Ultrasound probe

Abstract

To make it easier to insert a puncture needle.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic probe according to embodiments includes a head part, an acoustic emission part, and a radiation part. The head part has a puncture guide for guiding a puncture needle. The acoustic emission part is provided in the head part and emits ultrasonic waves. The radiation part radiates laser beams in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction. The first direction is opposite to a direction in which the acoustic emission part emits ultrasonic waves.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to an ultrasound probe.

Background Art

[0002] Laparoscopic surgery is performed by making a plurality of small holes around the surgical site, and inserting surgical instruments and diagnostic instruments including ultrasound probes into the body through a cylindrical member called a trocar. The tip of the ultrasound probe used in laparoscopic surgery is provided with, for example, a puncture guide (a hole or groove for puncturing), and by passing a puncture needle through the puncture guide, puncture can be performed at an arbitrary angle with respect to an organ.

[0003] In laparoscopic surgery, generally, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the body from a trocar, and a puncture needle is directly punctured from the body surface to access the puncture guide provided on the ultrasound probe. However, the puncture guide is located on the back side hidden by the skin of the subject, which is difficult for the operator to directly visually recognize. For this reason, it is not easy for the operator to grasp the position of the puncture guide, and it becomes difficult to determine the puncture position for placing the puncture needle and the puncture angle when inserting the puncture needle, which makes it difficult to insert the puncture needle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings is to facilitate the insertion of the puncture needle. However, the problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings is not limited to the above problem. A problem corresponding to each effect obtained by each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as another problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The ultrasonic probe of this embodiment comprises a head, an acoustic emission unit, and an irradiation unit. The head has a puncture guide for guiding a puncture needle. The acoustic emission unit is provided on the head and emits ultrasonic waves. The irradiation unit irradiates laser light in a first direction opposite to the direction in which the acoustic emission unit emits ultrasonic waves, and in a second direction different from the first direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A side view of the ultrasonic probe 10 of the first embodiment in use. [Figure 2] This figure shows the ultrasonic probe 10 of the first embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a modified ultrasonic probe 10 viewed from above. [Figure 4] This figure shows the ultrasonic probe 10 of the first embodiment viewed from the side. [Figure 5] This figure shows the state in which the body surface P3 of the first embodiment is irradiated with the first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2. [Figure 6] This figure shows the ultrasonic probe 10 of the second embodiment viewed from the side. [Figure 7] This figure shows the state in which the body surface P3 of the second embodiment is irradiated with the first laser beam L1 to the fourth laser beam L4. [Figure 8] This figure shows the ultrasonic probe 10 of the third embodiment viewed from the side. [Figure 9] This figure shows the state in which laser light L is irradiated onto the body surface P3 of the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows the ultrasonic probe 10 of the fourth embodiment viewed from the side. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The ultrasonic probe of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a side view of the ultrasound probe 10 of the first embodiment in use. The ultrasound probe 10 of the first embodiment is used, for example, in laparoscopic surgery (hereinafter referred to as surgery). The ultrasound probe 10 is equipped with an irradiation unit 20. The surgery is performed, for example, using the ultrasound probe 10, a puncture needle 30, an endoscope 40, a first trocar T1, and a second trocar T2.

[0010] During the surgery, a passage is created between the inside and outside of the subject P's body using the first trocar T1 and the second trocar T2. The ultrasound probe 10 is introduced into the subject P's body through the first trocar T1. The endoscope 40 is introduced into the subject P's body through the second trocar T2. The puncture needle 30 is inserted into the subject P's abdominal wall P1. In Figure 1, the puncture needle 30 is shown by a dashed line.

[0011] The ultrasound probe 10 comprises, for example, a transmitting / receiving head 11, a support part 12, a bending part 13, an acoustic emitting part 14, and an irradiation part 20. A puncture hole 15 is formed in the transmitting / receiving head 11. The ultrasound probe 10 is used, for example, to acquire an ultrasound image of the inside of a subject P when examining a subject P.

[0012] The surgeon performs the surgery, for example, by holding the ultrasound probe 10 with one hand and the puncture needle 30 with the other hand. In the following description, the side into which the surgeon inserts the puncture needle 30 from the transmitting / receiving head 11 (upper side) is referred to as the front side, and the side into which the puncture needle 30 advances (lower side) is referred to as the back side.

[0013] The transmission / reception head 11 is a plate-shaped member attached to the distal end of the support portion 12 via the bending portion 13. An acoustic emission unit 14 is provided inside the transmission / reception head 11. One end side of the transmission / reception head 11 is supported by the bending portion 13. A puncture hole 15 is formed on the other end side of the transmission / reception head 11. The transmission / reception head 11 is, for example, disposed between the abdominal wall P1 and the organ P2 of the subject P when an operation is performed on the subject P. The transmission / reception head 11 is an example of a head portion.

[0014] The support portion 12 is an elongated small-diameter member. The bending portion 13 is connected to the distal end of the support portion 12. The support portion 12 is connected to the proximal end of the bending portion 13, and the transmission / reception head 11 is connected to the distal end thereof. The transmission / reception head 11 is attached to the distal end of the support portion 12 via the bending portion 13. By providing the bending portion 13 between the support portion 12 and the transmission / reception head 11, the transmission / reception head 11 can be placed along the surface of the organ P2.

[0015] In the acoustic emission unit 14, for example, a plurality of ultrasonic elements are arranged in the array direction, and emit ultrasonic waves toward the organ P2. An ultrasonic emission surface US is formed on the organ P2 side of the acoustic emission unit 14. The acoustic emission unit 14 receives reflected waves generated by the emitted ultrasonic waves reflected by the organ P2. The acoustic emission unit 14 transmits reflected wave information based on the received reflected ultrasonic waves to a control device. The control device generates an ultrasonic image based on the transmitted reflected wave information. The ultrasonic image is, for example, an image showing the state of the acoustic emission surface in a state where the subject P is cut left and right.

[0016] The puncture hole 15 guides the puncture needle 30 operated by the operator. It is formed to penetrate through the transmission / reception head 11. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the ultrasonic probe 10 of the first embodiment viewed from above. The puncture hole 15 is disposed on the surface of the transmission / reception head 11 at the end farther from the bending portion 13 than the irradiation unit 20.

[0017] The puncture hole 15 is formed along the second direction such that the back surface side of the transmission / reception head 11 is positioned closer to the curved portion than the front surface side thereof. The second light source 22 is provided such that the irradiation direction of the second laser light L2 is along the extending direction of the puncture hole 15. The puncture hole 15 is an example of a puncture guide.

[0018] The puncture guide may have a form different from the puncture hole 15, as in the modified example described below. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the ultrasonic probe 10 of the modified example as viewed from above. Instead of the puncture hole 15 shown in Figure 2, the puncture guide may be the puncture groove 16 shown in Figure 3. The transmission / reception head 11 in the ultrasonic probe 10 of the modified example is formed with the puncture groove 16. The puncture groove 16 is formed by notching the end portion of the transmission / reception head 11. A plurality of either the puncture holes 15 or the puncture grooves 16 may be formed, or both the puncture holes 15 and the puncture grooves 16 may be formed.

[0019] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the ultrasonic probe 10 of the first embodiment as viewed from the side. The irradiation unit 20 is provided adjacent to the puncture hole 15 in the vicinity of the puncture hole 15 in the transmission / reception head 11. The irradiation unit 20 includes, for example, a first light source 21 and a second light source 22. The first light source 21 and the second light source 22 are arranged side by side at positions close to each other.

[0020] The first light source 21 irradiates, for example, laser light that is visible light (hereinafter referred to as first laser light) in the direction opposite to the direction in which the acoustic radiation unit 14 radiates ultrasonic waves (hereinafter referred to as the first direction). The first direction is, for example, a direction opposite to the radiation direction on a straight line oriented in the direction in which the acoustic radiation unit 14 radiates ultrasonic waves (hereinafter referred to as the radiation direction).

[0021] The second light source 22 irradiates, for example, laser light that is visible light (hereinafter referred to as second laser light) toward one direction different from the first direction (hereinafter referred to as the second direction). The second direction is, for example, a direction along the extending direction of the puncture hole 15, and is, for example, a direction having an inclination of less than 90°, for example, about 20°, with respect to the straight line along the radiation direction. The second direction may be other directions.

[0022] Figure 5 shows the state in which the body surface P3 of the first embodiment is irradiated with the first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2. In contrast to the first light source 21 and the second light source 22 shown in Figure 4, the irradiation positions of the first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2 on the body surface P3 are spaced apart from each other. The distance between the irradiation positions of the first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2 is longer than the distance between the first light source 21 and the second light source 22.

[0023] The first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2 penetrate the body surface P3 of the subject P and are displayed on the surface P3 of the abdominal wall P1 (Figure 1). The irradiation position of the first laser beam L1 displayed on the body surface P3 serves as a marker for the position of the surface-side puncture hole 15 in the transmitting / receiving head 11. The irradiation position of the second laser beam L2 displayed on the body surface P3 is a suitable position for inserting the puncture needle 30.

[0024] The puncture needle 30 is operated by the operator and inserted from outside the body into internal organs, etc., to collect blood, bodily fluids, cells, etc., from the subject P. The endoscope 40 is a thin device with a camera at its tip. The endoscope 40 images, for example, the transmitting and receiving head 11 of the ultrasound probe 10 or the puncture needle 30. The endoscope 40 transmits the images captured by the camera to a control device. The control device displays, for example, the images transmitted by the endoscope 40 on a monitor.

[0025] The irradiation unit 20 is electrically connected to a control device 50 via wiring 51. The control device 50 is electrically connected to a switch 52. The switch 52 is positioned so that it can be operated by the operator, and the operator can activate (turn on) or deactivate (turn off) the irradiation unit 20.

[0026] The control device 50 outputs a control signal to the irradiation unit 20 in response to the operator's operation of the switch 52. When the operator turns the irradiation unit 20 "ON" (hereinafter referred to as the operation operation) using the switch 52, the control device 50 outputs an operation signal to the irradiation unit 20. When the operator turns the irradiation unit 20 "OFF" (hereinafter referred to as the stop operation) using the switch 52, the control device 50 outputs a stop signal to the irradiation unit 20.

[0027] The irradiation unit 20 starts irradiating with the first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2 by the first light source 21 and the second light source 22 when the control device 50 outputs an operation signal. The irradiation unit 20 stops irradiating with the first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2 by the first light source 21 and the second light source 22 when the control device 50 outputs a stop signal while the irradiation unit 20 is irradiating with the first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2 by the first light source 21 and the second light source 22.

[0028] The irradiation unit 20 may continuously irradiate with the first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2. The first light source 21 and the second light source 22 may irradiate with the first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2, respectively, or either the first light source 21 or the second light source 22 may irradiate with either the first laser beam L1 or the second laser beam L2. The signal output by the control device 50 may be output to the irradiation unit 20 wirelessly.

[0029] The ultrasound probe 10 of the first embodiment includes an irradiation unit 20 that emits laser light L. Since the irradiation unit 20 is positioned near the puncture hole 15, the operator can easily determine the location of the puncture hole 15 by visually observing the laser light L that is irradiated by the irradiation unit 20 and displayed as it passes through the body surface P3 of the subject P. As a result, it becomes easier for the operator to insert the puncture needle 30.

[0030] Furthermore, the irradiation unit 20 is equipped with a first light source 21 and a second light source 22. The first light source 21 irradiates a first laser beam L1 in a first direction, and the second light source 22 irradiates a second laser beam L2 in a second direction. By observing the first laser beam L1 displayed on the body surface P3 of the subject P, the operator can easily confirm the surface position of the puncture hole 15 on the transmitting / receiving head 11.

[0031] However, even if the position of the puncture hole 15 on the surface side of the transmitting / receiving head 11 is confirmed, if the inclination of the puncture hole 15 is unknown, it may be difficult to determine from which position on the body surface P3 of the subject P the puncture needle 30 should be inserted. In this regard, the ultrasound probe 10 of the first embodiment irradiates a second laser beam L2 in a second direction. Therefore, the position on the body surface P3 of the subject P where the puncture needle 30 should be inserted can be confirmed. Consequently, it becomes easier for the operator to further insert the puncture needle 30.

[0032] Furthermore, the second light source 22 irradiates the second laser beam L2 along the extending direction of the puncture hole 15. As a result, the puncture needle 30, which is inserted towards the puncture hole 15 from the position indicated by the second laser beam L2 displayed on the body surface P3 of the subject P, is more likely to be oriented in a direction along the extending direction of the puncture hole 15. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier to insert the puncture needle 30 into the puncture hole 15, and thus make it easier for the operator to further insert the puncture needle 30.

[0033] (Second Embodiment) Next, the ultrasonic probe 10 of the second embodiment will be described. The ultrasonic probe 10 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the irradiation section. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the following description, elements and the like that are the same as in the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0034] Figure 6 shows a side view of the ultrasonic probe 10 of the second embodiment. In the ultrasonic probe 10 of the second embodiment, the irradiation unit 20 includes a first light source 21, a second light source 22, a third light source 23, and a fourth light source 24. Of the first to fourth light sources 21, the first light source 21 is positioned closest to the bent portion 13.

[0035] The second light source 22 is positioned furthest from the bent portion 13 (closest to the end of the transmitting / receiving head 11). The third light source 23 is positioned next to the bent portion 13 after the first light source 21, and the fourth light source 24 is positioned next to the bent portion 13 after the second light source 22 (between the second light source 22 and the third light source 23).

[0036] The first to fourth light sources 21 irradiate the first laser beam L1 to the fourth laser beam L4 in different directions. The first direction is the direction in which the first light source 21 irradiates the first laser beam, as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, multiple second directions are set. In the second embodiment, the second directions are the directions in which the second to fourth light sources 22 to 4 irradiate the second laser beam L2 to the fourth laser beam L4, respectively. The angle between the first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2 is the same as, for example, the angle between the first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2 in the first embodiment.

[0037] The irradiation unit 20 specifies the direction in which the laser light is irradiated as a second direction from among multiple directions by selecting a light source from among the second light source 22 to the fourth light source 24 to irradiate the laser light together with the first light source 21. The irradiation unit 20 equipped with the second light source 22 to the fourth light source 24 is an example of a specified structure. The irradiation unit 20 may also irradiate the laser light using any of the second light source 22 to the fourth light source 24 without irradiating the laser light with the first light source 21.

[0038] The angle formed by the first laser beam L1 and the third laser beam L3 is smaller than the angle formed by the first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2. The angles formed by the third laser beam L3 and the fourth laser beam L4, and the angles formed by the fourth laser beam L4 and the second laser beam L2 are the same as the angle formed by the first laser beam L1 and the third laser beam L3. The number of light sources provided in the irradiation unit 20 may be other than four; it may be three, or five or more. The angles between adjacent light sources in the irradiation unit 20 may be the same or different.

[0039] Figure 7 shows the state in which the body surface P3 of the second embodiment is irradiated with the first laser beam L1 to the fourth laser beam L4. The first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2 both irradiate the same position on the body surface P3 of the subject P as in the first embodiment. The third laser beam L3 and the fourth laser beam L4 both irradiate the area between the irradiation positions of the first laser beam L1 and the second laser beam L2 on the body surface P3 of the subject P. In the following description, the angle formed by the first laser beam L1 and each of the second laser beams L2 to the fourth laser beam L4 is referred to as the irradiation angle of the second light source 22 to the fourth light source 24.

[0040] A control device 50, similar to that in the first embodiment, is connected to the irradiation unit 20 via wiring 51, and a switch 52 is connected to the control device 50. By operating the switch 52, the operator can activate or deactivate the irradiation unit 20, and can also select and specify which light source to activate or deactivate from the first light source 21 to the fourth light source 24.

[0041] When the operator performs an operation on the switch 52 to specify the light source to be activated, the control device 50 outputs a specification signal to the irradiation unit 20. Based on the output specification signal, the irradiation unit 20 selects from the second light source 22 to the fourth light source 24 to emit laser light together with the first light source 21. Therefore, the operator can specify the light source and the second direction to emit laser light together with the first light source 21.

[0042] The ultrasonic probe 10 of the second embodiment provides the same effects as the ultrasonic probe 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the ultrasonic probe 10 of the second embodiment, the irradiation unit 20 includes a first light source 21 to a fourth light source 24. Of these, the first light source 21 irradiates a first laser beam L1 in a first direction, and the second light source 22 to the fourth light source 24 all irradiate lasers in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0043] The operator can specify a second direction by selecting a light source from the second to fourth light sources 22 to emit the laser light, allowing them to specify their preferred location for inserting the puncture needle 30 on the subject P's body surface P3. This makes it easier for the operator to further insert the puncture needle 30.

[0044] In the second embodiment, the operator can specify the second direction by selecting the second light source 22 to the fourth light source 24, but the second direction may be specified in other ways. For example, the second direction may be specified by providing a mechanism that swings the light source between the direction the second light source 22 faces and the direction the third light source 23 faces, thereby changing the irradiation angle of the second light source 22.

[0045] In the ultrasonic probe 10 of the second embodiment, to specify the second direction of laser light irradiation from among multiple directions, a second light source 22 to a fourth light source 24 is provided as a plurality of light sources, and the light source from which the laser light is irradiated is selected from among these, but other embodiments are also possible. For example, an adjustment mechanism is provided to adjust the direction (angle) of laser light irradiation by the light source, and the second direction can be specified from among multiple directions by adjusting the angle of laser light irradiation with the adjustment mechanism.

[0046] (Third embodiment) Next, the ultrasonic probe 10 of the third embodiment will be described. The ultrasonic probe 10 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the irradiation section. The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the ultrasonic probe 10 of the third embodiment viewed from the side.

[0047] In the third embodiment, the irradiation unit 20 includes, for example, a first light source 21 and a rocking structure 25. The first light source 21 is rockable so that the irradiation direction of the first laser light L1 irradiated by the first light source 21 moves between a first direction and a second direction. The rocking structure 25 rocks the first light source 21 so that the first laser light L1 can be irradiated in a direction between the first direction and the second direction.

[0048] The oscillating structure 25 is connected to a drive source, such as a motor, and is driven by the motor. The motor may be located inside the transmitting / receiving head 11 or outside the transmitting / receiving head 11. If the motor is located outside the transmitting / receiving head 11, the driving force of the motor may be transmitted to the oscillating structure 25 via a transmission mechanism or the like.

[0049] A control device 50, similar to that in the first embodiment, is connected to the irradiation unit 20 via wiring 51, and a switch 52 is connected to the control device 50. By operating the switch 52, the operator can activate or deactivate the first light source 21, and the oscillating structure 25 can also oscillate or stop the oscillating of the first light source 21.

[0050] Figure 9 shows the state in which the body surface P3 of the third embodiment is irradiated with laser light L. When the first light source 21 is operating and the oscillating structure 25 oscillates the first light source 21, the laser light L is displayed on the body surface P3 in the form of an ellipse with the straight line connecting the first direction and the second direction as its major axis.

[0051] The ultrasonic probe 10 of the third embodiment provides the same effects as the ultrasonic probe 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the ultrasonic probe 10 of the third embodiment, the irradiation unit 20 is equipped with a rocking structure 25 that rocks the first light source 21. Therefore, the first light source 21 can irradiate laser light L in either the first direction or the second direction. In addition, when the first light source 21 is operating, the rocking structure 25 rocks the first light source 21 to display an ellipse with the straight line connecting the first direction and the second direction as its major axis, making it easier to see the position of the puncture hole 15 and the position where the puncture needle 30 is inserted.

[0052] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, the ultrasonic probe 10 of the fourth embodiment will be described. The ultrasonic probe 10 of the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the irradiation section and the inclusion of an invisible light detection device. The fourth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0053] Figure 10 shows a side view of the ultrasonic probe 10 of the fourth embodiment. The ultrasonic probe 10 of the fourth embodiment includes an irradiation unit 28 that irradiates laser light L3, which is invisible light outside the range of 400 nm to 700 nm. The irradiation unit 28 irradiates the laser light L3 in a first direction.

[0054] An invisible light detection device 60 is provided at a position on the body surface P3 of the subject P in a first direction as viewed from the irradiation unit 28. When the invisible light detection device 60 detects invisible light, it outputs a detection sound to notify of the detection of invisible light. In addition to outputting a detection sound, the invisible light detection device 60 may also notify of the detection of invisible light by means of, for example, turning on or flashing a lamp, displaying on a screen, or operating a vibrator.

[0055] For example, when inserting the puncture needle 30, the operator places the invisible light detection device 60 on the body surface P3. The operator moves the invisible light detection device 60 along the surface of the body surface P3 until invisible light is detected by the invisible light detection device 60 and a detection sound is emitted. Subsequently, the detection sound emitted by the invisible light detection device 60 indicates that the invisible light detection device 60 is in a state where it is in a first direction when viewed from the irradiation unit 28 on the body surface P3. The operator can recognize the position of the puncture hole 15 by the position of the invisible light detection device 60 at this time.

[0056] In the fourth embodiment of the ultrasound probe 10, the operator can recognize the location of the puncture hole 15 by the position of the invisible light detection device 60. Therefore, the ultrasound probe 10 of the fourth embodiment makes it easier for the operator to insert the puncture needle 30. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment of the ultrasound probe 10, the invisible light detection device 60 detects invisible light, allowing the operator to recognize the location of the puncture hole 15. Therefore, even if, for example, the skin of the body surface P3 is thick and does not easily allow visible light to pass through, it is possible to make it easier for the operator to recognize the location of the puncture hole 15. As a result, it is possible to make it easier for the operator to insert the puncture needle 30.

[0057] In the fourth embodiment, the invisible light detection device 60 is placed on the body surface P3 of the subject P, but the invisible light detection device 60 may be placed in other locations. The invisible light detection device may be attached, for example, to glasses worn by the surgeon. In this case, the surgeon can easily recognize the location of the puncture hole 15 without having to move the invisible light detection device by hand, and it can be made easier for the surgeon to insert the puncture needle 30.

[0058] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the irradiation unit 28 may irradiate invisible light in a second direction in addition to the first direction, and an invisible light detection device that detects the invisible light irradiated in the second direction may be placed on the body surface P3 or provided on the glasses worn by the operator. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the position where the puncture needle 30 is inserted into the body surface P3 of the subject P can be confirmed. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the operator to further insert the puncture needle 30.

[0059] In each of the above embodiments, when the irradiation unit irradiates with multiple laser beams, each laser beam is the same type of laser beam, but the characteristics of the multiple laser beams may be made different. For example, the color, shape, size, etc., of each of the multiple laser beams may be made different. Also, when multiple laser beams are irradiated in a second direction, the characteristics of the laser beams irradiated in the second direction may be common, and different from the characteristics of the laser beams irradiated in the first direction.

[0060] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, the irradiation unit 20 irradiates laser light in the first and second directions, but it is also possible to irradiate laser light in either the first or second direction. When irradiating laser light in the first and second directions, the laser light may be irradiated in both directions simultaneously, or the laser light may be irradiated with a timing difference.

[0061] According to at least one embodiment described above, the puncture needle can be easily inserted by providing a head portion having a puncture guide for guiding the puncture needle, an acoustic emission portion provided on the head portion that emits ultrasonic waves, and an irradiation portion that irradiates laser light in a first direction opposite to the direction in which the acoustic emission portion emits ultrasonic waves and in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0062] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 10… Ultrasound probe 11…Transmit / receive head 12...Support part 13...Bend 20... Irradiation area 21...1st light source 22…Second light source 23…Third light source 24...Fourth light source 30...Puncture needle 40… Endoscopy 50…Control device 51...Wiring 52... Switch P...Subject P1…Abdominal wall P2... Organ T1...First Trakar T2...Second Trakar

Claims

1. A head portion having a puncture guide for guiding a puncture needle, The head portion is provided with an acoustic emitting unit that emits ultrasonic waves, The acoustic emission unit comprises an irradiation unit that irradiates laser light in a first direction opposite to the direction in which the acoustic emission unit radiates the ultrasonic waves, and in a second direction different from the first direction, The irradiation unit comprises a first light source that irradiates the laser light in the first direction and a second light source that irradiates the laser light in the second direction. Ultrasound probe.

2. The puncture guide is formed along one direction different from the first direction, The second direction is the direction along the extension direction of the puncture guide. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1.

3. The second light source is capable of irradiating the laser light in multiple second directions. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1.

4. The second light source comprises a plurality of light sources that irradiate the laser light toward each of the plurality of second directions. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3.

5. The plurality of light sources are arranged to irradiate laser light in a plurality of different directions, The irradiation unit includes a designation structure that specifies which light source to irradiate the laser light from among the plurality of light sources. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 4.

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