JP2018134271A - Ultrasonic diagnosis device and ultrasonic diagnosis support program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic diagnosis device that enables puncture to be performed safely and reliably.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnosis device 10 includes a probe 70, a cross section setting part 225, a cross-sectional image data generation part 227, and a display control part 229. The probe includes a plurality of piezoelectric transducer groups that constitute an ultrasonic transmission/reception surface. The cross section setting part sets at least one cross section based on a spatial position of at least one second piezoelectric transducer group different from a first piezoelectric transducer group used for the present ultrasonic transmission/reception of a plurality of ultrasonic transmission/reception surfaces for volume data acquired beforehand. The cross-sectional image data generation part generates at least one piece of cross-sectional image data corresponding to at least one set cross section from the volume data. The display control part displays at least one cross-sectional image on the basis of the at least one piece of cross-sectional image data together with an ultrasonic image on the basis of ultrasonic image data acquired through the first piezoelectric transducer group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic support program.

  When performing a puncture while observing an ultrasound image obtained using an ultrasound diagnostic device, a puncture needle is inserted into a region of interest (ROI) such as a patient's lesion (examination / treatment target). Thus, a predetermined examination or treatment is performed.

  At this time, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, for example, the ultrasonic image acquired by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is displayed in real time on the left side of the screen, and acquired using other modalities on the right side and displayed in real time. A CT (Computed Tomography) image or an MR (Magnetic Resonance) image corresponding to the cross-sectional position of the ultrasonic image to be displayed is displayed.

  By the way, in the transperineal puncture of the prostate, a biplane probe capable of acquiring ultrasonic images related to a plurality of cross sections may be used. The biplane probe has two ultrasonic transmission / reception surfaces that can ultrasonically scan two cross sections that intersect each other. One of the ultrasonic transmission / reception surfaces is provided at the tip of the biplane probe and is usually used for the purpose of confirming a lesion such as a tumor. The other of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surfaces is provided on the side surface of the biplane probe and is usually used for monitoring the puncture needle.

  On the other hand, user needs for performing puncture safely and reliably include displaying both the lesion and the puncture needle in real time and displaying a position-synchronized MPR (Multi-planar Reconstruction) image. It is done.

  Here, when simultaneous transmission / reception is performed using the two ultrasonic transmission / reception surfaces of the biplane probe, the transmitted / received ultrasonic waves interfere with each other, causing a significant problem in the image quality of the ultrasonic image. For this reason, it is impossible to simultaneously display in real time an ultrasonic image acquired using two ultrasonic transmission / reception surfaces.

WO2013-021711

  An object of the present embodiment is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that enables puncture to be performed safely and reliably.

  According to the embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a probe, a cross-section setting unit, a cross-sectional image data generation unit, and a display control unit. The probe has a plurality of piezoelectric vibrator groups constituting an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface. The cross-section setting unit applies at least one second piezoelectric element different from the first piezoelectric transducer group used for current ultrasonic transmission / reception among the plurality of ultrasonic transmission / reception surfaces to the volume data acquired in advance. At least one cross section is set based on the spatial position of the transducer group. The cross-sectional image data generation unit generates at least one cross-sectional image data corresponding to the set at least one cross-section from the volume data. The display control unit displays at least one cross-sectional image based on the at least one cross-sectional image data together with an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic image data acquired via the first piezoelectric vibrator group.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment is inserted into the rectum and transrectal puncture is performed. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control circuit when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment displays an ultrasonic image acquired using the ultrasonic probe. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of the ultrasonic image and the MPR image displayed on the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of the ultrasonic image and the MPR image displayed on the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment displays an ultrasonic image acquired using an ultrasonic probe and an image related to a puncture needle. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of an ultrasonic image, an MPR image, and an image related to the puncture needle displayed on the display device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the needle C surface displayed on the display device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the needle C surface displayed on the display device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a puncture adapter according to a third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment is inserted into the rectum and transperineal puncture is performed. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment displays an ultrasonic image acquired using an ultrasonic probe and an image related to a puncture needle. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasonic probe according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment performs scanning while changing the scanning surface according to the position of the puncture needle. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment changes the scanning plane in accordance with the position of the puncture needle. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth embodiment performs scanning while changing the scanning surface according to the position of the puncture needle.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 10, an ultrasonic probe 70, a position sensor system 30, a display device 50, and an input device 60. The apparatus main body 10 is connected to the external apparatus 40 via the network 100. Further, the apparatus main body 10 is connected to the position sensor system 30, the display device 50, and the input device 60. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is assumed to be used in puncture, and a puncture needle 80 is used together with the ultrasonic probe 70.

  The position sensor system 30 is a system for acquiring three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 and the ultrasonic image. The position sensor system 30 includes a position sensor 31 and a position detection device 32.

  The position sensor system 30 acquires, for example, three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 by attaching a target for a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, or an infrared camera to the ultrasonic probe 70 as the position sensor 31. Note that a gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor) may be incorporated in the ultrasonic probe 70, and the three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 may be acquired by the gyro sensor. Further, the position sensor system 30 may acquire the three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 by capturing the ultrasonic probe 70 with a camera and performing image recognition processing on the captured image. Further, the position sensor system 30 may hold the ultrasonic probe 70 with a robot arm and acquire the position of the robot arm in the three-dimensional space as the position information of the ultrasonic probe 70.

  Hereinafter, a case where the position sensor system 30 acquires position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 using a magnetic sensor will be described as an example. Specifically, the position sensor system 30 further includes a magnetic generator (not shown) having, for example, a magnetic generating coil. The magnetic generator forms a magnetic field outward with the magnetic generator itself as a center. The formed magnetic field defines a magnetic field space in which positional accuracy is guaranteed. Therefore, the magnetic generator may be arranged so that the living body to be examined is included in the magnetic field space where the positional accuracy is guaranteed. The position sensor 31 attached to the ultrasonic probe 70 detects the intensity and inclination of the three-dimensional magnetic field formed by the magnetic generator. Thereby, the position and direction of the ultrasonic probe 70 can be acquired. The position sensor 31 outputs the detected magnetic field strength and inclination to the position detection device 32.

  The position detection device 32, for example, based on the intensity and inclination of the magnetic field detected by the position sensor 31, for example, the position of the ultrasonic probe 70 (scan surface position (x, y, z) and rotation angles (θx, θy, θz)) are calculated. At this time, the predetermined position is, for example, a position where the magnetic generator is disposed. The position detection device 32 transmits position information regarding the calculated position (x, y, z, θx, θy, θz) to the apparatus main body 10.

  The positional information can be added to the ultrasonic image data by associating the positional information acquired as described above with the ultrasonic image data of the ultrasonic waves transmitted and received from the ultrasonic probe 70 by time synchronization or the like.

  The ultrasonic probe 70 includes a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators, a matching layer provided in the piezoelectric vibrator, a backing material that prevents propagation of ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric vibrator to the rear, and the like. The ultrasonic probe 70 is detachably connected to the apparatus main body 10. The plurality of piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal supplied from an ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 included in the apparatus body 10. The ultrasonic probe 70 may be provided with a button that is pressed when an offset process, which will be described later, or when an ultrasonic image is frozen.

  When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 70 to the living body P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected one after another at the discontinuous surface of the acoustic impedance in the body tissue of the living body P, and the ultrasonic probe 70 is reflected as a reflected wave signal. It is received by a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surface where the ultrasonic wave is reflected. The reflected wave signal when the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the moving blood flow or the surface of the heart wall depends on the velocity component of the moving object in the ultrasonic transmission direction due to the Doppler effect. Subject to frequency shift. The ultrasonic probe 70 receives a reflected wave signal from the living body P and converts it into an electrical signal.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the ultrasonic probe 70 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 70 includes a first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 and a second piezoelectric vibrator group 702. In the ultrasonic probe 70, the first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 and the second piezoelectric vibrator group 702 are provided independently of each other. The ultrasonic probe 70 may be a multi-plane probe having three or more piezoelectric vibrator groups.

  The first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 is a set of vibrators for acquiring a convex image that is an ultrasonic image of the axial surface of the living body P. The first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 is attached along the circumferential direction at the tip of the ultrasonic probe 70. The first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 can scan the range of the scanning plane F1 shown in FIG.

  The second piezoelectric vibrator group 702 is a set of vibrators for acquiring a linear image that is an ultrasonic image of the sagittal surface of the living body P. The second piezoelectric vibrator group 702 is attached to a part of the circumferential side surface of the ultrasonic probe 70 along the longitudinal direction. The second piezoelectric vibrator group 702 can scan the range of the scanning plane F2 shown in FIG.

  The ultrasonic probe 70 is provided with a puncture adapter 81. The puncture adapter 81 can define the initial insertion position of the puncture needle 80, and can hold the puncture needle 80 slidably in the insertion direction. The puncture adapter 81 allows the puncture angle of the puncture needle 80 to be freely adjusted. The puncture needle 80 is inserted into the living body using the puncture adapter 81 along the ultrasonic scanning plane.

  The puncture needle 80 may be any kind of puncture needle. For example, it may be a biopsy (biological tissue examination) puncture needle for the purpose of collecting tissue in a lesion, or an ablation treatment puncture needle such as an RFA puncture needle capable of ablation treatment of a lesion. There may be.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a state in which the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment is inserted into the rectum and transrectal puncture is performed. In transrectal puncture, the puncture needle 80 moves in a direction along the ultrasonic probe inserted into the rectum. When transrectal puncture is performed, as shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic probe 70 is inserted into the rectum H <b> 1 of the living body P, for example. The puncture needle 80 is directly inserted into the prostate H2 from the inner wall of the rectum H1 of the living body P, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when ultrasonic waves are irradiated from the first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 toward the region of interest of the prostate H2, a reflected wave signal in the region of interest of the prostate H2 is acquired. As a result, the region of interest of the prostate H2 can be visualized. Further, when ultrasonic waves are irradiated from the second piezoelectric vibrator group 702 toward the puncture needle 80, a reflected wave signal in the surrounding tissue of the puncture needle 80 and the living body P is acquired. As a result, the puncture needle 80 can be visualized.

  The apparatus main body 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on a reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 70. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus body 10 includes an ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, an ultrasonic reception circuit 12, a B-mode processing circuit 13, a Doppler processing circuit 14, a three-dimensional processing circuit 15, a display processing circuit 16, and an internal storage circuit 17. , An image memory 18 (cine memory), an image database 19, an input interface circuit 20, a communication interface circuit 21, and a control circuit 22.

  The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 is a processor that supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 70. The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 is realized by, for example, a trigger generation circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulser circuit. The trigger generation circuit repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency under the control of the control circuit 22. The delay circuit sets the delay time for each piezoelectric vibrator necessary for determining the transmission directivity by focusing the ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic probe 70 into a beam shape for each rate pulse generated by the trigger generation circuit. Give to. The pulsar circuit controls the drive signal to only one of the first piezoelectric transducer group 701 or the second piezoelectric transducer group 702 of the ultrasonic probe 70 at the timing based on the rate pulse under the control of the control circuit 22. (Drive pulse) is applied. By changing the delay time given to each rate pulse by the delay circuit, the transmission direction from the surface of the piezoelectric vibrator can be arbitrarily adjusted.

  The ultrasonic reception circuit 12 is a processor that performs various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 70 and generates a reception signal. The ultrasonic reception circuit 12 is realized by, for example, an amplifier circuit, an A / D converter, a reception delay circuit, and an adder. The amplifier circuit performs gain correction processing by amplifying the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 70 for each channel. The A / D converter converts the gain-corrected reflected wave signal into a digital signal. The reception delay circuit gives a delay time necessary for determining the reception directivity to the digital signal. The adder adds a plurality of digital signals given delay times. By the addition processing of the adder, a reception signal in which the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized is generated.

  The B-mode processing circuit 13 is a processor that generates B-mode data based on the reception signal received from the ultrasonic reception circuit 12. The B-mode processing circuit 13 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic amplification processing, and the like on the reception signal received from the ultrasonic reception circuit 12, and data in which the signal intensity is expressed by brightness (B-mode data). Is generated. The generated B mode data is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as B mode RAW data on a two-dimensional ultrasonic scanning line.

  The Doppler processing circuit 14 is a processor that generates a Doppler waveform and Doppler data based on the received signal received from the ultrasonic receiving circuit 12. The Doppler processing circuit 14 extracts a blood flow signal from the received signal, generates a Doppler waveform from the extracted blood flow signal, and data obtained by extracting information such as average velocity, variance, and power from the blood flow signal at multiple points. (Doppler data) is generated. The generated Doppler data is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as Doppler RAW data on a two-dimensional ultrasonic scanning line.

  The three-dimensional processing circuit 15 is a processor that can generate volume data (three-dimensional image data) based on the data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 13 and the Doppler processing circuit 14.

  The three-dimensional processing circuit 15 is configured from voxels in a desired range by executing RAW-voxel conversion including interpolation processing with spatial position information added to B-mode data stored in the RAW data memory. Generate volume data.

  In addition, the three-dimensional processing circuit 15 performs rendering processing on the generated volume data to generate rendering image data.

  The display processing circuit 16 is a processor that displays various images on the display device 50. The display processing circuit 16 generates ultrasonic image data as a display image by coordinate conversion processing or the like. The coordinate conversion processing is, for example, converting a scanning line signal line of ultrasonic scanning composed of B-mode data and Doppler data into a video signal that is a scanning line signal line of a general video format represented by a television or the like. It is processing to do.

  The display processing circuit 16 generates B mode image data based on the B mode RAW data stored in the RAW data memory. The B-mode image data has pixel values (brightness values) reflecting the characteristics of an ultrasonic probe such as focusing of sound waves, the sound field characteristics of an ultrasonic beam (for example, transmission / reception beam), and the like. For example, in the B-mode image data, the luminance is relatively higher in the scanned region near the focus of the ultrasonic wave than in the non-focused portion. The display processing circuit 16 displays the generated B-mode image data on the display device 50 as an ultrasonic image.

  In addition, the display processing circuit 16 generates Doppler image data related to the average speed image, the dispersed image, the power image, and the like based on the Doppler RAW data stored in the RAW data memory. The display processing circuit 16 displays the generated Doppler image data on the display device 50 as an ultrasonic image.

  Further, the display processing circuit 16 executes various processes such as a dynamic range, brightness (brightness), contrast, γ curve correction, and RGB conversion on various image data generated by the three-dimensional processing circuit 15. Convert image data into video signal. The display processing circuit 16 displays the video signal on the display device 50 as an ultrasonic image.

  The display processing circuit 16 generates a user interface (GUI: Graphical User Interface) for an operator (for example, an operator) to input various instructions using the input interface circuit 20, and displays the GUI on the display device 50. May be. As the display device 50, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, a plasma display, or any other display known in the art can be used as appropriate.

  The internal storage circuit 17 includes, for example, a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a recording medium that can be read by a processor such as a semiconductor memory. The internal storage circuit 17 stores a control program for realizing ultrasonic transmission / reception, a control program for performing image processing, a control program for performing display processing, and the like. The internal storage circuit 17 stores a control program for realizing various functions according to the present embodiment. The internal storage circuit 17 also includes diagnostic information (for example, patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), diagnostic protocol, body mark generation program, and conversion table for presetting the range of color data used for imaging for each diagnostic part. The data group is memorized. The internal storage circuit 17 may store an anatomical chart related to the structure of the organ in the living body, for example, an atlas.

  Further, the internal storage circuit 17 stores the volume data generated by the three-dimensional processing circuit 15 and the rendering image data in accordance with a storage operation input via the input interface circuit 20. The internal storage circuit 17 stores the volume data generated by the three-dimensional processing circuit 15 and the rendering image data including the operation order and operation time in accordance with the storage operation input via the input interface circuit 20. Also good. The internal storage circuit 17 can also transfer the stored data to an external device via the communication interface circuit 21.

  The image memory 18 includes, for example, a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a recording medium that can be read by a processor such as a semiconductor memory. The image memory 18 stores image data corresponding to a plurality of frames immediately before the freeze operation input via the input interface circuit 20. The image data stored in the image memory 18 is continuously displayed (cine display), for example.

  The image database 19 stores image data transferred from the external device 40. For example, the image database 19 acquires and stores past image data regarding the same patient acquired in the past examination from the external device 40. The past image data includes ultrasound image data, CT (Computed Tomography) image data, MR image data, PET (Positron Emission Tomography) -CT image data, PET-MR image data, and X-ray image data. The past image data is stored as, for example, three-dimensional volume data and rendering image data. The past image data is preferably one that has not passed for a long time since the image data was acquired, for example, one that has been acquired within a few days.

  The image database 19 may store desired image data by reading image data recorded on a recording medium (media) such as MO, CD-R, or DVD.

  The input interface circuit 20 receives various instructions from the user via the input device 60. The input device 60 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a panel switch, a slider switch, a trackball, a rotary encoder, an operation panel, and a touch command screen (TCS). The input interface circuit 20 is connected to the control circuit 22 via, for example, a bus, converts an operation instruction input from the operator into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the control circuit 22. In the present specification, the input interface circuit 20 is not limited to one that is connected to physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 is received as a wireless signal, and the electrical signal is processed to output the electrical signal to the control circuit 22 A circuit is also included in the example of the input interface circuit 20.

  The communication interface circuit 21 is connected to the position sensor system 30 by radio, for example, and receives position information transmitted from the position detection device 32. The communication interface circuit 21 is connected to the external device 40 via the network 100 or the like, and performs data communication with the external device 40. The external device 40 is, for example, a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) database that is a system that manages data of various medical images, a database of an electronic medical record system that manages an electronic medical record to which medical images are attached, and the like. The external device 40 includes various medical images other than the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, such as an X-ray CT apparatus, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus, and an X-ray diagnostic apparatus. It is a diagnostic device. The standard for communication with the external device 40 may be any standard, for example, DICOM (digital imaging and communication in medicine).

  The control circuit 22 is, for example, a processor that functions as the center of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The control circuit 22 executes an operation program stored in the internal storage circuit 17, thereby realizing a function corresponding to the operation program. Specifically, the control circuit 22 includes a position information acquisition function 221, an alignment function 223, a cross-section setting function 225, an image data generation function 227, a display control function 229, and a scanning control function 231.

  The position information acquisition function 221 is a function for acquiring position information regarding the ultrasonic probe 70. When the position information acquisition function 221 is executed, the control circuit 22 acquires position information regarding the ultrasonic probe 70 from the position sensor system 30 via the communication interface circuit 21.

  The alignment function 223 is a function for aligning ultrasound image data acquired in real time by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 and past image data acquired in the past by another modality or the like. When the alignment function 223 is executed, the control circuit 22 uses, for example, the position information regarding the ultrasound probe 70 acquired by the position information acquisition function 221 to obtain ultrasonic image data and past image data by a predetermined registration method. To the ultrasonic probe 70. The registration method includes a method using coordinate transformation such as rigid body transformation and affine transformation, and a method based on the similarity of image data to be registered, and a plurality of pieces of image data to be registered as ultrasonic probes 70. Any method may be used as long as it is associated with the positional information regarding.

  The past image data to be aligned by this function is, for example, three-dimensional volume data such as ultrasonic image data, CT image data, and MR image data. CT image data and MR image data are used when it is desired to display image information that cannot be obtained with ultrasound image data. For example, a CT image based on CT image data acquired by contrast CT has clearer image contrast than an ultrasonic image based on ultrasonic image data, and a large amount of information is obtained when viewed. In addition, MR image data can observe a prostate tumor that is difficult to visualize with CT image data and ultrasound image data.

  The cross-section setting function 225 is a function for setting a cross-section to be observed with respect to the three-dimensional volume data acquired in advance based on the spatial position of the piezoelectric vibrator group that is not driven. When the cross-section setting function 225 is executed, the control circuit 22 is not driven, for example, the space of the first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 or the second piezoelectric vibrator group 702 that is not used for ultrasonic transmission / reception. Based on the position, the spatial position of the cross section to be extracted is calculated in the past image data aligned by the alignment function 223. The control circuit 22 sets a cross section to be observed with respect to past image data based on the calculated spatial position of the cross section.

  The image data generation function 227 is a function that generates cross-sectional image data from three-dimensional volume data. When the image data generation function 227 is executed, the control circuit 22 generates, for example, cross-sectional image data corresponding to the cross section set by the cross-section setting function 225 from the past image data in which the cross section is set.

  The display control function 229 is a function for displaying a cross-sectional image based on the cross-sectional image data generated from the three-dimensional volume data acquired in advance together with the ultrasonic image data acquired in real time by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. When the display control function 229 is executed, the control circuit 22 generates a second cross-sectional image based on the cross-sectional image data generated based on the spatial position of the first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 by the image data generation function 227, for example. Are displayed on the display device 50 together with an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic image data acquired via the piezoelectric vibrator group 702. Further, the control circuit 22 transmits a cross-sectional image based on the cross-sectional image data generated based on the spatial position of the second piezoelectric vibrator group 702 by the image data generation function 227 via the first piezoelectric vibrator group 701, for example. And displayed on the display device 50 together with the ultrasonic image based on the acquired ultrasonic image data. Note that the display control function 229 may output cross-sectional image data and ultrasonic image data to the external device 40 for display on a display or the like of the external device 40 connected via the network 100.

  The scanning control function 231 is a function that controls ultrasonic scanning. When the scanning control function 231 is executed, the control circuit 22 drives the first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 or the second piezoelectric vibrator group 702 via, for example, the input interface circuit 20. An ultrasonic transmission / reception condition indicating is received. The control circuit 22 controls the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 and the ultrasonic reception circuit 12 according to the received transmission / reception conditions, and controls the first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 or the second piezoelectric vibrator group 702 included in the ultrasonic probe 70. One side is driven, ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the living body P, and ultrasonic scanning is performed to receive the reflected wave signal. Further, the control circuit 22 can switch, for example, a driven piezoelectric vibrator in the course of an inspection in accordance with an input of ultrasonic transmission / reception conditions via the input interface circuit 20. The ultrasonic transmission / reception conditions may be, for example, the transmission / reception conditions that are initially set.

  The basic control function 233 is a function for controlling basic operations such as input / output of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. When the basic control function 233 is executed, the control circuit 22 receives information about the patient to be examined through the input interface circuit 20, for example. The information regarding the patient to be inspected includes, for example, a patient ID, a name, a site to be inspected, and the like. The control circuit 22 reads past image data corresponding to the received information about the patient from the image database 19.

  The position information acquisition function 221, the alignment function 223, the cross-section setting function 225, the image data generation function 227, the display control function 229, and the scanning control function 231 may be incorporated as a control program, or the control circuit 22 itself or As a circuit that can be referred to by the control circuit 22 in the apparatus main body 10, a dedicated hardware circuit that can execute each function may be incorporated.

  Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control circuit 22 when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment displays an ultrasonic image acquired using the ultrasonic probe 70. Hereinafter, a case where the first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 that acquires a convex image including a lesion such as a tumor is driven will be described as an example.

  When the information about the patient to be examined and the ultrasound transmission / reception conditions are input via the input interface circuit 20, the control circuit 22 receives past image data (three-dimensional volume data) corresponding to the received information about the patient. Are read from the image database 19 (step SA1). At this time, the control circuit 22 controls the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 and the ultrasonic reception circuit 12, and drives the first piezoelectric transducer group 701 to start ultrasonic scanning.

  Next, the control circuit 22 executes the position information acquisition function 221 and acquires the position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 from the position detection device 32 (step SA2).

  Next, the control circuit 22 executes the alignment function 223 and reads ultrasonic image data generated by ultrasonic scanning of the first piezoelectric transducer group 701 from the display processing circuit 16. Then, the control circuit 22 associates the positional information regarding the ultrasonic probe 70 acquired in step SA2 with the read ultrasonic image data and the past image data read in step SA1 by a predetermined registration method ( Step SA3).

  Next, the control circuit 22 executes the cross-section setting function 225, and extracts the cross-section to be extracted from the past image data aligned in step SA3 based on the spatial position of the second piezoelectric vibrator group 702 that is not driven. The spatial position of is calculated. Specifically, the control circuit 22 calculates the spatial position of the cross section corresponding to the scanning surface that is ultrasonically scanned to acquire a linear image using the second piezoelectric transducer group 702. The control circuit 22 sets a cross section to be observed for the past image data based on the calculated spatial position of the cross section (step SA4).

  Next, the control circuit 22 executes the image data generation function 227, and generates cross-sectional image data corresponding to the cross-section set in step SA4 from the past image data aligned in step SA3 (step SA5).

  Next, the control circuit 22 executes the display control function 229 to control the display processing circuit 16, and the cross-sectional image based on the cross-sectional image data generated in step SA5 is based on the ultrasonic image data read in step SA3. It is displayed together with the ultrasonic image (step SA6). FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of the ultrasonic image and the MPR image displayed on the display device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, in the display device 50, a Live image 5011 corresponding to a convex image is displayed in the right region 501. In the left area 502, an MPR image 5021 corresponding to a linear image is displayed. The Live image 5011 represents an ultrasonic image based on ultrasonic image data generated by ultrasonic scanning of the first piezoelectric transducer group 701. The MPR image 5021 represents a cross-sectional image based on cross-sectional image data generated from past image data (three-dimensional volume data) based on the spatial position of the second piezoelectric vibrator group 702 that is not driven.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the control circuit 22 displays the MPR image 5012 corresponding to the convex image in the right region 501 and the Live image 5022 corresponding to the linear image in the left region 502. You may make it do. At this time, the control circuit 22 starts the ultrasonic scanning by driving the second piezoelectric vibrator group 702. The MPR image 5012 represents a cross-sectional image based on cross-sectional image data generated from past image data (three-dimensional volume data) based on the spatial position of the first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 that is not driven. The Live image 5022 represents an ultrasonic image based on ultrasonic image data that is a linear image generated by ultrasonic scanning of the second piezoelectric transducer group 702.

  Finally, the control circuit 22 determines whether or not an instruction to end the ultrasonic scanning is input via the input interface circuit 20, for example (step SA7). When the control circuit 22 determines that an instruction to end is input (Yes in step SA7), the series of processing ends. If the control circuit 22 determines that an instruction to end is not input (No in step SA7), the control circuit 22 executes the processing from step SA2 to step SA7 again.

  According to the first embodiment, the control circuit 22 sets a cross-section to be observed based on the position of the piezoelectric vibrator that is not driven with respect to past image data stored in the image database 19 in advance. The control circuit 22 generates cross-sectional image data corresponding to the set cross-section from the past image data. The control circuit 22 displays the cross-sectional image based on the generated cross-sectional image data on the display device 50 together with the ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic image data acquired by ultrasonically scanning the driving piezoelectric vibrator.

  Thereby, the simultaneous display of the convex image and the linear image in the case where the first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 and the second piezoelectric vibrator group 702 are simultaneously driven to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves can be realized in a pseudo manner. That is, the state of the lesion such as a tumor and the state of the puncture needle can be observed simultaneously.

  Therefore, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment, puncturing can be performed safely and reliably.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which the position sensor 31 is installed in the ultrasonic probe 70 and a cross-section to be observed is set for past image data based on position information regarding the ultrasonic probe 70.

  In puncture, for example, a two-dimensional image collected on a cross section including the puncture needle is displayed, and the operator observes the lesion and the puncture needle, and punctures the lesion while grasping the positional relationship between them. Enter. In such a case, in order to perform safer and more reliable puncture, it is necessary to grasp the tip portion of the puncture needle and visually recognize an image on which the actual position of the puncture needle is displayed.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case will be described in which an image related to the puncture needle is displayed in addition to the display form according to the first embodiment. At this time, a position sensor is also installed in the puncture needle, and the positional relationship with the ultrasonic probe is calculated by the position sensor, so that the position of the puncture needle that is inserted and difficult to see can be guided.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 </ b> A includes a position sensor 82 in addition to the apparatus main body 10 </ b> A, the ultrasonic probe 70, the position sensor system 30, the display device 50, and the input device 60. The apparatus main body 10A is connected to the external apparatus 40 via the network 100. Further, the apparatus main body 10A is connected to the position sensor system 30, the display device 50, the input device 60, and the position sensor 82. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, a puncture needle 80 is used together with the ultrasonic probe 70, assuming a case where it is used in puncture.

  A position sensor 82 is attached to the puncture needle 80 according to the second embodiment. The position sensor 82 is a position sensor different from the position sensor 31 installed in the ultrasonic probe 70. The position sensor 82 obtains position information of the puncture needle 80 by measuring the position of at least the distal end portion of the puncture needle 80. The position sensor 82 may transmit a wireless signal, and an external receiver may calculate the position information of the puncture needle 80 based on the wireless signal from the position sensor 82. Since the position sensor 82 may be a general sensor that measures the position of the puncture needle 80, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The apparatus main body 10A shown in FIG. 7 is an apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on a reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 70. As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus main body 10A includes an ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, an ultrasonic reception circuit 12, a B-mode processing circuit 13, a Doppler processing circuit 14, a three-dimensional processing circuit 15, a display processing circuit 16, and an internal storage circuit 17. , An image memory 18 (cine memory), an image database 19, an input interface circuit 20, a communication interface circuit 21, and a control circuit 22A.

  The control circuit 22A is, for example, a processor that functions as the center of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A. The control circuit 22A executes an operation program stored in the internal storage circuit 17, thereby realizing a function corresponding to the operation program. Specifically, the control circuit 22A includes a position information acquisition function 221A, a puncture information generation function 222A, an alignment function 223A, a cross-section setting function 225A, an image data generation function 227A, a display control function 229A, a scanning control function 231, and a basic function. A control function 233 is provided.

  The position information acquisition function 221 </ b> A is a function of acquiring position information regarding the puncture needle 80 in addition to position information regarding the ultrasonic probe 70. When the position information acquisition function 221 </ b> A is executed, the control circuit 22 </ b> A receives the position information regarding the ultrasonic probe 70 from the position sensor system 30 and the position information regarding the puncture needle 80 from the position sensor 82 via the communication interface circuit 21. get.

  The puncture information generation function 222A is a function of generating puncture information that can specify the position of the puncture needle with respect to the scan region of the ultrasonic probe 70. When the puncture information generation function 222 is executed, the control circuit 22A determines at least the position of the puncture needle 80 and the puncture from the position information regarding the puncture needle 80 and the position information regarding the ultrasonic probe 70 obtained in time series. Puncturing information including information regarding the direction is generated.

  The cross-section setting function 225A is a function for setting a cross-section to be observed with respect to the three-dimensional volume data acquired in advance based on the spatial position of the piezoelectric vibrator that is not driven. The difference from the cross-section setting function 225 is that the puncture information generated by the puncture information generation function 222 is used. When the cross-section setting function 225 is executed, the control circuit 22A, for example, the space of the first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 or the second piezoelectric vibrator group 702 that is not driven, that is, not used for ultrasonic transmission / reception. Based on the position and puncture information generated by the puncture information generation function 222, the spatial position of the cross section to be extracted is calculated using the past image data aligned by the alignment function 223. Specifically, the control circuit 22 is a cross section corresponding to a scanning surface that is ultrasonically scanned using, for example, the second piezoelectric transducer group 702 and includes a puncture needle 80 specified by puncture information. The spatial position of is calculated. The control circuit 22 sets a cross section to be observed with respect to past image data based on the calculated spatial position of the cross section.

  The image data generation function 227A is a function of generating image data related to the puncture needle 80 in addition to the cross-sectional image data generated by the image data generation function 227. When the image data generation function 227A is executed, the control circuit 22A generates image data related to the puncture needle 80 corresponding to the generated cross-sectional image data based on the puncture information. The image data regarding the puncture needle 80 includes puncture guide image data and puncture needle image data. The puncture guide image data is inserted into a living body site (also referred to as a target site) such as a tumor to be punctured by the puncture needle 80 in the scan region of the first piezoelectric transducer group 701 or the second piezoelectric transducer group 702. It is image data which shows a plan route. The puncture needle image data is image data indicating the current position of the puncture needle in order to improve the visibility of the puncture needle.

  Further, the control circuit 22A generates image data related to the puncture needle 80 corresponding to the ultrasonic image data aligned by the alignment function 223 based on the puncture information.

  The display control function 229A superimposes and displays image data related to the puncture needle 80 corresponding to the ultrasonic image and the cross-sectional image, in addition to the ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic image data and the cross-sectional image based on the cross-sectional image data. When the display control function 229 </ b> A is executed, the control circuit 22 </ b> A controls the display processing circuit 16 and responds to an ultrasound image based on ultrasound image data in which a cross section including the puncture needle 80 is selected, for example. The puncture guide image based on the puncture guide image data and the puncture needle image based on the puncture needle image data are displayed on the display device 50 in a superimposed manner. Furthermore, the control circuit 22A controls the display processing circuit 16, for example, for a cross-sectional image based on the cross-sectional image data generated by the image data generation function 227, a puncture guide image based on the corresponding puncture guide image data, and a puncture needle A puncture needle image based on the image data is superimposed and displayed on the display device 50.

  Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit 22A when the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment displays an ultrasound image acquired using the ultrasound probe 70 and an image related to the puncture needle. . Hereinafter, a case where the first piezoelectric vibrator group 701 that acquires a convex image including a lesion such as a tumor is driven will be described as an example.

  Step SB1 shown in FIG. 8 is the same as step SA1 shown in FIG.

  Next, the control circuit 22A executes the position information acquisition function 221A, and the position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 from the position detection device 32 and the position information of the puncture needle 80 from the position sensor 82 via the communication interface circuit 21. Is acquired (step SB2).

  Next, the control circuit 22A executes the puncture information generation function 222, and from the position information of the puncture needle 80 and the position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 obtained in time series, the position of at least the tip portion of the puncture needle 80 and Puncturing information including information regarding the puncturing direction is generated (step SB3). The generated puncture information includes information indicating the relative positional relationship between the puncture needle 80 and the ultrasonic probe 70 in addition to the three-dimensional coordinate information of the puncture needle 80.

  Step SB4 shown in FIG. 8 is the same as step SA3 shown in FIG.

  Next, the control circuit 22A executes the cross-section setting function 225A, and uses the past image data aligned by the alignment function 223 to perform ultrasonic scanning using the second piezoelectric transducer group 702 that is not driven. The spatial position of the cross-section corresponding to the scanning plane and including the puncture needle 80 specified by the puncture information is calculated. Based on the calculated spatial position of the cross section, the control circuit 22A sets a cross section to be observed for the past image data (step SB5).

  Next, the control circuit 22A executes the image data generation function 227A, and generates cross-sectional image data corresponding to the cross-section set in step SB5 from the past image data aligned in step SB4. Further, the control circuit 22A generates puncture guide image data and puncture needle image data, which are image data related to the puncture needle 80, based on the puncture information (step SB6).

  Next, the control circuit 22A executes the display control function 229A and controls the display processing circuit 16 so that, for example, an ultrasound image in which a cross section including a puncture needle is selected is converted into corresponding puncture guide image data. The puncture guide image based on the puncture needle and the puncture needle image based on the puncture needle image data are superimposed and displayed on the display device 50. Furthermore, the control circuit 22A controls the display processing circuit 16, for example, for a cross-sectional image based on the cross-sectional image data generated by the image data generation function 227, a puncture guide image based on the corresponding puncture guide image data, and a puncture needle A puncture needle image based on the image data is superimposed and displayed on the display device 50.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of an image regarding the ultrasonic image, the MPR image, and the puncture needle 80 displayed on the display device 50 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 9, in the display device 50, a live image 5011 corresponding to a convex image is displayed in a right region 501. In the left area 502, an MPR image 5021 corresponding to a linear image is displayed. As shown in FIG. 9, in the Live image 5011, for example, a target site T1, a puncture guide image VL1, and a puncture needle image N1, which are puncture targets such as a tumor, are superimposed and displayed. Further, in the MPR image 5021, for example, a target site T1, a puncture guide image VL2, and a puncture needle image N2 are superimposed and displayed.

  Finally, the control circuit 22A determines whether or not an instruction to end the ultrasonic scanning is input via the input interface circuit 20, for example (step SB8). If the control circuit 22A determines that an instruction to end is input (Yes in step SB8), the series of processing ends. If the control circuit 22A determines that an instruction to end the process has not been input (No in Step SB8), the control circuit 22A executes the processes from Step SB2 to Step SB8 again.

  According to the second embodiment, the control circuit 22A displays the ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic image data and the cross-sectional image based on the cross-sectional image data at the same time, and displays the ultrasonic image and the cross-sectional image respectively. The image data related to the corresponding puncture needle 80 is superimposed and displayed. This makes it possible to guide the position of the puncture needle that is inserted and is difficult to see. Therefore, since the operator can predict the advancing direction of the puncture needle, it is possible to perform puncture easily.

(Modification)
In order to further improve the safety of puncture, it is conceivable to display the state near the tip of the needle in conjunction with the position of the needle. Hereinafter, in accordance with the movement of the distal end position of the puncture needle 80, the control circuit 22A displays the sectional image based on the sectional image data so that the control circuit 22A appears to move in parallel with the advancing direction of the puncture needle as a so-called needle C surface including the distal end position. The case where it does is demonstrated. The needle C surface is, for example, a surface perpendicular to the advancing direction (sight line direction) of the puncture needle.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the needle C surface displayed on the display device 50 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 10, a surface SF <b> 1 including the tip of the puncture needle 80 and perpendicular to the traveling direction of the puncture needle 80 is displayed. The cross section SF1 is an image corresponding to a cross section set for the past image data (three-dimensional volume data) aligned in step SB4 shown in FIG. 8 based on the puncture information, for example. At this time, the control circuit 22A displays, for example, a linear image acquired by driving the second piezoelectric transducer group 702 and performing ultrasonic scanning as a live image, and the other linked to the tip of the puncture needle 80. Are displayed in parallel as the needle C surface. Thus, by displaying the state near the tip of the needle in conjunction with the position of the needle, it becomes possible to improve the safety of puncture.

  Note that rendering image data may be used instead of the three-dimensional volume data. In this case, an image close to the line-of-sight switching of a car racing game or a flight simulator can be displayed.

  As an application example, as shown in FIG. 11, the needle C surface can be displayed at a position away from the tip of the puncture needle 80 by a predetermined distance. In FIG. 11, the cross section SF3 is displayed at a position where the cross section SF2 including the tip of the puncture needle 80 and perpendicular to the advancing direction of the puncture needle 80 is translated by a predetermined distance d. The distance d is several millimeters, for example. The cross section SF3 is an image corresponding to a cross section set for the past image data aligned in step SB4 shown in FIG. 8 based on the puncture information, for example. In this way, since a little ahead is displayed in time, it becomes possible to early detect a dangerous part such as a blood vessel that becomes a problem when inserted.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the case where transrectal puncture is performed has been described. In transrectal puncture, a puncture adapter is fixed to an ultrasonic probe. When the puncture adapter is fixed to the ultrasonic probe, for example, the position where the puncture guide image described in the second embodiment is superimposed and displayed on the ultrasonic image and the cross-sectional image is fixed.

  On the other hand, in transperineal puncture for puncturing perpendicularly to the perineum, a puncture adapter (stepper) having a hole through which a needle is passed is usually used as an auxiliary instrument for puncture. At this time, it is necessary to finely adjust the position of the puncture adapter according to the puncture. For this reason, although the position of the puncture adapter is related to the position of the ultrasonic probe, it is necessary to grasp it independently of the position of the ultrasonic probe.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, even if the position of the puncture adapter is finely adjusted by installing a position sensor in the puncture adapter and calculating the positional relationship between the ultrasonic probe and the puncture needle, A case where an accurate puncture guide image can be displayed at all times will be described.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 </ b> B includes a position sensor 82 and a position sensor 83 in addition to the apparatus main body 10 </ b> B, the ultrasonic probe 70, the position sensor system 30, the display device 50, and the input device 60. The apparatus body 10B is connected to the external apparatus 40 via the network 100. The apparatus main body 10A is connected to the position sensor system 30, the display device 50, the input device 60, the position sensor 82, and the position sensor 83. Also in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment, a puncture needle 80 is used together with the ultrasonic probe 70, assuming a case where it is used in puncture.

  The ultrasonic probe 70 is provided with a puncture adapter 81B. The position of puncture adapter 81B can be changed independently of ultrasonic probe 70.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a puncture adapter 81B according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of puncture holes 811 are arranged in puncture adapter 81B. The operator operates the puncture needle 80 to insert the puncture needle 80 into a desired puncture hole on the puncture adapter 81B. As shown in FIG. 13, the puncture adapter 81B has a structure in which, for example, two plates having a plurality of puncture holes 811 are attached to be separated. The puncture needle 80 passes through the puncture hole 811 common to the two plates, so that the angle when the puncture needle 80 is inserted is fixed. For example, the puncture needle 80 is inserted along the body axis direction of the living body P. It becomes possible. Moreover, it is desirable that the puncture adapter 81 is made of a biocompatible material on the assumption that it is in contact with the living body P.

  The shape of puncture adapter 81B, the number of puncture holes 811, the pitch of puncture holes 811, and the positional relationship of each puncture hole 811 with respect to the imaging position of ultrasonic probe 70 differ depending on the type of puncture adapter 81B. Information relating to the shape of the puncture adapter 81B, the number of puncture holes 811, the pitch of the puncture holes 811, and the like is associated with information indicating the type of the puncture adapter 81B, the model number of the puncture adapter 81B, and the like. It is stored in the internal storage circuit 17 in 1B.

  A position sensor 83 is attached to the puncture adapter 81B. The position sensor 83 is a position sensor different from the position sensor 31 installed on the ultrasonic probe 70 and the position sensor 82 attached to the puncture needle 80. The position sensor 83 obtains position information of the puncture adapter 81B by measuring at least a predetermined reference position of the puncture adapter 81B. Since the position sensor 83 may be a general sensor that measures the position of the puncture adapter 81B, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a state in which the ultrasonic probe 70 according to the third embodiment is inserted into the rectum and transperineal puncture is performed. As shown in FIG. 14, the puncture adapter 81B is supported by the puncture adapter support mechanism 91 so as to be movable in the vertical direction and the body axis direction of the living body P. The operator can select a desired puncture hole 811 out of the plurality of puncture holes 811 of the puncture adapter 81B and insert the puncture needle 80 into the puncture target site. The ultrasonic probe 70 is supported by an ultrasonic probe support mechanism 92 so as to be movable in the body axis direction of the living body P.

  When transperineal puncture is performed, the ultrasonic probe 70 is inserted into the rectum H1 of the living body P, for example, as shown in FIG. The puncture needle 80 is inserted into the prostate H2 of the living body P via, for example, the perineum.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 14, when ultrasonic waves are irradiated from the first piezoelectric transducer group 701 toward the region of interest in the prostate H2, a reflected wave signal in the region of interest in the prostate H2 is acquired. As a result, the region of interest of the prostate H2 can be visualized. Further, when ultrasonic waves are irradiated from the second piezoelectric vibrator group 702 toward the puncture needle 80, a reflected wave signal in the surrounding tissue of the puncture needle 80 and the living body P is acquired. As a result, the puncture needle 80 can be visualized.

  The apparatus main body 10B shown in FIG. 12 is an apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on a reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 70. As shown in FIG. 12, the apparatus main body 10B includes an ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, an ultrasonic reception circuit 12, a B-mode processing circuit 13, a Doppler processing circuit 14, a three-dimensional processing circuit 15, a display processing circuit 16, and an internal storage circuit 17. , An image memory 18 (cine memory), an image database 19, an input interface circuit 20, a communication interface circuit 21, and a control circuit 22B.

  The control circuit 22B is, for example, a processor that functions as the center of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B. The control circuit 22B implements a function corresponding to the operation program by executing the operation program stored in the internal storage circuit 17. Specifically, the control circuit 22B includes a position information acquisition function 221B, a puncture information generation function 222B, an alignment function 223B, a cross-section setting function 225B, an image data generation function 227B, a display control function 229B, a scan control function 231, and a basic function. A control function 233 is provided.

  The position information acquisition function 221 </ b> B is a function of acquiring information related to the puncture adapter 81 in addition to position information related to the ultrasonic probe 70 and position information related to the puncture needle 80. When the position information acquisition function 221B is executed, the control circuit 22B, via the communication interface circuit 21, the position information regarding the ultrasonic probe 70 from the position sensor system 30, the position information regarding the puncture needle 80 from the position sensor 82, Position information regarding the puncture adapter 81B is acquired from the position sensor 83.

  The puncture information generation function 222B is a function of generating puncture information that can specify the position of the puncture needle with respect to the scan region of the ultrasonic probe 70. When the puncture information generation function 222 is executed, the control circuit 22B determines the puncture needle from the position information regarding the puncture needle 80 obtained in time series, the position information regarding the ultrasonic probe 70, and the position information regarding the puncture adapter 81B. Puncturing information including information on the position and puncturing direction of at least the tip portion of 80 is generated. Since the generated puncture information takes into account position information regarding the puncture adapter 81B, it always represents the exact position and puncture direction of the distal end portion of the puncture needle 80 even when the position of the puncture adapter 81B is finely adjusted. .

  The cross-section setting function 225B is a function for setting a cross-section to be observed with respect to the three-dimensional volume data acquired in advance based on the spatial position of the puncture adapter 81B. When the cross-section setting function 225B is executed, the control circuit 22B, for example, determines the position based on the spatial position of the puncture adapter 81B, the spatial position of the ultrasonic probe 70, and the puncture information generated by the puncture information generation function 222B. Using the past image data aligned by the alignment function 223, the spatial position of the section to be extracted is calculated. Specifically, the control circuit 22B has a cross section corresponding to a scanning surface that is ultrasonically scanned using, for example, the second piezoelectric transducer group 702, and a puncture that takes into account the spatial position of the puncture adapter 81B. The spatial position of the cross section including the puncture needle 80 specified by the information is calculated. The control circuit 22B sets a cross section to be observed for past image data based on the calculated spatial position of the cross section.

  The image data generation function 227B is a function of generating image data regarding the puncture needle 80 and image data regarding the puncture hole 811 in addition to the cross-sectional image data generated by the image data generation function 227. When the image data generation function 227B is executed, the control circuit 22A generates image data related to the puncture needle 80 corresponding to the generated cross-sectional image data, based on the puncture information generated by the puncture information generation function 222B. Further, the control circuit 22A generates image data related to the puncture hole 811 corresponding to the cross section set by the cross section setting function 225B based on the spatial position of the puncture adapter 81B. The image data related to the puncture hole 811 is image data representing a plurality of puncture holes 811 arranged in the puncture adapter 81B. For example, the puncture needles 80 are placed in all the puncture holes 811 arranged in the puncture adapter 81B. When inserted, it includes the position coordinates of a point where an extension line in each insertion direction and a predetermined cross section intersect.

  Further, the control circuit 22B generates image data related to the puncture needle 80 corresponding to the ultrasound image data aligned by the alignment function 223 based on the puncture information generated by the puncture information generation function 222B. Further, the control circuit 22B generates image data related to the puncture hole 811 corresponding to the ultrasonic image data aligned by the alignment function 223 based on the spatial position of the puncture adapter 81B.

  In addition to the image displayed by the display control function 229A, the display control function 229B superimposes and displays a puncture hole image based on image data related to the puncture hole 811 on the ultrasound image and the cross-sectional image. When the display control function 229B is executed, the control circuit 22B controls the display processing circuit 16, and for example, punctures based on the corresponding puncture guide image data for an ultrasound image in which a cross section including a puncture needle is selected. The guide image, the puncture needle image based on the puncture needle image data, and the puncture hole image based on the image data related to the puncture hole 811 are superimposed and displayed on the display device 50. Furthermore, the control circuit 22B controls the display processing circuit 16, and for example, for a cross-sectional image based on the cross-sectional image data generated by the image data generation function 227B, a puncture guide image and a puncture needle image based on the corresponding puncture guide image data The puncture needle image based on the data and the puncture hole image based on the image data related to the puncture hole 811 are superimposed and displayed on the display device 50.

  Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit 22B when the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment performs scanning while changing the scanning surface according to the position of the puncture needle 80.

  Step SC1 shown in FIG. 15 is the same as step SA1 shown in FIG.

  Next, the control circuit 22B executes the position information acquisition function 221B, and the position information on the ultrasonic probe 70 from the position detection device 32 and the position information on the puncture needle 80 from the position sensor 82 via the communication interface circuit 21. The position information regarding the puncture adapter 81B is acquired from the position sensor 83 (step SC2).

  Next, the control circuit 22B executes the puncture information generation function 222B, and performs puncture from position information regarding the puncture needle 80 obtained in time series, position information regarding the ultrasonic probe 70, and position information regarding the puncture adapter 81B. Puncturing information including information on the position and puncturing direction of at least the distal end portion of the needle 80 is generated (step SC3). In addition to the three-dimensional coordinate information of the puncture needle 80, the generated puncture information includes information indicating the relative positional relationship between the puncture needle 80, the ultrasonic probe 70, and the puncture adapter 81B.

  Step SC4 shown in FIG. 15 is the same as step SA3 shown in FIG.

  Next, the control circuit 22B executes the cross-section setting function 225B, and is a cross-section corresponding to a scanning surface that is ultrasonically scanned using the second piezoelectric transducer group 702 that is not driven, and step SC3. The spatial position of the cross section including the puncture needle 80 specified by the puncture information generated in is calculated. The control circuit 22B sets a cross section to be observed for past image data based on the calculated spatial position of the cross section (step SC5).

  Next, the control circuit 22B executes the image data generation function 227B, and generates cross-sectional image data corresponding to the cross-section set in step SC5 from the past image data aligned in step SC4. Further, the control circuit 22B generates puncture guide image data and puncture needle image data, which are image data related to the puncture needle 80, based on the generated puncture information. Further, the control circuit 22B relates to the puncture holes 811 related to the plurality of puncture holes arranged in the puncture adapter 81B based on the spatial position of the cross section set by the cross section setting function 225B and the spatial position of the puncture adapter 81B. Image data is generated (step SC6).

  Next, the control circuit 22B executes the display control function 229B and controls the display processing circuit 16 so that, for example, an ultrasonic image in which a cross section including a puncture needle is selected is converted into corresponding puncture guide image data. The puncture guide image based on the puncture needle image data based on the puncture needle image data and the puncture hole image based on the image data regarding the puncture hole 811 are displayed on the display device 50 in a superimposed manner. Furthermore, the control circuit 22B controls the display processing circuit 16, and for example, for a cross-sectional image based on the cross-sectional image data generated by the image data generation function 227B, a puncture guide image and a puncture needle image based on the corresponding puncture guide image data The puncture needle image based on the data and the puncture hole image based on the image data related to the puncture hole 811 are superimposed and displayed on the display device 50 (step SC7).

  Finally, the control circuit 22B determines whether or not an instruction to end the ultrasonic scanning is input via the input interface circuit 20, for example (step SC8). If the control circuit 22B determines that an instruction to end is input (Yes in step SC8), the series of processing ends. When it is determined that the instruction to end is not input (No in step SC8), the control circuit 22B executes the process from step SC2 to step SC8 again.

  According to the third embodiment, the control circuit 22B determines the position of the puncture needle 80 from the position information about the puncture needle 80 obtained in time series, the position information about the ultrasonic probe 70, and the position information about the puncture adapter 81B. Puncturing information including at least information on the position of the tip portion and the puncturing direction is generated. Thereby, even when the position of the puncture adapter 81B is finely adjusted independently of the ultrasonic probe 70, the puncture guide image can be displayed at an accurate position.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment, the description is limited to the case where the ultrasonic probe inserted into the rectum has a plurality of piezoelectric vibrator groups constituting the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface. did. In the fourth embodiment, for example, when transrectal puncture is performed, the spatial position of the scanning surface of the ultrasonic probe is determined based on the position of the puncture needle regardless of the number of piezoelectric transducer groups included in the ultrasonic probe. A case where control is possible will be described.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 </ b> C includes an apparatus main body 10 </ b> C, an ultrasonic probe 71, a position sensor system 30, a display device 50, an input device 60, and a position sensor 82. The apparatus main body 10 </ b> C is connected to the external apparatus 40 via the network 100. The apparatus main body 10C is connected to the position sensor system 30, the display device 50, the input device 60, and the position sensor 82. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 </ b> C according to the fourth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the puncture needle 80 is used together with the ultrasonic probe 71 on the assumption that it is used in puncture.

  The ultrasonic probe 71 according to the fourth embodiment is, for example, a mechanical 4D probe. The mechanical 4D probe is an ultrasonic probe capable of mechanically swing-controlling a piezoelectric vibrator array in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction. The ultrasonic probe 71 is any type of probe that can automatically control the ultrasonic scanning surface, such as a two-dimensional array probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. May be.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasonic probe 71 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the ultrasonic probe 71 has a piezoelectric vibrator group 711. The piezoelectric vibrator group 711 has a structure in which piezoelectric vibrators are arranged one-dimensionally in the direction D1. The ultrasonic probe 71 can use the piezoelectric vibrator group 711 to perform, for example, electronic convex scanning along a direction D1 in which the piezoelectric vibrators are arranged one-dimensionally. In addition, the ultrasonic probe 71 can perform swing scanning along the direction D2, for example, using the piezoelectric vibrator group 711. Θ1 shown in FIG. 17 represents an angle at which electronic convex scanning is possible. Further, θ2 shown in FIG. 17 represents an angle at which swing scanning is possible.

  The ultrasonic probe 71 is provided with a puncture adapter 81.

  The apparatus main body 10 </ b> C shown in FIG. 16 is an apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 71. As shown in FIG. 16, the apparatus main body 10C includes an ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, an ultrasonic reception circuit 12, a B-mode processing circuit 13, a Doppler processing circuit 14, a three-dimensional processing circuit 15, a display processing circuit 16, and an internal storage circuit 17. , An image memory 18 (cine memory), an image database 19, an input interface circuit 20, a communication interface circuit 21, and a control circuit 22C.

  The control circuit 22C is, for example, a processor that functions as the center of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C. The control circuit 22C implements a function corresponding to this operation program by executing the operation program stored in the internal storage circuit 17. Specifically, the control circuit 22C has a position information acquisition function 221A, a puncture information generation function 222A, a display control function 229C, a determination function 230C, and a scanning control function 231C.

  The display control function 229C is a function for displaying an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic image data. When the display control function 229C is executed, the control circuit 22C controls the display processing circuit 16, and generates B-mode image data based on, for example, B-mode RAW data stored in a RAW data memory (not shown). The control circuit 22C controls the display processing circuit 16 and causes the display device 50 to display the generated B-mode image data on the display device 50 as an ultrasonic image.

  The determination function 230C is a function for determining whether or not the current scanning plane in the ultrasonic probe 71 needs to be changed. When the determination function 230C is executed, the control circuit 22C, based on the position information of the ultrasound probe 71 acquired by the position information acquisition function 221A and the puncture information generated by the puncture information generation function 222A, It is determined whether or not the current scanning plane in 71 needs to be changed.

  Specifically, the current position of the scanning surface is calculated from the position information of the ultrasonic probe 71 and information on the angle of the scanning surface set in advance. The information regarding the angle of the scanning plane includes, for example, a movement angle from a preset initial position of the scanning plane. For example, when the area occupied by the calculated position of the scanning plane does not include the area occupied by the position of the puncture needle 80 indicated by the puncture information, the control circuit 22C determines that the current scanning plane needs to be changed. The determination function 230C links the determined determination result to the scanning control function 231C.

  The scanning control function 231C is a function that controls ultrasonic scanning based on the determination result of the determination function 230C. When the scanning control function 231C is executed, the control circuit 22C controls the driving mechanism (not shown) and the piezoelectric transducer of the ultrasonic probe 71 when the determination result indicates that the current scanning plane needs to be changed. By swinging the group 711, for example, the scanning plane is changed so as to include at least the distal end portion of the puncture needle 80. A drive mechanism (not shown) is, for example, a stepping motor (synchronous motor that operates in synchronization with a pulse voltage) that can swing the piezoelectric vibrator group 711 based on a preset movement angle from the initial position of the scanning surface. . The control circuit 22C scans the changed scanning plane.

  Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control circuit 22 </ b> C when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 </ b> C according to the fourth embodiment displays an ultrasonic image acquired using the ultrasonic probe 71. Hereinafter, a case where transrectal puncture as shown in FIG. 3 is performed using the ultrasonic probe 71 instead of the ultrasonic probe 70 will be described as an example. It is assumed that the area occupied by the current position of the scanning plane does not include the area occupied by the position of the puncture needle 80 indicated by the puncture information.

  For example, when an instruction to start a scan plane control mode for controlling the scan plane is input via the input interface circuit 20, the control circuit 22 </ b> C executes the position information acquisition function 221 </ b> A and via the communication interface circuit 21. Position information regarding the ultrasonic probe 70 is acquired from the position sensor system 30, and position information regarding the puncture needle 80 is acquired from the position sensor 82. (Step SD1).

  The control circuit 22C executes the puncture information generation function 222A, and relates to the position and puncture direction of at least the distal end portion of the puncture needle 80 from the position information about the puncture needle 80 and the position information about the ultrasonic probe 71 obtained in time series. Puncturing information including information is generated (step SD2).

  The control circuit 22C executes the determination function 230C and determines whether or not it is necessary to change the current scanning plane (step SD3). Specifically, the control circuit 22C calculates the current position of the scanning plane from the position information of the ultrasonic probe 71 and setting information related to a predetermined scanning plane. For example, the control circuit 22C compares the area occupied by the position of the puncture needle 80 indicated by the puncture information with the area occupied by the calculated position of the scanning plane.

  For example, the control circuit 22C determines that the current scanning plane needs to be changed because the area occupied by the calculated position of the scanning plane does not include the area occupied by the position of the puncture needle 80 indicated by the puncture information (Step SD3). Yes). The control circuit 22C executes the scanning control function 231C and swings the piezoelectric vibrator group 711 of the ultrasonic probe 71, thereby changing the scanning surface so as to include at least the distal end portion of the puncture needle 80, for example. The control circuit 22C scans the changed scanning plane (step SD4).

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 </ b> C according to the fourth embodiment changes the scanning plane in accordance with the position of the puncture needle 80. In FIG. 19, the control circuit 22C controls a drive mechanism (not shown), for example, by oscillating the piezoelectric transducer group 711 of the ultrasonic probe 71 by θ each time, thereby moving the puncture needle 80 over the current scanning plane P1. The scanning surface P2 is changed to the scanning surface P2, and the scanning surface P2 is scanned. Thereby, the B mode RAW data acquired by scanning the changed scanning plane P2 is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown).

  Note that the control circuit 22C determines that it is not necessary to change the current scanning plane when, for example, the area occupied by the calculated position of the scanning plane includes the area occupied by the position of the puncture needle 80 indicated by the puncture information (step SD3). No). The control circuit 22C executes the scanning control function 231C and scans the current scanning surface (step SD5).

  The control circuit 22C executes the display control function 229C to control the display processing circuit 16, and generates B-mode image data based on B-mode RAW data stored in a RAW data memory (not shown). The control circuit 22C controls the display processing circuit 16 to display the generated B-mode image data on the display device 50 as an ultrasonic image on the display device 50 (step SD6).

  Finally, the control circuit 22C determines whether or not an instruction to end the scanning surface control mode is input through, for example, the input interface circuit 20 (step SD7). If the control circuit 22C determines that an instruction to end the scanning surface control mode is input (Yes in step SD7), the control circuit 22C ends the series of processes. If the control circuit 22C determines that an instruction to end the scanning surface control mode has not been input (No in step SD7), the control circuit 22C executes the processing from step SD1 to step SD7 again.

  According to the fourth embodiment, the control circuit 22C calculates the current position of the scanning surface from the position information of the ultrasonic probe 71 and the setting information related to the predetermined scanning surface. The control circuit 22C compares the area occupied by the calculated position of the scanning plane with the area occupied by the position of the puncture needle 80 indicated by the puncture information, and determines whether or not the current scanning plane needs to be changed. When it is determined that the current scanning plane needs to be changed, the control circuit 22C changes the scanning plane to include at least the distal end portion of the puncture needle 80. Thereby, the puncture needle 80 can be displayed on an ultrasonic image that is always displayed in real time.

  Therefore, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, puncturing can be performed safely and reliably.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, a case where the spatial position of the scanning surface of the ultrasonic probe can be controlled when transrectal puncture is performed will be described. In the fifth embodiment, for example, when transperineal puncture is performed, a position sensor is also installed in the puncture adapter (stepper), and the positional relationship between the ultrasonic probe and the puncture needle is calculated. Even when the position of the puncture adapter is finely adjusted, the case where the accurate position of the puncture needle can always be specified and the spatial position of the scanning surface of the ultrasonic probe can be controlled will be described.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1D according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 20, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 </ b> D includes a position sensor 82 and a position sensor 83 in addition to the apparatus main body 10 </ b> D, the ultrasonic probe 71, the position sensor system 30, the display device 50, and the input device 60. The apparatus main body 10D is connected to the external apparatus 40 via the network 100. The apparatus main body 10D is connected to the position sensor system 30, the display device 50, the input device 60, the position sensor 82, and the position sensor 83. Also in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1D according to the fifth embodiment, the puncture needle 80 is used together with the ultrasonic probe 71, assuming a case where it is used in puncture.

  The ultrasonic probe 71 is provided with a puncture adapter 81B.

  The apparatus main body 10D shown in FIG. 20 is an apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 71. As shown in FIG. 20, the apparatus body 10D includes an ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, an ultrasonic reception circuit 12, a B-mode processing circuit 13, a Doppler processing circuit 14, a three-dimensional processing circuit 15, a display processing circuit 16, and an internal storage circuit 17. , An image memory 18 (cine memory), an image database 19, an input interface circuit 20, a communication interface circuit 21, and a control circuit 22D.

  The control circuit 22D is, for example, a processor that functions as the center of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1D. The control circuit 22D implements a function corresponding to this operation program by executing the operation program stored in the internal storage circuit 17. Specifically, the control circuit 22C has a position information acquisition function 221B, a puncture information generation function 222B, a display control function 229C, a determination function 230C, and a scanning control function 231C.

  Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1D according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control circuit 22D when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1D according to the fifth embodiment displays an ultrasonic image acquired using the ultrasonic probe 71. Hereinafter, a case where transrectal puncture as shown in FIG. 14 is performed using the ultrasonic probe 71 instead of the ultrasonic probe 70 will be described as an example. It is assumed that the area occupied by the current position of the scanning plane does not include the area occupied by the position of the puncture needle 80 indicated by the puncture information.

  For example, when an instruction to start a scan plane control mode for controlling the scan plane is input via the input interface circuit 20, the control circuit 22 </ b> D executes the position information acquisition function 221 </ b> B and via the communication interface circuit 21. Position information regarding the ultrasonic probe 70 is acquired from the position sensor system 30, position information regarding the puncture needle 80 is acquired from the position sensor 82, and position information regarding the puncture adapter 81B is acquired from the position sensor 83 (step SE1).

  The control circuit 22D executes the puncture information generation function 222B, and based on the position information regarding the puncture needle 80 obtained in time series, the position information regarding the ultrasonic probe 71, and the position information regarding the puncture adapter 81B, Puncturing information including information on at least the position of the tip portion and the puncturing direction is generated (step SE2). In addition to the three-dimensional coordinate information of the puncture needle 80, the generated puncture information includes information indicating the relative positional relationship between the puncture needle 80, the ultrasonic probe 71, and the puncture adapter 81B.

  Steps SE3 to SE7 are the same as steps SD3 to SE7 shown in FIG.

  According to the fifth embodiment, the control circuit 22D further determines whether or not it is necessary to change the current scanning plane in consideration of the position information of the puncture adapter 81B. Thereby, even when the position of the puncture adapter is finely adjusted, it is possible to always specify the exact position of the puncture needle and change the scanning surface of the ultrasonic probe.

(Other variations)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first, second, and third embodiments includes a puncture guide image, a puncture needle image, and a puncture hole on an image corresponding to a linear image and an image corresponding to a convex image. Although the images are superimposed and displayed, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus converts an indicator indicating that the puncture needle 80 has reached a cross section related to an image corresponding to a convex image (Live image and MPR image) into an image corresponding to a linear image and / or a convex image. You may superimpose each on the corresponding image.

  In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is an image corresponding to a linear image in the form of a distance, a circle, a numerical value, or the like, indicating the positional relationship between the marker set at the time of a puncture plan or during live image display and the tip of the puncture needle 80, for example. And / or may be superimposed on an image corresponding to a convex image. Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may include a speaker or the like, and may notify the positional relationship between the set marker and the distal end portion of the puncture needle 80 by sound or the like.

  Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first, second, and third embodiments is based on the spatial position of the piezoelectric vibrator group that is not driven, with respect to the three-dimensional volume data acquired in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus may set a cross-section to be observed for the three-dimensional volume data acquired in advance based on the spatial position of a predetermined tumor marker set at the time of the puncture plan.

  In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses according to the first, second, and third embodiments set the cross-section to be observed for the three-dimensional volume data (past image data) acquired in advance. It is not limited. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may set a cross section to be observed for the three-dimensional volume data related to the ultrasonic image acquired by the piezoelectric vibrator group that was driven before switching. Specifically, first, three-dimensional volume data relating to an ultrasonic image is acquired from the second piezoelectric transducer group 702, and then the ultrasonic target is switched by switching the drive target to the first piezoelectric transducer group 701. Is the case.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses according to the fourth and fifth embodiments, the piezoelectric transducer group 711 is swung by the mechanical 4D probe to change the scanning plane related to ultrasonic scanning, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may change a scanning plane related to ultrasonic scanning with a two-dimensional array probe. At this time, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus changes the scanning plane related to the ultrasonic scanning by selecting the piezoelectric vibrators arranged in a two-dimensional matrix and controlling the delay time of each piezoelectric vibrator.

  The term “processor” used in the above description is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), a programmable logic device (for example, It means a circuit such as a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor implements a function by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit. Note that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize the function. Good. Furthermore, a plurality of components shown in FIGS. 1, 7, 12, 16, and 20 may be integrated into one processor to realize the function.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D ... Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, 3 ... Doppler processing circuit, 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D ... Apparatus main body, 11 ... Ultrasonic transmission circuit, 12 ... Ultrasonic reception circuit, 13 ... Mode processing circuit, 14 ... Doppler processing circuit, 15 ... dimensional processing circuit, 16 ... display processing circuit, 17 ... internal storage circuit, 18 ... image memory, 19 ... image database, 20 ... input interface circuit, 21 ... communication interface circuit, 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D ... control circuit, 30 ... position sensor system, 31 ... position sensor, 32 ... position detection device, 40 ... external device, 50 ... display device, 60 ... input device, 70, 71 ... over Sonic probe, 80 ... puncture needle, 81, 81B ... puncture adapter, 82, 83 ... position sensor, 91 ... puncture adapter support mechanism, 92 ... ultrasonic probe Lifting mechanism, 100 ... network, 701 ... first piezoelectric element group, 702 ... second piezoelectric element group, 711 ... piezoelectric vibrator group, 811 ... puncture.

Claims (10)

A probe having a plurality of piezoelectric vibrator groups constituting an ultrasonic transmission / reception surface;
A space of at least one second piezoelectric transducer group different from the first piezoelectric transducer group used for current ultrasonic transmission / reception among the plurality of ultrasonic transmission / reception surfaces with respect to the volume data acquired in advance. A cross-section setting unit that sets at least one cross-section based on the position;
A cross-sectional image data generating unit for generating at least one cross-sectional image data corresponding to the set at least one cross-section from the volume data;
A display control unit that displays at least one cross-sectional image based on the at least one cross-sectional image data together with an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic image data acquired via the first piezoelectric vibrator group. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section setting unit further sets the at least one cross-section based on a spatial position of the puncture needle.   The cross-section setting unit includes at least the tip of the puncture needle and the puncture needle is in a normal direction. The cross-section setting unit is separated from the tip of the puncture needle by a predetermined distance in the insertion direction, and the puncture needle is The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the at least one cross section in a normal direction is set.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section setting unit further sets the at least one cross-section based on a spatial position of a predetermined device used for puncturing.   The ultrasound according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display control unit displays information on the position of the at least one cross section set by the cross section setting unit together with the at least one cross section image. Diagnostic device.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies information related to a position of the at least one cross section set by the cross section setting unit. For an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a probe having a plurality of piezoelectric vibrator groups constituting an ultrasonic transmission / reception surface,
A space of at least one second piezoelectric transducer group different from the first piezoelectric transducer group used for current ultrasonic transmission / reception among the plurality of ultrasonic transmission / reception surfaces with respect to the volume data acquired in advance. A cross-section setting function for setting at least one cross-section based on the position;
A cross-sectional image data generating function for generating at least one cross-sectional image data corresponding to the set at least one cross-section from the volume data;
Ultrasound for executing a display function of displaying at least one cross-sectional image based on the at least one cross-sectional image data together with an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic image data acquired via the first piezoelectric transducer group Diagnosis support program. A probe capable of changing a scanning surface electronically or mechanically;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a scanning control unit configured to change the scanning plane so that the scanning plane includes at least a tip portion of the puncture needle based on a positional relationship between a spatial position of the probe and a puncture needle.   The scanning control unit is further provided independently of the probe, and the scanning surface includes at least a tip portion of the puncture needle based on a positional relationship with a spatial position of a stepper having a hole through which the puncture needle passes. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the scanning plane is changed as described above. For an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a probe whose scanning surface can be changed electronically or mechanically,
An ultrasound diagnosis support program for executing a scan control function for setting the scan plane so that the scan plane includes the puncture needle based on the positional relationship between the spatial position of the probe and the puncture needle.