HIFU therapy sound combiner

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to clearly indicate whether a liquid container used in HIFU treatment is in proper contact with a patient. [Solution] The HIFU irradiation system includes a coupling bag 14 as a liquid container positioned between each ultrasonic transducer that transmits therapeutic ultrasonic waves and a patient, and a position adjustment unit that determines the position of the coupling bag 14. On the outer surface of the coupling bag 14 facing the patient, first index line 50-1 to third index line 50-3 that indicate the contact state with the patient are drawn.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment, and particularly to a liquid container that contacts a patient during HIFU treatment.

Background Art

[0002] Treatment devices using high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy are widely used. This treatment device is referred to as an HIFU irradiation device or an HIFU irradiation system (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound), and irradiates ultrasonic waves to a treatment site to necrotize tissue.

[0003] Generally, an HIFU irradiation device includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged on a bowl-shaped surface. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged such that ultrasonic waves emitted from each of them are irradiated at a single point to form a focus. During treatment, the position of the focus is adjusted to the treatment site and ultrasonic waves are irradiated. To confirm the irradiation position, an ultrasonic diagnostic device that represents the focus on an ultrasonic image is used.

[0004] Patent Document 1 below describes an ultrasonic treatment device that observes the position of a focus using an ultrasonic diagnostic device that displays a B-mode image (tomographic image). In this device, weak-level ultrasonic waves that do not affect the tissue are emitted from the ultrasonic transducer for treatment, and a tomographic image is displayed by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves with an ultrasonic imaging probe. Since the acoustic characteristics of the tissue of the subject change according to the temperature change of the tissue, the position of the focus is indicated by the intensity of the brightness in the tomographic image.

[0005] Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe HIFU irradiation devices. In the HIFU irradiation device described in Patent Document 2, coupling bags that hold liquid are provided between the ultrasonic transducer that emits ultrasonic waves for treatment and the patient, and between the ultrasonic imaging probe and the patient. The coupling bags are filled with liquid. The coupling bags match the acoustic impedance between the ultrasonic transducer and the patient, and between the ultrasonic imaging probe and the patient.

[0006] The HIFU irradiation device described in Patent Document 3 includes an ultrasonic therapy transducer and a coupling assembly configured to acoustically couple an ultrasonic imaging transducer to a patient. The coupling assembly is formed in a container shape with openings for receiving the ultrasonic therapy transducer and the ultrasonic imaging transducer, and the bottom side of the container shape comes into contact with the patient. The coupling assembly is filled with a fluid that is an acoustic coupling medium for acoustically coupling the ultrasonic therapy transducer and the ultrasonic imaging transducer to the patient. By immersing the ultrasonic therapy transducer and the ultrasonic imaging transducer in the fluid filled in the coupling assembly, the ultrasonic therapy transducer and the ultrasonic imaging transducer are acoustically coupled to the patient. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-71069 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-104782 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2023-530477 [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Photonic Rubber: A nanotechnology material that changes color when deformed" Internet < https: / / trinus.jp / projects / 12?locale=ja > Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In the prior art, it has sometimes been difficult for a user to confirm whether a liquid container such as a coupling bag or a coupling assembly provided between an ultrasonic transducer that emits therapeutic ultrasonic waves and a patient is in appropriate contact with the patient.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to clearly indicate whether a liquid container used in HIFU treatment is in appropriate contact with a patient.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0011] The present invention includes a liquid container positioned between an ultrasonic transducer that transmits therapeutic ultrasonic waves and a patient, and a position adjusting unit that determines the position of the liquid container. At least a part of the liquid container is formed of an elastic material, and a contact index indicating the degree of adhesion to the patient is provided on an outer surface of the liquid container facing the patient side. The outer surface has a curved surface that bulges toward the patient side when the liquid container filled with liquid is not in contact with the patient. The contact index includes the directly on the outer surface of the liquid container index line drawn therein, and the index line extends along the body surface of the patient in a state where the liquid container filled with liquid is in contact with the patient.

[0012] The present invention includes a liquid container positioned between an ultrasonic transducer that transmits therapeutic ultrasonic waves and a patient, and a position adjusting unit that determines the position of the liquid container. At least a part of the liquid container is formed of an elastic material, and a contact index indicating the degree of adhesion to the patient is provided on an outer surface of the liquid container facing the patient side. The outer surface has a curved surface that bulges toward the patient side when the liquid container filled with liquid is not in contact with the patient. The contact index is a pattern or a plurality of marks, and includes a pattern or a plurality of marks indicating a virtual index line that extends along the body surface of the patient in a state where the liquid container filled with liquid is in contact with the patient. seen, the pattern or the plurality of marks are directly drawn on the outer surface of the liquid container It is characterized by this.

[0013] In one embodiment, the outer surface is when the liquid container containing the liquid is not in contact with the patientAs viewed from the patient side circular or substantially circular so as to be is formed, in a state where the liquid container is not in contact with the patient The index line is part or all of a line that draws a circular or substantially circular shape on a plane along the body surface of the patient.

[0014] Further, the present invention includes a liquid container positioned between an ultrasonic vibrator that transmits therapeutic ultrasonic waves and a patient, and a position adjuster that determines the position of the liquid container. On the outer surface of the liquid container facing the patient side, a contact index indicating the degree of adhesion to the patient is provided. The region forming the outer surface at least a part of is formed of an elastic material, and the outer surface when the liquid container is not in contact with the patient has a curved surface bulging toward the patient side, and the elastic material is a material whose color changes by stretching, and the contact index in a state where the liquid container is in contact with the patient is characterized in that it is an index based on the color change of the outer surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, a housing for fixing the ultrasonic transducer is provided, and the liquid container a coupling bag formed of an elastic material includes a coupling bag that covers the housing and the ultrasonic transducer from the patient side, the coupling bag holds liquid between the housing and the ultrasonic transducer, and the position adjusting unit determines the position of the housing.

[0016] In one embodiment, the position adjusting unit adjusts the coupling distance between the housing and the ultrasonic transducer and the coupling bag, a plurality of types having different sizes the coupling dis from each other ance and and a plurality of the contact indicators whose positions are determined accordingly are provided.

[0017] In one embodiment, an ultrasonic imaging probe attached to the housing is provided, and the coupling bag covers the ultrasonic imaging probe from the patient side.

[0018] In one embodiment, a housing for fixing the ultrasonic transducer is provided, and the position adjusting unit determines the position of the liquid container separately from the position of the housing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to clearly indicate whether or not the liquid container used for HIFU treatment is in proper contact with the patient.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the respective drawings. The same components shown in a plurality of drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. Also, terms such as up, down, left, and right in this specification indicate the directions in the drawings. These terms indicating directions are for convenience of explanation and do not limit the posture when arranging each component.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a HIFU irradiation system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The HIFU irradiation system 100 includes an ultrasonic imaging probe 10 (hereinafter referred to as the ultrasonic probe 10), a HIFU vibrator unit 12, a coupling bag 14, a robot arm 18, a controller 22, and a display device 24. In FIG. 1, a plane parallel to the plane on which the patient 30 lies is defined as the zx plane, and a coordinate axis perpendicular to the zx plane is defined as the y axis.

[0023] The HIFU vibrator unit 12 includes a vibrator housing 16 having a concave surface 4 with an opening facing downward, and a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 2 arranged along the concave surface 4 in the vibrator housing 16 and fixed to the vibrator housing 16. The HIFU vibrator unit 12 does not necessarily have a physical concave surface 4. In this case, the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 2 may be fixed to the vibrator housing 16 so as to be arranged along a virtual concave surface 4.

[0024] The concave surface 4 of the vibrator housing 16 may have a shape similar to the side surface of a cone. Here, a cone refers to a three-dimensional shape formed by a set of straight lines extending from a point in space to a bottom surface. Further, the concave surface 4 of the vibrator housing 16 may have a shape that bulges upward in a dome shape. Each ultrasonic vibrator 2 is fixed to the vibrator housing 16 such that when each ultrasonic vibrator 2 emits ultrasonic waves, the intensity of the ultrasonic waves is enhanced at a treatment reference point P below the vibrator housing 16. That is, each ultrasonic vibrator 2 is fixed to the vibrator housing 16 so as to form a focal point F at the treatment reference point P.

[0025] The ultrasonic probe 10 is attached to the vibrator housing 16 such that ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received at a position below the vibrator housing 16 and above the focal point F. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 10 penetrates the vertex portion of the vibrator housing 16 in the vertical direction, and the probe tip portion 32 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves is directed downward. The ultrasonic probe 10 has a directionality, and ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received on an observation surface facing in a direction corresponding to the structure of the ultrasonic probe 10. The ultrasonic probe 10 may be movable in the vertical direction. Further, the ultrasonic probe 10 may be rotatable about the axis in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] Below the HIFU vibrator unit 12, a coupling bag 14 for matching the acoustic impedance between each ultrasonic vibrator 2 and the patient 30 and between the ultrasonic probe 10 and the patient 30 is provided. The coupling bag 14 as a liquid container may be a bag filled with a liquid such as water. The coupling bag 14 may be formed of an elastic material such as a silicone resin. The coupling bag 14 holds a liquid between each ultrasonic vibrator 2 and the ultrasonic probe 10 and the patient 30.

[0027] The ultrasonic probe 10, the HIFU vibrator unit 12, and the coupling bag 14 are attached to the tip of a robot arm 18 as a transport mechanism. The robot arm 18 is composed of a plurality of arms 18a connected by joints 18b, and is attached to the housing of the controller 22 via the joints 18b. By swinging each arm 18a about the joint 18b as a rotation axis, the robot arm 18 transports the movable body 20 including the ultrasonic probe 10, the HIFU vibrator unit 12, and the coupling bag 14 in three directions of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis.

[0028] The controller 22 includes a HIFU control unit 26 and a robot control unit 28. The HIFU control unit 26 includes a computer, an electric circuit for controlling the ultrasonic probe 10, and an electric circuit for controlling the HIFU oscillator unit 12. The computer included in the HIFU control unit 26 may be a business computer, a personal computer, a tablet computer, or the like. The computer executes a program to perform processes for generating each image and displaying each image. An operation device (not shown) for the user to operate the HIFU irradiation system 100 is connected to the HIFU control unit 26. The operation device may include a mouse, a touch panel integrated with the display device 24, a switch, a keyboard, and the like.

[0029] The HIFU control unit 26 executes processes for operating the ultrasonic probe 10 and the HIFU oscillator unit 12. For example, the HIFU control unit 26 causes the ultrasonic probe 10 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, generates B-mode image data based on the received signal based on the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic probe 10, and causes the display device 24 to display a B-mode image. In addition, the HIFU control unit 26 causes each ultrasonic oscillator 2 included in the HIFU oscillator unit 12 to transmit therapeutic ultrasonic waves.

[0030] The robot control unit 28 controls the robot arm 18 according to the control of the HIFU control unit 26, and may convey the movable body 20 to the robot arm 18. The robot control unit 28 may also include an operation device. In this case, the robot control unit 28 may control the robot arm 18 according to the operation of the operation device by the user.

[0031] Before the therapeutic ultrasonic wave is irradiated from the HIFU oscillator unit 12 to the patient 30, the following positioning process may be executed. The HIFU control unit 26 causes each ultrasonic oscillator 2 to transmit an ultrasonic wave having a lower intensity than during treatment. The position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe 10 are set to the position and orientation where the observation surface of the ultrasonic probe 10 coincides with the observation target surface of the patient 30. Here, the observation target surface refers to the surface on the patient 30 where an ultrasonic image such as a B-mode image is observed. The HIFU control unit 26 scans the ultrasonic probe 10 with an ultrasonic beam on the observation target surface of the patient 30 to acquire B-mode image data. The HIFU control unit 26 causes the B-mode image to be displayed on the display device 24. The user as the operator refers to the B-mode image displayed on the display device 24 and confirms the difference between the focal point F of the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and the position of the affected part at the treatment reference point P.

[0032] When the difference between the position of the focal point F and the position of the affected part is not within the allowable range, the user operates the robotic arm 18 to change the position or orientation of the ultrasonic probe 10 and the HIFU oscillator unit 12. After the user confirms that the position of the focal point F and the position of the affected part coincide, the user performs an operation for treatment on the HIFU control unit 26. The HIFU control unit 26 causes each ultrasonic oscillator 2 to transmit a therapeutic ultrasonic wave having the intensity required for treatment according to the operation by the user. Thereby, the biological tissue is cauterized at the focal point F and treatment is performed.

[0033] FIG. 2A shows an example of the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and the coupling bag 14. FIG. 2B shows a view of the coupling bag 14 seen from below. The coupling bag 14 according to the present embodiment has a curved surface bulging toward the patient 30 side. The shape of the coupling bag 14 when seen from below is circular or substantially circular. That is, the shape of the coupling bag 14 projected onto the zx plane is circular or substantially circular. Here, the substantially circular shape refers to a shape in which the circular shape is deformed to such an extent that the function of the coupling bag 14 is not impaired.

[0034] On the outer surface of the coupling bag 14 facing the patient 30 side, as contact indicators showing the contact state with the patient 30, the first index line 50-1 to the third index line 50-3 are drawn in order from the top. The first index line 50-1 to the third index line 50-3 are drawn in the plane along the body surface of the patient 30 by a line extending along the body surface of the patient 30. In the coupling bag 14 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first index line 50-1 to the third index line 50-3 may be drawn so that each center of gravity coincides with the center of gravity of the shape when the coupling bag 14 is projected onto the zx plane. When the projected shape of the coupling bag 14 on the zx plane is circular, the first index line 50-1 to the third index line 50-3 may be drawn in concentric circles having the center of the projected shape as a common center.

[0035] In the HIFU irradiation system 100 according to the present embodiment, an adjustment mechanism 52 for adjusting the distance between the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and the coupling bag 14 is provided between the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and the coupling bag 14. The distance between the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and the coupling bag 14 (hereinafter referred to as the coupling distance) is defined, for example, as the difference in the y-axis coordinate values between a predetermined reference point with respect to the oscillator housing 16 and the lowermost point of the coupling bag 14.

[0036] The adjustment mechanism 52 is controlled by the robot control unit 28, and the coupling bag 14 is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the HIFU oscillator unit 12. Thereby, the coupling distance is adjusted according to the position of the focal point F. The coupling distance is adjusted in advance before the treatment based on the depth of the focal point F from the body surface of the patient 30.

[0037] Figures 3A to 3C show a propagation region 54 through which therapeutic ultrasonic waves propagate and a focus F, together with the HIFU oscillator unit 12, the adjustment mechanism 52, and the coupling bag 14, for three states with different coupling distances. FIG. 3B shows a case where the focus F is at a shallow position in the patient 30 with respect to FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3C shows a case where the focus F is at a shallow position in the patient 30 with respect to FIG. 3B. The position of the coupling bag 14 is adjusted so that the coupling distance becomes larger as the focus F becomes shallower.

[0038] The first index line 50-1 to the third index line 50-3 are drawn at the outer edge of the propagation region 54 or at a position slightly outside the outer edge. That is, the first index line 50-1 is drawn at the outer edge of the propagation region 54 or at a position slightly outside the outer edge in the state shown in FIG. 3A where the coupling distance is the smallest. The second index line 50-2 is drawn at the outer edge of the propagation region 54 or at a position slightly outside the outer edge in the state shown in FIG. 3B where the coupling distance is between the maximum value and the minimum value. The third index line 50-3 is drawn at the outer edge of the propagation region 54 or at a position slightly outside the outer edge in the state shown in FIG. 3C where the coupling distance is the largest.

[0039] In the above, an example in which the positions of the first index line 50-1 to the third index line 50-3 are determined based on the difference in the propagation region 54 is shown. Since the propagation region 54 differs according to the difference in the coupling distance, the vertical positions of the first index line 50-1 to the third index line 50-3 may be determined according to the difference in the coupling distance.

[0040] Regarding the state shown in Fig. 3A where the coupling distance is the smallest, the usage method of the first index line 50-1 will be described below. Fig. 4A shows the state of the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30 when the degree of adhesion between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30 is insufficient. In this state, the first index line 50-1 drawn on the coupling bag 14 is visible to the user. In this state, in the propagation region 54, a gap is generated between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30. In this case, the therapeutic ultrasonic wave may be multiply reflected in the gap between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30, resulting in loss, and the energy applied to the focal point F may decrease.

[0041] Fig. 4B shows the state of the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30 when the degree of adhesion between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30 is appropriate. Under the control of the robot control unit 28, the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and the coupling bag 14 are moved downward, and a state is shown where the first index line 50-1 drawn on the coupling bag 14 is hidden by the body surface of the patient 30. In this case, the first index line 50-1 is not visible to the user. In this state, there is no gap between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30 in the region where the therapeutic ultrasonic wave is transmitted, and the degree of adhesion between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30 is appropriate. Therefore, when the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and the coupling bag 14 are moved downward with respect to the state of Fig. 4A, and the first index line 50-1 drawn on the coupling bag 14 is first hidden by the body surface of the patient 30, the state at this time is an appropriate state.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 3B, when the coupling distance is a value between the maximum value and the minimum value, the state when the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and the coupling bag 14 are moved downward and the second index line 50-2 drawn on the coupling bag 14 is first hidden by the body surface of the patient 30 is an appropriate state. As shown in Fig. 3C, when the coupling distance is a value between the maximum value and the minimum value, the state when the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and the coupling bag 14 are moved downward and the third index line 50-3 drawn on the coupling bag 14 is first hidden by the body surface of the patient 30 is an appropriate state.

[0043] As described above, the HIFU irradiation system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a coupling bag 14 as a liquid container positioned between each ultrasonic vibrator 2 that transmits therapeutic ultrasonic waves and a patient 30, and a robot arm 18 as a position adjustment unit that determines the position of the coupling bag 14, which is an acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment. On the outer surface of the coupling bag 14 facing the patient 30 side, a contact index indicating the contact state with the patient 30 is provided. The contact index in the present embodiment is the first index line 50-1 to the third index line 50-3 drawn on the coupling bag 14.

[0044] According to the acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment, based on the contact index and the state of the patient 30, the user can determine whether the contact state between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30 is appropriate. That is, based on whether the index line selected from the first index line 50-1 to the third index line 50-3 according to the coupling distance is hidden on the body surface of the patient 30, it can be determined whether the contact state between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30 is appropriate.

[0045] In the above, an example in which three index lines are drawn on the coupling bag 14 is shown, but the number of index lines drawn on the coupling bag 14 is arbitrary. That is, any number of index lines may be drawn on the coupling bag 14 according to the values that the coupling distance can take.

[0046] Also, in the above, an example in which the first index line 50-1 to the third index line 50-3, which are circular or substantially circular solid lines, are drawn on the coupling bag 14 as a contact index indicating the contact state between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30 is shown. Each index line may be partially drawn with a line in the section visible to the user. That is, the first index line 50-1 to the third index line 50-3 may be part or all of a line that draws a circle or a substantially circular shape in a plane along the body surface of the patient 30.

[0047] Each index line may be indicated by the boundary line between two regions with different colors. For example, on the outer surface of the coupling bag 14 facing the patient 30 side, different colors may be applied to the upper region and the lower region above the first index line 50-1, and the first index line 50-1 may be drawn as the boundary line between the upper and lower regions.

[0048] Also, the contact index may be one in which marks such as circles, ellipses, polygons, etc. are arranged along a virtual index line, or one in which a picture pattern is arranged along a virtual index line.

[0049] At least a part of the region forming the outer surface of the coupling bag 14 facing the patient side may be formed of a stretchable material, and this material may be a material whose color changes by stretching. Such stretchable color-changing materials include materials called photonic rubber (Non-Patent Document 1), stretchable color sheets, etc. The stretchable color-changing material has a function as a contact index indicating the contact state between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30. For example, on the outer surface of the coupling bag 14 facing the patient 30 side, a stretchable color-changing material extending in a strip shape along a virtual index line may be provided. The user can determine whether the contact state between the coupling bag 14 and the patient 30 is appropriate based on the color of the stretchable color-changing material.

[0050] FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the HIFU irradiation system 102 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the HIFU irradiation system 102, the coupling bag 14 provided below the HIFU oscillator unit 12 in the HIFU irradiation system 100 and the liquid inside it are removed. The HIFU irradiation system 102 is provided with a coupling container 64 as a liquid container and a position adjusting device 60 as a position adjusting unit for determining the position of the coupling container 64 instead of the coupling bag 14. A system such as the HIFU irradiation system 102 in which the coupling container 64 is separated from the HIFU oscillator unit 12 is described in Patent Document 3.

[0051] The coupling container 64 has a container shape with an open upper side, and a liquid is injected into the coupling container 64. The outer bottom surface of the coupling container 64, that is, the outer surface on the patient 30 side, may have a curved surface bulging toward the patient 30 side. The outer bottom surface of the coupling container 64 may be formed of an elastic material.

[0052] The coupling container 64 is attached to a container position adjustment arm 62 provided in the position adjustment device 60. The position adjustment device 60 is controlled by the robot control unit 28, and the position of the coupling container 64 is adjusted by the container position adjustment arm 62. During treatment, a liquid is injected into the coupling container 64, and the bottom surface of the coupling container 64 is brought into contact with the patient 30. In this state, the robot arm 18 moves the movable body 20 downward and immerses the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and the ultrasonic probe 10 in the liquid in the coupling container 64. As a result, the coupling container 64 is positioned between the HIFU oscillator unit 12 including each ultrasonic oscillator 2 and the patient 30, and the HIFU oscillator unit 12 and the ultrasonic probe 10 and the patient 30 are acoustically coupled through the liquid in the coupling container 64.

[0053] Thus, in the HIFU irradiation system 102 according to the present embodiment, the position adjustment device 60 as the position adjustment unit adjusts the position of the coupling container 64 as the liquid container separately from the position of the oscillator housing 16 of the HIFU oscillator unit 12.

[0054] Note that instead of the position adjustment device 60, a position adjustment unit that adjusts the position of the coupling container 64 without using power may be used. For example, the container position adjustment arm 62 may manually adjust the position of the coupling container 64. Also, a stand including a columnar member that can be stood on the floor and an arm-shaped member extending laterally from the columnar member may be used as the position adjustment unit. In this case, the coupling container 64 is fixed to the tip of the arm-shaped member, and the length, height, etc. of the arm-shaped member are manually adjusted.

[0055] Similar to the coupling bag 14 in the HIFU irradiation system 100, a contact indicator indicating the contact state with the patient 30 is provided on the outer surface of the coupling container 64 facing the patient side of the patient 30. The contact indicator may be the same as the indicator provided on the coupling bag 14. Accordingly, when the user brings the coupling container 64 into contact with the patient 30, based on the contact indicator and the state of the patient 30, the user can determine whether the contact state between the coupling container 64 and the patient 30 is appropriate.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0056] 2 Ultrasonic transducer, 10 Ultrasonic imaging probe (ultrasonic probe), 12 HIFU transducer unit, 14 Coupling bag, 16 Transducer housing, 18 Robot arm, 18a Arm, 18b Joint, 20 Movable body, 22 Controller, 24 Display device, 26 HIFU control unit, 28 Robot control unit, 30 Patient, 50-1 First index line, 50-2 Second index line, 50-3 Third index line, 52 Adjustment mechanism, 54 Propagation region, 60 Position adjustment device, 62 Container position adjustment arm, 64 Coupling container, 100, 102 HIFU irradiation system.

Claims

1. A liquid container positioned between an ultrasonic transducer that transmits therapeutic ultrasonic waves and a patient, and a position adjuster that determines the position of the liquid container, at least a part of the liquid container is formed of an elastic material, a contact indicator indicating the degree of adhesion to the patient is provided on the outer surface of the liquid container facing the patient side, the outer surface has a curved surface that bulges toward the patient side when the liquid container containing the liquid is not in contact with the patient, the contact indicator includes an index line directly drawn on the outer surface of the liquid container, the index line An acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment, characterized in that it extends along the body surface of the patient in a state where the liquid container containing the liquid is in contact with the patient.

2. A liquid container positioned between an ultrasonic transducer that transmits therapeutic ultrasonic waves and a patient, and a position adjuster that determines the position of the liquid container, at least a part of the liquid container is formed of an elastic material, a contact indicator indicating the degree of adhesion to the patient is provided on the outer surface of the liquid container facing the patient side, the outer surface has a curved surface that bulges toward the patient side when the liquid container containing the liquid is not in contact with the patient, the contact indicator a pattern or a plurality of marks, which are a pattern or a plurality of marks indicating a virtual index line that extends along the body surface of the patient in a state where the liquid container containing the liquid is in contact with the patient, the pattern or the plurality of marks An acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment, characterized in that it is directly drawn on the outer surface of the liquid container.

3. The acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment according to claim 1 or claim 2, the outer surface is formed to be circular or substantially circular when viewed from the patient side when the liquid container containing the liquid is not in contact with the patient, the index line in a state where the liquid container is not in contact with the patient An acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment, characterized in that it is part or all of a line that draws a circle or a substantially circle on a plane along the body surface of the patient.

4. A liquid container positioned between an ultrasonic transducer that transmits therapeutic ultrasonic waves and a patient, and a position adjuster that determines the position of the liquid container, On the outer surface of the liquid container facing the patient side, a contact index indicating the degree of adhesion to the patient is provided. At least a part of the region forming the outer surface is formed of an elastic material. The outer surface has a curved surface bulging toward the patient side when the liquid container is not in contact with the patient. The elastic material is a material whose color changes by stretching. The contact index is An acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment, characterized in that it is an index based on the color change of the outer surface when the liquid container is in contact with the patient.

5. An acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment according to any one of Claims 1, 2, and 4, comprising a housing for fixing the ultrasonic vibrator, The liquid container is a coupling bag formed of an elastic material, and includes a coupling bag that covers the housing and the ultrasonic vibrator from the patient side. The coupling bag is holding liquid between the housing and the ultrasonic vibrator, The position adjusting unit is An acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment, characterized in that it determines the position of the housing.

6. An acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment according to Claim 5, The position adjusting unit is adjusting the coupling distance between the housing and the ultrasonic vibrator and the coupling bag, An acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment, characterized in that a plurality of the contact indices whose positions are determined corresponding to a plurality of different types of the coupling distances are provided.

7. An acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment according to Claim 5, comprising an ultrasonic imaging probe attached to the housing, The coupling bag is An acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment, characterized in that it covers the ultrasonic imaging probe from the patient side.

8. An acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment according to any one of Claims 1, 2, and 4, comprising a housing for fixing the ultrasonic vibrator, The position adjusting unit is An acoustic coupler for HIFU treatment, characterized in that it determines the position of the liquid container separately from the position of the housing.

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