Ultrasound diagnostic equipment

Abstract

To allow efficient selection of an induction method to be used for diagnosis.SOLUTION: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a collection unit, an acquisition unit, a detection unit, and a selection unit. The collection unit acquires reflected wave data by performing ultrasound scanning on a subject. The acquisition unit acquires electrocardiogram signals of the subject measured by a plurality of induction methods. The detection unit detects a non-diagnostic state in which ultrasound scanning of the subject is not performed. When a non-diagnostic state is detected, the selection unit selects an induction method to be used for ultrasound scanning on the basis of waveforms of electrocardiogram signals measured by each of the plurality of induction methods.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an ultrasound diagnostic device. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional echocardiography, R waves are detected from the waveform of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal output from an electrocardiograph and used for diagnosis. Examples of diagnosis using R waves include ECG-gated scans, in which a scan is initiated using the detected R waves as a trigger.

[0003] In echocardiography, when R waves are used for diagnosis, operators such as technicians and surgeons switch between multiple leads (e.g., lead I, lead II, lead III, etc.) and check the waveforms of the ECG signals in each lead before selecting the lead to use for diagnosis. However, manually switching between leads and checking the waveforms can be a burden for the operator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-136501 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 efficiently select a guidance method to be used for diagnosis. 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 each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment includes a collection unit, an acquisition unit, a detection unit, and a selection unit. The collection unit collects reflected wave data by performing ultrasound scanning on a subject. The acquisition unit acquires electrocardiogram signals of the subject measured using multiple leads. The detection unit detects a non-diagnostic state in which ultrasound scanning of the subject is not being performed. When a non-diagnostic state is detected, the selection unit selects a lead method to be used in the ultrasound scanning based on the waveforms of the electrocardiogram signals measured using each of the multiple leads. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the waveform of an ECG signal for one heartbeat acquired by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the waveform of an ECG signal for one heartbeat acquired by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the waveform of an ECG signal for one heartbeat acquired by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 includes an ultrasound probe 11, an input interface (input unit) 13, a display (display unit) 15, an electrocardiograph 17, and a device main body 19.

[0010] The ultrasonic probe 11 collects reflected wave data by performing ultrasonic scanning on the subject. The ultrasonic probe 11 is an example of a collection unit. The ultrasonic probe 11 includes a plurality of piezoelectric transducers, a matching layer provided on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface side of the piezoelectric transducers, and a backing material provided on the back side of the piezoelectric transducers to prevent ultrasonic waves from propagating backward from the piezoelectric transducers. Each of the plurality of piezoelectric transducers generates ultrasonic waves in response to a drive signal supplied from a transmission / reception circuit 23, which will be described later.

[0011] The ultrasonic probe 11 is a one-dimensional array probe that is detachably connected to the device main body 19. The plurality of piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on drive signals supplied from the transmission / reception circuit 23 in the device main body 19. The ultrasonic probe 11 may be provided with a button that is pressed for a freeze operation or the like.

[0012] When a freeze operation is performed by the user, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 transitions to a freeze state. Here, the freeze state refers to a state in which the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 temporarily suspends ultrasound scanning.

[0013] When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 11 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected one after another by discontinuous surfaces of acoustic impedance in the internal tissue of the subject P. The reflected ultrasonic waves are received as reflected wave signals (hereinafter referred to as echo signals) by a plurality of piezoelectric transducers of the ultrasonic probe 11. The echo signals are an example of reflected wave data. The amplitude of the received echo signals depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surfaces where the ultrasonic waves are reflected.

[0014] When the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the surface of a moving blood flow or the heart wall, the echo signal undergoes a frequency shift due to the Doppler effect, depending on the velocity component of the moving object in the direction of ultrasonic transmission. The ultrasonic probe 11 receives the echo signal from the subject P and converts it into an electrical signal.

[0015] The input interface 13 inputs various instructions, commands, information, selections, and settings from the operator into the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. The input interface 13 can be realized by a trackball, switch buttons, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad that allows input operations by touching the operation surface, a touch panel display that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, etc. The input interface 13 converts the input operations received from the operator into electrical signals.

[0016] In this specification, the input interface 13 is not limited to an interface having physical operation parts such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc. For example, an example of the input interface 13 also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 and outputs the received electrical signal to the apparatus main body 19.

[0017] The display 15 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, an organic electroluminescence display (OLED), a plasma display, or any other display, as appropriate.

[0018] The display 15 may be incorporated into the device main body 19. The display 15 may be a desktop type, or may be configured as a tablet terminal or the like that can communicate wirelessly with the device main body 19.

[0019] The display 15 displays various images generated by an image generation circuit 29 (described later) and the like. The display 15 has a display circuit that realizes the display of various images. The display 15 also displays a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows the operator to input various setting requests. Note that multiple displays may be connected to the device body 19 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1.

[0020] The electrocardiograph 17 is connected to the device main body 19 via the communication interface 31. The electrocardiograph 17 acquires electrocardiogram signals (hereinafter also referred to as ECG signals) of the subject P as biological signals of the subject P to be ultrasonically scanned. The electrocardiograph 17 can acquire ECG signals of a plurality of leads. The electrocardiograph 17 acquires the ECG signals of a specified lead and outputs them to the device main body 19.

[0021] The device main body 19 has a transmitting / receiving circuit (transmitting / receiving unit) 23, a B-mode data generating circuit (B-mode data generating unit) 25, a Doppler data generating circuit (Doppler data generating unit) 27, an image generating circuit (image generating unit) 29, a communication interface 31, a memory (storage unit) 33, a control circuit (control unit) 35, and a processing circuit (processing unit) 37.

[0022] The transmission / reception circuit 23 has a pulse generator, a transmission delay circuit, and a pulser circuit, and supplies a drive signal to each of the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators in the ultrasonic probe 11. The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency fr (Hz) (period: 1 / fr seconds).

[0023] The transmission delay circuit focuses the transmitted ultrasonic waves into a beam and provides each rate pulse with a delay time required to determine the transmission directivity. The pulser circuit applies a voltage pulse as a drive signal to each piezoelectric transducer of the ultrasonic probe 11 at a timing based on the rate pulse. This causes the ultrasonic beam to be transmitted to the subject P.

[0024] The transmission / reception circuit 23 further includes a preamplifier, an analog-to-digital (hereinafter referred to as A / D) converter, a reception delay circuit, and an adder. The transmission / reception circuit 23 generates a reception signal based on the reception echo signal generated by each piezoelectric transducer. The preamplifier amplifies the echo signal from the subject P captured via the ultrasonic probe 11 for each channel. The A / D converter converts the amplified reception echo signal into a digital signal.

[0025] The receive delay circuit applies a delay time required to determine the receive directivity to the received echo signal converted into a digital signal. The adder adds multiple echo signals with the delay time applied. By this addition, the transmit / receive circuit 23 generates a receive signal that emphasizes the reflected component from the direction corresponding to the receive directivity. The transmit directivity and receive directivity determine the overall directivity of the ultrasonic transmission and reception. The ultrasonic beam (so-called "ultrasonic scan line") is determined by this overall directivity.

[0026] The B-mode data generation circuit 25 has an envelope detector and a logarithmic converter, and generates B-mode data based on the received signal. The envelope detector performs envelope detection on the received signal. The logarithmic converter performs logarithmic conversion on the envelope-detected signal, relatively emphasizing weak signals in the envelope-detected signal. The B-mode data generation circuit 25 generates signal values ​​(referred to as B-mode data) for each depth in each scanning line based on the signals emphasized by the logarithmic converter.

[0027] Specifically, the B-mode data generating circuit 25 generates two-dimensional B-mode data by two-dimensional scanning. The B-mode data is generated, for example, by two-dimensional ultrasound scanning (hereinafter referred to as apical four-chamber scan) of a cross section (apical four-chamber cross section) from the apex of the heart of the subject P to the multiple cardiac chambers. The multiple cardiac chambers are at least two of the four chambers.

[0028] For the sake of specificity, the B-mode data is data generated by an apical four-chamber scan (hereinafter referred to as apical four-chamber data), and is associated with the electrocardiogram phase at the time of the apical four-chamber scan. The four chambers are the left atrium (LA), left ventricle (LV), right atrium (RA), and right ventricle (RV).

[0029] The Doppler data generation circuit 27 has a mixer, a low pass filter (LPF), etc., and generates Doppler data based on the received signal. The mixer multiplies the received signal by a reference signal having the frequency f0 of the transmitted ultrasound, and generates a signal having a Doppler shift frequency fd component and a signal having a frequency component of (2f0+fd).

[0030] The LPF removes high frequency components (2f0+fd) from the signals output from the mixer, allowing the Doppler data generation circuit 27 to generate Doppler data having a component of the Doppler shift frequency fd from the received signals.

[0031] The image generation circuit 29 includes a digital scan converter (hereinafter referred to as DSC), an image memory, etc. (neither of which are shown in the figure.) The DSC converts a scan line signal sequence of an ultrasound scan consisting of B-mode data and Doppler data into a scan line signal sequence in video format (scan conversion).

[0032] The image generation circuit 29 synthesizes the scan-converted B-mode data and Doppler data with text information, scales, and the like of various parameters to generate ultrasound image data. Ultrasound image data is data for display. Meanwhile, B-mode data, volume data, and Doppler data are also called raw data.

[0033] The image memory stores a plurality of ultrasound images (hereinafter referred to as ultrasound video images) corresponding to a series of frames immediately before the freeze operation is input. The plurality of ultrasound images stored in the image memory are used for cine display.

[0034] For example, the image generating circuitry 29 generates an ultrasound moving image (hereinafter referred to as an apical four-chamber moving image) spanning at least one heartbeat based on apical four-chamber data generated by an apical four-chamber scan performed over at least one heartbeat of the subject P. The generated apical four-chamber moving image is stored in an image memory together with the cardiac phase in an electrocardiogram and is used for cine display as appropriate. The image generating circuitry 29 also stores the apical four-chamber moving image in a memory 33.

[0035] The communication interface 31 is connected to an external device such as a medical image storage device via a network. The communication interface 31 receives ultrasound image data relating to the four cavities of the subject P from the medical image storage device and outputs the data to the memory 33. The communication interface 31 transfers various data output from the image generation circuit 29, the processing circuit 37, etc. to the external device.

[0036] The memory 33 stores programs related to ultrasonic transmission and reception, programs corresponding to various processes executed by the control circuit 35 and the processing circuit 37, etc. The memory 33 stores in advance various pieces of information used by the processing circuit 37. The memory 33 also stores raw data, ultrasonic image data, various pieces of data generated and processed by the processing circuit 37, etc.

[0037] The memory 33 is, for example, a storage device that stores various information, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an integrated circuit storage device, etc. In addition to an HDD or an SSD, the memory 33 may also be a drive device that reads and writes various information from / to portable storage media such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a flash memory, or a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0038] The control circuit 35 includes, for example, a processor and a memory as hardware resources. The control circuit 35 functions as the central part of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1. Specifically, the control circuit 35 reads out a control program stored in the memory 33, loads it on the memory, and controls various units of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 in accordance with the loaded control program. The control circuit 35 is an example of a control unit.

[0039] For example, if the user does not operate the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 for a predetermined period of time, the control circuit 35 performs control to automatically transition the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 to a frozen state.

[0040] The processing circuitry 37 includes hardware resources such as a processor and a memory. Specifically, the processing circuitry 37 reads a program stored in the memory 33, loads the program on the memory, and realizes various functions according to the loaded program. The processing circuitry 37 includes a detection function 371, an acquisition function 373, a selection function 375, and a display control function 377.

[0041] The detection function 371 and the detection function 371 are examples of a detection unit. The acquisition function 373 is an example of an acquisition unit. The selection function 375 is an example of a selection unit. The selection function 375 and the display control function 377 are examples of a notification unit.

[0042] In FIG. 1, it has been explained that the processing functions performed by the detection function 371, acquisition function 373, selection function 375, and display control function 377 are realized by a single processor, but it is also possible to configure the processing circuit 37 by combining multiple independent processors, and realize the functions by each processor executing a program.

[0043] Furthermore, although FIG. 1 illustrates a single memory 33 storing a program corresponding to each processing function, it is also possible to configure a plurality of memory circuits in a distributed arrangement, with the processing circuit 37 reading out the corresponding program from each individual memory circuit.

[0044] In the above description, an example has been described in which a "processor" reads out and executes a program corresponding to each function from a storage circuit, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The term "processor" refers to a circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)).

[0045] If the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, instead of storing a program in memory 33, the function is directly built into the circuit of the processor as a logic circuit.

[0046] Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its functions. Furthermore, multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its functions.

[0047] The detection function 371 detects a non-diagnostic state in which ultrasound scanning of the subject P is not being performed. There is no particular restriction on the method for detecting the non-diagnostic state, and various methods can be adopted. For example, the detection function 371 detects the non-diagnostic state when the processing circuitry 37 receives a freeze operation from the user via the input interface 13 or the like.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, the detection function 371 detects the non-diagnostic state when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 automatically transitions to a frozen state. On the other hand, the detection function 371 detects that the non-diagnostic state has been released when the processing circuitry 37 receives an operation to release the frozen state from the user via the input interface 13 or the like.

[0049] Furthermore, for example, when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is not in a frozen state, the detection function 371 calculates the average value of the luminance values ​​of each pixel constituting the generated ultrasound image data. Then, when the average value of the luminance values ​​is less than a predetermined threshold, the detection function 371 detects a non-diagnostic state. On the other hand, when the average value of the luminance values ​​is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the detection function 371 detects that the non-diagnostic state has been released.

[0050] This is because, if the brightness values ​​of the pixels that make up the ultrasonic image data are generally low, it can be inferred that the echo signal is not being received and the ultrasonic probe 11 is left in the air (hereinafter also referred to as the "left in the air" state).

[0051] The average value is an example of a statistical value, and in this embodiment, the average value of the brightness values ​​of each pixel constituting the ultrasound image data is used to detect whether the ultrasound probe 11 is left in the air, but the statistical value of the brightness values ​​of each pixel used to detect whether the ultrasound probe 11 is left in the air is not limited to the average value. For example, the median value of the brightness values ​​of each pixel constituting the ultrasound image data may be used.

[0052] The acquisition function 373 acquires ECG signals of the subject P measured using a plurality of leads. Specifically, when a non-diagnostic state is detected, the acquisition function 373 acquires waveforms of ECG signals using a plurality of leads output from the electrocardiograph 17. Specifically, when the detection function 371 detects a non-diagnostic state, the acquisition function 373 starts acquiring ECG signals using a pre-designated lead from among the plurality of leads from the electrocardiograph 17.

[0053] Furthermore, when the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 is in a diagnostic state (a state in which the non-diagnostic state has been released), the acquisition function 373 acquires an ECG signal measured using a lead method selected by a selection function 375, which will be described later.

[0054] Here, for example, a case will be described in which lead I is designated in advance as the lead method for acquiring ECG signals, and ECG signals are acquired sequentially from three leads, lead I, lead II, and lead III.

[0055] In this case, the acquisition function 373 first acquires a pre-specified lead I ECG signal for one heartbeat from the electrocardiograph 17. Next, the acquisition function 373 switches the lead method to be acquired from lead I to lead II. Then, the acquisition function 373 acquires a lead II ECG signal for one heartbeat from the electrocardiograph 17.

[0056] Thereafter, the acquisition function 373 switches the lead acquisition method from lead II to lead III, as in the case of lead II, and acquires an ECG signal of lead III for one heartbeat from the electrocardiograph 17. In this way, the acquisition function 373 acquires ECG signals for one heartbeat from each of leads I, II, and III.

[0057] In this embodiment, the acquisition function 373 acquires ECG signals for one heartbeat for each lead, but the acquired ECG signals are not limited to one heartbeat. For example, ECG signals for two or more heartbeats may be acquired.

[0058] 2 to 4 are diagrams showing an example of an ECG signal for one heartbeat acquired by the acquisition function 373. Here, Fig. 2 shows an example of an ECG signal in lead I, Fig. 3 shows an example of an ECG signal in lead II, and Fig. 4 shows an example of an ECG signal in lead III. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the ECG signal is composed of a P wave indicating atrial excitation, a QRS wave indicating ventricular excitation, and a T wave indicating ventricular recovery.

[0059] In general, in ultrasound examinations, the R wave, which is one of the components of the QRS wave, is used for diagnosis. Therefore, for example, if an ECG signal from a lead method in which the R wave cannot be properly detected is used for diagnosis, there is a possibility that the condition of the heart, etc., cannot be correctly evaluated. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment performs a process of automatically selecting an appropriate lead method to be used for diagnosis. The process of selecting a lead method will be described below.

[0060] When a non-diagnostic state is detected, the selection function 375 selects a lead method to be used in ultrasound scanning based on the waveforms of ECG signals measured in each of the multiple leads. Specifically, the selection function 375 selects the lead method in which the R wave amplitude is measured to be the largest among the waveforms of ECG signals in the multiple leads as the lead method to be used for diagnosis. Here, an example will be described in which the acquisition function 373 acquires ECG signals for one heartbeat from leads I, II, and III shown in Figures 2 to 4.

[0061] In this case, first, the selection function 375 detects R waves in each of the ECG signals for one heartbeat in leads I, II, and III. Next, the selection function 375 calculates the amplitude of the detected R waves. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the amplitude of the R wave is largest in lead II. Therefore, the selection function 375 selects lead II as the lead to be used for diagnosis.

[0062] If R waves are not detected from any of the leads, it is highly likely that the multiple electrodes attached to the subject P to detect ECG signals are not attached correctly. Therefore, if R waves are not detected from any of the leads, the selection function 375 cooperates with a display control function 377 (described later) to control the display 15 to display a message urging the user to check the attachment status of the electrodes.

[0063] Furthermore, a threshold value for the amplitude of the R wave may be determined in advance, and similar control may be performed when the amplitude of the R wave is less than the threshold value for any of the lead methods.

[0064] Note that displaying a message is one example of notification. The notification method is not limited to displaying a message. For example, notification may be performed by emitting a warning sound from a speaker. Furthermore, notification may be performed by combining displaying a message with a warning sound.

[0065] When the selection function 375 selects one lead, the acquisition function 373 switches the lead of the ECG signal to be acquired to the lead selected by the selection function 375. As a result, after the selection function 375 selects a lead, the acquisition function 373 acquires the ECG signal of the selected lead.

[0066] The ECG signal of the first lead thus acquired is used for diagnosis in the ultrasound examination. The control circuit 35 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment starts an apical four-chamber scan, for example, using an R wave as a trigger.

[0067] The display control function 377 controls the display of various information on the display 15. For example, the display control function 377 controls the display 15 to display, together with an ultrasound image, the waveform of an ECG signal of the lead method selected by the selection function 375 and output from the electrocardiograph 17. Furthermore, for example, the display control function 377 cooperates with the selection function 375 to control the display 15 to display a message urging the user to check the attachment state of the electrodes.

[0068] Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0069] First, the detection function 371 checks whether the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is in a frozen state (step S1). Specifically, the detection function 371 determines that the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is in a frozen state when a freeze operation is received from the user or when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 automatically transitions to a frozen state. On the other hand, the detection function 371 determines that the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is not in a frozen state when a freeze operation is not received from the user or when a predetermined time has not elapsed since the user operated the ultrasound diagnostic device.

[0070] If it is determined that the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 is in a frozen state (step S1: Yes), the detection function 371 detects that the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 is in a non-diagnostic state, and proceeds to the process of step S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 is not in a frozen state (step S1: No), the detection function 371 checks whether the ultrasonic probe 11 is left in the air (step S2).

[0071] Specifically, the detection function 371 calculates the average brightness value of each pixel of the ultrasound image data generated by the image generation circuit 29, and if the average brightness value is less than a threshold, determines that the ultrasound probe 11 is left in the air. On the other hand, if the average brightness value is equal to or greater than the threshold, the detection function 371 determines that the ultrasound probe 11 is not left in the air.

[0072] If it is determined that the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is in an airborne state (step S2: Yes), the detection function 371 detects that the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is in a non-diagnostic state, and proceeds to the processing of step S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is not in an airborne state (step S2: No), proceeds to the processing of step S1.

[0073] When the detection function 371 detects that the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is in a non-diagnostic state, the acquisition function 373 starts acquiring ECG signals from the electrocardiograph 17 (step S3). Specifically, the acquisition function 373 acquires an ECG signal for one heartbeat in one designated lead method from among multiple leads.

[0074] After acquiring an ECG signal for one heartbeat in one designated lead, the acquisition function 373 checks whether there are any leads from which ECG signals have not been acquired (step S4). If there are no leads from which ECG signals have not been acquired (step S4: No), the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if there are leads from which ECG signals have not been acquired (step S4: Yes), the lead from which ECG signals are acquired is switched to the lead from which ECG signals have not been acquired, and the process proceeds to step S3.

[0075] After acquiring ECG signals for one heartbeat for all leads, the selection function 375 checks whether an R wave was detected from the waveform of the ECG signal for any one of the leads (step S5). If an R wave was detected (step S5: Yes), the selection function 375 selects the lead from the multiple leads that measures the largest R wave amplitude as the lead to be used for diagnosis, and ends this process (step S6).

[0076] When one lead method is selected by the selection function 375, the acquisition function 373 switches the lead method for acquiring ECG signals to the lead method selected by the selection function 375. As a result, ECG signals of the lead method selected by the selection function 375 are output from the electrocardiograph 17 to the device main body 19.

[0077] On the other hand, if an R wave cannot be detected (step S5: No), the selection function 375 cooperates with the display control function 377 to display a message on the display 15 prompting the user to check the attachment state of the electrodes, and then ends this process (step S7). This allows the user to reattach the electrodes correctly if they are not attached correctly to the subject P.

[0078] According to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment described above, when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 detects a non-diagnostic state in which the subject P is not being examined, it acquires ECG signals from multiple leads and can select a lead method to be used for diagnosis from the multiple leads based on the waveforms of the ECG signals.

[0079] As a result, when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 enters a non-diagnostic state, the lead method to be used for diagnosis is automatically selected based on the waveform of the ECG signal, eliminating the need for the user to visually check the waveform of the ECG signal and determine the lead method to be used for diagnosis. In other words, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment can efficiently select the lead method to be used for diagnosis.

[0080] Furthermore, when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 enters a non-diagnostic state, ECG signals from multiple leads are automatically acquired sequentially, eliminating the need for the user of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 to manually switch between leads and acquire ECG signals from multiple leads.

[0081] Furthermore, when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment transitions to a frozen state, it selects a lead method to be used for ultrasound scanning based on the waveform of an ECG signal measured using each of the multiple leads. When the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is in a frozen state, the ultrasound probe 11 does not transmit or receive ultrasound, and no processing such as generation of ultrasound image data is performed, so the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is in a non-diagnostic state. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can select a lead method to be used for diagnosis without affecting the examination of the subject P.

[0082] Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment selects a lead method to be used for ultrasound scanning based on the waveform of the ECG signal measured with each of the multiple leads when the statistical value of the brightness values ​​of each pixel constituting the ultrasound image falls below a threshold. When the statistical value of the brightness values ​​of each pixel constituting the ultrasound image falls below a threshold, the ultrasound probe 11 is considered to be left in the air, and the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 enters a non-diagnostic state. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can select a lead method to be used for diagnosis without affecting the examination of the subject P.

[0083] Furthermore, when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment is not in a frozen state, it detects a non-diagnostic state based on whether or not the statistical value of the brightness values ​​of each pixel constituting an ultrasound image is below a threshold value. As a result, even when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is not in a frozen state and an ultrasound examination of the subject P is not being performed, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can acquire an ECG signal from the electrocardiograph 17 and select a lead method to be used for diagnosis.

[0084] Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment selects the lead method that measures the largest R-wave amplitude from among the waveforms of ECG signals from multiple leads as the lead method to be used for diagnosis. Since R-waves are generally used for diagnosis in ultrasound examinations, acquiring ECG signals from the lead method that measures the largest R-wave amplitude allows for more accurate examinations. This is because a large R-wave amplitude reduces the possibility of erroneous detection of R-waves.

[0085] Furthermore, if R waves are not detected in any of the acquired ECG signals from multiple leads, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment displays a message urging the user to check the attachment status of the electrodes. This is because if R waves are not detected in any of the ECG signals from multiple leads, it is considered that no electrodes are attached to the subject P or that they are attached in an improper manner. This makes it easier for the user to notice improper attachment of the electrodes to the subject P.

[0086] The above-described embodiment can be modified as needed by changing part of the configuration or functions of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. Therefore, the following describes modifications of the above-described embodiment as other embodiments. The following mainly describes differences from the above-described embodiment, and a detailed description of commonalities with the content already described will be omitted. The modifications described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0087] (Variation) In the above embodiment, the acquiring function 373 acquires ECG signals sequentially while switching the designation of the lead method to be acquired for multiple leads when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is in a non-diagnostic state. However, the acquiring function 373 may simultaneously acquire all ECG signals measured using each of the multiple leads when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is in a non-diagnostic state.

[0088] In this modification, the electrocardiograph 17 simultaneously outputs all ECG signals measured using each of the multiple leads to the device main body 19. Therefore, the acquisition function 373 simultaneously acquires all ECG signals measured using each of the multiple leads.

[0089] Furthermore, when the detection function 371 detects a non-diagnostic state, the selection function 375 calculates the amplitude of the R wave of the ECG signal measured in each of the multiple leads and selects the lead method with the largest R wave amplitude as the lead method to be used for diagnosis. For example, when the selection function 375 selects one lead method, the control circuit 35 starts an apical four-chamber scan using the R wave of the ECG signal measured in that lead method as a trigger.

[0090] Even after one lead method is selected by the selection function 375, the acquisition function 373 continues to acquire ECG signals from leads that were not selected, but only the ECG signals measured using the lead method selected by the selection function 375 will be used for diagnosis or output to the display 15.

[0091] According to this modification, ECG signals measured using each of a plurality of leads are continuously acquired simultaneously, eliminating the need to switch between the leads to be acquired, and thus enabling more efficient selection of the lead to be used for diagnosis.

[0092] 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]

[0093] 1. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 11 Ultrasound probe 13 Input Interface 15 Display 17 Electrocardiograph 19 Device body 23 Transmitting and receiving circuit 25 B-mode data generation circuit 27 Doppler data generation circuit 29 Image generation circuit 31 Communication Interface 33 Memory 35 Control circuit 37 Processing circuit 371 Detection Function 373 Acquisition Function 375 Selection Function 377 Display Control Function

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires reflected wave data by performing an ultrasound scan on the subject; an acquiring unit that acquires electrocardiogram signals of the subject measured by a plurality of lead methods; a detection unit that detects a non-diagnostic state in which the subject is not being scanned with ultrasound; a selection unit that, when the non-diagnostic state is detected, selects a lead method for acquiring the electrocardiogram signal to be used when starting the ultrasound scan, based on the waveform of the electrocardiogram signal measured using each of the plurality of leads; An ultrasound diagnostic device comprising:

2. the acquiring unit acquires the electrocardiogram signal of the lead method selected by the selecting unit in a diagnostic state in which the subject is ultrasonically scanned. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the acquiring unit starts acquiring the electrocardiogram signals when the non-diagnostic state is detected, and sequentially or simultaneously acquires the electrocardiogram signals of the subject measured using the plurality of leads.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

4. a control unit that, in a diagnostic state in which the subject is ultrasonically scanned, causes the acquisition unit to acquire the reflected wave data based on a waveform of the electrocardiogram signal of the lead method selected by the selection unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the control unit causes the collecting unit to start collecting the reflected wave data in synchronization with a timing at which an R wave included in the waveform of the electrocardiogram signal is detected. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

6. the detection unit detects the non-diagnostic state when the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus enters a frozen state in which the ultrasound scan is temporarily stopped. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the detection unit detects the non-diagnostic state when a statistical value of brightness values ​​of pixels constituting an ultrasound image generated based on the reflected wave data is below a threshold value. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the selection unit selects the lead method in which the amplitude of an R wave included in the waveform of the electrocardiogram signal is measured to be the largest, from the waveform of the electrocardiogram signal measured using the plurality of lead methods. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. and a notification unit that, when an R wave is not detected from any of the waveforms of the electrocardiogram signals measured by the lead method acquired by the acquisition unit, prompts a user to check the attachment state of a plurality of electrodes attached to the subject for measuring the electrocardiogram signals. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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