Ultrasound probe and ultrasound probe puncture adapter

Abstract

To enhance operability of a puncture needle.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment comprises a head part, a supporting part, and a puncture guide. The ultrasonic probe comprises a plurality of ultrasonic elements for outputting ultrasonic waves, and receiving reflected waves of the outputted ultrasonic waves. The head part is provided with a through hole for guiding a puncture needle, and a slit for leading the puncture needle to the through hole. The supporting part is fitted with the head part, and is long. The slit extends to an outer edge of the head part toward a direction other than the lens direction and the array direction of the ultrasonic elements.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings relate to an ultrasound probe and a puncture adapter for the ultrasound probe. [Background technology]

[0002] Laparoscopic surgery is performed by drilling multiple small holes around the surgical site and inserting surgical instruments and diagnostic instruments such as ultrasound probes into the body through a tubular member called a trocar. The tip of the ultrasound probe used in laparoscopic surgery is provided with a puncture guide (a hole or groove for puncture), for example, and by passing a puncture needle through the puncture guide, it becomes possible to puncture the organ at any angle.

[0003] In laparoscopic surgery, an ultrasound probe is generally inserted into the body through a trocar, and a puncture needle is inserted directly from the body surface to access a puncture guide attached to the ultrasound probe. However, the puncture guide is located behind the subject's skin, making it difficult for the surgeon to directly see it. For this reason, for example, if the puncture guide is a hole, it is not easy to insert the puncture needle inserted from the body surface into the small hole (puncture guide). If the puncture guide is a groove, even if the puncture needle inserted from the body surface does not hit the puncture guide, it can be accessed by moving the puncture needle from the side. However, because the puncture guide is a groove, the lateral opening is wide, so the puncture needle inside the guide easily falls out of the puncture guide. This has made it difficult to improve the operability of the puncture needle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-178728 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 3-41414 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-271874 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve the operability of the puncture needle. However, the problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The ultrasonic probe of the embodiment has a head portion, a support portion, and a puncture guide. It is equipped with a plurality of ultrasonic elements that output ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves of the output ultrasonic waves. The head portion is provided with a through-hole that guides a puncture needle and a slit that guides the puncture needle into the through-hole. The support portion is long and has the head portion attached thereto. The slit extends to the outer edge of the head portion in a direction other than the lens direction and the array direction of the ultrasonic elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound probe 10 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the width of a through hole 32 and a slit 34. [Figure 4] 10 shows the array-direction wall 36 and the lens-direction wall 38. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound probe 10 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic probe 10 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the ultrasound probe 50 and the puncture adapter 60. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the ultrasound probe 50 with the puncture adapter 60 attached. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an ultrasonic probe 10A according to a first modification. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an ultrasonic probe 10B according to a second modification. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an ultrasonic probe 10C according to a third modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the tip of the transmitting and receiving head 12 in the ultrasonic probe of the fourth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an ultrasonic probe and a puncture adapter for an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound probe 10 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasound probe 10 is used, for example, in laparoscopic surgery (hereinafter referred to as surgery). The surgery is performed using, for example, the ultrasound probe 10, a puncture needle 20, an endoscope 30, a first trocar T1, and a second trocar T2.

[0010] During surgery, a communication path is formed between the inside and outside of the body of the subject P by the first trocar T1 and the second trocar T2. The ultrasound probe 10 is introduced into the body of the subject P through the first trocar T1. The endoscope 30 is introduced into the body of the subject P through the second trocar T2. The puncture needle 20 is inserted into the skin P1 of the subject P. On the body surface of the subject P, for example, a body surface insertion point H where the puncture needle 20 is inserted is displayed.

[0011] The ultrasonic probe 10 includes, for example, a transmitting / receiving head 12, a support portion 14, and a bending portion 16. The ultrasonic probe 10 is used, for example, to obtain ultrasonic images of the inside of the body of a subject P when examining the subject P. The surgeon performs surgery, for example, while holding the ultrasonic probe 10 in one hand and the puncture needle 20 in the other hand.

[0012] When performing surgery on a subject P, the transmitting and receiving head 12 is placed, for example, between the skin P1 and organ P2 of the subject P. The transmitting and receiving head 12 includes a plurality of ultrasonic elements that output ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves of the output ultrasonic waves. The plurality of ultrasonic elements are arranged in an array direction, transmit ultrasonic waves toward the organ P2, and receive reflected waves of the transmitted ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic probe 10 transmits reflected wave information based on the received reflected waves of ultrasonic waves to a control device or the like. The control device generates an ultrasonic image based on the transmitted reflected wave information. The transmitting and receiving head 12 is an example of a head unit.

[0013] The support part 14 is a long, thin member. A bending part 16 is connected to the tip of the support part 14. The support part 14 is connected to the base end of the bending part 16, and the transmitting and receiving head 12 is connected to the tip of the bending part 16. The transmitting and receiving head 12 is attached to the tip of the support part 14 via the bending part 16. By providing the bending part 16 between the support part 14 and the transmitting and receiving head 12, the transmitting and receiving head 12 can be placed along the surface of the organ P2.

[0014] The puncture needle 20 is a needle that is inserted into an internal organ from outside the body to sample blood, body fluids, cells, etc. from the subject P. The endoscope 30 is a thin-diameter device with a camera at its tip. The endoscope 30 captures images of, for example, the transmitting / receiving head 12 of the ultrasound probe 10 and the puncture needle 20. The endoscope 30 transmits the images captured by the camera to a control device. The control device, for example, displays the images transmitted by the endoscope 30 on a monitor or the like.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the transmission / reception head 12. The transmission / reception head 12 includes, for example, a transmission / reception unit 22, an outer frame unit 24, and a puncture guide 26. The transmission / reception unit 22 includes, for example, a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged in an array direction. The transmission / reception unit 22 outputs ultrasonic waves and receives reflected waves of the output ultrasonic waves. In Fig. 2, the X direction is the array direction, and the Y direction is the lens direction. The direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is the transmission / reception direction. The direction along the transmission / reception direction is sometimes referred to as the vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the transmission / reception direction is sometimes referred to as the horizontal direction.

[0016] The shape of the transmitting and receiving head 12 when viewed in the transmitting and receiving direction is a rectangle with the four corners chamfered. The transmitting and receiving unit 22 when viewed in the transmitting and receiving direction is rectangular. The longitudinal direction of the transmitting and receiving head 12 and the longitudinal direction of the transmitting and receiving unit 22 coincide with each other, and the lateral direction of the transmitting and receiving head 12 and the lateral direction of the transmitting and receiving unit 22 coincide with each other. The longitudinal directions of the transmitting and receiving head 12 and the transmitting and receiving unit 22 are aligned with the array direction. The lateral directions of the transmitting and receiving head 12 and the transmitting and receiving unit 22 are aligned with the lens direction.

[0017] The outer frame 24 is provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the transmitter / receiver 22. The transmitter / receiver head 12 is connected to the support part 14 by connecting the outer frame 24 to the bending part 16. A puncture guide 26 is provided on the outer frame 24. The puncture guide 26 includes a through-hole 32, a slit 34, an array-direction wall 36, and a lens-direction wall 38.

[0018] The through-hole 32 is provided in the outer frame portion 24 of the transmitting and receiving head 12. The through-hole 32 is arranged in the array direction (the longitudinal direction of the transmitting and receiving head 12 and the transmitting and receiving portion 22) from the transmitting and receiving portion 22, on the opposite side to the side where the bending portion 16 is located. The through-hole 32 is a cylindrical hole that penetrates the outer frame portion 24 in the transmitting and receiving direction. The puncture needle 20 passes through the through-hole 32. The through-hole 32 guides the puncture needle 20 operated by the surgeon. By arranging the through-hole 32 at a position that extends from the transmitting and receiving portion 22 in the array direction, it is possible to facilitate long-axis puncture.

[0019] The shape of the through hole 32 as viewed in the transmission and reception direction is a substantially circular shape, for example, a substantially C-shape with a cutout at a position that forms an angle of 45° with respect to each of the array direction and the lens direction of the through hole 32 on the side farther from the bending portion 16. The shape of the through hole 32 as viewed in the transmission and reception direction may be other shapes. Instead of a circle, the shape of the through hole 32 as viewed in the transmission and reception direction may be, for example, an oval shape, an ellipse shape, or a polygonal shape (regular polygonal shape). The through hole 32 has a columnar shape with the same cross section in the transmission and reception direction. The through hole 32 may have a different shape in the transmission and reception direction. For example, the through hole 32 may be cut out at a position that forms an angle of 30° to 60° with respect to each of the array direction and the lens direction of the through hole 32.

[0020] The slit 34 is formed by extending from a notched position in the through-hole 32 (a position that forms an angle of 45° with respect to both the array direction and the lens direction of the through-hole 32 on the side farther from the bending portion 16). When viewed in the transmitting and receiving direction, the slit 34 extends to the outer edge of the transmitting and receiving head 12 in a direction other than the lens direction and the array direction of the ultrasonic elements provided in the transmitting and receiving head 12. The slit 34 guides the puncture needle 20 outside the through-hole 32 into the through-hole 32.

[0021] The slit 34 extends from the through-hole 32 to the outer edge of the outer frame portion 24 of the transmitting / receiving head 12 in a direction that forms an angle of 45° with respect to both the array direction and the lens direction, away from the bending portion 16 (support portion 14). The width of the slit 34 as viewed in the transmitting / receiving direction is approximately constant, and both sides of the slit 34 are straight. A portion of the outer frame portion 24 is divided by the slit 34, and the through-hole 32 communicates with the outside of the outer frame portion 24. The puncture needle 20 can be moved from the outside to the inside of the through-hole 32 by moving it along a horizontal plane.

[0022] There is a fixed relationship between the diameter of through hole 32 and the width of the notch of slit 34. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the width of through hole 32 and the width of slit 34. The notch width of the slit as viewed in the transmitting and receiving direction is 1 / 3 or less of the diameter L1 of through hole 32. The diameter L1 of through hole 32 and the notch width L2 of slit 34 have the relationship shown in formula (1) below. L1>3L2 (1)

[0023] The array direction wall 36 is formed by the surface on the array direction side from the center of the through hole 32. The lens direction wall 38 is formed by the surface on the lens direction side from the center of the through hole 32. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the array direction wall 36 and the lens direction wall 38. The cutout width of the slit 34 is narrow, being less than one-third the diameter of the through hole 32. Therefore, on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 32, the surface on the array direction side from the center becomes the array direction wall 36 (the range indicated by the first arrow H1), and the surface on the lens direction side from the center becomes the lens direction wall 38 (the range indicated by the second arrow H2). The slit 34 is formed by cutting out a part of the through hole 32 to an extent that the array direction wall 36 and the lens direction wall 38 remain.

[0024] The ultrasound probe 10 of the first embodiment includes a puncture guide 26, which includes a through-hole 32 and a slit 34. By including the through-hole 32 in the puncture guide 26, the surgeon can puncture the organ with the puncture needle 20 at any angle. The slit 34 is positioned so as to extend in a direction that avoids both the array direction and the lens direction. This improves the operability of the puncture needle.

[0025] Furthermore, the surgeon can perform the puncture with the puncture needle 20 applied to either the array-direction wall 36 or the lens-direction wall 38. Therefore, the surgeon can adjust the puncture angle by applying the puncture needle 20 to the array-direction wall 36. By applying the puncture needle to the lens-direction wall 38 and performing the puncture, the surgeon can ensure that the ultrasound probe 10 captures a needle image.

[0026] Furthermore, the width of the slit 34 is narrow, and is set to a length of ⅓ or less of the diameter L1 of the circle when viewed in the circumferential direction of the through-hole 32. Therefore, while the surgeon is manipulating the puncture needle 20, the puncture needle 20 is unlikely to enter the slit 34, and therefore the puncture needle 20 that passes through the through-hole 32 can be prevented from falling out of the through-hole 32 through the slit 34.

[0027] In particular, the puncture needle 20 operated by the surgeon is often moved in the array direction, and if an opening such as a slit is provided in the array direction, the puncture needle 20 is likely to fall out of the through-hole 32. In this regard, the ultrasound probe 10 of the first embodiment is provided with the array-direction wall 36, which makes it possible to suitably prevent the puncture needle 20 from falling out.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the width of the slit 34 as viewed in the transmitting and receiving direction is substantially constant, but the width of the slit 34 may be variable. For example, both sides of the slit 34 as viewed in the transmitting and receiving direction may be wavy, and the width of the slit 34 may be variable depending on the position in the extending direction of the slit 34. A depression or a protrusion may be formed midway along the length of the slit 34 as viewed in the transmitting and receiving direction.

[0029] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description of the second embodiment and subsequent embodiments, elements common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and their description may be omitted. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound probe 10 of the second embodiment. The ultrasound probe 10 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the puncture guide 26 includes a protrusion 42. The ultrasound probe 10 of the second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0030] The protrusion 42 of the puncture guide 26 is formed near the extending portion of the slit 34 in the through hole 32 and protrudes toward the center of the through hole 32. The protrusion 42 is provided on both of the two extending portions of the slit 34 in the through hole 32. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the through hole 32. The protrusion 42 is a columnar body, more specifically a cylindrical body, that extends along the depth direction of the through hole 32. The protrusion 42 prevents the puncture needle 20 that passes through the through hole 32 from falling out through the slit 34. The protrusion 42 is an example of a protrusion. The protrusion 42 is an example of a fall-out prevention structure.

[0031] The ultrasonic probe 10 of the second embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe 10 of the second embodiment has protrusions 42 provided at two extending portions of the slit 34 in the through-hole 32. When the surgeon performs a puncture operation by passing the puncture needle 20 through the through-hole 32, the surgeon may move the puncture needle 20 in the horizontal direction.

[0032] At this time, because the slits 34 extend from the through holes 32 and reach the outer edge of the outer frame portion 24, there is a concern that the puncture needles 20 may fall out of the outer frame portion 24 from the through holes 32 through the slits 34. In this regard, by providing the protrusions 42 at the extending portions of the slits 34 in the through holes 32, the puncture needles 20 moving horizontally often come into contact with the protrusions 42 before reaching the slits 34. The horizontal movement of the puncture needles 20 that come into contact with the protrusions 42 is inhibited before they reach the slits 34, so that the puncture needles 20 can be prevented from falling out of the outer frame portion 24 through the slits 34.

[0033] In the second embodiment, the protrusion 42 has a cylindrical shape, but may be a columnar body having a cross section other than a circle. The protrusion 42 may also have a shape other than a columnar shape. The protrusion 42 may be, for example, spherical. The protrusion 42 having a spherical shape or the like may be arranged, for example, at the uppermost position (closest to the skin P1) in the transmitting and receiving direction on the inner surface of the through-hole 32. The protrusion 42 may be arranged at the lowermost position (closest to the organ P2) in the through-hole 32. The protrusion 42 may be arranged at an intermediate position in the transmitting and receiving direction in the through-hole 32. The protrusion 42 may be arranged at a plurality of positions in the depth direction of the through-hole 32.

[0034] Furthermore, the anti-fall-out structure may be a structure other than the protrusion 42. The anti-fall-out structure may be, for example, a recess extending from the inner periphery of the through-hole 32 when viewed in the transmitting and receiving direction, in a direction away from the through-hole 32. The anti-fall-out structure is provided on the two extending portions of the slit 34 in the through-hole 32, but it may be provided on only one of these portions, or on a portion of the through-hole 32 other than the two extending portions of the slit 34.

[0035] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound probe 10 of the third embodiment. The ultrasound probe 10 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the shape of the slit 44 in the puncture guide 26. While the width of the slit 34 in the first embodiment as viewed in the transmission and reception direction is approximately constant, the width of the slit 44 in the third embodiment as viewed in the transmission and reception direction becomes narrower as it approaches the through-hole 32 and as it approaches the outer edge of the outer frame 24. Therefore, the width of the slit 44 on the outer edge side of the outer frame 24 of the transmission and reception head 12 as viewed in the transmission and reception direction is wider than the width on the through-hole 32 side.

[0036] The ultrasonic probe 10 of the third embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the ultrasonic probe 10 of the third embodiment, the width of the slit 44 as viewed in the transmission and reception direction is narrowest at the end on the through-hole 32 side and widest at the end on the outer edge side of the outer frame 24. This makes it difficult for the puncture needle 20 that passes through the through-hole 32 to fall out of the through-hole 32, and also makes it easier to guide the puncture needle 20 located outside the transmission and reception head 12 into the through-hole 32 through the slit 44.

[0037] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic probe 50 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 9 is a plan view of the puncture adapter 60 attached to the ultrasonic probe 50. The ultrasonic probe 50 according to the fourth embodiment includes a transmitting / receiving head 52, a support portion 54, and a bending portion 56. Of these, the support portion 54 and the bending portion 56 have the same configuration as the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0038] The transmitting and receiving head 52 includes a transmitting and receiving unit 58 and an outer frame 59. The transmitting and receiving unit 58 has a configuration similar to that of the transmitting and receiving unit 22 of the first embodiment. The outer frame 59 is thinner than the outer frame 24 of the first embodiment, and its size when viewed in the transmission and reception direction is smaller than that of the outer frame 24 of the first embodiment. The outer frame 24 of the first embodiment is provided with a puncture guide 26, but the outer frame 59 is not provided with a puncture guide.

[0039] The puncture adapter 60 is attached to the transmitting and receiving head 52 of the ultrasound probe 50. The puncture adapter 60 includes, for example, a mounting section 62 and a puncture guide 64. The mounting section 62 is attached so as to cover the transmitting and receiving head 52. The puncture guide 64 is provided on the mounting section 62. The puncture guide 64 includes a through-hole 72, a slit 74, an array-direction wall 76, and a lens-direction wall 78. The through-hole 72, slit 74, array-direction wall 76, and lens-direction wall 78 of the puncture guide 64 have the same configurations as the through-hole 32, slit 34, array-direction wall 36, and lens-direction wall 38 of the puncture guide 26 in the first embodiment.

[0040] The ultrasonic probe 50 of the fourth embodiment, when equipped with the puncture adapter 60, achieves the same effects as the ultrasonic probe 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, when the puncture adapter 60 is provided with a puncture guide 64, the operability of the puncture needle can be improved even in an ultrasonic probe that does not have a puncture guide. The puncture adapter 60 is attached to an ultrasonic probe that does not have a puncture guide, but it may also be attached to an ultrasonic probe that has a puncture guide. Furthermore, when the puncture adapter is attached to the ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe and the puncture adapter may form a puncture guide.

[0041] (Variation 1) Next, Modification 1 will be described. Fig. 10A is a plan view of an ultrasonic probe 10A of Modification 1. The ultrasonic probe 10A of Modification 1 includes a puncture guide 26A. The puncture guide 26A includes a through-hole 32A, a slit 34A, an array-direction wall 36A, and a lens-direction wall 38A.

[0042] The through-hole 32A is disposed at a position in the array direction opposite the side where the bending portion 16 is located from the transmitting / receiving portion 22 in the outer frame portion 24 of the transmitting / receiving head 12. When viewed in the transmitting / receiving direction, the through-hole 32A has a substantially C-shape with a portion of the substantially circular shape cut out, and penetrates the outer frame portion 24 in the transmitting / receiving direction.

[0043] The slit 34A is formed by cutting out a position that forms an angle of 45° with respect to both the array direction and the lens direction of the through-hole 32B on the side closer to the bending portion 16. When viewed in the transmitting and receiving direction, the slit 34A extends from the through-hole 32A to the outer edge of the outer frame portion 24 of the transmitting and receiving head 12 in a direction that forms an angle of 45° with respect to both the array direction and the lens direction on the side closer to the bending portion 16. In this way, even if the puncture guide 26A is formed so that the slit 34A extends on the side closer to the bending portion 16, the operability of the puncture needle can be improved, as in the first embodiment.

[0044] (Variation 2) Next, Modification 2 will be described. Fig. 10B is a plan view of an ultrasound probe 10B of Modification 2. The ultrasound probe 10B of Modification 2 includes a puncture guide 26B. The puncture guide 26B includes a through-hole 32B, a slit 34B, an array-direction wall 36B, and a lens-direction wall 38B.

[0045] The through-hole 32B is disposed at a position on the side of the bending portion 16 in the array direction from the transmitting / receiving portion 22 in the outer frame portion 24 of the transmitting / receiving head 12. When viewed in the transmitting / receiving direction, the through-hole 32B has a substantially C-shape with a portion of a substantially circular shape cut out, and penetrates the outer frame portion 24 in the transmitting / receiving direction.

[0046] The slit 34B is formed by cutting out a position that forms an angle of 45° with respect to both the array direction and the lens direction of the through-hole 32B on the side closer to the bending portion 16. When viewed in the transmitting and receiving direction, the slit 34B extends from the through-hole 32B to the outer edge of the outer frame portion 24 of the transmitting and receiving head 12 in a direction that forms an angle of 45° with respect to both the array direction and the lens direction on the side closer to the bending portion 16. In this way, even if the puncture guide 26B is formed so that the slit 34A extends on the side closer to the bending portion 16, the operability of the puncture needle can be improved, as in the first embodiment.

[0047] (Variation 3) Next, Modification 3 will be described. Fig. 10C is a plan view of an ultrasonic probe 10C of Modification 3. The ultrasonic probe 10C of Modification 3 includes a puncture guide 26C. The puncture guide 26C includes a through-hole 32C, a slit 34C, an array-direction wall 36C, and a lens-direction wall 38C.

[0048] The through-hole 32C is disposed at a position on the side of the bending portion 16 in the array direction from the transmitting / receiving portion 22 in the outer frame portion 24 of the transmitting / receiving head 12. When viewed in the transmitting / receiving direction, the through-hole 32C has a substantially C-shape with a portion of the substantially circular shape cut out, and penetrates the outer frame portion 24 in the transmitting / receiving direction.

[0049] The slit 34C is formed by cutting out a position that forms an angle of 45° with respect to both the array direction and the lens direction of the through-hole 32C on the side away from the bending portion 16. When viewed in the transmitting and receiving direction, the slit 34C extends from the through-hole 32C to the outer edge of the outer frame portion 24 of the transmitting and receiving head 12 in a direction that forms an angle of 45° with respect to both the array direction and the lens direction on the side away from the bending portion 16. In this way, even if the puncture guide 26C is formed so that the slit 34A extends on the side closer to the bending portion 16, the operability of the puncture needle can be improved, as in the first embodiment.

[0050] (Variation 4) Next, Modification 4 will be described. Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the tip of the transmitting and receiving head 12 in the ultrasound probe of Modification 4. The tip of the transmitting and receiving head 12 in the ultrasound probe of the fourth embodiment is provided with a puncture guide 26 similar to that of the first embodiment. The puncture guide 26 includes a through-hole 32, a slit 34, an array-direction wall 36, and a lens-direction wall 38. The transmitting and receiving head 12 in the ultrasound probe of Modification 4 differs from the first embodiment mainly in the shape of the entrance and exit portion of the slit 34.

[0051] While the outer entrance / exit portion of the slit 34 in the first embodiment has a pointed shape, the outer entrance / exit portion 34M of the slit 34 in the fourth modification is chamfered to have an arc shape. The shape of the outer entrance / exit portion 34M is a curved shape and may be a shape other than an arc as long as it does not include a pointed portion. The shape of the outer entrance / exit portion 34M may be, for example, semicircular, a curved shape other than a circle, or a wavy shape.

[0052] In the puncture guide 26 of Variation 4, the outer entrance / exit portion 34M has a chamfered arc shape, which makes it difficult for the puncture needle 20 that passes through the through-hole 32 to fall out of the through-hole 32, and makes it easier to guide the puncture needle 20 located outside the transmitter / receiver head 12 into the through-hole 32 through the slit 34. Furthermore, the outer entrance / exit portion 34M has a chamfered arc shape, which makes it possible to prevent the corners of the outer entrance / exit portion 34M from injuring the inside of the patient's body. The shape of the outer entrance / exit portion 34M may be any shape other than an arc, as long as it is a curved shape and does not include any sharp parts.

[0053] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the device comprises a head unit having a plurality of ultrasonic elements that output ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves of the output ultrasonic waves, and a long support unit to which the head unit is attached, and the head unit is provided with a through hole that guides the puncture needle and a slit that guides the puncture needle into the through hole, and the slit extends to the outer edge of the head unit in a direction other than the lens direction and array direction of the ultrasonic elements, thereby improving the operability of the puncture needle.

[0054] 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, and modifications 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.

[0055] With respect to the above embodiment, the following supplementary notes are disclosed as one aspect and optional features of the invention. (Appendix 1) a head unit including a plurality of ultrasonic elements that output ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves of the output ultrasonic waves; a long support portion to which the head portion is attached; Equipped with the head portion is provided with a through hole for guiding a puncture needle and a slit for guiding the puncture needle into the through hole, The slit extends to the outer edge of the head portion in a direction other than the lens direction and the array direction of the ultrasonic element. Ultrasound probe. (Appendix 2) The width of the slit may be equal to or less than one-third of the diameter of the through-hole. (Appendix 3) The needle may further include a fall-off prevention structure that prevents the puncture needle that passes through the through-hole from falling off through the slit. (Appendix 4) The fall-off prevention structure may be a protrusion that protrudes from the inner periphery of the through hole toward the center of the through hole. (Appendix 5) The anti-fall-out structure may be a recess extending from the inner periphery of the through hole in a direction away from the center of the through hole. (Appendix 6) The protrusion may be a columnar body extending along the depth direction of the through-hole. (Appendix 7) The slit may be provided on at least one of the support portion side and the opposite side to the support portion side when viewed from the position where the ultrasonic element is arranged in the head portion. (Appendix 8) The width of the slit on the outer edge side of the head portion may be wider than the width on the through hole side. (Appendix 9) The slit may extend from the through hole to an outer edge of the head portion in a direction away from the support portion. (Appendix 10) The outer entrance and exit portions of the slit may be beveled and curved. (Appendix 11) A puncture adapter for an ultrasonic probe is attached to a head unit having a plurality of ultrasonic elements that output ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves of the output ultrasonic waves, and is provided with a through hole that guides a puncture needle and a slit that guides the puncture needle into the through hole, With the puncture adapter attached to the ultrasound probe, The slit extends to an outer edge in a direction other than the lens direction and the array direction of the ultrasonic element. Ultrasound probe puncture adapter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 50...Ultrasonic probe 12,52...Transmitting and receiving head 14,54...Support part 16,56...Bend 20...Puncture needle 22,58...Transmitter / receiver 24,59...Outer frame 26, 26A, 26B, 26C, 64...Puncture guide 30...Endoscope 32,32A,32B,32C,72...Through hole 34A, 34B, 34C, 74...Slit 36, 36A, 36B, 36C, 76... Array direction wall 38, 38A, 38B, 38C, 78...Lens direction wall 42...Protruding part 44...Slit 60...Puncture adapter 62...Attachment part H…Body surface insertion point H1...First arrow H2...Second arrow L1...Diameter (of through hole 32) L2...Notch width P...Subject P1…Skin P2: Organs T1...First trocar T2: Second trocar

Claims

1. a head portion including a plurality of ultrasonic elements that output ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves of the output ultrasonic waves, the head portion having a through hole that guides a puncture needle and a slit that guides the puncture needle into the through hole; a fall-off prevention structure that prevents the puncture needle that passes through the through-hole from falling off through the slit; Equipped with The fall-off prevention structure is a protrusion that protrudes from the inner periphery of the through hole toward the center of the through hole. Ultrasound probe.

2. The outer entrance / exit portion of the slit has a chamfered curved shape.

2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1.

3. A puncture adapter for an ultrasonic probe is attached to a head unit having a plurality of ultrasonic elements that output ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves of the output ultrasonic waves, and is provided with a through hole that guides a puncture needle and a slit that guides the puncture needle into the through hole, the puncture adapter further includes a fall-off prevention structure that prevents the puncture needle passing through the through-hole from falling off through the slit, The fall-off prevention structure is a protrusion that protrudes from the inner periphery of the through hole toward the center of the through hole. Ultrasound probe puncture adapter.

Images