JP2006238913A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and probe for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the probe which can be brought into contact with an examinee body by appropriate pressure and easily attaining a correct contact state. <P>SOLUTION: The probe for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises: an ultrasonic vibrator for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the examinee body and receiving echoes obtained by the reflection of the ultrasonic waves in the examinee body; a casing 202 provided with a probe surface 204 where the ultrasonic waves and the echoes pass through, for storing the ultrasonic vibrator; and a pressure sensor 206 for detecting the pressure that the probe surface 204 receives from the examinee body in such a state that the probe surface 204 is in contact with the examinee body. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus for measuring the shape and properties of blood vessels.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus irradiates a subject such as a living body with ultrasonic waves and analyzes information included in the echo signal to inspect the subject noninvasively. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that has been widely used converts the intensity of an echo signal into luminance information of a pixel by utilizing the fact that ultrasonic propagation and reflection characteristics differ depending on tissues inside a living body. Thereby, the internal structure of the living body is displayed by the difference in luminance of the pixels. Further, when the tissue inside the living body is moving, the echo signal undergoes frequency transition due to the Doppler effect. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that uses this principle to image and display a blood flow in a blood vessel contained in a living body is also widely used.

  Further, in recent years, Patent Document 1 and the like have proposed an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that precisely measures the movement of a living tissue by mainly analyzing the phase of an echo signal. Patent Document 2 discloses an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that obtains an elastic modulus from a displacement amount of a blood vessel wall.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when measuring the carotid artery 12 located in the neck 11 of the subject 10 using such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the subject 10 is seated in a chair or the like and the neck 11 is raised vertically. In this state, the probe 20 is brought into contact with the surface of the neck 11 so that the probe 20 covers the carotid artery 12 from the surface of the neck 11.

In general, the probe 20 includes a plurality of transducers arranged one-dimensionally, and the probe 12 is held by an operator so that the arrangement direction of the transducers and the axial direction of the carotid artery 12 coincide. Is done.
Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 7-67451 JP 2000-229078 A

  However, since the subject's neck is generally not flat, it is not easy to press the neck evenly over the entire contact surface of the probe 20. In particular, as shown in FIG. 6, skill is required to bring the probe 20 into uniform contact with the surface of the neck 20 with the longitudinal direction vertical. As a result, a part of the probe 20 may press the neck 20 with a particularly strong pressure. For this reason, unless the probe 20 contacts uniformly in the whole measurement area | region, the problem that a measurement cannot be performed correctly arises.

  Further, if the neck 20 is excessively pressed by a part of the probe 20, or if the neck 20 is compressed by excessive pressure even if it is uniform, the carotid artery 12 is strongly compressed, and the neck 20 There is also a problem in that the measurement may be affected by obstructing the blood flow through the artery 12 and cause some trouble in the subject.

  The present invention solves such problems of the prior art, allows the probe to be brought into contact with the subject with an appropriate pressure, and can be easily brought into the correct contact state. It is another object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using the same.

  The probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention transmits an ultrasonic wave to a subject, receives an echo obtained by reflecting the ultrasonic wave on the subject, and the ultrasonic wave And a housing having the probe surface through which the echo passes, and housing the ultrasonic transducer, and detecting the pressure that the probe surface receives from the subject while the probe surface is in contact with the subject Pressure sensor.

  In a preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor is arranged around the probe surface.

  In a preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor is provided on the probe surface.

  In a preferred embodiment, the probe is provided on a surface of the probe surface, further includes a deformable container filled with a fluid, and the pressure sensor detects a pressure of the container.

  In a preferred embodiment, the probe is connected to the container, and further includes a pressure valve for discharging the fluid in the container out of the container when the pressure of the container exceeds a predetermined value. Prepare.

  In a preferred embodiment, the probe further comprises a reservoir for storing the released substance.

  In a preferred embodiment, the probe further includes a warning device that receives the output of the pressure sensor and issues a warning based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

  In a preferred embodiment, the warning device issues a warning by at least one of light, sound, and display when the pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

  In a preferred embodiment, the warning device receives the output of the pressure sensor and issues a warning by at least one of light, sound, and display according to the magnitude of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

  The probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a fixing tool according to the present invention is for fixing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus probe defined in any one of the above and a housing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus probe. A corset including a fixed portion and having a shape suitable for the subject.

  In a preferred embodiment, the corset has a shape adapted to the human neck.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention transmits the drive signal to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus probe defined in any one of the above and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus probe, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus probe. A main body that receives an echo signal from the child and obtains a property or shape characteristic of the subject based on the echo signal.

  In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a display unit for displaying the property or shape characteristic.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention transmits the drive signal to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus probe defined in any one of the above and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus probe, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus probe. A main body that receives an echo signal from a child, obtains a property or shape characteristic of the subject based on the echo signal, and an alarm device that receives an output of the pressure sensor and issues a warning based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor With.

  In a preferred embodiment, the warning device issues a warning by at least one of light, sound, and display when the pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

  In a preferred embodiment, the warning device receives the output of the pressure sensor and issues a warning by at least one of light, sound, and display according to the magnitude of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

    In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a display unit for displaying the property or shape characteristic, and the display unit gives a warning by the light or display.

  The probe adapter according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to a subject and receiving an echo obtained by reflecting the ultrasonic wave on the subject, and the ultrasonic wave and the echo are A probe adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a probe surface that passes through and housing the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the probe adapter has an opening that exposes the probe surface; A body having a shape for holding the probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus so that the probe surface is exposed from the opening; and a pressure that the probe surface receives from the subject while the probe surface is in contact with the subject And a pressure sensor for detecting.

  In a preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor detects the pressure of the container.

  In a preferred embodiment, the probe adapter is provided on the surface of the opening, and further includes a deformable container filled with a liquid or gel substance, and the pressure sensor controls the pressure of the container. To detect.

  In a preferred embodiment, the probe adapter further includes a warning device that receives the output of the pressure sensor and issues a warning based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

  According to the present invention, the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can determine whether or not the force for pressing the probe is appropriate while pressing the probe against the subject. Therefore, it becomes easy to maintain the state in which the probe is pressed against the subject with an appropriate force, and the possibility of causing a problem in the subject by excessively pressing the subject can be reduced.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of a probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as a probe) and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the probe 200. The probe 200 includes a housing 202. The housing 202 houses a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (not shown) for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the subject and receiving echoes obtained by the reflection of the ultrasonic waves at the subject. The housing 202 is provided with a probe surface 204 through which ultrasonic waves transmitted from these ultrasonic transducers and echoes obtained from the subject pass.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the housing 202 is provided with a pressure sensor 204. The pressure sensor 206 detects the pressure that the probe surface receives from the subject while the probe surface 204 of the probe 200 is in contact with the subject. As the pressure sensor 206, a pressure sensor made of a piezoelectric material, a sheet-like pressure sensor made of polyvinylidene fluoride, or the like can be used. In the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 206 is provided so as to sandwich the probe surface 204 along the longitudinal direction of the probe surface 204. Preferably, the surface of the probe surface 204 and the surface of the pressure sensor 206 constitute the same surface. Thus, when the operator holds the probe 200 in his hand and brings the probe surface 204 of the probe 200 into contact with the subject, the operator presses the probe 200 against the subject and the subject receives the subject. A pressure having the same magnitude as the pressure is applied to the pressure sensor 206. Therefore, by detecting the output of the pressure sensor 206, the pressure received by the subject can be known, and whether the probe 200 and the subject are in an appropriate contact state or whether the probe 200 is in contact. It is possible to determine whether or not the subject is pressing too much on the subject. Further, since the pressure sensor 206 is provided at a position where transmission ultrasonic waves and echoes are not transmitted, the pressure sensor 206 does not need to transmit ultrasonic waves. Therefore, an element that detects various pressures can be used as the pressure sensor 206.

  As long as the pressure received by the probe surface 204 from the subject can be correctly evaluated or measured, the pressure sensor 204 may be provided in any part of the housing 202. Further, the number of pressure sensors 204 is not limited to two as illustrated. For example, when four pressure sensors 204 are provided so as to surround the periphery of the probe surface 104, the probe surface 204 of the probe 200 is made even with respect to the subject by evaluating a difference in output from the four pressure sensors. You can know if it is pressed against.

  Further, if the pressure sensor 204 can transmit ultrasonic waves used for diagnosis without being greatly attenuated, the pressure sensor 204 may be provided on the surface of the probe surface 204 or between the probe surface 204 and the ultrasonic transducer. . If the pressure sensor 204 is provided on the probe surface 204, the pressure at which the probe surface 204 presses the subject can be measured more accurately.

  In order to issue a warning based on the output of the pressure sensor 204, the probe 200 may include a warning device 212. The warning device 212 includes a detection circuit 208 that detects an output signal that is a pressure detected by the pressure sensor 204, and an LED 210 that lights up based on the output of the detection circuit 208, and issues a warning by light. For example, the detection circuit 208 determines whether or not the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 204 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and outputs a signal to the LED 210 when the pressure is higher than or equal to a predetermined value. The LED 210 receives a signal from the detection circuit 208 and emits red light. Thereby, when the probe 200 presses the subject at a predetermined pressure or more, the LED 210 is turned on, and a warning can be issued to the operator. The operator can easily recognize the warning and adjust the power of the hand holding the probe 200 by turning on the LED 210 on the probe 200 at hand.

  The detection circuit 208 may output a signal corresponding to the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 204 to the LED 210. For example, when the pressure is below a predetermined value, it lights in yellow, when the pressure is in the proper range, it lights in green, and when the pressure exceeds the proper range, it lights up in red. Alternatively, the detection circuit 208 and the LED 210 may be configured. By adopting such a structure, the operator can more appropriately maintain the contact state between the probe 200 and the subject.

  FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 to which the probe 200 is connected. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes a main body 102 and a display unit 104. A probe 200 is connected to the main body 102. The main body 102 transmits a drive signal to the probe 200. Also. The echo signal is received from the probe 200, and the property characteristic or shape characteristic of the subject is obtained based on the echo signal. The display unit 104 includes a screen 104d that displays the property characteristics or shape characteristics obtained by the main body. For the main body 102 and the display unit 104, use is made of the main body and display unit of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that measures the shape of a living body or a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can determine the elastic modulus of a blood vessel disclosed in Patent Document 2. Is possible.

  According to the present invention, the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can determine whether or not the force for pressing the probe is appropriate while pressing the probe against the subject. Therefore, it becomes easy to maintain the state in which the probe is pressed against the subject with an appropriate force, and the possibility of causing a problem in the subject by excessively pressing the subject can be reduced. In particular, when measuring the shape and properties of a subject's carotid artery, the possibility that the probe will overpress the carotid artery too much will hinder blood flow through the carotid artery and adversely affect the measurement. In the case where an atheroma or the like is generated in the carotid artery, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the atheroma is detached by strongly pressing the carotid artery.

  In this embodiment, light is used as the warning by the warning device, but the warning may be issued by sound or display. The contact state between the probe and the subject also changes when the subject who is the subject moves the body. For this reason, it is also a caution to urge the subject to remain stationary by issuing a warning by sound. On the other hand, the warning by light or display can be performed so that only the operator is aware, and the subject can be prevented from feeling uneasy by the warning. The warning may be performed by a combination of light, sound, and display.

  In this embodiment, the warning device is provided in the probe. However, the warning device is provided in the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and guides the output of the pressure sensor of the probe to the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. May be. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, a warning device detection circuit may be provided in the main body 102 to display a warning 104c on the screen 104d of the display unit 104 based on the output of the detection path.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the probe according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the probe 220 is different from the probe 220 of the first embodiment in that it includes a container 222 provided on the surface of the probe surface 204 of the housing 202. The container 222 is deformable and defines a sealed space. The sealed space is filled with a fluid. The container 222 and the fluid filled in the container 222 are preferably liquid or gel-like substances, and those that can transmit ultrasonic waves used for measurement to a sufficient extent are used. Preferably, the liquid consists of water, organic material, and mixtures thereof. Moreover, antiseptic | preservative etc. are added as needed. The pressure sensor 224 is provided on the housing 202 so as to contact the container 222 and detect the pressure of the container 222.

  As in the first embodiment, the output of the pressure sensor 224 is input to the detection circuit 208 of the alarm device. The output of the detection circuit 208 is connected to the buzzer 226. In this embodiment, the buzzer 226 is used as a device that issues a warning by sound.

  When measurement is performed using the probe 220, the container 222 is brought into contact with the subject, and the probe 220 is pressed against the subject. Thereby, since the pressure received by the subject from the probe 220 is applied to the container 222 as stress, the pressure is detected by the pressure sensor 224 by detecting the pressure in the container 222, as in the first embodiment, It is possible to keep the probe 220 in contact with the subject with an appropriate force. In particular, the container 222 can be deformed, and a subject that comes into contact with the container 222 by filling the inside of the container 222 with a fluid such as a liquid or a gel-like substance receives a uniform pressure from the container 222. For this reason, it is possible to eliminate problems caused by receiving a strong pressure locally and partially receiving a high pressure. Further, since the pressure of the container 222 is almost the same regardless of where it is detected, it is possible to arbitrarily select the location where the pressure sensor 224 is disposed.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the probe according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the probe 240 is different from the probe 240 of the second embodiment in that a reservoir 242 is provided.

  The reservoir 242 is connected to the space inside the container 222 by a pipe 244, and a pressure valve 246 is provided on the pipe 244. The pressure valve 246 opens the valve when the pressure of the pipe 244 exceeds a predetermined value. As a result, the fluid in the container 222 is released from the container 222 and moves to the reservoir 242. The pressure valve itself may detect the pressure by a mechanism or the valve that keeps the pressure valve 246 closed, or the valve breaks at a predetermined pressure or higher, or a signal from the detection circuit 208 based on the detection of the pressure sensor 224. The pressure valve 246 may operate by receiving

  As the filling material in the container 222 is released, the pressure applied by the probe 240 to the subject decreases. Thereby, in particular, it is possible to prevent the probe from excessively pressing the subject and adversely affecting the subject.

(Fourth embodiment)
The probe described so far has been provided with a pressure sensor for detecting pressure. However, by using an adapter equipped with a pressure sensor, it is possible to give an existing probe the same function as the probe according to the present invention.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a probe adapter of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. The probe adapter 300 includes a main body 302 and a pressure sensor 308. The main body 302 has a shape including an opening 306 that exposes the probe surface of a conventional probe, and a space 304 that holds the probe so that the probe surface is exposed from the opening 306. In the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 308 is provided so as to sandwich the opening 306 in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the opening 306. Instead of the pressure sensor 308, the container 222 described in the second embodiment may be provided in the opening 306, and the pressure of the container 222 may be detected by the pressure sensor. Furthermore, the reservoir 242 described in the third embodiment may be provided in the adapter 300.

  The probe adapter 300 may further include a warning device 314 including a detection circuit 310 and an LED 312 in order to issue a warning based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 308. The warning device 314 may be provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body.

  By attaching the probe adapter 300 to the probe for the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can replace the probe with the subject without modifying the conventional probe. It is possible to judge by a warning whether or not the force for pressing the probe is appropriate. Therefore, it becomes easy to maintain the state in which the probe is pressed against the subject with an appropriate force, and the possibility of causing a problem in the subject by excessively pressing the subject can be reduced.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a probe with a fixture according to the present invention. The probe with a fixture 400 of the present embodiment includes a corset 402 for fixing the probe of the present invention to a subject. The corset 402 is used, for example, to fix the probe 200 of the first embodiment to the neck of a human body and maintain an appropriate contact state between the neck and the probe 220. The corset 402 has a U-shape adapted to the human neck and has a main part 402a having moderate elasticity, and is provided at both ends of the main part 402a and includes a strip-shaped end part 402e having flexibility. . The end 402e is provided with a fastener such as a hook-and-loop fastener that can be fixed by overlapping each other.

  The corset 402 is provided with a fixing portion 404 for fixing the housing of the probe 200. The position of the fixing portion 404 is determined such that the probe surface of the probe 200 is positioned in the subject's carotid artery when the corset 404 is attached to the subject's neck, for example.

  When using the probe 400 with a fixing tool, the operator puts the corset 402 on the neck of the subject and monitors the LED of the warning device provided on the probe 200, and adjusts the fastener at the end 402e. By doing so, the state in which the probe 200 is in contact with the neck at an appropriate pressure can be maintained, and the corset 402 can be fixed to the neck. As a result, the operator can perform measurement without holding the probe 200. In addition, if a warning device that performs warning by sound instead of the LED is provided in the probe, it is possible for the subject himself to load the corset 402 to the neck in an appropriate state while monitoring the warning sound.

  In this embodiment, the corset 402 is provided in the probe of the present invention. However, the corset is attached to the adapter described in the fourth embodiment so that the existing probe can be loaded in the adapter. Good.

  The present invention is suitably used for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for measuring the properties and shape characteristics of a subject. In particular, it can be suitably used for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of measuring the elastic modulus of the carotid artery.

(A) is a perspective view which shows 1st Embodiment of the probe for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses of this invention, (b) is a perspective view which shows embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the probe for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows 3rd Embodiment of the probe for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows embodiment of the adapter for probes of the ultrasonic diagnosing device by this invention. It is a perspective view which shows embodiment of the probe with a fixing tool by this invention. It is a figure explaining a mode that a test subject's carotid artery is measured with an ultrasonic diagnosing device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Test subject 11 Neck part 12 Carotid artery 20 Probe 100 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200, 220, 240 Probe for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 202 Case 204 Probe surface 206, 224, 308 Pressure sensor 208 Detection circuit 210, 312 LED
212, 314 Warning device 226 Buzzer 222 Container 242 Reservoir 244 Pipe 246 Pressure valve 300 Adapter 302 Main body 304 Space 400 Probe with fixture 402 Corset

Claims (21)

An ultrasonic transducer for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to a subject and receiving an echo obtained by reflecting the ultrasonic wave on the subject;
A housing having a probe surface through which the ultrasonic waves and echoes pass, and housing the ultrasonic transducer;
A pressure sensor for detecting the pressure that the probe surface receives from the subject in a state where the probe surface is in contact with the subject;
A probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:   The probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor is disposed around the probe surface.   The probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor is provided on the probe surface. Provided on the surface of the probe surface, further comprising a deformable container filled with a fluid,
The probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor detects a pressure of the container.   The ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 4, further comprising a pressure valve connected to the container and configured to discharge the fluid in the container to the outside of the container when the pressure of the container exceeds a predetermined value. Device probe.   The probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a reservoir for storing the released substance.   The probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a warning device that receives an output of the pressure sensor and issues a warning based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.   The probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the warning device issues a warning by at least one of light, sound, and display when the pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.   8. The probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein an output of the pressure sensor is received, and a warning is issued by at least one of light, sound and display according to the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. A probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9;
A corset including a fixing portion for fixing the housing of the probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and having a shape suitable for a subject;
Probe for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment with a fixture.   The probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a fixture according to claim 10, wherein the corset has a shape adapted to a neck of a human body. A probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9;
A main body that transmits a drive signal to the probe for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, receives an echo signal from the probe for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and obtains a property or shape characteristic of the subject based on the echo signal; ,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a display unit for displaying the property or shape characteristic. A probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6;
A main body that transmits a drive signal to the probe for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, receives an echo signal from the probe for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and obtains a property or shape characteristic of the subject based on the echo signal; ,
A warning device that receives the output of the pressure sensor and issues a warning based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the warning device issues a warning by at least one of light, sound, and display when the pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein an output of the pressure sensor is received and a warning is issued by at least one of light, sound, and display in accordance with a magnitude of pressure detected by the pressure sensor.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a display unit for displaying the property or shape characteristic, wherein the display unit performs a warning by the light or display. An ultrasonic transducer for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to a subject and receiving an echo obtained by the reflection of the ultrasonic wave at the subject; a probe surface through which the ultrasonic wave and the echo pass; A probe adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising a housing for storing a sound wave oscillator,
An opening for exposing the probe surface of the probe, and a main body having a shape for holding the probe for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus so as to expose the probe surface from the opening;
A pressure sensor for detecting the pressure that the probe surface receives from the subject in a state where the probe surface is in contact with the subject;
Adapter for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment equipped with   The probe adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the pressure sensor is disposed around an opening of the main body. Provided on the surface of the opening, further comprising a deformable container filled with a liquid or gel substance;
The probe adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the pressure sensor detects a pressure of the container. 21. The probe adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a warning device that receives an output of the pressure sensor and issues a warning based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

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