JP3465982B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic device in body cavity - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section near the tip of an intracorporeal insertion section having a bending mechanism.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a bending mechanism has an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving section at the tip of an insertion section, and a portion ahead of the bending mechanism is a hard section that cannot be bent. Has become. An ultrasonic transmission / reception unit is provided on the distal end side of the hard portion, and a good ultrasonic image can be obtained by vertically applying the ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit to the diagnostic target site.

As a conventional example of such a diagnostic device, as described in, for example, PCT WO92 / 03095, a substantially bullet-shaped one is provided on the distal side of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section so as to easily cross the stenosis. An insertion assisting member or an insertion assisting member having an insertion hole for inserting a guide wire is known. The insertion assisting member provided on the distal end side of such an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit is fixed as it is attached, and is not removable. Further, as another conventional example of the diagnostic apparatus, like the ultrasonic endoscope, the observation optical system is provided before the bending mechanism, and the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit is provided at the tip of the hard portion including the observation optical system. Things are known.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned P
In the conventional example of CT WO92 / 03095, since the bending mechanism is not provided, the central axis of the insertion portion and the central axis of the body lumen do not become parallel when inserted into the lumen of the body cavity. It was difficult to apply ultrasonic waves almost perpendicularly to the wall where the ultrasonic image was to be drawn.
Further, in the conventional example of the ultrasonic endoscope, since nothing is attached to the front (the tip side) of the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit, when the ultrasonic endoscope is inserted into the lumen of the body cavity, the ultrasonic transmission / reception is simply performed. Since the central axis of the insertion part near the tube and the central axis of the lumen in the body cavity are not always parallel, adjust the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver by bending until the ultrasound transmitter / receiver is perpendicular to the wall of the lumen in the body cavity. Had to do. Therefore, in any of the conventional examples, there is a problem that it is necessary to repeatedly perform operations such as bending many times in order to obtain a good ultrasonic image at the diagnostic target site, and it takes a considerable time for diagnosis. .

Further, in the conventional example of PCT WO92 / 03095, since the insertion assisting member provided on the distal end side of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit is fixed, the insertion assisting member can be inserted depending on the condition of the affected part. There is a problem in that there are no such cases, or the cases that can be adapted depending on the shape of the insertion assisting member are limited. In addition, PCT WO92 / 03
In the case of a configuration in which the guide wire is not used in the conventional example of 095, in order to know the direction inside the body cavity on the ultrasonic image, it is necessary to confirm from the relative positional relationship with surrounding organs, There was a problem that it required skill.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional problems, and provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for a body cavity capable of easily obtaining a good ultrasonic image in a lumen of a body cavity. With the goal.

[0007]

To this end, in the constitution of claim 1 of the present invention, in an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section in the vicinity of the distal end of the insertion section, the insertion section has a curved section. And a hard portion provided at the tip thereof, the hard portion having an insertion assisting member provided at the tip side thereof, and the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving portion is arranged substantially at the center of the hard portion. It is characterized by that. In the configuration according to claim 2 of the present invention, the hard portion includes a tip forming portion provided on a tip side of the bending portion, the ultrasonic transmission / reception portion provided on a tip side of the tip forming portion, and the ultrasonic wave. The insertion assisting member is provided on the distal end side of the sound wave transmitting / receiving unit.

[0008]

According to claim 1 of the present invention, with the above configuration, when the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section is inserted into the body cavity,
Even if the body cavity lumen is curved, both ends of the rigid portion support the body cavity lumen and act as guides. Therefore, in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver, the central axis of the hard part and the central axis of the lumen in the body cavity are almost parallel to each other, and the ultrasonic wave is transmitted to the wall of the lumen in the body cavity by performing a very simple operation. Will hit almost vertically.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment has an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving section near the distal end of an insertion section having a bending mechanism, and the intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic apparatus including an insertion assisting member. It is configured as a sonic probe. The first embodiment provides an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of obtaining a good ultrasonic image by simply inserting it into the lumen of the body cavity and changing the tip shape according to the purpose of insertion. The purpose is to do.

The ultrasonic probe of this embodiment has an operating section 1 as shown in FIG. 1, and an inserting section 2 is provided on the distal end side of the operating section 1. A bending portion 3 is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion 2, and an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving portion 4 is provided at the tip of the bending portion 3. Further, the operation section 1 is provided with a bending operation tool 5, and the bending operation tool 5 and the bending section 3 are communicated with each other by a wire (not shown) penetrating through the insertion section 2. On the other hand, an ultrasonic signal cable 6 extends from the operation unit 1, and a connector 7 is provided at the end thereof.

As shown in the detailed view of FIG. 2, a tip forming portion 8 is provided at the tip of the bending portion 3 provided at the tip of the insertion portion 2 of the ultrasonic probe, and the tip of the tip forming portion 8 is provided. An ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit 4 is provided in the. Further, a substantially bullet-shaped insertion assisting member 9 is fastened and coupled to the tip of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section 4 with a screw 10. The hard portion 1 is provided between the tip forming portion 8 and the substantially bullet-shaped insertion assisting member 9.
The ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 4 is arranged substantially at the center of the hard portion 11 in the axial direction.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. An electric signal transmitted from an ultrasonic observation device (not shown) is transmitted to the operation unit 1 via the connector 7 and the ultrasonic signal cable 6 in FIG. 1, and passes through a signal converter (not shown here) of the operation unit 1. It is transmitted to the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit 4. By performing an operation of rotating the bending operation tool 5, a wire (not shown) is pulled to bend the bending portion 3.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when inserting the insertion portion 2 into the lumen 12 of the body cavity, the stenosis 13 in the lumen 12 of the body cavity is expanded by the insertion aid 9 having a substantially bullet shape. At the same time, the portion of the body cavity lumen 12 beyond the stenosis 13 is expanded from the state shown by the dotted line to the state shown by the solid line. At that time, even if the body cavity lumen 12 is curved as shown in FIG. 3, both ends (points P1 and P2 in the illustrated example) of the hard portion 11 of the insertion portion 2 are walls of the body cavity lumen 12. By supporting the rigid portion 11 as a guide, the central axis of the rigid portion 11 and the lumen 12 in the body cavity are located in the vicinity of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving portion 4 disposed substantially in the axial center of the rigid portion 11.
Is almost parallel to the central axis of. Therefore, the ultrasonic waves strike the wall 14 of the diagnostic target site almost vertically.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a substantially bullet-shaped insertion assisting member 9 at the tip of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section 4 is provided with a screw 10.
Can be removed from the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit 4. Therefore, a substantially bullet-shaped insertion assisting member 15 having a different shape by changing the degree of taper or the like can be attached instead of the insertion assisting member 9.

According to the first embodiment, when the insertion section 2 is inserted into the body cavity lumen 12, the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section 4 is axially moved even if the body cavity lumen 12 is curved. Since the hard portion 11 arranged substantially in the center serves as a guide, it is possible to easily apply the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit 4 almost perpendicularly to the wall 14 of the body cavity lumen 12 at the diagnostic target site. Become. Therefore, a good ultrasonic image can be easily drawn, and the time required for diagnosis can be shortened. Therefore, the pain given to the patient can be reduced.

Also, by making the insertion aid member 9 that is almost bullet-shaped removable, the insertion aid member can be replaced according to the state of the stenosis 13 of the lumen 12 in the body cavity, so for more cases Can be dealt with.

5 (a) and 5 (b) respectively show the second embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in a body cavity of an Example. The intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment is different from the intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment in that a guide wire is used. It is configured as an ultrasonic probe having a member. In addition to the purpose of the first embodiment, this second embodiment provides an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can be easily inserted into a body cavity by using a guide wire and that can be easily oriented in the body cavity. It is intended to be provided.

The ultrasonic probe of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
As shown in, an insertion assisting member 17 having an insertion hole 16 for a guide wire at the tip is attached. The insertion assisting member 17 with an insertion hole can be provided by providing the insertion assisting member 9 of the bullet-shaped type used in the first embodiment with the insertion hole 16 through which the guide wire can be inserted.

Further, the insertion assisting member 17 with the insertion hole is
It is fixed by screws 10 or more. In that case, when arranging and fixing two or more screws 10 on the cross section in the circumferential direction, the screws are arranged such that the intervals between the screws are uneven in the circumferential direction, and the screws are arranged on the circumference of the insertion portion of the insertion hole 16. Keep the position of always constant.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
An explanation will be given using (b). As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the guide wire 18 is placed in advance in the lumen 12 of the body cavity,
One end of it is left outside the body cavity. This guide wire 18
The one end outside the body cavity is passed through the insertion hole 16 of the insertion assisting member 17, and the guide wire 18 is used as a guide to guide the guide wire and the insertion portion 2 is inserted into the body cavity lumen 12. Since the position of the insertion assisting member 17 with the insertion hole on the circumference of the insertion portion with respect to the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 4 is uniquely determined by the mounting screw 10, the insertion hole 1
The position of 6 is always the same on the circumference of the insertion portion. Therefore, the position where the guide wire 18 can be seen on the ultrasonic image is always a constant position.

According to the second embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, a good ultrasonic image can be easily drawn only by inserting the insertion portion 2 into the body cavity. The time required can be shortened. Therefore, the pain given to the patient can be reduced.

In addition to this, the insertion assisting member 1 with an insertion hole is provided.
Since the 7 can be attached, the guide wire 18 can be used for the body cavity lumen 12 where the guide wire 18 is required. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be inserted more easily, and the time required for diagnosis can be further shortened.

Further, the insertion assisting member 17 with the insertion hole is fixed at one place by the screw 10, or the screw 1 is used.
The orientation of the insertion hole 16 (position on the circumference of the insertion portion) is always constant by setting the positions of 0 in the circumferential direction to be uneven. Therefore, since the position of the guide wire 18 on the ultrasonic image is always constant, the ultrasonic image can be easily oriented within the body cavity.

6 (a) and 6 (b) respectively show the third embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in a body cavity of an Example. The intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment differs from the intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment in the shape of the insertion assisting member. It is configured as an ultrasonic probe having a member. In the third embodiment, in addition to the purpose of the first embodiment, in particular, when the function of expanding the stenosis of the insertion assisting member is not necessary, such as when the intraluminal lumen 12 without stenosis is used as the diagnostic target site. Another object of the present invention is to provide a body cavity ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can be inserted into the body cavity more safely and easily.

The ultrasonic probe of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
As shown in, an insertion assisting member 19 having a substantially spherical tip is attached to the tip of the hard portion 11. In addition, the first
It is also possible to form a substantially spherical insertion assisting member 19 by making the shape of the tip of the substantially shell-shaped insertion assisting member 9 used in the embodiment substantially spherical.

The operation of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the above-mentioned first embodiment, but when the ultrasonic probe of this embodiment having a substantially spherical insertion assisting member 19 is inserted into the lumen of the body cavity,
Since there is no stenosis, the state at the time of insertion becomes as shown in FIG. 6 (b), and the hard portion 11 at the tip of the ultrasonic probe.
First, the axial length of the is shorter than that of the first embodiment.
It differs from the embodiment.

According to the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, a good ultrasonic image can be easily drawn only by inserting the insertion portion 2 into the body cavity, which is useful for diagnosis. The time required can be shortened. Therefore, the pain given to the patient can be reduced.

In addition to this, since the insertion assisting member 19 having a substantially spherical tip can be attached, the hard portion 1
The length of 1 is shorter than that of the first embodiment, and when the body cavity lumen 12 without stenosis is used as the diagnosis target site, it can be inserted more safely and easily.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the arrangement of the main parts of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is different from the intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the fixing mechanism of the insertion assisting member. , As an ultrasonic probe having an insertion assisting member. In addition to the objects of the first to third embodiments, the fourth embodiment aims to provide an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which the fixing strength of the insertion assisting member at the distal end is increased.

In the ultrasonic probe of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7 which is a sectional view in the circumferential direction of the portion where the screw 10 for fixing the insertion assisting member is present, the screw 10 for fixing the insertion assisting member 20 is used. Two screws are used and each screw is arranged so that the angle a and the angle b are not equal as shown in the figure. As the insertion assisting member 20, any of the insertion assisting members shown in the first to third embodiments may be used, or another insertion assisting member may be used.

The operation of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, except that the insertion assisting member 20 is fixed to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving section 4 by the two screws 10. Is different from.

According to the fourth embodiment, similar to the first to third embodiments, a good ultrasonic image can be easily visualized only by inserting the insertion portion 2 into the body cavity. The time required for diagnosis can be shortened. Therefore, the pain given to the patient can be reduced.

In addition to this, by fixing the insertion assisting member 20 to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving section 4 with the two screws 10,
The fixing strength can be increased more than in the case of a book. The number of screws may be any number.

FIGS. 8A to 8C show the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in a body cavity of an Example. The intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the fifth embodiment selectively uses the removable insertion assisting members 9, 17, and 19 of the first to third embodiments described above as an insertion assisting member according to a diagnostic target site or the like. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the body cavity is configured as an ultrasonic probe having an insertion assisting member. This fifth embodiment is based on the above
In addition to the objects of the third embodiment, it is an object of the present invention to provide an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which a removable insertion assisting member is easily mounted.

The ultrasonic probe of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the insertion assisting member 9 having a substantially bullet shape similar to that of the first embodiment is used. However, instead of fastening and connecting the insertion assisting member 9 and the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section 4 with screws, they are provided on both. The screw portion is changed so that the insertion assisting member 9 is detachable. Also, FIG.
As shown in (b) and (c), the insertion assisting members 17, 19
A similar change is also made to these, and these insertion assisting members are also removable.

The operation of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first to third embodiments, except that the detachable insertion assisting members 9, 17, 1 are used.
By directly twisting 9, the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section 4 can be removed, and various insertion assisting members as shown in FIGS. 8 (a) to 8 (c) can be easily replaced and used.

According to the fifth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments can be obtained, and in addition to this, the effect shown in FIG.
By preparing various insertion assisting members as shown in (1) to (c), the insertion assisting member can be replaced and used more quickly.

FIGS. 9A to 9C respectively show the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in a body cavity of an Example. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the body cavity of the sixth embodiment selectively uses the removable insertion assisting members 9, 17 and 19 of the first to third embodiments described above as an insertion assisting member according to a diagnostic target site or the like. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the body cavity is configured as an ultrasonic probe having an insertion assisting member. This sixth embodiment is based on the above
In addition to the objects of the third embodiment, it is an object of the present invention to provide an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which the fixing strength of a removable insertion assisting member is increased.

The ultrasonic probe of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the insertion assisting member 9 that is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment is used. There is.
That is, the substantially bullet-shaped insertion assisting member 9 of the present embodiment is made of metal, and the insertion assisting member 9 is provided with a tap for attaching the screw 10. On the other hand, the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit 4 of this embodiment is made of resin, and the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit 4 is provided with a hole 21 into which the screw 10 can be inserted. Note that the fixing with the screw 10 may be performed at one location or at multiple locations. As a result, the insertion assisting member 9 can be attached to and detached from the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit 4 by the screw 10. Also,
As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C, the insertion assisting member 17,
Similar changes are made to 19 as well, and these insertion assisting members are also removable.

The operation of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first to third embodiments, except that the insertion assisting members 9, 17 and 19 and the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving section 4 are assembled and then the screw 10 is fastened. By screwing the tip end portion of 10 into the hole 21, the insertion assisting members 9, 17 and 19 can be fixed to the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 4, and various insertions as shown in FIGS. The auxiliary member can be easily replaced and used.

According to the sixth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments can be obtained, and in addition to this, FIG.
~ C), as shown in FIG.
By tapping 19 and screwing the screw 10, the screw thread on the fixed part side is not crushed even if the insertion assisting member is repeatedly attached and detached, and the life of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the body cavity is extended. be able to.

FIG. 10 is a view showing the arrangement of the main parts of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The intracavity ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the seventh embodiment is configured as an ultrasonic probe having an insertion assisting member. The purpose of the seventh embodiment is to provide an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a shield that can be inserted into an insertion portion having a small outer diameter.

The ultrasonic probe of this embodiment has an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section 4 near the tip of an insertion section 2 having a bending mechanism (bending section 3) and an insertion assisting member 9 at the tip thereof. 2), the bending portion 3 in the insertion portion 2
The connecting portion of the tip forming portion 8 is configured as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, a cable 22 for transmitting an ultrasonic signal is arranged so as to penetrate through the bending portion 3, and an outer periphery of the cable 22 is covered with a braid 23 braided with a metal wire. The part 24 is fixed to the tip forming part 8 only by soldering to prevent fraying (conventionally,
Because I used a pipe to prevent fraying with solder,
The outer shape of the insertion part was large).

The operation of this embodiment is that the provision of the blade 23 as described above prevents noise and the like from being externally applied to the electric signal flowing through the cable 22.

According to the seventh embodiment, the maximum outer diameter of the blade 23 can be reduced by using only the solder to prevent the fray of the end portion 24 of the blade 23.
The outer diameter of the insertion portion can be reduced, and the insertion portion can be inserted into the insertion portion having a small outer diameter.

FIG. 11 is a view showing the arrangement of the main parts of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The intracavity ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the eighth embodiment is configured as a radial scanning ultrasonic probe having an insertion assisting member. The purpose of the eighth embodiment is to provide an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a short distal rigid portion.

The ultrasonic probe according to the present embodiment has an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving section 4 near the tip of an insertion section 2 having a bending mechanism (bending section 3) and an insertion assisting member 9 at the tip thereof. In the sound wave probe (see FIG. 2), the tip forming portion 8 is configured as follows. That is, FIG.
As shown in, the outer surface of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit 4 is a thin-walled portion 32 of a resin cap 31 that transmits ultrasonic waves. The cap 31 is fixed to the tip forming portion 8 with a seal member 33 interposed therebetween. An ultrasonic probe 34 is provided inside the cap 31, and further, a holder 35 that holds the ultrasonic probe 34 rotatably with respect to the insertion axis and a tip forming portion 8 are provided. On the other hand, a bearing 36 that rotatably holds the holder 35 and a flange-type pressing member 37 that fixes the bearing 36 to the tip forming portion 8 are provided. The pressing member 37 has a flange portion 3
8, a seal member 39 is provided between the flange portion 38 and the tip forming portion 8, and a seal member 40 is provided between the pressing member 37 and the holder 35.

The operation of this embodiment is as follows. An ultrasonic transmission medium is enclosed inside the cap 31.
At this time, the holder 35 is provided inside the cap 31.
With respect to the inside of the tube in which a rotation transmission body (not shown) is housed on the side closer to the insertion portion than here, a seal member 39 seals between the pressing member 37 and the tip forming portion 8, and The seal member 4 is provided between the holder 35 and the holder 35.
It is sealed with 0. Further, the outside of the cap 31 is sealed by a seal member 33, and the cap 3
The inside of 1 is kept liquid-tight.

According to the eighth embodiment, the sealing member 39 is formed by the flange portion 38 of the flange type pressing member 37.
The length of the pressing member 37 can be shortened by pressing and sealing the tip forming portion 8. Therefore, the length of the hard portion at the tip of the insertion portion can be shortened.

FIG. 12 is a view showing the arrangement of the main parts of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The intracavity ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the ninth embodiment is configured as a radial scanning ultrasonic probe having an insertion assisting member. The purpose of this ninth embodiment is to provide an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of ensuring the safety of the insertion assisting member at the distal end when an abnormality occurs during use.

The ultrasonic probe of this embodiment has an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section 4 near the tip of an insertion section 2 having a bending mechanism (bending section 3), and has a substantially bullet-shaped insertion assisting member 9 at its tip. In the radial scanning ultrasonic probe (see FIG. 2), the tip forming section 8 is configured as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the thin portion 3 that transmits ultrasonic waves
The cap 31 having 2 holds the seal member 33, and the portion of the cap 31 above the seal member 33 (on the operation portion side) is tied with the thread 41 and the adhesive material 42 is applied to the cap 31 so that It is fixed. Further, the cap 31 is provided with a retainer 43.

On the other hand, a pin 44 for fixing the cap 31 and the tip forming portion 8 is provided in a portion of the fitting portion between the cap 31 and the tip forming portion 8 on the operating portion side of the seal member 33. A ring 45 is placed on the retaining member 43 (on the operation portion side). A substantially bullet-shaped insertion assisting member 9 is fixed to the tip end side of the cap 31 with a screw 10. Furthermore, the tip forming portion 8 and the bending portion 3 are fixed by screws not shown here.

The operation of this embodiment is as follows. The cap 31 and the substantially bullet-shaped insertion assisting member 9 are prevented from coming off by engaging the clasped thread 41 and the adhesive material 42 with the retainer 43 with respect to the tip forming portion 8. Further, the cap 31 is fixed by the pin 44 so as not to rotate relative to the tip forming portion 8. Further, the retaining member 43 is provided on the ring 4
By covering the pin 5, it does not spread so as to get over the pin 44.

According to this ninth embodiment, when diagnosing a site having a stenosis 13 as shown in FIG. 3, the cap 3 is accompanied by twisting the insertion part 2 to pass the stenosis 13.
A force is applied to rotate 1 relative to the tip forming part 8. In such a case, the cap 31 is attached to the tip forming part 8 because the ultrasonic probe of the present embodiment is provided with the pin 44. The cap 31 is kept liquid-tight without relative rotation. In addition, when a force is applied to the retainer 43 to get over the pin 44, the retainer 43 does not spread beyond the state shown in FIG. 12 by the ring 45, so the cap 31 does not rotate relative to each other. Further, when a force is applied to bend the tip of the substantially bullet-shaped insertion assisting member 9 in the direction perpendicular to the insertion axis, the thread 41 engages with the retainer 43, and the cap 31 falls off from the tip forming portion 8. In this case, the liquid tightness inside the cap 31 is maintained.

Further, due to these effects, the cap 3
When a twisting or bending force is applied to 1, the thin portion 32
First, since it is deformed, it is possible to determine that the cap 31 is deformed on the image of the ultrasonic monitor (not shown). Therefore, by adopting the above-described configuration, when an abnormal force is applied to the tip of the insertion portion 2 in the body cavity, the operator can be notified of that without dropping the tip into the body cavity. , Safety is secured.

FIG. 13 is a view showing the arrangement of the main parts of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. This tenth
The intracavity ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the embodiment is configured as an ultrasonic probe having an insertion assisting member, and this ultrasonic probe can be an ultrasonic endoscope having an observation optical system. In addition to the objects of the above-mentioned first to ninth embodiments, the tenth embodiment is intended to provide an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of observing the inside of the body cavity with the naked eye during insertion.

That is, the ultrasonic probe of this embodiment is
As shown in FIG. 13, it is an ultrasonic endoscope having an observation optical system, and this ultrasonic endoscope has a tip forming portion 8 that holds the observation optical system 51 at the tip of the bending portion 3. . An ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section 4 is provided at the tip of the tip forming section 8, and a substantially bullet-shaped insertion assisting member 9 is further provided at the tip of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section 4.

The operation of this embodiment is that the observation optical system 51 can be inserted while observing the inside of the body cavity.

According to the tenth embodiment, the observation optical system 5
Since it has 1, the ultrasonic probe can be inserted more safely while visually observing the inside of the body cavity, and even if the stricture exists in the lumen, it can be inserted while expanding it. . Furthermore, a good ultrasonic image can be easily obtained only by inserting.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and various modifications and changes can be added. For example, in the configuration of the above-mentioned claim 1, the insertion assisting member at the tip of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section may be made detachable. In that case, by making the insertion assisting member at the tip of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit detachable, when inserting the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus into the body cavity, the tip shape can be changed according to the purpose of insertion. It is possible to provide an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can be used for the above cases.

Further, in the structure of claim 1 or the structure in which the insertion assisting member is detachable, the insertion assisting member may be a substantially bullet-shaped insertion assisting member capable of expanding a stenosis. In this case, by providing a substantially bullet-shaped insertion assisting member at the tip, an intraluminal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can easily overcome the stenosis of the lumen in the body cavity when the lumen is stenotic in the body cavity is provided. be able to.

Further, in the structure of claim 1 or the structure in which the insertion assisting member is detachable, a hole through which a guide wire can be inserted may be provided in the insertion assisting member. In that case, by attaching the insertion assisting member with the insertion hole to the distal end, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be inserted into the body cavity simply by sliding it along the guide wire, and the body cavity can be easily inserted into the body cavity. An internal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be provided.

Further, in the construction in which the insertion assisting member is provided with a hole through which the guide wire can be inserted, the position of the insertion hole for the guide wire provided in the insertion assisting member is always constant on the circumference of the insertion portion. You may In that case,
Since the position of the insertion hole on the circumference of the insertion part is always constant, the position of the guide wire on the ultrasound image is always constant, and when the guide wire is inserted into the body cavity, the orientation of the ultrasound image in the body cavity is improved. It is possible to provide an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic device that is easy to put on.

Further, in the structure of claim 1 or the structure in which the insertion assisting member is detachable, the tip end shape of the insertion assisting member may be substantially spherical. In that case, by attaching a substantially spherical insertion aid to the tip,
Since the length of the hard portion at the tip is shortened, it is possible to provide an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can be inserted safely and easily when it is inserted into a body cavity without stenosis.

Further, in the structure of claim 1 or the structure in which the insertion assisting member is detachable, an observation optical system may be provided at the tip of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the body cavity. In that case, because the observation optical system can be inserted more safely while visually observing the inside of the lumen in the body cavity,
Even when a lumen has a stenosis, it can be inserted while expanding it, and it is possible to provide an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of observing the inside of the body cavity with the naked eye during insertion into the body cavity.

[0066]

As described above, according to the constitution of claim 1 of the present invention, the insertion portion is composed of the curved portion and the hard portion provided at the tip thereof, and the hard portion is provided at the tip side thereof. With the insertion assisting member and the ultrasonic transmission / reception section is arranged substantially in the center of the rigid portion, the lumen in the body cavity is curved when the ultrasonic transmission / reception section is inserted into the body cavity. However, since both ends of the rigid part support the lumen in the body cavity and act as guides, the central axis of the rigid part and the central axis of the lumen in the body cavity are almost parallel in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving part. Become. Therefore, an ultrasonic wave can be applied almost perpendicularly to the wall of the lumen in the body cavity by performing an extremely simple operation, and a good ultrasonic image can be obtained only by inserting the ultrasonic wave.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic probe which is an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the tip of the insertion portion of the ultrasonic probe of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the ultrasonic probe of the first embodiment is inserted into a lumen in a body cavity.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which an insertion member at the tip of the ultrasonic probe of the first embodiment is removed from the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit.

5 (a) and 5 (b) are diagrams respectively showing a configuration of a main part of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

6 (a) and 6 (b) are diagrams respectively showing a configuration of a main part of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

8 (a) to 8 (c) are diagrams each showing a configuration of a main part of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

9 (a) to 9 (c) are diagrams each showing a configuration of a main part of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Operation part 2 Insert 3 curved part 4 Ultrasonic transceiver 5 Bending operation tool 6 Ultrasonic signal cable 7 connector 8 Tip component 9,15,17,19,20 Insertion auxiliary member 10 screws 11 Hard part 12 Internal cavity wall 13 Stenosis 14 wall (diagnosis target part) 16 insertion holes 18 guide wire 21 holes 22 cable 23 blade 24 edge 31 cap 32 Thin part 33, 39, 40 Seal member 34 Ultrasonic probe 35 holder 36 bearings 37 Holding member 38 Flange 41 thread 42 adhesive 43 retaining 44 pin 45 ring 51 Observation optical system

Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A 2-121644 (JP, A) JP-A 4-54949 (JP, A) JP-A 5-293103 (JP, A) JP-A 6-285068 (JP , A) JP-A-6-304169 (JP, A) JP-A-8-117233 (JP, A) JP-A-6-500248 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB) (Name) A61B 8/00

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. An intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section near a tip of an insertion section, wherein the insertion section includes a bending section and a hard section provided at the tip thereof, and the hard section has a tip thereof. The intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized in that it has an insertion assisting member provided on a side thereof, and that the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section is arranged substantially in the center of the hard section. 2. The hard part includes a tip forming part provided on a tip side of the bending part, the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving part provided on a tip side of the tip forming part, and a tip of the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving part. The intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises the insertion assisting member provided on the side.