JP2013240369A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a control program by which the formation and the display of supporting data enabling whether the distal end section of a piercing needle which has been pierced accurately reaches a target region or not to be grasped in the initial stage when the piercing needle is pierced in a lesion of a patient under the observation of image data to perform a specified examination or medical treatment.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes an ultrasonic probe 2, a positional information detecting section 6, an image data forming section 9, a piercing region estimating section 11, a supporting data forming section 13, and a display section 14. In this case, the ultrasonic probe 2 performs an ultrasonic wave transmission/receipt to a three-dimensional region in the body including a lesion of a patient. The positional information detecting section detects positional information which is relative to the ultrasonic probe at the distal end section of a piercing needle which has been pierced into the body of the patient. The image data forming section forms image data in an image cross section including the lesion conforming to the volume data of the three-dimensional region. The piercing region estimating section estimates at least either one of a predicted piercing region and a predicted piercing position of the distal end section of the piercing needle in the lesion conforming to the positional information of the piercing needle distal end which is detected in time series. The supporting data forming section forms supporting data by adding at least either one of the predicted piercing region and the predicted piercing position to the image data. The display section displays the supporting data.

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention provide an ultrasonic diagnosis for generating and displaying support data effective for examination or treatment using a puncture needle based on volume data collected from a three-dimensional region including a patient examination / treatment site. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a control program.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus radiates an ultrasonic pulse generated from a vibration element built in an ultrasonic probe into a patient's body, and receives an ultrasonic reflected wave caused by a difference in acoustic impedance of a living tissue by the vibration element. It collects various biological information. Recent ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of electronically controlling the transmission / reception direction and focal point of ultrasonic waves by controlling the delay time of drive signals supplied to a plurality of vibration elements and reception signals obtained from the vibration elements. Since real-time image data can be easily observed with a simple operation by simply bringing the tip of the ultrasonic probe into contact with the body surface, it is widely used for morphological diagnosis and functional diagnosis of living organs.

  On the other hand, in recent years, a predetermined examination or treatment is performed by inserting a puncture needle into a lesion (examination / treatment target site) of a patient under observation of image data obtained using such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. For example, the puncture needle is inserted into the lesion while observing the positional information of the puncture needle displayed together with the lesion in the two-dimensional image data collected in the cross section including the puncture needle. Is called.

  In addition, a linear puncture guideline indicating the expected insertion direction of the puncture needle is generated based on the respective position information obtained by the position detector provided in the puncture needle and the ultrasonic probe, and the lesion portion indicates the puncture guideline. A method has also been developed that enables more accurate insertion of a puncture needle by displaying it superimposed on the two-dimensional image data.

  However, in any of the methods described above, it is assumed that the puncture needle is inserted linearly in the patient's body. However, a normal puncture needle does not have sufficient hardness. When the elasticity (hardness) characteristic of the biological tissue in the path is not uniform, the insertion is performed in a direction different from the predicted insertion direction set in advance by the puncture guideline or the like. In particular, when the actual insertion direction deviates from the cross section of the two-dimensional image data, there is a problem that it is impossible to grasp the tip of the puncture needle on the image data.

  In order to solve such a problem, recently, volume data (3 in a three-dimensional region in a patient body including a lesion using a so-called two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe in which vibration elements are two-dimensionally arranged are used. Dimensional image information) and the tip position information of the puncture needle inserted into the three-dimensional region is detected, and a plurality of cross-sections formed with reference to the tip of the puncture needle are orthogonal to the volume data. Even when the puncture needle is bent and inserted by observing the image data in each cross section collected by setting and the positional information of the puncture needle tip displayed superimposed on the image data, the tip A method capable of accurately grasping the part has been proposed.

JP 2000-185041 A

  According to the above-described method using volume data, the tip of the puncture needle even when the puncture direction of the puncture needle deviates from a preset expected insertion direction due to the non-uniformity of the elastic characteristics in the living tissue. The position information of the part can be accurately captured.

  However, the above-described method does not have a function of estimating the planned insertion position or the planned insertion area in the lesion based on the planned insertion direction or the planned insertion range centered on the planned insertion direction. It is impossible to grasp at an initial stage whether or not the tip of the inserted puncture needle accurately reaches the lesion. In other words, the quality of the puncture direction cannot be accurately determined until the puncture needle is inserted into the lesion or in the vicinity thereof, so that the puncture needle inserted in an inappropriate direction is reinserted. However, there is a problem that a great burden is placed on the patient.

  The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-described problems. The purpose of the present disclosure is to perform puncture when performing a predetermined examination or treatment by inserting a puncture needle into a patient's lesion while observing image data. Provided are an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a control program for generating and displaying support data capable of grasping at an initial stage whether or not the distal end portion of an inserted puncture needle accurately reaches a target region. There is.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an ultrasonic probe that performs ultrasonic transmission / reception with respect to a three-dimensional region in the body including a patient's lesion, and insertion into the patient's body. Position information detecting means for detecting relative position information of the puncture needle tip with respect to the ultrasonic probe as puncture needle tip position information based on the position signal of the puncture needle tip and the position signal of the ultrasonic probe And image data generating means for generating image data in an image section including the lesion based on volume data of the three-dimensional region collected using the ultrasonic probe, and the time series detected Based on the puncture needle tip position information, a puncture region estimation hand that estimates at least one of the predicted puncture region of the puncture needle tip and the expected puncture position in the lesion And support data generating means for generating support data by adding at least one of the predicted insertion area or the predicted insertion position to the image data, and display means for displaying the support data. It is characterized by.

1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the present embodiment. The block diagram which shows the specific structure of the transmission / reception part with which the ultrasonic diagnosing device of this embodiment is provided. The figure for demonstrating the relationship between the coordinate system with respect to the ultrasonic probe of this embodiment, and an ultrasonic transmission / reception direction. The block diagram which shows the specific structure of the received signal processing part with which the ultrasound diagnosing device of this embodiment is provided. The block diagram which shows the specific structure of the volume data generation part with which the ultrasound diagnosing device of this embodiment is provided. The figure which shows the specific example of the MPR cross section formed in the MPR cross section formation part of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the estimated insertion direction and estimated insertion range of the puncture needle in the patient body estimated by the insertion direction / range estimation part of this embodiment. The figure which shows the specific example of the estimated insertion position of the puncture needle in the lesion part estimated by the insertion area estimation part of this embodiment, and an estimated insertion area. The block diagram which shows the specific structure of the warning data generation part with which the ultrasound diagnosing device of this embodiment is provided. The figure which shows the specific example of the assistance data produced | generated in the assistance data production | generation part of this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for generating / displaying support data in the present embodiment.

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

(Embodiment)
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment to be described below is based on volume data collected by ultrasonic transmission / reception for a three-dimensional region in a patient body including a lesion, and is orthogonal to each other at the center of the lesion. MPR (Multi Planar Reconstruction) image data in one image section is collected. Next, the tip position information of the puncture needle to be inserted into the patient's body is detected in time series, and the expected insertion direction and expected insertion range of the puncture needle in the body and the prediction of the lesion based on the tip position information. The insertion position and the predicted insertion area are estimated. Then, by adding the obtained predicted insertion information to the above-described MPR image data, support data effective for examination or treatment of the lesion is generated.

  In the following embodiment, a case where a puncture needle for biopsy (biological tissue examination) aimed at collecting a tissue of a lesion is inserted into a patient's body under observation of image data will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be a case where a puncture needle for ablation treatment such as an RFA puncture needle capable of ablation treatment of a lesion is inserted. Also, a case where support data effective for examination or treatment using a puncture needle is generated based on volume data collected using an ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of vibration elements are two-dimensionally arranged will be described. The above-described support data may be generated based on volume data collected by mechanically moving or rotating the ultrasonic probe in which the vibration elements are one-dimensionally arranged.

(Configuration and function of the device)
The configuration and functions of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and FIGS. 2 and 4 are block diagrams showing specific configurations of a transmission / reception unit and a received signal processing unit included in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. It is. 5 and 9 are block diagrams showing specific configurations of a volume data generation unit and a warning data generation unit provided in the above-described ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 radiates transmission ultrasonic waves (ultrasonic pulses) to a three-dimensional region in a patient body before or during insertion of the puncture needle 150, and transmits this transmission. An ultrasonic probe 2 having a plurality of vibration elements that convert received ultrasonic waves (ultrasound reflected waves) obtained from the three-dimensional area by ultrasonic waves into electrical reception signals, and a predetermined direction of the three-dimensional area A transmission signal for radiating transmission ultrasonic waves to the above-described vibration elements, and a transmission / reception unit 3 that performs phasing addition of reception signals of a plurality of channels obtained from these vibration elements; The reception signal processing unit 4 that processes the reception signal to generate B-mode data, color Doppler data, and elasticity data, and the B-mode data, color Doppler data, and elasticity data obtained in units of ultrasonic transmission and reception directions. Based on detection signals from the volume data generation unit 5 that generates volume data based on the puncture needle position sensor 151 provided at the distal end portion of the puncture needle 150 and the probe position sensor 22 provided at the ultrasonic probe 2. A position information detector 6 that detects relative position information of the puncture needle tip with respect to the probe 2 (hereinafter referred to as puncture needle tip position information), and a position information detector that accompanies insertion of the puncture needle 150 into the patient. 6 includes a position information storage unit 7 that sequentially stores puncture needle tip position information supplied in time series from 6.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 also provides puncture needle tip position information (hereinafter referred to as initial position information of the puncture needle tip portion) supplied from the position information detection unit 6 when the puncture needle 150 is inserted into the body surface of the patient. MPR cross-section forming unit 8 that forms three image cross-sections (MPR cross-sections) orthogonal to each other based on the center position (target insertion position) of a lesion in reference MPR image data, which will be described later, and volume data generation An image data generation unit 9 that generates two-dimensional image data (MPR image data) in the MPR cross section based on the volume data supplied from the unit 5, and adjacent to the insertion direction read from the position information storage unit 7 Insertion direction / range estimation unit 10 for estimating an expected insertion direction and an expected insertion range of puncture needle 150 in the body based on a plurality of puncture needle tip position information to be obtained, and obtained prediction Based on the insertion direction and the predicted insertion range and the MPR section set for the lesion by the MPR section setting unit 8, the predicted insertion position and the prediction for the lesion of the MPR image data substantially perpendicular to the predicted insertion direction The insertion area estimation unit 11 for estimating the insertion area is provided.

  Furthermore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 allows the allowable puncture set based on the distance between the tip position of the puncture needle 150 and the predicted puncture position (hereinafter referred to as puncture distance) and the lesion part of the reference MPR image data. Warning data and warning words (hereinafter collectively referred to as warning data) for prompting resetting of the puncture direction (re-insertion) based on the comparison result between the area and the above-described predicted insertion area. Warning data generation unit 12 to be generated, the estimated insertion position and the predicted insertion region estimation result supplied from the insertion region estimation unit 11 to the above-described MPR image data generated by the image data generation unit 9, the insertion direction / Estimated insertion direction supplied from the range estimation unit 10 via the insertion region estimation unit 11 and the estimation result of the expected insertion range, the allowable insertion region supplied from the input unit 15 via the system control unit 16, In addition, warning data A support data generation unit 13 that generates support data suitable for examination and treatment using the puncture needle 150 by superimposing the measurement result of the insertion distance and warning data supplied from the generation unit 12, and the center of the lesion The reference MPR image data generated by the image data generation unit 9 and the support data generation unit 13 are orthogonal to each other for the purpose of setting a target insertion position corresponding to the position and setting an allowable insertion region corresponding to the lesion area. Display unit 14 for displaying support data based on three MPR image data, input of patient information, setting of volume data collection conditions and image data generation conditions, setting of support data generation conditions, and reference MPR image data The input unit 15 for setting a target insertion position and an allowable insertion region for a lesion site, inputting various instruction signals, and the above units are integrated. Gosuru and a system control unit 16.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 has N (N = N1 × N2) vibration elements (not shown) arranged two-dimensionally at its distal end, and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves by bringing the distal end into contact with the patient's body surface. Do. Each of the vibration elements is connected to the transmission / reception unit 3 via an N-channel multi-core cable (not shown). These vibration elements are electroacoustic transducers that convert drive signals (electrical pulses) into transmission ultrasonic waves (ultrasonic pulses) during transmission, and receive ultrasonic waves (ultrasonic reflected waves) as electrical reception signals during reception. It has the function to convert to.

  In addition, the ultrasonic probe 2 has a puncture needle position sensor 151 at the tip thereof to set the insertion direction of the puncture needle 150 used for examination or treatment of the lesion and puncture the puncture needle 150. A puncture adapter 21 slidably held in the entry direction and a plurality of probe position sensors 22 for grasping the position and direction of the ultrasonic probe 2 are provided.

  The ultrasound probe includes sector scan support, linear scan support, convex scan support, and the like, and a medical worker who operates the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as an operator) is a suitable ultrasound probe. Can be arbitrarily selected according to the examination / treatment site, but in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 2 for sector scanning having N vibration elements arranged two-dimensionally at the tip thereof is used. Describe the case.

  Next, the transmission / reception unit 3 shown in FIG. 2 sends an ultrasonic probe to drive signals for radiating transmission ultrasonic waves in various imaging modes (ie, B mode, color Doppler mode, and elastic mode) in a predetermined direction in the patient's body. 2, and a receiving unit 32 for phasing and adding reception signals of a plurality of channels obtained from these vibrating elements. The transmitting unit 31 includes a rate pulse generator 311 and a transmission delay circuit. 312 and a drive circuit 313 are provided.

  The rate pulse generator 311 generates a rate pulse for determining a repetition period of transmission ultrasonic waves radiated into the body by dividing the reference signal supplied from the system control unit 16, and transmits the obtained rate pulse. This is supplied to the delay circuit 312. The transmission delay circuit 312 is composed of, for example, the same number of independent delay circuits as Nt transmission vibration elements selected from the N vibration elements incorporated in the ultrasonic probe 2, and has a narrow beam width in transmission. The rate pulse generator 311 supplies a focusing delay time for focusing the transmission ultrasonic wave to a predetermined depth and a deflection delay time for radiating the transmission ultrasonic wave in a predetermined direction. It is given to the above-mentioned rate pulse. The drive circuit 313 has a function of driving the Nt transmission vibration elements incorporated in the ultrasonic probe 2, and based on the rate pulse supplied from the transmission delay circuit 312, the above-described focusing delay time and deflection use are performed. A driving pulse having a delay time is generated.

  On the other hand, the reception unit 32 includes an Nr channel preamplifier 321, an A / D converter 322, and a reception corresponding to Nr reception vibration elements selected from the N vibration elements incorporated in the ultrasonic probe 2. A delay circuit 323 and an adder 324 are provided. In the B mode, the color Doppler mode and the elastic mode, the Nr channel received signal supplied from the receiving vibration element via the preamplifier 321 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 322. It is converted and sent to the reception delay circuit 323. The reception delay circuit 323 generates a focusing delay time for focusing a received ultrasonic wave from a predetermined depth and a deflection delay time for setting a strong reception directivity with respect to a predetermined direction. The adder 324 adds and synthesizes the Nr channel reception signals output from the reception delay circuit 323. That is, the reception delay circuit 323 and the adder 324 perform phasing addition on the reception signal corresponding to the reception ultrasonic wave from the predetermined direction.

  FIG. 3 shows the ultrasonic transmission / reception direction (θp, φq) with respect to the orthogonal coordinate system (pqr) with the central axis of the ultrasonic probe 2 as the r-axis. Two-dimensionally arranged in the p-axis direction and the q-axis direction, and θp and φq indicate transmission / reception directions projected on the pr plane and the qr plane.

  Next, the specific configuration of the received signal processing unit 4 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The reception signal processing unit 4 processes the reception signal after the phasing addition output from the addition unit 324 of the reception unit 32 to generate B mode data, and generates color Doppler data. A color Doppler data generation unit 42 and an elasticity data generation unit 43 that generates elasticity data are provided.

  The B-mode data generation unit 41 generates a small signal amplitude by an envelope detector 411 that performs envelope detection on each of the reception signals output from the addition unit 324 and logarithmic conversion processing on the reception signal after envelope detection. A logarithmic converter 412 that generates B-mode data with relatively high emphasis is provided.

  The color Doppler data generation unit 42 includes a π / 2 phase shifter 421, mixers 422-1 and 422-2, and LPFs (low-pass filters) 423-1 and 423-2, and a phasing addition unit of the reception unit 32 The reception signal output from the H.323 is quadrature detected to generate a complex signal (I signal and Q signal).

  Further, the color Doppler data generation unit 42 includes a Doppler signal storage unit 424, an MTI filter 425, and an autocorrelation calculator 426, and a complex signal obtained by quadrature detection is temporarily stored in the Doppler signal storage unit 424. On the other hand, the MTI filter 425, which is a high-pass digital filter, reads the above-described complex signal stored in the Doppler signal storage unit 424, and performs the respiratory movement of the organ's fixed reflector or organ contained in the complex signal. A Doppler component (clutter component) caused by pulsatile movement or the like is removed. Then, the autocorrelation calculator 426 calculates an autocorrelation value for the Doppler component of the blood flow information extracted by the MTI filter 425, and further, based on the autocorrelation value, an average blood flow velocity value and a variance value The color value Doppler data is generated by calculating the power value and the like.

  On the other hand, the elastic data generation unit 43 is provided in the vicinity of the surface of the ultrasonic probe 2, and includes a pressure measurement unit 431 that measures the pressure applied to the body surface by low-frequency vibration of the ultrasonic probe 2 in a predetermined direction, A displacement measurement unit 432 that measures the displacement of the lesion and its surrounding tissue by correlating the received signal supplied from the adder 324 of the reception unit 32 at predetermined time intervals during frequency oscillation, and the displacement measurement unit 432 And an arithmetic unit 433 that calculates elastic data such as strain data and elastic modulus data in the body based on the displacement data and the pressure data supplied from the pressure measuring unit 431. A specific method for generating elasticity data is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-13283 and the like, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the volume data generation unit 5 of FIG. 1 includes an ultrasonic data storage unit 51, an interpolation processing unit 52, and a volume data storage unit 53, as shown in FIG. The B-mode data, color Doppler data, and elasticity data generated by the reception signal processing unit 4 based on the reception signal obtained by three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning with respect to the transmission / reception direction (θp, φq) supplied from the system control unit 16 ) Are sequentially stored as supplementary information.

  On the other hand, the interpolation processing unit 52 arranges the B-mode data, color Doppler data, and elasticity data read from the ultrasound data storage unit 51 in correspondence with the transmission / reception directions (θp, φq), thereby obtaining the three-dimensional ultrasound data (3 Three-dimensional B-mode data, three-dimensional color Doppler data, and three-dimensional elasticity data), and further, interpolation processing or the like is performed on these three-dimensional ultrasonic data to obtain volume data (B-mode volume data, color Doppler volume data and Elastic volume data). The obtained volume data is temporarily stored in the volume data storage unit 53.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the position information detection unit 6 includes a puncture needle tip position detection unit, a probe position detection unit, and a relative position information calculation unit (not shown). The puncture needle tip position detection unit is based on a position signal supplied from a puncture needle position sensor 151 provided near the tip of the puncture needle 150 that is slidably mounted on the puncture adapter 21 of the ultrasonic probe 2. The tip position of the puncture needle 150 inserted into the patient's body is detected, and the probe position detection unit detects a position signal supplied from a plurality of probe position sensors 22 provided inside or on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 2. Based on this, the probe position (position and direction) of the ultrasonic probe 2 placed on the body surface of the patient is detected.

  Various methods have already been proposed as a method for detecting the position of the puncture needle 150 and the ultrasonic probe 2, but in consideration of detection accuracy, cost, and size, a method using an ultrasonic sensor or a magnetic sensor as the position sensor is preferable. It is. The probe position detection unit using a magnetic sensor includes, for example, a transmitter (magnetization generation unit) that generates magnetism and a plurality of magnetic sensors that detect the magnetism (described in JP 2000-5168 A). A position calculation unit (none of which is shown) is provided that calculates a probe position (position and direction) of the ultrasonic probe 2 by processing a position signal supplied from the probe position sensor 22).

  The magnetic sensor as the probe position sensor 22 is usually mounted on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 2, and the transmitter of the probe position detection unit is installed in the vicinity of the ultrasonic probe 2. Then, the position calculation unit described above calculates the probe position of the ultrasonic probe 2 based on the distance between each of the plurality of magnetic sensors measured by magnetism and the transmitter.

  Next, the relative position information calculation unit of the position information detection unit 6 performs an operation for performing a predetermined calculation process using an operation program storage unit (not shown) in which a relative position information calculation program is stored in advance and the relative position information calculation program. Department. That is, the calculation unit reads the position data of the puncture needle tip portion supplied from the puncture needle tip position detection unit and the position data of the ultrasonic probe 2 supplied from the probe position detection unit from the calculation program storage unit. By inputting into the position information calculation program, the relative position information (puncture needle tip position information) of the puncture needle tip with respect to the ultrasonic probe 2 is calculated. Based on the tip position information of the puncture needle obtained in the relative position information calculation unit, the tip of the puncture needle 150 inserted into the patient's body and the volume data generated in the volume data generation unit 5 or generated based on the volume data Correspondence with various types of MPR image data thus made becomes possible.

  The puncture needle tip position information obtained in the above-described relative position information calculation unit is stored in the position information storage unit 7. In other words, the position information storage unit 7 stores the tip of the puncture needle that is supplied in time series from the relative position information calculation unit of the position information detection unit 6 as the tip of the puncture needle inserted into the patient's body moves. The relative position information is sequentially stored.

  Next, the MPR cross-section forming unit 8 detects the relative position information of the tip of the puncture needle supplied from the relative position information calculation unit of the position information detection unit 6 when the puncture needle 150 is inserted into the body surface of the patient. For example, three MPR sections including the target insertion position and orthogonal to each other are formed based on the initial position information) and the position information of the target insertion position set based on the lesion portion indicated in the reference MPR image data To do.

  FIG. 6 shows a specific example of the MPR cross section formed in the MPR cross section forming unit 8, and a predetermined reference MPR cross section is read from the volume data Vb read from the volume data storage unit 53 of the volume data generation unit 5. The reference MPR image data obtained by the setting is displayed on the display unit 14, and the target insertion position Bx and the allowable insertion area By (not shown) are input to the lesion part indicated in the reference MPR image data. Is set by, for example, the target insertion position Bx, the initial position a0 of the puncture needle tip on the body surface, and the center Px of the ultrasonic probe 2 (the orthogonal coordinate system shown in FIG. 3). The first MPR section Pm1 including (pq-r) origin) and the target insertion position Bx and the initial position a0 described above and perpendicular to the first MPR section Pm1 2 of MPR slice Pm2, to form a third MPR slice Pm3 a straight line passing through the target insertion position target insertion position Bx and the initial position a0 include Bx to normal.

  Returning to FIG. 1 again, the image data generation unit 9 reads the volume data (B-mode volume data, color Doppler volume data, and elastic volume data) read from the volume data storage unit 53 of the volume data generation unit 5 and these volume data. Has a function of generating various MPR image data based on the reference MPR section and the first MPR section to the third MPR section set with respect to, and includes a data extraction section and a data composition section (not shown). .

  Then, the data extraction unit in generating the reference MPR image data sets, for example, a predetermined reference MPR section for the lesion part of the B-mode volume data, and extracts the voxel in the reference MPR section to extract the target insertion position and Reference MPR image data for setting an allowable insertion area is generated.

  The data extraction unit in the generation of the first MPR image data sets the first MPR section formed by the MPR section forming unit 8 in each of the B mode volume data, the color Doppler volume data, and the elastic volume data. Two-dimensional B-mode image data, color Doppler image data, and elasticity image data (elastography) are generated by extracting voxels in the MPR section. On the other hand, the data combining unit generates first MPR image data by combining the obtained B-mode image data, color Doppler image data, and elasticity image data.

  Similarly, the data extraction unit in generating the second MPR image data and the third MPR image data extracts voxels in the second MPR section and the third MPR section set for each of the volume data. To generate B-mode image data, color Doppler image data, and elasticity image data, and the data synthesis unit synthesizes the obtained image data to generate the second MPR image data and the third MPR image data. Is generated.

  Next, the insertion direction / range estimation unit 10 is supplied from the position information detection unit 6 in time series with the insertion of the puncture needle 150 into the patient's body, and is temporarily stored in the position information storage unit 7. And a function of estimating the expected insertion direction and the expected insertion range of the puncture needle 150 in the patient based on the puncture needle tip position information, and includes an insertion direction estimation unit and an insertion range estimation unit (not shown). .

  The insertion direction estimation unit includes the latest puncture needle tip position information from the puncture needle tip position information stored in the position information storage unit 7 and one or more puncture needle tip positions adjacent to the puncture needle tip position information. Read information. Then, an expected insertion direction of the puncture needle 150 in the patient is estimated by extrapolation processing using the puncture needle tip position information. On the other hand, the insertion range estimation unit estimates an expected insertion range having a conical shape with the predicted insertion direction estimated by the insertion direction estimation unit as the central axis and the latest tip position of the puncture needle as a vertex.

  FIG. 7 shows the insertion direction / range estimation unit 10 based on the latest puncture needle tip position information a1 read from the position information storage unit 7 and the puncture needle tip position information a2 and a3 adjacent to the puncture needle tip position information a1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an expected insertion direction and an expected insertion range of the puncture needle 150 estimated by, and the insertion direction estimation unit extrapolates the puncture needle tip position information a1 to a3 in the insertion direction. Thus, the predicted insertion direction Ax is estimated, and the insertion range estimation unit estimates the expected insertion range Ay having a conical shape with the predicted insertion direction Ax as the central axis and the puncture needle tip position information a1 as the apex. . Note that the expansion angle α of the expected insertion range Ay is usually initially set in the input unit 15.

  Next, the insertion area estimation unit 11 in FIG. 1 is estimated by the third MPR section (see FIG. 6) formed by the MPR section formation unit 8 and the insertion direction estimation unit of the insertion direction / range estimation unit 10. By calculating the intersection point with the predicted insertion direction, the predicted insertion position in the lesion part of the third MPR section is estimated, and further, the third MPR section and the insertion direction / range estimation unit 10 insertion By calculating a crossing area with the predicted insertion range estimated by the range estimation unit, the predicted insertion region in the above-mentioned lesion is estimated.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the predicted insertion position and the predicted insertion area in the lesion portion estimated by the insertion area estimation unit 11, and as shown in FIG. 8, the third MPR image data Im3 The predicted insertion position Dx and the predicted insertion area Dy of the puncture element 150 with respect to the lesion portion Ob of the third MPR section Pm3 formed by the MPR section formation section 8 and the insertion direction / range estimation section 10 were estimated. It is estimated by the intersection and the intersection area with the predicted insertion direction Ax and the predicted insertion range Ay.

  Next, the warning data generation unit 12 in FIG. 1 includes an area comparison unit 121, a penetration distance measurement unit 122, and a warning data generation unit 123, as shown in FIG.

  The area comparison unit 121 includes an allowable insertion area set by the input unit 15 with respect to the lesion part of the reference MPR image data, and the insertion area estimation unit 11 determines an intersection area between the third MPR cross section and the expected insertion area. When the predicted insertion area (see FIG. 8) estimated based on this is compared, and all or a part of the predicted insertion area is outside the allowable insertion area, the insertion area determination result indicating that fact is displayed. Output to the warning data generation unit 123.

  On the other hand, the puncture distance measuring unit 122 puncture needle tip position information and puncture area estimation unit 11 supplied from the position information detection unit 6 via the system control unit 16 in accordance with puncture of the puncture needle 150 in substantially real time. Measuring the distance between the tip of the puncture needle 150 inserted into the patient body and the expected insertion position in the third MPR section as the insertion distance based on the position information of the expected insertion position supplied from When the obtained insertion distance is shorter than the predetermined threshold value β, an insertion distance determination result indicating that is output to the warning data generation unit 123 and the support data generation unit 13.

  Then, the warning data generation unit 123 generates predetermined warning data based on the insertion area determination result supplied from the area comparison unit 121 and the insertion distance determination result supplied from the insertion distance measurement unit 122. Specifically, all or a predicted insertion region estimated in the third MPR cross section when the tip of the puncture needle 150 approaches a predetermined distance (threshold value β) or less with respect to the predicted insertion position described above. When a part of the tissue exists outside the allowable puncture area, there is a risk that the normal tissue existing around the lesion will be punctured by the puncture needle 150. Therefore, ultrasonic waves are used for the purpose of the examination / treatment. Warning data (warning signal or warning wording) for prompting an operator who operates the diagnostic apparatus 100 to re-insert the puncture needle 150 is generated.

  Next, the support data generation unit 13 illustrated in FIG. 1 sets the target insertion position and the allowable tolerance set by the input unit 15 in the first to third MPR image data generated by the image data generation unit 9. The estimated area supplied from the insertion area, the estimated insertion area and the estimated insertion position supplied from the insertion area estimation unit 11, and the predicted insertion supplied from the insertion direction / range estimation unit 10 via the insertion area estimation unit 11 Assistance suitable for examination or treatment using the puncture needle 150 by superimposing the estimation result of the insertion direction and the predicted insertion range, and further, the measurement result of the insertion distance and the warning data supplied from the warning data generation unit 12 Generate data.

  FIG. 10 shows a specific example of the support data generated by the support data generation unit 13 based on the first MPR image data to the third MPR image data. In the upper left area of the support data Adx, For example, the first MPR image data Im1 in which the lesion area Ob is shown is added to the target insertion position Bx, the expected insertion direction Ax, the expected insertion range Ay, the expected insertion position Dx, the puncture needle 150, the second MPR. The first sub support data Ad1 generated by superimposing information such as the cross section Pm2 and the third MPR cross section Pm3 is arranged. Similarly, the lesion area Ob is shown in the upper right area of the support data Adx. The target second insertion position Bx, the predicted insertion direction Ax, the predicted insertion range Ay, the predicted insertion position Dx, the puncture needle 150, the first MPR cross section Pm1, and the third MPR image data Im2 Second sub assistance data Ad2 generated by superimposing the PR section Pm3 are arranged.

  Further, in the lower left area of the support data Adx, the third MPR image data Im3 in which the lesion portion Ob is shown are added to the target insertion position Bx, the allowable insertion area By, the expected insertion position Dx, and the first MPR cross section Pm1. The third sub support data Ad3 generated by superimposing the information on the second MPR cross section Pm2, the measurement result of the puncture distance, and the like are arranged.

  The allowable insertion area By shown in the third sub support data Ad3 is set along the boundary line of the lesion portion Ob as described above, and the insertion shown in the third sub support data When all or a part of the predicted insertion range Dy exists outside the allowable insertion range By when the distance becomes shorter than the threshold value β, the warning data generation unit 12 prompts the re-insertion Warning data (warning wording) is shown in the lower right area of the support data Adx.

  Next, the display unit 14 of FIG. 1 includes a display data generation unit, a data conversion unit, and a monitor (not shown). The display data generation unit sets the target insertion position corresponding to the center position of the lesion part and the lesion part region. The support data generation unit 13 is based on the reference MPR image data generated by the image data generation unit 9 for the purpose of setting an allowable insertion area corresponding to the first MPR image data or the third MPR image data orthogonal to each other. The generated support data is converted into a predetermined display format to generate display data, and the data conversion unit performs conversion processing such as D / A conversion and television format conversion on the display data and displays it on the monitor. .

  On the other hand, the input unit 15 includes input devices such as a display panel, a keyboard, a trackball, a mouse, a selection button, and an input button on the operation panel, and inputs patient information, setting of volume data collection conditions and image data generation conditions, Setting of support data generation conditions, setting of reference MPR cross section for volume data, setting of target insertion position and allowable insertion area for lesion shown in reference MPR image data, expected insertion range expansion angle α and threshold β Make settings and input various instruction signals.

  The system control unit 16 includes a CPU and an input information storage unit (not shown), and the above-described various information input or set in the input unit 15 is stored in the input information storage unit. On the other hand, the CPU executes ultrasonic transmission / reception with respect to the three-dimensional region of the patient by comprehensively controlling each unit included in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 using the various information described above, and further obtained at this time. Based on the volume data, generation and display of support data effective for examination or treatment using the puncture needle 150 is executed.

(Assistance data generation / display procedure)
Next, a procedure for generating / displaying support data in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Prior to collecting volume data for the patient, the operator of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 inputs patient information at the input unit 15, then sets volume data collection conditions and image data generation conditions, sets support data generation conditions, Estimated insertion range expansion angle α and threshold value β are set. And the above-mentioned input information and setting information in the input part 15 are preserve | saved at the input information storage part with which the system control part 16 is provided (step S1 of FIG. 11).

  When the above initial setting for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is completed, the operator inputs a support data generation start instruction signal at the input unit 15 with the ultrasonic probe 2 placed on the body surface of the patient (FIG. 11). In step S2), the instruction signal is supplied to the system control unit 16, so that the volume data (B-mode volume data, color Doppler volume) for the three-dimensional region in the patient body including the lesion (examination / treatment target site) is included. Data and elastic volume data) are started.

  When collecting B-mode volume data, the rate pulse generator 311 of the transmission unit 31 supplies the rate pulse generated according to the control signal from the system control unit 16 to the transmission delay circuit 312. The transmission delay circuit 312 has a delay time for focusing the ultrasonic wave to a predetermined depth and a delay time for transmitting the ultrasonic wave in the first transmission / reception direction (θ1, φ1) in order to obtain a narrow beam width in transmission. The rate pulse is supplied to the N-channel drive circuit 313. Next, the drive circuit 313 generates a drive signal having a predetermined delay time and shape based on the rate pulse supplied from the transmission delay circuit 312, and this drive signal is N-dimensionally arranged in the ultrasonic probe 2. The ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the individual vibrating elements and transmitted ultrasonic waves are emitted into the patient's body.

  A part of the radiated transmission ultrasonic wave is reflected by an organ boundary surface or tissue having different acoustic impedance, received by the vibration element, and converted into an N-channel electrical reception signal. Next, the received signal is gain-corrected by the preamplifier 321 of the receiving unit 32 and converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 322, and then received ultrasonic waves from a predetermined depth are received by the N-channel receiving delay circuit 323. A delay time for convergence and a delay time for setting a strong reception directivity with respect to the reception ultrasonic wave from the transmission / reception direction (θ1, φ1) are given, and the adder 324 performs phasing addition.

  On the other hand, the envelope detector 411 and the logarithmic converter 412 of the received signal processing unit 4 to which the received signal after the phasing addition is supplied perform envelope detection and logarithmic conversion on the received signal to obtain B-mode data. The generated B-mode data is stored in the ultrasonic data storage unit 51 of the volume data generation unit 5 with the information on the transmission / reception direction (θ1, φ1) as supplementary information.

  When the generation and storage of B-mode data for the transmission / reception direction (θ1, φ1) is completed, φq = φ1 + (q−1) Δφ (q = 2 to Q) in which the ultrasonic transmission / reception direction is updated by Δφ in the φ direction. ), Ultrasonic transmission / reception is performed with respect to the transmission / reception direction (θ1, φ2 to φQ) set, and the transmission / reception direction is updated by Δθ in the θ direction by θp = θ1 + (p−1) Δθ (p = 2 to Three-dimensional scanning is performed by repeating the above-described ultrasonic transmission / reception of φ1 to φQ for each of the transmission / reception directions θ2 to θP set by P). The B-mode data obtained by the ultrasonic transmission / reception is also stored in the ultrasonic data storage unit 51 of the volume data generation unit 5 with the above transmission / reception direction as supplementary information.

  Similarly, the color Doppler data generation unit of the reception signal processing unit 4 that has received the reception signal after the phasing addition obtained by the color Doppler mode ultrasonic transmission / reception and the elastic mode ultrasonic transmission / reception for a three-dimensional region in the patient's body. 42 and elasticity data generation unit 43 generate color Doppler data and elasticity data by performing predetermined signal processing on these received signals, and add transmission / reception direction information to the obtained color Doppler data and elasticity data. And stored in the ultrasonic data storage unit 51.

  On the other hand, the interpolation processing unit 52 of the volume data generation unit 5 arranges the B mode data, color Doppler data, and elasticity data read from the ultrasound data storage unit 51 in correspondence with the transmission / reception directions (θp, φq). Volume data (B-mode volume data, color) generated by interpolating the obtained 3D ultrasound data by generating 3D ultrasound data (3D B-mode data, 3D color Doppler data and 3D elasticity data) The Doppler volume data and the elastic volume data) are stored in the volume data storage unit 53 (step S3 in FIG. 11).

  Next, the image data generation unit 9 sets a predetermined reference MPR section for the lesion part of the volume data (for example, B-mode volume data) read from the volume data storage unit 53, and voxels in the reference MPR section are set. Is used to generate reference MPR image data. Then, the obtained reference MPR image data is displayed on the monitor of the display unit 14 (step S4 in FIG. 11).

  On the other hand, the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 sets a target insertion position at the center of the lesion in the reference MPR image data displayed on the display unit 14, and based on the boundary line between the lesion and the normal tissue. An allowable insertion area corresponding to the shape and spread of the part is set (step S5 in FIG. 11).

  Next, the operator places the ultrasonic probe 2 disposed on the body surface of the patient so that the puncture guideline corresponding to the puncture direction of the puncture needle 150 displayed on the display unit 14 matches the target insertion position described above. After finely adjusting the position and direction of the puncture needle 150 attached to the puncture adapter 21 of the ultrasonic probe 2, insertion of the puncture needle 150 into the patient body is started.

  On the other hand, the puncture needle tip position detection unit of the position information detection unit 6 is a puncture needle inserted into the patient's body based on a position signal supplied from a puncture needle position sensor 151 provided near the tip of the puncture needle 150. The tip position of the needle 150 is detected, and the probe position detector of the position information detector 6 is based on a position signal supplied from a plurality of probe position sensors 22 provided inside or on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 2. The position and direction of the ultrasonic probe 2 disposed on the body surface of the body are detected. The relative position information calculation unit of the position information detection unit 6 includes the position data of the puncture needle tip portion supplied from the puncture needle tip position detection unit and the position data of the ultrasonic probe 2 supplied from the probe position detection unit. And relative direction information (puncture needle tip position information) of the puncture needle tip with respect to the ultrasonic probe 2 by inputting the direction data and the direction data into a predetermined relative position information calculation program, and the obtained puncture needle tip position Information is stored in the position information storage unit 7 (step S6 in FIG. 11).

  Next, when the puncture needle 150 is inserted into the body surface of the patient, the MPR cross-section forming unit 8 receives the first puncture needle tip position information and the reference MPR supplied from the relative position information calculation unit of the position information detection unit 6. Based on the position information of the target insertion position set with respect to the lesion center in the image data, for example, the target insertion position, the initial position of the tip of the puncture needle inserted into the body surface, and the ultrasonic probe 2 The first MPR cross section including the center of the target, the target insertion position and the second MPR cross section including the initial position and perpendicular to the first MPR cross section, including the target insertion position, the initial position and the target insertion position. A third MPR cross section having a straight line passing through as a normal is formed (step S7 in FIG. 11).

  Next, the image data generation unit 9 generates the first data formed by the MPR cross-section forming unit 8 on each of the B-mode volume data, color Doppler volume data, and elastic volume data read from the volume data storage unit 53 of the volume data generation unit 5. Two-dimensional B-mode image data, color Doppler image data, and elasticity image data (elastography) are generated by setting MPR slices to third MPR slices and extracting voxels in these MPR slices. Then, the first to third MPR image data are generated by synthesizing the obtained image data in units of MPR sections (step S8 in FIG. 11).

  On the other hand, the insertion direction estimation unit of the insertion direction / range estimation unit 10 uses the latest puncture needle tip position information and the puncture needle tip position information from the puncture needle tip position information stored in the position information storage unit 7. One or a plurality of adjacent puncture needle tip position information is read, and the estimated insertion direction of the puncture needle 150 in the patient is estimated by extrapolating the puncture needle tip position information. The insertion range estimation unit of the insertion direction / range estimation unit 10 has a conical predicted puncture with the predicted insertion direction estimated by the insertion direction estimation unit as the central axis and the latest puncture needle tip position as the apex. The entering range is estimated (step S9 in FIG. 11).

  Next, the insertion region estimation unit 11 calculates the third intersection point between the third MPR cross section formed by the MPR cross section formation unit 8 and the predicted insertion direction estimated by the above insertion direction estimation unit. The estimated insertion position in the lesion part of the MPR cross section of the MPR cross section is calculated, and further, the intersection area between the third MPR cross section and the predicted insertion area estimated by the insertion range estimation unit is calculated, thereby An expected insertion area is estimated (step S10 in FIG. 11).

  On the other hand, the insertion distance measurement unit 122 of the warning data generation unit 12 is supplied from the puncture needle tip position information and insertion region estimation unit 11 supplied from the position information detection unit 6 via the system control unit 16 in substantially real time. Based on the position information of the predicted insertion position, the distance between the tip of the puncture needle 150 inserted into the patient's body and the predicted insertion position in the third MPR section is measured as the insertion distance (FIG. 11). Step S11).

  Next, the support data generation unit 13 includes the target insertion position and the allowable insertion region set by the input unit 15 in the first to third MPR image data generated in the image data generation unit 9, the insertion, The estimation result of the predicted insertion area and the predicted insertion position supplied from the area estimation unit 11, the expected insertion direction and the expected insertion supplied from the insertion direction / range estimation unit 10 via the insertion area estimation unit 11 The range estimation result, further, the measurement result of the insertion distance supplied from the warning data generation unit 12 and the like are added to generate support data suitable for the examination / treatment, and the obtained support data is displayed on the display unit 14. (Step S12 in FIG. 11).

  When the insertion distance measured by the insertion distance measuring unit 122 is longer than the predetermined threshold β, the insertion of the puncture needle 150 and the expected insertion direction / Range / position / region estimation, penetration distance measurement, and support data generation / display.

  On the other hand, when the insertion distance measured by the insertion distance measurement unit 122 becomes shorter than the threshold β, that is, when the tip of the puncture needle 150 approaches the predicted insertion position below the threshold β, the warning data The region comparison unit 121 of the generation unit 12 is configured such that the allowable insertion region set by the input unit 15 with respect to the lesion portion of the reference MPR image data and the insertion region estimation unit 11 determine the third MPR cross section and the expected insertion range. The predicted insertion area estimated based on the intersection area is compared. When all or a part of the predicted insertion area is outside the allowable insertion area, the warning data generation unit 123 of the warning data generation unit 12 re-inserts the puncture needle 150 ( Warning data (warning wording) for prompting (re-insertion) is generated, and this warning data is added to the above-described support data generated by the support data generation unit 13 and displayed on the display unit 14 (FIG. 11). Step S13).

  Next, the operator who observed the warning data resets the insertion direction of the puncture needle 150 extracted from the patient's body to a suitable direction (step S14 in FIG. 11), and then performs the above-described steps S6 to S12. By repeating, new support data is generated and displayed. When the tip of the puncture needle 150 reaches the allowable puncture area of the lesion, the inspection or treatment for the lesion is started (step S15 in FIG. 11).

  According to the above-described embodiment, when performing a predetermined examination or treatment by inserting a puncture needle into a patient's lesion while observing image data, the tip of the inserted puncture needle is the lesion. It becomes possible to grasp at an early stage whether or not the current value is accurately reached. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the burden on the patient when reinsertion is necessary.

  In particular, in the intersection area between the predicted insertion direction and the predicted insertion range in the patient body estimated based on the plurality of puncture needle tip position information detected in time series and the MPR cross section set for the lesion center Based on this, it is possible to accurately estimate the predicted insertion position and the predicted insertion area in the lesion, and by comparing and displaying the obtained expected insertion area and the allowable insertion area corresponding to the lesion area, It is possible to easily grasp whether or not the needle is inserted in a suitable direction.

  In addition, by generating and displaying warning data based on the comparison result between the expected puncture area and the allowable puncture area, the puncture needle can be reinserted into the medical staff in charge of the examination / treatment. Can be encouraged.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the above-described predicted insertion direction, predicted insertion range, predicted insertion region, predicted insertion position, MPR image data collected in three cross sections including the center of the lesion and orthogonal to each other, Furthermore, by adding and displaying the insertion distance indicating the distance between the predicted insertion position and the puncture needle tip, the positional relationship between the lesion and the puncture needle tip can be easily grasped.

  The MPR image data used for the support data includes B-mode image data and color Doppler image data indicating the shape and function of the living tissue generated in the above-described cross section, and an elasticity image indicating the elasticity (hardness) characteristics of the living tissue. Since it is generated by synthesizing data (elastography), it is possible to grasp the local insertion difficulty level of the puncture needle in the body, and the estimated insertion direction estimated in advance is based on the insertion difficulty level. It can be corrected.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this indication has been described, this indication is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and it can change and carry out. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which a puncture needle 150 for biopsy (biological tissue examination) aimed at collecting tissue at a lesion is inserted into a patient's body under observation of image data. It may be a case where a therapeutic puncture needle such as an RFA puncture needle capable of ablation treatment of the part is inserted.

  Further, the case has been described in which support data effective for examination or treatment using the puncture needle 150 is generated based on volume data collected using the ultrasonic probe 2 in which a plurality of vibration elements are two-dimensionally arranged. The above-described support data may be generated based on volume data collected by mechanically moving or rotating an ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of vibration elements are one-dimensionally arranged.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the target puncture set with respect to the focus center of the puncture needle tip position information (initial position information) and the reference MPR image data obtained when the puncture needle 150 is inserted into the body surface. Based on the position information of the insertion position, MPR image data in three cross sections including the target insertion position and orthogonal to each other is generated, and the predicted insertion information such as the expected insertion direction is added to these MPR image data for support Although the case of generating data has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the prediction is based on the latest position information of the tip of the puncture needle inserted into the patient's body and the position information of the expected insertion position. It is also possible to newly form three cross sections including the insertion position and orthogonal to each other, and add the above-described predicted insertion information to the MPR image data generated in these cross sections to generate support data. According to this method, since the first MPR image data and the second MPR image data are generated in the cross section including the predicted insertion position and the latest puncture needle tip position, the body tissue including the lesion and various predicted punctures are generated. It becomes possible to grasp the positional relationship with the incoming information more accurately.

  In the support data shown in FIG. 10, the case where the predicted insertion direction with respect to the puncture needle 150 being inserted is added to the first MPR image data and the second MPR image data has been described. If performed, the expected insertion direction estimated at the time of re-insertion and the past planned insertion direction estimated before re-insertion may be added to the above-described MPR image data. According to this method, it is possible to set the insertion direction at the time of re-insertion while referring to information on the past planned insertion direction.

  On the other hand, the case where warning data (warning wording) generated by the warning data generating unit 12 is added to the support data and displayed is described. Warning data such as warning wording and warning signal is displayed on the display panel provided in the input unit 15. Or may be output to a warning sound generator such as a blinking lamp or a speaker (not shown) provided on the operation panel or the like.

  Each unit included in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the present embodiment can be realized by using, for example, a computer including a CPU, a RAM, a magnetic storage device, an input device, a display device, and the like as hardware. it can. For example, the system control unit 16 that controls each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 can realize various functions by causing a processor such as a CPU mounted on the computer to execute a predetermined control program. In this case, the above-described control program may be installed in advance in the computer, or may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or installed in the computer of the control program distributed via the network. .

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Ultrasonic probe 21 ... Puncture adapter 22 ... Probe position sensor 3 ... Transmission / reception part 31 ... Transmission part 32 ... Reception part 4 ... Reception signal processing part 5 ... Volume data generation part 6 ... Position information detection part 7 ... Position information storage Section 8 ... MPR cross section forming section 9 ... Image data generation section 10 ... Insertion direction / range estimation section 11 ... Insertion area estimation section 12 ... Warning data generation section 13 ... Support data generation section 14 ... Display section 15 ... Input section 16 ... System controller 150 ... Puncture needle 151 ... Puncture needle position sensor 100 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Claims (11)

An ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a three-dimensional region in the body including the lesion of the patient;
Based on the position signal of the puncture needle tip inserted into the body of the patient and the position signal of the ultrasonic probe, the relative position information of the puncture needle tip with respect to the ultrasonic probe is obtained. Position information detecting means for detecting,
Image data generating means for generating image data in an image section including the lesion based on volume data of the three-dimensional region collected using the ultrasonic probe;
Puncture area estimation means for estimating at least one of an expected puncture area or an expected puncture position of the puncture needle tip in the lesion based on the puncture needle tip position information detected in time series; ,
Support data generation means for generating support data by adding at least one of the predicted insertion area or the predicted insertion position to the image data;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: display means for displaying the support data.   The support data generation unit includes the predicted insertion area or the at least one of B-mode image data, color Doppler image data, and elasticity image data (elastography) generated by the image data generation unit based on the volume data. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support data is generated by adding at least one of predicted insertion positions.   A support position generating unit for setting a target insertion position and an allowable insertion region for a lesion portion of the reference MPR image data generated in the reference MPR section of the volume data; At least one of the predicted insertion area or the predicted insertion position estimated by the insertion area estimation means, and at least the target insertion position or the allowable insertion area set by the insertion position / area setting means. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support data is generated by adding any one to the image data.   MPR cross-section forming means, wherein the MPR cross-section forming means is the initial position information of the puncture needle tip supplied from the position information detection means when the puncture needle tip is inserted into the body surface of the patient. And a plurality of MPR sections including the target insertion position and orthogonal to each other based on the position information of the target insertion position set for the lesion part of the reference MPR image data, and the image data generating means The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein image data in the MPR cross section is generated by extracting voxels in the MPR cross section of the volume data.   The MPR section forming means includes a first MPR section including an initial position of the puncture needle tip, a target insertion position and a center of the ultrasonic probe, an initial position of the puncture needle tip, and the target insertion. A second MPR section perpendicular to the first MPR section including the position, and a straight line including the target insertion position and passing through the target insertion position and the initial position of the puncture needle tip. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein three MPR sections are formed.   The insertion region estimation means includes the puncture needle in the lesion based on an intersection region between the predicted insertion range and the third MPR section or an intersection between the predicted insertion direction and the third MPR section. 6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein at least one of an expected insertion area or an expected insertion position of the tip is estimated.   The support data generating means includes the image data in the first MPR section and the second MPR section to which the information of the insertion direction and the insertion range is added, the predicted insertion position, the predicted insertion area, 7. The super data according to claim 6, wherein the support data is generated based on image data in the third MPR cross section to which information on at least one of the target insertion position and the allowable insertion area is added. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.   Warning signal generating means, wherein the warning signal generating means includes a region comparison result between the allowable insertion region and the predicted insertion region, and the latest tip position of the puncture needle inserted into the body and the predicted insertion position. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a predetermined warning signal is generated on the basis of a distance measurement result.   The ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 3, wherein the support data generation unit generates the support data by further adding a distance measurement result between the latest tip position of the puncture needle and the predicted insertion position. apparatus.   Insertion for estimating an expected insertion direction and an expected insertion range of the puncture needle tip based on the puncture needle tip position information detected in time series with the insertion of the puncture needle tip in the body Direction / range estimation means, wherein the insertion area estimation means indicates the image data based on an intersection area between the predicted insertion range and the image cross section or an intersection between the predicted insertion direction and the image cross section. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of an expected insertion area and an expected insertion position of the tip of the puncture needle in the lesion is estimated. For an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates support data suitable for examination or treatment of a lesion based on volume data collected in a three-dimensional region including the lesion of a patient,
Based on the position signal of the tip of the puncture needle inserted into the body of the patient and the position signal of the ultrasound probe that transmits and receives ultrasound to and from the three-dimensional region, the tip of the puncture needle with respect to the ultrasound probe A position information detection function for detecting relative position information as puncture needle tip position information;
An image data generation function for generating image data in an image section including the lesion based on volume data of the three-dimensional region collected using the ultrasonic probe;
Based on the puncture needle tip position information detected in time series, a puncture region estimation function for estimating at least one of the predicted puncture region or the predicted puncture position of the puncture needle tip at the lesion ,
A support data generation function for generating support data by adding at least one of the predicted insertion area or the predicted insertion position to the image data;
A control program for executing a display function for displaying the support data.

Images