nipple fittings

Abstract

To reduce an incident angle of ultrasonic wave to the skin surface of the breast dropped in an ultrasonic propagation medium with a fitting appliance easy to deal with.SOLUTION: A papilla fitting appliance set includes a pad 30 and a weight 32 as one embodiment of a papilla fitting appliance. The pad 30 includes a projection 34, a thin film part 36 and a fitting part 38. The projection part 34 is a cylindrical member, and a papilla is inserted in the projection part 34. The thin film part 36 is a member provided on a periphery of a base bottom part 34b of the projection part 34 and adhered to the breast Pa. The fitting part 38 is provided at an end 34a of the projection part 34 and has the weight 32 fitted. The weight 32 is fitted to the fitting part 38 with the pad 30 fitted to the breast Pa.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an instrument for use in an ultrasound imaging device, and more particularly to an instrument that is attached to a breast suspended in an ultrasound propagation medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, an ultrasonic CT (Computed Tomography) device is a device that irradiates an imaging target in an ultrasonic propagation medium with ultrasonic waves from multiple directions and images the internal physical properties of the imaging target (e.g., sound speed, attenuation rate, reflectance, etc.) based on signals transmitted through or reflected by the imaging target. For example, multiple ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a ring shape to surround the imaging target, and imaging is performed by irradiating the imaging target with ultrasonic waves from the multiple ultrasonic transducers.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes the basic configuration and imaging technology of an ultrasonic CT device.

[0004] In an ultrasonic CT device used for breast examinations, ultrasonic waves generated from a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are irradiated onto the breast via an ultrasonic propagation medium while the breast is suspended over an opening provided in a bed.

[0005] If the angle of incidence of ultrasound waves relative to the breast skin surface is large, the ultrasound waves incident at an angle to the skin surface may scatter, causing the reflected waves to deviate from the receiving surface of the ultrasound transducer. As a result, the strength of the received signal of the reflected waves may decrease, causing uneven brightness on the ultrasound image (e.g., tomographic image) based on the reflected waves.

[0006] Patent Document 2 describes an ultrasonic CT device that corrects brightness variations by image processing.

[0007] Patent Document 3 describes a method of attaching gel pads to the breasts to pull them.

[0008] Patent documents 4 and 5 describe a method in which magnetic nipple covers are attached to the breasts and the breasts are pulled in by a magnet attached to a rod. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3133764 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-23431 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 10,898,164 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 7,699,783 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 7,771,360 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] With the technology described in Patent Document 2, the greater the signal loss, the more difficult it is to correct brightness unevenness. The methods described in Patent Documents 3, 4, and 5 require device control to achieve the method, and therefore are not necessarily simple methods.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to reduce the angle of incidence of ultrasonic waves with respect to the skin surface of a breast suspended in an ultrasonic propagation medium, using an easy-to-handle attachment device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] One aspect of the present invention is a nipple attachment device used in an imaging device that includes a plurality of ultrasound transducers arranged to surround a breast that is suspended in an ultrasound propagation medium, the nipple attachment device comprising: a protrusion into which the nipple is inserted; a thin film portion provided on the periphery of the base of the protrusion and that adheres to the breast; and an attachment portion provided on the tip of the protrusion and to which a weight is attached, the protrusion having a plurality of holes formed therein.

[0013] According to the above configuration, when the nipple is inserted into the protrusion, the thin film is adhered to the breast, and the weight is attached to the attachment portion, a vertical load is applied to the breast by the weight. This allows the breast, which is suspended in the ultrasound propagation medium, to be pulled vertically, thereby reducing the angle of incidence of ultrasound waves with respect to the skin surface of the breast. Furthermore, since the protrusion has multiple holes, when the nipple attachment device is placed in the ultrasound propagation medium, air present in the space inside the protrusion can be released from the internal space to the outside of the protrusion. If air is present inside the protrusion, ultrasound waves may be reflected by the air, causing brightness unevenness and the like in ultrasound images. By releasing the air inside the protrusion to the outside through the holes formed in the protrusion, brightness unevenness and the like can be suppressed.

[0014] The weight may be attached to the attachment portion by a magnet. For example, the attachment portion may be made of a ferromagnetic material and the weight may include a magnet. Of course, the attachment portion may be provided with a magnet but not the weight, or magnets may be provided on both the attachment portion and the weight.

[0015] As another example, the weight may be attached to the attachment portion without using a magnet. For example, the weight may be attached to the attachment portion using a hook, clip, button, or hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., Velcro (registered trademark)). When an examination is performed on a subject for whom the use of magnets is prohibited, a hook, clip, or the like may be used. When a hook, clip, or the like is used, the attachment may be made of resin or metal.

[0016] Of the plurality of holes, the size of the holes closer to the tips of the protrusions may be smaller than the size of the holes further from the tips of the protrusions. In other words, the size of the holes further from the tips of the protrusions may be larger than the size of the holes closer to the tips. This makes it possible to prevent the holes formed around the thin film portion from being blocked when the thin film portion comes into contact with the skin of the breast.

[0017] The thickness of the protrusion may be greater than the thickness of the thin film portion, which can prevent the protrusion from being deformed by the load of the weight or the buoyancy of the ultrasonic propagation medium, thereby preventing the holes formed in the protrusion from being blocked. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, the angle of incidence of ultrasound waves with respect to the skin surface of a breast suspended in an ultrasound propagation medium can be reduced using an easy-to-use attachment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic CT device. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the breast Pa. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a pad and a weight. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a pad and a weight. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pad as viewed from the tip side of the pad. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pad as seen from the back side of the thin film portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a top view of the pad as viewed from the tip side of the pad. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pad as viewed from the side of the pad. [Figure 10] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the weight when viewed from the front side of the weight. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the weight as viewed from the rear side of the weight. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the pad and the weight in a state where the weight is attached to the pad. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pad as viewed from the tip side of the pad. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a top view of the pad as viewed from the tip side of the pad. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pad as viewed from the side of the pad. [Figure 17] 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 15. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a nipple head attachment set employing a hook system. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a nipple attachment device set that employs a clip system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] An ultrasonic CT device, which is an example of an ultrasonic imaging device according to an embodiment, will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic CT device 10. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 1.

[0021] The ultrasound CT device 10 includes a bed 12 and a measuring unit 14. When imaging, a subject P is placed on the bed 12 in a prone position.

[0022] The measurement unit 14 includes a measurement container 16 and a transducer array 18. The measurement container 16 is a container such as a cylindrical water tank. An opening is formed in the bed 12, and the measurement container 16 is provided at a position corresponding to the opening. A breast Pa, which is an example of an imaging target, is inserted into the measurement container 16 through the opening and is contained in the measurement container 16. An ultrasound propagation medium is also contained in the measurement container 16. The ultrasound propagation medium is, for example, water or warm water.

[0023] A reserve tank 20 is connected to the measurement container 16, and the ultrasonic propagation medium circulates between the measurement container 16 and the reserve tank 20. For example, after imaging is completed, the ultrasonic propagation medium in the measurement container 16 is collected into the reserve tank 20. The reserve tank 20 subjects the ultrasonic propagation medium to processes such as temperature adjustment, purification, and degassing. When the next imaging is performed, the ultrasonic propagation medium is supplied from the reserve tank 20 into the measurement container 16.

[0024] The transducer array 18 includes a plurality of ultrasound transducers (e.g., piezoelectric elements) arranged in a ring shape to surround the breast Pa. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1. Ultrasound is irradiated onto the breast Pa from each ultrasound transducer included in the transducer array 18, and ultrasound that has passed through the breast Pa and ultrasound that has been reflected by the breast Pa are detected by each ultrasound transducer. The transducer array 18 is capable of translation in the vertical direction (Z direction). The transducer array 18 may be disposed inside or outside the measurement container 16. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the transducer array 18 is disposed inside the measurement container 16. In this case, the material of the measurement container 16 is not particularly limited, and the positional relationship between the transducer array 18 and the measurement container 16 is also not particularly limited. When the transducer array 18 is disposed outside the measurement container 16, the measurement container 16 is made of a material that easily transmits ultrasound, such as polyethylene.

[0025] The ultrasonic CT device 10 further includes an input / output unit 22, a storage unit 24, a signal processing unit 26, and a control unit .

[0026] The input / output unit 22 is a user interface such as a touch panel, a display, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. For example, imaging conditions for the ultrasound CT device 10 are set by the user via the input / output unit 22.

[0027] The storage unit 24 is configured by a storage device such as a memory, a hard disk drive, etc. The imaging conditions and the like are stored in the storage unit 24.

[0028] The signal processing unit 26 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), generates a control signal by processing based on the above-mentioned imaging conditions, and outputs the control signal to the control unit 28.

[0029] The control unit 28 includes one or more controllers, and controls the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the transducer array 18, switching, the up and down movement of the transducer array 18, the water pressure in the reserve tank 20, and the hot water.

[0030] The received signals received by the transducer array 18 are stored in the storage unit 24. Furthermore, the signal processing unit 26 applies image processing to the received signals to generate information such as a tomographic image of the breast Pa. The generated tomographic image, etc. is displayed on the display of the input / output unit 22.

[0031] The memory unit 24 , the signal processing unit 26 and the control unit 28 may be housed in the space below the bed 12 .

[0032] The signal processing unit 26 and the control unit 28 can be realized using hardware resources such as a processor and electronic circuits, and devices such as memory may be used as necessary for their implementation. The signal processing unit 26 and the control unit 28 may also be realized by, for example, a computer. That is, all or part of the signal processing unit 26 and the control unit 28 may be realized by cooperation between hardware resources such as a CPU and memory provided in a computer and software (program) that defines the operation of the CPU. The program is stored in a storage device via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or via a communication path such as a network. As another example, the signal processing unit 26 and the control unit 28 may be realized by a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. Of course, a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like, may also be used. The signal processing unit 26 and the control unit 28 may be realized by a single device, or each function may be realized by one or more devices.

[0033] The above configuration makes it possible to display a tomographic image of the breast Pa inside the measurement container 16. Specifically, a tomographic image of the reflectivity distribution is obtained from the reflected wave data, and a tomographic image of the sound speed distribution and the attenuation rate distribution is obtained from the transmitted wave data.

[0034] When ultrasound waves are incident obliquely on the skin surface of the breast Pa, they dissipate, which can reduce the strength of the reflected wave signal returning to the ultrasound transducer, causing brightness variations in the tomographic image of the reflectivity distribution.

[0035] This point will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a breast Pa. The cross-sectional view in Figure 3 is an axial cross-section, and shows a cross-section of the breast Pa and the ultrasonic transducers 18a that make up the transducer array 18. Movement of the ultrasonic transducers 18a in the Z direction (up and down direction) is represented by dashed lines. Figure 3 shows how ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transducers 18a are incident on the skin surface of the breast Pa at an incident angle θ. Because slice data is obtained discretely, if the minor axis step width (step width in the Z direction) is defined as p (the step width when the transducer array 18 is moved in the Z direction) and the change in the contour position of the breast Pa in the axial cross-section is defined as d, then the incident angle θ is defined by the following equation: θ = |arctan(d / p)|

[0036] When the ultrasonic wave propagation medium is water, if the incident angle θ defined with reference to FIG. 3 exceeds 50 to 60 degrees, it becomes rapidly difficult for the ultrasonic waves to pass through (angle dependency of the sound pressure transmission coefficient).

[0037] To address this issue, in this embodiment, a load acting in the vertical direction is applied to the breast Pa, pulling the breast Pa in the vertical direction, thereby reducing the incident angle θ. To achieve this, a pad and a weight are used as an example of a nipple attachment device set.

[0038] Specific examples are shown in Figures 4 and 5. Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views showing an example of a pad 30 and a weight 32. As shown in Figure 4, the pad 30 is attached to the vicinity of the nipple of the breast Pa, and as shown in Figure 5, a weight 32 is attached to the pad 30. In this state, the breast Pa is imaged by the ultrasound CT device 10. When the subject P sits on the bed 12 in a prone position, the breast Pa is pulled in the vertical direction by the weight 32, which prevents the breast Pa from being flattened due to the buoyancy of the ultrasound propagation medium (e.g., water). As a result, the incident angle θ of the ultrasound waves to the skin surface of the breast Pa can be reduced.

[0039] The pad 30 corresponds to an example of a nipple attachment device. Hereinafter, a configuration including the pad 30 and the weight 32 will be referred to as a "nipple attachment device set."

[0040] The nipple attachment device set will be described below with reference to Figs. 6 to 13. Figs. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the pad 30. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the pad 30 as seen from the tip side of the pad 30. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the pad 30 as seen from the back side of the thin film portion. Fig. 8 is a top view of the pad 30 as seen from the tip side of the pad 30. Fig. 9 is a side view of the pad 30 as seen from the side of the pad 30. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 8. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the weight 32 as seen from the front side of the weight 32. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the weight 32 as seen from the back side of the weight 32. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the pad 30 and weight 32 with the weight 32 attached to the pad 30. Fig. 13 shows the appearance of the pad 30 and a cross section of the weight 32.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, the pad 30 includes a protruding portion 34, a thin film portion 36, and an attachment portion 38.

[0042] The protrusion 34 is a member into which the nipple of the breast Pa is inserted. The protrusion 34 has a tip 34a, which has a closed cylindrical shape. The portion opposite the tip 34a is open, as indicated by the reference symbol 34e in FIG. 7, and a space 34g is formed inside the protrusion 34. The nipple of the breast Pa is inserted into this space 34g.

[0043] The tip 34a is provided with an attachment portion 38. A thin film portion 36 is provided on the periphery of the base portion 34b of the protrusion 34 (the portion opposite the tip 34a).

[0044] The thin film portion 36 is a component that is attached to the breast Pa when the pad 30 is attached to the breast Pa. The thin film portion 36 includes a plurality of piece members 36a that are spaced apart from one another. For example, a plurality of cutouts 36b are formed in the thin film portion 36, and the cutouts 36b separate each piece member 36a from the adjacent piece member 36a. For example, the plurality of piece members 36a are arranged along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical protrusion 34. Here, as an example, four piece members 36a are provided, but this number is merely an example, and it is sufficient that a plurality of piece members 36a are provided. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a petal-like shape is formed by the four piece members 36a, but this shape is merely an example.

[0045] An adhesive (e.g., an acrylic adhesive) is applied to at least a portion of the back surface 36c of each piece member 36a (the surface opposite to the surface on which the protrusions 34 are provided). Of course, the adhesive may be applied to the entire back surface 36c of each piece member 36a. For example, the adhesive is applied as thinly as possible so as not to interfere with the ultrasound. An adhesive made of a material whose sound speed is close to the sound speed in water or skin may be used as the adhesive. An adhesive made of a material that is hypoallergenic to the living body may also be used. An adhesive tape such as double-sided tape may also be used as the adhesive.

[0046] The back surface 36c is the surface that comes into contact with the skin of the breast Pa when the pad 30 is attached to the breast Pa. The adhesive applied to the back surface 36c allows each piece member 36a to adhere to the skin. Specifically, when the pad 30 is attached to the nipple of the breast Pa, the nipple is inserted into the space 34g of the protrusion 34. In this state, the back surface 36c of each piece member 36a is brought into contact with the skin of the breast Pa. This causes each piece member 36a to adhere to the skin of the breast Pa with the adhesive, and as a result, the pad 30 is attached to the breast Pa.

[0047] By configuring the thin film portion 36 from multiple piece members 36a, such as in a petal-like shape, the thin film portion 36 can be attached to the skin of the breast Pa without wrinkling even if the shape of the breast Pa varies from person to person. Even if the cut portions 36b have a fine slit-like shape, it is possible to prevent wrinkling from occurring in the thin film portion 36. Therefore, the shape of the piece members 36a is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings, and the number of piece members 36a is not limited to four.

[0048] When the pad 30 is unused, a protective sheet 40 is attached to the back surface 36c as shown in FIG. 7. When the pad 30 is to be used, the protective sheet 40 is peeled off from the back surface 36c, thereby exposing the adhesive applied to the back surface 36c. The protective sheet 40 may be divided into multiple pieces, and the protective sheet 40 may be partially peeled off. Two pads 30 may be provided arranged on one sheet for examining the left and right breasts. For example, the pad 30 is a disposable member.

[0049] The protrusions 34 and the thin film portion 36 are made of a resin such as silicone rubber or urethane rubber. The material of the protrusions 34 and the material of the thin film portion 36 may be the same or different. The color of the protrusions 34 and the thin film portion 36 is, for example, a translucent color or an opaque color, but the color is not limited to these.

[0050] The mounting portion 38 is made of a ferromagnetic material such as an iron plate. For example, the mounting portion 38 is provided so as to protrude from the tip 34a of the protrusion 34. Of course, the mounting portion 38 may be embedded in the tip 34a without protruding from the tip 34a. For example, the mounting portion 38 is glued to the tip 34a. The weight 32 is attached to the mounting portion 38.

[0051] The configuration of the weight 32 will now be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 13. As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the weight 32 has a shape and size that allows it to be easily gripped in one hand. Specifically, the weight 32 has an elliptical shape overall. Furthermore, since the weight 32 has a rotationally symmetric shape, the same weight 32 can be used for both the left and right breasts Pa. Of course, the shape of the weight 32 is not limited to that shown in the drawings.

[0052] The weight 32 has a front portion 32a and a back portion 32b, and a recess 32c is formed in the back portion 32b. A magnet 32d is fitted into the recess 32c. The depth of the recess 32c is greater than the thickness of the magnet 32d. Therefore, when the magnet 32d is fitted into the recess 32c, a gap is formed on the front side of the magnet 32d. As shown in FIG. 13 , an attachment portion 38 is fitted into the gap, and the weight 32 is attached to the attachment portion 38 by the magnetic force of the magnet 32d. Furthermore, by inserting a finger into the gap, the weight 32 can be easily removed from the attachment portion 38 using the principle of leverage, even if there is sufficient magnetic force.

[0053] Furthermore, by placing the magnet 32d inside the recess 32c, it is possible to suppress impacts on the magnet 32d. As a result, even if a fragile magnet 32d is used, damage to the magnet 32d can be suppressed. For example, it can withstand the impact of a fall (for example, a fall from a height of about 1 meter).

[0054] Weight 32 is coated with a resin such as epoxy resin so that weight 32 can be disinfected and reused, and the surface of weight 32 is resistant to chemicals such as alcohol. Magnet 32d is used, for example, having a size and magnetic force that allows it to attract a load of about three times the maximum load even through the coating.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 4, pad 30 is attached to breast Pa. In this state, weight 32 is attached to attachment portion 38 by the magnetic force of magnet 32d, as shown in Fig. 5. As a result, weight 32 is suspended from pad 30, so that a load acting in the vertical direction can be applied to breast Pa.

[0056] The attachment portion 38 may be a magnet. In this case, the magnet 32d may not be provided on the weight 32, and the weight 32 may be made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron.

[0057] The magnet 32d may be provided on the weight 32, and the attachment portion 38 may also be a magnet. In this case, the contact surface of the magnet 32d and the contact surface of the attachment portion 38 have opposite polarities.

[0058] 6, the protrusion 34 has a plurality of holes formed therein. For example, a plurality of holes 34c and a plurality of holes 34d are formed in the protrusion 34. Each hole penetrates the protrusion 34 and functions as an air vent hole for venting air within the protrusion 34 (i.e., the air within the space 34g). Air strongly reflects ultrasound, which can cause uneven brightness in an ultrasound image. By forming the holes in the protrusion 34, when the pad 30 is attached to the breast Pa and the breast Pa is placed in an ultrasound propagation medium (e.g., water), the air within the protrusion 34 (i.e., the air within the space 34g) can be vented to the outside of the protrusion 34. As a result, uneven brightness caused by air can be prevented.

[0059] The plurality of holes 34c are formed at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction of the protrusion 34 on the periphery of the tip 34a of the protrusion 34. The plurality of holes 34c correspond to an example of holes close to the tip of the protrusion 34.

[0060] The plurality of holes 34d are formed at base portion 34b of protrusion 34 at intervals in the circumferential direction of protrusion 34. The plurality of holes 34d correspond to an example of holes far from the tip of protrusion 34.

[0061] The size (i.e., area) of hole 34c is smaller than the size (i.e., area) of hole 34d. That is, the size of hole 34d is larger than the size of hole 34c. Because base 34b where hole 34d is formed and its surrounding area come into contact with the skin of breast Pa, hole 34d may be blocked. To avoid this, hole 34d is formed larger than hole 34c.

[0062] 10, the thickness D1 of the protrusion 34 is thicker than the thickness D2 of the thin film portion 36 (specifically, the thickness of each piece member 36a). The thickness D1 of the protrusion 34 is determined so that the load of the weight 32 or the buoyancy of the ultrasonic propagation medium will not cause the protrusion 34 to deform and block the holes 34c, 34d. For example, the thickness D1 of the protrusion 34 is determined so that the shape of the protrusion 34 is maintained even under the load or buoyancy. When the pad 30 is made of resin, the thickness D1 is, for example, approximately 2 mm. Of course, the thickness D1 will vary depending on the material of the pad 30.

[0063] The portion of the breast Pa to which the thin film portion 36 is attached includes the portion to be imaged, and therefore the thickness D2 of the thin film portion 36 is designed to be thin so as not to interfere with the ultrasound.

[0064] Note that the cylindrical shape of the protrusion 34 eliminates the angle dependency on the ultrasonic wave, which in turn makes it possible to suppress variations in the strength of the received signal due to the angle dependency.

[0065] The load of the weight 32 is determined so that the subject P does not feel any pain due to the load of the weight 32. For example, the weight 32 has a load (for example, about 200 g) equivalent to the buoyancy acting on the breast Pa in water.

[0066] The size and material of the weight 32 are determined so that the weight 32 does not come into contact with the bottom of the measurement container 16. For example, a weight 32 having a shape with a short vertical length is used. Furthermore, in order to obtain a load even in a compact shape, a metal with a high specific gravity is used as the material of the weight 32. For example, tungsten, lead, or the like is used as the material of the weight 32. When lead is used, the weight 32 is coated to a degree that prevents the lead from dissolving even when the weight 32 is used for a long period of time. When tungsten is used, tungsten rubber may be used in consideration of formability.

[0067] When an examination is performed using the ultrasound CT device 10, the subject P changes into examination clothes in a front room and attaches pads 30 to the breasts Pa in preparation for imaging. For example, a pad 30 is attached to each of the left and right breasts Pa. In this state, the subject P moves to the imaging room, where the weight 32 is attached to the pad 30. In this way, the examination can be performed in the imaging room simply by attaching the weight 32 to the pad 30, thereby minimizing the impact on examination throughput.

[0068] If the pad 30 attached to the breast Pa that is not the measurement target interferes with prone positioning, only one pad 30 may be attached to one breast Pa in the antechamber. After the measurement of one breast Pa is completed, when the other breast Pa is to be measured, the pad 30 may be attached to the other breast Pa.

[0069] By using the nipple attachment device set described above, it is possible to suppress the decrease in brightness in the reflectance distribution image caused by oblique incidence of ultrasound in a simple manner, and to provide the user with an image that is easy to interpret.

[0070] 14 to 17 show a pad 30A that is larger in size than the pad 30. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the pad 30A as seen from the tip side. FIG. 15 is a top view of the pad 30A as seen from the tip side. FIG. 16 is a side view of the pad 30A as seen from the side of the pad 30A. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 15.

[0071] The configuration of pad 30A is the same as that of pad 30, and pad 30A differs from pad 30 only in size. For example, the diameter of the protrusion 34 of pad 30A is larger than the diameter of the protrusion 34 of pad 30. The height of the protrusion 34 of pad 30A is the same as the height of the protrusion 34 of pad 30. Of course, multiple pads with protrusions 34 of different heights may be prepared. Like pad 30, pad 30A is attached to breast Pa. The subject P uses a pad of a size that suits her size. Three or more types of pads of different sizes may be prepared. Also, multiple weights 32 of different weights may be prepared.

[0072] Below, modified examples of the nipple attachment device set will be described.

[0073] Instead of the magnet 32d, a hook, a clip, a button, a hook-and-loop fastener (for example, Velcro (registered trademark)), or the like may be used to attach the weight to the pad.

[0074] A nipple attachment set employing the hook method is shown in Figure 18. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the nipple attachment set.

[0075] Weight 32B is provided with a hook 44. A ring-shaped member 42 and a hole are provided at tip 34a of protrusion 34 of pad 30B. Ring-shaped member 42 and the hole correspond to an example of an attachment portion. Weight 32B is attached to pad 30B by hooking hook 44 of weight 32B onto ring-shaped member 42 or the hole.

[0076] A nipple attachment device set employing a clip system is shown in Figure 19. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the nipple attachment device set.

[0077] Weight 32C is provided with a clip 46. Pad 30C has the same configuration as pad 30B shown in Fig. 18. Weight 32C is attached to pad 30C by clamping ring-shaped member 42 with clip 46.

[0078] Since the tip 34a is not the subject of imaging, the ring-shaped member 42 may be made of metal, or may be made of resin such as silicone rubber.

[0079] 11 and 12 includes a magnet 32d. The weight 32 is attached near the chest of the subject P, and is therefore not applicable to users of pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators. In such cases, instead of a nipple attachment device set using the weight 32, a hook-type nipple attachment device set using the weight 32B or a clip-type nipple attachment device set using the weight 32C is used. As a result, even when examining a subject P for whom the use of magnets is prohibited (a subject P with a magnet contraindication), using the nipple attachment device set can suppress a decrease in brightness in the reflectance distribution image. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 30 Pad, 32 Weight, 34 Protrusion, 36 Thin film, 38 Mounting part.

Claims

1. A nipple attachment device used in an imaging device including a plurality of ultrasound transducers arranged to surround a breast suspended in an ultrasound propagation medium, a protrusion into which the nipple is inserted; a thin film portion provided on the periphery of the base of the protrusion portion and attached to the breast; a mounting portion provided at a tip of the protrusion and to which a weight is attached; Including, The protrusion has a plurality of holes formed therein. A nipple attachment device characterized by:

2. The nipple attachment device according to claim 1, The weight is attached to the attachment portion by a magnet. A nipple attachment device characterized by:

3. The nipple attachment device according to claim 2, the mounting portion is made of a ferromagnetic material, The weight includes a magnet. A nipple attachment device characterized by:

4. The nipple attachment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Among the plurality of holes, the size of the holes closer to the tip of the protrusion is smaller than the size of the holes farther from the tip of the protrusion. A nipple attachment device characterized by:

5. The nipple attachment device according to claim 4, The thickness of the protrusion is greater than the thickness of the thin film portion. A nipple attachment device characterized by:

Images