Ultrasound probe

Abstract

To provide an ultrasound probe that makes it possible to easily and clearly grasp a correspondence relationship between a range visible in an ultrasound tomographic image and a range of the actual organ.SOLUTION: An ultrasound probe 10 includes an ultrasound transducer 23 that radiates an ultrasound wave, and a case 20 that has a substantially cylindrical shape and that accommodates the ultrasound transducer 23. The case 20 includes one or more range markers 42 that are provided at positions visible from an outside and that indicate a radiation range Ae of the ultrasound wave.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification discloses an ultrasound probe for insertion into a body cavity. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a technique for performing ultrasound diagnosis by inserting an ultrasound probe into a body cavity in order to grasp the internal state of an organ of a subject (e.g., a patient or an animal). In such ultrasound diagnosis, an ultrasound probe is placed in contact with the surface of the organ, and in this state, ultrasound waves are transmitted from the ultrasound probe toward the interior of the organ and the reflected waves are received. Then, based on the signals of the reflected waves obtained, an ultrasound tomographic image representing the internal state of the organ is formed. An operator, such as a doctor, performs various procedures on the interior of the organ, such as collecting cells using a puncture needle or injecting a drug, while referring to the obtained ultrasound tomographic image.

[0003] There is a demand for a simple and clear understanding of the accurate correspondence between the area visible in an ultrasound tomographic image and the area of ​​a real organ. For example, a surgeon may want to understand where the edge of an ultrasound tomographic image corresponds to the position of the real organ. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-1197484 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with conventional ultrasound probes, it was difficult to clearly grasp the edge positions of the ultrasound radiation range while the ultrasound probe was pressed against the surface of an organ, and as a result, the surgeon was unable to accurately grasp where the edge of the ultrasound tomographic image corresponded to in the actual organ.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasound probe with a scale on the side. This ultrasound probe allows the center position of the ultrasound radiation range and the distance from the center position to be easily grasped. However, even when such a scale is provided, the edges of the ultrasound radiation range do not necessarily coincide with the scale. Therefore, even by referring to such a scale, it is not easy to grasp the edges of the ultrasound radiation range, and therefore the correspondence between the range visible in the ultrasound tomographic image and the actual range of the organ.

[0007] Therefore, this specification discloses an ultrasound probe that allows the correspondence between the range visible in an ultrasound tomographic image and the range of an actual organ to be easily and clearly grasped. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The ultrasonic probe disclosed in this specification is an ultrasonic probe to be inserted into a body cavity, and is characterized in that it comprises an ultrasonic vibrator that emits ultrasonic waves and a substantially cylindrical case that houses the ultrasonic vibrator, and the case is provided in a position that is visible from the outside and includes one or more range markers that indicate the emission range of the ultrasonic waves.

[0009] With this configuration, the surgeon can grasp the ultrasound radiation range by looking at the range marker, and can easily and clearly grasp the correspondence between the range visible in the ultrasound tomographic image and the range of the actual organ.

[0010] In this case, the ultrasonic wave emission surface may be elongated in the axial direction of the case, and the one or more range markers may include a range marker arranged circumferentially close to the ultrasonic wave emission surface.

[0011] By arranging the range marker close to the emitting surface, when the emitting surface is pressed against the surface of an organ, the range marker naturally comes close to the organ surface, allowing the surgeon to accurately mark the ultrasound emission range on the surface of the organ.

[0012] The one or more range markers may include a pair of range markers arranged on either side of the ultrasonic wave emission surface in the circumferential direction.

[0013] By providing range markers on both sides of the circumference, the radiation range can be determined from either the left or right side of the ultrasound probe. In particular, there is usually only one endoscope used to observe the inside of a body cavity. Therefore, the surgeon can usually only see one side of the ultrasound probe, but by providing range markers on both sides, the surgeon can always grasp the ultrasound radiation range.

[0014] The one or more range markers may include three or more range markers spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and at least one range marker may be visible from any direction 360 degrees around the case.

[0015] With this configuration, the operator can always grasp the radiation range of the ultrasound.

[0016] Furthermore, at least one of the one or more range markers may include a plane parallel to or perpendicular to the radiation plane of the ultrasonic waves, and may also function as a direction marker indicating the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves.

[0017] With this configuration, the surgeon can grasp not only the radiation range of the ultrasound but also the radiation direction, thereby more clearly grasping the correspondence between the position visible in the ultrasound tomographic image and the actual position.

[0018] At least one of the one or more range markers may be a band-like pattern extending in the same axial range as the radiation range of the ultrasound waves.

[0019] By making the range marker an easily visible shape such as a band-like pattern, the surgeon can clearly grasp the ultrasound radiation range.

[0020] The case may further include a scale provided at a position visible from the outside, and the scale may be arranged circumferentially close to at least one of the one or more range markers or overlapping with at least one of the one or more range markers.

[0021] With this configuration, the surgeon can clearly grasp not only the ultrasonic radiation range but also the actual distance, thereby enabling the surgeon to more clearly grasp the correspondence between the position visible in the ultrasonic tomographic image and the actual position.

[0022] The color of the range marker may also be the opposite of the color of the case.

[0023] With this configuration, the surgeon can clearly identify the range marker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] The ultrasound probe disclosed in this specification makes it possible to easily grasp the correspondence between the range visible in an ultrasound tomographic image and the range of an actual organ. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing how an ultrasonic probe is used. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tip of an ultrasonic probe. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are a side view and an ultrasonic tomographic image of the tip of an ultrasonic probe. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 taken along line B-B. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing the relationship between the radiation direction of ultrasound and the target area. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of another ultrasonic probe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The configuration of the ultrasound probe 10 will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing how the ultrasound probe 10 is used. Note that the following description will be given taking a laparoscopic probe used in the abdominal cavity as an example. However, the technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to laparoscopic probes, and other types of ultrasound probes 10 may be used as long as they are inserted into the subject 110. Furthermore, the subject may be a human or an animal.

[0027] The ultrasonic probe 10 of this example is used in laparoscopic surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon inserts the endoscope 100, the ultrasonic probe 10, and other surgical instruments (not shown, for example, forceps, an electric scalpel, etc.) into the abdominal cavity 112 through ports. The endoscope 100 has a built-in camera, and images captured by the camera are displayed in real time on a display (not shown). The surgeon operates the ultrasonic probe 10 and other surgical instruments while observing the images on the display.

[0028] The surgeon also grasps the internal state of an organ (such as the liver) in the body cavity using the ultrasonic probe 10. Then, based on the obtained information, the surgeon performs a predetermined treatment on the organ (such as tumor resection).

[0029] The ultrasound probe 10 is broadly divided into an operation unit 12, an insertion unit 14, and a tip unit 16. The operation unit 12 is the part that the surgeon holds in his / her hand. The operation unit 12 is provided with a plurality of operators (e.g., buttons, dials, etc.) that accept various operations.

[0030] The insertion section 14 is a tubular member that is inserted into the subject. The insertion section 14 is bendable by operating the operation section 12, and bending the insertion section 14 changes the position and orientation of the tip section 16. Inside the insertion section 14, a signal cable for sending and receiving electrical signals and a transmission cable for transmitting a force to bend the insertion section 14 are built in.

[0031] A tip portion 16 is attached to the distal end of the insertion portion 14. The tip portion 16 has an ultrasonic transducer 23 (not shown in FIG. 1, see FIGS. 4 and 5) and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The tip portion 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the tip portion 16. Fig. 3 is a side view of the tip portion 16 and an image diagram of an ultrasonic tomographic image 120 obtained by the ultrasonic probe 10. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 4. In the following, to clarify the directions, the axial direction of the case 20 will be referred to as the "front-rear direction," the direction parallel to the direction of ultrasonic wave emission will be referred to as the "up-down direction," and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction will be referred to as the "left-right direction."

[0033] The tip portion 16 has a substantially cylindrical case 20 and an ultrasonic transducer 23 housed inside the case 20. The ultrasonic transducer 23 has a plurality of transducer elements 24 (see FIG. 5) that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. Note that in FIG. 5, the transducer elements 24 are illustrated larger and fewer than in actuality for ease of understanding. The ultrasonic probe 10 of this example is a linear probe that scans an ultrasonic beam in a straight line, and the plurality of transducer elements 24 are arranged linearly in the front-to-rear direction (i.e., the axial direction of the case 20). A matching layer 28 and an acoustic lens 26 are arranged in the thickness direction of the transducer elements 24. The ultrasonic beam passes through the matching layer 28 and the acoustic lens 26 and is emitted to the outside of the ultrasonic probe 10. Therefore, the outer surface of the acoustic lens 26 serves as a radiation surface 30 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves.

[0034] When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer 23 to the object, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected successively by discontinuous surfaces of acoustic impedance in the object. The ultrasonic transducer 23 receives the reflected waves and converts them into electrical signals (i.e., reflected wave signals). These reflected wave signals are transmitted to an ultrasonic diagnostic device (not shown) as needed. The ultrasonic diagnostic device generates an ultrasonic tomographic image 120 (see FIG. 3) of the object based on the reflected wave signals output from the ultrasonic probe 10.

[0035] The ultrasonic vibrator 23 is housed in a case 20. As described above and shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the case 20 is substantially cylindrical. In this example, the case 20 has a first case piece 20a and a second case piece 20b. The first case piece 20a is a substantially cylindrical member with a portion of its circumferential surface missing. The circumferential surface of the first case piece 20a is formed with a lens hole 21 (see FIG. 5) into which the acoustic lens 26 is fitted, and an assembly hole 22 (see FIG. 5) into which the second case piece 20b is fitted. The assembly hole 22 is a hole opposite the lens hole 21. During the manufacturing process of the ultrasonic probe 10, the ultrasonic vibrator 23 is placed in the case 20 via the assembly hole 22. The second case piece 20b is attached to the first case piece 20a after the ultrasonic vibrator 23 and other components are assembled.

[0036] However, this configuration of the case 20 is just one example and may be modified as appropriate. Therefore, the case 20 may be composed of one part, or may be composed of three or more parts. Furthermore, in this example, the acoustic lens 26 is exposed to the outside through the lens hole 21. However, the acoustic lens 26 may also be completely housed inside the case 20. In this case, the lens hole 21 is not formed in the case 20, and the case 20 is made of a material that is ultrasonically transparent. Furthermore, in this case, the portion of the case 20 that faces the acoustic lens 26 becomes the radiation surface 30.

[0037] A range bar 44 is provided on the case 20 at a location circumferentially close to the ultrasonic wave emission surface 30. As shown in FIG. 4, two range bars 44 are provided, one on each side of the circumference of the emission surface 30. The range bar 44 is a long strip-shaped pattern extending in the front-to-rear direction. The front-to-rear range of this range bar 44 coincides with the front-to-rear range of the ultrasonic wave emission range Ae (see FIG. 3). This range bar 44 is formed, for example, by painting, plating, laser printing, etc. This range bar 44 functions as a range marker 42 that indicates the ultrasonic wave emission range Ae. The reason for providing such a range marker 42 will be described later.

[0038] A scale 38 is further provided on the circumferential surface of the case 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the scale 38 has a center mark 40 and a plurality of lines 41 arranged at equal intervals from the center mark 40. The center mark 40 is a mark that indicates the axial center of the ultrasound emission range Ae. In this example, the center mark 40 is an isosceles triangle facing downward (i.e., facing the emission surface 30). A plurality of lines 41 are arranged at equal intervals on both sides of the center mark 40 in the front-to-rear direction. Each line 41 extends circumferentially from the inside of the range bar 44 to the outside of the range bar 44. Therefore, it can be said that part of the scale 38 overlaps with the range markers 42.

[0039] A recess 32 recessed from the surrounding area is formed on the 180-degree opposite side of the emitting surface 30 of the case 20. A direction plate 36 is disposed in this recess 32. The direction plate 36 is a flat plate with a flat upper surface. The surface of this direction plate 36 is perpendicular to the emitting direction of the ultrasound waves and functions as a direction marker 34 indicating the emitting direction of the ultrasound waves, which will also be described later.

[0040] The case 20 further includes two puncture guides 50, 62 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). Both puncture guides 50, 62 guide the puncture needle (not shown) in the forward direction. The first puncture guide 50 is located proximal to the recess 32. The first puncture guide 50 includes a guide hole 52 that penetrates the case 20 in the vertical direction and a horizontal hole 58 (see FIG. 2) that connects the side of the case 20 to the guide hole 52. As shown in FIG. 5, the guide hole 52 has an hourglass shape whose front-to-rear dimension decreases toward the center in the vertical direction. In other words, the guide hole 52 is roughly divided into an upper tapered portion 52a whose front-to-rear dimension decreases with increasing distance from the inlet and a lower tapered portion 52b whose front-to-rear dimension decreases with increasing distance from the outlet. Hereinafter, one front-to-rear end surface of the upper tapered portion 52a will be referred to as the "first wall 54," and the other front-to-rear end surface will be referred to as the "second wall 56." When inserting the puncture needle, the surgeon slides the puncture needle while pressing it against the first wall 54 or the second wall 56. This allows the puncture needle to move stably in the direction defined by the first wall 54 or the second wall 56.

[0041] A guide marker 60 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is provided on the side of case 20 opposite to horizontal hole 58. Guide marker 60 is a pattern that indicates the direction in which the puncture needle is guided by first puncture guide 50. In this example, guide marker 60 is a triangle surrounded by a first line that indicates the slope of first wall 54, a second line that indicates the slope of second wall 56, and a third line that connects the first and second lines.

[0042] The second puncture guide 62 is disposed at the end of the case 20. In this example, the second puncture guide 62 includes a guide groove 64 (see FIGS. 2 and 5) formed on the end face of the case 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the guide groove 64 has a third wall 66 that progresses proximally as it advances downward. When inserting the puncture needle, the surgeon slides the puncture needle while pressing it against the third wall 66. This allows the puncture needle to advance stably in the direction defined by the third wall 66.

[0043] As is clear from the above explanation, in this example, a range marker 42 is provided on the case 20. The reason for providing such a range marker 42 will be explained. As described above, the ultrasonic probe 10 of this example is inserted into the abdominal cavity 112 for use. At that time, the position and posture of the ultrasonic probe 10 are confirmed by the camera of the endoscope 100. In addition, the surgeon understands the internal state of the organ from the ultrasonic tomographic image 120 obtained by the ultrasonic probe 10.

[0044] Now, consider a case where a predetermined treatment is performed on a target region 122 shown in an ultrasonic tomographic image 120. In this case, the surgeon estimates the actual position of the target region 122 from the position of the target region 122 in the ultrasonic tomographic image 120. For example, when resecting the target region 122, the surgeon specifies the distance from the edge of the ultrasonic tomographic image 120 to the target region 122 as a resection margin Mc. This resection margin Mc corresponds to the actual distance from the edge of the ultrasonic emission range Ae to the target region 122. Therefore, if the surgeon can specify the edge of the ultrasonic emission range Ae, he or she can grasp the actual position of the target region 122.

[0045] However, in conventional ultrasound probes, the ultrasound emission range Ae is not clearly indicated. Therefore, when using conventional ultrasound probes, it is difficult for the surgeon to clearly grasp the end of the emission range Ae. Although ultrasound is emitted from the acoustic lens 26, most of the acoustic lens 26 is hidden and cannot be seen because it is pressed against the surface of the organ. Even if the acoustic lens 26 is visible, the end of the emission range Ae cannot be clearly grasped by observing the acoustic lens 26 because the acoustic lens 26 is slightly larger than the emission range Ae. Furthermore, because the surgeon cannot clearly grasp the end of the emission range Ae, the surgeon cannot clearly grasp the actual position of the target region 122.

[0046] Meanwhile, in this example, as described above, the case 20 is provided with range bars 44 indicating the emission range Ae. These range bars 44 are provided on both circumferential sides of the emission surface 30. Therefore, the surgeon can easily see the range bars 44 even when the emission surface 30 is pressed against the surface of an organ. As a result, the surgeon can easily grasp the ends of the emission range Ae, and ultimately the actual position of the target site 122. Furthermore, because the range bars 44 are provided on both sides of the emission surface 30, the surgeon can clearly grasp the emission range Ae regardless of whether the endoscope 100 is on the left or right side of the ultrasound probe 10.

[0047] Incidentally, in order to perform appropriate treatment on the target site 122, markers indicating the ends of the radiation range Ae may be marked on the surface of the organ. Marking is performed, for example, by burning a small portion of the surface of the organ. At this time, if the range bar 44 is far away from the surface of the organ, the marking position is likely to shift. In this example, the range bar 44 is positioned close to the radiation surface 30. Therefore, when the radiation surface 30 is pressed against the surface of the organ, the range bar 44 naturally moves close to the surface of the organ. This allows the surgeon to accurately mark the ends of the radiation range Ae on the surface of the organ.

[0048] As described above, the scale 38 is arranged to partially overlap with the range bar 44. This allows the surgeon to clearly grasp the radiation range Ae as well as the distance, thereby enabling the surgeon to clearly grasp the actual position of the target area 122.

[0049] It is also possible to grasp the end of the radiation range Ae using the scale 38 without providing the range bar 44. However, the increments (intervals) of the scale 38 are typically set independently of the distance of the radiation range Ae, and the lines 41 of the scale 38 are offset from the end of the radiation range Ae. That is, the increments of the scale 38 are set to easily readable values, such as 5 mm or 10 mm. In this case, if the radiation range Ae is not an integer multiple of the increments, for example, 23 mm, the lines 41 of the scale 38 will be offset from the end of the radiation range Ae. Of course, if the increments of the scale 38 are significantly smaller, for example, if the increments of the scale 38 are set to 1 mm, it is possible to align the lines 41 of the scale 38 with the end of the radiation range Ae. However, in this case, the number of lines 41 of the scale 38 increases, making it difficult for the surgeon to read the scale 38. That is, when considering the visibility of the scale 38, it is difficult to indicate the ends of the radiation range Ae with the scale 38. Therefore, in this example, a range bar 44 indicating the radiation range Ae is provided in addition to the scale 38.

[0050] As described above, the ultrasonic probe 10 is further provided with a direction plate 36. The front-rear range of this direction plate 36 coincides with the front-rear range of the radiation range Ae. Therefore, the direction plate 36 also functions as a range marker 42 indicating the radiation range Ae. As a result, the ultrasonic probe 10 of this example can be said to have three range markers 42 in the circumferential direction. The spacing between these three range markers 42 is less than 180 degrees. Therefore, at least one range marker 42 is visible from any direction around the casing 20 (360 degrees). This allows the surgeon to reliably grasp the range markers 42 and, by extension, the radiation range Ae, even in an endoscope 100 that only has a narrow field of view 102 (see FIG. 1 ). For example, depending on the positional relationship between the endoscope 100 and the ultrasonic probe 10, the range bar 44 may not be visible on the camera of the endoscope 100. Even in such cases, the surgeon can clearly grasp the radiation range Ae by looking at the direction plate 36.

[0051] As mentioned previously, the case 20 is generally cylindrical. Therefore, with conventional ultrasonic probes, it is difficult to grasp the rotation angle of the case 20 around its axis. As a result, with conventional ultrasonic probes, it is difficult for the surgeon to grasp the posture of the ultrasonic transducer 23 and, ultimately, the direction of ultrasonic radiation. In this case, it becomes difficult for the surgeon to determine the exact location of the target region 122. For example, consider a case where an ultrasonic tomographic image 120 including the target region 122 is obtained. In this case, if the direction of ultrasonic radiation is direction E1 in FIG. 6, it can be inferred that the target region 122 is located at position P1. Similarly, if the direction of ultrasonic radiation is direction E2 in FIG. 6, it can be inferred that the target region 122 is located at position P2. Similarly, if the direction of ultrasonic radiation is direction E3 in FIG. 6, it can be inferred that the target region 122 is located at position P3. Thus, the direction of ultrasonic radiation is very important in inferring the actual location of the target region 122. However, conventional ultrasonic probes do not have a feature indicating the direction of ultrasonic radiation.

[0052] On the other hand, as described above, the ultrasonic probe 10 of this example has a direction plate 36 provided on the case 20. The top surface of this direction plate 36 is perpendicular to the direction of ultrasound radiation and functions as a direction marker 34 indicating the direction of ultrasound radiation. Therefore, by observing this direction plate 36, the surgeon can grasp the direction of ultrasound radiation and, ultimately, the actual position of the target area 122. The direction plate 36 is a rectangle that is elongated in the front-to-back direction. By making the direction plate 36 a simple geometric shape such as a rectangle, the surgeon can easily recognize the inclination of the direction plate 36 and, ultimately, the direction of ultrasound radiation from the appearance of the angles of the sides and corners of the direction plate 36.

[0053] Furthermore, when providing a plane perpendicular to the radial direction (i.e., a plane that functions as a directional marker 34) on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 20, the plane must be recessed from the surrounding area or protrude from the surrounding area. If the plane protrudes from the peripheral surface of the case 20, the protruding portion is likely to get caught on surrounding tissue or ports. In this example, the plane that functions as the directional marker 34 is recessed from the surrounding area, which effectively prevents the directional marker 34 from coming into contact with other components. However, if getting caught on surrounding tissue or the like is not an issue, the plane that functions as the directional marker 34 may protrude from the surrounding area.

[0054] In this example, a plane perpendicular to the radiation direction of the ultrasound is provided as the directional marker 34. However, the directional marker 34 may have other forms as long as it allows the radiation direction of the ultrasound to be determined. For example, a plane parallel to the radiation direction of the ultrasound may be provided on the case 20 as the directional marker 34. The number of planes functioning as the directional marker 34 is not limited to one, and multiple planes may be provided. For example, a plane perpendicular to the radiation direction may be provided on the top surface of the case 20, and a plane parallel to the radiation direction may be provided on the side surface of the case 20.

[0055] Furthermore, in this example, guide markers 60 indicating the puncture direction are provided on the peripheral surface of the case 20. By providing such guide markers 60, the surgeon can easily grasp the direction in which the puncture needle should move. This reduces the need to reinsert the puncture needle, making the procedure less invasive.

[0056] The colors of the range bar 44, scale 38, direction plate 36, and guide marker 60 are all the opposite of the color of the case 20. For example, if the case 20 is a light color such as white or silver, the range bar 44 and the like are a dark color such as black or gray. This color scheme improves the visibility of the range bar 44 and the like, allowing the surgeon to easily recognize the ultrasound emission range Ae, the emission direction, and the guide direction of the puncture needle.

[0057] Note that the configurations described so far are all examples, and other configurations of the ultrasound probe 10 may be changed as appropriate as long as it has the features recited in claim 1. Therefore, the range marker 42 is not limited to a strip shape like the range bar 44, as long as it has a shape that indicates the emission range Ae. For example, the range marker 42 may be a triangle or a line placed at the end of the emission range Ae, as shown in Fig. 7. Furthermore, the number and position of the range marker 42 are not limited as long as at least one range marker 42 is provided.

[0058] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe 10 described above has a scale 38, a direction marker 34, and a guide marker 60 in addition to the range marker 42. However, the ultrasonic probe 10 does not need to have other markers as long as it has the range marker 42. Furthermore, although the ultrasonic probe 10 described above is a linear probe in which a plurality of transducer elements 24 are arranged in a straight line, the technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to linear probes and may be applied to other probes, such as convex probes.

[0059] Furthermore, some have proposed a technique for superimposing an ultrasonic tomographic image 120 on an image captured by a camera of the endoscope 100 (hereinafter referred to as a "camera image"). In this case, a pattern that functions as an AR marker is attached to the ultrasonic probe 10, and the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe 10 are identified from the AR marker that appears in the camera image. Then, the three-dimensional positional relationship between the camera image and the ultrasonic tomographic image 120 is identified from the identified position and orientation, and the superimposition position of the ultrasonic tomographic image 120 on the camera image is determined. The above-mentioned range bar 44, scale 38, direction plate 36, and guide marker 60 may be used as this AR marker. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10 ultrasonic probe, 12 operation unit, 14 insertion unit, 16 tip unit, 20 case, 20a first case piece, 20b second case piece, 21 lens hole, 22 assembly hole, 23 ultrasonic transducer, 24 transducer element, 26 acoustic lens, 28 matching layer, 30 radiation surface, 32 recess, 34 direction marker, 36 direction plate, 38 scale, 40 center mark, 41 line, 42 range marker, 44 range bar, 50 first puncture guide, 52 guide hole, 52a upper tapered portion, 52b lower tapered portion, 54 first wall, 56 second wall, 58 side hole, 60 guide marker, 62 second puncture guide, 64 guide groove, 66 third wall, 100 endoscope, 102 field of view, 110 subject, 112 abdominal cavity, 120 Ultrasound image, 122 target area, Ae radiation range, Mc resection margin.

Claims

1. An ultrasound probe to be inserted into a body cavity, an ultrasonic vibrator that emits ultrasonic waves; a substantially cylindrical case that houses the ultrasonic vibrator; Equipped with the case includes one or more range markers provided at a position visible from the outside and indicating a radiation range of the ultrasonic waves; An ultrasonic probe characterized by:

2. 2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, the ultrasonic wave emitting surface is elongated in the axial direction of the case, the one or more range markers include a range marker disposed circumferentially adjacent to the ultrasound emission surface; An ultrasonic probe characterized by:

3. 3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that the one or more range markers include a pair of range markers arranged on either side of the ultrasonic wave emission surface in the circumferential direction.

4. 4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, the one or more range markers include three or more circumferentially spaced range markers; At least one range marker is visible from any direction 360 degrees around the case; An ultrasonic probe characterized by:

5. 5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that at least one of the one or more range markers includes a plane parallel to or perpendicular to the radiation plane of the ultrasonic waves and also functions as a direction marker indicating the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves.

6. 5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that at least one of the one or more range markers is a band-shaped pattern extending in the same axial range as the radiation range of the ultrasonic waves.

7. 5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, The case further includes a scale provided at a position visible from the outside, the scale is disposed circumferentially adjacent to or overlapping with at least one of the one or more range markers; An ultrasonic probe characterized by:

8. 5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, 10. An ultrasound probe, comprising: a first area marker and a second area marker; a second area marker and a third area marker;

Images