JPH04244141A - Radial scan type ultrasonic inspector - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To detect an angle of rotation of an ultrasonic vibrator accurately by arranging a rotary drive means in an ultrasonic observer and a rotation angle detection means of a rotary transmission cable at or near an inserting port of a channel part of an endoscope to achieve a reduction in the weight and a prevention of vibration of the endoscope. CONSTITUTION:A motor 40 provided on the side of an ultrasonic observer is operated and a rotating force is transmitted to a rotating member 11 through a rotary transmission cable 14 to drive and rotate an ultrasonic vibrator 12 mounted. During the period, a drive signal is transmitted to the ultrasonic vibrator 12 through a signal cable 15 so that an ultrasonic pulse is impinged in vivo from a body cavity wall or reflected echo from a tissue section part in vivo is received to perform an ultrasonic radial scanning. A received signal is transmitted to the ultrasonic observer through the signal cable 15. Coupled with this received ultrasonic signal, an angular position signal of the ultrasonic vibrator 12 is transmitted to the ultrasonic observer with the signal cable from an encoder 50 within a housing 51 fixed at an insertion port of an endoscope.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radial scanning ultrasonic examination apparatus having an ultrasonic probe that is inserted endoscopically into a body cavity.

0002

[Prior Art] In recent years, ultrasonic testing devices have been used to introduce an ultrasonic probe with an ultrasonic transducer at its tip into the body through a channel provided in an endoscope for inserting a treatment instrument such as forceps. A device that is inserted into the body and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from the internal wall of the body has been developed. and,
Ultrasonic scanning methods for this type of ultrasonic probe include a linear scanning type in which the ultrasonic probe is scanned while being displaced in the direction of insertion and removal from the channel, and a radial scanning type in which the ultrasonic transducer is rotationally driven. Types are also used.

[0003]In the case of a radial scanning type ultrasonic inspection apparatus equipped with an ultrasonic probe that is inserted endoscopically, the ultrasonic probe is inserted through the channel of the endoscope. The portion of the probe, including at least the ultrasonic transducer attached to the tip, that is inserted into the channel must have an extremely small diameter. For this reason, a mechanism for rotationally driving the ultrasonic transducer cannot be provided in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer, but should be provided at least at a position outside the channel section, and the mechanism for rotationally driving the ultrasonic transducer and must be connected via rotation transmission means. This rotation transmission means is usually
A rotation transmission cable consisting of two or more multiple coil springs is used, and this rotation transmission cable is inserted into a flexible sleeve. For example, when using a double coil spring, the winding direction of the inner coil spring is opposite to the winding direction of the outer coil spring, and when this is twisted in a predetermined direction, the inner coil The spring expands in diameter,
The diameter of the outer coil spring is reduced and the two coil springs are in close contact with each other, thereby transmitting rotational torque. Furthermore, if the coil spring is wound three times and the middle coil spring is wound in the opposite direction to the inner and outer coil springs, rotation can be transmitted in both directions. A signal cable for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves is configured to be inserted into the inside of this multiple coil spring.

[0004] In the above-mentioned radial scanning ultrasonic inspection apparatus, in order to display an ultrasonic image on the ultrasonic observation apparatus, in addition to the ultrasonic reception signal by the ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic transducer's Information regarding the rotational angular position must also be obtained. From the above, the rotation transmission means of the ultrasonic transducer includes a motor as a rotational drive means for rotationally driving the ultrasonic transducer, and a means for detecting the rotational angular position thereof, such as an encoder. It is necessary to provide In the conventional technology, the motor and encoder are combined into a unit and attached to an ultrasonic observation device, or this unit is detachably attached to an insertion opening for a treatment instrument, etc. in the channel section of an endoscope. It was configured like this.

[0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] By the way, if the above-mentioned unit is installed in the insertion port of the channel portion of the endoscope, it is difficult to install the unit as it is a relatively heavy member that includes a motor and an encoder. The main body of the operating section of the endoscope becomes heavy, which places a heavy burden on operators such as surgeons who hold and operate the main body of the operating section. In addition, since the motor generates vibrations, the vibrations are transmitted to the endoscope while the motor is in operation, which is not only annoying as the vibrations are transmitted to the hand holding the main body operation part, but also makes it difficult to observe the endoscope. may also cause problems. Particularly in the case of electronic endoscopes, there is also the disadvantage that electrical noise is generated. On the other hand, if the unit is installed on the ultrasonic observation device side, the above-mentioned drawbacks will not occur, but the encoder will be extremely far away from the ultrasonic transducer, and the rotation angle of the ultrasonic transducer cannot be accurately controlled. The disadvantage is that it cannot be detected.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to reduce the weight of an endoscope and prevent vibration, and to accurately control the rotation angle of an ultrasonic transducer. It is an object of the present invention to provide a radial scanning type ultrasonic inspection device capable of detecting.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention moves the rotational drive means of the rotational transmission cable to a position in the middle of the flexible cord where no load is applied to the operating section of the main body of the endoscope. A rotation angle detection means installed in an ultrasonic observation device and configured to detect the rotation angle of the rotation transmission cable is disposed at or near an insertion opening for a treatment instrument, etc. in a channel portion of the endoscope. It is characterized by what it has done.

[0008]

[Operation] By the way, in the conventional technology, the problem is that the motor and the encoder are integrated into a unit, and in terms of its function, the motor is only a means for rotationally driving a rotation transmission cable as a rotation transmission means. and
Furthermore, the rotation angle detection means detects the scanning position of the ultrasonic transducer by detecting the rotation angle of this rotation transmission cable, and the two do not necessarily have to be provided integrally, but may be placed at separate positions. It is possible to set up Even if the motor is installed a little far from the ultrasonic transducer, if the rotation transmission cable has sufficient rotation transmission capacity, there will be some delay but there will be no problem in transmitting the rotation. Never. Therefore, this motor can be installed in a permanently installed ultrasonic observation device, in a position where it can be fixed to the wall of the ultrasonic observation device, or in the middle of a flexible cord, on the floor, on a desk, or other fixed position. In order to reduce weight and reduce vibration, it is recommended to install the endoscope in a position where it can be installed on a member provided in the main body, or in a state where it can be supported on a part other than the operation part of the endoscope body, such as by hanging it on a hanger. This is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing transmission.

On the other hand, an encoder or the like as a rotation angle detecting means is lighter than a motor and does not generate vibrations. Furthermore, within the channel of the endoscope, the rotation transmission cable is restricted by the inner wall of the channel, so there is no risk of it shaking or turning. The rotations match almost exactly. However, since it is in a completely free state outside the channel portion, there is a risk that swinging, turning, twisting, etc. may occur. Additionally, during operation, there are external factors such as when the operating section of the endoscope is moved, so the rotation of the ultrasound transducer and the position of the ultrasound probe at the connection to the ultrasound observation device may be affected. This does not necessarily mean that rotational phase consistency can be achieved. In particular, when the motor is installed inside the ultrasound observation device or fixed to its wall, the ultrasound probe may be made a certain length to provide flexibility in the distance between the ultrasound observation device and the patient. , there is an extremely high possibility that the above-mentioned rotational phase consistency will be lost. From the above point of view, the rotation angle detection means is attached to the channel portion or is provided at a position extremely close to the channel portion. As a result, the rotation angle of the ultrasonic transducer can be detected almost accurately, and a good ultrasonic image can be displayed in the ultrasonic observation device.

[0010] Here, in order to further improve the consistency of the rotational phase between the ultrasonic transducer and the rotational angle detection means, it is necessary to By absorbing rotational unevenness that occurs in
At least inside the channel portion, a flyhole for preventing transmission of the uneven rotation may be provided in the housing housing the rotation angle detection means.

[0011] If the housing housing the rotation angle detecting means is configured to be removably attached to the insertion opening of the channel portion, the stability of the housing can be improved. In addition, if it is installed at a position somewhat distant from this introduction part, the difference in length of the channel part can be absorbed, and the position of the tip of the insertion part of the endoscope and the position where ultrasonic examination is performed You can freely set the relative positional relationship with the

Furthermore, when installing the housing that houses the rotation angle detecting means into the insertion port of the channel section, it is necessary to prevent the housing from interfering with other parts of the endoscope and from getting in the way of the operator. The rotation transmission cable must be led out from the housing. For this purpose, it may be necessary to change the directionality of the portion inserted into the channel portion and the directionality of the portion located outside the channel portion. In such a case, divide the rotation transmission cable into two cable parts with this housing part as a boundary.
Both cable parts may be configured to be interlockably connected by a gear transmission means. In this case, the rotation angle detection means is configured to be connected to the cable portion connected to the ultrasonic transducer.

[0013]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 shows an example of an ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present invention together with an endoscope. In the figure, 1 is an ultrasound probe, 2 is an ultrasound observation device, and 3 is an endoscope. The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a rotating member 11 provided at the tip of a cord 10 having a flexible structure, and an ultrasonic transducer 12 mounted on the rotating member 11. And code 10
As shown in FIG. 2, the rotation transmission cable 14 is made up of multiple coil springs (in this embodiment, two coil springs wound in opposite directions) inside a flexible tube 13.
is inserted. The distal end of the rotation transmission cable 14 is connected to the rotating member 11, and when the base end thereof is rotated around the axis, the rotating member 11 rotates accordingly. Further, a signal cable 15 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 12 is inserted into the rotation transmission cable 14, and the other end of this signal cable 15 is connected to a rotary type signal transmission connector 16, and the signal cable 15 is connected to the rotary type signal transmission connector 16. It is configured to be relatively rotatably connected to a non-rotatable cable portion on the ultrasonic observation device 2 side. Here, this rotary type signal transmission connector 16 is configured to connect a rotating side electrode and a stationary side electrode via a brush or a conductive liquid contact.

The ultrasonic probe 1 is inserted into a channel portion 30 provided in the endoscope 3 through which a treatment instrument such as forceps is inserted, and the rotating member 11 is inserted a predetermined length from the tip of the insertion portion 3a. This rotating member 11
Ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received from the internal wall while being rotated, and the received ultrasonic signal is transmitted from the signal cable 15 to the signal processing section 2a of the ultrasound observation device 2, where it is converted into a predetermined signal. After processing, the ultrasound image can be displayed on the monitor section 2b.

Therefore, in order to perform radial scanning to obtain an ultrasonic reception signal and display it on the monitor section 2b of the ultrasonic observation device 2, first the rotation of the ultrasonic transducer 12 to which it is attached must be The member 11 must be driven in rotation. It is also necessary to detect the rotational angular position of this ultrasonic transducer 12. For this purpose, a motor 40 as rotation driving means and an encoder 50 as rotation angle detection means are provided. Here, the motor 40 is provided within the ultrasonic observation device 2. That is, the rotation transmission cable 14 is extended into the ultrasonic observation device 2, and a pulley 17 is attached to a position near the end of the rotation transmission cable 14, and also to the output shaft 40a of the motor 40. A pulley 41 is attached, and a transmission belt 42 made of a timing belt is wound between these pulleys 17 and 41.

On the other hand, the encoder 50 is housed in a housing 51, and the housing 51 is removably fixed to the insertion port 30a of the channel section 30 provided in the main body operation section 3b of the endoscope 3. It has become so. In the housing 51, a rotation transmission cable 14 is provided.
is inserted through the housing 51, and the tube 13 is inserted into this housing 51.
The inner portion is missing, and the rotation transmission cable 14 is exposed. A pulley 18 is attached to the exposed portion of the rotation transmission cable 14, and a pulley 52 is also attached to the input shaft 51a of the encoder 51. 53 is provided in a wound manner. Furthermore, the signal cable from this encoder 50 is connected to the ultrasonic observation device 2 together with the ultrasonic probe 1 or separately from this.

The present embodiment is constructed as described above, and its operation will be explained next. First, the endoscope 2 is inserted into the patient's body and guided to the site where diagnosis, examination, or treatment is to be performed. Therefore, in the case of an optical endoscope with an eyepiece, the object image of the observation target area obtained by the endoscope can be displayed by placing the eyepiece in the eyepiece, or in the case of an electronic endoscope, by a display device. Observations are made by visually observing. Then, based on this observation, a region to be subjected to an ultrasonic examination is specified, and the distal end portion of the insertion section 3a of the endoscope is positioned near this region. In this state, the ultrasonic probe 1 is inserted into the channel section 3 through the insertion port 30a for inserting forceps and other treatment instruments provided on the main body operation section 2b of the endoscope 3.
0, and a predetermined length is guided out from the distal end of the insertion section 3a to position it at the site where ultrasonic examination is to be performed.

Then, the motor 40 provided on the ultrasonic observation device 2 side is activated. As a result, the rotational force is transmitted to the rotating member 11 via the rotation transmission cable 14, and the rotating member 11 equipped with the ultrasonic transducer 12 is driven to rotate. During this time, by transmitting a drive signal to the ultrasound transducer 12 via the signal cable 15, ultrasound pulses are incident from the body cavity wall into the body, and reflected echoes from tissue tomographic sections in the body are received. Then, radial scanning of ultrasonic waves is performed. The ultrasonic reception signal thus obtained is transmitted to the ultrasonic observation device 2 via the signal cable 15 inserted into the rotation transmission cable 14. In order to display an ultrasound image on the monitor unit 2b, information regarding the rotational angular position of the ultrasound transducer 12 is also required in addition to this ultrasound reception signal. This angular position signal is acquired by the encoder 50, and the signal from the encoder 50 is transmitted to the ultrasound observation device 2 via the signal cable 54. As a result, the ultrasonic reception signal and information regarding the rotation angle of the ultrasonic transducer 12 necessary for displaying the ultrasonic examination by radial scanning as an ultrasonic image are acquired, and these signals are processed by the signal processing unit 2a. The signal can be processed and displayed on the monitor section 2b.

Since the motor 40 is disposed on the ultrasonic observation device 2 side, the main body operation section 3b of the endoscope 3
As a result, the main body operating section 3b becomes lightweight, which reduces the burden on the operator such as the surgeon who holds and operates it by hand, and reduces the vibration caused by the operation of the motor 40. This will not occur on the main body operation section 3b. Therefore, the operability of the main body operation section 3b is improved. Furthermore, especially in electronic endoscopes, a video signal cable is inserted into the main body operation section 3b, but there is no risk of noise being mixed into the video signal cable.

On the other hand, since the ultrasonic transducer 12 is driven to rotate by remote control via the rotation transmission cable 14, in order to accurately detect the rotation angle of the ultrasonic transducer 12, the encoder 50 must It must be located as close as possible to 12. However,
Due to space limitations, it is not possible to attach the encoder 50 directly to the rotating member 11 or to the portion of the cord 10 located within the channel portion 30. Therefore, the position closest to the ultrasonic transducer 12 and the position where it can be mounted is immediately after exiting the channel section 30, and the housing 51 that accommodates the encoder 50 is inserted into the insertion opening 30a of the channel section 30. It is installed. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the rotational angular position of the ultrasonic transducer 12 is improved. Therefore, the rotation transmission cable 14 is restricted by the inner wall of the channel section 30 of the endoscope 3, and there is no risk of it swinging or turning. Since the rotation of the rotation transmission cable 14 almost exactly matches the rotation of the rotation transmission cable 14, by disposing the encoder 50 in the insertion port 30a,
The detection accuracy of the rotation angle of the ultrasonic transducer 12 becomes extremely good. Furthermore, the encoder 50 is extremely lightweight compared to the motor 40, and there is no risk of vibration or the like occurring during its operation.
Even if the endoscope is attached to the main body operating section 3b, the operability of the endoscope will not be particularly deteriorated.

By the way, outside the channel portion 30 of the insertion member 10 in the ultrasonic probe 1, there is no restriction and it is in a completely free state, so there is a risk that vibration, turning, twisting, bending, etc. may occur. be. Also, during operation, there are external factors such as when the main body operation part 3b of the endoscope 3 is moved. There is a risk that unevenness may occur. The part where this rotational unevenness is located in the channel part 30, that is, the encoder 4
In order to prevent the rotation transmission cable 14 of the encoder 40 from being affected first, a flywheel 55 is provided on the rotation transmission cable 14 in the housing 51, as shown in FIG. The connection position to the flywheel 55 may be arranged on the distal side of the mounting position of the flywheel 55, in other words, on the connection side to the ultrasonic transducer 12. Even if rotation transmission unevenness occurs on the proximal side of the flywheel 55, that is, on the connection side to the motor 40, the rotation transmission unevenness is absorbed by the flywheel 55, so that the rotation of the ultrasonic transducer 12 can be further detected. Improves accuracy.

[0022] Furthermore, the length of the insertion portion 3a of the endoscope 3 is not necessarily constant, and may be longer or shorter depending on the individual endoscope. Therefore, in order to be able to share the ultrasound probe 1 even when the lengths of the insertion portions are different, as shown in FIG. Part 3
Rather than fixing it to the insertion port 30a of the housing 51, the length of the distal end side from the housing 51 is set to a size that allows for the length difference in the insertion section to be sufficiently protruded from the distal end of the insertion section by a desired amount. Just leave it there. However, in this case, although the housing 51 cannot be fixed to the insertion port 30a, it will be placed in a position extremely close to the insertion port 30a, so the accuracy of detecting the rotation angle of the ultrasonic transducer 12 by the encoder 50 will be affected. It won't have a particularly big impact.

Furthermore, when the housing that accommodates the encoder is attached to the insertion port 30a of the channel section 30, the direction in which the portion of the cord 10 connected to the ultrasonic observation device 2 from this housing extends from the axis of the channel section 30 If the endoscope 3 is pulled out immediately, there may be a risk that it will be difficult to grasp the main body operating section 3b and operate the endoscope 3. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 5, the cord is divided into two parts within the housing 60.
The rotation transmission cable is composed of a driving side cord 10a to which the motor 40 is connected and a driven side cord 10b on the ultrasonic transducer 12 side, and a rotation transmission cable 14a forming the driving side cord 10a and a rotation transmission cable 14a forming the driven side cord 10b. 14b
are connected to the cap gears 61 and 62, respectively, and the cap gears 61 and 62 are configured to mesh with each other. This makes it possible to create a desired angle between the axis of the driven cord 10b and the axis of the driving cord 10a. In this case, a transmission belt 66 is wound and provided between a pulley 64 attached to the input shaft of the encoder 63 and a pulley 65 provided on the rotation transmission cable 14b of the driven side cord 10b. Further, the signal cable 67 inserted into the rotation transmission cable 14b may be pulled out in the axial direction of the cap gear 62 and connected to a rotary type signal transmission connector 68 attached to the housing 60.

[0024] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the motor 40 was shown to be installed inside the ultrasonic observation device 2, but a motor unit 100 equipped with this motor was shown.
As shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, the ultrasonic observation device 2
Alternatively, as shown by the two-dot chain line in the figure, even if the motor unit 200 is located halfway along the cord 10, it can be mounted on the floor, on a desk, on a hanger, etc. It is only necessary that the ultrasonic probe 1 be provided at a position where the load will not be applied to the main body operation section 3b of the endoscope 3 when the ultrasound probe 1 is attached to the endoscope 3.

[0025]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the present invention has the advantage that when the ultrasonic probe is connected to the endoscope, the load of the motor that rotationally drives the rotation transmission cable is not applied to the operating section of the main body of the endoscope. The rotation angle detection means for detecting the rotation angle of the rotation transmission cable is arranged at or near the insertion opening for a treatment instrument, etc. in the channel section of the endoscope. When connected to an endoscope, the increase in weight of the operating section of the endoscope can be minimized, and vibrations can be prevented from occurring in the operating section of the endoscope. Accurate information regarding the rotation angle of the ultrasonic transducer can be obtained without impairing the operability of the mirror, improving the accuracy of ultrasonic inspection.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an ultrasonic testing apparatus and an endoscope showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasound probe.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a housing housing an encoder according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of an ultrasonic probe showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a housing housing an encoder according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Ultrasonic observation device 3 Endoscope 3b Main body operation section 10, 10a, 10b Cord 11 Rotating member 12 Ultrasonic transducer 14, 14a, 14b Rotation transmission cable 30 Channel section 30a Insertion port 40 Motor 50, 63 Encoder 51, 60 Housing 55 Flywheel 61, 62 Cap gear 100, 200 Motor unit

Claims (4)

[Claims] [Claim 1] An ultrasonic probe, which has an ultrasonic transducer rotatably provided at the tip of a flexible cord equipped with a rotation transmission cable, can be inserted into a channel portion through which a treatment instrument, etc. of an endoscope is inserted. In the radial scanning ultrasonic inspection apparatus, when this ultrasonic probe is attached to an endoscope, the rotational drive means for rotationally driving the rotational transmission cable is connected to the endoscope in the middle of the flexible cord. The rotation angle detection means for detecting the rotation angle of the rotation transmission cable is installed in a position where no load is applied to the main body operation part of the endoscope or in the ultrasonic observation device, and the rotation angle detection means for detecting the rotation angle of the rotation transmission cable is installed in the insertion opening for treatment instruments, etc. in the channel part of the endoscope. A radial scanning ultrasonic inspection device characterized in that it is configured to be arranged at or near the radial scanning ultrasonic inspection device. 2. The radial scanning ultrasonic test according to claim 1, wherein a flywheel that rotates together with the rotation transmission cable is provided near a mounting position of the rotation angle detection means on the rotation transmission cable. Device. 3. The radial scanning type according to claim 1, wherein the housing housing the rotation angle detection means is configured to be removably fixed to an insertion port of a channel portion of the endoscope. Ultrasonic inspection equipment. 4. The rotation transmission cable is divided into a drive-side cable part connected to the motor and a driven-side cable part connected to the ultrasonic transducer, in a housing housing the rotation angle detection means. 4. The radial scanning ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein both cable parts are operatively connected by a gear transmission means, and the rotation angle detection means is connected to the driven side cable part. .