JPH09206305A - Ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic probe which can easily eliminate air bubbles in an ultrasonic transmitting medium inside the top cap and can conduct an appropriate ultrasonography. SOLUTION: An opening 7 is formed at the top of a protective cap 5 with an ultrasonic search unit 4 and in the same axis as the rotation axis of the ultrasonic search unit 4. The opening 7 is circular and can be opened and closed, and the caliber of the opening 7 is larger than the thickness of the ultrasonic search unit 4. A means to eliminate air bubbles 10 inside an ultrasonic transmitting medium 6 can be easily inserted through this opening 7, and therefore, air bubbles 10 can be easily eliminated and an appropriate ultrasonography can be conducted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe used for ultrasonically diagnosing the inside of a body cavity.
In particular, the present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe provided with an ultrasonic probe so as to perform a mechanical scan.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic probe for performing mechanical scanning is provided with an ultrasonic probe rotatably at the tip of an insertion portion.
A tip cap, which is a tip protection member, is provided on the outside thereof, and an ultrasonic transmission medium is filled inside. An opening is formed at the tip of the tip cap, and an openable / closable lid is provided here. Then, the ultrasonic transmission medium is enclosed in the tip cap through this opening.

When the ultrasonic transmission medium is sealed in the tip cap as described above, air bubbles may enter or be generated. For this reason, a method has been adopted in which the air bubbles are floated with the opening facing upward, and the ultrasonic transmission medium is replenished in a vacant place with a syringe or the like. In addition, JP-A-4-84946
As disclosed in the publication, there is a method of using a vacuum pump to replace the air in the tip cap with an ultrasonic transmission medium.

[0004]

By the way, generally, the tip cap is as small as possible within the range where the rotation of the ultrasonic probe is not hindered, and the tip is formed thin so as to improve the insertability. For this reason, the opening at the tip of the tip cap also becomes smaller, and its diameter is smaller than the thickness of the ultrasonic probe (length in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis). Therefore, in the conventional ultrasonic transmission medium encapsulation method using a syringe when bubbles enter and generate in the tip cap, the bubbles stop halfway without rising up to the vicinity of the opening, or the syringe needle tip causes the ultrasonic probe. There was a problem that air bubbles could not be removed because it could not be inserted all the way to the end.

On the other hand, in the method utilizing the vacuum pump, when the ultrasonic transmission medium is a non-oil type, the ultrasonic transmission medium reaches the boiling point when the negative pressure is applied, and the ultrasonic transmission medium is supplemented with bubbles. There was a problem that the medium could not be replaced. In addition, when the ultrasonic transmission medium is in the form of gel, there is a problem that the fluidity of the ultrasonic transmission medium is poor and replacement with bubbles cannot be performed. And as above
If the air bubbles remain mixed in the ultrasonic transmission medium, the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic probe will not be sufficiently transmitted, and the ultrasonic diagnosis will be hindered.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and when bubbles are generated when the ultrasonic wave transmission medium is filled in the tip cap, it is possible to easily remove the bubbles and to obtain a proper superposition. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic probe capable of performing ultrasonic diagnosis.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an ultrasonic probe which is rotatable with respect to the insertion shaft at the tip of the insertion part and protects the outer circumference of the tip of the insertion part. In an ultrasonic probe formed of a member and configured to perform a mecha radial scan, at the tip of the tip protection member and substantially coaxially with the rotation axis of the ultrasound probe, the rotation axis of the ultrasound probe is On the other hand, the ultrasonic probe is characterized by having a substantially circular opening / closing portion having a diameter larger than the length in the orthogonal direction.

[0008]

[Function] When air bubbles are generated in the ultrasonic transmission medium after the ultrasonic transmission medium is injected into the protective cap, the opening of the protective cap is opened and the needle attached to the syringe is directed from the outside to the opening. Insert it until it reaches the position where it touches the bubbles. After that, the piston of the syringe is pulled, the bubbles are sucked into the syringe, and the ultrasonic transmission medium is replenished to the extent that the bubbles are removed. After refilling, close the opening of the protective cap.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 relates to the first embodiment and shows a tip portion of an insertion portion of an ultrasonic probe (cross-sectional view). A flexible shaft 3 is provided inside the distal end forming portion 1 with a seal member 2 interposed between the flexible shaft 3 and the insertion portion central axis Y.
It is rotatably provided with the axis as the axis. An ultrasonic probe 4 coated with a moisture and water resistant material is provided at the tip of the flexible shaft 3 so as to move integrally with the flexible shaft 3. As the coating material, for example, a polyparaxylene-based material having moisture resistance and water resistance is used, and is uniformly applied to the ultrasonic probe 4 by vapor deposition or sputtering. The thickness of the coat is 20 to 25 μm so that it does not function as an acoustic matching layer. By the way, the thickness of the acoustic matching layer is generally called λ / 4 and is 30 μm in the case of polyparaxylene.

A protective cap 5 (tip protecting member) is attached to the tip forming portion 1 so as to protect the ultrasonic probe 4, and an ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is filled inside.
An opening 7 is formed at the tip of the protective cap 5, and the opening 7 is opened and closed by a lid 8. The aperture W1 of the opening 7 is formed to be larger than the thickness W2 of the ultrasonic probe 4.

The operation of the present embodiment having such a configuration will be described. When the flexible shaft 3 is rotated by a drive unit (not shown), the ultrasonic probe 4 provided at the tip of the flexible shaft 3 also rotates within the protective cap 5. The ultrasonic probe 4
Although the ultrasonic beam is transmitted and received while rotating, the ultrasonic beam passes through the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 and the protective cap 5 to perform mecha-radial scanning. When the reflected beam from the object to be inspected is received, it is converted into an electric signal and subjected to signal processing by an observation device (not shown), and then an ultrasonic image is obtained.

By the way, in order to obtain a good ultrasonic image, it is necessary to pass the ultrasonic beam through an appropriate ultrasonic transmission medium 6. Therefore, when air bubbles are generated when the ultrasonic wave transmission medium 6 is filled in the protective cap 5, the air bubbles adhere to the surface of the ultrasonic probe 4 and hinder the transmission / reception of the ultrasonic beam, which results in good ultrasonic waves. The image cannot be obtained. Therefore, when air bubbles are generated in the ultrasonic transmission medium 6, the lid 8 of the protective cap 5 is opened as shown in the drawing, and the needle 9 attached to the syringe (not shown) is directed from the outside toward the opening 7. Insert it and let it reach the position where it touches the bubble 10.

After that, the piston of the syringe is pulled and the bubble 10 is sucked into the syringe.
The ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is replenished. Protective cap 5 after replenishment
The lid 8 is closed. This work is performed with the diameter W1 of the opening 7.
Is greater than the thickness W2 of the ultrasonic probe 4,
Even when 0 is located near the tip forming portion 1 in the protective cap 5, the needle 9 of the syringe can be reliably reached, and the operation can be performed smoothly.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the opening / closing opening 7 is provided at the tip of the protective cap 5, and the opening 7 is larger than the thickness of the ultrasonic probe 4. The means for removing bubbles in the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 can be easily inserted. Therefore, the bubbles in the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 can be easily removed, and proper ultrasonic diagnosis can be performed.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment.
Portions corresponding to those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals (the same applies to the following embodiments). In the present embodiment, the lid 11 that opens and closes the opening 7 at the tip of the protective cap 5 is
It is adapted to be screwed into the opening 7. Also, the lid 11
A seal member 12 is attached to the so that the liquid-tight state can be maintained when the opening 7 is closed. Other configurations and operations of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first
In addition to the effect of the embodiment, since the lid 11 having the seal member 12 attached to the opening 7 at the tip of the protective cap 5 is provided, the inside of the protective cap 5 is kept liquid-tight when the opening 7 is closed. Be done. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ultrasonic wave transmission medium 6 from leaking out while the ultrasonic wave probe is being used and prevent foreign matter from entering the protective cap 5, and it is possible to perform ultrasonic diagnosis in an appropriate state.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment,
A flexible shaft 3 is rotatably provided inside the distal end forming portion 1 via a seal member 2 with an insertion portion central axis Y as an axis. An ultrasonic probe 4 coated with a moisture and water resistant material is provided at the tip of the flexible shaft 3 so as to move integrally with the flexible shaft 3. Further, a protective cap 5 is attached to the tip forming portion 1 so as to protect the ultrasonic probe 4, and an ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is filled inside.

Further, an ultrasonic wave transmission medium supply path 13 communicating with the protective cap 5 is formed in the tip forming portion 1.
Further, the first balloon attaching groove 14 and the second balloon attaching groove 1 are provided in the tip forming portion 1 and the protective cap 5.
5 is formed and the balloon 16 is attached so as to cover the outer periphery of the protective cap 5. Further, the distal end forming portion 1 is provided with an ultrasonic transmission medium supply conduit 17 and an ultrasonic transmission medium suction conduit 18 into the balloon which are opened near the first balloon attachment groove 14. Other configurations including the lid 11 provided in the opening at the tip of the protective cap 5 are the same as those in the second embodiment.

The operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. The ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is placed in the protective cap 5.
When air bubbles are generated in the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 when filling, the lid 11 of the protective cap 5 is opened, and a needle attached to a syringe (not shown) is inserted from the outside toward the opening, The bubble 10 is made to reach the position where it touches. Then, the piston of the syringe is pulled to suck the bubbles 10 into the syringe, and the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is replenished by the amount of the bubbles 10 removed. After replenishment, lid 11 of protective cap 5
The work up to closing is similar to that of the first embodiment.

After the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 has been replenished in this way, the flexible probe 3 is rotated to rotate the ultrasonic probe 4.
Perform mecha radial scanning while rotating. in this case,
Bubbles may be generated in the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 in the protective cap 5. Therefore, when the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is supplied from the ultrasonic transmission medium supply passage 13 into the protective cap 5, the lid 1
Since the seal member 12 seals between 1 and the protective cap 5, the inside of the protective cap 5 is pressurized. Then
The bubbles in the protective cap 5 are reduced. In this case, if the protective cap 5 is removed and the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is supplied through the ultrasonic transmission medium supply path 13, the bubbles in the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 can be easily moved to the vicinity of the opening and the removal of the bubbles can be facilitated. You can do it.

In order to inflate the balloon 16 for ultrasonic diagnosis, it is inflated by supplying the ultrasonic transmission medium through the ultrasonic transmission medium supply pipe 17. On the other hand, in order to deflate the balloon 16, the ultrasonic transmission medium suction line 1
The ultrasonic transmission medium is suctioned via 8. In addition, it is possible to perform ultrasonic diagnosis without necessarily using the balloon 16.
In this case, the body cavity is filled with degassed water, and an ultrasonic beam is transmitted and received from the tip of the ultrasonic probe located at the filled portion. Even if the body cavity is filled with deaerated water, there is no inconvenience because the protective cap 5 has no hole communicating with the outside.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the first
In addition to the effects of the embodiment, when bubbles are generated in the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 in the protective cap 5 due to the rotation of the ultrasonic probe 4, the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is supplied from the ultrasonic transmission medium supply passage 13. This can pressurize the inside of the protective cap 5 to reduce bubbles. Therefore, proper ultrasonic diagnosis can be performed. Further, since the ultrasonic transmission medium supply passage 13 is provided independently of the ultrasonic transmission medium supply pipe 17 into the balloon 16, regardless of whether the ultrasonic diagnosis is performed using the balloon 16. The ultrasonic beam can be properly transmitted and received.

FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment,
It is sectional drawing of a tip of an insertion part, and sectional drawing of a sealing member.
As shown in FIG. 4A, a flexible shaft 3 is rotatably provided inside the distal end forming portion 1 via a seal member 2 with an insertion portion central axis Y as an axis. At the tip of the flexible shaft 3,
Ultrasonic probe 4 coated with moisture and water resistant material
Are provided so as to be movable integrally with the flexible shaft 3. Further, a protective cap 5 is attached to the tip forming portion 1 so as to protect the ultrasonic probe 4, and an ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is filled inside.

A lubricant 20 is liquid-tightly sealed around the flexible shaft 3, and the lubricant 20 and the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 are separated by a seal member 2. The seal member 2 is fitted between the small-diameter portion 19 of the flexible shaft 3 and the inner wall of the tip forming portion 1 so that the seal wire diameter X1 is larger than the inner diameter X2 as shown in FIG. 4B. is there. The other structure is the same as that of the second embodiment.

The operation of the present embodiment having such a configuration will be described. After the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is filled in the protective cap 5 while removing air bubbles, when the flexible shaft 3 is rotated by a drive unit (not shown), the ultrasonic probe 4 provided at the tip of the protective shaft 5 is also protected. Rotate in. The ultrasonic probe 4 transmits and receives an ultrasonic beam while rotating, and the ultrasonic beam passes through the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 and the protective cap 5 to perform a mechanical scan. When the reflected beam from the object to be inspected is received, it is converted into an electric signal and subjected to signal processing by an observation device (not shown), and then an ultrasonic image is obtained.

When the ultrasonic probe 4 rotates, the seal member 2 is attached to the inner wall side of the tip forming portion 1 and does not rotate, but slides on the small diameter portion 19 of the flexible shaft 3. Therefore, the seal member 2 is easily worn, and the inner diameter X2 portion, which is the sliding surface, moves in the direction of expansion. However, since the wire diameter X1 of the seal member 2 is sufficiently large, the tip forming portion 1 and the small diameter portion 19 are
The wire diameter X1 does not become smaller than the gap X3 between and. Therefore, liquid tightness between the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 in the protective cap 5 and the lubricant 20 around the flexible shaft 3 is maintained. The action of removing the bubbles generated in the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 when the ultrasonic probe 4 is rotated is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the first
In addition to the effects of the embodiment, the seal member 2 fitted in the small-diameter portion 19 of the flexible shaft 3 has the seal wire diameter X1 larger than the inner diameter X2.
Even if the sliding surface of is worn, the sealing effect is maintained. Therefore, the lubricant 20 can be prevented from being mixed into the ultrasonic transmission medium 6, and the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 can be maintained in an appropriate state.
A proper ultrasonic diagnosis can be realized.

FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment.
A flexible shaft 3 is rotatably provided inside the distal end forming portion 1 via a seal member 2 and a bearing 21 with an insertion portion central axis Y as an axis. An ultrasonic probe 4 coated with a moisture and water resistant material is provided at the tip of the flexible shaft 3 so as to move integrally with the flexible shaft 3. In addition, the bearing 21
Are pressed against the tip forming part 1 via the pressing member 22, and the pressing member 22 is fixed to the tip forming part 1 with a set screw 23.

A protective cap 5 is attached to the tip forming portion 1 so as to protect the ultrasonic probe 4,
The ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is filled inside. Further, an ultrasonic wave transmission medium supply pipe line 24 communicating with the protective cap 5 is formed in the tip forming portion 1, and the communication port 2 is provided at the outlet thereof.
A part of the pressing member 22 formed with 5 is located. The positioning pin 26 is for allowing the communication port 25 to be properly positioned so that the ultrasonic transmission medium supply conduit 24 communicates with the inside of the protective cap 5 when the pressing member 22 is fixed to the distal end forming unit 1. .

The operation of the present embodiment having such a configuration will be described. The ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is placed in the protective cap 5.
When air bubbles are generated in the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 when filling, the lid 11 of the protective cap 5 is opened, and a needle attached to a syringe (not shown) is inserted from the outside toward the opening, The bubble 10 is made to reach the position where it touches. Then, the piston of the syringe is pulled to suck the bubbles 10 into the syringe, and the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is replenished by the amount of the bubbles 10 removed. After replenishment, lid 11 of protective cap 5
The work up to closing is similar to that of the first embodiment.

When performing ultrasonic diagnosis, the ultrasonic beam is transmitted and received while the ultrasonic probe 4 is rotated. The ultrasonic beam passes through the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 and the protective cap 5 and is mechanically transmitted. Radial scanning is performed. When the reflected beam from the object to be inspected is received, it is converted into an electric signal and subjected to signal processing by an observation device (not shown), and then an ultrasonic image is obtained.

As described above, the ultrasonic probe 4 is rotated while rotating the flexible shaft 3 to perform the mechanical scanning, but bubbles may be generated in the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 in the protective cap 5. is there. Therefore, the ultrasonic transmission medium supply line 2
When the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is supplied from 4 to the inside of the protective cap 5, the inside of the protective cap 5 is pressurized. Then, the bubbles in the protective cap 5 are reduced.

Further, when the ultrasonic probe 4 rotates, the flexible shaft 3 with respect to the tip forming portion 1 has the seal member 2 and the bearing 21.
Rotate while being supported by. Further, the seal member 2 seals the inside of the protective cap 5 and the space around the flexible shaft 3, so that the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 and the lubricant filled therein do not leak out from each other.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the first
In addition to the effects of the embodiment, when bubbles are generated in the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 in the protective cap 5 due to the rotation of the ultrasonic probe 4, the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is fed from the ultrasonic transmission medium supply pipe 24.
By supplying, the inside of the protective cap 5 can be pressurized to reduce the bubbles. Therefore, proper ultrasonic diagnosis can be performed. Further, even if the pressing member 22 for the rotating portion of the ultrasonic probe 4 is provided in the vicinity of the connecting portion between the tip forming portion 1 and the protective cap 5 and on the surface perpendicular to the insertion axis of the tip forming portion 1. Since the communication port 25 is formed in the pressing member 22 and the communication port 25 proper position securing means is provided, the supply of the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 into the protection cap 5 is secured.

FIG. 6 shows a sixth embodiment.
Inside the tip forming portion 1, a seal member 2, bearings 27, 2
A flexible shaft 3 is rotatably provided with a central axis Y of the insertion portion as an axis. An ultrasonic probe 4 coated with a moisture and water resistant material is provided at the tip of the flexible shaft 3 so as to move integrally with the flexible shaft 3. In addition, the bearings 27 and 28 are connected to each other via the pressing member 22 to form the tip forming portion 1
Is held by the holding member 22, and the holding member 22 is set screw 2
It is fixed to the tip forming part 1 at 3.

A protective cap 5 is attached to the tip forming portion 1 so as to protect the ultrasonic probe 4,
The ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is filled inside. Further, a pipe line 29 is formed between the bearing 27 and the bearing 28 of the tip forming portion 1 in a direction orthogonal to the insertion portion central axis Y, and a tip thereof is open outward and a lid having a seal member 30. It is closed at 31. Note that the periphery of the flexible shaft 3 is filled with a lubricant for improving the rotatability of the flexible shaft 3, as in the above-described embodiment.

The operation of the present embodiment having such a configuration will be described. The operation of rotating the ultrasonic probe 4 via the flexible shaft 3 and irradiating the object to be inspected with the ultrasonic beam is the same as in the above-described embodiment, but in this case, the flexible shaft 3 is It is rotatably supported with respect to the tip forming portion 1 via a seal member 2, a bearing 27, and a bearing 28. Further, the lubricant to be filled around the flexible shaft 3 removes the lid 31 having the seal member 30 to communicate the conduit 29 with the periphery of the flexible shaft 3, and is shown on the rear end side of the ultrasonic probe. Not inject through the filling port. When the lubricant overflows from the outer opening of the conduit 29, the injection is stopped and the lid 31 is closed. In addition, regarding the removal of bubbles generated in the ultrasonic transmission medium 6,
This is similar to the second embodiment.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the first
In addition to the effects of the embodiment, the bearing 27 of the tip forming unit 1
Since the lubricant injecting conduit 29 is formed between the bearing 28 and the bearing 28 in a direction orthogonal to the insertion portion central axis Y, the flexible shaft 3
The lubricant can be easily and reliably injected into the periphery of the.

7 to 9 show a seventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7A, a flexible shaft 3 is provided inside the distal end forming portion 1 via a seal member 2 and a central axis Y of the insertion portion.
It is rotatably provided with the axis as the axis. An ultrasonic probe 4 coated with a moisture and water resistant material is provided at the tip of the flexible shaft 3 so as to move integrally with the flexible shaft 3. Further, a protective cap 5 is attached to the tip forming portion 1 so as to protect the ultrasonic probe 4, and an ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is filled inside.

Further, an ultrasonic transmission medium supply path 13 communicating with the protective cap 5 is formed in the tip forming portion 1 and extends to the operation portion 32, and the opening 33 at the end portion is directed outward. It is open. Further, a check valve 34 is provided in the middle of the ultrasonic transmission medium supply passage 13. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 7B, the check valve 34 has a diameter larger than that of the ultrasonic transmission medium supply passage 13, and the end portion on the protective cap 5 side is formed on a surface 35 perpendicular to the pipe axis. The end portion on the operating portion 32 side is formed into a surface 36 inclined toward the pipe axis. The elastic member 3 having the ball-shaped seal member 37 having an outer diameter smaller than the inner space diameter in the inner space
8 is provided, and the seal member 37 is provided with the opening 3 on the operating portion 32 side.
It is urged to block 9.

The operation of the present embodiment having such a configuration will be described. Regarding the work up to filling the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 in the protective cap 5 and closing the lid 11,
Furthermore, the operation of rotating the ultrasonic probe 4 via the flexible shaft 3 and irradiating the object to be inspected with the ultrasonic beam is the same as in the above-described embodiment. Next, the flexible shaft 3
When the ultrasonic probe 4 is rotated through the air bubble, bubbles may be generated in the protective cap 5, but in order to reduce the bubbles, the ultrasonic transmission medium is put in the protective cap 5 through the opening 33. It is carried out by sending it toward and pressurizing the inside.

In this case, the ultrasonic wave transmission medium injected from the opening 33 resists the biasing force of the elastic member 38 against the seal member 37 of the check valve 34 closing the opening 39 on the operating portion 32 side. Extrusion (FIG. 7C), ultrasonic transmission medium supply path 13
The state (Fig. 7B) in which the pipe line of Fig. 7 is closed is opened, and the pipe flows toward the inside of the protective cap 5. In this way, when the injection of the ultrasonic transmission medium is stopped after the bubbles in the protective cap 5 are reduced, the injection pressure disappears and the seal member 3 of the check valve 34 is released.
7 returns to the position where it closes the opening 39 on the operating portion 32 side again (FIG. 7B).

The position of the check valve 34 is not limited to the midway of the ultrasonic transmission medium supply passage 13, but may be the vicinity of the opening 33 as shown in FIG. Further, the opening 33 does not have to be opened to the outside of the operation unit 32, and may be located inside the operation unit 32 as shown in FIG. 9 as long as the ultrasonic transmission medium can be injected. .

As described above, according to this embodiment, the first
In addition to the effects of the embodiment, when air bubbles are generated in the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 in the protective cap 5 due to the rotation of the ultrasonic probe 4, the ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is removed through the ultrasonic transmission medium supply passage 13. By supplying, the inside of the protective cap 5 can be pressurized to reduce bubbles. Moreover, the check valve 34 can maintain the pressurized state in the protective cap 5, and the bubble contraction state can be maintained. Therefore, proper ultrasonic diagnosis can be performed.

FIG. 10 shows an eighth embodiment, which has the function of a perspective endoscope. A flexible shaft 3 is rotatably provided inside the distal end forming portion 1 via a seal member 2 with an insertion portion central axis Y as an axis. An ultrasonic probe 4 coated with a moisture and water resistant material is provided at the tip of the flexible shaft 3 so as to move integrally with the flexible shaft 3. In addition, the ultrasonic probe 4 is provided in the tip forming unit 1.
A protective cap 5 is attached so as to protect the inside, and an ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is filled inside.

An observation optical system 41 is assembled inside the inclined surface portion 40 formed near the protective cap 5 of the tip forming portion 1, and the observation direction is orthogonal to the inclined surface portion 40. . Further, a cleaning pipe 42 is provided in the tip forming portion 1, and a brush 43 is arranged so as to be retractable in the pipe. The tip of the cleaning pipe 42 is formed so as to squeeze outside the tip forming portion 1, and the nozzle 44 is provided with the observation optical system 41
It is possible to eject gas and liquid toward. In addition, the cleaning conduit 42 in the tip forming section 1 is
The flexible shaft 3 is arranged obliquely with respect to the slope portion 40.
The angle α between the central axis Y of the insertion part and the axis of the cleaning conduit 42 is set to be smaller than the angle β between the central axis Y of the insertion part of the flexible shaft 3 and the axis orthogonal to the slope 40. Has been.

The operation of the present embodiment configured as above will be described. The action of filling the ultrasonic wave transmission medium 6 so as not to generate bubbles in the protective cap 5 is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment. Next, when the observation optical system 41 is soiled with mucus when the ultrasonic probe having an endoscope function is inserted into the body cavity, the observation optical system 41 is washed.
The cleaning liquid is discharged from the cleaning pipe 42 and the nozzle 44 on the surface of the cleaning liquid to be washed away, and the water droplets after cleaning are blown off by supplying air instead of the cleaning liquid. On the other hand, when the mucus or the like in the body cavity flows back to the nozzle 44, the brush 43 is inserted from the operation unit (not shown) to the nozzle 44 through the washing conduit 42, and the mucus or the like is discharged. In this case, since the angle α between the axis of the cleaning conduit 42 and the insertion section central axis Y of the flexible shaft 3 is small, the brush 43 can easily reach the nozzle 44.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the ultrasonic wave transmission medium 6 can be filled in the protective cap 5 so as not to generate bubbles, and the observation optical system of the perspective endoscope is cleaned. It is possible to easily remove mucus or the like when it flows back. Therefore, appropriate ultrasonic diagnosis can be performed and appropriate endoscopic diagnosis can also be performed.

FIG. 11 shows a ninth embodiment, which is an ultrasonic probe having an endoscope function as in the eighth embodiment. A seal member 2 is provided inside the tip forming unit 1.
The flexible shaft 3 is rotatably provided with the insertion portion central axis Y as an axis. An ultrasonic probe 4 coated with a moisture and water resistant material is provided at the tip of the flexible shaft 3 so as to move integrally with the flexible shaft 3. Further, a protective cap 5 is attached to the tip forming portion 1 so as to protect the ultrasonic probe 4, and an ultrasonic transmission medium 6 is filled inside.

Further, the observation optical system 41 is assembled in the inclined surface portion 40 formed near the protective cap 5 of the tip forming portion 1, and the observation direction is orthogonal to the inclined surface portion 40. . Further, the distal end forming section 1 is provided with a suction pipe line 46 for sucking mucus and filth in the body cavity having an opening 45 in the vicinity of the observation optical system 41. The opening 4
5 is opened toward the periphery including the surface of the observation optical system 41.

The operation of the present embodiment configured as above will be described. The action of filling the ultrasonic wave transmission medium 6 so as not to generate bubbles in the protective cap 5 is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment. Next, when an ultrasonic probe having an endoscope function is inserted into the body cavity, if there is filth or mucus in the body cavity, which is inconvenient for endoscopic observation, around the observation optical system 41, the suction conduit 46 is used. And suck them. In this case, even if part of the tip forming portion 1 is in close contact with the inner wall 47 of the body cavity, since the part of the opening 45 is open, it is avoided that the inner wall 47 of the body cavity is sucked. To be

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic wave transmission medium 6 can be filled in the protective cap 5 so as not to generate bubbles, and mucus or the like around the observation optical system is damaged on the inner wall of the body cavity. Can be removed by suction without giving. Therefore, appropriate ultrasonic diagnosis can be performed, and appropriate and safe endoscopic diagnosis can also be performed.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show the tenth embodiment, in which noise generated from the ultrasonic transmission cable is removed and proper ultrasonic diagnosis is carried out.
12 and 13 are partial cross-sectional views of the connector portion of the ultrasonic transmission cable of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. As shown in FIG. 12, the ultrasonic transmission cable has a flex 48 in which a strip-shaped metal is wound in a coil shape over the entire length, a tubular braid 49 braided with a metal wire, and a resin coating coated on the flex 48. It has a material 50. The flex 48 and the braid 49 are connected to the patient GND of the device connected to the connector 51.

Further, an electric signal line (not shown) is inserted inside the ultrasonic transmission cable, and these are connected to the connector 51. Further, a noise absorber 52 such as a ferrite core is provided outside the ultrasonic transmission cable and close to the connector 51. Further, an elastic break preventing member 53 is provided so as to cover the noise absorber 52.
The outer shape is formed by.

The operation of the present embodiment configured as above will be described. An electric signal emitted from a device connected via the connector 51 is transmitted to the ultrasonic probe by an electric signal line (not shown) in the ultrasonic transmission cable. After receiving the reflected beam from the object to be inspected by the ultrasonic probe, the received signal is transmitted to the connected device via the connector 51 by the electric signal line. In this case, noise or the like is generated from the electric signal line, but this noise or the like is absorbed by the flex 48 and the braid 49, and the noise absorber 5 is further absorbed.
Absorbed in 2. Since the noise absorber 52 is positioned by the bending prevention member 53 and is fixed so as not to shift, it does not hinder the absorption of noise and the like.

FIG. 13 shows a modified example of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, in which a noise absorber 52 is provided on the outer side of the folding prevention member 53, and the outer side thereof is covered with a protective member 54 made of resin. There is. The operation of the present embodiment configured as described above is the same as the configuration of FIG.

As described above, according to the tenth embodiment,
Noise or the like generated from the electric signal line in the ultrasonic transmission cable at the time of ultrasonic diagnosis includes a flex (flat wire coil 48) electrically connected to the patient GND and a metal braid (braid 4).
9), it is absorbed by the noise absorber provided on the outer side of the ultrasonic transmission cable having the resin coating material (break-stop member 53) and can be easily removed. Therefore, proper ultrasonic diagnosis can be performed.

FIG. 14 also shows a modification of the connector portion of the ultrasonic transmission cable of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, in which the electric signal line 55 of the ultrasonic transmission cable is formed by bundling a plurality of signal lines and arranging a metal on the signal line. Comprehensive shield 5 consisting of braided wire
6 and further covered with an outer cover 57 made of vinyl chloride, silicone rubber or the like. Further, each of the above-mentioned individual signal lines is connected to a contact pin 58 provided inside the connector 51, and by connecting the connector 51 to a device body (not shown), an electric signal is transmitted between the device body and the device body. You can do it.

The general shield 56 is electrically connected to a metallic cylindrical member 59 which covers the periphery of the contact pin 58,
The connector 51 and the electric signal line 55 are integrally shielded. In addition, a tapered portion 59a is formed on the tip side (lower side in the drawing) of the tubular member 59, and is fitted with a spring member that is cylindrically arranged on the outer periphery of the connector of the apparatus body (not shown). As a result, it is possible to ensure electrical continuity with the GND of the apparatus body.

Further, noise absorbers 60 and 61 such as ferrite cores are provided on the outer periphery of the electric signal line 55. The material of this noise absorber is selected according to the frequency of noise radiated from the device, and is arranged at an appropriate position. A plurality of noise absorbers 60 may be arranged. In the present embodiment, the noise absorber is arranged inside the tubular member 59 and inside the bending prevention member 62 made of an elastic material such as silicon rubber provided at the rear end of the tubular member 59. . Then, the noise absorber 6 is generated due to vibration and shock during handling.
In order to prevent 0 and the noise absorber 61 from coming into contact with the tubular member 59 and being damaged, a washer 63 made of resin or the like is interposed between the two. The operation and effect of this modified example are similar to those of the configuration shown in FIG.

The contents described in the above embodiments can be understood as the following inventions. 1. An ultrasonic probe having an ultrasonic probe that is rotatable with respect to the insertion axis at the tip of the insertion part, and the outer periphery of the tip of the insertion part is formed of a tip protection member, and the tip of the ultrasonic probe is configured to perform a mechanical scan. A super-shaped opening, which has a diameter larger than the thickness of the ultrasonic probe and can be opened and closed at the tip of the protective member and substantially coaxially with the rotation axis of the ultrasonic probe. Sonic probe. According to the first aspect, the opening of the protective cap that can be opened and closed is provided, and since this opening is larger than the thickness of the ultrasonic probe, air bubbles in the ultrasonic transmission medium are removed. The means for doing so can be plugged in easily. Therefore, the air bubbles in the ultrasonic transmission medium can be easily removed, and proper ultrasonic diagnosis can be performed.

[0062] 2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the substantially circular opening is opened and closed by a detachable lid by screwing. According to the second item, in addition to the effect of the first item, a lid having a seal member attached to the opening at the tip of the protective cap is provided, so that the inside of the protective cap is liquid-tight when the opening is closed. Kept in. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ultrasonic transmission medium from leaking during the use of the ultrasonic probe and prevent the intrusion of foreign matter into the protective cap.
Ultrasound diagnosis can be performed in an appropriate state.

[0063]

As described above, according to the present invention, the opening of the protective cap is openable and closable, and the opening is larger than the thickness of the ultrasonic probe.
A means for removing bubbles in the ultrasonic transmission medium can be easily inserted. Therefore, the air bubbles in the ultrasonic transmission medium can be easily removed, and proper ultrasonic diagnosis can be performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a distal end of an insertion portion of an ultrasonic probe according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a tip of an insertion portion of an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the tip of the insertion portion of the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end of an insertion portion of an ultrasonic probe according to a fourth embodiment and a cross-sectional view of a seal member.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a distal end of an insertion portion of an ultrasonic probe according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a distal end of an insertion portion of an ultrasonic probe according to a sixth embodiment.

7A and 7B are a sectional view of a distal end of an insertion portion of an ultrasonic probe according to a seventh embodiment and an enlarged sectional view showing the operation of a check valve.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the tip of the insertion portion of the ultrasonic probe according to the modification.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a distal end of an insertion portion of an ultrasonic probe according to another modification.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tip of the insertion portion of the ultrasonic probe according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a distal end of an insertion portion of an ultrasonic probe according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector portion of the ultrasonic probe according to the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector portion of the ultrasonic probe according to the modification.

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector portion of an ultrasonic probe according to another modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tip configuration part 2 Sealing member 3 Flexible member 4 Ultrasonic probe 5 Protective cap 6 Ultrasonic transmission medium 7 Opening 8 Lid 9 Needle 10 Bubble

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic wave in which an ultrasonic probe rotatable about an insertion axis is provided at the tip of the insertion section, and the outer periphery of the tip of the insertion section is formed by a tip protection member to perform mechanical scanning. In the probe, at the tip of the tip protection member and substantially coaxially with the rotation axis of the ultrasonic probe, with a diameter larger than the length in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the ultrasonic probe and a substantially circular opening and closing An ultrasonic probe having a free opening.