Combined ultrasound-optical probe device

Abstract

A combined ultrasound-optical probe device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a light source unit for irradiating light; a piezoelectric body for transmitting light irradiated by the light source unit, the transmission direction of an ultrasound signal generated by the piezoelectric body being the same as the light irradiation direction from the light source unit; and first and second conductive members disposed, respectively, on first and second surfaces of the piezoelectric body such that overlapping of the transmission direction of the ultrasound signal and the light irradiation direction is avoided.

Description

Ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasound-optical fusion probe device.

[0002] Ultrasound stimulation therapy, which can stimulate the affected area without physical invasion, is widely used. Ultrasound is classified into high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) depending on the intensity. HIFU is used for direct treatment to physically remove living tissues such as cancer cells, tumors, and lesions, whereas LIFU is known to achieve medical effects without causing necrosis of living tissues. For example, HIFU can be used to noninvasively remove lesions, and LIFU can also be used to noninvasively treat neurological disorders such as cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression. These ultrasound treatment devices are equipped with an ultrasound probe (ultrasound transducer) to transmit and receive diagnostic ultrasound signals to acquire ultrasound images of the subject, and to transmit therapeutic ultrasound signals to the affected area to be treated.

[0003] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic probe structure capable of improving physical characteristics compared to conventional ultrasonic probes to secure high output (High Acoustic Power) characteristics while reducing size, and to provide an ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device capable of maximizing treatment effects by simultaneously applying an ultrasonic treatment method using a piezoelectric body and a photothermal treatment method using a light source.

[0004] An ultrasound-optical fusion probe device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by including: a light source unit that irradiates light; a piezoelectric body configured to transmit light irradiated by the light source unit, wherein a transmission direction of an ultrasonic signal generated by the piezoelectric body and a direction of light irradiation from the light source unit are configured in the same direction; and first and second conductive members respectively disposed on first and second surfaces of the piezoelectric body in such a way that overlap between the transmission direction of the ultrasonic signal and the direction of light irradiation is avoided.

[0005] In the present invention, the transmission direction of the ultrasonic signal and the light irradiation direction and the electric field application direction through the first and second conductive members are characterized in that they are perpendicular.

[0006] In the present invention, when the transmission direction of the ultrasonic signal and the light irradiation direction are defined as the first direction, the light source unit and the piezoelectric body are characterized in that they are aligned along the first direction.

[0007] The present invention further includes a rear layer, and the light source unit, the rear layer, and the piezoelectric body are sequentially aligned along the first direction, so that the rear layer, together with the piezoelectric body, forms a light irradiation path from the light source unit.

[0008] The present invention further includes a control unit that controls transmission of an ultrasonic signal by the piezoelectric body and irradiation of light by the light source unit, and the control unit is characterized in that, in a treatment mode for a target area to be treated, the control unit selectively performs an ultrasonic treatment operation by the piezoelectric body and a photothermal treatment operation by the light source unit.

[0009] In the present invention, when performing both the ultrasonic treatment operation and the photothermal treatment operation in the treatment mode, the control unit is characterized in that it at least partially overlaps a first time period in which the ultrasonic treatment operation is performed and a second time period in which the photothermal treatment operation is performed, or provides a time difference of a range less than or equal to a preset gap between the first time period and the second time period.

[0010] In the present invention, the light source unit includes a first light source that irradiates first light of a first wavelength band and a second light source that irradiates second light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and in the photothermal treatment operation process, the control unit is characterized in that it controls the light source unit in a manner of activating the first and second light sources simultaneously or in a manner of activating the first and second light sources sequentially.

[0011] In the present invention, the treatment mode is characterized in that it is divided into multiple treatment modes depending on the disease to be treated, and the frequency of the ultrasonic signal in each treatment mode is configured to be variable.

[0012] According to the present invention, the mechanical quality factor (Q) is configured so that the element stacking direction of the ultrasonic probe, the electric field application direction to the piezoelectric body, and the polarization direction of the piezoelectric body have a predefined relationship profile (a perpendicular profile of the electric field application direction and the polarization direction with respect to the stacking direction). m , Mechanical Quality Factor) and E C By improving physical properties such as coercive electric field, high output (high acoustic power) characteristics of the ultrasonic probe can be secured.

[0013] In addition, according to the present invention, by arranging a light source unit that irradiates light of a predetermined wavelength at the rear end of an ultrasonic probe, the treatment effect on the affected area (e.g., joint or skin) can be maximized by simultaneously applying ultrasonic treatment by the ultrasonic probe and photothermal treatment by the light source unit, and by adopting a structure in which the ultrasonic probe and the light source unit are aligned according to the transmission direction of the ultrasonic signal and light, the size of the entire probe device can be reduced.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the first and second conductive members are arranged on the side surfaces of the piezoelectric body by the above-described relationship profile, the light irradiated from the light source unit and the first and second conductive members do not overlap each other, and therefore, when the first and second conductive members are arranged on the upper and lower surfaces of the piezoelectric body, the dependence on the transparent material of the conductive member required is eliminated, and thus the degree of freedom in designing and implementing the conductive member can be improved.

[0015] Fig. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing the structure of an ultrasonic probe array in an ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device of the present embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing the structure of a probe unit in an ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device of the present embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a relationship profile in the ultrasound-optical fusion probe device of the present embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing the arrangement structure of the probe unit and the light source unit in the ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device of the present embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 5 is a block diagram for functionally explaining the ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device of the present embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 is an exemplary diagram showing a time-series configuration in which an ultrasonic treatment operation and a photothermal treatment operation are performed in the ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device of the present embodiment.

[0021] Hereinafter, an ultrasound-optical fusion probe device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this process, the thickness of lines and the sizes of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined based on their functions in the present invention and may vary depending on the intentions or practices of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the contents throughout this specification.

[0022] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing the structure of an ultrasonic probe array in an ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing the structure of a probe unit in an ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device of the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a relationship profile in an ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device of the present embodiment, FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing the arrangement structure of a probe unit and a light source unit in an ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device of the present embodiment, FIG. 5 is a block diagram for functionally explaining an ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing a time-series configuration in which an ultrasonic treatment operation and a photothermal treatment operation are performed in an ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device of the present embodiment.

[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ultrasound-optical fusion probe device (1) of the present embodiment (hereinafter, the device) is implemented as an array structure in which a plurality of probe units (PU) are sequentially arranged, and can be implemented as a one-dimensional (1D) or two-dimensional (2D) array structure (FIG. 1 shows an example of an implementation of a two-dimensional (8X8) array structure). Each probe unit (PU) is partitioned by a kerf (K), and the kerf (K) can correspond to a gap (Gap) formed between each probe unit (PU). The structure illustrated in FIG. 1 and the light source unit (50) described below correspond to an array structure applicable to the interior of the device (1), and can be fixedly installed inside the device (1) through a predetermined mounting member and frame.

[0024] In the following, the structure and relationship profile of the probe unit (PU) employed in this embodiment will be first described, and then the arrangement structure of the probe unit and the light source unit (50), and the ultrasonic treatment operation and the photothermal treatment operation will be described.

[0025]

[0026] 1. Structure of the probe unit

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the probe unit (PU) in this embodiment is defined as a structure including a back layer (10), a piezoelectric body (20), a matching layer (30), and first and second conductive members (41, 42) arranged on the first and second surfaces of the piezoelectric body (20) sequentially laminated in the axial direction (A) (as described below, the back layer (10) may be omitted depending on the embodiment). For a clear description of the structure, the terms 'upper' and 'lower' indicated below are described as referring to the axial direction (A) of the device (1), and the 'side' is described as referring to the lateral direction (L) or elevation direction (E) of the device (1).

[0028] The backing layer (10) is arranged below the piezoelectric body (20) described below, and absorbs and attenuates ultrasonic signals generated in the piezoelectric body (20) and propagating downward, thereby blocking the ultrasonic signals from propagating downwardly of the piezoelectric body (20), thereby preventing distortion of the image. The backing layer (10) may have an acoustic impedance lower than that of the piezoelectric body (20), and may be composed of a material having an acoustic impedance of, for example, 2 MRayl to 5 MRayl. In addition, the backing layer (10) may be manufactured in multiple layers to improve the attenuation or blocking effect of the ultrasonic signal. Meanwhile, the backing layer (10) may be omitted within a range in which the attenuation characteristics and impedance matching characteristics of the ultrasonic signal are secured at the level of the present device (1). In an embodiment in which a back layer (10) is provided, the back layer (10) forms a light irradiation path from a light source unit (50) described later, and for this purpose, the back layer (10) may be implemented with a light-transmitting material (e.g., transparent epoxy or glass material).

[0029] When diagnosing a target object, the piezoelectric material (20) mechanically vibrates when an electrical signal is applied through the first and second conductive members (41, 42) described below, thereby generating a diagnostic ultrasound signal and transmitting the signal to the target object (e.g., the body or tissues within the body), and receives an ultrasound signal reflected from a specific part inside the target object and converts it into an electrical signal. In addition, when treating a target area of ​​the target object, the piezoelectric material (20) mechanically vibrates when an electrical signal is applied through the first and second conductive members (41, 42), thereby generating a therapeutic ultrasound signal. This embodiment focuses on treating the target area of ​​the target object.

[0030] The piezoelectric material (20) can be implemented as a piezoelectric single crystal material. Specifically, the piezoelectric material (20) is a first-generation single crystal PMN-PT [Pb(Mg 2 / 3 Nb 1 / 3 )O3-PbTiO3], the second-generation single crystal PIN-PMN-PT[Pb(In 1 / 2 Nb 1 / 2 O3)-Pb(Mg 1 / 3 Nb 2 / 3 O3)-PbTiO3], and Mn:PIN-PMN-PT, which is a third-generation single crystal in which a dopant such as Mn is added to the first and second-generation single crystals, and the piezoelectric body (20) implemented with the piezoelectric single crystal material in this way is configured to have a light transmission characteristic and can form a light irradiation path from the light source unit (50) described later. The piezoelectric body (20) implemented with the piezoelectric single crystal material ... ceramic powder in the crystal growth direction ( <001> , <011> or <111> The ingot is prepared in advance from the ingot obtained by placing the seed of the piezoelectric element (20) in a platinum crucible, sealing it, placing it in a high-temperature crystal growth furnace for a long time to completely melt it, maintaining the temperature for a predetermined period of time, and then slowly cooling it. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the polarization direction (crystal direction) of the piezoelectric element (20) is defined according to the relation profile, and a detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0031] The matching layer (30) is arranged on the upper portion of the piezoelectric body (20), and matches the acoustic impedance of the piezoelectric body (20) with the acoustic impedance of the object, thereby reducing the loss of the ultrasonic signal transmitted to the object or the ultrasonic signal reflected from the object. That is, the matching layer (30) reduces the difference in acoustic impedance between the piezoelectric body (20) and the object, thereby matching the acoustic impedance between the piezoelectric body (20) and the object, thereby allowing the ultrasonic signal generated from the piezoelectric body (20) to be efficiently transmitted to the object. In order to match the acoustic impedance between the object and the piezoelectric body (20), the matching layer (30) may be implemented with a material having a predefined acoustic impedance, and for example, may be implemented with a glass material or a resin material having light transmittance and having an acoustic impedance that is larger than the acoustic impedance of the object and smaller than the acoustic impedance of the piezoelectric body (20).

[0032] The first and second conductive members (41, 42) are respectively arranged on the first and second surfaces of the piezoelectric body (20) and function as electrodes for transmitting an electrical signal to the piezoelectric body (20). The first and second conductive members (41, 42) constitute a part of a signal path or a ground path described below.

[0033]

[0034] 2. Relationship Profile

[0035] In this embodiment, the stacking direction (hereinafter, element stacking direction) of the back layer (10), the piezoelectric body (20) and the matching layer (30), the electric field application direction through the first and second conductive members (41, 42) (which has the same meaning as the direction in which the first and second surfaces are located based on the piezoelectric body (20)) and the polarization direction of the piezoelectric body (20) are configured to have a predefined relationship profile, and the relationship profile is a mechanical quality factor (Q m , Mechanical Quality Factor) and EC , Coercive Electric field) to secure the high output (High Acoustic Power) characteristic of the present device (1). Fig. 3 shows the arrangement structure of the probe unit (PU) according to the relationship profile.

[0036] Specifically, when the element stacking direction is defined as a first direction (D1), the electric field application direction for the piezoelectric body (20) is defined as a second direction (D2), and the polarization direction of the piezoelectric body (20) is defined as a third direction (D3), the relationship profile may include a vertical profile in which the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) are perpendicular, and a horizontal profile in which the second direction (D2) and the third direction (D3) are horizontal. In the present device (1), the element stacking direction corresponds to the axial direction (A), and therefore the electric field application direction and polarization direction of the piezoelectric body (20), which are perpendicular to and parallel to the element stacking direction, may correspond to the lateral direction (L) or the elevation direction (E) (for convenience of explanation, the electric field application direction and polarization direction of the piezoelectric body (20) are described below as corresponding to the lateral direction (L).).

[0037] Since the element stacking direction is the same as the vibration direction of the piezoelectric body (20) and the transmission direction of the ultrasonic signal, when an electric field is applied to the piezoelectric body (20) in the lateral direction (L) through the first and second conductive members (41, 42) (Fig. 3 shows an example in which the first conductive member (41) corresponds to the signal electrode (+) and the second conductive member (42) corresponds to the ground electrode (-)), the piezoelectric body (20) having the polarization direction in the lateral direction (L) vibrates in the axial direction (A), and accordingly, an ultrasonic signal is transmitted in the axial direction (A) of the piezoelectric body (20). That is, in the present embodiment, the electric field application direction (= electrode arrangement direction = polarization direction = second direction = third direction) is perpendicular to the vibration direction of the piezoelectric body (20) (= ultrasonic signal transmission direction = element stacking direction = first direction).

[0038] In order to have the above relationship profile, the piezoelectric material (20) applied to the probe unit (PU) is explained from the perspective of its crystal system. As shown in Fig. 3, the direction of electric field application and polarization direction of the piezoelectric material (20) are based on the crystal system. <011> It corresponds to the axis, and the element stacking direction is based on the crystal system. <100> corresponds to the axis. That is, the polarization direction of the piezoelectric material (20) <011> is set as an axis, <011> When the first and second conductive members (41, 42) are placed on the first and second surfaces of the piezoelectric body (20) corresponding to the axis and an electrical signal is applied, the piezoelectric body (20) <100> It vibrates in the axial direction, and thus the relationship profile described above can be implemented.

[0039] The correspondence relationship between the first to third directions based on the three-dimensional space indicated in this specification, the axial direction (A), lateral direction (L), and elevation direction (E) based on the probe unit (PU), and the axial direction in the crystal system of the piezoelectric body (20) is summarized as shown in Table 1 below.

[0040] 3D space reference probe unit reference piezoelectric crystal system 1 direction axis direction (A) <100> Festival 2 direction = 3rd direction side direction (L) or altitude direction (E) <011> axis

[0041] As mentioned above, the relationship profile employed in this embodiment functions as a configuration for securing high output (High Acoustic Power) characteristics of the ultrasonic probe device (1) by improving physical characteristics such as mechanical quality factor and coercive field. Tables 2 to 4 below are experimental data comparing the piezoelectric constant, mechanical quality factor, and coercive field characteristics of the 'lateral (L) electrode arrangement structure and axial (A) vibration structure' (structure of this embodiment) according to the relationship profile employed in this embodiment and the conventional 'axial (A) electrode arrangement and vibration structure' (conventional structure).

[0042] Piezoelectric constant (d, 10 -12 C / N)GenerationPMN-PT(1st)PIN-PMN-PT(2nd)Mn:PIN-PMN-PT(3rd)mol%28PT28PT30PT29PTConventional structure1283117815741465This example structure--979-1500-1207

[0043] Mechanical quality factor (Qm) Generation PMN-PT (1st) PIN-PMN-PT (2nd) Mn: PIN-PMN-PT (3rd) mol% 28 PT 28 PT 30 PT 29 PT Conventional structure 250 160 580 This example structure - 680 1000

[0044] Electric field (Ec, KV / cm) Generation PMN-PT (1st) PIN-PMN-PT (2nd) Mn:PIN-PMN-PT (3rd) mol% 28 PT 28 PT 30 PT 29 PT Conventional structure 266 This example structure - 5-6 10

[0045] According to Table 2, it can be confirmed that the structure of the present embodiment can secure a piezoelectric constant at a level equivalent to that of the conventional structure. In addition, according to Table 3, it can be confirmed that a higher mechanical quality factor can be secured compared to the conventional structure when the piezoelectric body (20) is implemented with a second-generation and third-generation piezoelectric single crystal, and according to Table 4, it can be confirmed that a higher coercive field can be secured compared to the conventional structure when the piezoelectric body (20) is implemented with a third-generation piezoelectric single crystal. That is, the structure of the present embodiment can secure a high mechanical quality factor and coercive field while maintaining a piezoelectric constant at a level equivalent to that of the conventional structure, and accordingly, the effect of securing the high voltage characteristics (withstand voltage) and high output (High Acoustic Power) characteristics of the probe unit (PU) is derived.

[0046] In addition, since the first and second conductive members (41, 42) are not arranged in the transmission direction of the ultrasonic signal (i.e., the axial direction (A)), distortion of the transmitted ultrasonic signal by the first and second conductive members (41, 42) can be reduced.

[0047]

[0048] 3. Layout structure of the probe unit and light source

[0049] The light source unit (50) corresponds to a configuration that irradiates therapeutic light to the target area of ​​treatment as described below. In this embodiment, the transmission direction of the ultrasonic signal generated by the piezoelectric body (20) and the light irradiation direction from the light source unit (50) are configured in the first direction (i.e., the axial direction (A)) described above, and for this purpose, the light source unit (50) and the piezoelectric body (20) (or probe unit (PU)) are aligned along the first direction as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0050] Since the light irradiation direction from the light source unit (50) is configured in the first direction, which is the same as the transmission direction of the ultrasonic signal, the light irradiation direction from the light source unit (50) is also configured in a structure that is perpendicular to the electric field application direction through the first and second conductive members (41, 42), and in terms of the positions of the first and second conductive members (41, 42), the first and second conductive members (41, 42) are arranged on the first and second surfaces of the piezoelectric body (20) in such a way that overlap with the transmission direction of the ultrasonic signal and the light irradiation direction is avoided. That is, since the first and second conductive members (41, 42) are not arranged in the light irradiation direction from the light source unit (50), distortion of light caused by the first and second conductive members (41, 42) can be reduced.

[0051] The fact that the first and second conductive members (41, 42) do not overlap with the direction of light irradiation from the light source unit (50) functions as a configuration that ensures the freedom of implementation of the first and second conductive members (41, 42). That is, when the first and second conductive members (41, 42) are arranged on the upper and lower surfaces (i.e., the axial direction (A) planes) of the piezoelectric body (20) as in the structure of a general ultrasonic probe, if the light source unit (50) and the piezoelectric body (20) are aligned along the axial direction (A), the first and second conductive members (41, 42) need to be implemented with a transparent material for the transmission of light irradiated from the light source unit (50), which causes time and cost consumption in the manufacturing process for the conductive members (41, 42). On the other hand, as described above, in the present embodiment, the light irradiation direction from the light source unit (50) corresponds to the axial direction (A), and the arrangement direction of the first and second conductive members (41, 42) corresponds to the lateral direction (L) (or the elevation direction (E)), so that the first and second conductive members (41, 42) are not located on the light irradiation path, and therefore, the first and second conductive members (41, 42) can be implemented with a typical conductive material such as metal, which means that the degree of freedom in design and implementation for the first and second conductive members (41, 42) is improved.

[0052] According to the structure described above, light irradiated from the light source unit (50) passes through the rear layer (10), the piezoelectric body (20), and the matching layer (30) and is irradiated to the target area of ​​treatment. Meanwhile, an optical lens (L) for limiting the radiation range of the light irradiated from the light source unit (50) and focusing it to a specific range may be provided between the rear layer (10) and the light source unit (50).

[0053]

[0054] 4. Control of treatment of the affected area by the control unit

[0055] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for functionally explaining the ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device (1) of the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the ultrasonic-optical fusion probe device (1) of the present embodiment further includes an interface unit (60) and a control unit (70) along with the probe unit (PU) and light source unit (50) described above.

[0056] The interface unit (60) can function as an input / output device that performs interfacing between the device (1) and a user, and a typical input / output device (e.g., an operation button or a touch screen) can be included in the interface unit (60).

[0057] The control unit (70) is a control entity for the piezoelectric body (20) and the light source unit (50), and can be implemented as a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), or a system on chip (SoC), and can control a plurality of hardware or software components connected to the control unit (70) by driving an operating system or application, perform various data processing and operations, and can be configured to execute at least one command stored in a memory and store the execution result data in the memory.

[0058] In the treatment mode for the target area to be treated, the control unit (70) basically controls the piezoelectric body (20) to vibrate in the axial direction (A) by applying an electrical signal (e.g., a pulse voltage signal) to the first and second conductive members (41, 42), thereby transmitting an ultrasonic signal from the piezoelectric body (20) in the axial direction (A), thereby implementing an ultrasonic treatment operation. Diseases to which the ultrasonic treatment operation is applied may include, for example, osteoarthritis or skin diseases. In order to maximize the therapeutic effect of the ultrasonic treatment operation for diseases such as osteoarthritis or skin diseases, the control unit (70) can control the photothermal treatment operation by driving the light source unit (50), and the control unit (70) can control the driving of the light source unit (50) by controlling a driver IC (not shown) electrically connected to the light source unit (50), thereby controlling the photothermal treatment operation.

[0059] For photothermal therapy operation, the light source unit (50) may be configured to include a first light source that irradiates first light of a first wavelength band and a second light source that irradiates second light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and each light source may be implemented as an LED. In the present embodiment, the first wavelength band may correspond to 600 to 700 nm, and the second wavelength band may correspond to 800 to 900 nm. The first light of the first wavelength band can increase the temperature of the target irradiation area, and thus can function as a basic light source for photothermal therapy, and the second light of the second wavelength band has high penetrability and light efficiency, and can penetrate deep into tissues to be used for cell therapy, and thus can function as an auxiliary light source that maximizes the effect of photothermal therapy. In addition, it has already been proven that light of the above wavelength band has a therapeutic effect on osteoarthritis and skin diseases.

[0060] The control unit (70) can selectively perform an ultrasonic treatment operation through the piezoelectric body (20) and a photothermal treatment operation through the light source unit (50) in a treatment mode for the target area to be treated, depending on the user's manipulation of the interface unit (60). That is, the control unit (70) can perform only an ultrasonic treatment operation through the piezoelectric body (20), only a photothermal treatment operation through the light source unit (50), or a combined operation of the ultrasonic treatment operation and the photothermal treatment operation, depending on the user's manipulation of the interface unit (60).

[0061] When the time periods during which the ultrasonic treatment motion and the photothermal treatment motion are performed are defined as the first time period and the second time period, respectively, and when both the ultrasonic treatment motion and the photothermal treatment motion are performed in the treatment mode, the control unit (70) can at least partially overlap the first and second time periods.

[0062] Specifically, referring to FIG. 6, the control unit (70) can perform a basic ultrasonic treatment operation by controlling the transmission of therapeutic ultrasonic waves by the piezoelectric body (20) during the first time period (T1), and in order to maximize the treatment effect, the second time period in which the photothermal treatment operation is performed can be overlapped over the entire first time period in which the ultrasonic treatment operation is performed (photothermal treatment ①), and a part of the first and second time periods (T OVLP ) can be mutually superimposed (photothermal therapy ②).

[0063] In another embodiment, the control unit (70) does not overlap the first and second time intervals, and sets a time difference (T) within a range of a preset gap (Gap) between the first and second time intervals. diff) can be set so that the photothermal treatment action is performed after the ultrasonic treatment action is completed (photothermal treatment ③). The time interval corresponding to the above-mentioned gap is the upper limit of the time during which a continuous treatment effect on the affected area can be expected through the ultrasonic treatment action and photothermal treatment action performed sequentially, and functions as a configuration for generating a synergistic treatment effect on the affected area by performing the ultrasonic treatment action and photothermal treatment action with a time difference that is less than the gap.

[0064] Overlapping interval between the first and second time intervals (T OVLP ) (i.e., the period of simultaneous performance of ultrasound treatment action and photothermal treatment action), or the time difference between the first and second time periods (T diff ) can be determined by a method in which a user (e.g., a doctor) makes a clinical judgment based on the disease progression status and the temperature of the affected area, and then inputs the judgment into the interface unit (60). For example, when the disease progression status is high and the temperature of the affected area is below the reference value, the control unit (70) can overlap the entire first and second time periods (① in FIG. 6) according to the user's operation of the interface; when the disease progression status is high and the temperature of the affected area is above the reference value, the control unit (70) can overlap only a part of the first and second time periods (② in FIG. 6) according to the user's operation of the interface; when the disease progression status is low and the temperature of the affected area is above the reference value, the control unit (70) can provide a time difference of less than the gap described above between the first and second time periods according to the user's operation of the interface.

[0065] Meanwhile, during the photothermal treatment operation, the control unit (70) may control the light source unit (50) in a manner of activating the first and second light sources simultaneously, or in a manner of activating the first and second light sources sequentially. This method may also be determined in a manner in which the user makes a clinical judgment based on the progression of the disease, the temperature of the affected area, etc., and then inputs the judgment into the interface unit (60).

[0066] Meanwhile, the treatment mode is divided into multiple treatment modes depending on the disease being treated, and the frequency of the ultrasound signal in each treatment mode can be configured to be variable. For example, in the treatment mode for osteoarthritis, the frequency of the ultrasound signal can be set to the XX band, and in the treatment mode for skin disease, the frequency of the ultrasound signal can be set to the 3 MHz (HIFU) band. This frequency variable function can be supported by the interface unit (60).

[0067]

[0068] In this way, according to the present embodiment, the element stacking direction of the ultrasonic probe, the electric field application direction to the piezoelectric body (20), and the polarization direction of the piezoelectric body are configured to have a predefined relationship profile (a vertical profile of the electric field application direction and the polarization direction with respect to the stacking direction), thereby improving physical properties such as the mechanical quality factor and the coercive field, thereby securing the high output (High Acoustic Power) characteristic of the ultrasonic probe.

[0069] In addition, according to the present embodiment, by arranging a light source unit that irradiates light of a predetermined wavelength at the rear end of the ultrasonic probe, the treatment effect on the affected area (e.g., joint or skin) can be maximized by simultaneously applying ultrasonic treatment by the ultrasonic probe and photothermal treatment by the light source unit, and by adopting a structure in which the ultrasonic probe and the light source unit are aligned according to the transmission direction of the ultrasonic signal and light, the size of the entire probe device can be reduced.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the first and second conductive members are arranged on the side surfaces of the piezoelectric body by the above-described relationship profile, the light irradiated from the light source unit and the first and second conductive members do not overlap each other, and therefore, when the first and second conductive members are arranged on the upper and lower surfaces of the piezoelectric body, the dependence on the transparent material of the conductive member required is eliminated, and thus the degree of freedom in designing and implementing the conductive member can be improved.

[0071] The term "unit" as used herein may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A unit may be an integrally formed component or a minimum unit or part of the component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Furthermore, the implementations described herein may be implemented in the form of, for example, a method or process, a device, a software program, a data stream, or a signal. Even if discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (e.g., discussed only as a method), the implementation of the discussed feature may also be implemented in other forms (e.g., as a device or program). The device may be implemented in suitable hardware, software, and firmware, etc. The method may be implemented in a device such as a processor, which generally refers to a processing device including, for example, a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device. The processor also includes communication devices such as computers, cell phones, personal digital assistants ("PDAs"), and other devices that facilitate communication of information between end-users.

[0072] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A light source that irradiates light; A piezoelectric body configured to transmit light irradiated by the light source unit, wherein the transmission direction of the ultrasonic signal generated by the piezoelectric body and the direction of light irradiation from the light source unit are configured in the same direction; and First and second conductive members respectively disposed on the first and second surfaces of the piezoelectric body in such a way that overlap with the transmission direction of the ultrasonic signal and the light irradiation direction is avoided; An ultrasound-optical fusion probe device characterized by including:

2. In paragraph 1, An ultrasound-optical fusion probe device, characterized in that the transmission direction of the ultrasonic signal and the light irradiation direction and the electric field application direction through the first and second conductive members are perpendicular.

3. In paragraph 1, An ultrasound-light fusion probe device, characterized in that when the transmission direction of the ultrasonic signal and the light irradiation direction are defined as a first direction, the light source unit and the piezoelectric body are aligned and arranged along the first direction.

4. In paragraph 3, including a back layer; An ultrasound-optical fusion probe device characterized in that the light source unit, the rear layer, and the piezoelectric body are sequentially aligned along the first direction, such that the rear layer, together with the piezoelectric body, forms a light irradiation path from the light source unit.

5. In paragraph 1, It further includes a control unit that controls the transmission of an ultrasonic signal by the piezoelectric body and the irradiation of light by the light source unit; An ultrasound-light fusion probe device characterized in that the control unit selectively performs an ultrasonic treatment operation through the piezoelectric body and a photothermal treatment operation through the light source unit in a treatment mode for the target area to be treated.

6. In paragraph 5, An ultrasound-optical fusion probe device characterized in that, when performing both the ultrasonic treatment operation and the photothermal treatment operation in the treatment mode, the control unit at least partially overlaps a first time period during which the ultrasonic treatment operation is performed and a second time period during which the photothermal treatment operation is performed, or provides a time difference of a range less than or equal to a preset gap between the first time period and the second time period.

7. In paragraph 6, The light source unit includes a first light source that irradiates first light of a first wavelength band, and a second light source that irradiates second light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. An ultrasound-light fusion probe device characterized in that, during the photothermal treatment operation process, the control unit controls the light source unit in a manner of activating the first and second light sources simultaneously or in a manner of activating the first and second light sources sequentially.

8. In paragraph 6, An ultrasound-optical fusion probe device characterized in that the above treatment mode is divided into multiple treatment modes according to the disease to be treated, and the frequency of the ultrasound signal in each treatment mode is configured to be variable.

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