JPH0838476A - Ultrasonic probe with bending mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] One ultrasonic probe can be applied to endoscopes of various lengths, and one operator can operate both the endoscope and ultrasonic probe. Provided is an ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism having good bending operability. An ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism is adapted to be used by being inserted into a treatment tool insertion channel 3 of an endoscope, and at the proximal side of the exterior tube 16 of the insertion portion,
The flexible shaft 17 having the signal line 18 connected to the ultrasonic probe and the bending wire 21 have a branching member 28 for branching in the treatment instrument insertion channel 3.
An operating section 26 is provided on the proximal side of the ultrasonic probe and is adapted to be attached and fixed to the treatment instrument insertion opening 23 of the endoscope operating section. The slider for operating the probe bending operation provided on the operating section 26 is provided. The proximal end side of the bending wire 21 is attached to the portion 27 so as to be able to be fixedly detached.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic wave of an endoscope to be introduced into a body cavity through a treatment instrument insertion channel or the like of an endoscope, and the distal end portion is curved to be positioned in the vicinity of the examination site. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism for obtaining a tomographic image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ultrasonic transducer repeatedly transmits an ultrasonic pulse into a living tissue, and an echo of the ultrasonic pulse reflected from the living tissue is received by the ultrasonic transducer provided in the same body or a separate body. Then, by gradually shifting the direction in which this ultrasonic pulse is transmitted and received, the echo information collected from multiple directions in the body part to be examined is displayed as an ultrasonic tomographic image of a two-dimensional visible image. Various ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses have been proposed that can be used for diagnosis of diseases.

As such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an external ultrasonic probe is generally used, but in recent years, an ultrasonic probe having a small diameter is inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel or the like of an endoscope. Intracorporeal ultrasonography, such as one that is introduced into the body cavity through an endoscope and is used to obtain an ultrasonic tomographic image of the examined site including lesions such as mucosal tissue and polyps that have become cancerous under endoscopic observation. Devices with sonic probes have been used.

Among the ultrasonic probes to be inserted into a body cavity through a treatment instrument insertion channel of an endoscope, there is Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 99647, there is also proposed one having a bending means capable of bending the distal end portion along a wall of a body cavity or the like.

[0005]

An ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism having a bending means as described above is conventionally provided with a bending operation wire on the probe hand side after the treatment tool insertion opening of the endoscope. The configuration is such that a signal line connected to the sound wave transducer is branched and an operation unit for performing a bending operation of the ultrasonic probe and the like is formed in the vicinity of the branch. Therefore, when used in combination with endoscopes having various insertion portion lengths according to the purpose of use and the operator's preference or when the projection length from the endoscope tip is used differently, the following problems occur. .

When the conventional ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism is used in combination with an endoscope having a short insertion portion, or when the ultrasonic probe is used with a projection length from the tip of the endoscope being extremely short, Since the operation part of the ultrasonic probe is located far behind the treatment instrument insertion port of the endoscope, it is difficult for one operator to operate, and an assistant is required to operate the ultrasonic probe, There is a problem that it takes time and labor. On the other hand, although it is possible to prepare a plurality of ultrasonic probes having various insertion lengths corresponding to the lengths of the insertion portions of various endoscopes and the protruding lengths from the distal end of the endoscope,
This is very uneconomical and unrealistic.
Moreover, since the ultrasonic probe cannot be projected beyond the projection length according to the length of the insertion portion of the endoscope, it is impossible to insert the probe beyond the stenotic portion and into the deep portion thereof. .

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and one ultrasonic probe can be applied to endoscopes of various lengths, and a single surgeon can use the endoscope together with an endoscope. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism, which is capable of operating both of the ultrasonic probes and has good bending operability.

[0008]

An ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism according to the present invention is provided with an ultrasonic probe at its tip end,
An ultrasonic probe having an insertion portion to be inserted into a channel of an endoscope, and a distal end portion of the insertion portion capable of performing a bending operation by remote control by a wire, in an insertion port of the channel of the endoscope or in the vicinity thereof. Which has a bending operation means that can be disposed on the proximal side of the insertion portion, and has a branch portion that branches the signal line from the ultrasonic probe and the wire in the channel of the endoscope. Is.

[0009]

The endoscope is provided with a branch portion for branching the signal wire from the ultrasonic probe and the bending wire in the channel of the endoscope on the proximal side of the insertion portion of the ultrasonic probe. The bending operation means can be disposed at or near the insertion opening of the channel of the endoscope regardless of the insertion length of the endoscope, and one operator can operate both the endoscope and the ultrasonic probe.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe inserted in a treatment instrument insertion channel of an endoscope,
2 is an axial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the tip portion of the ultrasonic probe and the curved state of the tip portion, and FIG. 3 is the attachment state of the ultrasonic probe to the treatment instrument insertion opening of the endoscope and the proximal side of the ultrasonic probe. FIG. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the operation unit and the like.

Ultrasonic probe 1 with a bending mechanism of this embodiment
(Hereinafter, simply referred to as an ultrasonic probe) is used in combination with an endoscope 2 as shown in FIG. 1, and is inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel 3 of the endoscope 2 to be endoscopically transected into a patient body cavity. It is designed to be introduced into the observation target site (test site) inside.

The ultrasonic probe 1 is connected to an ultrasonic probe controller 4 for driving and scanning the ultrasonic probe at the tip of the ultrasonic probe and for processing the echo signals received by the ultrasonic probe. In this ultrasonic probe control device 4, an ultrasonic tomographic image of the region to be examined is generated based on the information of the echo signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe 1,
It is displayed on the monitor 5 for displaying an ultrasonic image, and ultrasonic observation / diagnosis of the site to be examined can be performed.

The endoscope 2 is connected to a light source device 6 which supplies illumination light, and a video processor 7 which drives a solid-state image pickup device of the endoscope and performs signal processing of an image signal picked up by the solid-state image pickup device. The video signal of the optical image of the region to be examined is generated on the basis of the image signal obtained by the endoscope 2 in the video processor 7, and is displayed as an endoscopic image on the monitor 8 for displaying the endoscopic image. It is displayed so that endoscopic observation of the site to be examined can be performed.

The endoscope 2 has an observation optical system 10 and an illumination optical system 11 at the tip of the elongated endoscope insertion portion 9.
Illumination light from the light source device 6 is guided to the illumination optical system 11,
The site to be inspected is illuminated by being emitted from the illumination optical system 11. An image of the illuminated examination site is formed through the observation optical system 10, converted into an electric signal by a solid-state image sensor (not shown), and sent to the video processor 7.

The ultrasonic probe 1 has an elongated insertion portion 1
2 has a bendable curved portion 13 at the tip end thereof, and as shown in FIG.
An ultrasonic probe 15 is provided inside the unit 4. The ultrasonic probe 15 is connected and fixed to the distal end of a flexible shaft 17 inserted through the exterior tube 16 of the insertion portion 12, and is rotationally driven by the flexible shaft 17. In the flexible shaft 17,
A signal line 18 whose tip side is connected to the ultrasonic probe 15 is provided.

When the ultrasonic probe 15 is rotated by driving the flexible shaft 17, ultrasonic waves for observation are scanned along the rotating surface 19, and an ultrasonic tomographic image on the rotating surface 19 can be obtained. There is. The echo signal relating to the ultrasonic tomographic image received by the ultrasonic probe 15 is sent to the ultrasonic probe control device 4 connected to the rear end side via the signal line 18.

In the bending portion 13 of the ultrasonic probe 1, a coil spring 20 is coaxially arranged inside the outer tube 16. A bending wire 21 is inserted into the insertion portion 12 of the ultrasonic probe 1, and the bending wire 21 is attached to the tip of the bending portion 13 near the tip of the coil spring 20.
The tip of is eccentrically mounted and fixed. The ultrasonic probe 15, flexible shaft 17, bending wire 2
1 is covered and protected by an exterior tube 16, and a flexible shaft 17 and a bending wire 21 are extended from the distal end portion to the proximal side.

When performing ultrasonic observation, the ultrasonic probe 1 is inserted through the treatment instrument insertion port 23 provided in the endoscope operation section 22 of the endoscope 2 as shown in FIG. It is designed to be used through the treatment instrument insertion channel 3. At this time, the bending portion 13 and the probe portion 14 at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 12 are projected from the endoscope distal end, and the ultrasonic probe 14 is positioned in the vicinity of the site to be examined to observe the endoscope 2. An ultrasonic tomographic image of the site to be examined is obtained below. Endoscope 2
Has a curved portion 24 at the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion 9,
By operating the bending operation knob 25 provided on the endoscope operation section 22, the bending operation of the distal end portion can be performed integrally with the ultrasonic probe 1.

An operating portion 26 for bending the probe is provided on the hand side of the ultrasonic probe 1, and is attached and fixed to the treatment instrument insertion opening 23 of the endoscope operating portion 22. The operation section 26 is provided with a slider section 27 for bending the probe, and the flexible shaft 17 inserted through the inside of the probe from the operation section 26 rearward.
Is extended.

FIG. 3 shows the mounting state of the ultrasonic probe 1 at the treatment instrument insertion opening 23 of the endoscope and the construction of the operating portion 26 of the ultrasonic probe 1.

The outer tube 16 of the ultrasonic probe 1 is
The rear end side of the endoscope 2 extends into the endoscope operation portion 22 in a state where the endoscope 2 is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 3, and a branch member 28 is provided at the rear end portion. The branch member 28 branches the bending wire 21 and the flexible shaft 17 inserted through the exterior tube 16 into the treatment instrument insertion channel 3 of the endoscope operation portion 22 and extends rearward. The bending wire 21 and the flexible shaft 17 are slidably and rotatably held by a branch member 28, respectively.

At the treatment instrument insertion port 23, the operation portion fixing member 2 is provided.
The operating portion 26 of the ultrasonic probe is attached and fixed by means of 9. The bending wire 21 and the flexible shaft 17 branched in the treatment instrument insertion channel 3 are operated by the operation unit 26.
The bending wire 21 extends toward the slider portion 27 protruding from the side of the operating portion 26, and the flexible shaft 17 extends toward the rear end portion of the operating portion 26.

The slider portion 27 is provided with a handle 30 having a finger-holding ring portion that can slide back and forth with respect to the operating portion 26. The bending wire 21 penetrates through the handle 30 and is fixed by the fixing member 31. The handle 30 is fixedly and detachably attached. The fixing member 31 is
For example, the bending wire 2 is formed by a screw member that is screwed into the slider portion 27 from the side, and by tightening the fixing member 31.
By fixing 1 to the handle 30 and loosening it, the bending wire 21 can be released to be slidable with respect to the handle 30.

A rubber stopper 32 is attached to the rear end of the operating portion 26, and the flexible shaft 17 extends to the outside of the operating portion 26 through the rubber stopper 32. The flexible shaft 17 is connected to the ultrasonic probe control device 4, the ultrasonic probe 15 at the tip of the flexible shaft 17 is rotationally driven, and the ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the ultrasonic probe 15 via the signal line 18. Transmission and reception is performed.

In the ultrasonic probe 1, by operating the slider portion 27 of the operating portion 26, the bending portion 13 at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 12 can be curved and the probe portion 14 at the distal end can be directed in a desired direction. It is like this. That is, after bending the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope, the distal end of the ultrasonic probe 1 protruding from the distal end of the endoscope is further curved to bring the probe 14 into contact with the body cavity wall or the like. It is possible to obtain various ultrasonic tomographic images.

When the bending portion 13 of the ultrasonic probe 1 is bent, the handle 3 is attached to the main body of the slider portion 27.
By pulling 0, the bending wire 21 fixed to the handle 30 by the fixing member 31 is pulled. The tip of the bending wire 21 is connected to the coil spring 20 of the bending portion 13.
Since it is eccentrically attached near the tip of the coil, the coil spring 20 bends when the bending wire 21 is pulled,
A bending operation is performed as shown in FIGS.

The operation of changing the length of projection of the ultrasonic probe 1 from the tip of the endoscope 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the operation portion 26 of the ultrasonic probe 1 is fixed to the treatment instrument insertion opening 23 and the bending wire 21 is fixed to the handle 30, the ultrasonic wave from the distal end portion of the endoscope is changed according to the length of the insertion portion of the endoscope 2. The protruding length of the probe 1 is determined. When used in combination with an endoscope having a different insertion portion length or when changing the protruding length from the distal end portion of the endoscope, when the bending wire 21 is released with respect to the handle 30 while loosening the fixing member 31. The insertion portion 12 of the sound wave probe 1 including the flexible shaft 17 and the bending wire 21 is moved back and forth with respect to the treatment instrument insertion channel 3 of the endoscope. As a result, the length of the ultrasonic probe 1 from the operation portion 26 to the tip portion changes. For example, from the state shown in FIG.
The insertion portion 12 of the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved to the state shown in (1) to change the insertion amount of the ultrasonic probe 1 into the treatment instrument insertion channel 3 and change the protrusion amount from the distal end portion of the endoscope.

When the ultrasonic probe 1 reaches a desired protrusion amount, the fixing member 31 is tightened to fix the bending wire 21 to the handle 30 again. This allows the handle 3
By subtracting 0, the bending operation can be performed again.

In the configuration of this embodiment, the bending wire 21 and the flexible shaft 17 including the signal line 18 are branched in the treatment instrument insertion channel 3, so that the slider is changed when the projection amount of the ultrasonic probe 1 is changed. By moving the bending wire 21 with respect to the portion 27 and changing the length from the operation portion 26 to the tip, the ultrasonic probe 1 can be changed even when the insertion amount into the treatment instrument insertion channel 3 is arbitrarily changed.
The operating portion 26 can be always arranged at a fixed position near the rear end of the treatment instrument insertion opening 23. Therefore, the length of insertion of the ultrasonic probe 1 into the endoscope 2 is changed to change the treatment tool insertion port 2
Even when the length from 3 to the tip of the ultrasonic probe 1 changes, the handle 30 is always in the vicinity of the endoscope operation section 22, so that one operator can easily insert or bend the endoscope 2. It is possible to simultaneously perform the operation of and the bending operation of the ultrasonic probe 1.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the endoscope of the ultrasonic probe is combined with the endoscope of various lengths and the amount of protrusion of the tip of the ultrasonic probe is changed. Even if the insertion length of the ultrasonic probe changes, the handle and operating part of the ultrasonic probe are always located near the treatment instrument insertion port at the rear end of the channel, so it is easy for one operator to operate the endoscope and the endoscope. The ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic probe can be operated at the same time, and the bending operability of the ultrasonic probe can be kept good. Further, since one ultrasonic probe can be adapted to endoscopes of various lengths, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of ultrasonic probes having different insertion lengths even when used for endoscopes having different insertion section lengths. It is economical because the increase in the device cost can be suppressed. Also, while maintaining good bending operability, the probe tip can be inserted up to the desired site by changing the protruding amount of the ultrasonic probe, so it can be inserted into a site that was difficult to insert in the past. The scope of application of the probe can be expanded.

FIG. 4 is an axial cross-sectional view showing the construction of the operating portion on the hand side of the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The second embodiment is a modification of the structure of the bending wire driving means in the operating portion on the proximal side of the ultrasonic probe. The other parts are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, in the operating portion 26 of the ultrasonic probe, the slider portion 35 is provided with a rack 36 which can slide back and forth with respect to the operating portion 26 instead of the handle 30 in the first embodiment. There is. The rack 36 has an actuator 3 as a pulling means for the bending wire 21.
The pinion 38 connected to 7 meshes. The curved wire 21 penetrates the rack 36, and the rack 3
The bending wire 21 is fixedly attached by a fixing member 31 on the distal end side of 6.

The pinion 38 is mechanically connected to the actuator 37 by the shaft 39, and the pinion 38 is rotated by the drive of the actuator 37, whereby the rack 36 can be moved forward and backward. As the actuator 37, an electric motor or an ultrasonic motor can be used. Although not shown, a bending operation instruction switch for turning on / off the operation of the actuator 37 is provided near the operation unit 26.

In the structure of the present embodiment, when the bending portion 13 of the ultrasonic probe 1 is bent, a bending operation instruction switch (not shown) is turned on to rotate the actuator 37 to move the rack 36 forward and backward, Pull the bending wire 21.

When the amount of insertion of the ultrasonic probe 1 into the endoscope 2 is changed, the ultrasonic probe 1 is loosened with the fixing member 31 loosened and the bending wire 21 released as in the first embodiment.
The insertion part 12 is moved and the fixing member 31 is tightened again to fix the bending wire 21 to the rack 36.

In addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the present embodiment has an effect that the bending operation can be automatically performed by the actuator instead of the bending driving operation by the operator himself and the operability can be improved. .

FIG. 5 is an axial cross-sectional view showing the construction of the operating portion on the proximal side of the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

The third embodiment is an example in which an ultrasonic probe is constructed by using a wire of shape memory alloy instead of the bending wire as the bending means. The other parts are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, the SMA wire 4 made of a shape memory alloy (SMA) is used in the outer tube 16 of the ultrasonic probe instead of the bending wire 21 in the first embodiment.
1 is disposed, and the tip end of the SMA wire 41 is the curved portion 13
Is connected to the tip of. The rear end side of the SMA wire 41 is directly attached and fixed to the operation portion 26 by the fixing member 31. A DC power supply 42 is electrically connected to the rear end of the SMA wire 41 via a switch 43.
The switch 43 is arranged near the operation unit 26, although its specific configuration is not shown.

In the configuration of the present embodiment, when the bending portion 13 of the ultrasonic probe 1 is bent, the switch 43 is turned on and the current from the DC power supply 42 is passed through the SMA wire 41, thereby the SMA wire 41. To generate Joule heat. This heat causes a change in shape of the SMA wire 41, the wire expands and contracts, and the bending portion 13 is pushed and pulled to perform a bending operation.

When changing the insertion amount of the ultrasonic probe 1 into the endoscope 2, the fixing member 31 is loosened and the SMA wire 41 is released with respect to the operating portion 26 as in the first embodiment. The insertion portion 12 of the sound wave probe 1 is moved, the fixing member 31 is tightened again, and the SMA wire 41 is fixed to the operation portion 26.

In this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, it is not necessary to mount a large actuator such as an electric motor on the operating portion, so that the operating portion can be downsized and the ultrasonic probe This has the effect of improving operability.

FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view showing the construction of the operating portion on the proximal side of the ultrasonic probe according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The fourth embodiment is a modification of the structure of the bending wire driving means in the operating portion on the hand side of the ultrasonic probe. The other parts are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, in the operation portion 26 of the ultrasonic probe, the slider portion 45 is engraved with the screw portion 46, and the screw portion 46 is attached with the cap-shaped knob 47 screwed thereto. The bending wire 21 penetrates through the knob 47, and is fixedly attached to the knob 47 by a fixing screw 48.

In the structure of the present embodiment, when the bending portion 13 of the ultrasonic probe 1 is bent, the knob 47 is rotated with respect to the slider portion 45 to move the screw-connected knob 47 forward and backward, and bend. Pull the wire 21.

When changing the insertion amount of the ultrasonic probe 1 into the endoscope 2, the ultrasonic probe 1 is loosened by loosening the fixing screw 48 and releasing the bending wire 21 as in the first embodiment.
The insertion part 12 is moved, and the fixing screw 48 is tightened again to fix the bending wire 21 to the knob 47.

In this embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the knob 47 is stopped with respect to the operation portion 26 in an arbitrary rotating state and the pulling state of the bending wire 21 is maintained, so that the surgeon can use the knob. Even if the hand is removed from 47, the bending state of the ultrasonic probe 1 can be maintained, and the operability during bending can be improved.

Examples of the bending means of the ultrasonic probe will be shown in the following embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall construction of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 7 shows only the configuration relating to the bending operation, and the configurations of the ultrasonic probe and the observation system of the endoscope are omitted.

The ultrasonic probe 51 is composed of a distal end portion 52 provided with an ultrasonic probe, a bendable bending portion 53, and a flexible tube portion 54, which are continuously arranged. It is adapted to be used by being inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 55.

The endoscope 55 includes a tip portion 56, a bending portion 57,
A grip portion 60 is connected to a base end portion of an insertion portion 59 formed by connecting the flexible tube portion 58 in series. A universal cord and a connector (not shown) are extended from the grip portion 60 to be connected to the video processor and the monitor.
The image of the region to be inspected captured in 5 is displayed on the monitor via the video processor.

There are many lengths of the insertion portion 59 of the endoscope 55, for example, three types of long, middle and short for upper digestive tract, lower digestive tract, duodenum, and laparoscope, depending on the use. , Selectively used according to the site to be examined.

A grasping portion 60 of the endoscope 55 is provided with a treatment instrument insertion opening 61, and the treatment instrument insertion opening 61 is inserted into the insertion portion 59.
It is communicated with a treatment instrument insertion channel that is disposed inside and opens at the distal end portion 56. The ultrasonic probe 51 is insertably / removably inserted through the treatment instrument insertion opening 61, is inserted through the treatment instrument insertion channel, and is projected from the distal end portion 56 of the endoscope.

If the ultrasonic probe 51 is provided sufficiently long with respect to the insertion portion 59 of the endoscope, it can be applied to various endoscopes regardless of the length of the insertion portion.

A connector 62 is provided at the proximal end of the flexible tube portion 54 of the ultrasonic probe 51, and is detachably connected to the ultrasonic probe controller 63 via this connector 62. The bending wires 64, 64 are inserted through the ultrasonic probe 51, and when the connector 62 is connected to the ultrasonic probe control device 63, the bending wire 6
Combined body 65, 6 consisting of magnets provided at the ends
5 is coupled to the coupling receivers 66, 66 provided in the ultrasonic probe controller 63 and made of a magnetic material such as iron. The connector 62 may be fixed to the ultrasonic probe control device 63. Further, the combination 65 and the combination receiver 66 are not limited to the connection by the magnet, but may be connected by screwing.

A wire 67 is fixed to the coupling body receivers 66, 66, and the wire 67 is wound around the pulley 68. The pulley 68 is fixed to the rotation shaft of the motor 69 and can be rotationally driven in the forward and reverse directions. The motor 69 is connected to the drive control circuit 70 and is drive-controlled by the drive control circuit 70.

A bending switch 71 fixed to the housing of the ultrasonic probe control device 63 is electrically connected to the drive control circuit 70. Further, the ultrasonic probe control device 63 is provided with connector sockets 72 and 73 for connecting a switch for instructing a bending operation, and these connector sockets 72 and 73 are also electrically connected to the drive control circuit 70. .

Although not shown, the ultrasonic probe control device 63 is provided with a signal processing circuit for generating an ultrasonic tomographic image, and is connected to an ultrasonic probe at the tip of the ultrasonic probe 51. An ultrasonic tomographic image of the site to be examined is generated based on the echo signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe 51 and displayed on the monitor.

A bending switch 74 is detachably fixed to the grip portion 60 of the endoscope 55 with a double-sided tape or the like. In the bending switch 74, a cord 75 extends and a connector 76 is provided at an end portion, the connector 76 is detachably connected to the connector socket 72, and is electrically connected to the drive control circuit 70. .

A foot switch 77 for bending operation is provided, and a connector 79 provided at an end portion of a cord 78 extending from the foot switch 77 is detachably connected to a connector socket 73, and a drive control circuit is provided. It is designed to be electrically connected to 70.

By pushing (stepping on) the U (upper) side or D (lower) side of the bending switches 71, 74 or the foot switch 77, the drive control circuit 70 rotationally drives the motor 69 to bend the bending wire 64. Is pushed and pulled, and the bending portion 53 of the ultrasonic probe 51 bends. As the motor 69, an electromagnetic motor such as an AC motor, a DC motor, a stepping motor, or an ultrasonic motor may be used, or other rotation driving force generating means may be used.

On the other hand, in the endoscope 55, by rotating the bending knob 80 provided on the grip portion 60, the insertion portion 59 is inserted.
A bending wire (not shown) provided therein is pushed and pulled to bend the bending portion 57.

When performing ultrasonic diagnosis using the ultrasonic probe 51 of this embodiment, first, the connector 62 of the ultrasonic probe 51 is connected to the ultrasonic probe controller 63 to control the bending wires 64, 64. It is connected to a wire 67 and a pulley 68 in the device. Next, the bending switch 74 is attached to the grip portion 60 of the endoscope with double-sided tape or the like, and the connector 76 of the bending switch 74 and the connector 79 of the foot switch 77 are respectively connected to the connector sockets 72, 72 of the ultrasonic probe control device 63. Connect to 73.

Then, the insertion portion 59 of the endoscope 55 is inserted into the examination site in the body cavity, and the endoscopic image of the examination site is observed. Then, if necessary, the ultrasonic probe 51 is inserted from the treatment instrument insertion opening 61, and is protruded by a desired length from the distal end portion 56 of the insertion portion. In this state, the bending switch 74 (or the foot switch 77) is operated while viewing the endoscopic image to bend the bending portion 53 of the ultrasonic probe 51, guide the tip portion 52 of the probe to the target position, and move to the desired position. Obtain an ultrasound image of. At this time, another operator can also operate the bending switch 71 of the ultrasonic probe control device 63 to bend the bending portion 53 of the ultrasonic probe 51.

In the configuration of this embodiment, the grip portion 60 of the endoscope is used.
Since the bending switch 74 is detachably attached to the
It is possible to easily operate the bending switch 74 to bend the bending portion 53 of the ultrasonic probe 51 while holding the grip portion 60. For this reason, when performing ultrasonic observation in combination with an endoscope, the operability is very good when the ultrasonic probe 51 is curved, and it is easy for one operator to operate the endoscope and the ultrasonic probe. And can be operated at the same time. Further, since the bending switch 74 can be attached at a desired position, the operability can be further improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the bending switch 74 or the foot switch 77 can be selectively used according to need, which is convenient. Further, since a plurality of switches for bending operation are provided, it is possible to perform the bending operation in several places or by a few people with an arbitrary switch, and it is possible to perform the bending operation in the best state according to the situation.

The bending switch 74 which is detachably attached to the grip portion 60 of the endoscope can be detached and cleaned and disinfected by itself after the diagnosis. By making the bending switch 74 disposable, it is possible to save the labor of cleaning.

According to the present embodiment, one ultrasonic probe can be adapted to endoscopes of various lengths, and since the bending switch is arranged in the grip portion of the endoscope, the endoscope can be used. The bending operation of the ultrasonic probe can always be performed with good operability regardless of the length of the insertion portion and the protruding amount of the tip of the ultrasonic probe. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare various ultrasonic probes having different lengths corresponding to the length of the insertion portion of the endoscope, and while maintaining good bending operability, the ultrasonic probes can be combined with endoscopes of various lengths. It is possible to use the same as the above, or to change the protruding amount of the tip of the ultrasonic probe and introduce the tip of the probe to a desired portion.

Next, as a first modification of the fifth embodiment,
FIG. 8 shows a configuration example using a shape memory alloy (SMA) for the bending means of the ultrasonic probe.

In this modification, the SMA actuator 81 is provided in the bending portion 53 of the ultrasonic probe 51a. The SMA actuator 81 is an SMA drive control circuit 82 provided in the ultrasonic probe control device 63a.
It is designed to be electrically connected to.

When the ultrasonic probe 51a is bent, when the bending switch 74 or the like attached to the endoscope is operated, the SMA drive control circuit 82 energizes the SMA actuator 81, and the SMA actuator 81 expands and contracts to bend. 53 bends.

Even when the shape memory alloy is used to form the bending means in this way, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic probe having good bending operability as in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a second modification of the fifth embodiment.
The structural example of the bending means of the ultrasonic probe which drives a bending part by fluid pressure instead of a bending wire or SMA is shown.

In this modification, three pressure chambers 83a, 83b, 83c are provided in the curved portion 53 of the ultrasonic probe 51b.
Is provided so that the fluid can flow into the pressure chamber to be pressurized. These pressure chambers 83a, 83b, 83
c is the tube 8 inserted in the ultrasonic probe 51b.
Electromagnetic valves 85a, 85b, 85 provided in the ultrasonic probe control device 63b via 4a, 84b, 84c.
It is connected to c and communicates with the electromagnetic valves 85a, 85b, 85c. Electromagnetic valves 85a, 85b,
A pump 86 is connected to 85c, and a pressurizing fluid is supplied from the pump 86. In addition, the electromagnetic valves 85a, 8
5b and 85c are connected to a valve control circuit 87, and the valve control circuit 87 controls opening / closing.

When the ultrasonic probe 51b is bent, when the bending switch 74 or the like attached to the endoscope is operated, the valve control circuit 87 causes the electromagnetic valves 85a, 8a and 8b.
5b and 85c are opened and closed, and pressure chambers 83a, 83b and 83
c is selectively pressurized. As a result, the pressure chambers 83a,
83b and 83c expand and contract to bend the curved portion 5 in a predetermined direction.
3 bends.

Even when the fluid-driven bending means is constructed in this manner, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic probe having good bending operability as in the fifth embodiment.

10 to 13 relate to a third modification of the fifth embodiment, FIG. 10 is a sectional explanatory view showing the configuration of the tip portion of the ultrasonic probe, and FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a bending portion provided with an actuator by a bimorph, FIG.
FIG. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the bending portion in which the disposition position of the bimorph is changed.

The third modification is a configuration example in which a bimorph is used as the bending means of the ultrasonic probe.

As shown in FIG. 10, the ultrasonic probe 51
In the sheath of the curved portion 53 of c, a bimorph 88 which is an actuator bendable in the side direction is embedded so as to extend in the axial direction. A cable 89 extending to the rear end of the ultrasonic probe is connected to the bimorph 88, and the bimorph 88 is connected to the control device 90 via the cable 89 as shown in FIG.
An operation switch 91 for instructing the bending direction and the bending amount of the bending portion 53 is connected to the control device 90. The operation switch 91 is attached to the grip portion 60 of the endoscope as in the fifth embodiment.
Further, the ultrasonic probe 51c is connected to the ultrasonic observation device 92, and the ultrasonic tomographic image obtained by scanning the observation ultrasonic wave with the ultrasonic probe 15 at the tip can be observed.

When the ultrasonic probe 51c is bent, when the operation switch 91 is operated, the operation switch 91
A predetermined voltage is applied to the bimorph 88 by the control device 90 in response to the instruction from, and the bimorph 88 is bent by the application of this voltage. At this time, the bimorph 88
The bending direction is determined by the polarity of the applied voltage, and the bending rate increases as the higher voltage is applied. Due to the bending of the bimorph 88, the bending portion 53 of the ultrasonic probe 51c is bent, and the probe tip can be oriented in a desired direction.

The bimorph 88 is arranged at a certain position in the circumferential direction of the curved portion 53 as shown in FIG. 12, and is vertically bendable in FIG. By arranging the bimorphs in this way, it becomes possible to perform bidirectional bending operation with one bimorph depending on the polarity of the applied voltage.

As a modified example of the disposition position of the bimorphs, as shown in FIG. 13, two bimorphs 88a and 88a are provided.
8b with the curved portion 53 at an angle of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.
It may be embedded in the inner surface of the sheath. In this case, a bimorph control system is provided independently for each bimorph.

In this way, two bimorphs are arranged in the circumferential direction 9
By arranging them so as to be shifted by 0 degree, the bending operation in four directions (vertical / horizontal direction in FIG. 13) becomes possible by controlling the polarities and voltage values of the voltages applied to the two bimorphs.

Even when the bending means is constructed by using the bimorph as described above, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic probe having good bending operability as in the fifth embodiment.

Next, in the ultrasonic probe having the bending means using the bending wire, an example of the configuration of the operating portion of the ultrasonic probe which can improve the bending operability and prevent the deterioration of the bending mechanism will be shown below. .

14 to 20 relate to a first configuration example of the operating portion of the bending mechanism of the ultrasonic probe, FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including the ultrasonic probe, and FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the direction index part provided in the insertion part base end part, FIG. 16 is explanatory drawing which shows the other structural example of a direction index part, FIG. 17 is an ultrasonic probe which shows the structure of a bending operation knob. 18 is a plan view showing the configuration of the bending operation portion, FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the bending operation portion, and FIG. 20 is a grasping portion and a bending operation knob of the ultrasonic probe during use. FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory view showing the holding method of FIG.

This example shows the structure of an ultrasonic probe which is used by inserting it into a body cavity through a trocar as an insertion assisting tool that penetrates a body wall.

As shown in FIG. 14, the ultrasonic probe 10
0 is the insertion portion 101, the front grip portion 102, the bending operation portion 1
03, the rear grip portion 104, the cable flexible tube 105, and the connection connector 106 are arranged in series.

The insertion portion 101 is composed of a tip probe portion 101a, a bending portion 101b, and a rigid tube portion 101c, which are continuously arranged.
It can be rotated 80 degrees. An electronic linear ultrasonic probe (not shown) is built in the tip probe unit 101a. This ultrasonic probe has an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 10
An acoustic lens made of silicon rubber or the like is provided as 1d. The acoustic lens is not limited to silicon rubber, and any soft material having an acoustic impedance equivalent to that of human tissue may be used. Although not shown, a signal cable bundle including a large number of coaxial cables inserted through the ultrasonic probe 100 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe.

A trocar 107 which is inserted through the insertion portion 101.
The outer tube portion 107b extends forward from the grip collar portion 107a on the proximal side, and the body wall 108 is formed.
It is designed to penetrate into the abdominal cavity and penetrate into the abdominal cavity.

A direction index portion 109 is provided on the front grip portion side of the rigid tube portion 101c of the insertion portion 101, and the normal direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 101d is in which direction with respect to the central axis of the insertion portion 101. A direction indicator 110 indicating that is provided. The outer diameter of the direction indicator 109 is the trocar 10
Since it is larger than the inner diameter of the grip brim opening of 7,
When the ultrasonic probe 100 is inserted into the trocar 107, the direction indicator 110 is always located outside the trocar 107.

The direction index 110 is as shown in FIG.
When the ultrasonic probe 100 is viewed from the tip of the insertion portion, the ultrasonic probe 100 has protrusions having a triangular cross section. The projection is not limited to the triangular cross section, and a projection having an arbitrary cross section may be provided.

Here, another example of the configuration of the direction indicator is shown in FIG.
Shown in Instead of the protrusions of FIG. 15, a flat surface portion 112 may be provided as the direction indicator portion 111, and the flat surface portion 112 may be provided with elongated protrusions 113 in a concavo-convex shape to configure the direction indicator portion 111. It should be noted that the flat portion 112 may not be provided with a protrusion, and in the case of providing a protrusion, its cross-sectional shape is arbitrary.

Further, the direction indicator portion 109 is the rigid tube portion 101.
It may be detachable from c. In this case, the direction indicator portion 109 can be fixed to the rigid tube portion 101c by a known rotation preventing mechanism so that the insertion portion 101 can be rotated about its central axis by placing a finger on the direction indicator 110. As a known detent mechanism, the direction indicator 109
Of the protrusions provided on the inner diameter surface of the hard tube portion and the groove provided on the hard tube portion 101c, or due to friction between the inner diameter surface of the custom grip type direction indicator portion 109 and the outer surface of the hard tube portion 101c. Can be used.

Returning to FIG. 14, a cable flexible tube 105 containing a signal cable bundle connected to the ultrasonic probe is extended from the end of the rear grip portion 104. Connection connector 106 arranged at the end of the cable coil 105
Are detachably connected to the connector 115 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 114. By connecting the both connectors, the ultrasonic probe 100 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 114. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 114
It has a monitor television 116, and this monitor television 1
At 16, an ultrasonic tomographic image of the body cavity organ obtained by the ultrasonic probe 100 is displayed.

Next, the detailed configuration of the bending operation portion 103 of the ultrasonic probe 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 17 to 19. 17 is a view of the ultrasonic probe 100 seen from the tip side, FIG. 18 is a view of the bending operation unit 103 seen from the opposite side to FIG. 14, and FIG. 19 is a view of the cross section of the bending operation unit 103 seen from the hand side. Is.

The bending operation section 103 includes a bending operation knob 11
7a and 117b are provided on both sides of the bending operation portion so as to face each other in the up / down / left / right bending operation directions. By operating the bending operation knobs 117a and 117b, the ultrasonic probe 1
The bending portion 101b of No. 00 is driven to bend up and down, left and right via a bending wire (not shown) connected to the bending operation knob, and directs the tip probe 101a in a required direction, and ultrasonic waves of the tip probe 101a. The transmitting / receiving surface 101d can be brought into contact with a predetermined part of the internal organ of the body cavity. Knob part 1 of the bending operation knobs 117a and 117b
The bending operation knobs 117a and 118b are in a range such that when the operator grips the front grip 102 or the rear grip 104 with one hand, the thumb can reach and operate the knob.
a, 117b.

Then, bending direction indicators 119a (see FIG. 14) and 119b (FIG. 1) showing the bending direction of the bending portion 101b.
8) are provided on both sides of a flat surface portion through which the rotation axis of the bending operation knob of the bending operation portion 103 passes, corresponding to both bending operation knobs. This bending direction index 119a, 1
19b, U and D indicate the vertical direction of the curve, and R and L
Indicates the lateral direction of the curve.

Further, the bending angle fixing knob 12 is provided at a position opposed to each other with the rotating shafts of the bending operation knobs 117a and 117b sandwiched therebetween.
0a and 120b are provided independently for each of the vertical and horizontal bending directions. Curved angle fixing knobs 120a, 1
The knob parts 121a and 121b of 20b are the front grip part 10
It is attached to the bending angle fixing knobs 120a and 120b in such a range that the index finger can reach and operate the knob when the operator grips the rear grip 104 or the rear grip 104 with one hand. The bending angle fixing knobs 120a and 120b are
The knobs 121a and 121b are attached to the bending operation unit 103 so that the moving ranges of the knobs 121a and 121b do not interfere with each other.

Then, the bending angle fixing knobs 120a, 12
0b is in a fixed bending angle state or is in a released state bending angle fixed index 122a (see FIG. 14), 122
b (see FIG. 18) is provided in the same plane as the bending direction indicators 119a and 119b corresponding to both bending angle fixing knobs. In the curved angle fixed indexes 122a and 122b, F indicates the curved angle released state, and E indicates the curved angle fixed state.

As shown in FIG. 19, the bending operation knob 117.
The rotating shafts 123a and 123b of the a and 117b have fixed plates 124a and 1a having a substantially disk shape in a direction perpendicular to the central axis thereof.
24b is attached. Further, the rotary shafts 125a and 125b of the bending angle fixing knobs 120a and 120b are
The transmission members 126a and 126b are connected. The transmission members 126a and 126b are the rotary shaft 1 of the bending operation knob.
23a, 123b and a pressing member 127 arranged concentrically
It is fitted to a and 127b. Further, the friction plate 128
a and 128b are rotary shafts 123a of the bending operation knob,
It is arranged concentrically with 123b and in contact with the pressing members 127a, 127b and between the fixing plates 124a, 124b.

The ultrasonic probe 10 configured in this way
When using 0, trocar 1 in the pneumoperitoneum
07 is inserted through the body wall 108, and the ultrasonic probe 10
The insertion portion 101 of 0 is inserted into the trocar 107 and introduced into the abdominal cavity. Then, the bending operation knobs 117a and 117b
Is moved to bring the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 101d of the probe section 101a of the ultrasonic probe into contact with a predetermined part of the internal organ in the body cavity, and diagnosis is performed by an ultrasonic image.

At this time, there are the following two methods for holding the ultrasonic probe 100, as shown in FIG.

One is a method of gripping the rear grip 104, as shown in (b) on the right side of FIG. In this case, the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 101d has the bending angle fixing knob 120.
The insertion portion 101 is rotated about its central axis so as to face the a and 120b sides.

The other is a method of gripping the front grip 102, as shown in (a) on the left side of FIG. In this case, the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 101d has the bending operation knob 117.
The insertion portion 101 is rotated about its central axis so as to face the a and 117b sides.

Here, the rotation of the insertion part 101 is performed by the insertion part 1
The ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 1 provided on the front grip portion 102 side of 01.
The directional indicator 110 of 01d is grasped and performed. Insertion part 101
The position in the rotational direction of is fixed by a click mechanism (not shown) provided at the joint between the insertion portion 101 and the front grip portion 102.

In any of the holding methods, the bending operation knobs 117a and 117b are put on the thumb, and the bending angle fixing knobs 120a and 120b are put on the index finger to perform the bending operation. For example, when bending the tip probe 101d in the up-down direction, put a thumb on the up-down bending operation knob 117a to perform the bending operation. Similarly, when bending the tip probe 101d in the left-right direction, a thumb is put on the left-right bending operation knob 117b to perform the bending operation.

When it is necessary to fix the bending angle, the bending angle fixing knobs 120a and 120b in the respective bending directions with the forefinger still in the bent state are fixed positions, that is, the bending angle fixing indexes 122a and 122b. Move to position E of 122b.

Then, in FIG. 19, the transmission members 126a and 126b attached to the rotation shafts 125a and 125b of the bending angle fixing knobs 120a and 120b move around the rotation shaft center. With this movement, the transmission members 126a,
The pressing members 127a and 127b fitted with the 126b rotate, and the pressing members 127a and 127b move to the friction plates 128a and 1b.
28b is pressed against the fixed plates 124a and 124b attached to the rotary shafts 123a and 123b of the bending operation knob. The bending angle of the bending portion 101b is fixed by the frictional force generated by the contact between the friction plates 128a and 128b and the fixed plates 124a and 124b.

After the diagnosis is completed, the ultrasonic probe 100 is removed from the abdominal cavity. That is, the insertion portion 101 of the ultrasonic probe is pulled out from the trocar 107. At this time, the operator operates the bending angle fixed index 122a of the bending operation unit 103,
The bending angle fixing knobs 120a and 120b are released by 122b, that is, the bending angle fixing indexes 122a and 12b.
Visually confirm that it is in the F position of 2b, and if it is not in the release position, the bending angle fixing knobs 120a, 12
0b to the release position to move the friction plates 128a, 128b
And the fixed plates 124a and 124b are released from contact with each other, so that the rotary shafts 123a and 123b of the bending operation knob can freely rotate. After the bending angle is released in this way, the bending operation knobs 117a and 117b are operated to operate the tip probe 101a.
The central axis of is aligned with the central axis of the insertion portion hard tube portion 101c. After inserting the insertion portion 101 in this state, the ultrasonic probe is pulled out from the trocar 107.

When the direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 101d is changed during diagnosis, the direction indicator 110 at the proximal end of the insertion portion is used.
By confirming the direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 101d, the insertion portion 101 is rotated around its central axis so that a desired orientation can be obtained.

In this example, the bending angle fixed indexes 122a, 12 provided on the flat surface portion through which the rotary shafts 123a, 123b of the bending operation knobs 117a, 117b of the bending operation portion 103 pass.
With 2b, the operator can easily identify whether the bending angle fixing knobs 120a and 120b are in the bending angle fixing / released state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operation of the bending operation knobs 117a and 117b unnecessary for the diagnosis in the state where the bending angle is fixed, so that the friction plates 128a and 12 of the bending fixing mechanism can be prevented.
It is possible to prevent abrasion of 8b and prevent deterioration of the bending angle fixing function.

Further, the bending operation knobs 117a and 117b and the bending angle fixing knob 120 can be formed by using only the thumb and the index finger of one hand.
Since a and 120b can be operated, when the operator holds the forceps or the like in the hand which is not performing the bending operation during diagnosis, the forceps or the like is released for a moment to fix the bending angle. The work of operating the angle fixing knob is eliminated, and bending operability is improved.

Further, the direction indicator portion 109 of the insertion portion 101
It is possible to easily recognize which direction the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 101d is facing, even after the ultrasonic probe is inserted into the trocar 107, by the direction index 110 provided on the. In addition, when the insertion portion 101 is rotated about its central axis, if the finger is placed on the direction indicator 110 to perform the rotation operation, the finger does not slip and the rotation operation of the insertion portion 101 about the central axis is performed. Can be done easily.

As described above, according to the configuration of this example, in the ultrasonic probe having the bending mechanism, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the bending mechanism and improve bending operability.

21 to 25 relate to a second configuration example of the operating portion of the bending mechanism of the ultrasonic probe, FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the configuration of the bending operating portion, and FIG. 22 is the configuration of the bending angle fixing mechanism. 23 is a perspective view of the bending angle fixing mechanism of FIG. 22 seen from the lower side, FIG. 24 is an operation explanatory view showing the operation of the bending operation knob in the bending angle fixed / released state, and FIG.
FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory view showing the operation of the bending angle fixing mechanism in the bending angle fixed state.

The second configuration example is a modification of the configuration of the bending operation section in the ultrasonic probe of the first configuration example described above. Here, only parts different from the first configuration example will be described.

As shown in FIG. 21, a bending operation portion 131 formed between the front grip portion 102 and the rear grip portion 104.
In the same manner as in the first configuration example, the bending operation knobs 117a and 117b are provided for the up, down, left, and right bending directions, respectively. Bending direction indicators 119a and 119b, which indicate the bending direction of the bending portion, are provided on both sides of the flat surface portion of the bending operation portion 131 through which the rotary shaft 132 of the bending operation knob passes, corresponding to both bending operation knobs.

In this example, the structure of the bending angle fixing mechanism is the first.
However, the bending angle fixing mechanism is different from the above
Since the left and right bending directions have the same configuration, only the bending up and down direction will be described here.

The bending operation section 131 includes a bending operation knob 11
A curve fixing release button 133a is provided at a position opposed to each other with the rotating shafts of 7a and 117b interposed therebetween, and further, a curve angle fixing index 134a indicating a curve angle fixing / released state.
Is provided on the installation surface of the curved fixing release button 133a. Although not shown, the other plane portion of the bending operation portion 131 is also provided with a bending release button and a bending angle fixing index for the left and right bending directions.

As shown in FIG. 22, a drum 136 is attached to the rotary shaft 132 of the bending operation knob so as to mesh with a gear 135 provided on the rotary shaft. A bending wire 137 that drives the bending portion to bend is wound around the outer diameter surface of the drum 136. When the rotary shaft 132 is rotated by operating the bending operation knob 117a, the rotation is transmitted to the drum 136 via the gear 135, and the drum 13 is rotated.
The rotation of 6 pushes and pulls the bending wire 137 to drive the bending portion to bend, and the tip probe portion is directed in the direction in which the bending operation is performed.

Interlocking transmission members 138a and 138b are provided on the inner diameter side of the drum 136. As shown in FIG. 23, these two interlocking transmission members 138a, 138
b are connected to each other via a spring 139, and
Is pulled toward the center of. The spring 139 may be any elastic member, and rubber may be used as the elastic member in addition to the spring. The interlocking transmission member 138
The a and 138b are mounted in the bending operation portion so that the movable range thereof is not displaced. Interlocking transmission member 138
friction plates 140a and 140b are provided on the outer end surfaces of the a and 138b.
Is provided.

The rotary shaft 132 of the bending operation knob has a conical tip, and two interlocking transmission members 138a, 138a,
It is inserted between 138b. In addition, the interlocking transmission member 1
38a, 138b, the portion into which the tip of the rotary shaft 132 is inserted is formed in a tapered shape with the same inclination as the conical portion of the tip of the rotary shaft 132.

The rotary shaft 132 is provided with a protrusion 141 on the bending operation knob side in the bending operation section.
On the other hand, the curved fixing release button 133a has a transmission member 14
One end of 2 is rotatably connected, and this transmission member 1
The other end of 42 is engaged with the protrusion 141. Transmission member 14
2 is rotatably supported by a fulcrum 142a, and when one of the rotation shaft 132 and the curved fixing release button 133a is pushed downward, the other is pushed up.

In the configuration of this example, when the ultrasonic probe is inserted into the abdominal cavity and the tip probe is brought into contact with the organ at the site to be examined and fixed at a desired bending angle, the operation is performed as follows. To do.

FIG. 24 is a view of the ultrasonic probe as seen from the front end of the insertion portion. FIG.
(B) shows the positions of the bending operation knob and the bending fixation release button in the respective bending angle fixed states.

First, the bending operation knobs 117a and 117b are pushed into the bending operation portion 131 along the central axis of the rotating shaft as shown in (b) on the right side of FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 25, the conical portion at the tip of the rotary shaft 132 of the bending operation knob is fitted between the interlocking transmission members 138a and 138b, so that the interlocking transmission members 138a and 138b are pushed outward in the radial direction. Be done. Thereby, the interlocking transmission member 138
The friction plates 140a and 140b on the outer peripheral surfaces of the a and 138b contact the inner diameter surface of the drum 136,
A frictional force is generated between b and the inner diameter surface of the drum 136. Due to this frictional force, the rotation of the drum 136 is fixed and the bending angle is fixed. At this time, the protrusion 14 of the rotary shaft 132
Since 1 pushes down the release end of the transmission member 142, the transmission member 142 rotates clockwise around the fulcrum 142a, and the bending fixing release buttons 133a and 133b are operated by the lever principle.
Is pushed up.

When the bending angle fixing is released, as shown in (a) on the left side of FIG. 24, the bending fixing releasing button 133a,
Push in 133b. Then, the transmission member 142 has the fulcrum 1
It rotates counterclockwise about 42a and pushes up the protrusion 141 of the rotary shaft 132 by the lever principle. Rotating shaft 132
When is pushed up, as shown in FIG. 22, the conical portion at the tip of the rotary shaft is pulled out from between the interlocking transmission members 138a, 138b, and the interlocking transmission members 138a, 138b are pulled together by the spring 139. As a result, the friction plates 140a, 140 on the outer peripheral surfaces of the interlocking transmission members 138a, 138b.
The contact between b and the inner diameter surface of the drum 136 is released, the frictional force is eliminated, the rotation shaft 132 and the drum 136 are freely rotated, and the bending angle fixing is released.

In this example, the bending operation knobs 117a, 117 are
It is possible to confirm from the tactile sensation of the bending operation hand whether the b or the bending fixation release buttons 133a and 133b are projected or pushed in with respect to the bending operation portion 131, so that the bending is fixed / released. It is possible to easily identify which state of Further, the bending angle fixed index 134a provided on the bending operation portion 131 allows the bending angle fixed state to be visually confirmed.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bending operation unnecessary for the diagnosis in the state where the bending angle is fixed.
It is possible to prevent the function of fixing the bending angle from being deteriorated due to wear of the a and 140b. Further, since it is easy to identify the fixed / released state of the bending, it is possible to prevent the bending mechanism from being damaged due to an excessive operation.

Further, since the bending operation knob and the fixing / releasing operation of the bending angle can be performed with only one hand, the operator holds the forceps or the like in the hand not performing the bending operation during the diagnosis. In such a case, the work of bending the ultrasonic probe once releasing the forceps and the like is eliminated, and the bending operability is improved.

[Appendix] As described in detail above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the following constitution can be obtained.
That is, (1) the ultrasonic probe is arranged at the tip end and has an insertion part to be inserted into the channel of the endoscope, and the tip end part of the insertion part can be bent by remote control with a wire. In an ultrasonic probe with a flexible bending mechanism, a branch portion that branches the signal line from the ultrasonic probe and the wire in the channel of the endoscope is provided on the proximal side of the insertion portion. An ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism.

(2) An ultrasonic probe is provided at the tip portion and has an insertion portion to be inserted into the channel of the endoscope,
An ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism capable of bending a distal end portion of the insertion portion by remote control with a wire, comprising a bending operation means that can be arranged at an insertion port of a channel of the endoscope or in the vicinity thereof. An ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism, characterized in that the ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism has a branch portion for branching a signal line from the ultrasonic probe and the wire in a channel of the endoscope on the hand side of the section.

(3) An ultrasonic probe is arranged at the tip end portion, and has an insertion portion to be inserted into the channel of the endoscope,
An ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism capable of bending a distal end portion of the insertion portion by remote control with a wire, which can be arranged at or near an insertion opening of a channel of the endoscope and supplies a driving force to the wire. A bending operation means for performing an operation for performing the operation, and a branch portion for branching the signal line from the ultrasonic probe and the wire in a channel of the endoscope on the proximal side of the insertion portion. An ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism.

(4) The bending mechanism-equipped ultrasonic probe according to item (1), wherein the branch portion is formed of a branch member in which the signal line and the wire are separated and inserted.

(5) The wire is fixedly attached to the bending operation means on the base end side of the branch portion, and is fixed depending on the length of the insertion portion of the endoscope or the projection length from the distal end of the endoscope. The ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism according to the above (2), wherein the wire fixing position is variable.

(6) The ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism according to the above (1), further including bending operation means capable of manually pulling the wire.

(7) The bending mechanism-equipped ultrasonic probe according to the above (6), wherein the bending operation means has a handle which an operator can pull and operate with a finger.

(8) The bending operation means has a knob that can be rotated, and is provided with a screw structure for advancing and retracting the wire by rotating the knob around the axis of the wire. ) An ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism according to [1].

(9) The ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism according to the above (1), which has an actuator for pulling and driving the wire, and is provided with a bending operation means for operating the actuator to perform a bending operation.

(10) The bending mechanism-equipped ultrasonic probe according to item (9), wherein the actuator is an electric motor.

(11) The bending mechanism-equipped ultrasonic probe according to item (9), wherein the actuator is an ultrasonic motor.

(12) The ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism according to the above (1), wherein the wire is made of a shape memory alloy, and the wire is expanded and contracted by energizing the shape memory alloy to perform a bending operation.

(13) An ultrasonic probe is provided at the distal end portion and has an insertion portion to be inserted into the channel of the endoscope,
A bending mechanism-equipped ultrasonic probe having a bendable bending portion at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, wherein bending operation means for bending the bending portion is provided in addition to the ultrasonic probe. Ultrasonic probe.

(14) The bending mechanism-equipped ultrasonic probe according to item (13), wherein the bending operation means is provided in a grip portion of the endoscope.

(15) The bending mechanism-equipped ultrasonic probe according to item (14), wherein the bending operation means is detachably provided on the grip portion.

(16) The ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism according to the above (13), wherein the bending operation means is provided as a foot switch at the foot of the operator.

(17) The ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism according to the above (13), wherein the bending operation means is an electric switch.

(18) The bending mechanism-equipped ultrasonic probe as set forth in (13), wherein the bending portion is bent by an actuator.

(19) The actuator includes an electromagnetic motor, and the electromagnetic motor pushes and pulls a bending wire inserted through the ultrasonic probe to bend the bending portion. The ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism according to [4].

(20) The actuator has an ultrasonic motor, and the ultrasonic motor pushes and pulls a bending wire inserted through the ultrasonic probe to bend the bending portion. 18)
The ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism according to [4].

(21) The ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism according to the above (18), wherein the actuator is made of a shape memory alloy.

(22) The ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism according to the above (18), wherein the actuator comprises a pressure chamber that expands and contracts by inflowing a fluid.

(23) The ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism as described in (18) above, wherein the actuator is a bimorph.

(24) An ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism, which has an insertion portion having an ultrasonic probe arranged at its tip, and can bend the tip of the insertion portion by remote control with a wire, An ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism, characterized in that a bending angle fixed index indicating whether the bending portion is in a fixed bending angle state or a released state is provided in an operation portion that performs a bending operation of the insertion portion.

(25) In the operation section, a bending operation knob for driving and operating the wire and a bending angle fixing knob for fixing and releasing the wire driving mechanism by the bending operation knob are provided so as to be operable with one hand. The ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism according to the above-mentioned appendix (24), wherein the bending angle fixing index is arranged corresponding to the operation position of the bending angle fixing knob.

(26) In the operation section, a bending angle fixing mechanism for fixing the wire drive mechanism by the bending operation knob by pushing the bending operation knob for driving the wire in the rotation axis direction is provided. The appendix (24), wherein a bending fixation releasing button that moves up and down in conjunction with the bending angle fixing mechanism for releasing the angle fixing mechanism is provided, and the bending angle fixing index is arranged in the vicinity of the bending fixation releasing button. The ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism according to [4].

[0161]

As described above, according to the present invention, 1
Ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism that can be used for endoscopes of various lengths with this ultrasonic probe and that allows one operator to operate both the endoscope and ultrasonic probe There is an effect that a probe can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 to 3 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe inserted through a treatment instrument insertion channel of an endoscope.

FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the tip of the ultrasonic probe and the curved state of the tip.

FIG. 3 is an axial cross-sectional view showing a mounting state of the ultrasonic probe to the treatment instrument insertion opening of the endoscope and a configuration of an operation unit on the proximal side of the ultrasonic probe and the like.

FIG. 4 is an axial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an operating portion on the proximal side of an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an axial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the operating portion on the proximal side of the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an operating portion on the proximal side of an ultrasonic probe according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example in which a shape memory alloy (SMA) is used for a bending means of an ultrasonic probe as a first modification of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a configuration example of a bending means of an ultrasonic probe that drives a bending portion by fluid pressure instead of a bending wire as a second modification of the fifth embodiment.

10 to 13 relate to a third modification of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a configuration of a tip portion of an ultrasonic probe.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a bending portion provided with a bimorph actuator.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the bending portion in which the disposition position of the bimorph is changed.

14 to 20 relate to a first configuration example of an operating portion of a bending mechanism of an ultrasonic probe, and FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including the ultrasonic probe.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a direction indicator portion provided at a base end portion of the insertion portion.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the direction indicator portion.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the ultrasonic probe showing the configuration of the bending operation knob as seen from the distal end side.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the configuration of a bending operation section.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the bending operation section.

FIG. 20 is an operation explanatory view showing a method of gripping the grip portion of the ultrasonic probe and the bending operation knob during use.

21 to 25 relate to a second configuration example of the operating portion of the bending mechanism of the ultrasonic probe, and FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the configuration of the bending operating portion.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory sectional view showing the structure of a bending angle fixing mechanism.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the bending angle fixing mechanism of FIG. 22 seen from below.

FIG. 24 is an operation explanatory view showing the operation of the bending operation knob in the bending angle fixed / released state.

FIG. 25 is an operation explanatory view showing the operation of the bending angle fixing mechanism in the bending angle fixed state.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ultrasonic probe 2 ... Endoscope 3 ... Treatment instrument insertion channel 13 ... Bending part 14 ... Probe part 15 ... Ultrasonic probe 16 ... Exterior tube 17 ... Flexible shaft 18 ... Signal line 21 ... Curved wire 22 ... Endoscope operation part 23 ... Treatment instrument insertion opening 26 ... Operation part 27 ... Slider part 28 ... Branch member 29 ... Operation part fixing member 30 ... Handle 31 ... Fixing member

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic probe is arranged at a tip end portion of the endoscope, and the insertion portion is inserted into a channel of an endoscope. The tip end portion of the insertion portion can be bent by a remote operation using a wire. In an ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism, a bending operation means that can be arranged at the insertion opening of the channel of the endoscope or in the vicinity thereof is provided, and at the hand side of the insertion portion, in the channel of the endoscope. An ultrasonic probe with a bending mechanism having a branching part for branching a signal line from an ultrasonic probe and the wire.