Ultrasound probe

Abstract

To provide an ultrasound probe that makes it possible to easily discriminate a radiation direction of an ultrasound wave.SOLUTION: An ultrasound probe 10 inserted into a body cavity 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 a direction marker 34 that is a surface indicating a radiation direction D of the ultrasound wave. The direction marker 34 is positioned to be visible from an outside such that at least a portion thereof overlaps a radiation range Ae of the ultrasound wave in an axial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such ultrasound diagnosis, an ultrasound probe is brought into 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 an ultrasound tomographic image and the position of a real organ. For example, a surgeon wants to know which plane the ultrasound tomographic image represents when the real organ is cut. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 166302 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An ultrasonic probe to be inserted into such a body cavity is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The ultrasonic probe in Patent Document 1 has a substantially cylindrical shape so as not to damage biological tissue.

[0006] While such a substantially cylindrical ultrasonic probe is less invasive to the living body, it has the problem that it is difficult to determine the rotation angle around the axis of the ultrasonic probe, and therefore the direction of ultrasonic radiation. If the direction of ultrasonic radiation is inaccurate, it is not possible to accurately determine which plane of the actual organ was cut in the ultrasonic tomographic image. The ultrasonic probe of Patent Document 1 cannot solve this problem.

[0007] Therefore, this specification discloses an ultrasonic probe that can easily determine the radiation direction of ultrasonic waves. [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 comprises an ultrasonic vibrator that emits ultrasonic waves, and a substantially cylindrical case that houses the ultrasonic vibrator, the case having a directional marker that is a surface that indicates the emission direction of the ultrasonic waves, the directional marker being visible from the outside, and at least a portion of the directional marker being located in a position that axially overlaps with the emission range of the ultrasonic waves.

[0009] By providing a directional marker, the surgeon can easily determine the direction of ultrasound radiation. Furthermore, the directional marker is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the axial range of the ultrasound radiation range. The ultrasound radiation range is the range that the surgeon pays particular attention to. By placing the directional marker near the radiation range, the surgeon's line of sight movement can be kept small, allowing the surgeon to observe the area around the radiation range more carefully.

[0010] In this case, the axial range of the direction marker is the same as the axial range of the radiation range of the ultrasonic waves, and the direction marker may also function as a range marker indicating the radiation range of the ultrasonic waves.

[0011] With this configuration, the surgeon can simultaneously grasp both the radiation range and radiation direction of the ultrasound by observing the direction marker.

[0012] The direction marker may be a surface parallel to the direction of emission of the ultrasonic waves, or a surface perpendicular to the direction of emission of the ultrasonic waves.

[0013] With this configuration, the surgeon can easily and clearly grasp the direction of ultrasound radiation from the inclination of the surface.

[0014] The direction marker may be a substantially rectangular plane provided on the circumferentially opposite side of the ultrasonic wave radiation surface.

[0015] By making the direction marker rectangular, the surgeon can easily determine the inclination of the direction marker, and therefore the direction of ultrasound radiation, based on the angle of the sides and corners of the rectangle.

[0016] The case may also have a recess that is recessed from the surrounding area, and the orientation marker may be disposed within the recess.

[0017] With this configuration, interference between the direction marker and the opposing tissue is effectively prevented.

[0018] The case may further include one or more range markers that are provided at positions different from the direction markers and indicate a radiation range of the ultrasonic waves.

[0019] This configuration allows the operator to check the ultrasonic radiation range from various directions, allowing the operator to accurately grasp the ultrasonic radiation range even when the field of view is limited, as with an endoscope.

[0020] The color of the direction marker may also be the opposite color to the color of the case.

[0021] With this configuration, the surgeon can clearly identify the range marker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the ultrasonic probe disclosed in this specification, the radiation direction of ultrasonic waves can be easily determined. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [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. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of another ultrasonic probe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 radiation direction D of the ultrasonic waves 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."

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] A recess 32 recessed from the surrounding area is formed on the 180-degree opposite side of the radiation 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 radiation direction D of the ultrasonic waves and functions as a direction marker 34 indicating the radiation direction D of the ultrasonic waves, which will also be described later.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] As is clear from the above explanation, in this example, the casing 20 is provided with a direction plate 36. The reason for providing such a direction plate 36 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.

[0042] Now, consider a case where a predetermined treatment is performed on a target region 122 shown in an ultrasonic tomographic image 120 (see FIG. 3). 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. In order to estimate the actual position of the target region 122, it is necessary to accurately grasp the radiation direction D of the ultrasonic waves. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the radiation direction D of the ultrasonic waves and the position of the target region 122.

[0043] For example, consider a case where an ultrasonic tomographic image 120 including a target region 122 is obtained. In this case, if the radiation direction D of the ultrasonic waves is direction D1 in FIG. 6, it can be inferred that the target region 122 is at position P1. Similarly, if the radiation direction D of the ultrasonic waves is direction D2 in FIG. 6, it can be inferred that the target region 122 is at position P2, and if the radiation direction D of the ultrasonic waves is direction D3 in FIG. 6, it can be inferred that the target region 122 is at position P3. In this way, the radiation direction D of the ultrasonic waves is very important in inferring the actual position of the target region 122.

[0044] Here, the conventional ultrasonic probe is substantially cylindrical like the ultrasonic probe 10 of this example, but unlike the ultrasonic probe 10 of this example, it is not provided with a feature that indicates the ultrasonic radiation direction D. Therefore, with the conventional ultrasonic probe, it is difficult to grasp the rotation angle around the axis of the case 20. As a result, with the conventional ultrasonic probe, it is difficult for the surgeon to grasp the posture of the ultrasonic transducer 23, and therefore the ultrasonic radiation direction D, and it is not possible to accurately estimate the actual position of the target site 122.

[0045] 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 ultrasonic radiation direction D and functions as a direction marker 34 indicating the ultrasonic radiation direction D. Therefore, by observing this direction plate 36, the surgeon can grasp the ultrasonic radiation direction D and, therefore, the actual position of the target region 122. The direction plate 36 is a rectangle that is elongated in the front-to-back direction. By forming the direction plate 36 into a simple geometric shape such as a rectangle, the surgeon can easily recognize the inclination of the direction plate 36 and, therefore, the ultrasonic radiation direction D from the appearance of the angles of the sides and corners of the direction plate 36. Furthermore, by being able to recognize the ultrasonic radiation direction D, the surgeon can clearly recognize the positional relationship between the image captured in the ultrasonic tomographic image 120 and the actual organ, and can easily and accurately estimate the actual position of the target region 122.

[0046] In this example, the flat surface 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 there is no problem with the directional marker 34 getting caught on surrounding tissues, the flat surface that functions as the directional marker 34 may protrude from the surrounding area.

[0047] In this example, the directional marker 34 is provided as a plane perpendicular to the ultrasonic radiation direction D. However, the directional marker 34 may have other shapes as long as it can grasp the ultrasonic radiation direction D. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a plane parallel to the ultrasonic radiation direction D may be provided on the case 20 as the directional marker 34. In addition, like a convex probe, or in the case shown in FIG. 8, when ultrasonic waves are radiated in a fan-like manner, the directional marker 34 may be a curved surface that offsets the curvature of the radiation surface 30. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the surface that becomes the directional marker 34 is curved in the axial direction of the case 20, but the surface that becomes the directional marker 34 may be curved around the axis as long as it is perpendicular or parallel to the ultrasonic radiation direction D. In addition, the number of directional markers 34 is not limited to one, and multiple directional markers 34 may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, two directional markers 34 may be provided at an interval in the circumferential direction of the case 20.

[0048] Incidentally, in order to accurately identify the actual position of the target region 122 shown in the ultrasonic tomographic image 120, it is necessary to accurately grasp not only the ultrasonic radiation direction D but also the ultrasonic radiation range Ae. For example, when resecting the target region 122, the surgeon identifies the distance from the edge of the ultrasonic tomographic image 120 to the target region 122 as the resection margin Mc. This resection margin Mc corresponds to the actual distance from the edge of the ultrasonic radiation range Ae to the target region 122. Therefore, if the surgeon can identify the edge of the ultrasonic radiation range Ae, he or she can understand the actual position of the target region 122.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Furthermore, in this example, the front-to-rear range of the direction plate 36 coincides with the front-to-rear range of the radiation range Ae. Therefore, the direction plate 36 functions not only as a direction marker 34 indicating the radiation direction D but also as a range marker 42 indicating the radiation range Ae. As a result, the ultrasound 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 360 degrees around the case 20. This allows the surgeon to reliably grasp the range markers 42 and, ultimately, 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 ultrasound 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.

[0055] In this example, the direction plate 36 is also used as a range marker 42, so the anterior-posterior range of the direction plate 36 is aligned with the anterior-posterior range of the ultrasound radiation range Ae. However, the anterior-posterior range of the direction marker 34 does not necessarily have to be aligned with the anterior-posterior range of the radiation range Ae, as long as at least a portion of the range overlaps with the anterior-posterior range of the ultrasound radiation range Ae. The area surrounding the ultrasound radiation range Ae is the area that the surgeon pays the most attention to. By positioning the direction marker 34 so that it at least partially overlaps with this area, the surgeon can observe the area surrounding the radiation range Ae more carefully, as this reduces the amount of eye movement.

[0056] As described above, in this example, guide markers 60 indicating the puncture direction are provided on the peripheral surface of 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.

[0057] Furthermore, 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 direction markers 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 radiation range Ae, radiation direction D, and guide direction of the puncture needle.

[0058] Note that the configurations described so far are all examples, and other configurations of the ultrasonic probe 10 may be changed as appropriate as long as it has the features recited in claim 1. Therefore, as long as the direction marker 34 indicates the radiation direction D of the ultrasonic waves, the shape, number, and position of the direction marker 34 may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe 10 described above has a scale 38, a range marker 42, and a guide marker 60 in addition to the direction marker 34. However, as long as the ultrasonic probe 10 has the direction marker 34, other markers may not be required. Furthermore, although the ultrasonic probe 10 described above is a linear probe in which multiple 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 technology in which an ultrasonic tomographic image 120 is superimposed 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, etc., is determined. The above-mentioned direction marker 34, scale 38, range marker 42, 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, 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 tomographic image, 122 target area, Ae Radiation extent, 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 has a direction marker that is a surface that indicates the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves, The direction marker is visible from the outside, and at least a part of the direction marker is provided at a position overlapping with the radiation range of the ultrasonic wave in the axial direction. An ultrasonic probe characterized by:

2. 2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, The axial range of the direction marker is the same as the axial range of the radiation range of the ultrasonic wave; The direction marker also functions as a range marker indicating the radiation range of the ultrasonic wave. An ultrasonic probe characterized by:

3. 3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, The ultrasonic probe, wherein the direction marker is a plane parallel to the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves or a plane perpendicular to the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves.

4. 4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, The ultrasonic probe is characterized in that the direction marker is a substantially rectangular plane provided on the opposite side in the circumferential direction of the ultrasonic wave radiation surface.

5. 5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 4, The case has a recess recessed from the surrounding area, The orientation marker is disposed within the recess. An ultrasonic probe characterized by:

6. 2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the case further includes one or more range markers that are provided at positions different from the direction markers and indicate a radiation range of the ultrasonic waves.

7. 2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, 10. An ultrasound probe, comprising: a direction marker having a color that is the opposite of a color of the case;

Images