Respiratory stabilization device, radiation irradiation system, and respiratory stabilization method

Abstract

The respiratory cycle is stabilized at an optimal interval for each user. [Solution] The respiratory stabilization device is attached to the user's abdomen and comprises an electrical stimulation unit that delivers electrical stimulation to the abdomen, a control unit that controls the current supplied to the electrical stimulation unit, and an input unit that can communicate with the control unit and inputs respiratory cycle information, which is the user's respiratory cycle acquired in advance, to the control unit. The control unit can adjust a first period during which current is supplied to the electrical stimulation unit and a second period during which the supply of current to the electrical stimulation unit is stopped, based on the respiratory cycle information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a respiratory stabilization device, a radiation irradiation system, and a respiratory stabilization method.

Background Art

[0002] As a medical device for treating an affected part such as a tumor of a user, a radiation irradiation device that irradiates the affected part with radiation has been put into practical use. When the affected part is present in the chest and abdomen of the user, etc., the position of the affected part moves due to the user's breathing. Therefore, in order to suppress the irradiation of radiation to parts other than the affected part of the user, it is necessary to stabilize the breathing cycle of the user to a constant cycle, thereby stabilizing the movement cycle of the affected part and irradiating the affected part that moves in a constant cycle with radiation.

[0003] As a means for stabilizing the breathing cycle of the user, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a breathing instruction device including an electrical stimulation unit that applies a low-frequency stimulation to the abdomen and a control unit that controls the electrical stimulation unit so as to prompt the user to perform recommended breathing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The optimal breathing cycle of the user varies from user to user. In the above breathing instruction device, since the cycle of applying low-frequency stimulation to the abdomen cannot be changed for each user, it has been difficult to stabilize the breathing cycle with an optimal cycle for each user.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a respiratory stabilization device, a radiation irradiation system, and a respiratory stabilization method that can stabilize the respiratory cycle at an optimal interval for each user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the respiratory stabilization device of the present invention comprises an electrical stimulation unit attached to the user's abdomen and providing electrical stimulation to the abdomen; a control unit that controls the current supplied to the electrical stimulation unit; and an input unit that can communicate with the control unit and inputs respiratory cycle information, which is the user's respiratory cycle acquired in advance, to the control unit. The control unit can adjust a first period for supplying the current to the electrical stimulation unit and a second period for stopping the supply of the current to the electrical stimulation unit based on the respiratory cycle information.

[0008] One aspect of the radiation irradiation system of the present invention comprises the above-described respiratory stabilization device and a radiation irradiation unit that irradiates the affected area of ​​the user's chest or abdomen with radiation. The radiation irradiation unit is capable of adjusting at least one of the direction of radiation irradiation or the duration of radiation irradiation based on the respiratory cycle information.

[0009] One embodiment of the respiratory stabilization method of the present invention is a respiratory stabilization method using a respiratory stabilization device comprising: an electrical stimulation unit attached to the user's abdomen and providing electrical stimulation to the abdomen; a control unit that controls the current supplied to the electrical stimulation unit; and an input unit that can communicate with the control unit, the method comprising: an input step in which the input unit inputs respiratory cycle information, which is the user's respiratory cycle acquired in advance, to the control unit; and a current supply step in which the control unit supplies the current to the electrical stimulation unit. In the current supply step, the control unit can adjust, based on the respiratory cycle information, a first period for supplying the current to the electrical stimulation unit and a second period for stopping the supply of the current to the electrical stimulation unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a respiratory stabilization device, a radiation irradiation system, and a respiratory stabilization method can stabilize the respiratory cycle at an optimal frequency for each user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram showing a radiation irradiation system of an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a radiation irradiation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the mounting position of the electrical stimulation unit in the embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the current waveform in the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing a respiratory stabilization method according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The respiratory stabilization device, radiation irradiation system, and respiratory stabilization method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, in the following drawings, the scale and number of components may differ from the actual structure for the sake of clarity.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the radiation irradiation system 10 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the radiation irradiation system 10 of this embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the mounting position of the electrical stimulation unit 38 of this embodiment. The radiation irradiation system 10 of this embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a medical device that treats a tumor or other affected area of ​​a user P by irradiating it with radiation while stabilizing the respiratory cycle at an optimal period for each user P. As shown in Figure 1, the radiation irradiation system 10 of this embodiment comprises a radiation irradiation device 11 and a respiratory stabilization device 30.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the radiation irradiation device 11 comprises a stand 12, an irradiation head 15, a radiation irradiation unit 17, and a measurement unit 19. That is, the radiation irradiation system 10 comprises a radiation irradiation unit 17 and a measurement unit 19. As shown in Figure 1, the radiation irradiation device 11 comprises a radiation control unit 13. Note that the radiation irradiation device 11 does not necessarily have to include a measurement unit 19. Note that the stand 12 and the irradiation head 15 may be integrally configured. Also, the irradiation head 15 may be attached to the tip of a robot arm (not shown).

[0015] The measurement unit 19 measures the respiratory cycle Tb of user P. In this embodiment, the measurement unit 19 has a respiratory sound measurement unit 19a and a displacement measurement unit 19c. The measurement unit 19 may not have either the respiratory sound measurement unit 19a or the displacement measurement unit 19c. As shown in Figure 1, the measurement unit 19 has a measurement control unit 19e. In this embodiment, "respiratory cycle Tb" is "the respiratory cycle of user P when treating an affected area by irradiating user P with radiation R using the radiation irradiation device 11." The respiratory cycle Tb includes the inhalation period, which is the period when user P inhales air, and the exhalation period, which is the period when user P exhales air, when treating an affected area by irradiating user P with radiation R.

[0016] The respiratory sound measurement unit 19a shown in Figure 2 measures the respiratory sounds of user P. More specifically, the respiratory sound measurement unit 19a measures the sound when user P inhales air and the sound when user P exhales air. This allows the respiratory sound measurement unit 19a to measure user P's respiratory cycle Tb. In this embodiment, the respiratory sound measurement unit 19a is, for example, a microphone. The respiratory sound measurement unit 19a can communicate with the measurement control unit 19e. The respiratory sound measurement unit 19a converts user P's respiratory sounds into electrical signals and transmits them to the measurement control unit 19e. The respiratory sound measurement unit 19a is positioned near user P's face.

[0017] The displacement measuring unit 19c measures the displacement of the user P's abdomen. More specifically, the displacement measuring unit 19c measures the abdominal displacement caused by the expansion of the abdomen when the user P inhales air and the contraction of the abdomen when the user P exhales air. This allows the displacement measuring unit 19c to measure the user's respiratory cycle Tb. In this embodiment, the displacement measuring unit 19c is, for example, a laser displacement meter that irradiates the user P's abdomen with infrared light and measures the position and displacement of the abdomen from the reflected light. The displacement measuring unit 19c can communicate with the measurement control unit 19e. The displacement measuring unit 19c converts the user P's abdominal displacement into an electrical signal and transmits it to the measurement control unit 19e. Note that the configuration of the displacement measuring unit 19c is not limited to this embodiment; the displacement measuring unit 19c may be, for example, a measuring device such as an acceleration sensor.

[0018] The measurement control unit 19e shown in Figure 1 is a microprocessor such as an MCU (Microcontroller Unit). The measurement control unit 19e can communicate with the respiratory sound measurement unit 19a, the displacement measurement unit 19c, and the radiation control unit 13. The measurement control unit 19e may communicate with the respiratory sound measurement unit 19a, the displacement measurement unit 19c, and the radiation control unit 13 via wired communication means such as cables, or via wireless communication means such as wireless LAN.

[0019] The measurement control unit 19e derives the respiratory cycle Tb of the user P based on the electrical signals transmitted from the respiratory sound measurement unit 19a and the displacement measurement unit 19c, respectively. The respiratory cycle Tb includes the period during which the user P exhales air and the period during which the user P inhales air. The measurement control unit 19e transmits the derived respiratory cycle Tb of the user P to the radiation control unit 13. Note that the measurement unit 19 may not include the measurement control unit 19e. In this case, each of the respiratory sound measurement unit 19a and the displacement measurement unit 19c transmits an electrical signal to the radiation control unit 13, and the radiation control unit 13 derives the respiratory cycle Tb of the user P. Also, in the present embodiment, the measurement control unit 19e can communicate directly with the control device 35. Thereby, the measurement control unit 19e can transmit the respiratory cycle Tb of the user P to the control device 35. Note that the measurement control unit 19e may not be able to communicate directly with the control device 35.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the radiation irradiation device 11 is installed in the treatment room Rt. The gantry 12 is installed, for example, on the wall surface of the treatment room Rt. The gantry 12 rotatably supports the irradiation head 15. The irradiation head 15 is a housing that extends in a substantially horizontal direction. A radiation irradiation unit 17 is incorporated in a portion on the tip side of the irradiation head 15.

[0021] The radiation irradiation unit 17 irradiates the affected part of the user P lying in the hospital bed 18 with radiation R. The radiation irradiation unit 17 may irradiate the affected part of the user P sitting on the chair with radiation R. In the present embodiment, the user P is a patient having an affected part such as a tumor in the chest or abdomen. In the present embodiment, the radiation irradiation unit 17 irradiates the affected part in the chest or the affected part in the abdomen of the user P with radiation R. In the present embodiment, the radiation R is X-ray. The radiation irradiation unit 17 has an acceleration tube (not shown) that accelerates electrons or the like generated by an electron gun or the like (not shown), and a metal target (not shown) that the electrons accelerated by the acceleration tube collide with. When the accelerated electrons collide with the metal target, X-ray, which is the radiation R, is emitted. A multi-leaf collimator (not shown) is attached to the emission side of the radiation irradiation unit 17. The multi-leaf collimator supports a plurality of leaves formed of an X-ray shielding material so that they can be individually moved. By moving the plurality of leaves, it is possible to form an irradiation field of an arbitrary shape. Note that the radiation R may be a proton beam or a heavy particle beam.

[0022] The radiation irradiation unit 17 has a drive mechanism (not shown). The drive mechanism can freely adjust the irradiation direction of the radiation R irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit 17. Thereby, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can adjust the irradiation direction of the radiation R in accordance with the movement of the affected part. In addition, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can adjust each of the timing of irradiating the radiation R and the timing of stopping the irradiation of the radiation R. That is, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can adjust the time for irradiating the radiation R. Note that the radiation R irradiated by the radiation irradiation unit 17 is not limited to X-ray. The radiation R may be other radiations such as, for example, an electron beam and a particle beam.

[0023] The radiation control unit 13 can communicate with the measurement unit 19, the radiation irradiation unit 17, and the control unit 34 of the respiratory stabilization device 30. The radiation control unit 13 does not necessarily have to be able to communicate with the control unit 34. The radiation control unit 13 may communicate with the measurement unit 19, the radiation irradiation unit 17, and the control unit 34 via wired communication means or via wireless communication means. The radiation control unit 13 controls a drive mechanism (not shown) of the radiation irradiation unit 17 based on at least one of the respiratory cycle information Ib transmitted from the respiratory stabilization device 30, the respiratory cycle Tb transmitted from the measurement unit 19, or the respiratory cycle Tb transmitted from the control unit 34. This allows the radiation irradiation unit 17 to adjust the direction in which it irradiates radiation R based on at least one of the respiratory cycle information Ib or the respiratory cycle Tb. The radiation control unit 13 can also adjust the timing at which the radiation irradiation unit 17 irradiates radiation R and the timing at which it stops irradiating radiation R based on at least one of the respiratory cycle information Ib or the respiratory cycle Tb. This allows the radiation irradiation unit 17 to adjust the time for irradiating with radiation R based on at least one of the respiratory cycle information Ib or respiratory cycle Tb.

[0024] In this embodiment, the radiation control unit 13 and the control unit 34 are computers that control the operation of each part of the radiation irradiation system 10. Control programs that perform the operation of each part are installed in the radiation control unit 13 and the control unit 34. At least part of the functions of each component of the radiation control unit 13 and the control unit 34 are realized, for example, by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a control program, i.e., software, stored in a memory unit (not shown).

[0025] Furthermore, at least some of the functions of each component of the radiation control unit 13 and the control unit 34 may be implemented by hardware including circuit sections such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or by the cooperation of software and hardware. The radiation control unit 13 and the control unit 34 may also include a memory section (not shown). In this case, the memory section (not shown) may be implemented by a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, HDD (hard disk drive), and flash memory.

[0026] The respiratory stabilization device 30 is a medical device that stabilizes the respiratory cycle at an optimal frequency for each user P. As shown in Figure 1, the respiratory stabilization device 30 comprises an input unit 31, a control unit 34, an electrical stimulation unit 38, a display device 41, an acoustic device 42, and a stop device 45.

[0027] The input unit 31 inputs respiratory cycle information Ib, which is information about the user P's respiratory cycle acquired in advance, to the control unit 34. The input unit 31 is capable of communicating with the control unit 34. In this embodiment, the input unit 31 includes an input device 31a, a respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c, a flow rate acquisition unit 31d, a displacement acquisition unit 31e, and an input control unit 31g. However, the input unit 31 does not necessarily have to have at least one of the respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c, the flow rate acquisition unit 31d, and the displacement acquisition unit 31e.

[0028] In this embodiment, "pre-acquired" means "acquired before treating the affected area by irradiating the user P with radiation R using the radiation irradiation device 11." Therefore, in this embodiment, "respiratory cycle information Ib" is "information on the respiratory cycle of user P acquired before treating the affected area by irradiating the user P with radiation R using the radiation irradiation device 11." Respiratory cycle information Ib includes the exhalation period Td, which is the period during which user P exhales air, and the inhalation period Ti, which is the period during which user P inhales air.

[0029] The input device 31a shown in Figures 1 and 2 receives the respiratory cycle information Ib of the user P, which has been acquired in advance, and also inputs the respiratory cycle information Ib to the control unit 34. In addition, as shown in Figure 1, the input device 31a also inputs the target current value In of the current Ic, which has been input in advance, to the control unit 34. In this embodiment, the input device 31a can be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the input device 31a is a personal computer. The input device 31a may be input by a medical professional W, or by the user P. In this embodiment, the input device 31a is located in the operating room Rc adjacent to the treatment room Rt. The input device 31a may also be located in the treatment room Rt.

[0030] The respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c shown in Figure 1 acquires the respiratory sounds of user P. More specifically, the respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c acquires the sound of user P inhaling air and the sound of user P exhaling air. In this way, the respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c acquires the respiratory cycle of user P. In this embodiment, the respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c is, for example, a microphone. The respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c can communicate with the input control unit 31g. The respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c converts the respiratory sounds of user P into electrical signals and transmits them to the input control unit 31g.

[0031] The flow rate acquisition unit 31d acquires the airflow rate due to the user P's breathing. More specifically, the flow rate acquisition unit 31d acquires the airflow rate near the user P's nose and mouth when the user P inhales air, and the airflow rate near the user P's nose and mouth when the user P exhales air. In this way, the flow rate acquisition unit 31d acquires the user P's breathing cycle. In this embodiment, the flow rate acquisition unit 31d is, for example, an anemometer. The flow rate acquisition unit 31d can communicate with the input control unit 31g. The flow rate acquisition unit 31d converts the airflow rate due to the user P's breathing into an electrical signal and transmits it to the input control unit 31g.

[0032] The displacement acquisition unit 31e acquires the displacement of the user P's abdomen. More specifically, the displacement acquisition unit 31e acquires the abdominal displacement caused by the expansion of the abdomen when the user P inhales air and the contraction of the abdomen when the user P exhales air. In this way, the displacement acquisition unit 31e acquires the user's respiratory cycle. In this embodiment, the displacement acquisition unit 31e is, for example, a laser displacement meter that irradiates the user P's abdomen with infrared light and measures the position and displacement of the abdomen from the reflected light. The displacement acquisition unit 31e can communicate with the input control unit 31g. The displacement acquisition unit 31e converts the displacement of the user P's abdomen into an electrical signal and transmits it to the input control unit 31g. Note that the configuration of the displacement acquisition unit 31e is not limited to this embodiment, and the displacement acquisition unit 31e may be, for example, an acceleration sensor measuring device.

[0033] The input control unit 31g is, for example, a microprocessor such as an MCU (Microcontroller Unit). The input control unit 31g can communicate with each of the respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c, flow rate acquisition unit 31d, displacement acquisition unit 31e, and control unit 34. The input control unit 31g may communicate with each of the respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c, flow rate acquisition unit 31d, displacement acquisition unit 31e, and control unit 34 via wired communication means such as cables, or via wireless communication means such as wireless LAN.

[0034] The input control unit 31g derives user P's respiratory cycle information Ib based on electrical signals transmitted from the respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c, the flow rate acquisition unit 31d, and the displacement acquisition unit 31e, respectively. Thus, the input unit 31 derives the respiratory cycle information Ib based on user P's respiratory sound, the airflow rate due to user P's breathing, and the movement of user P's abdomen. The input control unit 31g inputs the derived user P's respiratory cycle information Ib to the control unit 34. Alternatively, the input control unit 31g may derive user P's respiratory cycle information Ib based on an electrical signal transmitted from any one of the respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c, the flow rate acquisition unit 31d, or the displacement acquisition unit 31e. Furthermore, the input unit 31 does not necessarily have an input control unit 31g. In this case, the respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c, the flow rate acquisition unit 31d, and the displacement acquisition unit 31e each transmit electrical signals to the input device 31a, and the input device 31a derives user P's respiratory cycle information Ib.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the electrical stimulation unit 38 is attached to the user P's abdomen and delivers electrical stimulation to the abdomen. In this embodiment, the electrical stimulation unit 38 is a conductive electrode. The material used to construct the electrical stimulation unit 38 can be a conductive material such as metal, conductive fiber, or conductive rubber. The electrical stimulation unit 38 is electrically connected to the control unit 34 via a cable 39. As shown in Figure 1, the electrical stimulation unit 38 is supplied with a current Ic of a predetermined waveform from the control unit 34. As a result, when current flows through the electrical stimulation unit 38 to the user P's abdomen, electrical stimulation is delivered to the user P's abdomen.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the respiratory stabilization device 30 has a plurality of electrical stimulation units 38. In this embodiment, the respiratory stabilization device 30 has two electrical stimulation units 38. The number of electrical stimulation units 38 in the respiratory stabilization device 30 may be one or three or more. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, each electrical stimulation unit 38 is attached to the rectus abdominis muscle of the user P. This makes it easier to compel the user P to breathe through electrical stimulation. Note that the location to which each electrical stimulation unit 38 is attached is not limited to this embodiment. For example, one electrical stimulation unit 38 may be attached to muscles other than the rectus abdominis, such as the external oblique and internal oblique muscles, or both electrical stimulation units 38 may be attached to muscles other than the rectus abdominis, such as the external oblique and internal oblique muscles.

[0037] The control unit 34 shown in Figure 1 controls the current Ic supplied to the electrical stimulation unit 38 based on the respiratory cycle information Ib input from the input unit 31. More specifically, the control unit 34 controls the waveform of the current Ic supplied to the electrical stimulation unit 38. The control unit 34 is electrically connected to a power supply (not shown). This supplies power to the control unit 34. In this embodiment, the power supply may be a battery, a rechargeable battery, or a commercial power supply. The control unit 34 includes a control device 35 and a current supply unit 36. In this embodiment, the control unit 34 can also control the current Ic based on the respiratory cycle Tb input from the measurement unit 19.

[0038] The control device 35 can communicate with the input unit 31, the measurement unit 19, the current supply unit 36, and the radiation control unit 13. This allows the input unit 31 and the measurement unit 19 to communicate with the control unit 34. The control device 35 may communicate with the input unit 31, the measurement unit 19, the current supply unit 36, and the radiation control unit 13 via wired communication or wireless communication. The control device 35 receives respiratory cycle information Ib and target current value In from the input unit 31. The control device 35 also receives respiratory cycle Tb from the measurement unit 19. Note that the control device 35 does not necessarily need to be able to communicate with the radiation control unit 13.

[0039] The control device 35 derives a first period T1 for supplying current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38 and a second period T2 for stopping the supply of current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38, based on the respiratory cycle information Ib. In this embodiment, the length of the first period T1 is the same as the length of the exhalation period Td included in the respiratory cycle information Ib, and the length of the second period T2 is the same as the length of the inhalation period Ti included in the respiratory cycle information Ib. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the control device 35 may derive the first period T1 and the second period T2 based on the respiratory cycle Tb. In this case, the length of the first period T1 is the same as the length of the period during which the user P is exhaling air, and the length of the second period T2 is the same as the length of the period during which the user P is inhaling air. The control device 35 transmits the information of the first period T1, the second period T2, and the target current value In to the current supply unit 36.

[0040] The current supply unit 36 ​​generates a current Ic and supplies the current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38 via the cable 39. In this embodiment, the current supply unit 36 ​​is an AC current generator. The current supply unit 36 ​​can adjust the supply current value Is, which is the current value supplied to the first period T1, the second period T2, and the electrical stimulation unit 38, based on the information of the first period T1, the second period T2, and the target current value In transmitted from the control device 35. As a result, the control unit 34 can adjust the first period T1 and the second period T2 based on the respiratory cycle information Ib. Furthermore, the control unit 34 can adjust the first period T1 and the second period T2 based on the respiratory cycle Tb.

[0041] Figure 4 shows an example of the waveform of the current Ic in this embodiment. The horizontal axis in Figure 4 is time t. The vertical axis in Figure 4 is the current value I. The current supply unit 36 ​​generates current in the first period T1 and does not generate current in the second period T2. As a result, current is supplied to the electrical stimulation unit 38 in the first period T1, and the supply of current to the electrical stimulation unit 38 is stopped in the second period T2. As a result, in the first period T1, electrical stimulation is applied to the abdomen of user P, causing user P to exhale air. Also, in the second period T2, no electrical stimulation is applied to the abdomen of user P, causing user P to inhale air. Although not shown in the figure, the first period T1 and the second period T2 are repeated alternately. As a result, user P can breathe at a constant cycle, thus stabilizing the respiratory cycle. Furthermore, as described above, the length of the first period T1 is the same as the length of the exhalation period Td included in the respiratory cycle information Ib, and the length of the second period T2 is the same as the length of the inhalation period Ti included in the respiratory cycle information Ib. Therefore, in this embodiment, the respiratory cycle can be stabilized at an optimal period for each user P. In Figure 4, the first period T1 is the period from time t0 to t3, and the second period T2 is the period from time t3 to t4. The length of the first period T1 may be the same as the period during which user P is exhaling air included in the respiratory cycle Tb, and the length of the second period T2 may be the same as the period during which user P is inhaling air included in the respiratory cycle Tb.

[0042] In this embodiment, the current waveform during the first period T1 is substantially trapezoidal. More specifically, the current waveform rises from 0 [mA] to the supply current value Is between time t0 and t1, remains constant at the supply current value Is between time t1 and t2, and decreases to 0 [mA] between time t2 and t3. As a result, the current value gradually increases between time t0 and t1, so the electrical stimulation applied to the user P's abdomen gradually increases. Also, the current value gradually decreases between time t2 and t3, so the electrical stimulation applied to the user P's abdomen gradually decreases. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in pain experienced by the user P due to electrical stimulation.

[0043] The current waveform in the first period T1 may be rectangular. In this case, the current waveform rises to the supply current value Is at time t0, remains constant at the supply current value Is from time t0 to t3, and decreases to 0 [mA] at time t3. The current waveform in the first period T1 may also be of other shapes, such as a semicircular arc. The current waveform in the first period T1 can be determined appropriately in consideration of the user P's discomfort and the stability of the respiratory cycle, etc.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the control device 35 transmits the user P's respiratory cycle information Ib and the user P's respiratory cycle Tb to the radiation control unit 13. As described above, the measurement control unit 19e transmits the user P's respiratory cycle Tb to the radiation control unit 13. Therefore, the radiation control unit 13 can control the drive mechanism (not shown) of the radiation irradiation unit 17 based on at least one of the respiratory cycle information Ib transmitted from the respiratory stabilization device 30 or the respiratory cycle Tb measured by the measurement unit 19. This allows the radiation irradiation unit 17 to adjust the direction in which it irradiates with radiation R based on at least one of the respiratory cycle information Ib or the respiratory cycle Tb. Note that the measurement control unit 19e does not need to transmit the user P's respiratory cycle Tb to the radiation control unit 13.

[0045] If the affected area is located on the user P's chest or abdomen, the position of the affected area will move due to the user P's breathing. In this embodiment, as described above, the respiratory stabilization device 30 can stabilize the user P's respiratory cycle, thereby stabilizing the movement cycle of the affected area. As a result, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can adjust the direction of radiation R irradiation in synchronization with the user P's respiratory cycle. Therefore, radiation R can be prevented from irradiating areas other than the affected area of ​​the user P. Furthermore, the treatment time for the affected area can be shortened.

[0046] Furthermore, as described above, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can adjust the time for which it irradiates with radiation R. Therefore, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can, for example, irradiate with radiation R when the user P inhales air and stop irradiating with radiation R when the user P exhales air. This allows the radiation irradiation unit 17 to irradiate with radiation R at a predetermined position where the affected area is located when the user P inhales air. In other words, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can irradiate with radiation R at a predetermined position in synchronization with the timing when the affected area is located at that predetermined position. Even in this case, it is possible to suppress the irradiation of radiation R to parts of the user P other than the affected area. In addition, it is possible to shorten the treatment time for the affected area. The radiation irradiation unit 17 may also irradiate with radiation R when the user P exhales air and stop irradiating with radiation R when the user P inhales air. Even in this case, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can irradiate with radiation R at a predetermined position where the affected area is located when the user P exhales air. In other words, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can irradiate the affected area with radiation R in synchronization with the timing when the affected area is positioned in that predetermined location. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the irradiation of radiation R to areas other than the affected area of ​​the user P.

[0047] The stop device 45 is capable of communicating with the control unit 34. The stop device 45 may communicate with the control unit 35 via a wired communication means or via a wireless communication means. As shown in Figure 2, the user P holds the stop device 45 while the respiratory stabilization device 30 is in operation. The stop device 45 has a button (not shown). When the user P presses the button, as shown in Figure 1, the stop device 45 transmits a stop signal St to the control unit 34. That is, the stop device 45 transmits a stop signal St to the control unit 34 in response to the user P's operation. When the control unit 34 receives the stop signal St, it stops the supply of current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38 by the current supply unit 36. This allows the user P to quickly stop the supply of current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38 if they experience pain or discomfort from the electrical stimulation, or if they experience pain or discomfort from breathing in the respiratory cycle taught by the electrical stimulation. Therefore, the safety of the user P can be adequately ensured.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, in addition to the user P, a medical professional W operating the radiation irradiation device 11 or the like in the control room Rc may also hold the stop device 45 while the respiratory stabilization device 30 is in operation. This allows the medical professional W, noticing an abnormality in the user P, to quickly stop the supply of current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38 by the current supply unit 36 ​​by operating the stop device 45. Therefore, the safety of the user P can be more favorably ensured.

[0049] The display device 41 displays an instruction video Vs that is visible to the user P. As shown in Figure 1, the display device 41 can communicate with the control unit 34. The display device 41 may communicate with the control unit 35 via a wired communication means or via a wireless communication means. In this embodiment, the display device 41 is a display. The display device 41 may also be a goggle with a display that can be worn on the user P's head.

[0050] The instruction video Vs is synchronized with the first period T1 and the second period T2. The instruction video Vs includes a first instruction video Vs1 and a second instruction video Vs2. The first instruction video Vs1 is displayed during the first period T1. The first instruction video Vs1 is a video instructing user P to exhale air. The second instruction video Vs2 is displayed during the second period T2. The second instruction video Vs2 is a video instructing user P to inhale air. In this embodiment, the first instruction video Vs1 is a video of a person or anime character exhaling air, and the second instruction video Vs2 is a video of a person or anime character inhaling air. This makes it possible to more effectively stabilize user P's respiratory cycle. Note that the instruction video Vs is not limited to this embodiment and may be any image that can stabilize user P's respiratory cycle.

[0051] The sound device 42 shown in Figure 2 generates an instruction sound Ss that can be heard by the user P. As shown in Figure 1, the sound device 42 can communicate with the control unit 34. The sound device 42 may communicate with the control unit 35 via a wired communication means or via a wireless communication means. In this embodiment, the sound device 42 is a speaker. The sound device 42 may also be an earphone that can be worn on the user P's ear, or headphones that can be worn on the user P's head, etc.

[0052] The instruction sound Ss is a sound synchronized with the first period T1 and the second period T2. The instruction sound Ss includes a first instruction sound Ss1 and a second instruction sound Ss2. The first instruction sound Ss1 is generated in the first period T1. The first instruction sound Ss1 is a sound that instructs the user P to exhale air. The second instruction sound Ss2 is generated in the second period T2. The second instruction sound Ss2 is a sound that instructs the user P to inhale air. In this embodiment, the first instruction sound Ss1 is the voice of a person saying "Please exhale," and the second instruction sound Ss2 is the voice of a person saying "Please inhale." This makes it possible to more effectively stabilize the user P's respiratory cycle. Note that the instruction sound Ss is not limited to this embodiment and may be any sound that can stabilize the user P's respiratory cycle.

[0053] Furthermore, the respiratory stabilization device 30 does not need to be equipped with both the display device 41 and the acoustic device 42; it may be equipped with only one of them. In addition, the respiratory stabilization device 30 does not need to be equipped with both the display device 41 and the acoustic device 42.

[0054] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the respiratory stabilization method of this embodiment. Next, the respiratory stabilization method of this embodiment will be described. The respiratory stabilization method of this embodiment is a method for stabilizing the respiratory cycle of user P using a respiratory stabilization device 30. As shown in Figure 5, the respiratory stabilization method of this embodiment includes an input step S01 in which the input unit 31 inputs respiratory cycle information Ib, which is the respiratory cycle of user P acquired in advance, to the control unit 34; a current supply step S02 in which the control unit 34 supplies a current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38; an instruction video display step S03 in which the display device 41 causes user P to view an instruction video Vs; and an instruction sound generation step S04 in which the sound device 42 causes user P to hear an instruction sound Ss.

[0055] In input step S01, the input unit 31 inputs the respiratory cycle information Ib, which is the respiratory cycle of user P acquired in advance, to the control unit 34. In input step S01 of this embodiment, the medical professional W inputs the respiratory cycle information Ib of user P, which was acquired in advance, to the input device 31a, and the input device 31a inputs the respiratory cycle information Ib to the control unit 34. As means for the medical professional W to acquire the respiratory cycle information Ib of user P, the respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c, the flow rate acquisition unit 31d, and the displacement acquisition unit 31e of this embodiment can be used. Note that the person who inputs the respiratory cycle information Ib to the input device 31a is not limited to the medical professional W, but may be user P, for example. Also, the respiratory cycle information Ib may be acquired by any of the respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c, the flow rate acquisition unit 31d, and the displacement acquisition unit 31e, and input to the control unit 34 by the input control unit 31g. When the respiratory cycle information Ib is input to the control unit 34, input step S01 ends.

[0056] In addition, during input step S01, the measurement control unit 19e may input the user P's respiratory cycle Tb to the control unit 34. In this case, the control device 35 derives a first period T1 and a second period T2 based on the user P's respiratory cycle Tb. In this case, the length of the first period T1 is the same as the period in the respiratory cycle Tb during which the user P is exhaling air, and the length of the second period T2 is the same as the period in the respiratory cycle Tb during which the user P is inhaling air.

[0057] In the current supply step S02, the control unit 34 supplies current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38. In the current supply step S02, as shown in Figure 2, first, the user P lies down on the bed 18. Note that the user P may be sitting in a chair or standing. Next, the medical professional W attaches the electrical stimulation unit 38 to the user P's abdomen. Next, the medical professional W starts the operation of the respiratory stabilization device 30. As a result, in the first period T1, current Ic is supplied to the electrical stimulation unit 38, and in the second period T2, the supply of current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38 is stopped. Therefore, as described above, in the first period T1, the user P can more easily exhale air due to the electrical stimulation, and in the second period T2, the user P can more easily inhale air. Thus, the user P's respiratory cycle can be stabilized. The current supply step S02 ends when current Ic is supplied to the electrical stimulation unit 38.

[0058] In the instruction video display step S03, the display device 41 allows the user P to view the instruction video Vs. In the instruction video display step S03, the display device 41 displays the instruction video Vs, which is synchronized with the first period T1 and the second period T2. This makes it possible to more effectively stabilize the user P's respiratory cycle, as described above.

[0059] In the instruction sound generation step S04, the sound device 42 causes the user P to hear the instruction sound Ss. In the instruction sound generation step S04, the sound device 42 generates the above-mentioned instruction sound Ss, which is synchronized with the first period T1 and the second period T2. This makes it possible to more effectively stabilize the user P's respiratory cycle, as described above.

[0060] Furthermore, the respiratory stabilization method does not necessarily have to include either the instruction video display step S03 or the instruction sound generation step S04. Even in this case, the other of the instruction video display step S03 and the instruction sound generation step S04 can more effectively stabilize the user P's respiratory cycle. Also, the respiratory stabilization method does not necessarily have to include both the instruction video display step S03 and the instruction sound generation step S04. Even in this case, the user P's respiratory cycle can be stabilized by periodic electrical stimulation applied to the user P's abdomen.

[0061] Once the user P's respiratory cycle is stabilized by the respiratory stabilization method described above, the medical professional W begins irradiating the affected area with radiation R using the radiation irradiation device 11. At this time, as described above, the user P's respiratory cycle is stable, and therefore the movement cycle of the affected area is also stable. As a result, as described above, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can adjust the direction of radiation R irradiation in synchronization with the user P's respiratory cycle. Furthermore, as described above, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can irradiate the affected area with radiation R in synchronization with the timing when the affected area is positioned in that predetermined location. These measures prevent radiation R from being irradiated to areas other than the affected area of ​​the user P.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the respiratory stabilization device 30 includes an electrical stimulation unit 38 attached to the user P's abdomen and providing electrical stimulation to the abdomen, a control unit 34 that controls the current Ic supplied to the electrical stimulation unit 38, and an input unit 31 that can communicate with the control unit 34 and inputs respiratory cycle information Ib, which is the user P's respiratory cycle acquired in advance, to the control unit 34. Based on the respiratory cycle information Ib, the control unit 34 can adjust a first period T1 for supplying current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38 and a second period T2 for stopping the supply of current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38. Therefore, since the first period T1 and the second period T2 can be adjusted based on the user P's respiratory cycle information Ib acquired in advance, the respiratory cycle can be stabilized at an optimal period for each user P. Thus, the burden on the user P can be reduced.

[0063] When using a ventilator to stabilize the respiratory cycle of user P, the respiratory cycle is forcibly stabilized by forcibly supplying air through a tube held in the mouth of user P. In this case, user P is likely to feel fear or pain from breathing according to the respiratory cycle set by the ventilator, making it difficult for user P to breathe in a relaxed state, and thus making it difficult to ensure user P's safety. In contrast, in this embodiment, the respiratory cycle of user P is stabilized by electrical stimulation. If user P feels pain or other discomfort from breathing according to the respiratory cycle induced by electrical stimulation, they are more likely to deviate from the respiratory cycle induced by electrical stimulation and breathe spontaneously. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is easier to ensure user P's safety.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the respiratory cycle information Ib includes an exhalation period Td, which is the period during which user P exhales air, and an inhalation period Ti, which is the period during which user P inhales air. The length of the first period T1 is the same as the length of the exhalation period Td, and the length of the second period T2 is the same as the length of the inhalation period Ti. Therefore, the length of the first period T1, during which current Ic is supplied to the electrical stimulation unit 38, and the length of the second period T2, during which the supply of current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38 is stopped, can be accurately matched to the length of the exhalation period Td, during which user P exhales air, and the length of the inhalation period Ti, during which user P inhales air. This makes it possible to more preferably stabilize the respiratory cycle at an optimal period for each user P. Therefore, the burden on the user can be more preferably reduced.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the input unit 31 has a respiratory sound acquisition unit 31c that acquires the respiratory sounds of the user P, and derives respiratory cycle information Ib based on the respiratory sounds. Therefore, compared to the case where a measuring device is attached to the user P to acquire respiratory cycle information Ib, it is possible to acquire respiratory cycle information Ib of user P in a relaxed state. As a result, the input unit 31 can accurately acquire the length of the exhalation period Td, which is the period during which user P exhales air, and the inhalation period Ti, which is the length of the period during which user P inhales air. Therefore, it is possible to more preferably stabilize the respiratory cycle at an optimal period for each user P.

[0066] According to this embodiment, the input unit 31 has a flow rate acquisition unit 31d that acquires the airflow rate due to the user P's breathing, and derives respiratory cycle information Ib based on the airflow rate. Therefore, compared to the case where a measuring device is attached to the user P to acquire respiratory cycle information Ib, it is possible to acquire respiratory cycle information Ib of user P in a relaxed state. As a result, the input unit 31 can acquire the length of the exhalation period Td and the length of the inhalation period Ti with high accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to more preferably stabilize the respiratory cycle at an optimal period for each user P.

[0067] According to this embodiment, the input unit 31 has a displacement acquisition unit 31e that acquires the displacement of the user P's abdomen and derives respiratory cycle information based on the abdominal displacement. Since the period of the user P's abdominal displacement is accurately linked to the user P's respiratory cycle, the input unit 31 can accurately acquire the length of the exhalation period Td and the length of the inhalation period Ti. Therefore, it is possible to more preferably stabilize the respiratory cycle at an optimal period for each user P.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the respiratory stabilization device 30 includes a stop device 45 that transmits a stop signal St to the control unit 34 by operation of the user P. When the control unit 34 receives the stop signal St, it stops supplying current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38. Therefore, if the user P feels pain or discomfort from the electrical stimulation, or from breathing in the respiratory cycle taught by the electrical stimulation, the supply of current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38 can be stopped immediately. Thus, the safety of the user P can be more favorably ensured.

[0069] According to this embodiment, the respiratory stabilization device 30 includes a display device 41 that displays an instruction video Vs visible to the user P, and the instruction video Vs includes a first instruction video Vs1 displayed in the first period T1 to instruct the user P to exhale air, and a second instruction video Vs2 displayed in the second period T2 to instruct the user P to inhale air. Therefore, by viewing the instruction video Vs while the respiratory stabilization device 30 is operating, the user P can more easily exhale air in the first period T1 and more easily inhale air in the second period T2. Thus, the respiratory cycle can be more preferably stabilized at an optimal cycle for each user P.

[0070] According to this embodiment, the respiratory stabilization device 30 includes an acoustic device 42 that generates an instruction sound Ss that can be heard by the user P. The instruction sound Ss includes a first instruction sound Ss1 generated in the first period T1 to instruct the user P to exhale air, and a second instruction sound Ss2 generated in the second period T2 to instruct the user P to inhale air. Therefore, by hearing the instruction sound Ss while the respiratory stabilization device 30 is operating, the user P can more easily exhale air in the first period T1 and more easily inhale air in the second period T2. Thus, the respiratory cycle can be more preferably stabilized at an optimal cycle for each user P.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the electrical stimulation unit 38 is attached to at least the rectus abdominis muscle of user P. Therefore, since electrical stimulation is applied to the rectus abdominis muscle of user P, it becomes easier to compel user P to breathe. Thus, it is possible to more effectively stabilize the respiratory cycle of each user P.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the control unit 34 can adjust the supply current value Is, that is, the current value supplied to the electrical stimulation unit 38. Therefore, the intensity of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted for each user P. This allows the electrical stimulation given to user P to be weakened, for example, if user P is an infant or someone with low tolerance to electrical stimulation. Thus, the safety of user P can be more favorably ensured. Furthermore, if user P's respiratory cycle deviates from the cycle determined by the first period T1 and the second period T2, the electrical stimulation given to user P can be strengthened. This allows for more favorable stabilization of the respiratory cycle at an optimal cycle for each user P.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the radiation irradiation system 10 comprises a respiratory stabilization device 30 and a radiation irradiation unit 17 that irradiates the affected area on the user P's chest or abdomen with radiation R. The radiation irradiation unit 17 can adjust at least one of the direction of radiation R irradiation or the duration of radiation R irradiation based on respiratory cycle information Ib. As described above, the respiratory stabilization device 30 can stabilize the user P's respiratory cycle. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to stabilize the movement cycle of the affected area located on the user P's chest or abdomen. As a result, as described above, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can adjust the direction of radiation R irradiation in synchronization with the user P's respiratory cycle. Furthermore, as described above, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can irradiate radiation R to a predetermined location in synchronization with the timing when the affected area is located in that predetermined position. Therefore, it is possible to suppress radiation R irradiation to areas other than the affected area of ​​the user P. As a result, treatment accuracy can be improved and the treatment time for the affected area can be shortened.

[0074] According to this embodiment, the radiation irradiation system 10 comprises a respiratory stabilization device 30, a radiation irradiation unit 17 that irradiates the affected area of ​​the user P's chest or abdomen with radiation R, and a measurement unit 19 that measures the user P's respiratory cycle Tb. The control unit 34 can adjust the first period T1 and the second period T2 based on the respiratory cycle Tb, and the radiation irradiation unit 17 can adjust at least one of the direction of radiation R irradiation or the duration of radiation R irradiation based on the respiratory cycle Tb measured by the measurement unit 19. Therefore, since the first period T1 and the second period T2 can be adjusted based on the user P's respiratory cycle when treating the affected area, the respiratory cycle can be stabilized at an optimal cycle for each user P. Thus, the burden on the user P can be reduced. Furthermore, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can adjust the direction of radiation R irradiation in synchronization with the respiratory cycle Tb. In addition, the radiation irradiation unit 17 can irradiate a predetermined position with radiation R in synchronization with the timing when the affected area is located in that predetermined position. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to suppress radiation R irradiation to areas other than the affected area of ​​the user P. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of treatment and shorten the treatment time for the affected area.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the respiratory stabilization method is a respiratory stabilization method using a respiratory stabilization device 30 comprising an electrical stimulation unit 38 attached to the abdomen of a user P and providing electrical stimulation to the abdomen, a control unit 34 that controls the current Ic supplied to the electrical stimulation unit 38, and an input unit 31 that can communicate with the control unit 34. The method includes an input step S01 in which the input unit 31 inputs respiratory cycle information Ib, which is the respiratory cycle of user P acquired in advance, to the control unit 34, and a current supply step S02 in which the control unit 34 supplies current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38. In the current supply step S02, the control unit 34 can adjust a first period T1 in which current Ic is supplied to the electrical stimulation unit 38 and a second period T2 in which the supply of current Ic to the electrical stimulation unit 38 is stopped, based on the respiratory cycle information Ib. Therefore, as described above, since the first period T1 and the second period T2 can be adjusted based on the respiratory cycle information Ib of user P acquired in advance, the respiratory cycle can be stabilized at an optimal period for each user P. Thus, the burden on the user can be reduced.

[0076] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configurations and combinations thereof in the embodiments are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments.

[0077] Furthermore, this technology can be configured as follows: (1) A respiratory stabilization device comprising: an electrical stimulator attached to the user's abdomen and providing electrical stimulation to the abdomen; a control unit that controls the current supplied to the electrical stimulator; and an input unit that can communicate with the control unit and inputs respiratory cycle information, which is the user's respiratory cycle acquired in advance, to the control unit, wherein the control unit can adjust a first period for supplying the current to the electrical stimulator and a second period for stopping the supply of the current to the electrical stimulator based on the respiratory cycle information. (2) The respiratory stabilization device according to (1), wherein the respiratory cycle information includes an exhalation period, which is the period during which the user exhales air, and an inhalation period, which is the period during which the user inhales air, the length of the first period being the same as the length of the exhalation period, and the length of the second period being the same as the length of the inhalation period. (3) The respiratory stabilization device according to (1) or (2), wherein the input unit has a respiratory sound acquisition unit that acquires the user's respiratory sound, and derives the respiratory cycle information based on the respiratory sound. (4) The respiratory stabilization device according to (1) or (2), wherein the input unit has a flow rate acquisition unit that acquires the airflow rate due to the user's breathing, and derives the respiratory cycle information based on the airflow rate. (5) The respiratory stabilization device according to (1) or (2), wherein the input unit has a displacement acquisition unit that acquires the displacement of the user's abdomen, and derives the respiratory cycle information based on the abdominal displacement. (6) A respiratory stabilization device according to any one of (1) to (5), comprising a stop device that transmits a stop signal to the control unit by operation of the user, wherein the control unit stops supplying the current to the electrical stimulation unit when it receives the stop signal. (7) A respiratory stabilization device according to any one of (1) to (6), comprising a display device that displays an instruction video visible to the user, wherein the instruction video includes a first instruction video displayed during the first period that instructs the user to exhale air, and a second instruction video displayed during the second period that instructs the user to inhale air. (8) A respiratory stabilization device according to any one of (1) to (7), comprising an acoustic device that generates an instruction sound audible to the user, wherein the instruction sound includes a first instruction sound generated during the first period which instructs the user to exhale air, and a second instruction sound generated during the second period which instructs the user to inhale air. (9) The respiratory stabilization device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the electrical stimulation unit is attached to at least the rectus abdominis muscle of the user. (10) The respiratory stabilization device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the control unit is capable of adjusting the current value supplied to the electrical stimulation unit. (11) A radiation irradiation system comprising a respiratory stabilization device as described in any one of (1) to (10), and a radiation irradiation unit for irradiating a lesion on the user's chest or abdomen, wherein the radiation irradiation unit is capable of adjusting at least one of the direction of irradiation or the duration of irradiation based on the respiratory cycle information. (12) A radiation irradiation system comprising: a respiratory stabilization device according to any one of (1) to (10); a radiation irradiation unit for irradiating a lesion on the user's chest or abdomen with radiation; and a measurement unit for measuring the user's respiratory cycle, wherein the control unit is capable of adjusting the first period and the second period based on the respiratory cycle, and the radiation irradiation unit is capable of adjusting at least one of the direction of radiation irradiation or the duration of radiation irradiation based on the respiratory cycle measured by the measurement unit. (13) A respiratory stabilization method using a respiratory stabilization device comprising: an electrical stimulation unit attached to the user's abdomen and providing electrical stimulation to the abdomen; a control unit that controls the current supplied to the electrical stimulation unit; and an input unit that can communicate with the control unit, the method comprising: an input step in which the input unit inputs respiratory cycle information, which is the user's respiratory cycle, to the control unit, which is obtained in advance; and a current supply step in which the control unit supplies the current to the electrical stimulation unit, wherein in the current supply step, the control unit can adjust, based on the respiratory cycle information, a first period for supplying the current to the electrical stimulation unit and a second period for stopping the supply of the current to the electrical stimulation unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10…Radiation irradiation system, 17…Radiation irradiation unit, 19…Measurement unit, 30…Respiratory stabilization device, 31…Input unit, 31c…Respiratory sound acquisition unit, 31d…Flow rate acquisition unit, 31e…Displacement acquisition unit, 34…Control unit, 38…Electrical stimulation unit, 41…Display device, 42…Acoustic device, 45…Stop device, Ib…Respiratory cycle information, Ic…Current, Is…Supply current value (current value), P…User, R…Radiation, S01…Input step, S02…Current supply step, Ss…Indication sound, Ss1…First indicator sound, Ss2…Second indicator sound, St…Stop signal, T1…First period, T2…Second period, Tb…Respiratory cycle, Td…Exhalation period, Ti…Inhalation period, Vs…Indication video, Vs1…First indicator video, Vs2…Second indicator video

Claims

1. An electrical stimulator attached to the user's abdomen to deliver electrical stimulation to the abdomen, A control unit that controls the current supplied to the electrical stimulation unit, An input unit that can communicate with the control unit and inputs respiratory cycle information, which is the user's respiratory cycle acquired in advance, to the control unit, Equipped with, The control unit is capable of adjusting, based on the respiratory cycle information, a first period for supplying the current to the electrical stimulation unit and a second period for stopping the supply of the current to the electrical stimulation unit, thereby providing a respiratory stabilization device.

2. The respiratory cycle information includes an exhalation period, which is the period during which the user exhales air, and an inhalation period, which is the period during which the user inhales air. The length of the first period is the same as the length of the discharge period. The respiratory stabilization device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the second period is the same as the length of the inhalation period.

3. The respiratory stabilization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input unit has a respiratory sound acquisition unit that acquires the user's respiratory sound, and derives the respiratory cycle information based on the respiratory sound.

4. The respiratory stabilization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input unit has a flow rate acquisition unit that acquires the airflow rate due to the user's breathing, and derives the respiratory cycle information based on the airflow rate.

5. The respiratory stabilization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input unit has a displacement acquisition unit that acquires the displacement of the user's abdomen, and derives the respiratory cycle information based on the abdominal displacement.

6. The device includes a stop device that transmits a stop signal to the control unit in response to the user's operation, The respiratory stabilization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit stops supplying the current to the electrical stimulation unit when it receives the stop signal.

7. The device includes a display device that shows an instructional video visible to the user, The aforementioned instructional video is, A first instruction video displayed during the first period instructs the user to discharge air, A second instruction video is displayed during the second period and instructs the user to inhale air, A respiratory stabilization device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

8. The device includes an acoustic device that generates an instruction sound that can be heard by the user, The aforementioned instruction sound is, A first instruction sound generated during the first period instructs the user to discharge air, A second instruction sound is generated during the second period, instructing the user to inhale air, A respiratory stabilization device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

9. The respiratory stabilization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical stimulation unit is attached to at least the rectus abdominis muscle of the user.

10. The respiratory stabilization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is capable of adjusting the current value supplied to the electrical stimulation unit.

11. A respiratory stabilization device according to claim 1 or 2, A radiation irradiation unit that irradiates the affected area of ​​the user's chest or abdomen with radiation, Equipped with, A radiation irradiation system in which the radiation irradiation unit can adjust at least one of the direction of irradiation or the duration of irradiation based on the respiratory cycle information.

12. A respiratory stabilization device according to claim 1 or 2, A radiation irradiation unit that irradiates the affected area of ​​the user's chest or abdomen with radiation, A measuring unit for measuring the user's respiratory cycle, Equipped with, The control unit can adjust the first period and the second period based on the respiratory cycle. A radiation irradiation system in which the radiation irradiation unit can adjust at least one of the direction of radiation irradiation or the duration of radiation irradiation based on the respiratory cycle measured by the measurement unit.

13. A respiratory stabilization method using a respiratory stabilization device comprising: an electrical stimulation unit attached to the user's abdomen and providing electrical stimulation to the abdomen; a control unit that controls the current supplied to the electrical stimulation unit; and an input unit that can communicate with the control unit, The input step involves inputting respiratory cycle information, which is the user's respiratory cycle acquired in advance, to the control unit via the input unit. The control unit performs a current supply step of supplying the current to the electrical stimulation unit, Includes, A respiratory stabilization method wherein, in the current supply step, the control unit can adjust, based on the respiratory cycle information, a first period for supplying the current to the electrical stimulation unit and a second period for stopping the supply of the current to the electrical stimulation unit.

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