Cross-sectional image acquisition device

Abstract

Provided is a cross-sectional image acquisition device capable of bringing an imaging unit of an ultrasonic probe into sufficiently close contact with a human body. The cross-sectional image acquisition device 10 has: a probe body 20 having an imaging unit 22, which acquires a cross-sectional image of a human body by contacting the skin surface; and a base part 40, which has an internal space 40a in which the probe body 20 is provided. The probe body 20 is characterized in that an image surface 20a having the imaging unit 22 is exposed to the internal space 40a. The base part 40 has a fixed portion 45 in at least a position facing the imaging surface 20a of the internal space 40a. The fixing portion 45 is operated so that the internal space 40a of the base part 40 decreases as at least a surface 45a approaches the imaging surface 20a.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cross-sectional image acquisition device that acquires cross-sectional images of a fixed arm using an ultrasound probe. [Background technology]

[0002] Vessel puncture involves inserting an injection needle into the human body to secure an access site for drug administration or intravascular treatment. During vascular puncture, the surgeon cannot see the blood vessels from the surface of the skin, so they must estimate the location of the blood vessels using standard knowledge of the blood vessel course and skills such as palpation of vascular pulsation. However, vascular puncture often fails, causing physical and mental distress to the patient.

[0003] In recent years, technologies that visualize the location of blood vessels, such as near-infrared imaging, ultrasound echography, and optical reverberation imaging, have been used to identify the puncture location. Ultrasound echography can obtain cross-sectional images of the human body. The surgeon holds the ultrasound probe in one hand and presses it against the patient's arm, while alternately visually checking the monitor displaying the obtained cross-sectional image and the puncture site with the other hand. This has required advanced skill on the part of the surgeon.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic echo device that is provided with a belt for fixing an ultrasonic probe to the human body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6433286 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] To obtain precise cross-sectional images using ultrasonic echoes, the imaging unit of the ultrasonic probe must be in close contact with the human body, with no gaps between them. Simply fastening the ultrasonic probe to the body with a belt or the like may not be enough to ensure that the imaging unit is in close contact with the body.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a cross-sectional image acquisition device that can reliably bring the imaging unit of an ultrasound probe into close contact with the human body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a cross-sectional image acquisition device, comprising: a probe body having an imaging unit that contacts the skin surface to acquire a cross-sectional image of a human body; a base portion having an internal space in which the probe main body is provided, The probe main body has an imaging surface having the imaging unit exposed to the internal space, the base portion has a fixing portion at least at a position facing the imaging surface in the internal space, The fixing portion operates to reduce the internal space of the base portion by approaching at least a surface thereof toward the imaging surface. death, The probe body is supported so that the imaging surface can move in the circumferential direction of the internal space relative to the base portion. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The cross-sectional image acquisition device configured as described above can press the human body inserted into the base part against the imaging surface using the fixing part, thereby ensuring that the imaging part is in close contact with the human body and enabling clear cross-sectional images to be acquired. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a cross-sectional image acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a base portion having a probe body. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the base part in a state where the fixing part is expanded. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the imaging surface of the probe body, illustrating the positional relationship with the arm that acquires cross-sectional images. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a side view of the base section in a state where the first base member and the second base member are opened relative to each other. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the base portion when the arm is inserted and the fixing portion is expanded. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a cross-sectional image acquisition device. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the process from acquiring a cross-sectional image to adjusting a fixing part. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the center of gravity of a blood vessel and an imaging position. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a base unit of a cross-sectional image acquisition device according to a first modified example. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the base portion in a state where an arm is inserted into the cross-sectional image acquisition device according to the first modified example and the fixing portion is expanded. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a side view of the cross-sectional image acquisition device according to the first modified example with its base unit opened. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a side view of a base unit of a cross-sectional image acquisition device according to a second modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an automatic lancing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional proportions in the drawings may be exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0012] The cross-sectional image acquisition device according to the embodiment of the present invention is used when puncturing a human arm, and acquires and displays a cross-sectional image of the immobilized arm.

[0013] 1 and 2, the cross-sectional image acquisition device 10 has a base unit 40 to which the arm H is fixed and a display unit 50 to display the acquired cross-sectional image. The base unit 40 is provided with a probe main body 20 having an imaging unit 22 that comes into contact with the skin surface to acquire a cross-sectional image of the human body.

[0014] The base part 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has an internal space 40a penetrating the base part 40. The probe main body 20 has an imaging surface 20a having an imaging unit 22 facing the internal space 40a. A fixing part 45 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the base part 40 at a position facing the imaging surface 20a. The fixing part 45 is formed of a bag-shaped cuff that expands when air is supplied, and can expand so that the inner circumferential surface 45a approaches the imaging surface 20a, as shown in FIG. 3 .

[0015] 4, the imaging unit 22 is provided in the center of the imaging surface 20a of the probe main body 20, extending in one direction across substantially the entire width thereof. The imaging unit 22 is an echo device that has a transducer that generates ultrasound waves and obtains cross-sectional images of the inside of the human body by detecting the reflected waves. In this embodiment, cross-sectional images perpendicular to the axial direction of the blood vessels are obtained, so the imaging unit 22 is disposed so that its lengthwise direction is perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the arm H.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 5, the base unit 40 is formed by connecting a first base member 42 and a second base member 43 with a hinge portion 44. The inner surface of the internal space 40a of the base unit 40 is divided into two parts in the circumferential direction by the first base member 42 and the second base member 43. As shown in FIG. 6, the first base member 42 and the second base member 43 can be opened and closed around the hinge portion 44. This allows the internal space 40a to be open, making it easy to insert and remove the arm H. Furthermore, because the base unit 40 can be opened, the parts of the base unit 40 that face the internal space 40a, such as the imaging surface 20a and the fixing portion 45, can be easily cleaned and sterilized.

[0017] By expanding the fixing part 45 while the arm H is inserted into the internal space 40a of the base part 40, the inner peripheral surface 45a of the fixing part 45 moves toward the imaging surface 20a, applying pressure to the arm H toward the imaging surface 20a. As a result, the arm H is pressed against the imaging surface 20a and comes into close contact with it. This eliminates any gap between the imaging part 22 and the arm H, allowing the imaging part 22 to reliably acquire a cross-sectional image of the arm H.

[0018] The extent to which the fixing unit 45 is expanded is controlled depending on the state of the cross-sectional image to be acquired. As shown in FIG. 8 , the cross-sectional image acquisition device 10 includes an imaging unit 22 that contacts the skin surface to acquire a cross-sectional image of the human body, a control unit 30 that controls the imaging unit 22 and the fixing unit 45, and the fixing unit 45 connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 is connected to the imaging unit 22 via a transmission unit 32 and a reception unit 34, and can cause the imaging unit 22 to acquire cross-sectional images and receive the acquired cross-sectional images. The control unit 30 is connected to a power supply unit 37 consisting of a rechargeable battery via a charging circuit 36. The control unit 30 is also connected to an open / close detection unit 38 that detects the open / close state of the first base member 42 and the second base member 43 of the base unit 40, and a pressure sensor 39 that detects the pressure applied to the fixing unit 45. The open / close detection unit 38 can be configured as a switch that switches on / off in response to the contact or separation between the first base member 42 and the second base member 43.

[0019] The flow for adjusting the expanded state of the fixing unit 45 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, when the open / close detector 38 detects that the first base member 42 and the second base member 43 of the base unit 40 have changed from an open state to a closed state (S1), the controller 30 expands the fixing unit 45 after a certain time has elapsed (S2) (S3). The controller 30 expands the fixing unit 45 until the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 39 reaches a certain value. This reduces the internal space 40a of the base unit 40, and the arm H is pressed against the imaging surface 20a. In this state, the controller 30 causes the imaging unit 22 to acquire a cross-sectional image (S4).

[0020] The control unit 30 performs image analysis on the cross-sectional image acquired by the imaging unit 22 to detect the clarity (S5). If the clarity of the image is lower than a certain level, i.e., if the image is unclear, the control unit 30 determines that the fixing unit 45 is not pressing the arm H against the imaging surface 20a sufficiently, and causes the fixing unit 45 to expand further (S6). This reduces the internal space 40a of the base unit 40, and the arm H is pressed more firmly against the imaging surface 20a, making it easier to obtain a clearer cross-sectional image. After the fixing unit 45 has been expanded further, the control unit 30 causes the imaging unit 22 to acquire a cross-sectional image again.

[0021] Furthermore, the control unit 30 detects the cross-sectional shape of blood vessels from the image by performing image analysis on the cross-sectional image acquired by the imaging unit 22. The control unit 30 detects an area in the image that is recognized as a blood vessel, and regards the shape of that area as the shape of the blood vessel. To detect an area in the image that is recognized as a blood vessel, a large number of similar images can be prepared and machine learning or deep learning techniques can be used. Alternatively, the imaging unit 22 can detect an area with blood flow using the Doppler method and recognize that area as a blood vessel area.

[0022] When detecting blood vessel regions from cross-sectional images, it is necessary to distinguish between arteries and veins. Arteries and veins can be distinguished based on the position of the arm bone H that appears in the cross-sectional image. In addition, when blood flow regions are detected using the Doppler method, arteries and veins can also be distinguished based on the direction of blood flow.

[0023] The control unit 30 determines whether the cross-sectional shape of the blood vessel is normal and close to circular (S7). In this embodiment, a vein is punctured, so the control unit 30 determines the cross-sectional shape of the blood vessel recognized as a vein. To detect whether the blood vessel is collapsed from the acquired cross-sectional image, the control unit 30 detects whether there is a difference between the previously acquired and recorded cross-sectional image and the next acquired cross-sectional image. The control unit 30 can determine whether the collapse has been resolved based on a predetermined threshold or machine learning. Furthermore, the control unit 30 may compare the newly acquired cross-sectional image with the initially acquired cross-sectional image to determine whether the collapse has been resolved using a threshold or machine learning. If the cross-sectional shape of the blood vessel is not circular but has a collapsed shape, the control unit 30 determines that the fixing unit 45 is pressing the arm H too hard, and contracts the fixing unit 45 (S8). This weakens the force of the fixing unit 45 pressing the arm H, thereby resolving the collapsed state of the blood vessel. After contracting the fixing unit 45, the control unit 30 causes the imaging unit 22 to acquire a cross-sectional image again.

[0024] The control unit 30 may determine whether the position of the blood vessel has moved from the cross-sectional image acquired by the imaging unit 22 due to movement of the imaging unit 22 and the fixing unit 45. To detect blood vessel movement from the acquired cross-sectional image, the control unit 30 detects whether there is a difference between the previously acquired and recorded cross-sectional image and the next acquired cross-sectional image. The control unit 30 may determine the movement based on a predetermined threshold or machine learning. Furthermore, the control unit 30 may confirm whether the blood vessel movement has been resolved by comparing the newly acquired cross-sectional image with the initially acquired cross-sectional image using a threshold or machine learning. Here, if blood vessel movement is detected, the control unit 30 operates the fixing unit 45 to expand or contract a portion of the circumferential direction of the fixing unit 45 to increase the internal space 40a of the base unit 40 in the direction of blood vessel movement or in the direction opposite to the direction of blood vessel movement. In this case, as part of the fixing portion 45 expands in the circumferential direction, part of the fixing portion 45 on the opposite side in the circumferential direction may be contracted, or as part of the fixing portion 45 contracts in the circumferential direction, part of the fixing portion 45 on the opposite side in the circumferential direction may be expanded.

[0025] The location of a blood vessel can be identified by detecting the center of gravity of the blood vessel from the cross-sectional image. The control unit 30 detects the location of the blood vessel in the image by performing image analysis on the acquired cross-sectional image. The control unit 30 detects an area recognized as a blood vessel in the image and determines the center of gravity 100 shown in Figure 10 as the location of the blood vessel. To detect an area recognized as a blood vessel in the image, a large number of similar images can be prepared and machine learning or deep learning techniques can be used. Alternatively, the imaging unit 22 can detect an area with blood flow using the Doppler method and recognize that area as a blood vessel area. When detecting a blood vessel area from a cross-sectional image, it is necessary to distinguish between arteries and veins. Arteries and veins can be distinguished based on the position of the arm bone H that appears in the cross-sectional image. Furthermore, if an area with blood flow is detected using the Doppler method, arteries and veins can also be distinguished based on the direction of blood flow. Furthermore, the location of the blood vessel is not limited to the center of gravity, but may also be based on the inner surface position J of the blood vessel or the position K within the blood vessel membrane located between the blood vessel to be punctured and the imaging unit 22.

[0026] In this way, by adjusting the force with which fixing unit 45 presses arm H against imaging surface 20a using control unit 30, it is possible to acquire a good cross-sectional image and perform reliable puncture assistance. Note that the flow of adjusting fixing unit 45 by control unit 30 is not necessarily required, and fixing unit 45 may be adjusted manually, for example.

[0027] Next, a cross-sectional image acquisition device according to a first modified example will be described. As shown in FIG. 11 , a probe main body 62 is provided on a base 60 of the cross-sectional image acquisition device according to this modified example. The probe main body 62 is arranged so that an imaging surface 62a having an imaging unit 63 faces the internal space 60a. The probe main body 62 is arranged near one end in the penetration direction of the internal space 60a. The base 60 has a fixing portion 64 at a position facing the imaging surface 62a. The base 60 also has an all-around fixing portion 65 that extends around the entire inner periphery at the other end opposite to the one end of the internal space 60a where the probe main body 62 is arranged. The fixing portion 64 and the all-around fixing portion 65 can each extend toward the inner periphery.

[0028] 12, by expanding the fixing portion 64 and the circumferential fixing portion 65 while the arm H is inserted through the base portion 60, the inner circumferential surface 64a of the fixing portion 64 and the inner circumferential surface 65a of the circumferential fixing portion 65 each come into close contact with the arm H. As a result, the arm H is fixed so as not to move and is pressed against the imaging surface 62a, allowing the imaging unit 63 to reliably acquire a cross-sectional image of the arm H. The circumferential fixing portion 65, which comes into close contact with the entire circumference of the arm H, is positioned closer to the shoulder of the arm H than the imaging surface 62a. The arm H is punctured at a position closer to the wrist than the imaging surface 62a, preventing the circumferential fixing portion 65 from interfering with the puncture.

[0029] 13, the base unit 60 has a first base member 66 and a second base member 67 connected via a hinge 68. The circumferential fixing portion 65 is formed so that it can be separated at one location in the circumferential direction. This allows the first base member 66 and the second base member 67 to be opened even with the circumferential fixing portion 65 in place.

[0030] Next, a cross-sectional image acquisition device of a second modification will be described. As shown in FIG. 14 , a base 70 of the cross-sectional image acquisition device of this example has a groove 75 formed therein along the circumferential direction. A probe main body 72 has a support 76 that engages with the groove 75 and is supported on the base 70 by the support 76. The imaging surface 72a of the probe main body 72 is exposed to the internal space 70a of the base 70. The support 76 can move circumferentially along the groove 75. Accordingly, as indicated by the dashed-dotted line in the figure, the imaging surface 72a of the probe main body 72 moves circumferentially relative to the internal space 70a. This allows the imaging surface 72a to move circumferentially relative to the arm after the arm is inserted through the base 70. Because the probe main body 72 can move in this manner, if blood vessels are not depicted when a cross-sectional image of the arm is displayed on the display 50, the probe main body 72 can be moved circumferentially to search for blood vessels.

[0031] In this example, the probe body 72 is supported so as to be movable in the circumferential direction relative to the base part 70, but it may also be supported so as to move along the longitudinal direction of the base part 70. The probe body 72 may also be supported by a free joint relative to the base part 70. In this case, the angle and position of the probe body 72 can be changed along multiple axial directions relative to the base part 70.

[0032] The cross-sectional image acquisition device can also be applied to an automatic puncture device. As shown in Fig. 15, an automatic puncture device 80 has a robot arm 81 that can move a tip 82 to which a needle 83 is attached in three dimensions, and the cross-sectional image acquisition device 10. The robot arm 81 can insert the needle 83 from any position and at any angle under control based on a sensor (not shown).

[0033] After the arm H is inserted through the base unit 40 and fixed by the fixing unit 45, a cross-sectional image is acquired by the probe main body 20, and the control unit 30 detects the blood vessel position, blood vessel orientation, and puncture depth from the cross-sectional image. Based on these, the position and angle at which the needle 83 should be inserted are determined. The robot arm 81 inserts the needle 83 into the arm H at the determined puncture position and angle. In the automatic puncture device, the arm H can also be fixed by the fixing unit 45 and pressed against the imaging unit 22, so that the cross-sectional image for detecting the blood vessel position can be reliably acquired.

[0034] As described above, the cross-sectional image acquisition device 10 according to this embodiment includes a probe main body 20 having an imaging unit 22 that contacts the skin surface to acquire a cross-sectional image of the human body, and a cylindrical base unit 40 having an internal space 40a on which the probe main body 20 is provided, wherein the imaging surface 20a having the imaging unit 22 is exposed in the internal space 40a of the probe main body 20, and the base unit 40 has a fixing unit 45 at a position facing the imaging surface 20a of at least the internal space 40a, and the fixing unit 45 operates to reduce the internal space 40a of the base unit 40 by moving at least the surface 45a toward the imaging surface 20a. The cross-sectional image acquisition device 10 configured in this manner can press the human body inserted into the base unit 40 against the imaging surface 20a by the fixing unit 45, thereby ensuring close contact of the imaging unit 22 with the human body and acquiring clear cross-sectional images.

[0035] Furthermore, the fixing portion 45 may operate so that its volume expands toward the inside of the base portion 40. This makes it possible to easily adjust the pressure applied from the fixing portion 45 to the human body.

[0036] Furthermore, the base 60 may have a full-circumferential fixing portion 65 that extends around the entire periphery of the inner surface in a part of the internal space 60a. This allows the human body to be fixed to the base 60 more reliably.

[0037] Furthermore, the inner surface of the base unit 40 that forms the internal space 40a is divided in the circumferential direction by the first base member 42 and the second base member 43, and the internal space 40a may be made open by opening the first base member 42 and the second base member 43 from each other. This allows the human body to easily enter and exit the internal space 40a of the base unit 40.

[0038] Furthermore, the probe main body 72 may be supported so that the imaging surface 72a can move in the circumferential direction of the internal space 70a relative to the base 70. This allows the imaging surface 72a to move in the circumferential direction while the human body is inserted through the base 70, thereby enabling blood vessels to be explored.

[0039] The system may also include a control unit 30 that controls the imaging unit 22 and the fixing unit 45. The control unit 30 detects the clarity of the cross-sectional image acquired by the imaging unit 22, and if the detected clarity is lower than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 30 may operate the fixing unit 45 to reduce the internal space of the base unit 40. This adjusts the pressing force of the fixing unit 45 against the human body when it is small, thereby enabling a clearer cross-sectional image to be acquired. Alternatively, the clarity may be determined by machine learning without a predetermined threshold.

[0040] The device also has a control unit 30 that controls the imaging unit 22 and the fixing unit 45, and when the control unit 30 detects that a blood vessel is crushed from a cross-sectional image acquired by the imaging unit 22, it may operate the fixing unit 45 to enlarge the internal space 40a of the base unit 40. This allows the pressing force applied to the human body by the fixing unit 45 to be adjusted when it is too strong, improving the state of blood flow and enabling puncture to be performed.

[0041] The device also includes a control unit 30 that controls the imaging unit 22 and the fixing unit 45. When the control unit 30 detects that the position of the blood vessel has moved from the cross-sectional image acquired by the imaging unit 22, the control unit 30 may operate the fixing unit 45 to enlarge the internal space 40a of the base unit 40 in the direction of movement of the blood vessel or in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the blood vessel. This makes it possible to prevent the position of the blood vessel from changing, fix the position of the blood vessel, and perform puncture reliably.

[0042] The apparatus also includes a control unit 30 that controls the imaging unit 22 and the fixing unit 45, and an opening / closing detection unit 38 that detects the opening / closing state of the first base member 42 and the second base member 43, and the control unit 30 may operate the fixing unit 45 to reduce the internal space 40a of the base unit 40 after a certain time has passed when the opening / closing detection unit 38 detects that the first base member 42 and the second base member 43 have changed from an open state to a closed state. This allows cross-sectional images to be acquired automatically once the human body is placed on the base unit 40, reducing the workload of the surgeon.

[0043] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the technical spirit of the present invention. For example, although the cross-sectional image acquired in this embodiment is displayed on display unit 50 consisting of a monitor, control unit 30 may detect the blood vessel position, calculate the puncture position, and provide a display unit in probe main body 20 that displays the puncture position.

[0044] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the fixing portion 45 is formed of an expandable cuff, but it may be formed of anything that can reduce the internal space 40a and press the arm H against the imaging surface 20a, for example, a rubber band.

[0045] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-5616 filed on January 18, 2021, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10. Cross-sectional image acquisition device 20 Probe body 20a imaging surface 22 Imaging unit 30 Control Unit 32 Transmitter 34 Receiving unit 36 Charging circuit 37 Power supply section 38 Open / close detector 39 Pressure Sensor 40 Base 40a Interior space 42 First base member 43 Second base member 44 Hinge part 45 Fixed part 45a Inner surface 50 Display

Claims

1. a probe body having an imaging unit that comes into contact with the skin surface to acquire a cross-sectional image of the human body; a base portion having an internal space in which the probe main body is provided, The probe main body has an imaging surface having the imaging unit exposed to the internal space, the base portion has a fixing portion at least at a position facing the imaging surface in the internal space, the fixing portion operates to reduce an internal space of the base portion by bringing at least a surface thereof closer to the imaging surface; The probe body is supported on the base portion so that the imaging surface can move in the circumferential direction of the internal space.

2. A probe body having an imaging unit that contacts the skin surface to acquire a cross-sectional image of the human body; a base portion having an internal space in which the probe main body is provided, The probe main body has an imaging surface having the imaging unit exposed to the internal space, the base portion has a fixing portion at least at a position facing the imaging surface in the internal space, the fixing portion operates to reduce an internal space of the base portion by bringing at least a surface thereof closer to the imaging surface; a control unit that controls the imaging unit and the fixed unit, The control unit detects the clarity of the cross-sectional image acquired by the imaging unit, and if the detected clarity is low, operates the fixing unit to make the internal space of the base unit smaller.

3. A probe body having an imaging unit that contacts the skin surface to acquire a cross-sectional image of the human body; a base portion having an internal space in which the probe main body is provided, The probe main body has an imaging surface having the imaging unit exposed to the internal space, the base portion has a fixing portion at least at a position facing the imaging surface in the internal space, the fixing portion operates to reduce an internal space of the base portion by bringing at least a surface thereof closer to the imaging surface; a control unit that controls the imaging unit and the fixed unit, The control unit is a cross-sectional image acquisition device that, when it detects that a blood vessel is crushed from the cross-sectional image acquired by the imaging unit, operates the fixing unit to increase the internal space of the base unit.

4. A probe body having an imaging unit that contacts the skin surface to acquire a cross-sectional image of the human body; a base portion having an internal space in which the probe main body is provided, The probe main body has an imaging surface having the imaging unit exposed to the internal space, the base portion has a fixing portion at least at a position facing the imaging surface in the internal space, the fixing portion operates to reduce an internal space of the base portion by bringing at least a surface thereof closer to the imaging surface; a control unit that controls the imaging unit and the fixed unit, When the control unit detects that the position of the blood vessel has moved from the cross-sectional image acquired by the imaging unit, the control unit operates the fixing unit to enlarge the internal space of the base unit in the direction of movement of the blood vessel or in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the blood vessel.

5. A probe body having an imaging unit that contacts the skin surface to acquire a cross-sectional image of the human body; a base portion having an internal space in which the probe main body is provided, The probe main body has an imaging surface having the imaging unit exposed to the internal space, the base portion has a fixing portion at least at a position facing the imaging surface in the internal space, the fixing portion operates to reduce an internal space of the base portion by bringing at least a surface thereof closer to the imaging surface; an inner surface of the base portion that forms the internal space is divided in a circumferential direction by a first base member and a second base member, and the internal space is made open by opening the first base member and the second base member relative to each other; a control unit that controls the imaging unit and the fixing unit, and an open / close detection unit that detects an open / close state of the first base member and the second base member, The cross-sectional image acquisition device of claim 4, wherein when the opening / closing detection unit detects that the first base member and the second base member have changed from an open state to a closed state, the control unit operates the fixing unit to reduce the internal space of the base member after a certain period of time.

6. 6. The cross-sectional image acquisition device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion operates to expand in volume toward the inside of the base portion.

7. 7. The cross-sectional image acquisition device according to claim 1, wherein the base portion has a full-circumferential fixing portion that extends around the entire periphery of the inner surface in a part of the internal space.

Images