JP2023134307A - Measurement device of organism hardness - Google Patents
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- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 12
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 69
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 230000005284 excitation Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000007542 hardness measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 abstract description 7
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 210000001519 tissue Anatomy 0.000 description 23
- 206010052904 Musculoskeletal stiffness Diseases 0.000 description 6
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000017525 heat dissipation Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 210000002615 epidermis Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012549 training Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000004027 cell Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 210000002027 skeletal muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 210000003491 skin Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000004003 subcutaneous fat Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 206010028980 Neoplasm Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000013528 artificial neural network Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003745 diagnosis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000020169 heat generation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000001087 myotubule Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000554 physical therapy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005070 sampling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002123 temporal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007794 visualization technique Methods 0.000 description 1
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Abstract
【課題】加振器による加振中の超音波プローブ探触作業において、二つの器具を体表面に同時に押し当てながら画像化する際に測定者の両手がふさがらず、測定中の機器操作も行いやすく、また、加振器による機械振動の伝播速度を確実に把握する。【解決手段】超音波プローブのヘッド部に取り付け可能な第一アタッチメントと、生体表面に機械振動を与える加振器を保持する第二アタッチメントとを具備してなる。第一アタッチメントによって取りつけられる超音波プローブのプローブ面よりも、第二アタッチメントによって保持される加振器の加振子を所定の予設定値の突出量だけ突出させ、かつ、前記プローブ面と前記加振子との距離を、所定の予設定範囲の一定値に保ち得る。【選択図】図１[Problem] In the ultrasonic probe detection work during vibration with a vibrator, when imaging while pressing two instruments against the body surface at the same time, the measurer's hands are not occupied, and he is also unable to operate the equipment during measurement. It is easy to grasp the propagation speed of mechanical vibration caused by the vibrator. The ultrasound probe includes a first attachment that can be attached to the head of an ultrasound probe, and a second attachment that holds a vibrator that applies mechanical vibrations to the surface of a living body. A vibrator of a vibrator held by a second attachment is made to protrude beyond a probe surface of an ultrasonic probe attached by a first attachment by a protrusion amount of a predetermined preset value, and the probe surface and the vibrator are may be kept at a constant value within a predetermined preset range. [Selection diagram] Figure 1
Description
本発明は、超音波を用いて生体物（人体又は動物）の生体組織の硬さを映像化する生体硬さの測定用デバイスに関する。特に、対象箇所の生体組織を小型振器で振動させて機械振動波であるせん断波を発生させ、超音波プローブで生体組織内を伝わる機械的振動波（横波）の伝播速度を画像化するための生体硬さの測定用探触装置に関する。 TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a device for measuring biological stiffness that visualizes the hardness of biological tissue of a biological object (human body or animal) using ultrasound. In particular, to vibrate the living tissue at the target location using a small vibrator to generate shear waves, which are mechanical vibration waves, and to image the propagation speed of the mechanical vibration waves (transverse waves) that propagate within the living tissue using an ultrasound probe. This invention relates to a probe device for measuring biological hardness.
リハビリテーションにおける理学療法室、マッサージにおける治療室、スポーツ医学におけるトレーニング室等に持ち込んで骨格筋の硬さや変化を定量的に測定しようとする要求がある。つまり従来技術では難しかった骨格筋の硬さを定量的に評価して、その結果をリハビリテーション、マッサージ、トレーニングの効果判定、有効な治療、トレーニング計画の策定等に結び付けたいという要求である。このような要求には、群馬大学の山越が発明者で群馬大学が出願人である生体硬さの映像化法ＣＤＳＷＩ法：Ｃｏｌｏｒ
Ｄｏｐｐｌｅｒ Ｓｈｅａｒ Ｗａｖｅ
Ｉｍａｇｉｎｇを使うことが選択肢になると考えられるが、この時、大型の超音波診断装置ではなくフィールドで使える小型で可搬型のエコー装置（タブレットエコー：プローブ内に電子回路やCPUを組み込んで、これをタブレットやPCに接続することで超音波診断を行う装置）にＣＤＳＷＩ法を組み込んで使う必要がある。
There is a demand for quantitative measurement of skeletal muscle stiffness and changes by bringing it into physical therapy rooms for rehabilitation, treatment rooms for massage, training rooms for sports medicine, etc. In other words, there is a need to quantitatively evaluate the stiffness of skeletal muscles, which has been difficult with conventional techniques, and to use the results to determine the effects of rehabilitation, massage, and training, and to formulate effective treatments and training plans. To meet these demands, the biological hardness visualization method CDSWI method: Color
Doppler Shear Wave
Using Imaging may be an option, but in this case, rather than a large ultrasound diagnostic device, a small and portable echo device that can be used in the field (tablet echo: an electronic circuit and CPU built into the probe, It is necessary to incorporate the CDSWI method into a device that performs ultrasound diagnosis by connecting to a tablet or PC.
超音波を用いて生体物（人体又は動物）の生体組織を映像化する超音波映像方法として、従来、ＷＯ２０１５／１５１９７２（特許文献１参照）が開示される。同開示においては、穿刺針を測定部近くの体表に押し当てて穿刺部の生体細胞を振動させた状態で、超音波エコー装置によって生体組織内を伝わる機械的振動波（横波）の伝播速度を画像化している。 WO2015/151972 (see Patent Document 1) is conventionally disclosed as an ultrasonic imaging method for imaging biological tissue of a living object (human body or animal) using ultrasound. In the same disclosure, the propagation velocity of a mechanical vibration wave (transverse wave) transmitted in a living tissue by an ultrasonic echo device is described in a state in which a puncture needle is pressed against the body surface near the measurement part to vibrate living cells at the puncture part. is being visualized.
この装置において、穿刺針には微小振動を付与する励振器が設置され、この励振器により振動される穿刺針のドプラ効果の影響を受けたエコー信号をプローブが受信することにより、穿刺針の外針から突出する内針の動きが認識されるようになっている。ここで前記画像生成手段は、前記穿刺針の内針が前記被採取部に差し込まれる直前において、仮に前記内針が前記外針から突出されたとしたら前記被採取部から採取されることが期待される組織を前記表示手段に画像として表示させるものである。同文献によれば、被採取部の組織の採取に先立ち、表示手段を見るだけで被採取部のどこの部位が採取できるのかを予測することができ、所望する組織を確実に採取することができる、とされる。 In this device, an exciter that applies minute vibrations is installed on the puncture needle, and the probe receives an echo signal affected by the Doppler effect of the puncture needle vibrated by this exciter, causing the puncture needle to extrude. The movement of the inner needle protruding from the needle is recognized. Here, the image generating means predicts that if the inner needle of the puncture needle were to protrude from the outer needle immediately before the inner needle of the puncture needle was inserted into the sampled part, the sample would be expected to be sampled from the sampled part. The tissue displayed on the screen is displayed as an image on the display means. According to this document, it is possible to predict which part of the sampled part can be sampled by simply looking at the display means before sampling the tissue of the sampled part, and it is possible to reliably sample the desired tissue. It is said that it can be done.
しかしながら、上記文献１記載のようなタブレットエコー装置は、加振器と超音波プローブという二つの器具を体表面に同時に押し当てるため、画像化する際に測定者の両手がふさがってしまい、測定深さの設定調整や表示画面の切り替えといった測定中の機器操作を行いにくいという課題があった。
また、生体表面の測定箇所や測定対象者、対象生物によっては加振器による機械振動が生体細胞内に効率よく伝わらない場合があったり、逆に、加振器による振動が超音波プローブの操作に影響を与えてしまって操作性にもとり、伝播速度のデータを確実に又は効率よく取得できないという課題があった。
However, the tablet echo device described in Document 1 presses two instruments, the vibrator and the ultrasonic probe, against the body surface at the same time, so the measurer's hands are occupied when imaging, making it difficult to measure the depth. The problem was that it was difficult to operate the device during measurement, such as adjusting the settings and switching the display screen.
Additionally, depending on the measurement location on the biological surface, the person to be measured, and the target organism, the mechanical vibrations generated by the vibrator may not be transmitted efficiently into the biological cells, or conversely, the vibrations generated by the vibrator may be used to manipulate the ultrasonic probe. However, there was a problem in that the propagation speed data could not be acquired reliably or efficiently, which affected the operability.
そこで本発明は、加振器による加振中の超音波プローブ探触作業において、二つの器具を体表面に同時に押し当てながら画像化する際に測定者の両手がふさがらず、測定中の機器操作も行いやすく、また、加振器による機械振動の伝播速度を確実に把握することができ、操作性にも優れる、生体硬さの測定用デバイスを提供することを課題とする。 In view of this, the present invention aims to eliminate the need for both hands of the measurer to be occupied when pressing two instruments against the body surface at the same time during ultrasonic probe probing work during vibration with a vibrator, and to operate the device during measurement. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for measuring biological hardness that is easy to perform, can reliably grasp the propagation speed of mechanical vibrations caused by a vibrator, and has excellent operability.
上記課題を解決すべく本発明では以下の手段を講じている。但し以下において構成の名称に続けて記載する数字乃至アルファベットは、図面の理解のために便宜的に付した符号であり、これによって構成の概念ないし形状、構造を限定する趣旨ではない。 In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following measures. However, in the following, the numbers and alphabets written following the names of the structures are symbols added for convenience in understanding the drawings, and are not intended to limit the concept, shape, or structure of the structure.
（１）（超音波プローブのヘッド部に取り付け可能なアタッチメント）
超音波プローブのヘッド部に取り付け可能な第一アタッチメントと、
生体表面に機械振動を与える加振器を保持する第二アタッチメントと、を具備してなる測定用デバイスであって、
第一アタッチメントによって取りつけられる超音波プローブのプローブ探触子の送受信方向において、
第一アタッチメントによって取りつけられる超音波プローブのプローブ面よりも、
第二アタッチメントによって保持される加振器の加振子を所定の予設定値の突出量だけ突出させ、かつ、
前記プローブ面と前記加振子との距離を、所定の予設定範囲の一定値に保ち得ることを特徴とする、生体硬さの測定用デバイス。
加振子によって生体組織を機械振動させるためには、生体表面の表皮層や皮下脂肪層よりも下層の組織内へ振動を伝える必要がある。上記の手段によって加振子を生体表面から突出させることで、生体表面の皮膚状態を当圧して表面組織を振動伝播効率の高い圧縮状態に維持しながら確実に生体組織を機械振動させることができる。また、加振点から遠すぎない一定距離を保つことで振動の生体組織の表皮から約１０ＣＭの範囲内の任意の測定点における振動伝播速度を確実に取得することができる。
(1) (Attachment that can be attached to the head of the ultrasound probe)
a first attachment that can be attached to the head of the ultrasound probe;
A measurement device comprising: a second attachment that holds an exciter that applies mechanical vibration to a biological surface;
In the transmission and reception direction of the probe probe of the ultrasound probe attached by the first attachment,
than the probe surface of the ultrasound probe attached by the first attachment.
protruding the exciter of the exciter held by the second attachment by a predetermined protrusion amount, and
A device for measuring biological stiffness, characterized in that the distance between the probe surface and the vibrator can be maintained at a constant value within a predetermined preset range.
In order to mechanically vibrate biological tissues using an exciter, it is necessary to transmit the vibrations into the tissues below the epidermal layer and subcutaneous fat layer on the surface of the biological body. By causing the vibrator to protrude from the living body surface using the above-mentioned means, it is possible to reliably mechanically vibrate the living tissue while applying pressure to the skin condition of the living body surface and maintaining the surface tissue in a compressed state with high vibration propagation efficiency. Furthermore, by maintaining a constant distance that is not too far from the excitation point, it is possible to reliably obtain the vibration propagation velocity at any measurement point within a range of about 10 cm from the epidermis of the living tissue.
（２）（第二アタッチメントの緩衝材）
超音波プローブのヘッド部を側周部から嵌入して取り付け可能な嵌入枠を有する第一アタッチメントと、
生体表面に機械振動を与える加振器を保持穴内及び保持穴先部に保持する第二アタッチメントと、を具備してなる測定用デバイスであって、
第二アタッチメントの保持穴内面及び保持穴先部面には、加振器の基部及び加振先部との間に緩衝材を介在させて加振器を固定することを特徴とする。
(2) (Cushioning material for second attachment)
a first attachment having a fitting frame into which the head portion of the ultrasound probe can be fitted and attached from the side periphery;
A measuring device comprising: a second attachment that holds an exciter that applies mechanical vibrations to the surface of a living body within the holding hole and at the tip of the holding hole;
The vibration exciter is fixed to the inner surface of the holding hole and the tip surface of the holding hole of the second attachment by interposing a cushioning material between the base and the excitation tip of the vibration exciter.
（３）
前記第一アタッチメントは超音波プローブのヘッドを嵌入するテーパー枠穴を有した嵌入枠を有し、
前記第二アタッチメントは加振器の柱状の加振基部を収容保持する保持穴を有し、
かつ、前記第一アタッチメントと第二アタッチメントとの間に、テーパー枠孔と保持穴の穴軸方向の位置関係をスライド調整可能とする調整連結部を具備することを特徴とする。
調整連結部によって、嵌入枠の枠穴軸方向との関係で、保持穴軸は平行又は先側へ向かって近接する近接傾斜方向を向くように維持され、かつ、保持穴がテーパー枠穴よりも先側へ所定の設定量だけ突出するよう、任意の設定突出量に維持される。
(3)
The first attachment has a fitting frame having a tapered frame hole into which the head of the ultrasound probe is fitted;
The second attachment has a holding hole that accommodates and holds a columnar vibration base of the vibrator;
Further, the present invention is characterized in that an adjustment connecting portion is provided between the first attachment and the second attachment so that the positional relationship in the hole axis direction between the tapered frame hole and the holding hole can be slidably adjusted.
The adjustment connection portion maintains the holding hole axis so that it is parallel to or oriented in the direction of proximal inclination toward the tip in relation to the axial direction of the frame hole of the fitting frame, and the holding hole is An arbitrary preset protrusion amount is maintained so that the protrusion protrudes toward the tip by a predetermined preset amount.
（４）
前記第一アタッチメントは超音波プローブのヘッドを嵌入するテーパー枠穴を有した嵌入枠を有し、
前記第二アタッチメントは加振器の柱状の加振基部を収容保持する保持穴を有し、
かつ、前記第一アタッチメントと第二アタッチメントとの間に、テーパー枠孔と保持穴の穴軸方向の角度関係を曲げ調整可能とする調整連結部を具備することを特徴とする。
調整連結部によって、保持穴がテーパー枠穴よりも先側へ所定の設定量だけ突出するように維持され、かつ、嵌入枠の枠穴軸方向との関係で、保持穴軸は平行又は先側へ向かって（嵌入枠の枠穴軸方向に対し）任意角度だけ傾斜する方向を向くよう、任意の設定角度量に維持される。
(4)
The first attachment has a fitting frame having a tapered frame hole into which the head of the ultrasound probe is fitted;
The second attachment has a holding hole that accommodates and holds a columnar vibration base of the vibrator;
Further, the present invention is characterized in that an adjustment connecting portion is provided between the first attachment and the second attachment so that the angular relationship between the tapered frame hole and the holding hole in the hole axis direction can be adjusted by bending.
The adjustment connection part maintains the holding hole so that it protrudes forward by a predetermined amount beyond the tapered frame hole, and the holding hole axis is parallel or forward in relation to the axial direction of the frame hole of the fitting frame. The angle is maintained at an arbitrary set angle so that the angle is tilted at an arbitrary angle toward (with respect to the axial direction of the frame hole of the fitting frame).
（５）
第一アタッチメントのテーパー枠穴及び第二アタッチメントの保持穴は、穴内側面に一又は複数のスリットが形成され、超音波プローブを嵌入した状態、又は加振器を保持収容した状態において弾性変形した状態となることを特徴とする。
固有振動周波数の調整が可能であり、共振を防ぐことができる。
(5)
The tapered frame hole of the first attachment and the holding hole of the second attachment have one or more slits formed on the inner surface of the hole, and are elastically deformed when the ultrasonic probe is inserted or the exciter is held and accommodated. It is characterized by:
The natural vibration frequency can be adjusted and resonance can be prevented.
（６）（連結冶具）
上記いずれかに記載の生体硬さの測定用デバイスにおいては、プローブの受送信部が走査面に対して一定の略垂直の角度を保つよう、プローブの受送信面と平行に張り出した張り出し片をさらに具備することを特徴とする。
(6) (Connection jig)
In the biological hardness measurement device described in any of the above, an overhang piece is provided that extends parallel to the receiving and transmitting surfaces of the probe so that the receiving and transmitting sections of the probe maintain a constant substantially perpendicular angle to the scanning surface. The present invention is characterized by further comprising:
（７）（連結冶具）
上記いずれかに記載の生体硬さの測定用デバイスにおいては、第一アタッチメントのテーパー枠穴と第二アタッチメントの保持穴とが、一つの枠穴内の一側部及び他側部に仕切りを有さずに連なった空間で形成され、かつ、外力によって変形調整可能であると共に、調製された変形状態を維持することを特徴とする。
(7) (Connection jig)
In any of the biological hardness measurement devices described above, the tapered frame hole of the first attachment and the holding hole of the second attachment have partitions on one side and the other side of one frame hole. It is characterized by being formed of a continuous space, being able to be deformed and adjusted by external force, and maintaining the adjusted deformed state.
本発明によって提供される生体硬さの測定用デバイス及び生体硬さの測定用デバイス方法は、上記のとおり、ケーシングにスリットを形成すると共にスリット内又はスリット外部に近接して放熱フィンを設けているので、放熱フィンの放熱効果によってプローブ内の高熱化を抑制することができる。これにより、振動状況を機械振動の伝播速度に置き換えて画像データに変換するという比較的情報量の多い高度な連続処理を比較的長時間継続して行った場合でも、プローブ内の過度の発熱や熱暴走を抑制することができるものとなった。 As described above, the biological hardness measuring device and the biological hardness measuring device method provided by the present invention include forming a slit in the casing and providing heat dissipation fins within the slit or close to the outside of the slit. Therefore, the heat dissipation effect of the heat dissipation fins can suppress the increase in heat inside the probe. This prevents excessive heat generation within the probe, even when advanced continuous processing with a relatively large amount of information is performed for a relatively long time, converting the vibration situation into the propagation velocity of mechanical vibration and converting it into image data. This makes it possible to suppress thermal runaway.
また、放熱フィンの形状によって、超音波探査方向を視認しながら操作しやすいものとなっている。ここで、生体励振を伴うタブレットエコー装置による加振中の超音波プローブ探触作業においては、筋繊維方向に対応する方向へ超音波探知してプローブを動かす必要がある。したがって、探触面に対する超音波送受信の方向を、放熱フィンの形状そのものによって直観的に確認しながら行うことで探知効率を向上させ、継続操作時間を短縮することができるものとなった。 Additionally, the shape of the heat dissipation fins makes it easy to operate while visually checking the ultrasonic exploration direction. Here, in the ultrasonic probe probe operation during excitation using a tablet echo device that involves biological excitation, it is necessary to perform ultrasonic detection and move the probe in a direction corresponding to the muscle fiber direction. Therefore, the detection efficiency can be improved and the continuous operation time can be shortened by intuitively confirming the direction of ultrasonic wave transmission and reception with respect to the probe surface based on the shape of the radiation fin itself.
以下、本発明を実施するための形態例を、実施例として示す各図と共に説明する。 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to each drawing shown as an example.
図１に示す本発明の実施例１の生体硬さの測定用システムは、放熱フィンが付属された生体硬さの測定用デバイス１と、振動を加える加振装置２と、振動周波数を同期させ得る調整器Ａと、プローブによって探触された伝播速度を二次元表示する表示デバイスＨＤと、データを蓄積保存する処理端末４と、モニターＭとから構成される。 The system for measuring biological hardness according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. A display device HD displays two-dimensionally the propagation velocity probed by the probe, a processing terminal 4 accumulates and stores data, and a monitor M.
図２～図４は、前記測定用システムのうち、実施例１の生体硬さの測定デバイスの外形及び内部構造を示す。図４中央には、小基板を離間状態で重ね合わせた組合せ基板が熱伝導金属箔に巻回された状態で示される。図５はこの組合せ基板を更に分解した構成図である。 2 to 4 show the external shape and internal structure of the biological hardness measuring device of Example 1 among the measuring systems. In the center of FIG. 4, a combination substrate in which small substrates are stacked one on top of the other in a spaced manner is shown wound around a heat conductive metal foil. FIG. 5 is a further exploded configuration diagram of this combination board.
図６は図１～図４に示す実施例１の生体硬さの測定用システムに、一つの加振器ホルダと一対の第二放熱フィンを有する連結冶具を取り付けた状態である。図６正面図（ａ）、底面図（ｂ）にてそれぞれ右寄りに見える円板状の突出部が加振器の加振部である。 FIG. 6 shows a state in which a connection jig having one vibrator holder and a pair of second heat dissipation fins is attached to the biological hardness measurement system of Example 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. In the front view (a) and bottom view (b) of FIG. 6, the disc-shaped protrusion that appears on the right side is the vibrating part of the vibrator.
（１）（超音波プローブのヘッド部に取り付け可能なアタッチメント）
超音波プローブのヘッド部に取り付け可能な第一アタッチメントと、
生体表面に機械振動を与える加振器を保持する第二アタッチメントと、を具備してなる測定用デバイスであって、
第一アタッチメントによって取りつけられる超音波プローブのプローブ探触子の送受信方向において、
第一アタッチメントによって取りつけられる超音波プローブのプローブ面よりも、
第二アタッチメントによって保持される加振器の加振子を所定の予設定値の突出量だけ突出させ、かつ、
前記プローブ面と前記加振子との距離を、所定の予設定範囲の一定値に保ち得ることを特徴とする、生体硬さの測定用デバイス。
加振子によって生体組織を機械振動させるためには、生体表面の表皮層や皮下脂肪層よりも下層の組織内へ振動を伝える必要がある。上記の手段によって加振子を生体表面から突出させることで、生体表面の皮膚状態を当圧して表面組織を振動伝播効率の高い圧縮状態に維持しながら確実に生体組織を機械振動させることができる。また、加振点から遠すぎない一定距離を保つことで振動の生体組織の表皮から約１０ＣＭの範囲内の任意の測定点における振動伝播速度を確実に取得することができる。
(1) (Attachment that can be attached to the head of the ultrasound probe)
a first attachment that can be attached to the head of the ultrasound probe;
A measurement device comprising: a second attachment that holds an exciter that applies mechanical vibration to a biological surface;
In the transmission and reception direction of the probe probe of the ultrasound probe attached by the first attachment,
than the probe surface of the ultrasound probe attached by the first attachment.
protruding the exciter of the exciter held by the second attachment by a predetermined protrusion amount, and
A device for measuring biological stiffness, characterized in that the distance between the probe surface and the vibrator can be maintained at a constant value within a predetermined preset range.
In order to mechanically vibrate biological tissues using an exciter, it is necessary to transmit the vibrations into the tissues below the epidermal layer and subcutaneous fat layer on the surface of the biological body. By causing the vibrator to protrude from the living body surface using the above-mentioned means, it is possible to reliably mechanically vibrate the living tissue while applying pressure to the skin condition of the living body surface and maintaining the surface tissue in a compressed state with high vibration propagation efficiency. Furthermore, by maintaining a constant distance that is not too far from the excitation point, it is possible to reliably obtain the vibration propagation velocity at any measurement point within a range of about 10 cm from the epidermis of the living tissue.
（２）（第二アタッチメントの緩衝材）
超音波プローブのヘッド部を側周部から嵌入して取り付け可能な嵌入枠を有する第一アタッチメントと、
生体表面に機械振動を与える加振器を保持穴内及び保持穴先部に保持する第二アタッチメントと、を具備してなる測定用デバイスであって、
第二アタッチメントの保持穴内面及び保持穴先部面には、加振器の基部及び加振先部との間に緩衝材を介在させて加振器を固定することを特徴とする。
(2) (Cushioning material for second attachment)
a first attachment having a fitting frame into which the head portion of the ultrasound probe can be fitted and attached from the side periphery;
A measuring device comprising: a second attachment that holds an exciter that applies mechanical vibrations to the surface of a living body within the holding hole and at the tip of the holding hole;
The vibration exciter is fixed to the inner surface of the holding hole and the tip surface of the holding hole of the second attachment by interposing a cushioning material between the base and the excitation tip of the vibration exciter.
（３）
前記第一アタッチメントは超音波プローブのヘッドを嵌入するテーパー枠穴を有した嵌入枠を有し、
前記第二アタッチメントは加振器の柱状の加振基部を収容保持する保持穴を有し、
かつ、前記第一アタッチメントと第二アタッチメントとの間に、テーパー枠孔と保持穴の穴軸方向の位置関係をスライド調整可能とする調整連結部を具備することを特徴とする。
調整連結部によって、嵌入枠の枠穴軸方向との関係で、保持穴軸は平行又は先側へ向かって近接する近接傾斜方向を向くように維持され、かつ、保持穴がテーパー枠穴よりも先側へ所定の設定量だけ突出するよう、任意の設定突出量に維持される。
(3)
The first attachment has a fitting frame having a tapered frame hole into which the head of the ultrasound probe is fitted;
The second attachment has a holding hole that accommodates and holds a columnar vibration base of the vibrator;
Further, the present invention is characterized in that an adjustment connecting portion is provided between the first attachment and the second attachment so that the positional relationship in the hole axis direction between the tapered frame hole and the holding hole can be slidably adjusted.
The adjustment connection portion maintains the holding hole axis so that it is parallel to or oriented in the direction of proximal inclination toward the tip in relation to the axial direction of the frame hole of the fitting frame, and the holding hole is An arbitrary preset protrusion amount is maintained so that the protrusion protrudes toward the tip by a predetermined preset amount.
（４）
前記第一アタッチメントは超音波プローブのヘッドを嵌入するテーパー枠穴を有した嵌入枠を有し、
前記第二アタッチメントは加振器の柱状の加振基部を収容保持する保持穴を有し、
かつ、前記第一アタッチメントと第二アタッチメントとの間に、テーパー枠孔と保持穴の穴軸方向の角度関係を曲げ調整可能とする調整連結部を具備することを特徴とする。
調整連結部によって、保持穴がテーパー枠穴よりも先側へ所定の設定量だけ突出するように維持され、かつ、嵌入枠の枠穴軸方向との関係で、保持穴軸は平行又は先側へ向かって（嵌入枠の枠穴軸方向に対し）任意角度だけ傾斜する方向を向くよう、任意の設定角度量に維持される。
(4)
The first attachment has a fitting frame having a tapered frame hole into which the head of the ultrasound probe is fitted;
The second attachment has a holding hole that accommodates and holds a columnar vibration base of the vibrator;
Further, the present invention is characterized in that an adjustment connecting portion is provided between the first attachment and the second attachment so that the angular relationship between the tapered frame hole and the holding hole in the hole axis direction can be adjusted by bending.
The adjustment connection part maintains the holding hole so that it protrudes forward by a predetermined amount beyond the tapered frame hole, and the holding hole axis is parallel or forward in relation to the axial direction of the frame hole of the fitting frame. The angle is maintained at an arbitrary set angle so that the angle is tilted at an arbitrary angle toward (with respect to the axial direction of the frame hole of the fitting frame).
（５）
第一アタッチメントのテーパー枠穴及び第二アタッチメントの保持穴は、穴内側面に一又は複数のスリットが形成され、超音波プローブを嵌入した状態、又は加振器を保持収容した状態において弾性変形した状態となることを特徴とする。
固有振動周波数の調整が可能であり、共振を防ぐことができる。
(5)
The tapered frame hole of the first attachment and the holding hole of the second attachment have one or more slits formed on the inner surface of the hole, and are elastically deformed when the ultrasonic probe is inserted or the exciter is held and accommodated. It is characterized by:
The natural vibration frequency can be adjusted and resonance can be prevented.
（６）（連結冶具）
上記いずれかに記載の生体硬さの測定用デバイスにおいては、プローブの受送信部が走査面に対して一定の略垂直の角度を保つよう、プローブの受送信面と平行に張り出した張り出し片をさらに具備することを特徴とする。
(6) (Connection jig)
In the biological hardness measurement device described in any of the above, an overhang piece is provided that extends parallel to the receiving and transmitting surfaces of the probe so that the receiving and transmitting sections of the probe maintain a constant substantially perpendicular angle to the scanning surface. The present invention is characterized by further comprising:
（７）（連結冶具）
上記いずれかに記載の生体硬さの測定用デバイスにおいては、第一アタッチメントのテーパー枠穴と第二アタッチメントの保持穴とが、一つの枠穴内の一側部及び他側部に仕切りを有さずに連なった空間で形成され、かつ、外力によって変形調整可能であると共に、調製された変形状態を維持することを特徴とする。
(7) (Connection jig)
In any of the biological hardness measurement devices described above, the tapered frame hole of the first attachment and the holding hole of the second attachment have partitions on one side and the other side of one frame hole. It is characterized by being formed of a continuous space, being able to be deformed and adjusted by external force, and maintaining the adjusted deformed state.
雑音の大きな超音波診断装置でも、CD SWI法による生体組織の硬さ映像が得られる雑音低減技術を開発することが目的である。雑音低減処理では、超音波診断装置で得られる元信号のCD SWI法に固有な時間的、周波数的な特徴に着目して、この特徴を持つ信号だけを抽出、強調することが重要であり、今回の発明はCD SWI法による硬さ映像において元信号が持つ特徴「生体組織内へせん断波を励起するための加振が特定周波数の連続正弦波で行われる」ことを積極的に利用したもので、正弦波加振に特化したMTI Filter（Moving Target Indicator)、正弦波加振に特化した流速推定、の2つの方法包含する正弦波加振に特化した雑音低減技術を導入することで、タブレット型生体硬さの測定用デバイスのような雑音の大きい生体硬さの測定用デバイスでも硬さ映像を得て、硬さの定量計測を行う。 The purpose of this project is to develop a noise reduction technology that allows the CD SWI method to obtain images of the stiffness of living tissues even with ultrasonic diagnostic equipment that has a high level of noise. In noise reduction processing, it is important to focus on the temporal and frequency characteristics unique to the CD SWI method of the original signal obtained by the ultrasound diagnostic equipment, and to extract and emphasize only the signals that have these characteristics. This invention actively utilizes the characteristic of the original signal in hardness images obtained by the CD SWI method that ``excitation to excite shear waves into living tissue is performed with a continuous sine wave of a specific frequency.'' Therefore, we introduced a noise reduction technology specialized for sine wave excitation that includes two methods: MTI Filter (Moving Target Indicator) specialized for sine wave excitation and flow velocity estimation specialized for sine wave excitation. Even with a noisy biological hardness measuring device such as a tablet type biological hardness measuring device, hardness images can be obtained and quantitative hardness measurements can be performed.
例えば２つの検出デバイスＰ１，Ｐ２と有線で併接続された制御装置２が記憶部Ｒ、表示装置Ｍ２、入力装置Ｉ２を備え、各受信子のチャンネルに対応した信号がケーブルＣによって処理装置１に接続される。処理装置１にはスイッチＳ，調整装置Ｖ，スピーカー及び検出デバイスＰ１，Ｐ２の係止部が設けられ、表示装置Ｍ１，入力装置Ｉに有線又は無線接続される。 For example, a control device 2 connected by wire to two detection devices P1 and P2 is equipped with a storage section R, a display device M2, and an input device I2, and a signal corresponding to the channel of each receiver is sent to the processing device 1 via a cable C. Connected. The processing device 1 is provided with a switch S, an adjustment device V, a speaker, and locking portions for detection devices P1 and P2, and is connected to a display device M1 and an input device I by wire or wirelessly.
正弦波で振動している加振器（Ｓ）から、生体組織中にせん断波が励起され、このせん断波は生体組織内を伝播する。この時、超音波プローブ（Ｐ）で同時に超音波を送信すると、生体組織内から反射し超音波プローブで受信される超音波には、加振によりドプラ効果が生じ周波数がわずかに変調された信号が得られる。ここで図１の（３）（４）（５）は加振を行うための増幅器、発振器、および発振周波数を決める制御装置である。超音波プローブで得た信号は、直交検波後、IQ信号としてPCやタブレット等の信号処理装置からなるせん断波映像システム（ＡＷ）に取り込まれる。本発明は、この映像システム内に組み込まれる雑音低減技術に関するものである。最終的に得られた画像は表示装置（Ｗ）で表示される。 A shear wave is excited in the living tissue by the exciter (S) vibrating with a sine wave, and this shear wave propagates within the living tissue. At this time, when the ultrasound probe (P) transmits ultrasound at the same time, the ultrasound reflected from the living tissue and received by the ultrasound probe has a Doppler effect due to the excitation, resulting in a signal whose frequency is slightly modulated. is obtained. Here, (3), (4), and (5) in FIG. 1 are an amplifier for excitation, an oscillator, and a control device for determining the oscillation frequency. After quadrature detection, the signals obtained by the ultrasonic probe are input as IQ signals into a shear wave imaging system (AW) consisting of a signal processing device such as a PC or tablet. The present invention relates to noise reduction technology incorporated within this video system. The finally obtained image is displayed on a display device (W).
上記のほか、各振動子で受信した超音波信号をスペクトル分析し、学習を経た多層ニューラルネット解析によって、異物オブジェクトを大きさ又は硬さの異なる複数種類のオブジェクトスペクトルモデルのいずれかに判別し、判別したオブジェクトスペクトルモデルに１対１対応した色又は形状でマップ上に表示して検出面に合わせたマップ表示を行うことができる。二次元配列された複数の各受信子と隣接する受信子とが重複して信号検出することで、異物オブジェクトの概形、厚さ（深度）が明瞭に認識できる。 In addition to the above, the ultrasound signal received by each transducer is analyzed spectrally, and a multilayer neural network analysis after learning is used to determine the foreign object into one of multiple types of object spectrum models with different sizes or hardness. The map can be displayed in a color or shape that corresponds one-to-one to the determined object spectrum model to match the detection plane. By overlappingly detecting signals from each of the plurality of two-dimensionally arranged receivers and the adjacent receivers, the outline and thickness (depth) of the foreign object can be clearly recognized.
（生体硬さの測定用デバイス）
また、本発明の生体硬さの測定用デバイスは、非接触で探触データを取得する上記いずれかの生体硬さの測定用デバイスと、取得された探触データを分析する分析装置とを具備してなる。この生体硬さの測定用デバイス方法における生体硬さの測定用デバイスは、筋肉の片さ試験のほか、内蔵の腫瘍又は硬化部の検出に用いられる。
(Device for measuring biological hardness)
Further, the biological hardness measuring device of the present invention includes any of the above-mentioned biological hardness measuring devices that acquire probe data in a non-contact manner, and an analysis device that analyzes the acquired probe data. It will be done. The device for measuring biological hardness in this device method for measuring biological hardness is used not only for testing muscle pieces but also for detecting internal tumors or hardened parts.
Claims (7)
生体表面に機械振動を与える加振器を保持する第二アタッチメントと、を具備してなる測定用デバイスであって、
第一アタッチメントによって取りつけられる超音波プローブのプローブ探触子の送受信方向において、
第一アタッチメントによって取りつけられる超音波プローブのプローブ面よりも、
第二アタッチメントによって保持される加振器の加振子を所定の予設定値の突出量だけ突出させ、かつ、
前記プローブ面と前記加振子との距離を、所定の予設定範囲の一定値に保ち得ることを特徴とする、生体硬さの測定用デバイス。 a first attachment that can be attached to the head of the ultrasound probe;
A measurement device comprising: a second attachment that holds an exciter that applies mechanical vibration to a biological surface;
In the transmission and reception direction of the probe probe of the ultrasound probe attached by the first attachment,
than the probe surface of the ultrasound probe attached by the first attachment.
protruding the exciter of the exciter held by the second attachment by a predetermined protrusion amount, and
A device for measuring biological stiffness, characterized in that the distance between the probe surface and the vibrator can be maintained at a constant value within a predetermined preset range.
生体表面に機械振動を与える加振器を保持穴内及び保持穴先部に保持する第二アタッチメントと、を具備してなる測定用デバイスであって、
第二アタッチメントの保持穴内面及び保持穴先部面には、加振器の基部及び加振先部との間に緩衝材を介在させて加振器を固定することを特徴とする、請求項１に記載の生体硬さの測定用デバイス。 a first attachment having a fitting frame into which the head portion of the ultrasound probe can be fitted and attached from the side periphery;
A measuring device comprising: a second attachment that holds an exciter that applies mechanical vibrations to the surface of a living body within the holding hole and at the tip of the holding hole;
Claim characterized in that the vibration exciter is fixed by interposing a cushioning material between the inner surface of the retention hole and the tip surface of the retention hole of the second attachment and the base and the excitation tip of the vibration exciter. 1. The device for measuring biological hardness according to 1.
前記第二アタッチメントは加振器の柱状の加振基部を収容保持する保持穴を有し、
かつ、前記第一アタッチメントと第二アタッチメントとの間に、テーパー枠孔と保持穴の穴軸方向の位置関係をスライド調整可能とする調整連結部を具備することを特徴とする、請求項１又は２のいずれか記載の生体硬さの測定用デバイス。 The first attachment has a fitting frame having a tapered frame hole into which the head of the ultrasound probe is fitted;
The second attachment has a holding hole that accommodates and holds a columnar vibration base of the vibrator;
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising an adjustment connecting portion between the first attachment and the second attachment that allows sliding adjustment of the positional relationship in the hole axis direction between the tapered frame hole and the holding hole. 2. The device for measuring biological hardness according to any one of 2.
前記第二アタッチメントは加振器の柱状の加振基部を収容保持する保持穴を有し、
かつ、前記第一アタッチメントと第二アタッチメントとの間に、テーパー枠孔と保持穴の穴軸方向の角度関係を曲げ調整可能とする調整連結部を具備することを特徴とする、請求項１～３のいずれか記載の生体硬さの測定用デバイス。 The first attachment has a fitting frame having a tapered frame hole into which the head of the ultrasound probe is fitted;
The second attachment has a holding hole that accommodates and holds a columnar vibration base of the vibrator;
Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first attachment and the second attachment are provided with an adjustment connecting portion that allows bending and adjustment of the angular relationship between the tapered frame hole and the holding hole in the hole axis direction. 3. The device for measuring biological hardness according to any one of 3.
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| JP7723884B1 (en) | 2024-02-27 | 2025-08-15 | 国立大学法人群馬大学 | Ligament or tendon condition display method by shear wave propagation velocity estimation, and ligament or tendon condition display system equipped with the same |
| JP2025130643A (en) * | 2024-02-27 | 2025-09-08 | 国立大学法人群馬大学 | Evaluation system for motor function tests |
| JP2025130644A (en) * | 2024-02-27 | 2025-09-08 | 国立大学法人群馬大学 | Attachment with vibrator for measuring biological tissue hardness and biological tissue hardness measuring device equipped with the same |
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| JP7723884B1 (en) | 2024-02-27 | 2025-08-15 | 国立大学法人群馬大学 | Ligament or tendon condition display method by shear wave propagation velocity estimation, and ligament or tendon condition display system equipped with the same |
| JP2025130645A (en) * | 2024-02-27 | 2025-09-08 | 国立大学法人群馬大学 | Ligament or tendon condition display method by shear wave propagation velocity estimation, and ligament or tendon condition display system equipped with the same |
| JP2025130643A (en) * | 2024-02-27 | 2025-09-08 | 国立大学法人群馬大学 | Evaluation system for motor function tests |
| JP2025130644A (en) * | 2024-02-27 | 2025-09-08 | 国立大学法人群馬大学 | Attachment with vibrator for measuring biological tissue hardness and biological tissue hardness measuring device equipped with the same |
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