Ultrasound probe, ultrasound probe set, and ultrasound diagnostic device

Abstract

To retain an acoustic coupling agent on an acoustic radiation surface.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic probe of the present invention is an ultrasonic probe in which a head including a vibrator for transmitting / receiving an ultrasonic wave to / from a subject, and a handle fixed to the head are disposed in a center axis direction. The head includes a first flange part abutting on the subject, which has a first radius in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the center axis direction, a second flange part having a second radius roughly the same as the first radius or longer than the first radius in the orthogonal direction, and a trunk part fixed between the first flange part and the second flange part, which has a third radius shorter than the first radius in the orthogonal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to an ultrasound probe, an elastic member, an ultrasound probe set, and an ultrasound diagnostic device. [Background technology]

[0002] In ultrasound examinations, a method is used in which a gel-like acoustic coupling agent is applied to the acoustic emission surface of an ultrasound probe, where the transducer (also called "element") is located, and then the probe is covered with a polyurethane or natural rubber sheath (also called "cover"). The sheath protects the patient, operator, and probe by preventing direct contact of the probe with the patient's body fluids. Furthermore, this method involves suctioning the air inside the sheath, interposing an acoustic coupling agent between the acoustic emission surface and the sheath, while also fitting the sheath to the shape of the probe.

[0003] However, when air is suctioned from inside the sheath, the acoustic coupling agent does not remain on the acoustic emitting surface, but may flow from the acoustic emitting surface toward the probe handle. As a result, not enough acoustic coupling agent remains on the acoustic emitting surface, making ultrasound examination impossible. Furthermore, because the acoustic coupling agent is stretched toward the handle, cleaning the probe becomes more difficult. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-54953 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to retain the acoustic coupling agent on the acoustic radiation surface. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of the configurations shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment includes a head including a transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject, and a handle fixed to the head, which are arranged along a central axis. The head is in contact with the subject and includes: a first flange portion that has a first radius in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the central axis direction; a second flange portion that has a second radius in the orthogonal direction that is substantially the same as or longer than the first radius; and a body portion that is fixed between the first flange portion and the second flange portion and has a third radius in the orthogonal direction that is shorter than the first radius. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound probe according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the design of an ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of use of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of use of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic probe and a rubber band according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the design of a rubber band according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of use of an ultrasonic probe and a rubber band according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of use of an ultrasonic probe and a rubber band according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an ultrasonic probe, an elastic member, an ultrasonic probe set, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform similar operations, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic probe 1 according to a first embodiment. Here, a plan view is placed directly above the front view of the ultrasonic probe 1, and a side view is placed directly to the side of the same. The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a head 11 including a transducer 115 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a subject, a handle 12 fixed to the head 11, and a cable 13 fixed to the handle 12. The head 11, handle 12, and cable 13 are arranged in the direction of the central axis of the ultrasonic probe 1. The central axis corresponds to the longitudinal direction or long axis direction of the ultrasonic probe 1. The ultrasonic probe 1 may be formed by combining the detachable head 11, handle 12, and cable 13, or may be formed by integrally molding the head 11, handle 12, and cable 13. The housing of the ultrasonic probe 1 is made of, for example, plastic or resin. The ultrasonic probe 1 may be of any type, such as a linear type, a convex type, or a sector type, as long as it is used in contact with the surface of the subject. For convenience of explanation, the transducer 115 below the acoustic lens is shown by a dashed line.

[0010] The head 11 is in contact with the subject and includes a first flange 111 having a first radius in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the ultrasonic probe 1; a second flange 112 having a second radius in the direction perpendicular to the first radius, the second radius being approximately the same as or longer than the first radius; and a body 113 fixed between the first flange 111 and the second flange 112 and having a third radius in the direction perpendicular to the first radius. The cross-sectional shape of the head 11 resembles that of a bobbin. In actual applications, the first flange 111 of the head 11 is in contact with the surface of the subject to be examined by ultrasonic testing, and ultrasonic waves are transmitted from a transducer 115 on the first flange 111 to the interior of the subject. Hereinafter, the surface of the first flange 111 on which the transducer 115 is disposed will also be referred to as the "acoustic emitting surface." An elastic member such as a rubber band or a spring is attached to the body 113 of the head 11.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the design of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment. Here, a description of the design will be given with respect to the front view of the ultrasonic probe 1 in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the first flange 111, the second flange 112, and the body 113 have approximately the same thickness in the central axis direction of the ultrasonic probe 1. The first flange 111, the second flange 112, and the body 113 are all disk-shaped or rectangular structures, and the center of each structure is located on the central axis of the ultrasonic probe 1. The edges of the first flange 111 and the second flange 112 are curved outward from the ultrasonic probe 1 with a predetermined radius of curvature, while the edge of the body 113 is curved inward from the ultrasonic probe 1 with a radius of curvature that is the same as or different from the aforementioned radius of curvature. By rounding the edges of the first flange 111 and the second flange 112, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the sheath will get caught on the edges and be torn when the operator covers the ultrasonic probe 1 with the sheath from the sound emitting surface side of the first flange 111. Of course, the edges of the first flange 111, the second flange 112 and the body 113 are not limited to being rounded, but may be angular.

[0012] The radius of the first flange portion 111 (first radius; r1) refers to the distance from the point where the central axis of the ultrasonic probe 1 intersects the first flange portion 111 to the point on the first flange portion 111 that is farthest in the direction orthogonal to the central axis. Similarly, the radius of the second flange portion 112 (second radius; r2) refers to the distance from the point where the central axis of the ultrasonic probe 1 intersects the second flange portion 112 to the point on the second flange portion 112 that is farthest in the direction orthogonal to the central axis. The relationship between the radius of the first flange portion 111 and the radius of the second flange portion 112 is formulated as "r1 ≦ r2". On the other hand, the radius of the body portion 113 (third radius; r3) refers to the distance from the point where the central axis of the ultrasonic probe 1 intersects the body portion 113 to the point on the body portion 113 that is farthest in the direction orthogonal to the central axis assuming that the edge of the body portion 113 is not curved. The relationship between the radius of the first flange portion 111 and the radius of the body portion 113 is formulated as "r1 > r3". In summary, the relationship of the radii of each part is formulated as "r3 < r1 ≦ r2". In the present embodiment, the radius of each part is defined on a virtual plane that bisects the thickness of each part.

[0013] When viewing the ultrasonic probe 1 having such a design from the acoustic radiation surface side, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 1, since the body portion 113 is located behind the first flange portion 111, the body portion 113 is not visible. On the other hand, a part of the second flange portion 112 having a radius equal to or longer than the radius of the first flange portion 111 is visible. Also, a plurality of vibrators 115 that constitute the acoustic radiation surface of the first flange portion 111 are visible at the center of the first flange portion 111. The plurality of vibrators 115 are two-dimensionally arranged in a direction orthogonal to the central axis direction of the ultrasonic probe 1. Note that the vibrators 115 may be arranged one-dimensionally.

[0014] Furthermore, at least one passing groove 114 (third groove) having a depth corresponding to the difference between the radius of the first flange 111 (first radius) and the radius of the body 113 (third radius) is formed in the first flange 111 of the head 11 in the central axis direction of the ultrasonic probe 1. When expressed mathematically in the same manner as the aforementioned relational expression, the depth of the passing groove 114 is given as "r1-r3." That is, the length from the central axis of the ultrasonic probe 1 to the bottom of the passing groove 114 is approximately the same as the radius of the body 113. The passing groove 114 allows a jelly-like acoustic coupling agent (hereinafter simply referred to as "jelly") applied to the acoustic radiation surface of the first flange 111 to pass through in the central axis direction. Specifically, the passing groove 114 allows the acoustic coupling agent, which is stretched and accumulated around the body 113 when the suction means sucks air on the head 11 side, to pass from the body 113 side to the acoustic radiation surface side. In this embodiment, one passage groove 114 is formed in the center of each side of the first flange portion 111. A plurality of passage grooves 114 may be formed at positions point-symmetric with respect to the central axis of the ultrasound probe 1.

[0015] The handle 12 is formed with an installation groove 121 (first groove) in which a suction means for suctioning air near the head 11 is installed, and a mounting groove 122 (second groove) that intersects with the installation groove 121. The suction means is, for example, a nozzle connected to a pump that suctions air. In this embodiment, the installation groove 121 is formed in the direction of the central axis of the ultrasonic probe 1, and the mounting groove 122 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the central axis. The installation groove 121 and the mounting groove 122 form a cross-shaped groove. An elastic member such as a rubber or spring is attached to the mounting groove 122. In actual application, a nozzle is installed in the installation groove 121, and a rubber band is attached to the mounting groove 122 from above the nozzle. An operator using the ultrasonic probe 1 performs an ultrasound examination by holding the handle 12 and bringing the head 11 into contact with the surface of a subject. The handle 12 is fixed between the head 11 and the cable 13.

[0016] In this embodiment, the installation groove 121 is formed in one location on one surface of the handle 12. Specifically, the installation groove 121 extends from the cable 13 side across the mounting groove 122 and reaches a position slightly toward the head 11 from the center of the handle 12. The nozzle is installed in the installation groove 121 with its suction port facing toward the head 11. Since one end of the installation groove 121 is located closer to the head 11 than the mounting groove 122, the nozzle can be fixed in place in the installation groove 121 with a rubber band that fastens it to the mounting groove 122 without blocking the suction port of the nozzle installed in the installation groove 121. The shape of the installation groove 121 only needs to match the shape of the nozzle.

[0017] In this embodiment, the mounting groove 122 is formed at one location on one surface of the handle 12. Specifically, the mounting groove 122 extends from one end of one surface of the handle 12, across the installation groove 121, and to the other end of the same surface. Of course, the mounting groove 122 may be formed on at least a portion of the handle 12 along the circumferential direction of the handle 12 (i.e., the direction around the central axis of the ultrasound probe 1).

[0018] The cable 13 transmits electrical signals between the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. One end of the cable 13 is fixed to the handle 12 of the ultrasonic probe 1, while the other end of the cable 13 is fixed to the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0019] 3 and 4 are diagrams showing an example of use of the ultrasound probe 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 shows each step (S101-S107) performed by an operator of the ultrasound probe 1, and Fig. 4 shows the appearance of the ultrasound probe 1 during or after the execution of some of the steps. The operator may be, for example, a doctor, nurse, licensed practical nurse, clinical laboratory technician, or diagnostic radiologist.

[0020] In step S101, the operator applies jelly 210 to the acoustic radiation surface of the ultrasonic probe 1. Specifically, the operator applies the jelly 210 for acoustic coupling to the acoustic radiation surface of the first flange 111. The jelly 210 has a certain viscosity. At this time, it is desirable to apply a sufficient amount of jelly 210 so as to fully cover the acoustic radiation surface.

[0021] In step S102, the operator covers the ultrasonic probe 1 with the sheath 200 from the sound emitting surface side. The appearance of the ultrasonic probe 1 after step S102 is performed is shown in FIG. 4A. As shown in the figure, the sheath 200 covers the head 11, the handle 12, and part of the cable 13. At this time, air is present in the internal space covered by the sheath 200. In particular, air present between the sheath 200 and the sound emitting surface hinders the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the transducer 115 of the first flange 111. Therefore, it is necessary to suction and remove the air present on the sound emitting surface side inside the sheath 200.

[0022] In step S103, the operator installs the nozzle 220 in the installation groove 121 inside the sheath 200. For example, the operator installs the nozzle 220 by pushing the nozzle 220 into the installation groove 121. In this case, the installation groove 121 only needs to have a cross-sectional shape that narrows to a certain extent toward the outside of the ultrasonic probe 1. This allows the nozzle 220 pushed into the installation groove 121 to be fixed inside the installation groove 121.

[0023] In step S104, the operator attaches the fastening member 230 to the attachment groove 122 from outside the sheath 200. The fastening member 230 is, for example, an elastic member (e.g., a rubber band or a spring). Specifically, the operator attaches the fastening member 230 to the attachment groove 122 in a tensed state. As a result, the sheath 200 is constricted around the attachment groove 122 toward the inside of the ultrasonic probe 1 by the biasing force of the fastening member 230. At the same time, the nozzle 220 is also compressed toward the inside of the ultrasonic probe 1 via the sheath 200 by the biasing force of the fastening member 230, and is fixed.

[0024] In step S105, the operator aspirates the air inside the sheath 200 using the nozzle 220. The appearance of the ultrasonic probe 1 after step S105 is performed is shown in FIG. 4B. As shown in the figure, as the air inside the sheath 200 is aspirated, the space inside the sheath 200 is narrowed by atmospheric pressure from outside the sheath 200. The nozzle 220 aspirates the air on the head 11 side toward the handle 12 side, causing the jelly 210 to stretch in that direction. In the ultrasonic probe 1 according to this embodiment, the stretched jelly 210 leaking from the acoustic radiation surface of the first flange 111 is received by the second flange 112. The received jelly 210 is retained in the space between the first flange 111 and the second flange 112 (i.e., the space around the body 113). Furthermore, since the sheath 200 adheres tightly to the edge of the second flange 112 during air suction, the leaked jelly 210 does not flow down the sheath 200 toward the handle 12 rather than the second flange 112. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe 1 can save the operator or the like the trouble of cleaning the handle 12.

[0025] In step S106, the operator attaches the fastening member 230 to the body 113 from outside the sheath 200. The procedure for the operator to attach the fastening member 230 is the same as that in step S104. As a result, the sheath 200 is constricted around the body 113 toward the inside of the ultrasonic probe 1 by the biasing force of the fastening member 230. The appearance of the ultrasonic probe 1 during execution of step S106 is shown in FIG. 4C. As shown in the figure, the jelly 210 that had remained around the body 113 is pushed back toward the sound emitting surface by the sheath 200 bound by the fastening member 230 through the passage groove 114. In other words, the passage groove 114 serves as a flow path for the jelly 210 to flow toward the sound emitting surface. In this way, the ultrasonic probe 1 can retain the jelly 210 on the sound emitting surface.

[0026] In step S107, the operator removes the nozzle 220 and the fastening member 230 of the mounting groove 122. Specifically, the operator removes the fastening member 230 of the mounting groove 122 that fastens the sheath 200, and then removes the nozzle 220 that was fastened by the fastening member 230. The appearance of the ultrasonic probe 1 after step S107 is performed is shown in FIG. 4D. As shown in the figure, the nozzle 220 and the fastening member 230 of the mounting groove 122 have been removed, but the fastening member 230 of the body 113 has not been removed. In this state, the operator brings the ultrasonic probe 1 into contact with the surface of the subject and performs an ultrasonic examination. At this time, pressure is applied from outside the sheath 200 to the jelly 210 that remains on the acoustic emission surface side of the ultrasonic probe 1, and the jelly 210 tries to be pushed back toward the handle 12. However, the fastening member 230 attached to the body 113 prevents the jelly 210 from flowing out toward the handle 12 beyond the position of the fastening member 230, thereby keeping the jelly 210 on the sound emitting surface side.

[0027] The ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment and its method of use have been described above. The ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment can prevent the acoustic coupling agent from being stretched from the acoustic emitting surface side of the ultrasonic probe 1 toward the handle side during air suction inside the sheath or ultrasonic examination, resulting in a shortage of acoustic coupling agent on the acoustic emitting surface. This allows the operator to efficiently perform ultrasonic examinations using the ultrasonic probe 1 while the sheath is covered. Furthermore, because the acoustic coupling agent is not stretched toward the handle side, the ultrasonic probe 1 can eliminate the hassle of cleaning the ultrasonic probe 1 after ultrasonic examination.

[0028] (Second embodiment) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic probe 1 and a jelly returning member 300 according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the second embodiment is generally similar to that of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment. The difference is that the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the second embodiment does not have a passage groove 114. In the second embodiment, a jelly returning member 300, which is a type of elastic member, is attached to the body 113 of the ultrasonic probe 1. Here, the front views of the ultrasonic probe 1 and the jelly returning member 300 are used as references, and the respective plan views are placed directly above the respective front views. Each figure is shown at the same scale.

[0029] The jelly returning member 300 is a disk-shaped or rectangular fastening member. The size of the jelly returning member 300 is approximately the same as the size of the second flange 112. An opening 310 is formed in the center of the jelly returning member 300, having a radius (fourth radius) that is approximately the same as or shorter than the radius of the body 113 of the ultrasonic probe 1 (third radius). When the jelly returning member 300 is stretched outward by the operator, an inward biasing force is generated. At this time, the radius of the opening 310 of the jelly returning member 300 is stretched to at least the radius of the body 113. This allows the jelly returning member 300 to fasten the body 113. The opening 310 may be disk-shaped or rectangular. The opening 310 is surrounded by an edge 320 that has an L-shaped cross section.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the design of the jelly return member 300 according to the second embodiment. Here, an explanation regarding the design is given with respect to the front view of the jelly return member 300 in FIG. 5. In the present embodiment, the thickness of the jelly return member 300 in the central axis direction is substantially the same as the thickness of the body portion 113 of the ultrasonic probe 1. The jelly return member 300 only needs to have a certain thickness so that the operator can easily grip it. The central axis direction of the jelly return member 300 corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the main surface of the jelly return member 300 extends. The radius of the opening 310 (the fourth radius; r4) refers to the distance from the center point of the opening 310 on the central axis of the jelly return member 300 to the point of the opening 310 that is farthest in the direction perpendicular to the central axis. The relationship between the radius of the body portion 113 and the radius of the opening 310 is formulated as "r3 ≧ r4". In summary, the relationship between the radii of each part of the ultrasonic probe 1 and the radius of the opening 310 of the jelly return member 300 is formulated as "r4 ≦ r3 < r1 ≦ r2".

[0031] FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing usage examples of the ultrasonic probe 1 and the jelly return member 300 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 7, each step (S201 - S209) executed by the operator of the ultrasonic probe 1 is shown, and in FIG. 8, the appearance of the ultrasonic probe 1 during or after the execution of some of the steps is shown. In particular, the jelly return member 300 is involved in steps S201 and S207.

[0032] In step S201, the operator passes the jelly return member 300 through the ultrasonic probe 1. Specifically, the operator passes the jelly return member 300 through the ultrasonic probe 1 from the acoustic radiation surface side. The passed jelly return member 300 is located, for example, at an arbitrary position on the cable 13.

[0033] In step S202, the operator applies the jelly 210 to the acoustic radiation surface of the ultrasonic probe 1. Step S202 is the same as step S101.

[0034] In step S203, the operator covers the ultrasonic probe 1 with the sheath 200 from the acoustic radiation surface side. Step S203 is similar to step S102. The appearance of the ultrasonic probe 1 after step S203 is performed is shown in FIG. 8A. As shown in the figure, the sheath 200 covers not only the head 11 and the handle 12 but also a portion of the cable 13. Unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the jelly-returning member 300 is located at a position farther away from the sheath 200.

[0035] In step S204, the operator installs the nozzle 220 in the installation groove 121 inside the sheath 200. Step S204 is the same as step S103. At this time, the nozzle 220 is installed in the installation groove 121 through the opening 310 of the jelly returning member 300.

[0036] In step S205, the operator attaches the fastening member 230 to the attachment groove 122 from outside the sheath 200. Step S205 is similar to step S104.

[0037] In step S206, the operator aspirates the air inside the sheath 200 using the nozzle 220. Step S206 is similar to step S105. The appearance of the ultrasonic probe 1 after step S206 is performed is shown in FIG. 8B. As shown in the figure, as the air inside the sheath 200 is aspirated, the space inside the sheath 200 is narrowed by atmospheric pressure from outside the sheath 200. Unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the jelly-returning member 300 is located at a position farther away from the sheath 200.

[0038] In step S207, the operator pushes the jelly 210 toward the sound emitting surface side using the jelly returning member 300. Specifically, the operator attaches the jelly returning member 300 to the body 113, and then slides the jelly returning member 300 on the surface of the first flange 111 from the body 113 toward the sound emitting surface side. At this time, the inner edge of the jelly returning member 300 (i.e., the periphery of the opening 310) is in close contact with the surface of the ultrasonic probe 1. That is, the jelly returning member 300 moves toward the sound emitting surface side while tightening the sheath 200 toward the inside of the ultrasonic probe 1. As a result, the jelly 210 remaining in the body 113 is squeezed out toward the sound emitting surface side, and the jelly 210 adhering to the surface of the first flange 111 is also squeezed out toward the sound emitting surface side. The appearance of the ultrasonic probe 1 during execution of step S207 is shown in FIG. 8C. As shown in the figure, the jelly 210 is pushed back from the body 113 side toward the sound emitting surface side by operation using the jelly returning member 300. Note that this operation may be performed with the sound emitting surface of the ultrasonic probe 1 facing vertically downward. This causes the pushed-back jelly 210 to remain on the sound emitting surface due to the action of gravity, thereby preventing the jelly 210 from returning to the body 113. This state may be maintained until the fastening member 230 is attached to the body 113 in step S208, which will be described later.

[0039] Thus, the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the second embodiment can keep the jelly 210 on the sound emitting surface without providing a passing groove 114. In particular, according to the second embodiment, the operator can push back the jelly 210 adhering to the surface of the first flange 111 using the jelly returning member 300, so that the jelly 210 can be kept on the sound emitting surface more efficiently. Furthermore, by using the jelly returning member 300, the operator can push back the jelly 210 more efficiently than by pushing back the jelly 210 with his / her own hand. Of course, the passing groove 114 may be provided in the second embodiment. The jelly returning member 300 is removed from the ultrasonic probe 1 after moving to the distal end of the sheath 200.

[0040] In step S208, the operator attaches the fastening member 230 to the body portion 113 from outside the sheath 200. Step S208 is similar to step S106. In the second embodiment, the jelly 210 around the body portion 113 has already been pushed back by the jelly returning member 300. Therefore, the fastening member 230 attached to the body portion 113 mainly functions as a stopper that prevents the jelly 210 remaining on the acoustic radiation surface from being pushed back toward the handle 12 when the operator brings the ultrasonic probe 1 into contact with the subject.

[0041] In step S209, the operator removes the nozzle 220 and the fastening members 230 from the mounting groove 122. Step S209 is similar to step S107. The appearance of the ultrasonic probe 1 after step S209 is performed is shown in FIG. 8D. As shown in the figure, the fastening members 230 from the nozzle 220 and the mounting groove 122 have been removed, while the fastening member 230 from the body 113 has not been removed.

[0042] The ultrasonic probe 1 according to the second embodiment and its method of use have been described above. The ultrasonic probe 1 according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the operator can use the jelly-returning member 300, which is an accessory of the ultrasonic probe 1, to more efficiently retain the acoustic coupling agent on the acoustic radiation surface. In other words, the ultrasonic probe 1 set may include the jelly-returning member 300.

[0043] (Third embodiment) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system 100 according to the third embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic system 100 is a system for performing ultrasonic diagnosis using the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first or second embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic system 100 includes, as its components, an ultrasonic probe 1, a sheath 200, a jelly 210, a nozzle 220, a pump 221, a fastening member 230, a jelly-returning member 300, and a main body device 400. Of these components, the sheath 200 and the jelly 210 are each an example of an acoustic coupling unit, the nozzle 220 and the pump 221 are each an example of a suction unit, and the fastening member 230 and the jelly-returning member 300 are each an example of a fixing unit. The components included in the acoustic coupling unit, the suction unit, and the fixing unit are used for the ultrasonic probe 1. The suction unit may be a vacuum cleaner (for example, a lightweight USB vacuum cleaner).

[0044] The ultrasonic probe 1 is connected to a main body device 400 via a cable 13. The ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body device 400 constitute an ultrasonic diagnostic device 500.

[0045] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 500 according to the third embodiment. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 500 includes an ultrasound probe 1 and a main body device 400. The main body device 400 is connected to an input device 401 and an output device 402. The main body device 400 is also connected to an external device 403 via a network NW. The external device 403 is, for example, a server equipped with PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems). Note that in this embodiment, at least one of the input device 401, the output device 402, and the external device 403 may be included in the ultrasound diagnostic system 100.

[0046] The ultrasonic probe 1 performs an ultrasonic scan of a scan region within the subject P under the control of, for example, the main device 400. The ultrasonic probe 1 includes, for example, a plurality of piezoelectric transducers (corresponding to transducers 115), a matching layer provided between the plurality of piezoelectric transducers and a case, and a backing material that prevents ultrasonic waves from propagating backward in the radiation direction from the plurality of piezoelectric transducers. The ultrasonic probe 1 is, for example, a two-dimensional array probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged along a first element array direction (elevation direction) and a second element array direction (azimuth direction). The ultrasonic probe 1 is detachably connected to the main device 400. The ultrasonic probe 1 may be provided with buttons that are pressed for offset processing and for operations such as freezing an ultrasonic image (freeze operation).

[0047] The multiple piezoelectric transducers generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal supplied from the ultrasound transmission circuit 410 of the main device 400. This causes ultrasound waves to be transmitted from the ultrasound probe 1 to the subject P. When ultrasound waves are transmitted from the ultrasound probe 1 to the subject P, they are reflected successively by discontinuous surfaces of acoustic impedance in the body tissue of the subject P and received as reflected wave signals by the multiple piezoelectric transducers. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signals depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surfaces from which the ultrasound waves are reflected. Furthermore, when a transmitted ultrasound pulse is reflected by a moving blood flow or the surface of a heart wall, the reflected wave signal undergoes a frequency shift due to the Doppler effect, depending on the velocity component of the moving object in the ultrasound transmission direction. The ultrasound probe 1 receives the reflected wave signal from the subject P and converts it into an electrical signal.

[0048] 10 illustrates an example of the connection relationship between one ultrasonic probe 1 and the main unit 400. However, multiple ultrasonic probes can be connected to the main unit 400. Which of the multiple connected ultrasonic probes is to be used for ultrasonic scanning can be arbitrarily selected by, for example, using a software button on the touch panel.

[0049] The main device 400 is a device that generates an ultrasound image based on a reflected wave signal received by the ultrasound probe 1. The main device 400 has an ultrasound transmission circuit 410, an ultrasound reception circuit 420, an internal storage circuit 430, an image memory 440, an input interface 450, an output interface 460, a communication interface 470, and a processing circuit 480.

[0050] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 410 is a processor that supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 1. The ultrasonic transmission circuit 410 is realized by, for example, a trigger generation circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulser circuit. The trigger generation circuit repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmitted ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. The delay circuit provides each rate pulse generated by the trigger generation circuit with a delay time for each piezoelectric transducer, which is required to focus the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probe into a beam and determine the transmission directivity. The pulser circuit applies drive signals (drive pulses) to the multiple ultrasonic transducers provided in the ultrasonic probe 1 at a timing based on the rate pulse. By changing the delay time provided to each rate pulse by the delay circuit, the transmission direction from the surfaces of the multiple piezoelectric transducers can be freely adjusted.

[0051] Furthermore, the ultrasound transmission circuit 410 can arbitrarily change the output intensity of the ultrasound waves using a drive signal. In the ultrasound diagnostic device 500, the influence of ultrasound attenuation within the subject P can be reduced by increasing the output intensity. By reducing the influence of ultrasound attenuation, the ultrasound diagnostic device 500 can acquire a reflected wave signal with a high S / N ratio during reception.

[0052] Generally, when ultrasonic waves propagate through the object P, the strength of the ultrasonic vibrations (also called acoustic power), which corresponds to the output intensity, attenuates. The attenuation of acoustic power occurs due to absorption, scattering, reflection, and the like. The degree of reduction in acoustic power depends on the frequency of the ultrasonic waves and the distance in the direction of ultrasonic radiation. For example, the degree of attenuation increases as the frequency of the ultrasonic waves increases. Furthermore, the degree of attenuation increases as the distance in the direction of ultrasonic radiation increases.

[0053] The ultrasonic receiving circuit 420 is a processor that performs various processes on the reflected wave signals received by the ultrasonic probe 1 to generate received signals. The ultrasonic receiving circuit 420 generates received signals based on the reflected wave signals of ultrasonic waves acquired by the ultrasonic probe 1. Specifically, the ultrasonic receiving circuit 420 is realized by, for example, a preamplifier, an A / D converter, a demodulator, and a beamformer. The preamplifier amplifies the reflected wave signals received by the ultrasonic probe 1 for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A / D converter converts the gain-corrected reflected wave signals into digital signals. The demodulator demodulates the digital signals. The beamformer, for example, applies a delay time required to determine the reception directivity to the demodulated digital signals and adds up the multiple digital signals with the applied delay time. The beamformer's addition processing generates a received signal in which the reflection components from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity are emphasized. Note that hereinafter, the "ultrasonic reflected wave signals" and "received signals" are collectively referred to as "echo signals." Therefore, "received signal strength" may be rephrased as "reflection strength of the echo signal (echo reflection strength)."

[0054] The internal storage circuitry 430 includes a processor-readable storage medium, such as a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, or a semiconductor memory. The programs and various data may be pre-stored in the internal storage circuitry 430. Alternatively, the programs and various data may be stored in a non-transitory storage medium, distributed, read from the non-transitory storage medium, and installed in the internal storage circuitry 430. The internal storage circuitry 430 stores B-mode image data, contrast image data, image data related to blood flow images, and three-dimensional data generated by the processing circuitry 480 in accordance with operations input via the input interface 450. The internal storage circuitry 430 can also transfer the stored image data and three-dimensional data to an external device 403 or the like via the communication interface 470.

[0055] The internal storage circuit 430 may be a drive device that reads and writes various information from and to a portable storage medium such as a CD drive, a DVD drive, or a flash memory. The internal storage circuit 430 can also write stored data to the portable storage medium and store the data in the external device 403 via the portable storage medium.

[0056] The image memory 440 has a processor-readable storage medium, such as a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, or a semiconductor memory. The image memory 440 stores image data corresponding to a plurality of frames immediately before a freeze operation input via the input interface 450. The image data stored in the image memory 440 is displayed continuously (cine display), for example. The image memory 440 is not limited to storing image data, and may also store three-dimensional data.

[0057] The internal storage circuit 430 and the image memory 440 do not necessarily have to be realized by independent storage devices. The internal storage circuit 430 and the image memory 440 may be realized by a single storage device. Furthermore, the internal storage circuit 430 and the image memory 440 may each be realized by multiple storage devices.

[0058] The input interface 450 receives various instructions from an operator via the input device 401. Examples of the input device 401 include a mouse, a keyboard, a panel switch, a slider switch, a trackball, a rotary encoder, an operation panel, and a touch panel. The input interface 450 is connected to the processing circuitry 480 via a bus, for example, converts operation instructions input by the operator into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuitry 480. Note that the input interface 450 is not limited to those connected to physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of the input interface 450 also includes a circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to operation instructions input from an external input device provided separately from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 500 and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuitry 480.

[0059] The output interface 460 is an interface for outputting, for example, an electrical signal from the processing circuit 480 to the output device 402. The output device 402 is any display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, a plasma display, or a CRT display. The output device 402 may be a touch panel display that also serves as the input device 401. In addition to the display, the output device 402 may further include a speaker that outputs audio. The output interface 460 is connected to the processing circuit 480 via, for example, a bus, and outputs the electrical signal from the processing circuit 480 to the output device 402.

[0060] The communication interface 470 is connected to the external device 403 via, for example, a network NW, and performs data communication with the external device 403 .

[0061] The processing circuitry 480 is, for example, a processor that functions as the core of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 500. The processing circuitry 480 executes a program stored in the internal storage circuitry 430 to realize a function corresponding to the program. The processing circuitry 480 has, for example, a B-mode processing function 481, a Doppler processing function 482, an image generation function 483, a three-dimensional data generation function 484, a display control function 485, and a system control function 486.

[0062] The processing circuitry 480 controls the overall operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 500. The processing circuitry 480 includes at least one processor. The term "processor" refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). When the processor is a CPU, the processor realizes each function by reading and executing a program stored in the internal storage circuitry 430. On the other hand, when the processor is an ASIC, instead of storing a program in the internal storage circuitry 430, each function is directly incorporated as a logic circuit within the processor circuitry. The processor may be configured as a single circuit or may be configured by combining multiple independent circuits. In this embodiment, the processing circuitry 480 realizes each function (for example, a B-mode processing function 481, a Doppler processing function 482, an image generation function 483, a three-dimensional data generation function 484, a display control function 485, and a system control function 486).

[0063] The B-mode processing function 481 is a function that generates B-mode data based on the received signal (echo signal) received from the ultrasonic receiving circuit 420. In the B-mode processing function 481, the processing circuit 480 performs, for example, envelope detection processing and logarithmic compression processing on the received signal received from the ultrasonic receiving circuit 420, and generates data (B-mode data) in which the signal strength (echo reflection strength) of the received signal is expressed as a brightness value (luminance value). The generated B-mode data is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as B-mode RAW data on a two-dimensional ultrasonic scan line (raster).

[0064] Furthermore, the processing circuitry 480 can perform harmonic imaging using a B-mode processing function 481. Harmonic imaging is an imaging method that utilizes not only fundamental wave components contained in reflected ultrasonic wave signals but also harmonic components (harmonic components). Harmonic imaging includes, for example, tissue harmonic imaging (THI), which does not use a contrast agent, and contrast harmonic imaging (CHI), which uses a contrast agent.

[0065] THI can extract harmonic components using an imaging method called the Amplitude Modulation (AM) method, the Phase Modulation (PM) method, or the AMPM method, which is a combination of the AM and PM methods.

[0066] In the AM, PM, and AMPM methods, ultrasonic waves with different amplitudes and phases are transmitted multiple times along the same scan line. This allows the ultrasonic receiving circuit 420 to generate multiple pieces of reflected wave data for each scan line and output the generated reflected wave data. The processing circuit 480 extracts harmonic components by performing addition and subtraction processing of the multiple pieces of reflected wave data for each scan line using the B-mode processing function 481 in accordance with the modulation method. The processing circuit 480 then performs envelope detection processing and the like on the reflected wave data of the harmonic components to generate B-mode data.

[0067] Furthermore, in CHI, for example, harmonic components are extracted using a frequency filter. The processing circuitry 480 can separate reflected wave data (harmonic components) whose reflection source is the contrast agent from reflected wave data (fundamental wave components) whose reflection source is tissue in the subject P using a B-mode processing function 481. As a result, the processing circuitry 480 can select harmonic components from the contrast agent using a filter and generate B-mode data for generating contrast image data.

[0068] The B-mode data for generating contrast image data is data in which the echo reflection intensity from the contrast agent is expressed as a brightness value. The processing circuitry 480 can also extract fundamental wave components from the reflected wave data of the subject P to generate B-mode data for generating tissue image data.

[0069] The Doppler processing function 482 is a function that generates data (Doppler information) that extracts motion information based on the Doppler effect of a moving object within a ROI (Region Of Interest) set in a scan area by performing frequency analysis on the received signal received from the ultrasonic receiving circuit 420. The generated Doppler information is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as Doppler RAW data (also referred to as Doppler data) on a two-dimensional ultrasonic scan line.

[0070] Specifically, the processing circuitry 480 uses the Doppler processing function 482 to estimate, for example, the average velocity, average variance, average power, etc., as motion information of a moving object at each of a plurality of sample points, and generates Doppler data indicating the estimated motion information. The moving object may be, for example, blood flow, tissue such as a heart wall, or a contrast agent. The processing circuitry 480 according to this embodiment uses the Doppler processing function 482 to estimate, for each of a plurality of sample points, the average velocity of blood flow, the variance of blood flow velocity, the power value of blood flow signals, etc., as motion information of blood flow (blood flow information), and generates Doppler data indicating the estimated blood flow information.

[0071] The image generation function 483 is a function that generates B-mode image data based on data generated by the B-mode processing function 481. For example, in the image generation function 483, the processing circuitry 480 converts (scan converts) a scan line signal sequence of an ultrasound scan into a scan line signal sequence of a video format typified by a television or the like, and generates image data for display (display image data). Specifically, the processing circuitry 480 performs RAW-to-pixel conversion on the B-mode RAW data stored in the RAW data memory, for example, by performing coordinate conversion according to the ultrasound scanning form of the ultrasound probe 1, thereby generating two-dimensional B-mode image data (also referred to as ultrasound image data) composed of pixels. In other words, the processing circuitry 480 generates a plurality of ultrasound images (medical images) corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames by transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves using the image generation function 483.

[0072] Furthermore, the processing circuitry 480 generates Doppler image data in which blood flow information is visualized, for example, by performing RAW-to-pixel conversion on the Doppler RAW data stored in the RAW data memory. The Doppler image data is mean velocity image data, variance image data, power image data, or image data combining these. The processing circuitry 480 generates, as the Doppler image data, color Doppler image data in which blood flow information is displayed in color, and Doppler image data in which one piece of blood flow information is displayed in a grayscale waveform.

[0073] The three-dimensional data generation function 484 is a function that generates three-dimensional B-mode data (three-dimensional data) based on the received signal received from the ultrasound receiving circuit 420. In the three-dimensional data generation function 484, the processing circuit 480 generates three-dimensional data by using the B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing function 481 to assign brightness values ​​to voxels arranged in three-dimensional space. This three-dimensional data may be called volume data. Note that, since the brightness values ​​correspond to the echo reflection intensity, it may be interpreted that the echo reflection intensity is assigned to the voxels of the volume data. Therefore, hereinafter, the "brightness value of volume data" may be used in a similar sense to the "echo reflection intensity."

[0074] The display control function 485 is a function that displays images based on various ultrasound image data generated by the image generation function 483 on a display serving as the output device 402. Specifically, for example, the processing circuitry 480 uses the display control function 485 to control the display of images based on image data including B-mode image data, Doppler image data, or both generated by the image generation function 483 on the display.

[0075] More specifically, the processing circuitry 480 uses the display control function 485 to convert (scan convert) a scan line signal sequence of an ultrasound scan into a scan line signal sequence of a video format typified by a television or the like, and generates display image data. The processing circuitry 480 may also perform various processes on the display image data, such as dynamic range, brightness, contrast, and gamma curve correction, and RGB conversion. The processing circuitry 480 may also add supplementary information, such as text information of various parameters, scales, and body marks, to the display image data. The processing circuitry 480 may also generate a user interface (GUI: Graphical User Interface) for an operator to input various instructions via an input device, and display the GUI on a display.

[0076] The system control function 486 is a function that controls the overall operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 500. For example, in the system control function 486, the processing circuitry 480 controls the ultrasound transmission circuitry 410 and the ultrasound reception circuitry 420 based on parameters related to the transmission and reception of ultrasound.

[0077] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the acoustic coupling agent can be fixed to the acoustic radiating surface.

[0078] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 ultrasound probe 11 heads 12 Handle 13 Cable 100 Ultrasound diagnostic system 111 First flange 112 Second tsuba 113 Torso 114 Passing groove 115 vibrator 121 Installation groove 122 Mounting groove 200 sheath 210 Jelly 220 nozzle 221 Pump 230 Fastening member 300 Jelly return material 310 Aperture 320 Edge 400 Main Unit 401 Input Device 402 Output Device 403 External device 410 Ultrasonic transmission circuit 420 Ultrasonic receiving circuit 430 Internal memory circuit 440 image memory 450 input interface 460 output interface 470 Communication Interface 480 Processing Circuit 481 B-mode processing function 482 Doppler processing function 483 Image Generation Function 484 3D data generation function 485 Display Control Function 486 System Control Functions 500 Ultrasound diagnostic equipment

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe having a head including a transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject, and a handle fixed to the head, arranged in a central axis direction, the head is a portion in which the vibrator is disposed, and includes a first flange portion having a first radius in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the central axis direction, a second flange portion having a second radius in the orthogonal direction that is substantially the same as the first radius or longer than the first radius, and a body portion fixed between the first flange portion and the second flange portion and having a third radius in the orthogonal direction that is shorter than the first radius; The handle is formed with a first groove in which a suction means for suctioning air in the vicinity of the head is installed, and a second groove intersecting the first groove. Ultrasound probe.

2. An ultrasonic probe having a head including a vibrator for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject, and a handle fixed to the head, arranged in a central axis direction, the head is a portion in which the vibrator is disposed, and includes a first flange portion having a first radius in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the central axis direction, a second flange portion having a second radius in the orthogonal direction that is substantially the same as the first radius or longer than the first radius, and a body portion fixed between the first flange portion and the second flange portion and having a third radius in the orthogonal direction that is shorter than the first radius; An elastic member is attached to the body portion. Ultrasound probe.

3. An ultrasonic probe having a head including a vibrator for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a subject and a handle fixed to the head arranged in a central axis direction, the head is a portion in which the vibrator is disposed, and includes a first flange portion having a first radius in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the central axis direction, a second flange portion having a second radius in the orthogonal direction that is substantially the same as the first radius or longer than the first radius, and a body portion fixed between the first flange portion and the second flange portion and having a third radius in the orthogonal direction that is shorter than the first radius; At least one third groove having a depth corresponding to the difference between the first radius and the third radius is formed in the first flange portion in the central axis direction. Ultrasound probe.

4. The first groove is formed in the central axis direction, and the second groove is formed in the perpendicular direction. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 .

5. An elastic member is attached to the second groove. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 or 4.

6. the third groove allows an acoustic coupling agent to pass through in the direction of the central axis; The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3 .

7. An elastic member having an opening with a fourth radius that is approximately the same as or shorter than the third radius is attached to the body portion, and the elastic member is moved along the surface of the first flange portion. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An ultrasonic probe set including the ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and an elastic member attached to the ultrasonic probe, The elastic member has an opening formed therein, the opening having a fourth radius that is substantially the same as or shorter than the third radius, the elastic member is attached to the body portion, and is moved along the surface of the first flange portion. Ultrasound probe set.

9. An ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

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