U.S. patent application number 11/502369 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-15 for puncture adaptor, ultrasonic probe for puncture, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for puncture, method for detecting angle of puncture needle.
This patent application is currently assigned to KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA. Invention is credited to Yutaka Oonuki, Hiroyuki Shikata, Takashi Takeuchi.
Application Number | 20070038113 11/502369 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37720354 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070038113 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oonuki; Yutaka ; et
al. |
February 15, 2007 |
Puncture adaptor, ultrasonic probe for puncture, ultrasonic
diagnostic apparatus for puncture, method for detecting angle of
puncture needle
Abstract
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe
transmitting and receiving ultrasound toward and from a subject, a
puncture adaptor configured to be fixed to the ultrasonic probe and
to hold a puncture needle, wherein the puncture adaptor has moving
part movable in relation to the ultrasonic probe with the puncture
needle, and a sensor provided at the ultrasonic probe, and
configured to detect the position of the moving part. As the
puncture needle is moved relative to the probe, the movable part is
correspondingly moved relative to the probe, and movement of the
movable part, and therefore also of the puncture needle, is
detected by the sensor.
Inventors: |
Oonuki; Yutaka;
(Otawara-shi, JP) ; Shikata; Hiroyuki;
(Otawara-shi, JP) ; Takeuchi; Takashi;
(Otawara-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
C. IRVIN MCCLELLAND;OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
Minato-Ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
37720354 |
Appl. No.: |
11/502369 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/464 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 8/0841 20130101;
A61B 2017/3413 20130101; A61B 2090/0811 20160201; A61B 8/0833
20130101; A61B 17/3403 20130101; A61B 2090/067 20160201; A61B
8/4455 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/464 |
International
Class: |
A61B 8/14 20060101
A61B008/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 11, 2005 |
JP |
2005-233308 |
Claims
1. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprising: a ultrasonic
probe configured to transmit and receive ultrasound toward and from
a subject; a puncture adaptor configured to be fixed at the
ultrasonic probe and to hold a puncture needle, the puncture
adaptor having a moving part movable toward the ultrasonic probe
with the puncture needle; and a sensor provided at the ultrasonic
probe, and configured to detect a position of the moving part.
2. The ultrasonic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the
puncture adaptor is configured to be removable.
3. The ultrasonic apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising; a read wire provided inside the ultrasonic probe, and
configured to deliver a signal from the sensor to outside of the
ultrasonic probe.
4. The ultrasonic apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising; a displaying unit configured to display information
related to a position of the puncture needle based on the signal
from the sensor.
5. The ultrasonic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
sensor comprises: photo sensors provided along a course of movement
of the moving part; and a detecting unit configured to detect
position of the moving part on the basis of a state of detection of
the photo sensors.
6. The ultrasonic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the
moving part has a reflective pattern so that degrees of reflection
of at least two of different points of the pattern are different
from each other; and the sensor includes, a photo sensor provided
near a course of moving of the moving part, and a detecting unit
configured to detect a position of the moving part on the basis of
the state of detection of the photo sensor.
7. The ultrasonic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the
moving part includes a magnetic element; and the sensor includes,
magneto metric sensors provided along a course of movement of the
moving part, and a detecting unit configured to detect the position
of the moving part on the basis of a state of detection of the
magneto metric sensors.
8. The ultrasonic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the
moving part has a magnetic pattern in which at least two of
different points of the magnetic pattern are different from each
other; and the sensor includes, a magneto metric sensor provided
near a course of movement of the moving part, and a detecting unit
configured to detect the position of the moving part on the basis
of a state of detection of the magneto metric sensor.
9. The ultrasonic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the
sensor comprises one of an electromagnetic induction sensor, an
electro capacitance sensor and an ultrasound sensor.
10. An ultrasonic probe comprising: a puncture adaptor configured
to be fixed to a body of the ultrasonic probe and to hold a
puncture needle, said puncture adaptor comprising a moving part
movable with the puncture needle; and a sensor provided at the
probe body and configured to detect the position of the moving
part.
11. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 10, wherein the
puncture adaptor is configured to be removable.
12. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 10, wherein the sensor
comprises: photo sensors provided along a course of movement of the
moving part; and a detecting unit configured to detect the position
of the moving part on the basis of a state of detection of the
photo sensors.
13. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 10, wherein: the moving
part has a reflective pattern in which degrees of reflection of at
least two of different points of the pattern are different each
other; and the sensor includes, a photo sensor provided near a
course of movement of the moving part, and a detecting unit
configured to detect the position of the moving part on the basis
of a state of detection of the photo sensor.
14. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 10, wherein: the moving
part includes a magnetic element; and the sensor includes magneto
metric sensors provided along a course of movement of the moving
part, and a detecting unit configured to detect the position of the
moving part on the basis of a state of detection of the magneto
metric sensors.
15. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 10, wherein: the moving
part has a magnetic pattern in which at least two of different
points of the magnetic pattern are different from each other; and
the sensor includes, magneto metric sensor provided near a course
of movement of the moving part, and a detecting unit configured to
detect the position of the moving part on the basis of a state of
detection of the magneto metric sensor.
16. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 10, wherein: the sensor
comprises one of an electromagnetic induction sensor, an electro
capacitance sensor and an ultrasound sensor.
17. A puncture adaptor comprising: a fixing part configured to be
fixed to an ultrasonic probe; and a moving part movable with a
puncture needle toward the ultrasonic probe when the moving part is
fixed at the ultrasonic prove so that a sensor provided at a probe
body can detect the position of the moving part.
18. A method for detecting an insertion angle of a puncture needle,
comprising: detecting position of moving part, which moves with a
puncture needle in relation to an ultrasonic probe, by a sensor
provided at the ultrasonic probe; and generating information
relating to position of the puncture needle on the basis of
detection result of the sensor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No.
2005-233308, filed on Aug. 11 2005, the entire contents of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is often used for
puncture. In this case, an operator watches a monitor display of an
ultrasound image of a live body and a puncture needle, and
insertion of the puncture needle. In the puncture operation, a
puncture adapter is often used, and a puncture guide marker is
displayed on the monitor to serve as a direction guide to assist an
operator during needle insertion. In one puncture method, a
puncture adaptor is fixed at a predetermined position of an
ultrasonic probe body. In this method, an operator must read an
angle value by watching a scale on the adaptor, and set the angle
value for displaying the angle of the puncture marker of the
ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. This setting enables display of
the puncture guide image with an ultrasonic image on the display
monitor. In this technique, which entails operator's reading and
setting, an operator perform angle reading and setting every time
the operator changes an angle of the puncture needle. This is
complicated for the operator.
[0003] In another method, the above mentioned angle of the puncture
needle guide is detected by a sensor set by the puncture guide, and
the detected angle is delivered to a processing unit in an
ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. (For example, see JP2004-305535A.)
The sensor detecting the angle of the puncture needle guide is
provided near a part moving in accordance with the changing angle
of the puncture needle, (for example, see FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 in
JP2004-305535A) and the sensor detects the angle indirectly or
directly. In this method, the puncture marker image displayed on
the monitor is automatically changed in accordance with the
detected angle.
[0004] However the puncture adaptor is often removably constructed
so that operator can mount and remove it from a standard ultrasonic
probe. In this case, provision must be made for delivering detected
signal to the apparatus body. For example, in the case that probe
cables double as the connection to apparatus body, a connection
structure such as a connecter connecting to the ultrasonic probe
and a cable leaded from the puncture adaptor is necessary. On the
other hand, in the case that another cable is connected to the
apparatus body, the increasing number of cables adversely impact
operability, and providing a new connecter for puncture is
needed.
[0005] Because a guiding portion of the puncture adaptor guides a
needle inserted into a body, body fluid and body tissues adhere to
the guides. In this situation, the guiding portion must be easily
disinfected and sterilized or must be disposable. However, in the
above mentioned case, use of the sensor makes the structure
complicated, makes disinfection or sterilization of the guide
difficult, and makes the guide too expensive to be disposable.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an ultrasonic apparatus diagnostic, an ultrasonic probe, a
puncture guide and a method for detecting the angle of a puncture
needle that does not require an operator to perform a bothersome
operation for display of a puncture guide image.
[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including a
ultrasonic probe configured to transmit and receive ultrasound
toward and from a subject, puncture adaptor configured to be fixed
at the ultrasonic probe and to hold a puncture needle, the puncture
adaptor having moving part configured to move toward the ultrasonic
probe with the puncture needle and a sensor provided at the
ultrasonic probe and configured to detect a position of the moving
part.
[0008] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an ultrasonic probe including a fixed puncture
adaptor configured to hold a puncture needle, and having moving
part configured to move with the puncture needle, and a sensor
provided at a probe body and configured to detect a position of the
moving part.
[0009] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a puncture adaptor including a fixed part
configured to be fixed at an ultrasonic probe, a moving part
movable with the puncture needle toward the ultrasonic probe when
the moving part is fixed at the ultrasonic probe, and a sensor
provided at probe body and configured to detect a position of the
moving part.
[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for detecting an angle of a puncture
needle, including detecting a position of a moving part which moves
with a puncture needle toward a ultrasonic probe, by a sensor
provided at the ultrasonic probe, and detecting information
relating to position of the puncture needle on the basis of a
detection result of the sensor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0011] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of
the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the
same becomes better understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIGS. 1(a), 1(b), 1(c) and 1(d) are related aspect views of
a first exemplary embodiment of the ultrasonic probe and puncture
adaptor of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a first exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIGS. 3(a), 3(b) and 3(c) are related aspect views of a
second exemplary embodiment of the ultrasonic probe and puncture
adaptor of the invention.
[0015] FIGS. 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c) are related aspect views of a
third exemplary embodiment of the ultrasonic probe and puncture
adaptor of the invention.
[0016] FIGS. 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c) are related aspect views of a
fourth exemplary embodiment of the ultrasonic probe and puncture
adaptor of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the
several views, various embodiments of the present invention are
next described.
(First Exemplary Embodiment)
[0018] An ultrasonic probe 10 shown in FIG. 1 (b) includes a probe
body 11 holding an ultrasonic transmit and receiving unit 12 having
arrayed ultrasonic transducers, and an alternating photo sensor 13
including luminous elements 13a and light sensitive elements 13b.
Lead wires of the luminous elements 13a and the light sensitive
elements 13b are wired in a probe body 11. The wires are connected
to a body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus through a probe
cable 11c with read wires of ultrasonic transducers.
[0019] As a slide opening part 22 of puncture adaptor 20 shown in
FIG. 1 (a) is positioned opposite the photo sensor 13 of the probe
body 11, a holder 21 of the puncture adaptor 20 holds the probe
body 11, as shown in FIG. 1(c). A slider 23, having a reflective
face facing the probe body 11, is fitted into a slide opening part
22 of the puncture adaptor 20, and a needle guide 24 is fastened at
one end of the slider 23 by screws (not shown) to the slider 23 and
an adaptor part 25. A puncture needle 29 can be inserted into a
puncture needle hole of the needle guide 24 as shown in FIG. 1
(c).
[0020] Next, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to which the
puncture adaptor 20 attaches, in this exemplary embodiment, is
explained with reference to the schematic block diagram of FIG.
2.
[0021] As shown in the FIG. 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
includes a body 30 connected to an ultrasonic probe 10 with an
puncture adaptor 20, an angle sensor signal from the ultrasonic
probe 20 is inputted into the body 30, for processing within the
body 30. Also connected to the body 30 is an input unit 41 for user
interface with the body 30. The input unit 41 can be a key board, a
track ball and/or an operation panel. A monitor 39 for displaying
an image signal delivered from the body 30 is also connected to the
body 30.
[0022] The body 30 includes an ultrasonic transmitting unit 31, an
ultrasonic receiving unit 32, an image processing unit 33, a sensor
IF (interface) unit 34, a database 35, a CPU unit 36 and a display
unit 37. The ultrasonic transmitting unit 31 generates and applies
a driving signal to the ultrasonic probe 10. The ultrasonic
receiving unit 32 receives a received signal from the probe 10. The
image processing unit 33 processes this received signal into an
image signal. The sensor IF (interface) unit 34 receives a sensor
signal from the ultrasonic probe 10 and converts this signal into
an angle signal. The database 35 memorizes and saves a variety of
data. The CPU unit 36 controls each of the components of the
apparatus on the basis of an operation signal from the input unit
41. The display unit 37 converts a signal from the image processing
unit 33 into a display format. An additional image signal like a
signal based on a signal from sensor IF 34 is also processed into a
graphical signal by this image processing unit 33. The display unit
37 delivers these signals to the monitor 39.
[0023] Next, the function and operation of the exemplary embodiment
are explained in reference to FIG. 1.
[0024] At first, the holder 21 is fixed to the probe body 11 shown
in FIG. 1 (b), so that the needle guide 24 of the puncture adaptor
20 lies near the end of the adaptor part 25. Then, as illustrated
in FIG. 1(c), all of the luminance elements 13a and the sensitive
elements 13b composing the photo sensor 13 are exposed. In this
case, each sensitive element 13b which does not receive light
emitted from luminance elements 13a likewise does not generate a
signal. This position of the needle guide 24 corresponds to a
maximum angle of insertion angles (in relation to a vertical
insertion angle which is 0 degree) of the puncture needle.
[0025] Next, when an operator displaces the needle guide 24 and the
slider 23 to the side of the probe body along the slide opening
part 22 and reduces the insertion angle of the puncture needle, the
slider 23 having a reflective surface on the side facing probe body
11 faces opposite some of the luminance elements 13a and sensitive
elements 13b. At that time, light reflected off the reflecting
surface impinges on the sensitive elements 13b, and a detection
signal is outputted from such sensitive elements 13b. Such
detection signals are delivered by a lead wires (not shown in the
figures) provided in the probe body 11. These read wires are
assembled in the probe cable 11c with read wires for the ultrasonic
transducer unit 12 provided at the top of ultrasonic probe 10, and
these read wires are connected to the sensor IF unit 34. When the
detective signal is inputted to the sensor IF unit 34, the unit
measures an angle of the needle guide 24 by detecting how many
sensitive elements 13b detect the light from luminance elements
13a. The result of angle detection is delivered to the CPU unit
36.
[0026] The CPU unit 36 directs the image storing device 38 to
output data of the puncture guide image corresponding to the
detected puncture needle insertion angle to the display unit 37. An
operator can see the puncture guide image corresponding to a real
needle angle on the monitor 39.
[0027] In addition, luminous elements 13a and light sensitive
elements 13b of the alternating photo sensor 13 are arranged in
pairs in the direction of a circular arc in the above explanation.
However, pairs of the luminous elements 13a and light sensitive
elements 13b may be arranged radially opposite each other with the
pairs of luminous element 13a and light sensitive element 13b
extending in a circular arc direction. This arrangement enables a
high density of sensors and high accuracy of angle detection. In
another implementation, the reflecting part of slider 23 may be
composed of a plurality of reflecting parts having narrow reed
shape, which also enables high accuracy of angle detection.
[0028] In the above explanation of the described exemplary
embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus reads an angle of
the needle guide, and automatically display an insertion position
or angle of the puncture needle in an ultrasonic image. This
enables provision of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an
ultrasonic probe and a puncture adaptor which avoids a bothersome
operation for display of a puncture guide image. In addition,
because an angle detection sensor is arranged in the body of the
ultrasonic probe, the puncture adaptor has no electrical machinery.
Therefore this puncture adaptor can be disinfected and sterilized
without concern for breakage or electric leakage caused by body
fluids or heat. In addition, because the fabrication cost of the
puncture adaptor can be lower than one having sensor, it is
possible to treat the adaptor as disposable. Furthermore because
read wires for sensor signals are provided in the probe body, it is
not necessary that a connecting device be provided outside the
probe. Because a cable for the sensor to the diagnostic apparatus
body is united with a probe cable for transducers, there is no
operability complication caused by an increasing number of cables
when the puncture adaptor is used.
[0029] Furthermore, in the above explanation of this exemplary
embodiment, because it is not necessary that electromagnetic
devices be provided on the puncture adaptor, the cost for
fabricating the puncture adaptor is lower than the cost for
gabricating a puncture adaptor having magnetic elements described
in the below mentioned third exemplary embodiment or fourth
exemplary embodiment.
(Second Exemplary Embodiment)
[0030] In a second embodiment, as shown by FIG. 3, it is
characteristic that a pattern having different degrees of
reflection, for example a black and white stripe pattern, is
provided on a probe body side of the slider 26. The pattern is
detected by one pair of a luminance element 15a and a sensitive
element 15b provided on the probe body 11. In the explanation of
this exemplary embodiment, explanations of similarities with the
first exemplary embodiment will be skipped, and differences will be
mainly explained.
[0031] In this second exemplary embodiment, the needle guide 24 of
the puncture adaptor 20 held by the probe body 11a of the
ultrasonic probe 10a is moved to a desirable position. By this
movement, when the stripe pattern on the slider 26 passes by the
luminance element 15a and the sensitive element 15b, the sensitive
element 15b receives reflected light from the luminance element
intermittently. A read wire for light receiving signals is provided
in the probe body 11a and the probe cable, and the signal is
delivered to the sensor IF unit 34. This pulse train signal by
intermittently receiving light is transformed to angle data by
pulse counting of the sensor IF unit 34. The CPU unit 36 directs
the image storing device 38 to output data of the puncture guide
image corresponding to the detected puncture needle insert angle to
the display unit 37. An operator can see the puncture guide image
corresponding to an actual needle angle on the monitor 39.
[0032] In addition, in order to detect a direction of movement of
the puncture needle, the photo sensor 15 may be composed as two
sensitive elements and one luminance element between the two
sensitive elements. In this case, by detecting each phase of light
that enters into two sensitive elements, a direction of movement is
distinguished.
[0033] Furthermore, the pattern on the slider 26 may be composed as
an other monochrome pattern code which indicates puncture angles,
for an example bar-code or a QR code (registered trade mark). In
this case, the photo sensor 15 reads the code pattern, and the
sensor IF unit 34 decodes this code.
[0034] In the above explanation of this exemplary embodiment, an
ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus reads an angle of the needle guide
and displays an insert position or angle of the puncture needle in
an ultrasonic image automatically. This enables provision of an
ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe and a puncture
adaptor which avoids a bothersome operation for display of a
puncture guide image. In addition, because the angle detection
sensor is arranged in the body of ultrasonic probe, the puncture
adaptor has no electrical machinery. Therefore this puncture
adaptor can be disinfected and sterilized without concern for
breakage or electric leakage caused by body fluids and heat. In
addition, because the fabrication cost of the puncture adaptor can
be lower than one having sensor, it is possible to treat the
adaptor as disposable. Furthermore because the read wires for
sensor signals are provided in the probe body, it is not necessary
that connecting devices be provided outside the probe. Because
cables for the sensors to the diagnostic apparatus body are united
with the probe cable for the transducers, there is no operability
complication caused by an increasing number of cables when the
puncture adaptor is used.
[0035] Furthermore, in the above explanation of this second
exemplary embodiment, because it is not necessary that
electromagnetic devices be provided on the puncture adaptor, the
cost for fabricating the puncture adaptor is lower than the cost
for fabricating a puncture adaptor having magnetic elements
described in the below mentioned third exemplary embodiment or
fourth exemplary embodiment.
[0036] In addition, in the above explanation of this second
exemplary embodiment, because the number of necessary sensors is
two or three, the cost of fabrication of read wires and connecting
devices for the sensor can be lower than the case of using more
sensors.
(Third Exemplary Embodiment)
[0037] In a third exemplary embodiment as shown by FIG. 4, a
magnetized magnetic element 27a is provided on the probe body side
of the slider 27 and a magnetic sensor unit formed by magneto
metric sensors 16a-16f is provided at the probe body 11b in a
circular direction. In the explanation of this exemplary
embodiment, explanation of similarities with the first exemplary
embodiment will be skipped, and differences will be mainly
explained.
[0038] In this exemplary embodiment, the needle guide 24 of the
puncture adaptor 20 held by the probe body 11b of the ultrasonic
probe 10b is moved to a desirable position. By this movement, when
the magnetic element 27a on the slider 27 passes past the magneto
metric sensors 16a-16f, the magnetic metric sensors 16a-16f detect
the passing of the magnetic element 27a in turn. A read wire for
detecting signals is provided in the probe body 11a and the probe
cable, and the signal is delivered to the sensor IF unit 34. When
detected signals are inputted to the sensor IF unit 34, the unit 34
measures an angle of the needle guide 24 by detecting how many
magneto metric sensors detect the passing. The CPU unit 36 directs
the image storing device 38 to output data of the puncture guide
image corresponding to the detected puncture needle insertion angle
to the display unit 37. An operator can see the puncture guide
image corresponding to a real needle angle on the monitor 39.
[0039] In the above explanation of this exemplary embodiment, an
ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus reads an angle of the needle guide,
and displays an insertion position or angle of the puncture needle
in an ultrasonic image automatically. This enables provision of an
ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe and a puncture
adaptor which avoids a bothersome operation for display of a
puncture guide image. In addition, because an angle detection
sensor is arranged in the body of the ultrasonic probe, the
puncture adaptor has no electrical machinery. Therefore this
puncture adaptor can be disinfected and sterilized without concern
for breakage or electric leakage caused by body fluid or heat. In
addition, because the fabrication cost for the puncture adaptor can
be lower than one having sensor, it is possible to treat the
adaptor as disposable. Furthermore because read wires for sensor
signals are provided in the probe body, it is not necessary that a
connecting device be provided outside the probe. Because a cable
for the sensor to the diagnostic apparatus body is united with a
probe cable for transducers, there is no operability complication
caused by an increasing number of cables when the puncture adaptor
is used.
[0040] Furthermore, in the above explanation of this exemplary
embodiment, because of noncontact sensing between the magneto
metric sensors and the magnetic element, the magneto metric sensors
16a-16f can be provided inside the case of the probe body 11b. In
this case, a surface of the probe body 11b can be formed without
irregularities. So a probe washing operation is easy. Because of
noncontact sensing, in a case that fluid and tissues of object
adhere on the surface of probe body, there is no adverse effect on
sensing.
[0041] Furthermore, in the above explanation of this exemplary
embodiment, it is not necessary that a plurality of magnetic
elements be provided on the slider. So the cost for composing
puncture adaptor can be lower than the case of below mentioned
fourth exemplary embodiment.
(Fourth Exemplary Embodiment)
[0042] In a fourth exemplary embodiment, as shown by FIG. 5, plural
magnetized magnetic elements 28a are provided on the probe body
side of the slider 28 in a circular arc direction. The magnetized
magnetic elements 28a are detected by a magneto metric sensor 17a
provided on the probe body 11c. In the explanation of this
exemplary embodiment, explanation of similarities with the first
exemplary embodiment will be skipped, and differences will be
mainly explained.
[0043] In this exemplary embodiment, the needle guide 24 of the
puncture adaptor 20 held by the probe body 11a of the ultrasonic
probe 10a is moved to a desirable position. By this movement, when
the magnetized magnetic elements 28a on the slider 28 pass adjacent
the magneto metric element 17a, the magneto metric element 17a
detects passing of the magnetic elements 28a in turn. A read wire
for detecting signals is provided in the probe body 11a and the
probe cable, and the signal is delivered to the sensor IF unit 34.
This pulse train signal produced by intermittent detecting of
element 17a is transformed to angle data by pulse counting of the
sensor IF unit 34. The CPU unit 36 directs the image storing device
38 to output data of the puncture guide image corresponding to the
detected puncture needle insertion angle to the display unit 37. An
operator can see the puncture guide image corresponding to a real
needle angle on the monitor 39.
[0044] In the above explanation of this exemplary embodiment, an
ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus reads an angle of the needle guide,
and automatically displays an insertion position or angle of the
puncture needle in an ultrasonic image. This enables provision of
an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe and a
puncture adaptor which avoids a bothersome operation for display of
a puncture guide image. In addition, because an angle detection
sensor is arranged in the body of the ultrasonic probe, the
puncture adaptor has no electrical machinery. Therefore this
puncture adaptor can be disinfected and sterilized without concern
for breakage or electric leakage caused by body fluids or heat. In
addition, because the fabrication cost of the puncture adaptor can
be lower than one having sensor, it is possible to treat the
adaptor as disposable. Furthermore because read wires for sensor
signals are provided in the probe body, it is not necessary that a
connecting device be provided outside the probe. Because a cable
for the sensor to the diagnostic apparatus body is united with a
probe cable for transducers, there is no operability complication
caused by an increasing number of cables when the puncture adaptor
is used.
[0045] Furthermore, in the above explanation of this exemplary
embodiment, because of noncontact sensing between the magneto
metric sensor and the magnetic elements, the magneto metric sensor
17a can be provided inside the case of the probe body 11c. In this
case, the surface of the probe body 11c can be formed without
irregularities. So a probe washing operation is easy. Because of
noncontact sensing, in a case that fluid and tissues of object
adhere on the surface of the probe body, there is no adverse effect
on sensing.
[0046] Furthermore, in the above explanation of this fourth
exemplary embodiment, it is not necessary that a plurality of
magneto metric sensors be provided on the probe body 11c. So the
cost of fabricating read wires and connecting devices to the sensor
can be lower than the case of using more sensors.
[0047] Numerous variations of the present invention are possible in
light of the above description. It is therefore to be understood
that the invention as claimed can be practiced other than is
specifically described herein.
[0048] For example, in above explanation of exemplary embodiments,
sensors detecting the slider is magneto metric sensors or photo
sensors. However, it is needless to say that electromagnetic
induction sensors, electro capacitance sensors or an ultrasound
sensors can be adaptable by appropriate change.
* * * * *