Medical imaging device, medical imaging method, medical imaging program, and medical imaging system

Abstract

To facilitate acquisition of ultrasonic images on the chest wall side.SOLUTION: A medical imaging device comprises a processor. The processor acquires the position of an ultrasonic probe that emits an ultrasonic beam toward a breast of a subject in a compressed state by a compression plate, and performs control so as to switch the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam to a steer mode or a trapezoidal mode directed toward the chest wall side when the position of the ultrasonic probe in a direction orthogonal to a side surface on the chest wall side of the compression plate is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the side surface and a predetermined switching condition is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical imaging apparatus, a medical imaging method, a medical imaging program, and a medical imaging system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for observing an abnormal part (152) in different types of images, including the steps of scanning an object using a first imaging system (20) to obtain at least a first image (58) of the object; determining coordinates of a region of interest (ROI) (160) observable on the first image (158), where the ROI (160) includes the abnormal part (152); and scanning the object by a second imaging system (14) using the coordinates of the ROI (160).

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a method for performing high-precision ultrasonic imaging diagnosis of the breast. The method includes preparing a first compression plate and preparing a second compression plate. The first compression plate and the second compression plate receive the breast and compress the breast therebetween. The breast extends from the chest wall on the proximal end side of the patient to the nipple on the distal end side. The portion of the breast close to the nipple and the portion of the breast close to the outer edge do not contact the second compression plate while the breast is being compressed. The method includes moving an ultrasonic transducer array arranged adjacent to the second plate along a path on the side opposite to the breast with respect to the second compression plate to scan the breast, and obtaining what represents the image data of the breast as the ultrasonic transducer array moves along the path. The obtaining step includes operating the direction of the electron beam with the ultrasonic transducer array to obtain image data of one or both of (i) the portion of the breast close to the chest wall and (ii) the portion of the breast that does not contact the second compression plate. A method is disclosed.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses an apparatus comprising: (i) a substrate that is at least 77.4% transmissive to ionizing radiation; and (ii) an array of polymer-based capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducers disposed on the substrate, the array including a first row of the transducers and an electrical interconnect that electrically connects the transducers of the first row in series.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Conventionally, there is known a medical imaging system having both a function of taking a radiation image by irradiating radiation from a radiation source toward a subject such as a breast of a subject and detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject with a radiation detector, and a function of taking an ultrasonic image of the breast by scanning an ultrasonic probe along the breast of the subject.

[0007] In such a medical imaging system, when an ultrasonic image is taken by scanning an ultrasonic probe on a compression plate while the breast is compressed by the compression plate, there is a problem that the ultrasonic beam does not reach sufficiently to the chest wall side, and it is difficult to obtain an ultrasonic image of the chest wall side.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a medical imaging apparatus, a medical imaging method, a medical imaging program, and a medical imaging system that enable easy acquisition of an ultrasonic image of the chest wall side.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a medical imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a processor, and the processor acquires a position of an ultrasonic probe that emits an ultrasonic beam toward a breast of a subject in a compressed state by a compression plate, and when the position of the ultrasonic probe in a direction orthogonal to a side surface on the chest wall side of the compression plate is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the side surface and a predetermined switching condition is satisfied, controls to switch the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam to a steer mode or a trapezoid mode directed toward the chest wall side.

[0010] The medical imaging device according to the second aspect is the medical imaging device according to the first aspect, wherein the predetermined distance is expressed as tanθ×(a + b), where θ is the inclination angle of the ultrasonic beam emitted in the steer mode or trapezoid mode, a is the depth of the breast to be observed, and b is the distance between the ultrasonic probe and the compression plate.

[0011] The medical imaging device according to the third aspect is the medical imaging device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the processor controls a scanning mechanism that scans the ultrasonic probe on the compression plate, and the switching condition is a case where an instruction to stop photographing an ultrasonic image by the ultrasonic probe is not received.

[0012] The medical imaging device according to the fourth aspect is the medical imaging device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the processor sets a specific region to be irradiated with the ultrasonic beam based on a radiation image obtained by irradiating the breast of the subject with radiation, controls a scanning mechanism that scans the ultrasonic probe on the compression plate, and the switching condition is a case where ultrasonic imaging by the ultrasonic probe is not performed on the specific region.

[0013] The medical imaging device according to the fifth aspect is the medical imaging device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the switching condition is a case where an instruction to stop photographing an ultrasonic image by the ultrasonic probe is not received.

[0014] The medical imaging device according to the sixth aspect is the medical imaging device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the compression plate includes a guiding member that guides the ultrasonic probe such that the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe is orthogonal to the chest wall.

[0015] The medical imaging device according to the seventh aspect is the medical imaging device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the processor controls a scanning mechanism that scans the ultrasonic probe on the compression plate such that the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe is orthogonal to the side surface on the chest wall side and the ultrasonic probe is scanned.

[0016] The medical imaging device according to the eighth aspect is the medical imaging device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein an acoustic matching material is provided between the ultrasonic probe and the compression plate.

[0017] The medical imaging device according to the ninth aspect is the medical imaging device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the thickness of the acoustic matching material is 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0018] The medical imaging device according to the tenth aspect is the medical imaging device according to the eighth or ninth aspect, wherein the thickness of the acoustic matching material increases as it approaches the chest wall.

[0019] The medical imaging device according to the eleventh aspect is the medical imaging device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the processor causes the display unit to display, in a distinguishable manner, a first imaging region imaged with the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam being the normal direction and a second imaging region imaged with the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam being the steer mode or the trapezoid mode in which the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam is inclined, and causes the display unit to display the captured ultrasonic image.

[0020] The medical imaging method according to the twelfth aspect includes a process in which a computer acquires the position of an ultrasonic probe that emits an ultrasonic beam to a breast of a subject in a compressed state by a compression plate, and when the position of the ultrasonic probe in a direction orthogonal to the side surface on the chest wall side of the compression plate is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the side surface and a predetermined switching condition is satisfied, controls to switch the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam to the steer mode or the trapezoid mode directed toward the chest wall side.

[0021] The medical imaging program according to the 13th aspect causes a computer to acquire the position of an ultrasonic probe that emits an ultrasonic beam toward a subject's breast that is in a compressed state by a compression plate, and when the position of the ultrasonic probe in a direction orthogonal to the side surface on the chest wall side of the compression plate is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the side surface and a predetermined switching condition is satisfied, perform control to switch the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam to a steer mode or a trapezoid mode that directs the beam toward the chest wall side.

[0022] The medical imaging device according to the 14th aspect includes a mammography device that takes a radiation image by detecting radiation emitted from a radiation source and transmitted through a subject's breast with a radiation detector, an ultrasonic probe that emits an ultrasonic beam toward the subject's breast, and the medical imaging device according to any one of the 1st to 11th aspects.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to facilitate the acquisition of an ultrasonic image on the chest wall side.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

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Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each embodiment does not limit the present invention.

[0026] [First Embodiment]

[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a medical imaging system 100 according to the first embodiment. The medical imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a mammography apparatus 10, an ultrasonic probe 50, and a medical imaging apparatus 60. In FIG. 1, the depth direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction.

[0028] The mammography apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is an apparatus that irradiates a subject's breast with radiation R (for example, X-rays) as a subject and captures a radiation image of the breast. Note that the mammography apparatus 10 may be an apparatus that captures a subject's breast not only in a state where the subject is standing (standing state) but also in a state where the subject is sitting on a chair (including a wheelchair) or the like (sitting state).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the mammography apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a compression plate 20, a radiation detector 30, a radiation irradiation unit 36, a imaging table 40, an arm unit 42, a base 44, a shaft portion 45, and a compression unit 46.

[0030] The radiation detector 30 detects the radiation R that has passed through the subject's breast. The radiation detector 30 is disposed inside the imaging table 40. In the mammography apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, when imaging is performed, on the imaging surface 40A of the imaging table 40, the subject's breast is positioned by a user such as a doctor and a technician. The imaging surface 40A or the like in contact with the subject's breast is formed of, for example, carbon or the like from the viewpoint of the transmissibility and intensity of the radiation R.

[0031] The radiation detector 30 detects the radiation R that has passed through the subject's breast and the imaging table 40, generates a radiation image based on the detected radiation R, and outputs image data representing the generated radiation image. The type of the radiation detector 30 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be an indirect conversion type radiation detector that converts the radiation R into light and converts the converted light into electric charges, or a direct conversion type radiation detector that directly converts the radiation R into electric charges.

[0032] The radiation irradiation unit 36 includes a radiation source 36R. The radiation irradiation unit 36 is provided on the arm unit 42 together with the imaging table 40 and the compression unit 46. Note that the mammography apparatus 10 includes an arm unit 42, a base 44, and a shaft unit 45. The arm unit 42 is held by the base 44 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The shaft unit 45 connects the arm unit 42 to the base 44. Further, the compression unit 46 and the arm unit 42 are each relatively rotatable with respect to the base 44 about the shaft unit 45 as a rotation axis. In the present embodiment, gears (not shown) are provided on the shaft unit 45, the arm unit 42, and the compression unit 46, respectively, and by switching the meshing state and the non-meshing state of these gears, each of the arm unit 42 and the compression unit 46 is connected to the shaft unit 45. One or both of the arm unit 42 and the compression unit 46 connected to the shaft unit 45 rotate integrally with the shaft unit 45.

[0033] The compression plate 20 according to the present embodiment moves in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) by the compression plate drive unit 32 and compresses the breast of the subject between the compression plate 20 and the imaging table 40. As shown in FIG. 1, with respect to the moving direction of the compression plate 20, the direction in which the breast is compressed, in other words, the direction approaching the imaging surface 40A is referred to as the "compression direction". Further, the direction in which the compression of the breast is released, in other words, the direction approaching the radiation irradiation unit 36 is referred to as the "compression release direction".

[0034] The compression plate 20 is preferably optically transparent in order to perform alignment and confirmation of the compression state during breast compression, and is formed of a material having excellent radiation R transmittance. Further, it is desirable that the compression plate 20 is formed of a material that easily transmits ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 50. As the material of the compression plate 20, for example, resins such as polymethylpentene, polycarbonate, acrylic, and polyethylene terephthalate can be used. In particular, polymethylpentene has low rigidity, excellent stretchability and flexibility, and has suitable values in terms of the acoustic impedance that affects the reflectivity of ultrasonic waves and the attenuation coefficient that affects the attenuation of ultrasonic waves, so it is suitable as the material of the compression plate 20.

[0035] Note that the compression plate 20 is not limited to compressing the entire breast, and may compress a part of the breast. In other words, a compression plate 20 smaller than the breast may be used. As such a compression plate 20, for example, a compression plate 20 used for so-called spot imaging, which captures a radiation image of only the region where a lesion exists, is known.

[0036] On the other hand, the medical imaging device 60 is connected to the ultrasonic probe 50 and is a device that captures an ultrasonic image of the breast of a subject.

[0037] The ultrasonic probe 50 is moved on the compression plate 20 by a scanning mechanism 72 provided above the compression plate 20, and an ultrasonic image of the breast is acquired by scanning the breast with ultrasonic waves.

[0038] The ultrasonic probe 50 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional manner. Each ultrasonic transducer transmits ultrasonic waves based on an applied drive signal and outputs a received signal by receiving an ultrasonic echo.

[0039] Each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is composed of, for example, a vibrator formed with electrodes at both ends of a piezoelectric material (piezoelectric body) having piezoelectricity, such as a piezoelectric ceramic typified by PZT (lead zirconate titanate: Pb(lead) zirconate titanate) or a polymer piezoelectric element typified by PVDF (polyvinylidene difluoride). When a pulsed or continuous-wave drive signal is sent to the electrodes of the vibrator to apply a voltage, the piezoelectric body expands and contracts. Due to this expansion and contraction, pulsed or continuous-wave ultrasonic waves are generated from each vibrator, and an ultrasonic beam is formed by the synthesis of these ultrasonic waves. Also, each vibrator expands and contracts by receiving the propagating ultrasonic waves and generates an electrical signal. These electrical signals are output as received signals of the ultrasonic waves and are input to the medical imaging device 60 via a cable indicated by a dotted line.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the scanning mechanism 72 has a function of moving the ultrasonic probe 50 in the front-rear direction along the Y-axis, the left-right direction along the X-axis, and the up-down direction along the Z-axis. The scanning mechanism 72 includes one moving rail 72X and two moving rails 72Y. The moving rail 72X is a rail extending along the X-axis, and the ultrasonic probe 50 is attached thereto. By moving the ultrasonic probe 50 along the moving rail 72X, the position of the ultrasonic probe 50 can be changed along the X-axis. That is, the ultrasonic probe 50 can be scanned along the X-axis.

[0041] Further, the moving rail 72Y is a rail provided on both end sides of the compression plate 20 and extending along the Y-axis. The scanning mechanism 72 can change the position of the ultrasonic probe 50 along the Y-axis by moving the moving rail 72X to which the ultrasonic probe 50 is attached along the Y-axis. That is, the ultrasonic probe 50 can be scanned along the Y-axis.

[0042] Also, the scanning mechanism 72 can change the height of the ultrasonic probe 50 by moving the moving rails 72X and 72Y along the Z-axis.

[0043] Also, in the example of FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 50 is attached to the moving rail 72X such that the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe 50 is orthogonal to the side surface 20B on the chest wall side of the compression plate 20. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 50 is scanned by the scanning mechanism 72 so as to move along a predetermined route R. The route R is a route in which the distance of movement along the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe 50 is longer than the distance of movement along the short-side direction of the ultrasonic probe 50. Therefore, the entire region can be scanned in a short time.

[0044] Note that the ultrasonic probe 50 may be attached to the moving rail 72X such that the short side direction of the ultrasonic probe 50 is orthogonal to the side surface 20B on the chest wall side of the compression plate 20. In this case, a high-resolution ultrasonic image can be obtained as compared with the case where the ultrasonic probe 50 is attached to the moving rail 72X such that the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe 50 is orthogonal to the side surface 20B on the chest wall side of the compression plate 20.

[0045] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a magnetic generator 54 is provided on the chest wall side of the compression plate 20. Further, a magnetic position sensor 55 is provided on the ultrasonic probe 50. By detecting the magnetism generated by the magnetic generator 54 with the magnetic position sensor 55, the distance in the Y-axis direction from the side surface 20B on the chest wall side of the compression plate 20 to the ultrasonic probe 50 can be detected.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, an acoustic matching material 24 is provided between the ultrasonic probe 50 and the compression plate 20. As the acoustic matching material 24, for example, a gel sheet or the like in which a gel-like or jelly-like acoustic matching material is housed is used. The acoustic matching material referred to here is a member that fills the space between the bottom surface 20A of the compression plate 20 and the ultrasonic probe 50 and acoustically couples with the breast 56 of the subject. The acoustic matching material is preferably a material having an acoustic impedance close to that of the breast 56, the compression plate 20, and the ultrasonic probe 50. By providing the acoustic matching material 24, the adhesion between the compression plate 20 and the ultrasonic probe 50 can be improved.

[0047] Also, in the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 4A, the ultrasonic probe 50 emits a wide ultrasonic beam B1 along the normal direction C1 (the Z-axis direction in FIG. 4A) orthogonal to the emission surface 50A of the ultrasonic probe 50.

[0048] In addition, in the steer mode, as shown in FIG. 4B, the ultrasonic probe 50 emits a wide ultrasonic beam B2 along the inclined direction C2 inclined to the left in FIG. 4B by an inclination angle θ with respect to the normal direction C1. In the steer mode, it is also possible to emit a wide ultrasonic beam along the inclined direction inclined to the right in FIG. 4B by an inclination angle θ with respect to the normal direction C1.

[0049] In addition, in the trapezoid mode, as shown in FIG. 4C, the ultrasonic probe 50 emits an ultrasonic beam B3 that spreads in a trapezoidal shape along the inclined direction C2 inclined to the left in FIG. 4C by an inclination angle θ and the direction C3 inclined to the right in FIG. 4C by an inclination angle θ with respect to the normal direction C1.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the medical imaging device 60 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the medical imaging device 60 includes a controller 61. The controller 61 is configured by a device including a general computer.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 61 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 61B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 61C, and an input / output interface (I / O) 61D. The CPU 61A, the ROM 61B, the RAM 61C, and the I / O 61D are respectively connected via a bus 61E. The bus 61E includes a control bus, an address bus, and a data bus.

[0052] In addition, the ultrasonic probe 50, the magnetic generator 54, the magnetic position sensor 55, the operation unit 62, the display unit 63, the communication unit 64, and the storage unit 65 are connected to the I / O 61D.

[0053] The operation unit 62 is configured to include, for example, a mouse and a keyboard.

[0054] The display unit 63 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0055] The communication unit 64 is an interface for performing data communication with an external device such as the mammography apparatus 10.

[0056] The storage unit 65 is composed of a non-volatile external storage device such as a hard disk. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 65 stores a medical imaging program 65A and the like.

[0057] The CPU 61A is an example of a processor. Here, the processor in a broad sense refers to a general-purpose processor (for example, a CPU) or a dedicated processor (for example, a GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, an ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, an FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, a programmable logic device, etc.).

[0058] Note that the medical imaging program 65A may be stored in a non-volatile non-transitory recording medium, distributed via a network, and appropriately installed in the medical imaging apparatus 60.

[0059] Examples of non-volatile non-transitory recording media include CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), magneto-optical disks, HDD (hard disk drives), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), flash memories, memory cards, and the like.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the CPU 61A of the medical imaging apparatus 60. As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 61A functionally includes an acquisition unit 80, a control unit 81, and a setting unit 82.

[0061] The CPU 61A functions as each functional unit shown in FIG. 6 by reading and executing the medical imaging program 65A stored in the storage unit 65.

[0062] The acquisition unit 80 acquires the position of the ultrasonic probe 50 that emits an ultrasonic beam to the breast 56 of the subject in a compressed state by the compression plate 20 from the magnetic position sensor 55. Specifically, the position of the ultrasonic probe 50 in the direction orthogonal to the side surface 20B on the chest wall side of the compression plate 20, that is, in the Y-axis direction, is acquired from the magnetic position sensor 55.

[0063] When the position of the ultrasonic probe 50 acquired by the acquisition unit 80 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the side surface 20B and satisfies a predetermined switching condition, the control unit 81 performs control to switch the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam to the chest wall side to the steer mode or the trapezoid mode. That is, when the position of the ultrasonic probe 50 acquired by the acquisition unit 80 is greater than a predetermined distance from the side surface 20B or does not satisfy a predetermined switching condition, the control unit 81 controls the ultrasonic probe 50 to irradiate the ultrasonic beam B1 in the normal mode shown in FIG. 4A. On the other hand, when the position of the ultrasonic probe 50 acquired by the acquisition unit 80 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the side surface 20B and satisfies a predetermined switching condition, the control unit 81 controls the ultrasonic probe 50 to irradiate the ultrasonic beam B2 in the steer mode shown in FIG. 4B or irradiate the ultrasonic beam B3 in the trapezoid mode shown in FIG. 4C.

[0064] FIG. 7 shows an example in which when the ultrasonic probe 50 is close to the side surface 20B on the chest wall side, the ultrasonic beam B1 is irradiated by switching to the steer mode. Thus, when the ultrasonic probe 50 is close to the side surface 20B on the chest wall side and the ultrasonic beam B1 is irradiated by switching to the steer mode, the ultrasonic beam B2 can be irradiated to the region on the chest wall side of the breast 56 that is not irradiated in the normal mode, and it is possible to easily acquire an ultrasonic image of a particularly shallow region on the chest wall side. When shooting in the trapezoid mode, a deep region can be shot over a wide range.

[0065] Here, let the predetermined distance be D. As shown in FIG. 7, when the inclination angle of the ultrasonic beam emitted in the steer mode or the trapezoid mode is θ, the depth of the breast 56 to be observed is a, and the distance between the ultrasonic probe 50 and the compression plate 20, that is, the distance in the Z-axis direction is b, the predetermined distance D may be the distance represented by tan θ × (a + b). In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, if the distance from the side surface 20B on the chest wall side to the ultrasonic probe 50 is c, when c ≤ D and a predetermined switching condition is satisfied, the mode is switched to the steer mode or the trapezoid mode. When c > D, even if the ultrasonic beam is irradiated by switching to the steer mode or the trapezoid mode, the irradiation area is an area that can also be irradiated in the normal mode, so there is no need to switch the irradiation mode.

[0066] Since it is rare for a tumor to exist near the skin (a = 0) of the breast 56, for example, when a is 30 mm, b is 10 mm, and θ is 15 degrees, D is approximately 10.7 mm.

[0067] Also, if the thickness of the acoustic matching material 24 is too thin, the effect as an acoustic matching material cannot be expected, and if it is too thick, artifacts may occur in the ultrasonic image. Therefore, the thickness of the acoustic matching material 24 is preferably 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0068] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the thickness of the acoustic matching material 24 may be configured to increase as it approaches the chest wall. Thereby, when imaging in the steer mode or the trapezoid mode, the un-imaged area on the chest wall side can be reduced.

[0069] Next, the medical imaging process executed by the CPU 61A will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9. Note that the process shown in FIG. 9 is executed after a radiographic image of the breast 56 compressed by the compression plate 20 is taken by the mammography apparatus 10.

[0070] In step S100, the CPU 61A instructs the ultrasonic probe 50 to capture an ultrasonic image in the normal mode. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4A, the ultrasonic probe 50 emits a wide ultrasonic beam B1 along the normal direction C1 orthogonal to the emission surface 50A to capture an ultrasonic image.

[0071] In step S101, the CPU 61A causes the display unit 63 to display the ultrasonic image captured in step S100.

[0072] In step S102, the CPU 61A controls the scanning mechanism 72 so that the ultrasonic probe 50 on the chest wall side moves toward the nipple side along the route R.

[0073] In step S103, the CPU 61A determines whether the entire range has been scanned. That is, it determines whether the ultrasonic probe 50 has moved along the route R over the entire range. If the ultrasonic probe 50 has not scanned the entire range, the process proceeds to step S100. On the other hand, if the ultrasonic probe 50 has scanned the entire range, the process proceeds to step S104. As a result, the capture of the ultrasonic image in the normal mode is completed. The operator can view the ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit 63 and determine whether to stop and end the capture. If the operator determines that it is okay to stop the capture, the operator operates the operation unit 62 to instruct the stop of the capture. On the other hand, if the operator views the ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit 63 and determines that it is necessary to capture the ultrasonic image on the chest wall side, the operator does not instruct the stop of the capture and continues the capture.

[0074] Therefore, in step S104, the CPU 61A determines whether an instruction to stop the capture has been given within a certain period. That is, as a switching condition for the capture mode, it determines whether an instruction to stop the capture of the ultrasonic image by the ultrasonic probe 50 has been received. If an instruction to stop the capture has been given within a certain period, this routine ends. On the other hand, if no instruction to stop the capture has been given within a certain period, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0075] In step S105, the CPU 61A controls the scanning mechanism 72 so that the ultrasonic probe 50 on the nipple side moves toward the chest wall along the route R.

[0076] In step S106, the CPU 61A acquires the position of the ultrasonic probe 50 from the magnetic position sensor 55, and determines whether or not the distance c in the Y-axis direction from the side surface 20B on the chest wall side to the ultrasonic probe 50 is less than or equal to a predetermined distance D. When the distance c is less than or equal to the distance D, that is, when the position of the ultrasonic probe 50 is close to the chest wall side, the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, when the distance c is greater than the distance D, that is, when the position of the ultrasonic probe 50 is not close to the chest wall side, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0077] In step S107, the CPU 61A instructs the ultrasonic probe 50 to capture an ultrasonic image in the steer mode. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, the ultrasonic probe 50 emits a wide ultrasonic beam B2 along the inclined direction C2 inclined by the inclination angle θ with respect to the normal direction C1. Note that, as shown in FIG. 4C, the ultrasonic probe 50 may be instructed to capture an ultrasonic image in the trapezoid mode. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 7, the ultrasonic beam B2 is irradiated to the chest wall side where it is not irradiated in the normal mode.

[0078] In step S108, the CPU 61A causes the display unit 63 to display the ultrasonic image captured in step S107.

[0079] In step S109, the CPU 61A determines whether or not the ultrasonic probe 50 has scanned the entire range along the route R. When the ultrasonic probe 50 has not scanned the entire range along the route R, the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, when the ultrasonic probe 50 has scanned the entire range along the route R, this routine ends.

[0080] As described above, in the present embodiment, when the ultrasonic probe 50 approaches the chest wall side, the imaging mode is switched from the normal mode to the steer mode to capture an ultrasonic image. Thereby, it becomes easier to acquire an ultrasonic image of the chest wall side.

[0081] In addition, when displaying the ultrasonic image on the display unit 63 in steps S101 and S108, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first imaging region captured with the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam as the normal direction C1, and as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the second imaging region captured in the steer mode or trapezoid mode in which the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam is inclined, may be displayed on the display unit 63 in a distinguishable manner, and the captured ultrasonic image may be displayed on the display unit 63.

[0082] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the radiation image G1 captured by the mammography apparatus 10 is acquired, and on the acquired radiation image G1, the first imaging region S1 captured in the normal mode and the second imaging region S2 captured in the steer mode or trapezoid mode are displayed on the display unit 63 in a distinguishable manner, and the captured ultrasonic image G2 is displayed on the display unit 63. Thereby, it is possible to easily grasp whether the captured ultrasonic image is the ultrasonic image captured in the first imaging region S1 or the ultrasonic image captured in the steer mode or trapezoid mode.

[0083] [Second Embodiment]

[0084] Next, the second embodiment will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0085] In the first embodiment, the case where the shooting is terminated when the operator intervenes and instructs the stop of shooting after the shooting of the ultrasonic image in the normal mode is completed has been described. In this embodiment, the case where the operator does not intervene will be described.

[0086] In the second embodiment, the configuration of the medical imaging system 100 is the same as that in the first embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0087] Next, the medical imaging process executed by the CPU 61A will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10. Note that the process shown in FIG. 10 is executed after a radiographic image of the breast 56 compressed by the compression plate 20 is taken by the mammography apparatus 10.

[0088] In step S10, the CPU 61A acquires the radiographic image taken by the mammography apparatus 10.

[0089] In step S11, based on the radiographic image acquired in step S10, the CPU 61A identifies, for example, by a known image analysis method, a region where a tumor or the like is suspected, and sets the identified region as a specific region to be irradiated with an ultrasonic beam.

[0090] Steps S100 to S103 are the same as the process in FIG. 9, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0091] In step S104A, the CPU 61A determines whether an ultrasonic image is being taken for the specific region set in step S11. That is, it is determined whether the specific region is on the chest wall side and is a region that cannot be imaged in the normal mode. If an ultrasonic image is being taken for the specific region, this routine ends. On the other hand, as a condition for switching the imaging mode, if an ultrasonic image is not being taken for the specific region, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0092] Steps S105 to S109 are the same as the process in FIG. 9, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0093] Thus, in this embodiment, a region where a tumor or the like is suspected is identified from the radiographic image, and when the identified region is on the chest wall side, the process of automatically switching from the normal mode to the steer mode or the trapezoid mode and taking an ultrasonic image can be performed.

[0094] [Third Embodiment]

[0095] Next, a third embodiment will be described. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0096] In the first embodiment, the case where the ultrasonic probe 50 is automatically moved to capture an ultrasonic image has been described. In this embodiment, the case where the operator manually moves the ultrasonic probe 50 to capture an ultrasonic image will be described.

[0097] The medical imaging system 100 according to the third embodiment has a configuration in which, instead of the scanning mechanism 72, the compression plate 20 includes a guiding member that guides the ultrasonic probe 50 such that the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe 50 is orthogonal to the chest wall, and the magnetic generator 54 and the magnetic position sensor 55 are omitted.

[0098] FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the compression plate 20 according to the third embodiment.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 12, the compression plate 20 according to this embodiment includes a main body portion 21, a guiding member 22, and a locking mechanism 23. The main body portion 21 is a box-shaped member with an open upper side and has a chest wall surface 211. The chest wall surface 211 is a surface facing the chest wall of the subject. The guiding member 22 is a member provided on the main body portion 21. The guiding member 22 guides the ultrasonic probe 50 along the scanning direction D1 of the ultrasonic probe 50.

[0100] The locking mechanism 23 detachably fixes the guiding member 22 to the main body portion 21. As an example, the locking mechanism 23 is provided on the guiding member 22, but it may be provided on the main body portion 21. During mammography, mammography can be performed with the guiding member 22 removed from the main body portion 21, and during ultrasonic imaging, ultrasonic imaging can be performed with the guiding member 22 attached to the main body portion 21. Further, by providing the locking mechanism 23, it is possible to prevent the guiding member 22 from falling off the main body portion 21 even when the compression plate 20 is tilted.

[0101] The case internal member 22 includes a first guiding portion 221, a second guiding portion 222, a third guiding portion 223, a fourth guiding portion 224, a frame portion 225, and a position detection sensor 226. The first guiding portion 221, the second guiding portion 222, the third guiding portion 223, and the fourth guiding portion 224 are, for example, provided in a direction along the chest wall surface 211 of the main body portion 21, but may be provided in a direction intersecting the chest wall surface 211 of the main body portion 21. The cross-sectional shape of each of the first guiding portion 221, the second guiding portion 222, the third guiding portion 223, and the fourth guiding portion 224 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, or the like.

[0102] The frame portion 225 is a frame-shaped portion provided along the periphery of the main body portion 21. The first guiding portion 221 is a portion protruding in the direction of the second guiding portion 222 from the frame portion 225. The second guiding portion 222 is a portion extending from one end of the frame portion 225 toward the opposite end. The third guiding portion 223 is a portion extending from the other end of the frame portion 225 toward the opposite end. The fourth guiding portion 224 is a portion protruding in the direction of the third guiding portion 223 from the frame portion 225.

[0103] The first guiding portion 221 and the second guiding portion 222 guide the ultrasonic probe 50 along the first scanning path 231. The second guiding portion 222 and the third guiding portion 223 guide the ultrasonic probe 50 along the second scanning path 232. The third guiding portion 223 and the fourth guiding portion 224 guide the ultrasonic probe 50 along the third scanning path 233.

[0104] When the ultrasonic probe 50 is scanned along the first scanning path 231 and the second scanning path 232, the first guiding portion 221 and the second guiding portion 222 are arranged such that a part of the effective image region of the ultrasonic probe 50 overlaps. Similarly, when the ultrasonic probe 50 is scanned along the second scanning path 232 and the third scanning path 233, the second guiding portion 222 and the third guiding portion 223 are arranged such that a part of the effective image region of the ultrasonic probe 50 overlaps. Since a part of the effective image region of the ultrasonic probe 50 can be overlapped, scanning omission of the ultrasonic probe 50 can be suppressed.

[0105] The position detection sensor 226 is provided on each of the first guide part 221, the second guide part 222, the third guide part 223, and the fourth guide part 224. The position detection sensor 226 is a sensor for detecting the position of the ultrasonic probe 50, and various sensors such as an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a magnetic sensor are used for the position detection sensor 226. The position detection sensor 226 detects whether the ultrasonic probe 50 is on any of the first scanning path 231, the second scanning path 232, or the third scanning path 233. The detection result by the position detection sensor 226 is displayed, for example, on the display unit 63 of the medical imaging device 60, and the user can grasp the position of the ultrasonic probe 50 while viewing the ultrasonic image without looking at the hand holding the ultrasonic probe 50. However, the number and mounting location of the position detection sensors 226 are not limited to the example in FIG. 12, and any location where the position of the ultrasonic probe 50 can be appropriately detected is acceptable.

[0106] In the example of FIG. 12, the tip portion of the ultrasonic probe 50 is held by the holding member 70, and the ultrasonic probe 50 is scanned while the tip portion is held by the holding member 70. The holding member 70 is a member that holds the tip portion so as to surround the periphery of the tip portion of the ultrasonic probe 50, and by providing the holding member 70, the posture of the ultrasonic probe 50 can be stabilized.

[0107] Also, in the example of FIG. 12, the first guide part 221 and the fourth guide part 224 are provided on the guide member 22 side, but the first guide part 221 and the fourth guide part 224 may be provided on the main body part 21 side. In this case, the second guide part 222 is read as the first guide part 222, and the third guide part 223 is read as the second guide part 223.

[0108] Also, in the example of FIG. 12, four guide parts are provided, but the number of guide parts is not limited to four. The number of guide parts may be two or more, and may be five or more depending on the shape of the ultrasonic probe 50, the size of the compression plate 20, etc.

[0109] FIG. 13 is a top view schematically showing an example of the guide member 22 according to the third embodiment.

[0110] As described above, the guide member 22 shown in FIG. 13 includes a first guide portion 221, a second guide portion 222, a third guide portion 223, a fourth guide portion 224, and a frame portion 225. The second guide portion 222 extends from one end of the frame portion 225 to the opposite other end, and the third guide portion 223 extends from the other end of the frame portion 225 to the opposite one end. That is, the second guide portion 222 and the third guide portion 223 are arranged alternately. By arranging the second guide portion 222 and the third guide portion 223 alternately, the scanning of the ultrasonic probe 50 can be performed in a zigzag manner. Here, the "zigzag" means a state in which a straight line is bent in a Z shape.

[0111] FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the main body portion 21 according to the present embodiment.

[0112] The main body portion 21 shown in FIG. 14 includes a chest wall surface 211, two side surfaces 212, a back surface 213, and a bottom surface 214. The chest wall surface 211, the two side surfaces 212, and the back surface 213 are arranged so as to surround the bottom surface 214. The guide member 22 includes an acoustic matching material 24 for being interposed between the ultrasonic probe 50 and the subject. The acoustic matching material 24 is provided, for example, on the entire bottom surface 214 of the main body portion 21.

[0113] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship among the ultrasonic probe 50, the second guide portion 222, and the third guide portion 223 according to the present embodiment.

[0114] The ultrasonic probe 50 shown in FIG. 15 includes a transmission / reception unit 51 and a gripping portion 52. The transmission / reception unit 51 is a portion for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The gripping portion 52 is continuous from the transmission / reception unit 51 and is a portion gripped by the user. The width W5 of the gripping portion 52 is shorter than the width W4 of the effective image region 53 of the transmission / reception unit 51.

[0115] Here, when the width of the second guide part 222 is W1, the distance between the second guide part 222 and the third guide part 223 is W2, the width of the third guide part 223 is W3, and the width of the effective image area 53 of the ultrasonic probe 50 is W4, the relationship expressed by the following formula (1) is satisfied.

[0116] W4>W1 / 2+W2+W3 / 2 ···(1)

[0117] By arranging the second guide part 222 and the third guide part 223 so as to satisfy the above formula (1), when the ultrasonic probe 50 is scanned along the first scanning path 231 and the second scanning path 232, a part of the effective image area 53 of the ultrasonic probe 50 can be overlapped.

[0118] In this embodiment, when the ultrasonic probe 50 exists on the first scanning path 231, it is assumed that the distance c in the Y-axis direction from the side surface 20B on the chest wall side to the ultrasonic probe 50 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance D. When the ultrasonic probe 50 exists on the second scanning path 232 or the third scanning path 233, it is assumed that the distance c is greater than the predetermined distance D.

[0119] Next, the medical imaging process executed by the CPU 61A will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16.

[0120] The operator scans the ultrasonic probe 50 along, for example, the first scanning path 231, the second scanning path 232, and the third scanning path 233 in this order.

[0121] Steps S100 and S101 are the same as the processes in FIG. 9, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0122] In step S103A, the CPU 61A determines whether the entire range has been scanned. In this embodiment, since the operator manually scans the ultrasonic probe 50, when the entire range has been scanned, the operator operates the operation unit 62 to input that the scanning of the entire range has been completed.

[0123] Therefore, in step S103A, the CPU 61A determines whether an input indicating that the scanning of the entire range has been completed is made by the operator's operation. If an input indicating that the scanning of the entire range has been completed is made, the process proceeds to step S104. If an input indicating that the scanning of the entire range has been completed is not made, the process proceeds to step S100.

[0124] Here, similar to the first embodiment, the operator looks at the ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit 63 and determines whether to stop and end the imaging. If the operator determines that it is okay to stop the imaging, the operator operates the operation unit 62 to instruct the stop of the imaging. On the other hand, when the operator looks at the ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit 63 and determines that imaging of the ultrasonic image on the chest wall side is necessary, the operator does not instruct the stop of the imaging and continues the imaging.

[0125] In step S104, the CPU 61A determines whether an instruction to stop imaging has been given within a certain period. That is, as a condition for switching the imaging mode, it is determined whether an instruction to stop the imaging of the ultrasonic image by the ultrasonic probe 50 has been received. If an instruction to stop imaging has been given within a certain period, this routine ends. On the other hand, if no instruction to stop imaging has been given within a certain period, the process proceeds to step S106A.

[0126] If the operator does not instruct the stop of imaging, the operator starts scanning the ultrasonic probe 50 again.

[0127] In step S106A, the CPU 61A determines whether the ultrasonic probe 50 is scanning the chest wall side, specifically, whether the ultrasonic probe 50 is scanning on the first scanning path 231. If the ultrasonic probe 50 is scanning the chest wall side, that is, if the distance c is less than or equal to a predetermined distance D, the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if the ultrasonic probe 50 is not scanning the chest wall side, that is, if the ultrasonic probe 50 is scanning on the second scanning path 232 or the third scanning path 233 and the distance c is greater than the predetermined distance D, the ultrasonic probe 50 waits until it moves to the chest wall side.

[0128] Steps S107 and S108 are the same as the processes in FIG. 9, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0129] Step S109A is the same process as step 103A. When the entire range has not been scanned, the process proceeds to step S106A. When the entire range has been scanned, this routine ends.

[0130] As described above, in this embodiment, when the operator manually scans the ultrasonic probe 50 and the ultrasonic probe 50 moves to the chest wall side, an ultrasonic image is taken in the steer mode. As a result, it becomes easier to acquire an ultrasonic image on the chest wall side.

[0131] Note that the configuration, operations, etc. of the medical imaging system 100 described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and it goes without saying that they can be changed according to the situation without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0132] Regarding the above embodiments, the following additional remarks are disclosed.

[0133] (Supplementary Note 1) Comprising a processor, The processor, acquires the position of an ultrasonic probe that emits an ultrasonic beam toward a breast of a subject being compressed by a compression plate, and when the position of the ultrasonic probe in a direction orthogonal to the side surface on the chest wall side of the compression plate is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the side surface and satisfies a predetermined switching condition, performs control to switch the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam to a steer mode or a trapezoidal mode directed toward the chest wall side. A medical imaging device comprising the above.

[0134] (Supplementary Note 2) The predetermined distance is a distance represented by tanθ×(a + b), where θ is the inclination angle of the ultrasonic beam emitted in the steer mode or trapezoidal mode, a is the depth of the breast to be observed, and b is the distance between the ultrasonic probe and the compression plate. The medical imaging device according to Supplementary Note 1.

[0135] (Appendix 3) The processor controls a scanning mechanism that scans the ultrasonic probe on the compression plate, The switching condition is a case where an instruction to stop taking an ultrasonic image by the ultrasonic probe is not received. The medical imaging device according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0136] (Appendix 4) Based on a radiation image taken by emitting radiation to the breast of the subject, the processor sets a specific region to which the ultrasonic beam is to be irradiated, controls a scanning mechanism that scans the ultrasonic probe on the compression plate, The switching condition is a case where ultrasonic imaging by the ultrasonic probe is not being performed on the specific region. The medical imaging device according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0137] (Appendix 5) The switching condition is a case where an instruction to stop taking an ultrasonic image by the ultrasonic probe is not received. The medical imaging device according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0138] (Appendix 6) The compression plate is a guiding member that guides the ultrasonic probe so that the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe is perpendicular to the chest wall. The medical imaging device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, comprising the guiding member.

[0139] (Appendix 7) The processor controls a scanning mechanism that scans the ultrasonic probe on the compression plate so that the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe is perpendicular to the side surface on the chest wall side and the ultrasonic probe is scanned. The medical imaging device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5.

[0140] (Appendix 8) An acoustic matching material is provided between the ultrasonic probe and the compression plate. The medical imaging device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7.

[0141] (Appendix 9) The thickness of the acoustic matching material is 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The medical imaging device according to Appendix 8.

[0142] (Appendix 10) The thickness of the acoustic matching material increases as it approaches the chest wall. The medical imaging device according to Appendix 8 or Appendix 9.

[0143] (Appendix 11) The processor causes the display unit to display, in a distinguishable manner, a first imaging region imaged with the normal direction of the ultrasonic beam as the emission direction and a second imaging region imaged in the steer mode or trapezoid mode in which the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam is inclined, and causes the display unit to display the captured ultrasonic image. The medical imaging device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 10.

[0144] (Appendix 12) A computer acquires the position of an ultrasonic probe that emits an ultrasonic beam toward a subject's breast compressed by a compression plate, and when the position of the ultrasonic probe in a direction orthogonal to the side surface on the chest wall side of the compression plate is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the side surface and a predetermined switching condition is satisfied, performs control to switch the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam to the steer mode or trapezoid mode directed toward the chest wall side. A medical imaging method that includes executing a process.

[0145] (Appendix 13) A computer acquires the position of an ultrasonic probe that emits an ultrasonic beam toward a subject's breast compressed by a compression plate, When the position of the ultrasonic probe in the direction orthogonal to the side surface on the chest wall side of the compression plate is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the side surface and a predetermined switching condition is satisfied, control is performed to switch the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam to the chest wall side to the steer mode or the trapezoid mode. A medical imaging program for executing a process including this.

[0146] (Appendix 14) A mammography device that takes a radiation image by detecting radiation emitted from a radiation source and transmitted through a subject's breast with a radiation detector, An ultrasonic probe that emits an ultrasonic beam to a subject's breast, A medical imaging device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 11, A medical imaging system comprising the above.

Explanation of Signs

[0147] 10 Mammography device 20 Compression plate 22 Guide member 23 Lock mechanism 24 Acoustic matching material 30 Radiation detector 50 Ultrasonic probe 54 Magnetic generator 55 Magnetic position sensor 56 Breast 60 Medical imaging device 61 Controller 65A Medical imaging program 72 Scanning mechanism 80 Acquisition unit 81 Control unit 82 Setting unit 100 Medical imaging system

Claims

1. A processor is provided. The processor, The position of the ultrasound probe that emits an ultrasound beam to the breast of the subject compressed by the compression plate is acquired. When the position of the ultrasonic probe in a direction perpendicular to the side surface of the compression plate on the chest wall side is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the side surface and satisfies a predetermined switching condition, the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam is switched to a steering mode or a trapezoidal mode to direct the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam toward the chest wall side. A medical imaging device comprising:

2. The predetermined distance is a distance expressed by tan θ×(a+b) where θ is the inclination angle of the ultrasonic beam emitted in the steering mode or trapezoidal mode, a is the depth of the breast to be observed, and b is the distance between the ultrasonic probe and the compression plate.

2. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The processor controls a scanning mechanism that scans the ultrasonic probe over the compression plate; The switching condition is that an instruction to stop capturing an ultrasonic image by the ultrasonic probe is not received.

2. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The processor sets a specific region to be irradiated with the ultrasonic beam based on a radiation image captured by irradiating radiation to the breast of the subject; Controlling a scanning mechanism that scans the ultrasonic probe on the compression plate; The switching condition is that the ultrasonic image capturing by the ultrasonic probe is not performed on the specific region.

2. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The switching condition is that an instruction to stop capturing an ultrasonic image by the ultrasonic probe is not received.

2. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The compression plate is a guide member that guides the ultrasonic probe so that the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe is perpendicular to the chest wall.

2. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1,

7. The processor controls a scanning mechanism that scans the ultrasonic probe on the compression plate so that the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe is perpendicular to the lateral surface of the chest wall.

2. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

8. An acoustic matching material is provided between the ultrasonic probe and the compression plate.

2. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The thickness of the acoustic matching material is 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

9. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The thickness of the acoustic matching material increases toward the chest wall.

9. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 8.

11. The processor causes a display unit to distinguishably display a first imaging region photographed with the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam in a normal direction and a second imaging region photographed in the steer mode or trapezoid mode in which the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam is inclined, and also causes the display unit to display the photographed ultrasonic image.

2. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

12. The computer The position of the ultrasound probe that emits an ultrasound beam to the breast of the subject compressed by the compression plate is acquired. When the position of the ultrasonic probe in a direction perpendicular to the side surface of the compression plate on the chest wall side is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the side surface and satisfies a predetermined switching condition, the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam is controlled to be switched to a steering mode or a trapezoidal mode in which the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam is directed toward the chest wall side. The medical imaging method includes the steps of:

13. On the computer, The position of the ultrasound probe that emits an ultrasound beam to the breast of the subject compressed by the compression plate is acquired. When the position of the ultrasonic probe in a direction perpendicular to the side surface of the compression plate on the chest wall side is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the side surface and satisfies a predetermined switching condition, the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam is controlled to be switched to a steering mode or a trapezoidal mode in which the emission direction of the ultrasonic beam is directed toward the chest wall side. A medical imaging program that causes a process including the above to be performed.

14. a mammography device that captures a radiological image by detecting radiation that is emitted from a radiation source and passes through a subject's breast using a radiation detector; an ultrasound probe for emitting an ultrasound beam to a subject's breast; A medical imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A medical imaging system comprising:

Images