Ultrasound probe for puncture needle and ultrasound diagnostic device using same

#The invention relates to an ultrasound probe and an ultrasound diagnostic device using the same, and particularly relates to an ultrasound probe for a puncture needle that is used with a puncture needle and an ultrasound diagnostic device using the same.

#Conventionally, ultrasound diagnostic devices using ultrasound images are put to practical use in the medical field. Generally, this type of ultrasound diagnostic device includes an ultrasound probe having a built-in transducer array and a diagnostic apparatus main body connected to the ultrasound probe. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasound probe toward an inspection object (subject), ultrasonic echoes from the subject are received by the ultrasound probe, and an ultrasound image is generated by electrically processing the received signals in the diagnostic apparatus main body.

#Additionally, according to the ultrasound diagnostic device, the arrangement of a puncture needle in the ultrasound probe and usage of the ultrasound diagnostic device with the puncture needle so that processing can be performed while checking the ultrasound image have been known to be useful. JP 2006-288580 A discloses a probe for a puncture needle capable of accurately checking a position of a puncture needle within a close distance.

#FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of an ultrasound probe for a puncture needle according to an embodiment 1 of the invention.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ultrasound probe for a puncture needle according to the embodiment 1 of the invention.

#FIG. 3 is an explanatory view schematically explaining the relationship between sound ray signals formed when the ultrasound probe for a puncture needle according to the invention transmits ultrasonic beams and receives ultrasonic echoes, and the focal position.

#The following is a detailed description of the ultrasound probe and ultrasound diagnostic device according to the invention based on the preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

#FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of the ultrasound probe for a puncture needle according to the embodiment 1 of the invention.

#An ultrasound probe 1 for a puncture needle according to the embodiment 1 includes a transducer array 2 having an ultrasonic wave transmission/reception surface S1 that extends along an array direction of a plurality of transducers, an acoustic lens 3 having a subject contact surface S2 that is arranged on the ultrasonic wave transmission/reception surface S1 side of the transducer array 2, that is, in front of the transducer array 2, and contacts a subject P during ultrasound diagnosis, and a wedge-shaped filling member 4 arranged between the transducer array 2 and the acoustic lens 3. In the ultrasound probe 1 for a puncture needle, a puncture position I of a puncture needle N is set near one end of the subject contact surface S2, and the puncture needle N is attached at a predetermined puncture angle ϕ by a puncture needle holder (not illustrated).