Puncture needle, ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, and control method of ultrasound diagnostic apparatus

A puncture needle includes a shaft part, a needle tip part disposed at a tip of the shaft part, and a plurality of processed parts that are arranged on an outer peripheral part of the shaft part along a length direction of the shaft part and form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 in which arrangement intervals gradually decrease toward the needle tip part, in which a distance between a reference point which is located on a needle tip part side from a first processed part closest to the needle tip part among the plurality of processed parts and is located at a predetermined distance from the needle tip part and the first processed part is equal to an arrangement interval between the first processed part and a second processed part which is second closest to the needle tip part.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a puncture needle, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that detects a puncture needle inserted into a subject, and a control method of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is a technique of inserting a so-called puncture needle into a subject in order to place a catheter in the subject. In recent years, a method of inserting a puncture needle into a subject while observing the puncture needle inserted into the subject using an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is often used.

In general, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprises an ultrasound probe provided with a transducer array in which a plurality of elements are arranged. In a state where the ultrasound probe is brought into contact with a body surface of the subject, an ultrasound beam is transmitted from the transducer array toward an inside of the subject, and an ultrasound echo from the subject is received by the transducer array to obtain element data. Further, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus electrically processes the obtained element data to generate an ultrasound image for a relevant part of the subject.

Here, since the puncture needle is usually inserted in an inclined state with respect to the body surface of the subject, the ultrasound echo reflected from the puncture needle in the subject is difficult to propagate toward the ultrasound probe, and the puncture needle is sometimes not clearly depicted in the ultrasound image. Therefore, in order to clearly depict the puncture needle in the ultrasound image, for example, as disclosed in JP2011-125632A, a puncture needle which is processed to reflect an ultrasound beam from an ultrasound probe has been developed. A plurality of grooves for reflecting an ultrasound beam are formed on an outer peripheral part of the puncture needle of JP2011-125632A. In a case where the puncture needle of JP2011-125632A is inserted into a subject and the inserted puncture needle is irradiated with an ultrasound beam, the ultrasound beam applied to the puncture needle is reflected by the plurality of grooves formed in the puncture needle and propagates toward the ultrasound probe. Thus, the plurality of grooves formed in the puncture needle are depicted in the ultrasound image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, since a groove cannot be formed at a tip part of a sharply pointed puncture needle, a user such as a doctor cannot clearly grasp the tip part of the puncture needle even by observing an ultrasound image depicting a plurality of grooves of the puncture needle, and therefore, it is sometimes difficult to guide the tip part of the puncture needle to a desired place.

In addition, the groove of the puncture needle on the ultrasound image is sometimes concealed or disappears due to a high-intensity reflection signal, an acoustic shadow, or the like derived from a tissue in a subject. Thus, a position of the groove in the puncture needle is not specified, and it is sometimes difficult for the user to estimate a position of the tip part of the puncture needle.

The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a puncture needle, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, and a control method of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, with which a user can accurately grasp a tip part of the puncture needle.

In order to achieve the above object, a puncture needle according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a shaft part, a needle tip part disposed at a tip of the shaft part, and a plurality of processed parts that are arranged on an outer peripheral part of the shaft part along a length direction of the shaft part and form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 in which arrangement intervals gradually decrease toward the needle tip part, in which a distance between a reference point, which is located on a needle tip part side from a first processed part closest to the needle tip part among the plurality of processed parts and is located at a predetermined distance from the needle tip part, and the first processed part is equal to an arrangement interval between the first processed part and a second processed part which is second closest to the needle tip part.

It is preferable that the predetermined distance is 0, and the reference point is the needle tip part.

In addition, it is preferable that the plurality of processed parts are grooves formed along an entire periphery of the shaft part.

An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a display unit that displays an ultrasound image in which the puncture needle is captured, an arrangement interval detection unit that recognizes the plurality of processed parts of the puncture needle and detects the arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed parts by image analysis of the ultrasound image, a geometric progression determination unit that determines whether or not the arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed parts detected by the arrangement interval detection unit form the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2, and a needle tip part position estimation unit that detects, as the reference point, a point extending from an arrangement position of an optional processed part among the plurality of processed parts to a tip side of the shaft part by an arrangement interval between the optional processed part and a processed part adjacent to a base end side of the shaft part with respect to the optional processed part and estimates a position of the needle tip part based on a position of the detected reference point, in a case where the geometric progression determination unit determines that the geometric progression is formed.

The display unit may display the ultrasound image in which the puncture needle having the reference point as the needle tip part is captured, and the needle tip part position estimation unit may estimate the position of the reference point as the position of the needle tip part.

Alternatively, the needle tip part position estimation unit may estimate a point extending from the position of the reference point to the tip side of the shaft part by the predetermined distance as the position of the needle tip part.

In addition, it is preferable that the needle tip part position estimation unit displays the estimated position of the needle tip part on the display unit.

The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus may further comprise an ultrasound probe and an image acquisition unit that acquires the ultrasound image by performing transmission and reception of an ultrasound beam between the ultrasound probe and a subject. The display unit may display the ultrasound image acquired by the image acquisition unit, and the arrangement interval detection unit may recognize the plurality of processed parts of the puncture needle and detect the arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed parts by image analysis of the ultrasound image acquired by the image acquisition unit.

A control method of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises displaying an ultrasound image in which the puncture needle is captured, recognizing the plurality of processed parts of the puncture needle and detecting the arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed parts by image analysis of the ultrasound image, determining whether or not the detected arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed parts form the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2, detecting, as the reference point, a point extending from an arrangement position of an optional processed part among the plurality of processed parts to a tip side of the shaft part by an arrangement interval between the optional processed part and a processed part adjacent to a base end side of the shaft part with respect to the optional processed part, in a case where determination is made that the geometric progression is formed, and estimating a position of the needle tip part based on a position of the detected reference point.

According to the present invention, a puncture needle comprises a shaft part, a needle tip part disposed at a tip of the shaft part, and a plurality of processed parts that are arranged on an outer peripheral part of the shaft part along a length direction of the shaft part and form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 in which arrangement intervals gradually decrease toward the needle tip part, in which a distance between a reference point, which is located on a needle tip part side from a first processed part closest to the needle tip part among the plurality of processed parts and is located at a predetermined distance from the needle tip part, and the first processed part is equal to an arrangement interval between the first processed part and a second processed part which is second closest to the needle tip part. Therefore, a user can accurately grasp the tip part of the puncture needle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Description of constituents described below may be made based on a typical embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment.

FIG.1shows a puncture needle N1according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The puncture needle N1is inserted into a subject in order to place a catheter, a drug, or the like in the subject, and comprises a shaft part S and a sharp needle tip part T formed by obliquely cutting out a tip part of the shaft part S and disposed at a tip of the shaft part S. In the shaft part S, a plurality of processed parts P1to P5formed of grooves formed to surround a periphery of the shaft part S are arranged and formed along a length direction of the shaft part S. In addition, an arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2, an arrangement interval L2between the second processed part P2and the third processed part P3, an arrangement interval L3between the third processed part P3and the fourth processed part P4, and an arrangement interval L4between the fourth processed part P4and the fifth processed part P5form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 in which values gradually decrease toward the needle tip part T. Therefore, a ratio of the arrangement interval L2to the arrangement interval L1, a ratio of the arrangement interval L3to the arrangement interval L2, and a ratio of the arrangement interval L4to the arrangement interval L3are 2, respectively. Here, the term “the arrangement intervals form the geometric progression” means that values of the arrangement intervals form the geometric progression, and that in a case where values of the arrangement intervals L1to L6are integers and are aligned to a specific unit such as mm, the values form the geometric progression.

The first processed part P1closest to the needle tip part T is formed at a position separated by a distance K1from the needle tip part T, and the distance K1between the needle tip part T and the first processed part P1is designed to be equal to the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2which is second closest to the needle tip part T.

For example, specifically, assuming that the distance k1from the needle tip part T to the first processed part P1is 5 mm, the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2is 5 mm, the arrangement interval L2between the second processed part P2and the third processed part P3is 10 mm, the arrangement interval L3between the third processed part P3and the fourth processed part P4is 20 mm, and the arrangement interval L4between the fourth processed part P4and the fifth processed part P5is 40 mm, the first processed part P1to the fifth processed part P5can be formed such that the distance K1from the needle tip part T to the first processed part P1is equal to the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2and the arrangement intervals L1to L4form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2.

In addition, as shown inFIG.1, since the needle tip part T is formed by obliquely cutting out the tip part of the shaft part S, an inclined surface E inclined by a predetermined inclination angle with respect to an extending direction of the shaft part S is formed at a tip part of the shaft part S, and the first processed part P1is formed on a base end side of the shaft part S from the inclined surface E. Therefore, a formation position of the first processed part P1can be appropriately set according to the specifications of the puncture needle N1, such as an outer diameter of the shaft part S and the inclination angle of the inclined surface E with respect to the extending direction of the shaft part S.

As shown inFIG.2, the puncture needle N1according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention as described above is irradiated with an ultrasound beam from an ultrasound probe2in contact with a body surface B of the subject while being inserted into the subject. The ultrasound beam applied to the puncture needle is reflected by the plurality of processed parts P1to P5, and the reflected ultrasound beam propagates toward the ultrasound probe2. Thus, in a case where the puncture needle N1is imaged by the ultrasound probe2, a plurality of processed parts P1to P5of the puncture needle N1are depicted in an ultrasound image.

Here, in the puncture needle N1according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, since the first processed part P1is formed on the base end side of the shaft part S from the inclined surface E, the first processed part P1can be depicted in the ultrasound image regardless of a rotation angle around a central axis of the puncture needle N1.

Next, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1images the puncture needle N1inserted into the subject. As shown inFIG.3, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1comprises the ultrasound probe2incorporating a transducer array2A, and a transmission unit3and a reception unit4are connected to the transducer array2A. An image generation unit5, a display control unit6, and a display unit7are sequentially connected to the reception unit4. Here, an image acquisition unit8is constituted of the transmission unit3, the reception unit4, and the image generation unit5. In addition, an arrangement interval detection unit9is connected to the image generation unit5, and a geometric progression determination unit10and a needle tip part position estimation unit11are connected to the arrangement interval detection unit9. The display control unit6and the needle tip part position estimation unit11are connected to the geometric progression determination unit10. The display control unit6is connected to the needle tip part position estimation unit11.

Further, an apparatus control unit13is connected to the display control unit6, the image acquisition unit8, the arrangement interval detection unit9, the geometric progression determination unit10, and the needle tip part position estimation unit11, and an input unit14and a storage unit15are connected to the apparatus control unit13. Here, the apparatus control unit13and the storage unit15are connected to each other so that information can be exchanged in both directions.

In addition, a processor16is constituted of the display control unit6, the image acquisition unit8, the arrangement interval detection unit9, the geometric progression determination unit10, the needle tip part position estimation unit11, and the apparatus control unit13.

The transducer array2A of the ultrasound probe2shown inFIG.3has a plurality of transducers arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. Each of these transducers transmits an ultrasonic wave in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the transmission unit3, and receives an ultrasound echo from the subject to output a reception signal. Each transducer is constituted by forming electrodes on both ends of a piezoelectric body made of, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic represented by lead zirconate titanate (PZT), a polymer piezoelectric element represented by poly vinylidene di fluoride (PMN-PT: polyvinylidene fluoride), and a piezoelectric single crystal represented by lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT: lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate solid solution).

The transmission unit3of the image acquisition unit8includes, for example, a plurality of pulse generators, and based on a transmission delay pattern selected in accordance with a control signal from the apparatus control unit13, supplies the drive signals to the plurality of transducers by adjusting the delay amount so that the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the plurality of transducers of the transducer array2A form an ultrasound beam. In this way, in a case where a pulsed or continuous wave voltage is applied to the electrodes of the plurality of transducers of the transducer array2A, the piezoelectric body expands and contracts, pulsed or continuous wave ultrasonic waves are generated from the transducers, and an ultrasound beam is formed from a composite wave of the ultrasonic waves.

The transmitted ultrasound beam is reflected at an object such as a part of the subject and propagates toward the transducer array2A of the ultrasound probe2. The ultrasound echo propagating toward the transducer array2A in this way is received by each of the transducers constituting the transducer array2A. In this case, each transducer constituting the transducer array2A expands and contracts by receiving the propagating ultrasound echo to generate an electric signal, and outputs these electric signals to the reception unit4.

The reception unit4of the image acquisition unit8processes a signal output from the transducer array2A in accordance with the control signal from the apparatus control unit13. As shown inFIG.4, the reception unit4has a configuration in which an amplification unit17and an analog digital (AD) conversion unit18are connected in series. The amplification unit17amplifies the signal received from each of the transducers constituting the transducer array2A, and transmits the amplified signal to the AD conversion unit18. The AD conversion unit18converts the signal transmitted from the amplification unit17into a digitized reception signal, and sends these pieces of data to the image generation unit5of the image acquisition unit8.

As shown inFIG.5, the image generation unit5of the image acquisition unit8has a configuration in which a signal processing unit19, a digital scan converter (DSC)20, and an image processing unit21are sequentially connected in series. The signal processing unit19performs reception focus processing by applying a delay to each piece of data of the reception signal based on a reception delay pattern selected in accordance with the control signal from the apparatus control unit13, and adding up the results (phase-adjusted addition). By the reception focus processing, a sound ray signal in which a focus of the ultrasound echo is narrowed down to one scanning line is generated. In addition, the signal processing unit19corrects attenuation caused by a propagation distance of the generated sound ray signal according to a depth of a position where the ultrasonic wave is reflected, and then performs envelope detection processing to generate a B-mode image signal representing a tissue in the subject. The B-mode image signal generated in this way is output to the DSC20.

The DSC20of the image generation unit5generates an ultrasound image by raster-converting the B-mode image signal into an image signal according to a normal television signal scanning method. The image processing unit21of the image generation unit5performs various kinds of necessary image processing such as brightness correction, gradation correction, sharpness correction, and color correction on the ultrasound image obtained by the DSC20, and then outputs the ultrasound image to the display control unit6and the arrangement interval detection unit9.

The arrangement interval detection unit9of the processor16recognizes the plurality of processed parts P1to P5of the puncture needle N1and detects arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed parts P1to P5by image analysis of the ultrasound image in which the puncture needle N1is captured.

The geometric progression determination unit10of the processor16determines whether or not the arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed parts P1to P5detected by the arrangement interval detection unit9form the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2. The geometric progression determination unit10can determine whether or not the arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed parts P1to P5form the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2, for example, by determining whether or not a plurality of the arrangement intervals detected by the arrangement interval detection unit9gradually decrease in one direction along an arrangement direction of the plurality of processed parts P1to P5and ratios of the adjacent arrangement intervals is 1:2. Even though a ratio of values of the actually detected arrangement intervals is not exactly 1:2, determination may be made whether or not the geometric progression is formed by approximating the values.

In a case where the geometric progression determination unit10determines that the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 is formed, the needle tip part position estimation unit11of the processor16detects, as the reference point, a point extending from an arrangement position of an optional processed part among the plurality of processed parts P1to P5to a tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1by an arrangement interval between the optional processed part and a processed part adjacent to a base end side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1with respect to the optional processed part, and estimates a position of the detected reference point as a position of the needle tip part T of the puncture needle N1.

For example, as shown inFIG.1, since the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2adjacent to the base end side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1with respect to the first processed part P1is equal to the distance K1from the needle tip part T to the first processed part P1, a point extending from the arrangement position of the first processed part P1to the tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1by the arrangement interval L1is equal to the reference point, that is, the position of the needle tip part T.

Since the plurality of arrangement intervals L1to L4form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2, the arrangement interval L2between the second processed part P2and the third processed part P3is equal to twice the arrangement interval L1adjacent to the needle tip part T side. Further, since the distance K1from the needle tip part T to the first processed part P1and the arrangement interval between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2are equal to each other, a distance from the needle tip part T to the processed part P2is equal to a sum of the distance K1from the needle tip part T to the first processed part P1and the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2, that is, twice the arrangement interval L1. Therefore, since the arrangement interval L2between the second processed part P2and the third processed part P3is equal to the distance from the needle tip part T to the second processed part P2, a point extending from the second processed part P2to the needle tip part T side by the arrangement interval L2is equal to the reference point, that is, the position of the needle tip part T.

The arrangement interval L3between the third processed part P3and the fourth processed part P4is equal to twice the arrangement interval L2between the second processed part P2and the third processed part P3, that is, equal to four times the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2. Further, a distance from the needle tip part T to the third processed part P3is equal to a sum of the distance K1from the needle tip part T to the first processed part P1, the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2, and the arrangement interval L2between the second processed part P2and the third processed part P3, that is, equal to four times the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2. Therefore, since the arrangement interval L3between the third processed part P3and the fourth processed part P4is equal to the distance from the needle tip part T to the third processed part P3, a point extending from the third processed part P3to the needle tip part T side by the arrangement interval L3is equal to the reference point, that is, the position of the needle tip part T.

As described above, the needle tip part position estimation unit11can detect, as the reference point, a point extending from an arrangement position of an optional processed part among the plurality of processed parts P1to P5to a tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1by an arrangement interval between the optional processed part and a processed part adjacent to a base end side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1with respect to the optional processed part, and estimate a position of the detected reference point as a position of the needle tip part T of the puncture needle N1.

In addition, for example, any one of the plurality of processed parts P1to P5of the puncture needle N1may be concealed or disappear in the ultrasound image due to a high-intensity reflection signal, a so-called acoustic shadow, or the like derived from the tissue in the subject. In this case, the geometric progression determination unit10determines that the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 is not formed, but in this case, the needle tip part position estimation unit11can detect the reference point by estimating the processed part concealed or disappearing due to the high-intensity reflection signal, the acoustic shadow, or the like based on the plurality of arrangement intervals detected by the arrangement interval detection unit9.

The apparatus control unit13of the processor16controls each unit of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1based on a program recorded in advance in the storage unit15or the like and an input operation by the user via the input unit14.

The display control unit6of the processor16, under the control of the apparatus control unit13, causes the display unit7to display the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit5of the image acquisition unit8, the position of the needle tip part T estimated by the needle tip part position estimation unit12, and the like.

The display unit7of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1displays the ultrasound image generated by the image acquisition unit8, the position of the needle tip part T estimated by the needle tip part position estimation unit12, and the like, and includes, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display (organic electroluminescence display). The input unit14of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1is for the user to perform an input operation, and may comprise a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touch pad, a touch panel, and the like.

The storage unit15stores an operation program or the like of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1, and may use a recording medium such as a flash memory, a hard disc drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD),a flexible disc (FD), a magneto-optical disc (MO disc), a magnetic tape (MT), a random access memory (RAM), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a secure digital card (SD card), and a universal serial bus memory (USB memory), or a server.

The processor16having the display control unit6, the image acquisition unit8, the arrangement interval detection unit9, the geometric progression determination unit10, the needle tip part position estimation unit11, and the apparatus control unit13is constituted of a central processing unit (CPU) and a control program for causing the CPU to perform various kinds of processing, and may be constituted of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or other integrated circuit (IC) or a combination thereof.

The display control unit6, the image acquisition unit8, the arrangement interval detection unit9, the geometric progression determination unit10, the needle tip part position estimation unit11, and the apparatus control unit13of the processor16may be partially or entirely integrated into one CPU or the like.

Next, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1in Embodiment 1 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown inFIG.6.

First, in step S1, as shown inFIG.2, an ultrasound beam is applied from the ultrasound probe2in contact with the body surface B of the subject toward the puncture needle N1in the subject, and an ultrasound image is captured. In this case, ultrasound echoes from the subject and the puncture needle N1are received by the transducer array2A of the ultrasound probe2to generate a reception signal, and the generated reception signal is amplified by the amplification unit17of the reception unit4, and A/D conversion is performed by the A/D conversion unit18. Further, the reception signal subjected to the A/D conversion is output to the image generation unit5, and the image generation unit5generates an ultrasound image based on the reception signal.

Next, in step S2, the arrangement interval detection unit9recognizes the plurality of processed parts P1to P5of the puncture needle N1and detects the arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed parts P1to P5by image analysis of the ultrasound image generated in step S1.

In step S3, the geometric progression determination unit10determines whether or not the plurality of arrangement intervals detected in step S2form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2. In a case where determination is made in step S3that the plurality of arrangement intervals form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the needle tip part position estimation unit11detects, as the reference point, a point extending from an arrangement position of an optional processed part selected among the plurality of processed parts P1to P5depicted in the ultrasound image to the tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1, that is, a point extending in a direction in which lengths of the plurality of arrangement intervals gradually decrease, by an arrangement interval between the selected optional processed part and a processed part adjacent to the base end side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1with respect to the optional processed part, that is, a processed part adjacent in a direction in which the lengths of the plurality of arrangement intervals gradually increase.

For example, in a case where the third processed part P3is selected among the plurality of processed parts P1to P5, the needle tip part position estimation unit11detects, as the reference point, a point extending from an arrangement position of the third processed part P3to the tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1by the arrangement interval between the third processed part P3and the fourth processed part P4adjacent to the base end side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1with respect to the third processed part P3.

In this way, in a case where the process of step S4is completed, the process proceeds to step S7.

In a case where the geometric progression determination unit10determines in step S3that the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 is not formed, the process proceeds to step S5.

Here, for example, due to a high-intensity reflection signal, a so-called acoustic shadow, or the like derived from the tissue in the subject, a part of the plurality of processed parts P1to P5of the puncture needle N1may not be depicted, such as any one of the plurality of processed parts P1to P5being concealed or disappearing in the ultrasound image. In a case where the puncture needle N1according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is inserted into the subject, even though a part of the plurality of processed parts P1to P5of the puncture needle N1is not depicted in the ultrasound image, it may be possible to estimate the processed part which is not depicted, and to confirm that the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 is formed by the plurality of processed parts P1to P5.

For example, as shown inFIG.7, in a case where the third processed part P3among the plurality of processed parts P1to P5is not depicted in the ultrasound image, the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2, an arrangement interval L24between the second processed part P2and the fourth processed part P4, and the arrangement interval L4between the fourth processed part P4and the fifth processed part P5are detected in step S2. In this case, it can be confirmed that the arrangement interval L4between the fourth processed part P4and the fifth processed part P5has a length of eight times the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2. Further, in a case where it is confirmed that the arrangement interval L24between the second processed part P2and the fourth processed part P4is six times the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2, it is estimated that the arrangement interval L24is a sum of the arrangement interval L2between the second processed part P2and the third processed part P3having a length of twice the arrangement interval L1and the arrangement interval L3between the third processed part P3and the fourth processed part P4having a length of four times the arrangement interval L1. Thus, for example, even in a case where the third processed part P3among the plurality of processed parts P1to P5is not depicted in the ultrasound image, it can be confirmed that the plurality of processed parts P1to P5form the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2.

Therefore, in step S5, the geometric progression determination unit10determines whether or not the processed part which is not depicted in the ultrasound image can be estimated. In a case where determination is made in step S5that the processed part which is not depicted in the ultrasound image can be estimated, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the needle tip part position estimation unit11estimates the processed part not depicted in the ultrasound image based on the plurality of arrangement intervals detected in step S2and positions of the plurality of processed parts depicted in the ultrasound image, and confirms that the plurality of processed parts P1to P5form the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2. In this way, in a case where the processed part not depicted in the ultrasound image is estimated and it is confirmed that the plurality of processed parts P1to P5form the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the needle tip part position estimation unit11detects, as the reference point, a point extending from an arrangement position of an optional processed part selected among the arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed part P1to P5to the tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1by an arrangement interval between the selected optional processed part and a processed part adjacent to the base end side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1with respect to the optional processed part while taking into consideration the position of the processed part estimated in step S6.

In this way, in a case where the process of step S4is completed, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the needle tip part position estimation unit11estimates the reference point detected in step S4as the position of the needle tip part T of the puncture needle N1.

Here, since the plurality of arrangement intervals L1to L4form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2, for example, the arrangement interval L3between the third processed part P3and the fourth processed part P4is equal to four times the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2. In addition, since the distance K1from the needle tip part T to the first processed part P1is equal to the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2, and the arrangement interval L2between the second processed part P2and the third processed part P3is equal to twice the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2, for example, the distance from the needle tip part T to the third processed part P3, that is, the sum of the distance K1from the needle tip part T to the first processed part P1, the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2, and the arrangement interval L2between the second processed part P2and the third processed part P3is equal to four times the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2.

Therefore, since the arrangement interval L3between the third processed part P3and the fourth processed part P4is equal to the distance from the needle tip part T to the third processed part P3, the needle tip part position estimation unit11can estimate, as the position of the needle tip part T, a point extending from an arrangement position of the third processed part P3to the tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1, that is, the reference point by, for example, an arrangement interval between the third processed part P3and the fourth processed part P4adjacent to the base end side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1with respect to the third processed part P3.

In addition, the needle tip part position estimation unit11superimposes the estimated position of the needle tip part T on the ultrasound image generated in step Si and causes the display unit7to display the image. For example, as shown inFIG.8, the needle tip part position estimation unit12superimposes a tip mark M representing the position of the needle tip part T of the puncture needle N1on an ultrasound image U and displays the image on the display unit7. In the example shown inFIG.8, the tip mark M is indicated by a black circle for description.

In a case where the process of step S7is completed in this way, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1ends.

In addition, in step S5, in a case where the geometric progression determination unit10determines that the plurality of arrangement intervals detected in step S2are not allowed to form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 and that a processed part which is not depicted in the ultrasound image U cannot be estimated, the process proceeds to step S8. Here, for example, in a case where two or more arrangement intervals which are integral multiples of each other among the plurality of processed parts P1to P5are not detected in step S2and it cannot be confirmed that the plurality of processed parts P1to P5form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2, or in a case where a puncture needle having no processed parts arranged in accordance with a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 is inserted into the subject, instead of the puncture needle N1according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the plurality of arrangement intervals detected in step S2are not allowed to form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2.

In step S8, the geometric progression determination unit10displays, although not shown, occurrence of an error on the display unit7. In this way, in a case where the process of step S8is completed, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1ends.

As described above, the puncture needle N1according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises the plurality of processed parts P1to P5forming a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 in which values gradually decrease toward the needle tip part T, the distance K1between the needle tip part T and the first processed part P1is equal to the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2which is second closest to the needle tip part T. Therefore, for example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1easily estimates the position of the needle tip part T and displays the estimated position of the needle tip part T on the display unit7. Thus, the user can accurately grasp the position of the needle tip part T of the puncture needle N1by confirming the display unit7.

According to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the plurality of processed parts P1to P5are recognized to detect the arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed parts P1to P5by image analysis of the ultrasound image U, whether or not the detected arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed parts form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 is determined, and in a case where determination is made that the detected plurality of arrangement intervals form the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2, a point extending from an arrangement position of an optional processed part selected among the plurality of processed parts P1to P5depicted in the ultrasound image to the tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1by an arrangement interval between the selected optional processed part and a processed part adjacent to the base end side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1with respect to the optional processed part is detected as the reference point, and the detected reference point is estimated as the position of the needle tip part T. Therefore, the position of the needle tip part T can be estimated with high accuracy.

Further, according to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, even in a case where any one of the plurality of processed parts P1to P5of the puncture needle N1is concealed or disappears in the ultrasound image U due to a high-intensity reflection signal, an acoustic shadow, or the like derived from the tissue in the subject, the needle tip part position estimation unit11estimates a position of the concealed or disappearing processed part and confirms that the plurality of arrangement intervals L1to L4form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2. Therefore, the position of the needle tip part T can be estimated with high accuracy as in the case where the plurality of processed parts P1to P5are depicted in the ultrasound image U.

In the example shown inFIG.1, although five processed parts P1to P5are formed in the shaft part S from the needle tip part T of the puncture needle N1toward a base end part of the shaft part S, the number of processed parts is not limited to five. The number of processed parts formed in the shaft part S may be more than five, and for example, a plurality of processed parts (not shown) forming a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 together with the first processed part P1to the fifth processed part P5may be provided on the base end part side from the processed part P5. In addition, the number of processed parts may be less than five, and may be, for example, four.

Further, the needle tip part position estimation unit11selects an optional processed part from the plurality of processed parts P1to P5, detects, as the reference point, a point extending from the selected processed part to the tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1by an arrangement interval between the selected processed part and a processed part adjacent to the base end side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1from the selected processed part, and estimates the detected reference point as the position of the needle tip part T. The closer the selected processed part is located to the tip side of the shaft part S, the less likely it is to be affected by mechanical deflection of the shaft part S, and thus, detection accuracy of the reference point, that is, estimation accuracy of the needle tip part T is improved. Therefore, it is desirable that the needle tip part position estimation unit11selects, for example, a processed part located closest to the tip side of the shaft part S among the plurality of processed parts depicted in the ultrasound image U and the plurality of estimated processed parts, and detects the reference point.

The needle tip part position estimation unit11can acquire a plurality of detection results of the reference point by, for example, selecting the plurality of processed parts depicted in the ultrasound image U and the plurality of estimated processed parts, respectively, and detect an average value of the acquired plurality of detection results as the position of the reference point.

In this case, the needle tip part position estimation unit11can change a color of the tip mark M shown inFIG.8, for example, in accordance with a value representing variation of the plurality of detection results, for example, an average value of the distances between the detected reference points. For example, the needle tip part position estimation unit11can display the tip mark M in red in a case where the value representing the variation of the plurality of detection results is larger than a predetermined value, and can display the tip mark M in blue in a case where the value representing the variation of the plurality of detection results is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value. Thus, the user can easily grasp the estimation accuracy of the needle tip part T.

For example, in a case where the plurality of processed parts depicted in the ultrasound image U and the plurality of estimated processed parts are selected and the obtained plurality of detection results of the reference point are averaged, the needle tip part position estimation unit11can calculate an average value by weighting the position of the detected reference point as the processed part is located closer to the tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1. Thus, the estimation accuracy of the needle tip part T can be improved.

In the puncture needle N1of Embodiment 1, although the reference point is equal to the needle tip part T, the position of the reference point can be set closer to the base end side of the shaft part S than the needle tip part T.

As shown inFIG.9, although a puncture needle N2according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, similarly to the puncture needle N1of Embodiment 1 shown inFIG.1, comprises a shaft part S and a needle tip part T disposed at a tip of the shaft part S, and a plurality of processed parts P1to P5are arranged and formed on the shaft part S, a position of a reference point C is set closer to the base end side of the shaft part S than the needle tip part T. The reference point C is set at a position separated from the needle tip part T by a predetermined distance J, and a distance K2from the reference point C to the first processed part P1is equal to the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2. In addition, an arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2, an arrangement interval L2between the second processed part P2and the third processed part P3, an arrangement interval L3between the third processed part P3and the fourth processed part P4, and an arrangement interval L4between the fourth processed part P4and the fifth processed part P5form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2.

Therefore, in a case where it is confirmed that the plurality of arrangement intervals L1to L4form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 and any position of the plurality of processed parts P1to P5is known, the position of the reference point C can be estimated. Further, by acquiring the distance J from the needle tip part T to the reference point C, the position of the needle tip part T can be estimated based on the acquired distance J and the estimated position of the reference point C.

Next, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1of estimating the position of the needle tip part T of the puncture needle N2will be described with reference to the flowchart shown inFIG.10.

First, in step S8, needle information, which is information of the puncture needle N2, is input by the user via the input unit14. The needle information input here includes the predetermined distance J from the needle tip part T to the reference point C.

Next, in step S1, as in the aspect shown inFIG.2, an ultrasound beam is applied from the ultrasound probe2in contact with the body surface B of the subject toward the puncture needle N2in the subject, and an ultrasound image U is captured.

In step S2, the arrangement interval detection unit9recognizes the plurality of processed parts P1to P5of the puncture needle N2and detects the arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed parts P1to P5by image analysis of the ultrasound image U generated in step S1.

In step S3, the geometric progression determination unit10determines whether or not the plurality of arrangement intervals detected in step S2form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2. In a case where determination is made in step S3that the plurality of arrangement intervals form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the needle tip part position estimation unit11detects, as the reference point C, a point extending from an arrangement position of an optional processed part selected among the arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed part P1to P5depicted in the ultrasound image to the tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1by an arrangement interval between the selected optional processed part and a processed part adjacent to the base end side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1with respect to the optional processed part.

In a case where the reference point C is detected in this way, the process proceeds to step S7.

In a case where determination is made in step S3that the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 is not formed by the plurality of arrangement intervals detected in step S2, the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the geometric progression determination unit10determines whether or not the processed part which is not depicted in the ultrasound image U can be estimated. In a case where determination is made in step S5that the processed part which is not depicted on the ultrasound image U can be estimated, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the needle tip part position estimation unit11estimates the processed part not depicted in the ultrasound image based on the plurality of arrangement intervals detected in step S2and positions of the plurality of processed parts depicted in the ultrasound image, and confirms that the plurality of processed parts P1to P5form the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2. In this way, in a case where the processed part not depicted in the ultrasound image is estimated and it is confirmed that the plurality of processed parts P1to P5form the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the needle tip part position estimation unit11detects, as the reference point C, a point extending from an arrangement position of an optional processed part selected among the arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed part P1to P5to the tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1by an arrangement interval between the selected optional processed part and a processed part adjacent to the base end side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1with respect to the optional processed part while taking into consideration the position of the processed part estimated in step S6.

In this way, in a case where the process of step S4is completed, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the needle tip part position estimation unit11estimates, as the position of the needle tip part T, a point extending from the position of the reference point C detected in step S4to the tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N2by the predetermined distance J, based on the needle information input in step S8. Further, as in the aspect shown inFIG.8, the needle tip part position estimation unit11superimposes a tip mark M representing the estimated position of the needle tip part T on the ultrasound image U generated in step S1and displays the image on the display unit7.

In a case where the process of step S7is completed in this way, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1ends.

In addition, in step S5, in a case where the geometric progression determination unit10determines that the plurality of arrangement intervals detected in step S2are not allowed to form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 and that a processed part which is not depicted in the ultrasound image U cannot be estimated, the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the geometric progression determination unit10displays, although not shown, occurrence of an error on the display unit7. In this way, in a case where the process of step S8is completed, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1ends.

As described above, the puncture needle N2according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention comprises the plurality of processed parts P1to P5forming a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 in which values gradually decrease toward the needle tip part T, the reference point C is set at a position located on the needle tip part T side from the first processed part P1closest to the needle tip part T among the plurality of processed parts P1to P5and separated from the needle tip part T by the predetermined distance, the distance K2between the reference point C and the first processed part P1is equal to the arrangement interval L1between the first processed part P1and the second processed part P2which is second closest to the needle tip part T. Therefore, for example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1easily detects the reference point C, easily estimates the position of the needle tip part T, and displays the estimated position of the needle tip part T on the display unit7. Thus, the user can accurately grasp the position of the needle tip part T of the puncture needle N1by confirming the display unit7.

In the puncture needle N2of Embodiment 2, although the reference point C is formed at a position separated from the needle tip part T by the predetermined distance J, a length of the predetermined distance J is not particularly limited. However, the shorter the predetermined distance J, the closer the first processed part P1is formed to the needle tip part T, and the less likely it is to be affected by deflection of the puncture needle N2or the like in a case where the position of the needle tip part T is estimated. Therefore, estimation accuracy of the needle tip part T can be improved. Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving the estimation accuracy of the needle tip part T, the length of the predetermined distance J is preferably shorter, for example, the distance K2from the position of the reference point C to the first processed part P1or less.

Although not shown, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1comprises a needle information acquisition unit that acquires needle information of the puncture needle N2by scanning the puncture needle N2, reading a bar code attached to a packaging bag of the puncture needle N2, or the like. Thus, for example, the user can save time and effort of manually inputting the needle information via the input unit14.

The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1according to Embodiment 1 has a configuration in which the ultrasound probe2and the display unit7are directly connected to the processor16, but for example, the ultrasound probe2, the display unit7, and the processor16can be indirectly connected to one another via a network.

As shown inFIG.11, in an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1A according to Embodiment 3, the ultrasound probe2, the display unit7, and the input unit14are connected to a diagnostic apparatus main body A via a network NW. The diagnostic apparatus main body A is the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1shown inFIG.3, excluding the ultrasound probe2, the display unit7, and the input unit14.

Here, in a case where an ultrasound beam is transmitted from the ultrasound probe2toward the inside of the subject in a state where the ultrasound probe2is pressed against the body surface B of the subject by the user, an ultrasound echo reflected in the inside of the subject is received by the transducer array2A of the ultrasound probe2to generate a reception signal. The ultrasound probe2transmits the generated reception signal to the diagnostic apparatus main body A via the network NW. The reception signal transmitted from the ultrasound probe2in this way is received by the image acquisition unit8of the processor16of the diagnostic apparatus main body A via the network NW, and the image acquisition unit8generates the ultrasound image U based on the reception signal.

The ultrasound image U generated by the image acquisition unit8is sent to the display control unit6and the arrangement interval detection unit9. The display control unit6performs predetermined processing on the ultrasound image U received from the image acquisition unit8, and further, transmits the ultrasound image U subjected to the predetermined processing to the display unit7via the network NW. In this way, the ultrasound image U transmitted from the display control unit6of the processor16of the diagnostic apparatus main body A is received by the display unit7via the network NW and displayed on the display unit7.

The arrangement interval detection unit9recognizes the plurality of processed parts P1to P5of the puncture needle N1and detects the arrangement intervals of the recognized plurality of processed parts P1to P5by image analysis of the ultrasound image U received from the image acquisition unit8.

The geometric progression determination unit10determines whether or not the arrangement intervals detected by the arrangement interval detection unit9form the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2.

The needle tip part position estimation unit11detects, as the reference point, a point extending from an arrangement position of an optional processed part among the plurality of processed parts P1to P5to a tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1by an arrangement interval between the optional processed part and a processed part adjacent to a base end side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1with respect to the optional processed part, and estimates a position of the detected reference point as a position of the needle tip part T of the puncture needle N1.

As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1A according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, even in a case where the ultrasound probe2, the display unit7, the input unit14, and the diagnostic apparatus main body A are connected via the network NW, similarly to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1of Embodiment1, the plurality of processed parts P1to P5are recognized to detect the arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed parts P1to P5by image analysis of the ultrasound image U, whether or not the detected arrangement intervals of the plurality of processed parts form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 is determined, and in a case where determination is made that the detected plurality of arrangement intervals form the geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2, a point extending from an arrangement position of an optional processed part selected among the plurality of processed parts P1to P5depicted in the ultrasound image to the tip side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1by an arrangement interval between the selected optional processed part and a processed part adjacent to the base end side of the shaft part S of the puncture needle N1with respect to the optional processed part is detected as the reference point, and the detected reference point is estimated as the position of the needle tip part T. Therefore, the position of the needle tip part T can be estimated with high accuracy.

Since the ultrasound probe2, the display unit7, and the input unit14are connected to the diagnostic apparatus main body A via the network NW, the diagnostic apparatus main body A can be used as a so-called remote server. Thus, for example, the user can perform ultrasound diagnosis of the subject by preparing only the ultrasound probe2, the display unit7, and the input unit14at the user's hand, and thus convenience in the ultrasound diagnosis can be improved.

In addition, for example, in a case where a portable thin computer called a so-called tablet is used as the display unit7and the input unit14, the user can more easily perform the ultrasound diagnosis of the subject, and convenience in the ultrasound diagnosis can be further improved.

Although the ultrasound probe2, the display unit7, and the input unit14are connected to the diagnostic apparatus main body A via the network NW, the ultrasound probe2, the display unit7, the input unit14, and the diagnostic apparatus main body A may be wire-connected or wirelessly connected to the network NW.

Although it has been described that the aspect of Embodiment 3 is applied to Embodiment 1, the same can be applied to Embodiment 2.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES

1,1A: ultrasound diagnostic apparatus

3: transmission unit

4: reception unit

5: image generation unit

6: display control unit

7: display unit

8: image acquisition unit

9: arrangement interval detection unit

10: geometric progression determination unit

11: needle tip part position estimation unit

13: apparatus control unit

14: input unit

15: storage unit

18: AD conversion unit

19: signal processing unit

21: image processing unit

A: diagnostic apparatus main body

B: body surface

M: tip mark

P1: first processed part

P2: second processed part

P3: third processed part

P4: fourth processed part

P5: fifth processed part

S: shaft part

T: needle tip part

U: ultrasound image