Ultrasonic wave generation device

Abstract

The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic wave generation device in which an electric wire or wiring is hardly damaged in a movable shaft. An ultrasonic wave generation device includes: a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction; a ring arranged inside a distal end portion of the shaft; an operation wire having a distal portion fixed to the ring; a vibrator arranged in the shaft such that a distal end of the vibrator is located on a distal side relative to a distal end of the ring and capable of generating ultrasonic waves; at least one flexible wiring board arranged in the shaft; and a plurality of electric wires, a plurality of wiring lines, or both. The at least one flexible wiring board has a conductor connection portion to which distal end portions of the plurality of electric wires or the plurality of wiring lines are connected. The conductor connection portion is located on a proximal side relative to a proximal end of the ring.

Description

Ultrasonic generator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic generator.

[0002] Conventionally, in medical practice, so-called catheter ablation, in which a part of the heart is ablated using an ablation electrode provided on a catheter, has been performed for treating arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. During catheter ablation, the structure inside the heart is sometimes confirmed using ultrasound. Various systems have been used for such observation. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a medical imaging system comprising: an imaging subsystem having a peripheral imaging device configured to acquire an ultrasound image of an internal anatomical structure, wherein the ultrasound image data is arranged in a first coordinate system; a registration subsystem comprising at least one ultrasound transducer and at least one processor configured to determine a position of the at least one ultrasound transducer in the first coordinate system, determine the position of the at least one ultrasound transducer in a second coordinate system, and perform transformation between the first coordinate system and the second coordinate system based on the determined positions of the at least one ultrasound transducer in the first and second coordinate systems.

[0003] Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2007-502189

[0004] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a catheter equipped with an ultrasound transducer has been used to confirm the internal structure of the body and the position of components inside the body. Such a catheter usually has a large number of electric wires arranged in a lumen. Studies by the present inventor have found that when the shaft of such a catheter is a movable shaft that can be bent by an operating wire or the like, the electric wires or wiring in the lumen of the shaft, which is bent during insertion into the body, may be damaged. The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic generator in which electric wires or wiring are less likely to be damaged inside a movable shaft.

[0005] An ultrasonic generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that can solve the above problems is as follows: [1] An ultrasonic generator comprising: a shaft extending in the longitudinal direction; a ring disposed inside the distal end of the shaft; an operating wire whose distal end is fixed to the ring; a transducer disposed on the shaft such that its distal end is located distal to the distal end of the ring and capable of generating ultrasonic waves; at least one flexible wiring board disposed on the shaft; and a plurality of electric wires, a plurality of wires, or both thereof, wherein the at least one flexible wiring board has a wire connection portion to which the distal ends of the plurality of electric wires or the plurality of wires are connected, and the wire connection portion is located proximal to the proximal end of the ring.

[0006] Through the inventors' research, it was found that in an ultrasonic generator in which a wire or cable is connected to a flexible wiring board inside the shaft from the proximal side, and a ring for shaft manipulation is located inside the distal end of the shaft, the wire or cable is easily damaged when the shaft bends during insertion into the body. Specifically, it was found that the part of the shaft where the ring is located has a narrow or rigid lumen, and therefore, when the shaft bends during insertion into the body, the wire connection part of the flexible wiring board to which the wire or cable is connected is particularly susceptible to contact with the ring and damage. Therefore, the inventors have found that damage to the wire connection part can be avoided by positioning the wire connection part of the flexible wiring board proximal to the ring.

[0007] The ultrasonic generating device according to the embodiment is preferably any one of the following [2] to

[14] . [2] The ultrasonic generating device according to [1], wherein the at least one flexible wiring board includes a first flexible wiring board and a second flexible wiring board that is partially fixed to the first flexible wiring board. [3] The ultrasonic generating device according to [2], wherein the distal end of the second flexible wiring board is located proximal to the distal end of the first flexible wiring board. [4] The ultrasonic generating device according to [2] or [3], wherein the proximal end of the second flexible wiring board is located proximal to the proximal end of the first flexible wiring board. [5] The ultrasonic generating device according to any one of the following [2] to [4], wherein the first surface of the first flexible wiring board on which wiring is arranged faces the second surface of the second flexible wiring board on which wiring is arranged. [6] The ultrasonic generating device according to any one of the following [2] to [5], wherein the at least one flexible wiring board further includes a third flexible wiring board that is partially fixed to the second flexible wiring board. [7] The ultrasonic generator according to any one of [2] to [5], wherein the at least one flexible wiring board further includes a third flexible wiring board, a portion of which is fixed to the first flexible wiring board. [8] The ultrasonic generator according to any one of [2] to [7], wherein the first flexible wiring board has a transducer connection portion to which the transducer is connected at the distal end. [9] The ultrasonic generator according to any one of [2] to [8], further having a support plate that supports at least the distal end of the first flexible wiring board, a portion of which is located in the lumen of the ring.

[10] The ultrasonic generator according to any one of [1] to [9], further having a support plate that supports the distal end of the first flexible wiring board located furthest distal among the at least one flexible wiring board, wherein the shape of the lumen of the ring in a radial cross-section is such that the length of the support plate in the thickness direction is shorter than the length of the support plate in the width direction.

[11] The ultrasonic generator according to

[10] , wherein the shape of the lumen of the ring in the radial cross-section is elliptical, oblong, rectangular, or rounded rectangular.

[12] The ultrasonic generator according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the ring contains an X-ray opaque material.

[13] The ultrasonic generator according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the proximal end of the transducer is located distal to the distal end of the ring, and the longitudinal length from the proximal end of the transducer to the distal end of the ring is no more than four times the width of the ring.

[14] The ultrasonic generator according to any one of [9] to

[13] , wherein the distal end of the operating wire is fixed to the ring so as to be able to curve the distal end of the shaft toward the transducer from the support plate.

[0008] With the above configuration, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic generator in which electrical wires or wiring are less likely to be damaged inside the movable shaft.

[0009] Figure 1 is a side view of an ultrasonic generator according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (partial cross-sectional view) of a portion of the shaft in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the shaft in Figure 1 along the line III-III. Figure 4 is a plan view of the flexible wiring board in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the transducer in Figure 2 and its vicinity. Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (partial cross-sectional view) of a portion of the shaft when the ultrasonic generator in Figure 1 has a first flexible wiring board and a second flexible wiring board. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the first flexible wiring board and the second flexible wiring board in the field of view from the distal to the proximal direction in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (partial cross-sectional view) of a portion of the shaft in an example where the ultrasonic generator in Figure 1 has a first flexible wiring board, a second flexible wiring board, and a third flexible wiring board. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view (partial cross-sectional view) of a portion of the shaft in the longitudinal direction of another example where the ultrasonic generator of Figure 1 has a first flexible wiring board, a second flexible wiring board, and a third flexible wiring board.

[0010] The following describes the contents of this disclosure in more detail based on the embodiments described below. However, the contents of this disclosure are not limited by the embodiments described below, and it is certainly possible to implement the disclosure with appropriate modifications within the scope that is consistent with the spirit of the preceding and following descriptions, and all such modifications are included within the technical scope of this disclosure. In addition, in some cases, component reference numerals, etc., may be omitted in the drawings for convenience, in which case refer to the specification or other drawings. Furthermore, the dimensions of various components in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions, as priority is given to helping to understand the features of this disclosure.

[0011] The ultrasonic generator according to this embodiment includes a shaft extending in the longitudinal direction, a ring disposed inside the distal end of the shaft, an operating wire whose distal end is fixed to the ring, a transducer capable of generating ultrasonic waves, which is disposed on the shaft such that its distal end is located distal to the distal end of the ring, at least one flexible wiring board disposed on the shaft, and a plurality of electric wires, a plurality of wires, or both, wherein the at least one flexible wiring board has a wire connection portion to which the distal ends of the plurality of electric wires or a plurality of wires are connected, and the wire connection portion is located proximal to the proximal end of the ring.

[0012] Through the inventors' research, it was found that in an ultrasonic generator in which a wire or cable is connected to a flexible wiring board inside the shaft from the proximal side, and a ring for shaft manipulation is located inside the distal end of the shaft, the wire or cable is easily damaged when the shaft bends during insertion into the body. Specifically, it was found that the part of the shaft where the ring is located has a narrow or rigid lumen, and therefore, when the shaft bends during insertion into the body, the wire connection part of the flexible wiring board to which the wire or cable is connected is particularly susceptible to contact with the ring and damage. Therefore, the inventors have found that damage to the wire connection part can be avoided by positioning the wire connection part of the flexible wiring board proximal to the ring.

[0013] The ultrasonic generator according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a side view of the ultrasonic generator according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a part of the shaft in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the shaft in Figure 1 along the line III-III. Figure 4 is a plan view of the flexible wiring board in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the transducer in Figure 2 and its vicinity. In Figure 2, only the shaft and ring are shown in cross-section. In Figure 3, the shaft is not shown. In Figure 4, the multiple wires connected to the flexible wiring board are not shown.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ultrasonic generator 91 of this embodiment includes a shaft 30 extending in the longitudinal direction 30X, a ring 40, an operating wire 41, a transducer 20, at least one flexible wiring board 10, and a plurality of electric wires 9. The ring 40 is located inside the distal end 30b of the shaft 30. The distal end 41b of the operating wire 41 is fixed to the ring 40. The transducer 20 is capable of generating ultrasonic waves, and the distal end 20B of the transducer 20 is positioned on the shaft 30 distal to the distal end 40B of the ring 40. At least one flexible wiring board 10 has a wire connection portion 10C to which the distal ends 9b of the plurality of electric wires 9 are connected, and the wire connection portion 10C is located proximal to the proximal end 40A of the ring 40. Each component will be described in detail below. In the following, the plurality of electric wires 9 may simply be referred to as electric wires 9. Furthermore, in the following, at least one flexible wiring board 10 may simply be referred to as the flexible wiring board 10.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the ring 40 is positioned inside the distal end 30b of the shaft 30. The distal end 41b of the operating wire 41 is fixed to the ring 40. By operating the operating wire 41, for example, the ring 40 fixed to the shaft 30 can be tilted in the longitudinal direction 30X, thereby curving the distal end 30b of the shaft 30. This allows the orientation of the transducer 20 to be changed. More specifically, it is preferable that the distal end of the operating wire 41 is fixed to the ring 40. Furthermore, it is preferable that the ring 40 is positioned within 5 cm of the distal end of the shaft 30, more preferably within 3 cm, and even more preferably within 2 cm.

[0016] The central axis of the ring 40 is preferably parallel to the central axis of the shaft 30, and more preferably coincides with the central axis of the shaft 30. This parallelism includes an error of ±10 degrees. The parallelism of these central axes makes it easier to bend the distal end 30b of the shaft 30 through the ring 40. Although not shown, the shaft 30 preferably extends in the longitudinal direction 30X and has a lumen for housing the operating wire 41. This makes it easier to operate the operating wire 41.

[0017] The ring 40 may include, for example, a metal, a synthetic resin, or a combination thereof. It is preferable that the ring 40 contains a metal, and more preferably that it is made of a metal. The inclusion of a metal in the ring 40 makes it easier to bend the distal end 30b of the shaft 30 when the ring 40 is tilted in the longitudinal direction 30X. The metal preferably includes stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, nickel-titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, tungsten alloy, or a combination thereof, and more preferably stainless steel. The synthetic resin preferably includes, for example, aromatic polyetherketone resin such as PEEK, polycarbonate resin, fiber-reinforced resin, or a combination thereof. It is preferable that the ring 40 contains an X-ray opaque material. This makes it easier to determine the position of the distal end 30b of the shaft 30 in the body under X-ray fluoroscopy. The X-ray opaque material preferably includes lead, barium, iodine, tungsten, gold, platinum, iridium, platinum-iridium alloy, stainless steel, titanium, cobalt-chromium alloy, palladium, tantalum, or a combination thereof.

[0018] The operating wire 41 preferably contains metal, fiber, or a combination thereof, more preferably contains metal, and even more preferably consists of metal. The metal preferably contains stainless steel, titanium, nickel-titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, tungsten alloy, or a combination thereof, and more preferably contains stainless steel. This can improve the strength of the operating wire 41. The fiber preferably contains polyarylate fiber, aramid fiber, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber, PBO fiber, carbon fiber, or a combination thereof. The fiber may be monofilament or multifilament.

[0019] The ring 40 preferably contains the same material as the operating wire 41, and more preferably is made of the same material. This increases the fixing strength between the ring 40 and the operating wire 41. The ring 40 and the operating wire 41 can be fixed together by welding, crimping, or the like.

[0020] Preferably, the ultrasonic generator 91 further has a support plate 21 that supports at least the distal portion 1b of the first flexible wiring board 1. The first flexible wiring board 1 is the most distal flexible wiring board if at least one flexible wiring board 10 is a plurality of flexible wiring boards, and is that flexible wiring board if there is only one flexible wiring board. The distal portion 1b of the first flexible wiring board 1 is the distal portion when the first flexible wiring board 1 is divided into a proximal portion and a distal portion. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, preferably a part of the support plate 21 is placed in the lumen 40L of the ring 40. This allows the support plate 21 to be fixed to the ring 40, making it easier to support the distal portion 1b of the first flexible wiring board 1 with the support plate 21. Furthermore, as will be described later, if a transducer 20 is connected to the distal portion 1b of the first flexible wiring board 1, the support plate 21 makes it easier to prevent the transducer 20 from wobbling. The support plate 21 only needs to be capable of supporting at least a portion of the first flexible wiring board 1, but it is preferably an insulating board. The insulating board is preferably a silicon board, a polyimide board, an alumina board, a glass epoxy board, a paper epoxy board, a paper phenolic board, or a laminate thereof. The thickness of the support plate 21 is preferably 300 to 2000 μm, and more preferably 400 to 1800 μm. This makes it easier to achieve both rigidity and compactness.

[0021] The support plate 21 is preferably fixed to the ring 40 by fitting, bonding, welding, or the like. Specifically, the support plate 21 is preferably fixed to the ring 40 with the first flexible wiring board 1 stacked on top of it. The support plate 21 is preferably extended in the longitudinal direction 30X. This makes it easier for the support plate 21 to support at least the distal portion 1b of the first flexible wiring board 1 while it is fixed to the ring 40. The proximal end of the support plate 21 is preferably located proximal to the proximal end 40A of the ring 40. This makes it even easier to fix the support plate 21 to the ring 40. The proximal end of the support plate 21 is preferably distal to the distal end of the wire connection portion 10C. This allows the wire connection portion 10C of the first flexible wiring board 1 to exhibit flexibility, making it easier to arrange multiple wires 9 inside the shaft 30. Although the portion of the first flexible wiring board 1 in Figure 2 that is not supported by the support plate 21 is shown as flat, the unsupported portion usually bends or curves due to the weight of the multiple wires 9, making it easier to arrange the multiple wires 9 inside the shaft 30.

[0022] The first flexible wiring board 1 preferably has a vibrator connection portion 10D to which the vibrator 20 is connected at the distal portion 1b. This allows the vibrator 20 and the electric wire 9 to be connected by the wiring 1W of the first flexible wiring board 1. It is preferable that this connection be made via the inner electrode 23, the outer electrode 24, or both of these, which will be described later.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the shape of the lumen 40L of the ring 40 in the cross-section in the radial direction 40Y is preferably such that the length of the support plate 21 in the thickness direction 21T is shorter than the length of the support plate 21 in the width direction 21W. This makes it easier for the support plate 21 to fit into the lumen 40L of the ring 40. Furthermore, this makes it easier to align the curvature direction of the shaft 30 with the orientation of the ultrasonic radiation surface of the transducer 20 when the distal end 30b of the shaft 30 is curved in the direction 21D toward the transducer 20 from the support plate 21, as will be described later. Specifically, the length of the lumen 40L of the ring 40 in the thickness direction 21T is preferably 1.5 times or more, more preferably 2.0 times or more, and even more preferably 5 times or more, than the length of the lumen 40L of the ring 40 in the width direction 21W. On the other hand, this magnification may be 30 times or less, or 20 times or less.

[0024] The shape of the inner lumen 40L of the ring 40 in the cross-section in the radial direction 40Y is preferably elliptical, oblong, rectangular, or rounded rectangular. This makes it easier for the support plate 21 to fit into the inner lumen 40L of the ring 40.

[0025] It is preferable that the distal portion 41b of the operating wire 41 is fixed to the ring 40 so that the distal end 30b of the shaft 30 can be curved in the direction 21D toward the transducer 20 from the support plate 21. For example, as shown in Figure 3, when the ring 40 is divided into two equal parts in the thickness direction 21T of the support plate 21, the operating wire 41 can be fixed to one portion 40E and the operating wire 41 can be fixed to the other portion 40F, and by pulling the operating wire 41 of the one portion 40E from the proximal side, the distal end 30b of the shaft 30 can be curved in the direction 21D toward the transducer 20 from the support plate 21. Alternatively, by pulling the operating wire 41 of the other portion 40F from the proximal side, the distal end 30b of the shaft 30 can be curved in the opposite direction to the direction 21D toward the transducer 20 from the support plate 21. In this case, it is preferable that the two operating wires 41 face each other in the thickness direction 21T of the support plate 21. Preferably, one side portion 40E has a portion that overlaps with the vibrator 20 in the thickness direction 21T of the support plate 21.

[0026] The transducer 20 is capable of generating ultrasound. As shown in Figure 2, the distal end 20B of the transducer 20 is positioned on the shaft 30 so as to be distal to the distal end 40B of the ring 40. This allows ultrasound to be generated from the part of the shaft 30 distal to the ring 40. Furthermore, it is preferable that the proximal end 20A of the transducer 20 is positioned on the shaft 30 so as to be distal to the distal end 40B of the ring 40. This makes it even easier to generate ultrasound from the part of the shaft 30 distal to the ring 40.

[0027] The length in the longitudinal direction 30X from the proximal end 20A of the vibrator 20 to the distal end 40B of the ring 40 is preferably four times or less the width of the ring 40, and more preferably three times or less. By bringing the vibrator 20 closer to the ring 40 in this way, the shaft 30 can bend smoothly without bending between the vibrator 20 and the ring 40 during insertion into the body. This magnification may be 1.1 times or more, 1.2 times or more, or 1.5 times or more. The width of the ring 40 is the difference between the diameter of the outer edge and the diameter of the inner edge of the ring 40.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that the ultrasonic generator 91 has a plurality of transducers 20. This allows ultrasonic waves to be transmitted over a wide area. In this case, the distal end 20B of the transducer 20 means the distal end of the transducer 20 located furthest distal among the plurality of transducers 20. Also in this case, the proximal end 20A of the transducer 20 in this disclosure means the proximal end of the transducer 20 located furthest proximal among the plurality of transducers 20. The ultrasonic generator 91 may have a plurality of transducers 20 arranged in the longitudinal direction 30X of the shaft 30. Alternatively, the ultrasonic generator 91 may have a plurality of transducers 20 arranged in a direction parallel to the support plate 21 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 30X. For example, the ultrasonic generator 91 may have a total of 64 transducers 20 arranged in 8 rows in the longitudinal direction 30X of the shaft 30 and in 8 rows in a direction parallel to the support plate 21 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 30X. The number of transducers 20 is preferably 1 to 250, more preferably 20 to 200, and even more preferably 40 to 100. When the ultrasonic generator 91 has multiple transducers 20, ultrasonic waves can be generated with a timing difference for each transducer 20 by control by a control device (not shown). This makes it possible to combine the wavefronts of multiple ultrasonic waves to generate a focused beam. The shape of the transducer 20 can be, for example, a pyramidal prism, a polygonal prism, a cylinder, a cone-shaped prism, a rectangular parallelepiped, etc. Although not shown, the transducer 20 may have a portion extending in the longitudinal direction 30X.

[0029] The oscillator 20 is preferably a piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric material preferably includes piezoelectric ceramics, quartz, or a combination thereof, and more preferably piezoelectric ceramics. The piezoelectric ceramics preferably include lead zirconate titanate.

[0030] At least one flexible wiring board 10 has a wire connection portion 10C to which the distal ends 9b of a plurality of electric wires 9 are connected, and the wire connection portion 10C is located proximal to the proximal end 40A of the ring 40. This makes it difficult for the wire connection portion 10C and its vicinity to come into contact with the ring 40 when the shaft 30 bends during insertion into the body, thus avoiding damage to the wire connection portion 10C and its vicinity. Preferably, the distal ends 9b of the plurality of electric wires 9 are each connected to the wiring 1W of the flexible wiring board 10. Preferably, the proximal ends of the plurality of electric wires 9 are each connected directly or indirectly to control equipment not shown. Furthermore, because the wire connection portion 10C is located proximal to the proximal end 40A of the ring 40, the plurality of electric wires 9 can be positioned proximal to the ring 40. As a result, the area of ​​the radial cross-section 40Y of the lumen 40L of the ring 40 can be reduced, making it easier for the ring 40 to support the support plate 21. Each of the multiple electric wires 9 only needs to have at least one conductor, but it is preferable that the conductor is covered with an insulating film. Furthermore, it is preferable that the distal ends 9b of each of the multiple electric wires 9 are fixed to the wiring 1W of the flexible wiring board 10 by, for example, welding or adhesive.

[0031] Preferably, the distal end 10B of at least one flexible wiring board 10 is located distal to the distal end 20B of the transducer 20. This makes it easier to connect the wiring 1W of the flexible wiring board 10 to the transducer 20.

[0032] In Figures 2 to 5, the number of at least one flexible wiring board 10 is one, but there may be multiple boards. The number of flexible wiring boards 10 is preferably 1 to 10, more preferably 2 to 9, and even more preferably 3 to 8. When the ultrasonic generator 91 has multiple flexible wiring boards 10, the distal end 10B of at least one flexible wiring board 10 means the distal end of the flexible wiring board 10 located furthest away from the multiple flexible wiring boards 10. The number of wires 9 connected to the wiring 1W of at least one flexible wiring board 10 is preferably 2 to 250, more preferably 20 to 200, and even more preferably 40 to 100. When there are multiple at least one flexible wiring board 10 and wires 9 are connected to each flexible wiring board 10, the number of wires 9 is the total number.

[0033] It is preferable that the flexible wiring board 10 is fixed to the support plate 21 by fasteners such as screws and clips, adhesive, welding, etc. This makes it difficult for the flexible wiring board 10 to detach from the support plate 21.

[0034] The flexible wiring board 10 is flexible and can be repeatedly deformed with weak force. Such a flexible wiring board 10 is easy to house inside the shaft 30. The flexible wiring board 10 includes a base film 11, and the base film 11 is preferably a polyimide film, a polyester film, or a laminate of these films. The thickness of the base film 11 is preferably 5 to 100 μm, and more preferably 10 to 60 μm. If the base film 11 is a laminate, this thickness is the thickness of the laminate.

[0035] The flexible wiring board 10 preferably has wiring 1W arranged on the base film 11. The wiring 1W is preferably thinner than the support plate 21. This makes it easier for the flexibility of the flexible wiring board 10 to be exhibited. The thickness of the wiring 1W is preferably 5 to 100 μm, and more preferably 10 to 60 μm. The wiring 1W preferably contains copper, silver, gold, aluminum, or a combination thereof, and more preferably contains copper. The flexible wiring board 10 may further have an adhesive layer between the base film 11 and the wiring 1W. The adhesive layer may contain an epoxy resin adhesive, an acrylic resin adhesive, or a combination thereof. The flexible wiring board 10 may further have an insulating layer on top of the wiring 1W. The insulating layer preferably contains polyimide, polyester, fluororesin, or a combination thereof. The number of wiring 1W per flexible wiring board 10 is preferably 2 to 40, more preferably 6 to 30, and even more preferably 10 to 25. This allows a large number of wires 9 to be connected while maintaining flexibility. In Figure 2, the wiring 1W is arranged on one surface of the base film 11, but the wiring 1W may be arranged on both sides of the base film 11.

[0036] The wiring 1W is preferably a conductive pattern formed on the base film 11. The method for forming the conductive pattern is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be formed by a subtractive method using a laminate having copper foil and forming the desired wiring pattern by photolithography and etching; a printing method using conductive ink containing silver, copper, etc., and forming the desired wiring pattern by screen printing, inkjet printing, etc.; or a dispensing method using a dispenser to extrude a conductive material and form the desired wiring pattern. During these formations, firing may be performed after drying as needed.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, it is preferable that the flexible wiring board 10 has a plurality of wirings 1W having portions that extend in the longitudinal direction 30X. Furthermore, although not shown, it is preferable that electric wires 9 are connected to the proximal end of each wiring 1W. For example, as shown in Figure 4, by arranging the proximal ends of each wiring 1W at offset positions in the longitudinal direction 30X, the position of the connection between the electric wires 9 and the wiring 1W can be offset in the longitudinal direction 30X, thereby avoiding excessive density of electric wires 9 at the conductor connection part 10C. Also, although not shown, it is preferable that inner electrodes 23, outer electrodes 24, etc., which will be described later, are directly or indirectly connected to the distal end of the wiring 1W. These may be connected via an anisotropic conductive film, solder, other wiring, etc.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, it is preferable that the proximal end of each wire 1W of the flexible wiring board 10 is located proximal to the midpoint in the longitudinal direction 30X of the flexible wiring board 10. This allows the connection point between the electric wire 9 and the wire 1W to be located even further proximal to the ring 40.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the ultrasonic generator 91 preferably has a backing layer 22 on the flexible wiring board 10. The ultrasonic waves propagated to the backing layer 22 can be attenuated by the backing layer 22. For this reason, it is preferable that the transducer 20 is placed on the backing layer 22. The backing layer 22 preferably contains epoxy resin, ABS resin, polyimide resin, urethane resin, natural rubber, or a combination thereof.

[0040] The backing layer 22 preferably has through holes that penetrate to the transducer 20. By placing the wiring 1W of the flexible wiring board 10 and the inner electrode 23 in the through holes, the wiring 1W can be connected to the transducer 20 via the inner electrode 23.

[0041] The ultrasonic generator 91 preferably has a piezoelectric element section 29 in which an inner electrode 23, a transducer 20, and an outer electrode 24 are stacked in that order. Ultrasound can be generated by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element section 29 via an electric wire 9, wiring 1W, inner electrode 23, outer electrode 24, etc., based on a signal from a control device (not shown). In Figure 5, one outer electrode 24 is in contact with multiple transducers 20, but multiple outer electrodes 24 may be used to bring an individual outer electrode 24 into contact with each transducer 20.

[0042] Preferably, the ultrasonic generator 91 further has an acoustic matching layer 26 and an acoustic lens 27 on the outer electrode 24. The acoustic matching layer 26 can mitigate the difference in acoustic impedance between the piezoelectric element and the living body. Preferably, the acoustic matching layer 26 contains aluminum, aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, glass, quartz glass, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, nylon, polyamide-imide, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, or a combination thereof. The acoustic lens 27 can focus the ultrasonic waves generated from the transducer 20 toward the living tissue. Preferably, the acoustic lens 27 contains silicone resin. Note that the acoustic matching layer 26 and / or acoustic lens 27 are not necessarily arranged on the outer electrode 24; instead, a protective film may be arranged.

[0043] The ultrasonic generator 91 may further have a filler material 25 between the transducers 20. This can suppress lateral vibration of the transducers 20. The filler material 25 preferably includes epoxy resin, urethane resin, silicone resin, silicone rubber, or a combination thereof. If the ultrasonic generator 91 does not have a filler material 25, the shape of the outer electrode 24 may conform to the shape of the transducer 20.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic generator 91 preferably further includes a handle 4 disposed at the proximal end of the shaft 30. The handle 4 makes it easier for an operator to operate the shaft 30. The handle 4 is preferably made of resin. The shape of the handle 4 may be any shape that allows an operator to grip it. The ultrasonic generator 91 preferably further includes a rotating member 5 to which the proximal end of the operating wire 41 is fixed. For example, tension can be applied to the operating wire 41 by rotating the rotating member 5 to wind the operating wire 41 therearound. The rotating member 5 is preferably disposed on the handle 4. In this case, the rotating member 5 preferably comprises a dial, a gear, a bolt, a cylindrical body, a roller, or a combination thereof. Further, the axial direction of the rotating member 5 may be the axial direction of the handle 4, or may be a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the handle 4. The rotating member 5 may include a dial, a gear, a cross shaft gear, a worm, a sprocket, a pulley, a roller, a belt, a rope, or a combination thereof to convert the rotation direction.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the shaft 30 preferably has a lumen 30L extending in the longitudinal direction 30X of the shaft 30. The flexible wiring board 10, the support plate 21, the vibrator 20, and the like can be accommodated in the lumen 30L. The shaft 30 preferably includes a tubular resin layer. This improves the flexibility of the shaft 30. The resin layer preferably includes a polyolefin resin, a polyamide resin, a polyester resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyimide resin, a fluorine resin, a polyvinyl chloride resin, or a combination thereof. Further, the shaft 30 may include a plurality of layers such as an inner layer and an outer layer. The ring 40 is not required to be exposed from the outer surface of the shaft 30, and specifically, at least a portion of the ring 40 is preferably embedded in the outer resin layer. The shaft 30 may include, for example, a tubular resin layer and a tubular metal layer. The metal layer may include stainless steel, carbon steel, a nickel-titanium alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0046] The following describes the case in which the ultrasonic generator according to the embodiment has multiple flexible wiring boards, with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the shaft when the ultrasonic generator of Figure 1 has a first flexible wiring board and a second flexible wiring board. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the first flexible wiring board and the second flexible wiring board in the field of view from the distal to the proximal side of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the shaft in an example in which the ultrasonic generator of Figure 1 has a first flexible wiring board, a second flexible wiring board, and a third flexible wiring board. Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the shaft in another example in which the ultrasonic generator of Figure 1 has a first flexible wiring board, a second flexible wiring board, and a third flexible wiring board. In Figures 6, 8, and 9, only the shaft and ring are shown in cross-section. In Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, the depiction of the electric wires is omitted.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, it is preferable that at least one flexible wiring board 10 includes a first flexible wiring board 1 and a second flexible wiring board 2 to which a portion is fixed. That is, by having a first flexible wiring board 1 and a second flexible wiring board 2 in the ultrasonic generator 91, the number of wires connected to the flexible wiring board 10 can be increased. This allows for an even greater increase in the number of transducers 20. Hereinafter, the wires connected to the first flexible wiring board 1 so as to extend proximally from the first flexible wiring board 1 and the wires connected to the second flexible wiring board 2 so as to extend proximally from the second flexible wiring board 2 will be simply referred to as wires, but for details, please refer to the description of the wires 9 above.

[0048] Preferably, the second flexible wiring board 2 has a plurality of wires 2W each having a portion extending in the longitudinal direction 30X. Further, although not shown, the second flexible wiring board 2 preferably has a conductor connecting portion 10C to which distal ends of a plurality of electric wires are connected. This allows the wires 2W and the electric wires to be connected at the conductor connecting portion 10C of the second flexible wiring board 2. In addition, by separating the electric wires into those connected to the wires 1W of the first flexible wiring board 1 and those connected to the wires 2W of the second flexible wiring board 2 in this manner, the congestion of electric wires at the conductor connecting portion 10C can be reduced. Preferably, a distal end of the wire 2W of the second flexible wiring board 2 is directly or indirectly connected to the wire 1W of the first flexible wiring board 1. For example, it is preferable that the wires 2W are connected to some of the plurality of wires 1W. The wires 1W and the wires 2W may be connected by an anisotropic conductive film, solder, or the like.

[0049] In the embodiment of Fig. 6, as described above, the first flexible wiring board 1 has a conductor connecting portion 10C to which distal ends of a plurality of electric wires are connected. Further, in the embodiment of Fig. 6, the first flexible wiring board 1 has a wire connecting portion 10Cw to which distal ends of a plurality of wires are connected. Specifically, at the wire connecting portion 10Cw, it is preferable that the wires 1W of the first flexible wiring board 1 and the distal ends of the wires 2W of the second flexible wiring board 2 are connected to each other. Since such a wire connecting portion 10Cw is also located proximal to the proximal end 40A of the ring 40, damage can be avoided during insertion into the body. Therefore, in the embodiment of Fig. 6, not only the conductor connecting portion 10C but also the wire connecting portion 10Cw corresponds to a conductor connecting portion. Although not shown, the flexible wiring board 1 does not need to have distal ends of a plurality of electric wires connected thereto. In this case, it is preferable that the second flexible wiring board 2 extends to the proximal end of the shaft 30 or to a position more proximal than the proximal end, and is directly or indirectly connected to a control device not shown.

[0050] It is preferable that the proximal end of each wire 2W of the second flexible wiring board 2 is located proximal to the midpoint in the longitudinal direction 30X of the second flexible wiring board 2. This allows the connection point between the electric wire and the wire 2W to be located even further proximal to the ring 40.

[0051] The wire connection portion 10C of the second flexible wiring board 2 is preferably located proximal to the wire connection portion 10C of the first flexible wiring board 1. This reduces the density of wires at the wire connection portion 10C.

[0052] For further details regarding the thickness, material, lamination configuration, number, and arrangement of the wiring 2W of the second flexible wiring board 2, refer to the description of wiring 1W above. Similarly, for further details regarding the thickness, material, etc. of the second flexible wiring board 2, refer to the description of flexible wiring board 10 above. In that case, you can substitute the first flexible wiring board 1 with the second flexible wiring board 2, the flexible wiring board 10 with the second flexible wiring board 2, and wiring 1W with wiring 2W.

[0053] The distal end 2B of the second flexible wiring board 2 is preferably located proximal to the distal end 1B of the first flexible wiring board 1, and more preferably proximal to the proximal end of the support plate 21. By shifting the position of the second flexible wiring board 2 to the proximal side in this way, excessive density of multiple wires in the lumen 30L of the shaft 30 can be avoided, and as a result, the number of wires that can be placed in the lumen 30L of the shaft 30 can be increased. On the other hand, the distal end 2B of the second flexible wiring board 2 is preferably located distal to the proximal end 1A of the first flexible wiring board 1. This ensures that the wires connected to the wiring 1W of the first flexible wiring board 1 are protected by the second flexible wiring board 2 while excessive movement is suppressed.

[0054] It is preferable that the proximal end 2A of the second flexible wiring board 2 is located more proximal to the proximal end 1A of the first flexible wiring board 1. This reduces the density of wires connected to the wiring 1W of the second flexible wiring board 1 and wires connected to the wiring 2W of the second flexible wiring board 2.

[0055] The length of the second flexible wiring board 2 in the longitudinal direction 30X is preferably longer than the length from the proximal end of the support plate 21 to the proximal end 1A of the first flexible wiring board 1. This reduces the density of the wires connected to the wiring 1W of the second flexible wiring board 1 and the wires connected to the wiring 2W of the second flexible wiring board 2.

[0056] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, it is preferable that the first surface 1S of the first flexible wiring board 1 on which the wiring 1W is arranged faces the second surface 2S of the second flexible wiring board 2 on which the wiring 2W is arranged. This makes it easier to accommodate multiple wires in the lumen 30L of the shaft 30. For example, as shown in Figure 7, in a field of view from the distal to the proximal side, the wirings are positioned offset so that a virtual line passing through the center of the wiring 1W of the first flexible wiring board 1 and perpendicular to the first surface 1S does not pass through the center of the wiring 2W of the second flexible wiring board 2, making it easier to accommodate multiple wires connected to these wirings. Note that in Figure 7, only the portions of the wiring 1W and wiring 2W extending in the longitudinal direction 30X are shown. In the embodiment where the first surface 1S and the second surface 2S face each other, it is sufficient that the second surface 2S is located on a virtual line passing through at least one arbitrary point on the first surface 1S and perpendicular to the first surface 1S, but it is preferable that the first surface 1S and the second surface 2S are parallel. This definition of parallelism includes an error of ±10 degrees.

[0057] The second flexible wiring board 2 preferably has an upright portion 2P1 that stands upright relative to the first flexible wiring board 1, and an extended portion 2P2 that is in contact with the upright portion 2P1, inclined relative to the upright portion 2P1, and extends in the longitudinal direction 30X. Specifically, it is preferable that one end of the upright portion 2P1 of the second flexible wiring board 2 is fixed to the first flexible wiring board 1, and the other end of the upright portion 2P1 is in contact with the extended portion 2P2. The surface of the extended portion 2P2 of the second flexible wiring board 2 that faces the first surface 1S of the first flexible wiring board 1 can be the second surface 2S described above.

[0058] The inclination angle of the upright portion 2P1 of the second flexible wiring board 2 with respect to the first flexible wiring board 1 is preferably 70 to 110 degrees, and more preferably 80 to 100 degrees. The inclination angle of the extended portion 2P2 of the second flexible wiring board 2 with respect to the upright portion 2P1 is preferably 70 to 110 degrees, and more preferably 80 to 100 degrees. The upright portion 2P1 and the extended portion 2P2 of the second flexible wiring board 2 can be formed, for example, by folding a part of the base film 11 of the second flexible wiring board 2 to create a crease. The second flexible wiring board 2 can be fixed to the first flexible wiring board 1, for example, by using an adhesive, or it may also be fixed by welding the base film 11.

[0059] As shown in Figure 8, it is preferable that at least one flexible wiring board 10 further includes a third flexible wiring board 3, partly fixed to the second flexible wiring board 2. This allows for an even greater number of wires connected to the flexible wiring board 10. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, which will be described later, the third flexible wiring board 3 may be fixed to the first flexible wiring board 1. Hereafter, the wires connected to the first flexible wiring board 1 so as to extend proximally from the first flexible wiring board 1, the wires connected to the second flexible wiring board 2 so as to extend proximally from the second flexible wiring board 2, and the wires connected to the third flexible wiring board 3 so as to extend proximally from the third flexible wiring board 3 will each be simply referred to as wires, but for details of these, please refer to the description of wires 9 above.

[0060] The third flexible wiring board 3 preferably has a plurality of wirings 3W having portions that extend in the longitudinal direction 30X. Furthermore, although not shown, the third flexible wiring board 3 preferably has a wire connection portion 10C to which the distal ends of a plurality of electric wires are connected. This allows the wirings 3W and electric wires to be connected at the wire connection portion 10C of the third flexible wiring board 3. In addition, by dividing the electric wires into those connected to the wiring 1W of the first flexible wiring board 1, those connected to the wiring 2W of the second flexible wiring board 2, and those connected to the wiring 3W of the third flexible wiring board 3, the density of electric wires at the wire connection portion 10C can be reduced. The distal ends of the wirings 3W of the third flexible wiring board 3 preferably have been directly or indirectly connected to the wirings 2W of the second flexible wiring board 2. For example, it is preferable that the wirings 3W are connected to some of the wirings 2W among the plurality of wirings 2W. The wirings 2W and wirings 3W may be connected by an anisotropic conductive film, solder, etc.

[0061] Preferably, the proximal end of each wire 3W on the third flexible wiring board 3 is located proximal to the midpoint in the longitudinal direction 30X of the third flexible wiring board 3. This allows the connection point between the electric wire and the wire 3W to be located even further proximal to the ring 40.

[0062] The wire connection portion 10C of the third flexible wiring board 3 is preferably located closer to the wire connection portion 10C of the second flexible wiring board 2. This reduces the density of wires at the wire connection portion 10C.

[0063] For further details regarding the thickness, material, lamination configuration, number, and arrangement of the wiring 3W of the third flexible wiring board 3, refer to the description of wiring 1W above. Similarly, for further details regarding the thickness, material, etc. of the third flexible wiring board 3, refer to the description of flexible wiring board 10 above. In that case, you can substitute the first flexible wiring board 1 with the third flexible wiring board 3, the flexible wiring board 10 with the third flexible wiring board 3, and wiring 1W with wiring 3W.

[0064] It is preferable that the distal end 3B of the third flexible wiring board 3 is located proximal to the distal end 2B of the second flexible wiring board 2. By shifting the position of the third flexible wiring board 3 proximal in this way, excessive density of multiple wires in the lumen 30L of the shaft 30 can be avoided, and as a result, the number of wires that can be placed in the lumen 30L of the shaft 30 can be increased. On the other hand, it is preferable that the distal end 3B of the third flexible wiring board 3 is located distal to the proximal end 2A of the second flexible wiring board 2. This ensures that the wires connected to the wiring 2W of the second flexible wiring board 2 are protected by the third flexible wiring board 3 while excessive movement is suppressed.

[0065] It is preferable that the proximal end 3A of the third flexible wiring board 3 is located more proximal to the proximal end 2A of the second flexible wiring board 2. This reduces the density of wires connected to the wiring 3W of the third flexible wiring board 3 and other wires.

[0066] The length of the third flexible wiring board 3 in the longitudinal direction 30X is preferably longer than the length from the proximal end of the support plate 21 to the proximal end 1A of the first flexible wiring board 1. This reduces the density of wires connected to the wiring 3W of the third flexible wiring board 3 and other wires.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, it is preferable that the second surface 2S of the second flexible wiring board 2, on which the wiring 2W is arranged, faces the third surface 3S of the third flexible wiring board 3, on which the wiring 3W is arranged. This makes it easier to accommodate multiple wires in the lumen 30L of the shaft 30. For example, in a field of view from distal to proximal, if these wirings are positioned offset so that a virtual line passing through the center of the wiring 2W of the second flexible wiring board 2 and perpendicular to the second surface 2S does not pass through the center of the wiring 3W of the third flexible wiring board 3, it becomes easier to accommodate multiple wires connected to these wirings. In the embodiment where the second surface 2S and the third surface 3S face each other, it is sufficient that the third surface 3S is located on a virtual line passing through at least one arbitrary point on the second surface 2S and perpendicular to the second surface 2S, but it is preferable that the second surface 2S and the third surface 3S are parallel. This parallelism includes an error of ±10 degrees or less.

[0068] The third flexible wiring board 3 preferably has an upright portion 3P1 that stands upright relative to the second flexible wiring board 2, and an extended portion 3P2 that is in contact with the upright portion 3P1, inclined relative to the upright portion 3P1, and extends in the longitudinal direction 30X. Specifically, it is preferable that one end of the upright portion 3P1 of the third flexible wiring board 3 is fixed to the second flexible wiring board 2, and the other end of the upright portion 3P1 is in contact with the extended portion 3P2. The surface of the extended portion 3P2 of the third flexible wiring board 3 that faces the second surface 2S of the second flexible wiring board 2 can be the third surface 3S described above.

[0069] The inclination angle of the upright portion 3P1 of the third flexible wiring board 3 with respect to the second flexible wiring board 2 is preferably 70 to 110 degrees, and more preferably 80 to 100 degrees. The inclination angle of the extended portion 3P2 of the third flexible wiring board 3 with respect to the upright portion 3P1 is preferably 70 to 110 degrees, and more preferably 80 to 100 degrees. The upright portion 3P1 and the extended portion 3P2 of the third flexible wiring board 3 can be formed, for example, by folding a part of the base film 11 of the third flexible wiring board 3 to create a crease. The third flexible wiring board 3 can be fixed to the second flexible wiring board 2, for example, by using an adhesive, or it may also be fixed by welding the base film 11.

[0070] The following describes an embodiment in which the third flexible wiring board 3 is partially fixed to the first flexible wiring board 1, rather than to the second flexible wiring board 2. As shown in Figure 9, at least one flexible wiring board 10 may further include a third flexible wiring board 3 which is partially fixed to the first flexible wiring board 1. That is, by having the ultrasonic generator 91 have the first flexible wiring board 1, the second flexible wiring board 2, and the third flexible wiring board 3, the number of wires connected to the flexible wiring board 10 can be further increased. In this case, it is preferable that the proximal end 3A of the third flexible wiring board 3 is located more proximal to the proximal end 1A of the first flexible wiring board 1 and more proximal to the proximal end 2A of the second flexible wiring board 2. This reduces the density of wires connected to the wiring 3W of the third flexible wiring board 3 and other wires. In this case, it is also preferable that the distal end 3B of the third flexible wiring board 3 is located more proximal to the proximal end of the support plate 21 and more proximal to the distal end 2B of the second flexible wiring board 2. By shifting the position of the third flexible wiring board 3 to the proximal side in this way, excessive density of multiple wires in the lumen 30L of the shaft 30 can be avoided, and as a result, the number of wires that can be placed in the lumen 30L of the shaft 30 can be increased. On the other hand, it is preferable that the distal end 3B of the third flexible wiring board 3 is located distal to the proximal end 1A of the first flexible wiring board 1 and distal to the proximal end 2A of the second flexible wiring board 2. This ensures that the wires connected to the first flexible wiring board 1 and / or the second flexible wiring board 2 are protected by the wiring 3W of the third flexible wiring board 3 while excessive movement is suppressed.

[0071] The distal ends of the wiring 3W of the third flexible wiring board 3 are preferably connected directly or indirectly to the wiring 1W of the first flexible wiring board 1. For example, it is preferable that the wiring 3W is connected to some of the wiring 1W among a plurality of wiring 1W. The wiring 1W and wiring 3W may be connected by an anisotropic conductive film, solder, or the like.

[0072] The third flexible wiring board 3 preferably has an upright portion 3P1 that stands upright relative to the first flexible wiring board 1, and an extended portion 3P2 that is in contact with the upright portion 3P1, inclined relative to the upright portion 3P1, and extends in the longitudinal direction 30X. Specifically, it is preferable that one end of the upright portion 3P1 of the third flexible wiring board 3 is fixed to the first flexible wiring board 1, and the other end of the upright portion 3P1 is in contact with the extended portion 3P2. The surface of the extended portion 3P2 of the third flexible wiring board 3 that faces the second surface 2S of the second flexible wiring board 2 can be the third surface 3S described above.

[0073] The inclination angle of the upright portion 3P1 of the third flexible wiring board 3 with respect to the first flexible wiring board 1 is preferably 70 to 110 degrees, and more preferably 80 to 100 degrees. The inclination angle of the extended portion 3P2 of the third flexible wiring board 3 with respect to the upright portion 3P1 is preferably 70 to 110 degrees, and more preferably 80 to 100 degrees. The upright portion 3P1 and the extended portion 3P2 of the third flexible wiring board 3 can be formed, for example, by folding a part of the base film 11 of the third flexible wiring board 3 to create a crease. The third flexible wiring board 3 can be fixed to the first flexible wiring board 1, for example, by using an adhesive, or it may also be fixed by welding the base film 11.

[0074] Although not shown in the figures, the ultrasonic generator 91 may have a cauterization electrode for cauterizing internal tissue. For example, the ultrasonic generator 91 may have a cauterization electrode at the distal end of the shaft 30 and be configured to supply a high-frequency current so that the cauterization electrode can cauterize internal tissue. The frequency of the high-frequency current is preferably 100 kHz or more and 20 MHz or less, more preferably 200 kHz or more and 5 MHz or less, and even more preferably 300 kHz or more and 1 MHz or less. The cauterization electrode preferably contains a metal, and more preferably is made of a metal. Examples of metals include stainless steel, carbon steel, nickel-titanium alloy, platinum-iridium alloy, or combinations thereof. The ultrasonic generator 91 may have multiple cauterization electrodes. In this case, it is preferable that the multiple cauterization electrodes are located distal to the ring 40.

[0075] Although not shown in the diagram, the ultrasonic generator 91 may have electrodes other than the cauterizing electrode. Examples of other electrodes include electrodes for measuring intracellular potentials such as myocardial potential.

[0076] The ultrasonic generator 91 only needs to be capable of generating ultrasound. By generating ultrasound in the transducer 20 of the ultrasonic generator 91 inside the body, and receiving and analyzing the ultrasound with an ultrasound receiver placed inside or outside the body, it is possible to determine the position of the distal end 30b of the shaft 30 inside the body, or to determine the structure of internal organs around the transducer 20. The transducer 20 may also have a function to receive reflected waves from an object and convert them into electrical signals. In this case, for example, during transmission, a drive signal from the control device is supplied to the transducer 20 via the wiring, and during reception, a received signal from the transducer 20 is output to the control device via the wiring. Transmission and reception may be switched, for example, by time division, and each transducer 20 may be used for either transmission or reception.

[0077] The length of the shaft 30 is preferably 50 to 150 cm, and more preferably 80 to 120 cm. This makes it easier to insert the shaft 30 into internal organs such as the heart. The outer diameter of the shaft 30 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, and even more preferably 2.5 mm or more. This improves the rigidity of the shaft 30. On the other hand, the outer diameter of the shaft 30 is preferably 6 mm or less, more preferably 4 mm or less, and even more preferably 3 mm or less. This makes it easier to insert the shaft 30 into internal organs such as the heart.

[0078] It is preferable that the ultrasonic generator 91 does not have a balloon. This allows for a reduction in the outer diameter. It is preferable that the distal end 30b of the shaft 30 does not have an opening. By closing the distal end 30b, it becomes easier to suppress the scattering and attenuation of ultrasonic waves caused by fluid flowing in or discharged from the opening.

[0079] The ultrasound generator 91 can be used, for example, to treat arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, to treat tumors occurring in organs such as the digestive system, respiratory system, and urinary system, to treat Barrett's esophagus, to treat varicose veins, to perform nerve resection procedures to reduce pain, and to examine various organs.

[0080] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-052604, filed on 26 March 2025. The entire specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-052604 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0081] 1, 2, 3, 10 First flexible wiring board, second flexible wiring board, third flexible wiring board, flexible wiring board 1A, 2A, 3A Proximal end 1B, 2B, 3B Distal end 1S, 2S, 3S First surface, second surface, third surface 1W, 2W, 3W Wiring 2P1, 3P1 Upright part 2P2, 3P2 Extended part 4 Handle 5 Rotating member 9 Electric wire 9b Distal end 10B Distal end 10C Conductor connection part 10Cw Wiring connection part (Conductor connection part) 10D Transducer connection part 11 Base film 20 Transducer 20A Proximal end 20B Distal end 21 Support plate 21D Direction from support plate toward transducer 21T Thickness direction 21W Width direction 22 Backing layer 23 Inner electrode 24 Outer electrode 25 Filling material 26 Acoustic matching layer 27 Acoustic lens 29 Piezoelectric element section 30 Shaft 30b Distal end 30L Lumen 30X Longitudinal direction 40 Ring 40A Proximal end 40B Distal end 40E One side 40F Other side 40L Lumen 40Y Radial direction 41 Operating wire 41b Distal part 91 Ultrasonic generator

Claims

1. An ultrasonic generator comprising: a shaft extending in the longitudinal direction; a ring disposed inside the distal end of the shaft; an operating wire whose distal end is fixed to the ring; a transducer disposed on the shaft such that its distal end is located distal to the distal end of the ring and capable of generating ultrasonic waves; at least one flexible wiring board disposed on the shaft; and a plurality of electric wires, a plurality of wires, or both, wherein the at least one flexible wiring board has a wire connection portion to which the distal ends of the plurality of electric wires or the plurality of wires are connected, and the wire connection portion is located proximal to the proximal end of the ring.

2. The ultrasonic generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible wiring board includes a first flexible wiring board and a second flexible wiring board that is partially fixed to the first flexible wiring board.

3. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 2, wherein the distal end of the second flexible wiring board is located more proximal to the distal end of the first flexible wiring board.

4. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 3, wherein the proximal end of the second flexible wiring board is located more proximal to the proximal end of the first flexible wiring board.

5. The ultrasonic generator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first surface of the first flexible wiring board on which wiring is arranged faces the second surface of the second flexible wiring board on which wiring is arranged.

6. The ultrasonic generator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the at least one flexible wiring board further includes a third flexible wiring board that is partially fixed to the second flexible wiring board.

7. The ultrasonic generator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the at least one flexible wiring board further includes a third flexible wiring board, a portion of which is fixed to the first flexible wiring board.

8. The ultrasonic generator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first flexible wiring board has a transducer connection portion to which the transducer is connected at its distal end.

9. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 8, further comprising a support plate that supports at least the distal portion of the first flexible wiring board, wherein a part of the support plate is located in the lumen of the ring.

10. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 1, further comprising a support plate that supports the distal portion of the first flexible wiring board located furthest distal among the at least one flexible wiring board, wherein the shape of the lumen of the ring in a radial cross-section is such that the length in the thickness direction of the support plate is shorter than the length in the width direction of the support plate.

11. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 10, wherein the shape of the lumen of the ring in the radial cross-section is elliptical, oblong, rectangular, or rounded rectangular.

12. The ultrasonic generator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the ring comprises an X-ray opaque material.

13. The ultrasonic generator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the proximal end of the transducer is located distal to the distal end of the ring, and the length in the longitudinal direction from the proximal end of the transducer to the distal end of the ring is 4 times or less the width of the ring.

14. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 9, wherein the distal end of the shaft is fixed to the ring so that it can be curved in the direction toward the transducer from the support plate.

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