Ultrasound diagnostic device, ultrasound probe, and attachment for ultrasound probe

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which can facilitate the insertion work of a puncture needle to a subject by a user.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for supporting the insertion work of a puncture needle QT to a subject HT comprises: an ultrasonic probe 20 which is arranged such that a probe tip part 20a is pressed against the body surface of the subject HT and acquires an ultrasonic image of the inside of the subject HT with transmission / reception of the ultrasonic wave; an optical camera 30 which is attached to a base end side of the ultrasonic probe 20 and images the arrangement position of the probe tip part 20a of the ultrasonic probe 20 on the body surface of the subject HT; and a laser pointer 40 which is attached to a base end side of the ultrasonic probe 20, emits laser light onto the body surface of the subject HT and forms a prescribed projection image 40L to guide the target insertion position and target posture of the puncture needle QT when the puncture needle QT is inserted to the subject HT in an optical image acquired by the optical camera 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasound diagnostic device, an ultrasound probe, and an attachment for an ultrasound probe. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultrasound diagnostic devices are known that capture ultrasound images of the inside of a subject to assist in inserting a puncture needle into the subject. Ultrasound diagnostic devices can obtain ultrasound images of the shape and movement of tissue within the subject by simply placing an ultrasound probe on the surface of the subject's body.

[0003] In recent years, specimen tissue diagnosis has been performed in which a puncture needle is inserted into the body of a patient as a specimen to collect tissue or body fluid. Furthermore, treatments using puncture needles are performed in anesthesiology departments, intensive care units, pain clinics, etc. In these diagnoses or treatments, an operator such as a doctor (hereinafter referred to as a "user") inserts the puncture needle into the specimen while viewing an ultrasound image of the specimen tissue acquired by an ultrasound diagnostic device and confirming the positions of the specimen tissue and the puncture needle.

[0004] In order to minimize the burden on the patient and perform the puncture accurately, it is necessary to accurately grasp the positional relationship between the insertion position of the puncture needle on the patient's body surface and the affected area (i.e., the target) in the ultrasound image displayed on the monitor.

[0005] Against this background, various techniques have been developed for assisting the insertion of a puncture needle into a subject (hereinafter also referred to as "puncture operation") in ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a needle guide attached to an ultrasound probe. Patent Document 1 describes a needle guide configured to enable a puncture needle to be inserted into a subject at a predetermined insertion angle, thereby assisting the insertion of the puncture needle into the subject. Patent Document 1 also describes a technique in which a guideline for the puncture needle guided by the needle guide is displayed on a monitor, allowing the user to recognize the direction in which the needle should be inserted.

[0007] Patent document 2 also describes that a mark is provided on the surface of the housing of the ultrasound probe to indicate the center position of the ultrasound image (i.e., the center position in the scanning direction), and that this mark allows the user to accurately recognize the center position in the scanning direction when inserting the puncture needle into the subject. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2011-505227 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-176638 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, although the needle guide described in the prior art of Patent Document 1 is useful in that it simplifies the puncture procedure for the subject, such a needle guide has a fixed angle at which it can guide the puncture needle, and therefore in some cases it may be unusable or may even reduce its convenience.

[0010] For example, when puncturing a central vein such as a human external jugular vein (e.g., for catheter insertion), the vein is generally punctured using the parallel method (see the left diagram of Figure 17) and then using the cross-sectional method (see the right diagram of Figure 17). In this case, the user performs the puncture freehand, checking the insertion status of the puncture needle into the vein by looking at the ultrasound image and correcting the trajectory of the puncture needle. Figure 17 shows how the ultrasound probe is pressed against the subject's body surface using the parallel method (left diagram of Figure 17) and the cross-sectional method (right diagram of Figure 17), as well as the ultrasound images obtained at each time. In Figure 17, 20 represents the ultrasound probe, HT represents the subject, and QT represents the puncture needle.

[0011] Furthermore, in the puncture operation, there are often cases where the target site for puncture is located at a position outside the puncture guideline guided by the needle guide, and in such cases, the user must detach the needle guide from the ultrasound probe and perform the puncture operation freehand.

[0012] On the other hand, as in the prior art of Patent Document 2, it is difficult to accurately grasp the positional relationship between the puncture target site and the puncture needle using only the markings on the housing of the ultrasound probe, and unless the user is skilled, there is a risk that the puncture needle will be inserted from the surface of the subject's body at an incorrect position or angle when advancing the puncture needle to the target site in the subject's tissue (e.g., a central vein). As a result, there is a risk that the puncture needle will damage other tissues (e.g., arteries, nerves, etc.).

[0013] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an ultrasound diagnostic device, an ultrasound probe, and an attachment for an ultrasound probe that enable a user to more easily insert a puncture needle into a subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The present disclosure mainly solves the above-mentioned problems by: An ultrasound diagnostic device that supports the insertion of a puncture needle into a subject, an ultrasonic probe, the probe tip of which is placed in contact with the body surface of the subject, and which acquires an ultrasonic image of the interior of the subject by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; an optical camera attached to a base end side of the ultrasonic probe, for capturing an image of the position of the probe tip of the ultrasonic probe on the body surface of the subject; a laser pointer attached to a base end side of the ultrasound probe, emitting laser light onto a body surface of the subject to form a predetermined projected image, thereby guiding a target insertion position and a target posture of the puncture needle when inserting the puncture needle into the subject within the optical image acquired by the optical camera; The ultrasound diagnostic device is equipped with:

[0015] In other respects, An ultrasonic probe is applied to the ultrasonic diagnostic device.

[0016] In other respects, An attachment for the ultrasonic probe, An attachment holds the optical camera and the laser pointer and attaches the optical camera and the laser pointer to a housing of the ultrasound probe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the present disclosure can make it easier for the user to insert a puncture needle into a subject. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing functional blocks of an ultrasound diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the puncture needle and the imaging area of ​​the optical camera, and the positional relationship between the puncture needle and the projected image of the laser light from the laser pointer during the puncture operation. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the puncture needle and the imaging area of ​​the optical camera, and the positional relationship between the puncture needle and the projected image of the laser light from the laser pointer during the puncture operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor screen displayed on the display unit of the ultrasound diagnostic device in a guidance mode activated during a puncture operation. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating a puncture operation by a user when inserting a puncture needle into a body surface of a subject using an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating a puncture operation by a user when inserting a puncture needle into a body surface of a subject using an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Modification 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Modification 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Modification 3. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Modification 4. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Modification 5. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Modification 6. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Modification 7. [Figure 16] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Modification 8. [Figure 17] How the ultrasound probe is pressed against the subject's body surface in the parallel method (left diagram of Figure 17) and the cross method (right diagram of Figure 17) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0020] [Overall configuration of ultrasound diagnostic equipment] First, the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "ultrasonic diagnostic device 1") will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 10 according to this embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic probe 20 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3A shows the configuration of an attachment 20T attached to the ultrasonic probe 20, and Fig. 3B shows an example of the attachment state of the attachment 20T to the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0023] The ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 10, an ultrasonic probe 20, an optical camera 30, and a laser pointer 40. The ultrasonic probe 20, the optical camera 30, and the laser pointer 40 are connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 10 via cables 20C, 30C, and 40C, respectively.

[0024] In a puncture operation using the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment, it is assumed that the puncture needle QT is inserted into the subject HT freehand. The user operates the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 by contacting the ultrasonic beam transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasound probe 20 with the body surface of the subject HT to obtain an ultrasound image of the inside of the subject HT. The user then looks at the display unit 16 to confirm the target position within the subject HT shown in the ultrasound image R1, while grasping the target insertion position and target orientation of the puncture needle QT when inserting it into the subject HT from the optical image R2 acquired by the optical camera 30, and then performs the puncture operation. At this time, the target insertion position and target orientation of the puncture needle QT are projected in the optical image R2 acquired by the optical camera 30 by a projection image 40L formed on the body surface of the subject by the laser light emitted from the laser pointer 40, thereby enabling the user to perform the puncture operation accurately (described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0025] The ultrasonic probe 20 transmits an ultrasonic beam (for example, about 1 to 30 MHz) into the subject HT (for example, a human body), and also functions as an acoustic sensor that receives ultrasonic echoes of the transmitted ultrasonic beam that are reflected within the subject HT and converts them into electrical signals. Note that in this embodiment, a linear probe is shown as an example of the ultrasonic probe 20, but any other probe such as a convex probe, sector probe, or three-dimensional probe can be used as the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0026] The ultrasonic probe 20 includes, for example, a housing 21 and a transducer array 22 disposed at a probe tip portion 20a of the housing 21 (see FIG. 3B).

[0027] The housing 21 has, for example, an elongated shape and also serves as a grip portion to be held by a user. An attachment 20T is attached to the base end side of the housing 21, and the optical camera 30 and the laser pointer 40 are fixed to the housing 21 via the attachment 20T.

[0028] The transducer array 22 is arranged to form an ultrasound transmission / reception surface at the probe tip 20a of the housing 21. The transducer array 22 is composed of a plurality of transducers (e.g., piezoelectric elements) arranged along the longitudinal axis direction (direction 20LL in FIG. 3B) of the probe tip 20a of the housing 21. When an ultrasound image is acquired, the driving state of each transducer of the transducer array 22 is switched on and off in sequence, thereby performing ultrasound scanning inside the subject HT along the longitudinal axis direction of the probe tip 20a, and an ultrasound image is generated that represents a two-dimensional structure in a cross section including the ultrasound transmission direction (i.e., the depth direction of the subject HT) and the ultrasound scanning direction (i.e., the longitudinal axis direction of the probe tip 20a).

[0029] The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 10 includes an operation input unit 11, a transmitting unit 12, a receiving unit 13, an ultrasound image generating unit 14, an image combining unit 15, a display unit 16, an optical image generating unit 17, an oscillation control unit 18, and a control unit 19.

[0030] The operation input unit 11 receives, for example, a command to start a diagnosis or input of information about the subject HT. The operation input unit 11 includes, for example, an operation panel having a plurality of input switches, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The operation input unit 11 may be configured as a touch panel that is provided integrally with the display unit 16.

[0031] The transmitting unit 12 is a transmitter that transmits a voltage pulse as a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 20 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 19. The transmitting unit 12 includes, for example, a high-frequency pulse oscillator and a pulse setting unit. The transmitting unit 12 adjusts the voltage pulse generated by the high-frequency pulse oscillator to the voltage amplitude, pulse width, and transmission timing set by the pulse setting unit, and transmits the adjusted voltage pulse for each channel of the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0032] The transmitter 12 has a pulse setting unit for each of the multiple channels of the ultrasonic probe 20, and is capable of setting the voltage amplitude, pulse width, and transmission timing of the voltage pulse for each of the multiple channels. For example, the transmitter 12 can change the target depth or generate different pulse waveforms by setting appropriate delay times for the multiple channels.

[0033] The receiving unit 13 is a receiver that receives and processes the received signals related to the ultrasonic echoes generated by the ultrasonic probe 20 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 19. The receiving unit 13 includes a preamplifier, an AD conversion unit, and a receiving beam former.

[0034] The receiver 13 amplifies the received signals related to weak ultrasonic echoes for each channel using a preamplifier, and converts the received signals into digital signals using an AD converter.The receiver 13 then combines the received signals of multiple channels into one signal using a receive beamformer by phasing and adding the received signals of each channel to generate acoustic line data.

[0035] The ultrasound image generating unit 14 acquires the reception signal (acoustic line data) from the receiving unit 13 and generates an ultrasound image (that is, a tomographic image) of the inside of the subject HT.

[0036] For example, when the ultrasonic probe 20 transmits a pulsed ultrasonic beam in the depth direction, the ultrasonic image generation unit 14 successively stores the signal intensities of the ultrasonic echoes detected thereafter in a line memory. Then, as the ultrasonic beam from the ultrasonic probe 20 scans the inside of the subject HT, the ultrasonic image generation unit 14 sequentially stores the signal intensities of the ultrasonic echoes at each scanning position in the line memory to generate two-dimensional data in units of frames. Then, the ultrasonic image generation unit 14 converts the signal intensities of the two-dimensional data into brightness values ​​to generate an ultrasonic image representing the two-dimensional structure in a cross section including the ultrasonic transmission direction and the ultrasonic scanning direction.

[0037] The image synthesis unit 15 acquires ultrasonic image data from the ultrasonic image generation unit 14 and acquires optical image data from the optical image generation unit 17. Then, the image synthesis unit 15 generates a display image that displays the ultrasonic image and the optical image on the same display screen (see FIG. 6). Then, the image synthesis unit 15 sends the generated display image data to the display unit 16. Every time new ultrasonic image data is acquired from the ultrasonic image generation unit 14 and / or new optical image data is acquired from the optical image generation unit 17, the image synthesis unit 15 updates the display image in real time and displays the display image on the display unit 16 in moving image format.

[0038] Furthermore, the image synthesis unit 15 may be capable of changing the display mode of the ultrasound image and / or the optical image within the display image in accordance with instructions from the control unit 19 (or settings input to the operation input unit 11).

[0039] In addition, the image synthesis unit 15 may perform predetermined image processing on the ultrasound image output from the ultrasound image generation unit 14 and the optical image output from the optical image generation unit 17, and then generate an image for display.

[0040] The display unit 16 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a CRT display, etc. In accordance with instructions from the control unit 19, the display unit 16 obtains data of a display image from the image synthesis unit 15 and displays the display image.

[0041] The optical image generating unit 17 acquires an image signal from the optical camera 30 and generates image data relating to the optical image. For example, the optical image generating unit 17 continuously generates optical image data in frame units based on the image signals sequentially obtained from the optical camera 30, thereby generating optical image data in a moving image format.

[0042] The optical image generating unit 17 may be configured to be built into the optical camera 30.

[0043] The oscillation control unit 18 controls the drive current flowing through the laser diode of the laser pointer 40, and controls the on / off operation of the laser pointer 40. The oscillation control unit 18 operates in accordance with instructions from the control unit 19.

[0044] The transmitting unit 12, receiving unit 13, ultrasound image generating unit 14, image synthesis unit 15, optical image generating unit 17, and oscillation control unit 18 are configured with dedicated or general-purpose hardware (electronic circuits) corresponding to each process, such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and work together with the control unit 19 to realize each function.

[0045] The control unit 19 controls the operation input unit 11, the transmitting unit 12, the receiving unit 13, the ultrasound image generating unit 14, the image combining unit 15, the display unit 16, the optical image generating unit 17, and the oscillation control unit 18 according to their respective functions, thereby providing overall control of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1.

[0046] The control unit 19 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 191 as an arithmetic / control device, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 192 and RAM (Random Access Memory) 193 as main storage devices. Basic programs and basic setting data are stored in the ROM 192. The CPU 191 reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM 192, loads it into the RAM 193, and executes the loaded program, thereby centrally controlling the operations of the functional blocks of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 10 (the operation input unit 11, the transmission unit 12, the reception unit 13, the ultrasound image generation unit 14, the image synthesis unit 15, the display unit 16, the optical image generation unit 17, and the oscillation control unit 18).

[0047] [Detailed Configuration of Optical Camera 30 and Laser Pointer 40] 4 and 5 are diagrams showing the positional relationship between the puncture needle QT and the imaging area of ​​the optical camera 30, and the positional relationship between the puncture needle QT and the projected image 40L of the laser light from the laser pointer 40 during the puncture operation.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic probe 20 seen from diagonally above, FIG. 5A is a side view of the ultrasonic probe 20 (meaning a view of the short axis side of the ultrasonic probe 20; the same applies below), and FIG. 5B is a front view of the ultrasonic probe 20 (meaning a view of the long axis side of the ultrasonic probe 20; the same applies below).

[0049] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor screen displayed on the display unit 16 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 in a guidance mode activated during a puncture operation (hereinafter referred to as the "puncture operation guidance mode") In FIG. 6, an ultrasound image acquired by the ultrasound probe 20 is displayed in a left region R1 of the monitor screen, and an optical image acquired by the optical camera 30 is displayed in a right region R2 of the monitor screen.

[0050] The optical camera 30 is, for example, a general visible camera that acquires optical images using a built-in imaging element. The optical camera 30 has, for example, a zoom lens, and is capable of magnifying and imaging the subject (here, the body surface region of the subject HT).

[0051] The optical camera 30 is attached to the proximal end side of the ultrasonic probe 20, and captures an image of the position of the probe tip 20a of the ultrasonic probe 20 on the body surface of the subject HT. The optical camera 30 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 20 so that the probe tip 20a of the ultrasonic probe 20, a projection image 40L formed by projecting laser light from the laser pointer 40 onto the body surface of the subject HT, and the observation target region of the body surface of the subject HT in the ultrasonic image R1 are reflected in the optical image R2.

[0052] This allows the user to recognize from the optical image R2 the relative positional relationship between the probe tip 20a of the ultrasonic probe 20 on the body surface of the subject HT and the ultrasonic scan section (i.e., the cross-sectional surface of the ultrasonic image), as well as the target insertion position and target posture of the puncture needle QT on the body surface of the subject HT during the puncture operation (described below with reference to Figure 6).

[0053] The image signal generated by the imaging element built into the optical camera 30 is transmitted to the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 10, where it is subjected to AD conversion processing and the like in the optical image generating unit 17 of the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 10, and converted into image data of the optical image.

[0054] The laser pointer 40 is, for example, a general semiconductor laser that outputs visible laser light (for example, red laser light with a wavelength of 635 nm to 690 nm). The laser pointer 40 is attached to the proximal end side of the ultrasound probe 20, and emits laser light onto the body surface of the subject HT to form a predetermined projected image 40L, thereby guiding the target insertion position and target posture of the puncture needle QT when inserting the puncture needle QT into the subject HT within the optical image R2 acquired by the optical camera 30.

[0055] The laser pointer 40 according to this embodiment outputs laser light so that the shape of the projection image 40L of the laser light onto the body surface of the subject HT (i.e., the irradiation shape) becomes a line using a built-in diffraction grating or slit. Note that the on / off control of the operation of the laser pointer 40 is performed by the oscillation control unit 18 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 10.

[0056] The projection image 40L formed by the laser light of the laser pointer 40 guides the target insertion position and target posture of the puncture needle QT, with the probe tip 20a of the ultrasound probe 20 as the reference position, within the optical image R2 acquired by the optical camera 30. For example, the projection image 40L formed by the laser light of the laser pointer 40 presents a line shape on the body surface of the subject HT, starting from a central position 20aa (hereinafter also referred to as the "acoustic axis center") in the long-axis direction (direction 20LL shown in FIG. 3B) of the probe tip 20a of the ultrasound probe 20, and extending from the starting point in a direction perpendicular to the long-axis direction (i.e., a direction away from the probe tip 20a).

[0057] This allows the user to recognize the central position 20aa in the longitudinal direction of the probe tip 20a of the ultrasound probe 20 on the body surface of the subject HT, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. That is, this allows the user to be guided to the position of the target site (e.g., the blood vessel to be punctured) shown in the ultrasound image R1, and further the target posture and target insertion position of the puncture needle QT when inserting the puncture needle QT into the subject HT, based on the position of the probe tip 20a of the ultrasound probe 20 placed on the body surface of the subject HT. The target posture of the puncture needle QT is, for example, the appropriate orientation of the puncture needle QT in a planar view (meaning a view from above the body surface of the subject HT; the same applies below).

[0058] 4 and 5, HTa represents the target site in the subject HT, and HTb represents the target insertion position when the puncture needle QT is inserted into the subject HT. Here, the extension direction of the linear laser light projection image 40L is the target posture of the puncture needle QT when the puncture needle QT is inserted into the subject HT.

[0059] Furthermore, at this time, the target insertion position HTb of the puncture needle QT is set, for example, when the angle of the puncture needle QT in a plan view is adjusted to the target posture and the elevation angle of the puncture needle QT relative to the body surface of the subject HT is adjusted to 45°. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, when the target site HTa is located 2 cm from the body surface of the subject HT, the target insertion position HTb of the puncture needle QT is set to a position 2 cm away from the central position 20aa in the longitudinal direction of the probe tip 20a along the projection image 40L of the laser light. However, the elevation angle of the puncture needle QT relative to the body surface of the subject HT may be other than 45°. In that case, the target insertion position HTb of the puncture needle QT can be set according to the elevation angle of the puncture needle QT.

[0060] When the puncture operation is performed under ultrasound guidance, the user usually first moves the ultrasonic probe 20 on the surface of the subject HT so that the target site (i.e., the site to be punctured) HTa in the subject HT is at the center position in the scanning direction of the ultrasonic image R1 (i.e., the center position 20aa in the longitudinal direction of the probe tip 20a of the ultrasonic probe 20).

[0061] The camera 30 and the laser pointer 40 are set so that the acoustic axis center of the ultrasound probe 20, the optical axis of the camera 30, and the optical axis of the laser pointer 40 coincide with each other in a front view (see FIG. 5B). In other words, the optical axis of the optical camera 30 and the acoustic axis center of the ultrasound probe 20 are set so that, when projected onto the body surface of the subject HT, they overlap with the central axis of the projection image 40L of the laser light output from the laser pointer 40. As a result, the projection image 40L of the laser light projected onto the body surface of the subject HT points in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction, starting from the central position 20aa in the longitudinal direction of the probe tip 20a of the ultrasound probe 20. In other words, the user can recognize the target posture and the target insertion position of the puncture needle QT by viewing the projection image 40L of the laser light reflected in the optical image R2.

[0062] In the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment, the camera 30 and the laser pointer 40 are attached to the housing 21 of the ultrasound probe 20 via the detachable attachment 20T so as to have a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the ultrasound probe 20, as described above (see FIG. 3). The positional relationship of the camera 30 and the laser pointer 40 with respect to the ultrasound probe 20 is determined by the attachment 20T. However, the attachment 20T may be configured to be able to adjust the attitudes of the optical camera 30 and the laser pointer 40.

[0063] The attachment 20T is, for example, a screw-type clamping member, and is attached to the housing 21 of the ultrasonic probe 20 so as to sandwich the housing 21 from both the left and right sides. The attachment 20T is made of, for example, a material that can withstand disinfectants, such as POM (polyacetal). Furthermore, for example, a probe notch (not shown) is provided on the outer surface of the housing 21 of the ultrasonic probe 20, and a protrusion (not shown) that fits into the probe notch is provided on the inner surface of the attachment 20T so that the ultrasonic probe 20, the camera 30, and the laser pointer 40 are aligned when the attachment 20T is attached to the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0064] Next, the puncture operation by the user when inserting the puncture needle QT into the body surface of the subject HT using the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0065] The user's puncture operation is performed when the puncture operation guidance mode is activated in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, and the ultrasound image R1 acquired by the ultrasound probe 20 and the optical image R2 acquired by the optical camera 30 (i.e., the optical image R2 in which the body surface of the observation target area of ​​the subject HT is enlarged) are displayed on the same screen (i.e., within the display image) of the display unit 16.

[0066] The image synthesis unit 15 generates a display image in which an ultrasound image R1 acquired by the ultrasound probe 20 and an optical image R2 acquired by the optical camera 30 are arranged side by side, as shown in FIG. 6, for example.

[0067] 6, the image synthesis unit 15 displays, in the optical image R2 of the display image, a vertical imaginary line R2a indicating the line of the optical axis of the optical camera 30 and a horizontal imaginary line R2b indicating a line perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical camera 30. The vertical imaginary line R2a and the horizontal imaginary line R2b have the role of assisting the function of guiding the target posture and target insertion position of the puncture needle QT in the projection image 40L formed by the laser light.

[0068] Specifically, the vertical imaginary line R2a functions to allow the user to recognize the longitudinal center position 20aa of the probe tip 20a and the angular deviation during insertion of the puncture needle QT. The horizontal imaginary line R2b also functions to allow the user to recognize the distance from the probe tip 20a to the insertion position of the puncture needle QT. Figure 6 shows an example in which one horizontal imaginary line R2b is displayed at a position 2 cm from the probe tip 20a. The distance from the probe tip 20a in the optical image R2 (the 2 cm position in Figure 6) is determined in advance based on the state in which the camera 30 is held by the attachment 20T.

[0069] The display position, number, and display interval of the horizontal imaginary lines R2b may be changed as appropriate based on, for example, the posture of the ultrasound probe 20, the display scale of the ultrasound image R1 and / or the optical image R2, and user settings (see Figures 10, 12, 13, and 14 described below).

[0070] In addition, the optical image R2 may be provided with a scale to allow the viewer to recognize the correspondence between the distance in the optical image R2 and the actual distance, or the correspondence between the distance in the optical image R2 and the distance in the ultrasound image R1 (see Figures 12 and 13 described below).

[0071] 7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining the puncture operation by the user when inserting the puncture needle QT into the body surface of the subject HT using the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1. FIG.

[0072] 7 shows the steps or operations that the user performs in order during the puncture operation. The steps or operations shown in FIG. 7 are performed when the camera 30 and the laser pointer 40 are set so that the center of the acoustic axis of the ultrasound probe 20, the optical axis of the camera 30, and the optical axis of the laser pointer 40 are aligned in a front view (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). At this time, the user may check whether the setting is complete by looking at the optical image R2 displayed on the display unit 16 and checking whether the vertical imaginary line R2a, the linear laser light projection image 40L of the laser pointer 40 formed on the body surface of the subject HT, and the marker (not shown) attached to the longitudinal center position 20aa of the probe tip 20a overlap.

[0073] First, the user activates the puncture operation guidance mode in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, and then, while viewing the ultrasound image R1 displayed on the display unit 16, moves the ultrasound probe 20 so that the target area HTa to be punctured in the subject HT is at the center position in the scanning direction of the ultrasound image R1 (i.e., the center position 20aa in the longitudinal direction of the probe tip 20a) (step S1).

[0074] Next, the user looks at the optical image R2 displayed on the display unit 16 and inserts the puncture needle QT from the body surface of the subject HT along the linear laser light projection image 40L of the laser pointer 40 formed on the body surface of the subject HT (step S2).

[0075] At this time, the user looks at the ultrasound image R1 and the optical image R2 displayed on the display unit 16 to confirm the target insertion position and the target posture when inserting the puncture needle QT into the body surface of the subject HT.

[0076] For example, the target posture of the puncture needle QT when inserting the puncture needle QT into the body surface of the subject HT is a posture parallel to the projection image 40L of the linear laser light in a plan view, at a position on the projection image 40L.

[0077] In this case, the target insertion position of the puncture needle QT is a position on the linear laser light projection image 40L, assuming that the elevation angle from the body surface of the subject HT when inserting the puncture needle QT into the body surface of the subject HT is 45° (this angle is the most common puncture angle for the puncture needle QT). For example, if the depth direction distance of the target site HTa from the body surface of the subject HT is 2 cm, the target insertion position of the puncture needle QT is a position 2 cm away from the longitudinal center position 20aa of the probe tip 20a of the ultrasound probe 20 on the body surface of the subject HT.

[0078] At this time, the user may confirm the target insertion position of the puncture needle QT (2 cm from the longitudinal center position 20aa of the probe tip 20a) in the optical image R2, for example, using the position of the horizontal imaginary line R2b superimposed on the optical image R2 as a reference. Alternatively, the user may visually confirm the target insertion position by checking the ultrasound image R1 and the optical image R2 so that the distance from the probe tip 20a to the target site HTa on the ultrasound image R1 is the same as the distance from the probe tip 20a to the target insertion position on the optical image R2.

[0079] Next, the user looks at the optical image R2 displayed on the display unit 16 and advances the puncture needle QT into the inside of the subject HT so that the posture (i.e., angle) of the puncture needle QT in a planar view does not deviate from the projection image 40L of the laser light (or does not deviate from the vertical imaginary line R2a) (step S3).

[0080] Through the above operations and procedures, the puncture needle QT reaches the position of the target site HTa in the subject HT without the need for adjustment during puncture. Then, the user confirms in the ultrasound image R1 that the tip of the puncture needle QT appears at the position of the target site HTa (here, a position 2 cm deep from the body surface of the subject HT), and ends the puncture operation (step S4). Note that the tip of the puncture needle QT usually appears as a bright white dot in the ultrasound image R1.

[0081] [effect] As described above, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment: an ultrasonic probe 20 that is disposed so that a probe tip 20a is pressed against the body surface of the subject HT and that acquires an ultrasonic image of the inside of the subject HT by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; an optical camera 30 attached to the proximal end side of the ultrasonic probe 20, for photographing the position of the probe tip 20a of the ultrasonic probe 20 on the body surface of the subject HT; a laser pointer 40 attached to the base end of the ultrasound probe 20, which emits laser light onto the body surface of the subject HT to form a predetermined projection image 40L, thereby guiding the target insertion position and target posture of the puncture needle QT when inserting the puncture needle QT into the subject HT within the optical image generated by the optical camera 30; Equipped with.

[0082] Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can make it easier for the user to insert the puncture needle into the subject. In particular, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is useful in that it can assist the user in accurately inserting the puncture needle QT into the target site HTa in the subject HT without relying on intuition, even when the user inserts the puncture needle QT into the subject HT freehand.

[0083] (Variation 1) Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to Modification 1. Fig. 9 also shows a schematic example of a monitor screen displayed on display unit 16 of ultrasound diagnostic device 1 during the puncture operation.

[0084] In the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 described in the above embodiment, it would be more convenient for a user who is unfamiliar with puncture operations if, when the current posture of the puncture needle QT deviates from the target posture, the user is provided with guidance on how to correct the posture of the puncture needle QT from the current posture to the target posture.

[0085] In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this modification, the control unit 19 functions as such a posture guide unit. The control unit 19, for example, performs image recognition processing on the optical image R2 to identify the current posture of the puncture needle QT shown in the optical image R2 (i.e., the extension direction of the puncture needle QT in a planar view). The control unit 19 then compares the current posture of the puncture needle QT with the target posture, identifies the direction and amount of deviation, and identifies a posture correction method for correcting the puncture needle QT from the current posture to the target posture. Note that at this time, the control unit 19 can use the extension direction of the laser light projection image 40L or the extension direction of the vertical imaginary line R2a in the optical image R2 as the target posture of the puncture needle QT.

[0086] The control unit 19 outputs an output command relating to the posture correction method of the puncture needle QT identified in this manner to the image synthesis unit 15 and a speaker device (not shown), thereby guiding the user in the posture correction method through audio and image display.

[0087] The image recognition method used by the control unit 19 may be any method, and for example, known methods such as template matching and convolutional neural networks can be used.

[0088] In addition, Figure 9 shows a guidance mode for correcting the direction of deviation of the posture of the puncture needle QT as an example of a guidance mode for correcting the posture of the puncture needle QT, but guidance may also be provided for correcting the amount of deviation of the posture of the puncture needle QT.

[0089] The ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to this modification is useful in that it can provide image instructions and audio guidance so that the puncture needle QT moves toward the center of the acoustic axis of the ultrasonic probe 20 (i.e., the direction toward the target site HTa). This allows the user to more easily insert the puncture needle QT into the target site HTa.

[0090] (Variation 2) Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to Modification 2. The left side of Fig. 10 shows the posture of the ultrasound probe 20, and the right side of Fig. 10 shows an example of a monitor screen displayed on the display unit 16 according to the posture of the ultrasound probe 20. The lower diagram of Fig. 10 shows the case where the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 20 is 0 degrees, and the upper diagram of Fig. 10 shows the case where the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 20 is 20 degrees.

[0091] In the optical image R2, the distance from the probe tip 20a of the ultrasonic probe 20 to the target insertion position of the puncture needle QT (see TL in FIG. 10) changes depending on the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 20. Therefore, when the ultrasonic probe 20 is tilted with respect to the body surface of the subject HT, the user may misinterpret the distance from the probe tip 20a of the ultrasonic probe 20 to the target insertion position of the puncture needle QT in the optical image R2.

[0092] From this perspective, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this modification changes the display of reference information of the actual distance superimposed on the optical image R2 according to the inclination angle of the ultrasound probe 20 relative to the body surface of the subject HT.

[0093] Specifically, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this modification, for example, an acceleration sensor 20t is provided in the ultrasound probe 20 to detect the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 20 (i.e., the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 20 with respect to the body surface of the subject HT). The image synthesis unit 15 according to this modification acquires a sensor signal indicating the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 20 from the acceleration sensor 20t, and changes the display position of the horizontal imaginary line R2b, which is displayed superimposed on the optical image R2, in accordance with the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 20.

[0094] 10, the image synthesis unit 15 changes a horizontal imaginary line R2b, which is superimposed and displayed at a position 2 cm from the probe tip 20a in the optical image R2, in accordance with the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 20. Note that the correspondence between the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 20 and the display position of the horizontal imaginary line R2b is, for example, specified in advance and stored in a storage unit (for example, ROM 192), and the image synthesis unit 15 controls the display position of the horizontal imaginary line R2b based on data indicating the correspondence.

[0095] At this time, the image synthesis unit 15 may change the number of horizontal imaginary lines R2b superimposed on the optical image R2, the line spacing between the lines, or the scale superimposed on the optical image R2, depending on the inclination angle of the ultrasound probe 20 relative to the body surface of the subject HT.

[0096] As described above, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this modified example is useful in that it allows the user to accurately recognize the distance from the probe tip of the ultrasound probe 20 to the target insertion position of the puncture needle QT even when the ultrasound probe 20 is tilted.

[0097] (Variation 3) Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to Modification 3. Fig. 11 shows an example of turning on / off the laser light output operation of the laser pointer 40 in accordance with the tilt of the ultrasonic probe 20 in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to this modification.

[0098] If the laser light emitted from the laser pointer 40 is incident on the eyeball of a user or a subject, it may harm the vision of the user or the subject. From this perspective, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this modification is designed to change the output of the laser light from the laser pointer 40 according to the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 20.

[0099] Specifically, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this modification, similar to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to modification 2, for example, the ultrasound probe 20 is provided with an acceleration sensor 20t for detecting the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 20 (i.e., the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 20 relative to the body surface of the subject HT).

[0100] The control unit 19 according to this modification acquires a sensor signal from the acceleration sensor 20t and controls the output of the laser light from the laser pointer 40 in accordance with the detected tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 20. Specifically, when the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 20 with respect to the body surface of the subject HT becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value (for example, 90 degrees), the control unit 19 controls the oscillation control unit 18 to interrupt the output of the laser light from the laser pointer 40.

[0101] As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this modified example is useful in that it can prevent the laser light emitted from the laser pointer 40 from being incident on the eyeball of the user or the subject HT.

[0102] (Variation 4) Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to Modification 4. Fig. 12 also shows a schematic example of a monitor screen displayed on the display unit 16 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. The bottom diagram of Fig. 12 shows a state in which the display scale of ultrasound image R1 has been changed from the top diagram of Fig. 12.

[0103] It is preferable that the distance in the ultrasound image R1 and the distance in the optical image R2 match based on the actual distance on the monitor screen displayed on the display unit 16. This allows the user to more easily recognize the positional relationship between the position of the target region HTa on the ultrasound image R1 and the insertion position on the optical image R2.

[0104] From this perspective, in this modification, the image composition unit 15 controls the image sizes of the ultrasound image R1 and the optical image R2 so that the display scales (i.e., display magnifications) of the ultrasound image R1 and the optical image R2 match within the display image, and then displays the ultrasound image R1 and the optical image R2. That is, the image composition unit 15 matches the distance within the ultrasound image R1 and the distance within the optical image R2 within the monitor screen displayed on the display unit 16 based on the actual distance on the screen.

[0105] The image synthesis unit 15 in this modified example arranges the ultrasound image R1 and the optical image R2 side by side in the horizontal or vertical direction within the display image, and displays the ultrasound image R1 and the optical image R2 so that the horizontal or vertical widths of the ultrasound image R1 and the optical image R2 are the same.

[0106] In addition, when the display scale of the ultrasound image R1 is changed (for example, when the acquisition conditions of the ultrasound image R1 in the ultrasound probe 20 are changed) and the interval of the scale R1c of the display depth of the ultrasound image R1 is changed, the image synthesis unit 15 in this modified example also changes the interval of the scale R2c that is superimposed on the optical image R2 to correspond to the interval of the scale R1c of the display depth of the ultrasound image R1.

[0107] The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this modification is useful in that it allows the user to more easily recognize the correspondence between the position of the target site HTa shown in the ultrasound image R1 and the target insertion position of the puncture needle QT in the optical image R2.

[0108] (Variation 5) Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to Modification 5. Fig. 13 also shows a schematic example of a monitor screen displayed on the display unit 16 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. The bottom diagram of Fig. 13 shows a state in which the display size of ultrasound image R1 has been changed from the top diagram of Fig. 13.

[0109] The image synthesis unit 15 according to this modified example can change the display mode of the display image in FIG. 6 based on user input, so that the ultrasound image R1 is placed in the lower region of the display image and the optical image R2 is placed in the upper region of the display image.

[0110] Furthermore, the image synthesis unit 15 according to this modification is capable of changing the display sizes of the ultrasound image R1 and the optical image R2 based on an operational input from the user, as shown in the upper and lower diagrams of FIG.

[0111] In this way, the ultrasonic probe 20 of this modified example is useful in that it allows the user to change the display size and / or layout of the ultrasonic image R1 and / or optical image R2 within the display image, thereby allowing the user to freely change the position and size of these images to make them easier to see, making it easier to perform the puncture operation.

[0112] (Variation 6) Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to Modification 6. Note that Fig. 14A, Fig. 14B, Fig. 14C, and Fig. 14D each show a different positional relationship between the ultrasound probe 20 and the puncture needle QT, and show an example of the monitor screen displayed on the display unit 16.

[0113] Generally, a user confirms the position of a target site while moving the ultrasound probe 20 in various ways on the body surface of the subject HT. Therefore, when the user performs a puncture operation, the orientation of the ultrasound probe 20 relative to the user's standing position is not necessarily constant. Therefore, when the user performs a puncture operation, the orientation of the ultrasound probe 20 relative to the puncture needle QT when the user inserts the puncture needle QT varies in various ways.

[0114] From this perspective, the image composition unit 15 according to this modification is able to invert the orientation of the optical image R2 vertically and horizontally within the display image based on an operational input from the user.

[0115] Fig. 14A shows the display mode of optical image R2 when the puncture needle QT is located in front of the ultrasound probe 20, based on the user's viewpoint. Fig. 14B shows the display mode of optical image R2 when the puncture needle QT is located on the left side of the ultrasound probe 20, based on the user's viewpoint. Fig. 14C shows the display mode of optical image R2 when the puncture needle QT is located behind the ultrasound probe 20, based on the user's viewpoint. Fig. 14D shows the display mode of optical image R2 when the puncture needle QT is located on the right side of the ultrasound probe 20, based on the user's viewpoint.

[0116] The ultrasound probe 20 of this modified example is useful in that it is possible to change the orientation of the optical image R2 in accordance with the insertion direction of the puncture needle QT, allowing the user to intuitively recognize the insertion state of the puncture needle QT.

[0117] (Variation 7) 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to Modification 7. In FIG. 15, an example of the configuration of an attachment 20T attached to an ultrasonic probe 20 is shown.

[0118] In the above embodiment, an example of the state in which the camera 30 and the laser pointer 40 are attached to the attachment 20T is shown, assuming that a blood vessel is punctured using the crossover method (right diagram in FIG. 17) under the guidance of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. However, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the present disclosure (i.e., the attachment 20T) is capable of assisting not only when the puncture needle QT is inserted into the subject using the crossover method, but also when the puncture needle QT is inserted into the subject in various postures.

[0119] 15 shows the configuration of an attachment 20T that is useful when performing a blood vessel puncture operation using the parallel method under the guidance of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. In the attachment 20T according to this modification, the camera 30 and the laser pointer 40 are set so that the center position of the ultrasound probe 20 in the minor axis direction and the optical axes of the camera 30 and the laser pointer 40 coincide with each other in a side view.

[0120] That is, the projection image 40L formed by the laser light of the laser pointer 40 has a line shape that starts from the center position in the short-axis direction of the probe tip 20a of the ultrasonic probe 20 on the body surface of the subject HT and extends in a direction perpendicular to the short-axis direction (i.e., a direction away from the probe tip 20a) from the starting point. Even in this embodiment, it is possible to use the position of the probe tip 20a of the ultrasonic probe 20 placed on the body surface of the subject HT as a reference to guide the position of the target site (e.g., a blood vessel to be punctured) shown in the ultrasonic image R1, and further the target posture and target insertion position of the puncture needle QT when inserting the puncture needle QT into the subject HT.

[0121] (Variation 8) 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to Modification 8. In FIG. 16, an example of the configuration of an ultrasound probe 20 is shown.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the camera 30 and the laser pointer 40 are prepared separately from the housing 21 of the ultrasonic probe 20 and attached to the housing 21 of the ultrasonic probe 20 via the attachment 20T. However, the camera 30 and the laser pointer 40 may be built into the housing 21 of the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0123] FIG. 16 shows an example of a mode in which the camera 30 and the laser pointer 40 are built into the housing 21 of the ultrasound probe 20.

[0124] In the ultrasonic probe 20 according to this modification, a camera 30 and a laser pointer 40 are built into a housing 21, and the housing 21 has an optical fiber 41 for guiding the laser light emitted by the laser pointer 40, a window 42 for emitting the laser light emitted by the laser pointer 40, and an imaging window 31 for the camera 30.

[0125] The ultrasonic probe 20 according to this modification is useful in that it is possible to prevent damage to the camera 30 and the laser pointer 40.

[0126] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and alterations of the specific examples exemplified above. [Industrial Applicability]

[0127] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the present disclosure can make it easier for the user to insert a puncture needle into a living body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 10. Ultrasound diagnostic device body 11 Operation input section 12 Transmitter 13 Receiving unit 14 Ultrasound image generation unit 15 Image synthesis unit 16 Display section 17 Optical image generation unit 18 Oscillation control section 19 Control Unit 20 Ultrasound Probe Attachment for 20T ultrasound probe 30 Optical Camera 40 Laser Pointer HT Subjects HTa target site HTb target insertion position QT puncture needle

Claims

1. An ultrasound diagnostic device that supports the insertion of a puncture needle into a subject, an ultrasonic probe, the probe tip of which is placed in contact with the body surface of the subject, and which acquires an ultrasonic image of the interior of the subject by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; an optical camera attached to a base end side of the ultrasonic probe, for capturing an image of the position of the probe tip of the ultrasonic probe on the body surface of the subject; a laser pointer attached to a base end side of the ultrasound probe, emitting laser light onto a body surface of the subject to form a predetermined projected image, thereby guiding a target insertion position and a target posture of the puncture needle when inserting the puncture needle into the subject within the optical image acquired by the optical camera; Equipped with the predetermined projection image formed by the laser light has a line shape that starts from a central position in a longitudinal direction of the probe tip of the ultrasonic probe and extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

2. the predetermined projection image formed by the laser light guides the target insertion position and the target posture of the puncture needle with the probe tip of the ultrasound probe as a reference position within the optical image acquired by the optical camera; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The optical axis of the optical camera and the center of the acoustic axis of the ultrasonic probe overlap with the central axis of the predetermined projection image of the laser light output by the laser pointer when projected onto the body surface of the subject.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The optical camera is attached to the ultrasound probe so that the probe tip of the ultrasound probe, the predetermined projection image of the laser light projected onto the body surface of the subject, and an observation target region of the body surface of the subject in the ultrasound image are captured in the optical image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The optical camera and the laser pointer are attached to a housing of the ultrasound probe via detachable attachments. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. An ultrasound diagnostic device that supports the insertion of a puncture needle into a subject, an ultrasonic probe, the probe tip of which is placed in contact with the body surface of the subject, and which acquires an ultrasonic image of the interior of the subject by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; an optical camera attached to a base end side of the ultrasonic probe, for capturing an image of the position of the probe tip of the ultrasonic probe on the body surface of the subject; a laser pointer attached to a base end side of the ultrasound probe, emitting laser light onto a body surface of the subject to form a predetermined projected image, thereby guiding a target insertion position and a target posture of the puncture needle when inserting the puncture needle into the subject within the optical image acquired by the optical camera; an image synthesis unit that acquires the ultrasonic image from the ultrasonic probe and the optical image from the optical camera, and generates a display image so that the optical image and the ultrasonic image are displayed on the same monitor screen; An ultrasound diagnostic device comprising:

7. The image composition unit matches the display scale of the ultrasonic image and the optical image in the display image, and arranges the ultrasonic image and the optical image side by side in the horizontal or vertical direction. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6.

8. the image synthesis unit displays, in the optical image, a vertical imaginary line indicating a line corresponding to an optical axis of the optical camera and a horizontal imaginary line indicating a line perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical camera in a superimposed manner.

8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6 or 7.

9. the image synthesis unit changes the number of the horizontal imaginary lines and the line intervals therebetween, and / or the scale intervals added to the vertical imaginary lines, according to the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe with respect to the body surface of the subject. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8.

10. the image synthesis unit changes the scale interval displayed in the optical image in accordance with the scale interval of the display depth of the ultrasound image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. the image synthesis unit is capable of flipping the orientation of the optical image up and down and left and right within the display image based on an operation input by a user; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

12. The image synthesis unit is capable of changing the display size and / or layout of the ultrasound image and / or the optical image within the display image based on an operation input by a user. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 11.

13. An ultrasound diagnostic device that supports the insertion of a puncture needle into a subject, an ultrasonic probe, the probe tip of which is placed in contact with the body surface of the subject, and which acquires an ultrasonic image of the interior of the subject by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; an optical camera attached to a base end side of the ultrasonic probe, for capturing an image of the position of the probe tip of the ultrasonic probe on the body surface of the subject; a laser pointer attached to a base end side of the ultrasound probe, emitting laser light onto a body surface of the subject to form a predetermined projected image, thereby guiding a target insertion position and a target posture of the puncture needle when inserting the puncture needle into the subject within the optical image acquired by the optical camera; a posture guide unit that identifies a current posture of the puncture needle by analyzing the optical image and guides a user on a correction manner for moving the puncture needle from the current posture to the target posture; An ultrasound diagnostic device comprising:

14. An ultrasound diagnostic device that supports the insertion of a puncture needle into a subject, an ultrasonic probe, the probe tip of which is placed in contact with the body surface of the subject, and which acquires an ultrasonic image of the interior of the subject by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; an optical camera attached to a base end side of the ultrasonic probe, for capturing an image of the position of the probe tip of the ultrasonic probe on the body surface of the subject; a laser pointer attached to a base end side of the ultrasound probe, emitting laser light onto a body surface of the subject to form a predetermined projected image, thereby guiding a target insertion position and a target posture of the puncture needle when inserting the puncture needle into the subject within the optical image acquired by the optical camera; Equipped with the laser pointer is controlled to stop emitting the laser light when a tilt angle of the ultrasound probe with respect to the body surface of the subject becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

15. An ultrasonic probe that is applied to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. 16. An attachment for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 15, An attachment that holds the optical camera and the laser pointer and attaches the optical camera and the laser pointer to a housing of the ultrasound probe.

Images