probe according to any one of (2) to (4), The light emitting section is an ultrasonic probe including a first light emitting section and a second light emitting section provided at positions facing each other with the guide section therebetween.

[0068] (9) An ultrasonic probe according to (8), An ultrasonic probe in which a first distance (first distance L1) between the first light emitting portion and the guide portion and a second distance (second distance L2) between the second light emitting portion and the guide portion are different.

[0069] (10) An ultrasonic probe according to (9), the second light emitting portion is provided closer to the tip end of the tip portion than the first light emitting portion, The ultrasonic probe, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0070] (11) An ultrasonic probe according to any one of (1) to (10), The light emitting section is an ultrasonic probe that emits the plurality of dot-like lights or the linear light based on an arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers at the tip.

[0071] (12) The ultrasonic probe according to (11), The light emitting section is an ultrasonic probe that emits the plurality of dot-like lights aligned along the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers, or the linear light extending along the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers.

[0072] (13) An ultrasonic probe according to any one of (1) to (12), The light emitting unit is an ultrasonic probe including a plurality of light sources.

[0073] (14) The ultrasonic probe according to (13), The plurality of light sources generate different colors in the ultrasound probe.

[0074] (15) An ultrasonic probe according to any one of (1) to (14), The light emitting unit is an ultrasonic probe that emits laser light.

[0075] (16) An ultrasonic probe according to any one of (1) to (15), The ultrasonic probe irradiates the subject with the plurality of light points arranged at intervals.

[0076] (17) An ultrasonic probe according to any one of (1) to (16), the light emitting section emits a plurality of linear beams arranged in one direction, The ultrasonic probe irradiates the subject with the plurality of linear beams arranged at intervals.

[0077] (18) An ultrasonic probe according to any one of (1) to (17), An ultrasonic probe in which the irradiation size of the plurality of dot-like light beams or the irradiation width of the linear light beam is non-uniform.

[0078] (19) The ultrasonic probe according to (18), An ultrasonic probe in which the irradiation size of the plurality of dot-like light beams or the irradiation width of the linear light beam is larger in a portion of the range irradiated with light than in other portions.

[0079] (20) An ultrasonic probe according to any one of (1) to (19), The light emitting section is an ultrasonic probe that emits a plurality of linear beams (light 432Ls, light 432La) that intersect with each other.

[0080] (twenty one) An ultrasonic probe according to any one of (1) to (20), The light emitting unit is an ultrasonic probe that dynamically changes the light. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Ultrasound probe 1,2 Direction 1,2 Direction Y 1,2 Direction Z L1 1st distance 2. Control device L2 2nd distance 10 Insertion section 20 Connection 30 Curved section 40 Tip 41 Ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 41A Ultrasonic transducer 41B Scan Range 42 Guide section 42J,42L,42R extension line 42A,42B opening 42C through hole 45 scale 45A Mark 50 Control section 60 Cable 100 Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 100J axis 421,422 Inner wall surface 430,430A Irradiation range 431 First light output section 431A,432A light source 431L,432L,432La,432Ls,433,433L light 431a, 432a Recess 432 Second light output section 432B Optical path control section 432F Light Blocking Filter 432Bs reflective surface

Claims

1. A tip portion provided with an ultrasonic transducer; a light emitting unit provided at the tip portion, which emits light toward an opposite side to a side on which the ultrasonic transducer is provided, The light emitting unit is an ultrasonic probe that emits a plurality of dot-like lights or a line-like light.

2. 2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, A guide portion provided at the distal end portion for guiding a treatment tool, The light emitting section is an ultrasonic probe that emits the plurality of dot-like lights or the linear light based on the shape of the guide section.

3. 3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, The guide portion is configured by a hole formed in the tip portion, An ultrasonic probe, wherein the light emitted from the light emitting portion includes light emitted in a direction along an inner wall surface of the hole.

4. 3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, the plurality of dot-like light beams emitted from the light emitting unit are irradiated onto an object while being aligned in one direction; The guide portion is configured by a hole formed in the tip portion, An ultrasonic probe in which the emission direction of the point-like light is inclined toward an extension line of the axis of the hole with respect to the extension direction of the extension line.

5. 3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, The guide portion is configured by a hole formed in the tip portion, The plurality of dot-like light beams emitted from the light emitting unit are irradiated onto the subject in a state of being arranged in a ring shape, or the linear light beams emitted from the light emitting unit are irradiated onto the subject in a ring shape, An ultrasonic probe in which an extension of the axis of the hole intersects with the inside of the annular light irradiated to the subject.

6. 2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, An ultrasound probe in which the plurality of dots of light emitted from the light emitting unit are irradiated onto a subject in a ring-shaped arrangement, or the linear light emitted from the light emitting unit is irradiated onto a subject in a ring-shaped arrangement.

7. 7. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 6, The annular shape of the ultrasonic probe is an ellipse or a perfect circle.

8. 3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, The light emitting portion of the ultrasonic probe includes a first light emitting portion and a second light emitting portion provided at positions facing each other with the guide portion therebetween.

9. 9. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 8, An ultrasonic probe in which a first distance between the first light emitting portion and the guide portion is different from a second distance between the second light emitting portion and the guide portion.

10. 10. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 9, the second light emitting portion is provided closer to the tip end of the tip portion than the first light emitting portion, The ultrasonic probe, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

11. 2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, The light emitting unit is an ultrasonic probe that emits the plurality of dot-like lights or the linear light based on an arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers at the tip.

12. 12. The ultrasonic probe of claim 11, The light emitting unit is an ultrasonic probe that emits the plurality of dot-like lights aligned along the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers, or the linear light extending along the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers.

13. 13. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, The light emitting unit is an ultrasonic probe including a plurality of light sources.

14. 14. The ultrasonic probe of claim 13, The ultrasound probe wherein the multiple light sources generate different colors.

15. 13. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, The light emitting unit is an ultrasonic probe that emits laser light.

16. 13. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, The ultrasonic probe irradiates the subject with the plurality of light points arranged at intervals.

17. 13. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, the light emitting portion emits a plurality of linear light beams arranged in one direction, The ultrasonic probe irradiates the subject with the plurality of linear beams arranged at intervals.

18. 13. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, An ultrasonic probe in which the irradiation size of the plurality of dot-like light beams or the irradiation width of the linear light beam is non-uniform.

19. 20. The ultrasonic probe of claim 18, An ultrasonic probe in which the irradiation size of the plurality of dot-like light beams or the irradiation width of the linear light beam is larger in a portion of the range irradiated with light than in other portions.

20. 13. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, The light emitting unit is an ultrasonic probe that emits a plurality of linear beams that intersect with each other.

21. 13. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, The light emitting unit is an ultrasonic probe that dynamically changes the light.

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