Abstract:
In a photoacoustic measurement apparatus and a photoacoustic measurement system, it is possible to generate blood flow information using a photoacoustic image without requiring a separate tourniquet. A light source emits measurement light. A probe detects a photoacoustic wave generated in a subject after measurement light is emitted to the subject in each of the avascularized condition in which the subject is avascularized and the non-avascularized condition in which the subject is not avascularized. Photoacoustic image generation unit generates a photoacoustic image based on the detection signal of the photoacoustic wave. Blood flow information generation unit generates blood flow information based on the signal value of a photoacoustic image in a region of interest set in the photoacoustic image. The avascularization of the subject is performed by pressing the probe against the subject.
Abstract:
In an acoustic wave detection probe provided with a light guide section that guides measuring light such that the measuring light is outputted toward a subject and an acoustic wave transducer that detects a photoacoustic wave generated in the subject by the projection of the measuring light, the light guide section includes a homogenizer that flat-tops an energy profile of the measuring light entered from the upstream side of the optical system, a light condensing member that condenses the measuring light transmitted through the homogenizer, and a bundle fiber which includes a plurality of optical fibers and is disposed such that the measuring light transmitted through the light condensing member enters from an entrance end of the bundle fiber.
Abstract:
A plug that is engaged with a receptacle for light emission of a light source unit that emits a light beam having a flat-shaped cross section and an optical fiber having a burr defect in a part of an outer peripheral portion of an incidence end surface on which the light beam is incident are included. The plug is attached to an incidence end portion of the optical fiber in an arrangement in which the burr defect is located in a short axis direction of a cross section on the incidence end surface of the light beam incident on the incidence end surface in a state in which the plug is engaged with the receptacle.
Abstract:
Disclosed are a photoacoustic measurement apparatus capable of improving ease of observation of a photoacoustic image even if an artifact is caused by a photoacoustic wave generated in a surface portion of a subject, and a signal processing device and a signal processing method for use therein. The photoacoustic measurement apparatus includes a probe having a light emission unit and an acoustic wave detection unit provided in parallel with the light emission unit, an image generation unit which generates a photoacoustic image based on a photoacoustic wave detected by the acoustic wave detection unit, and a display processing unit which subjects the photoacoustic image to display processing for clarifying in the photoacoustic image an observation region from a position corresponding to a subject surface to an observable depth according to the interval between a reaching region on a contact plane of measurement light and the acoustic wave detection unit.
Abstract:
Even when an insertion object is inserted to a deep position of a subject or even when the insertion object is inserted into the subject at an angle close to a right angle, it is possible to confirm the position of the insertion object in a photoacoustic image. The insertion object is, for example, a hollow puncture needle 15 that includes an opening at a tip thereof. The puncture needle 15 includes a light guide member 152 that guides light emitted from a first light source to the vicinity of the opening, and a light emitting portion 153 that is provided in the vicinity of the opening and emits the light. First photoacoustic waves, which are caused by the light emitted from the light emitting portion 153, are generated in the puncture needle 15. A first photoacoustic image is generated on the basis of the first photoacoustic waves.
Abstract:
The light irradiation range of a probe for a photoacoustic measurement apparatus is increased. The probe for a photoacoustic measurement apparatus includes a light transmission unit that irradiates a subject with light, and a photoacoustic wave detector 52 that detects a photoacoustic wave generated from the subject. The light transmission unit includes light propagation part 51 for propagating light, and a light transmission member 55. Further, the light transmission member 55 includes an inner peripheral surface 55a that is formed in the shape of a curved concave surface and an outer peripheral surface 55b that has a radius of curvature larger than the radius of curvature of the inner peripheral surface 55a and is formed in the shape of a curved convex surface. The outer peripheral surface 55b is disposed so that the light L emitted from the light propagation part 51 is incident on the inner peripheral surface 55a.
Abstract:
A photoacoustic imaging system which includes a treatment tool for surgery, a probe unit having an electroacoustic transducer section, an image generation section which generates a three-dimensional photoacoustic image, an information obtaining section which obtains information representing mutual relative positions and orientations of the treatment tool and the probe unit in a space, an image processing section which superimposes a treatment tool display on the photoacoustic image based on the information, and a control section which controls these such that the photoacoustic image superimposed with the treatment tool display is displayed on a display section in real time. When assisting in surgery, the present invention allows the surgeon to recognize the positional relationship between a treatment tool and a blood vessel in an easier and accurate way.
Abstract:
A probe includes an acoustic wave transmitting section that transmits acoustic waves toward a subject, a light irradiating section that irradiates a light beam guided from a light source, and an acoustic wave detecting section that detects photoacoustic waves generated within the subject due to irradiation of the light beam onto the subject and reflected acoustic waves of the acoustic waves transmitted into the subject. In addition, a mode switching switch is provided on the probe. A control means switches operating modes between an operating mode in which the acoustic wave detecting section detects at least photoacoustic waves, and an operating mode in which the acoustic wave detecting section does not detect photoacoustic waves.
Abstract:
A probe employed in photoacoustic inspection is equipped with: a light emitting section that emits a light beam onto a subject; and an electroacoustic converting section that converts photoacoustic waves into electrical signals. The light emitting section is configured to emit light onto an emission range on the subject that includes the entirety of a corresponding region of the subject that corresponds to the electroacoustic converting section, the minimum distance between the outer peripheral edge of the corresponding region and the outer peripheral edge of the emission range being 5 mm or greater. The present invention enables detection of photoacoustic waves with a higher S/N ratio, in photoacoustic inspection that utilizes the photoacoustic effect.
Abstract:
Even when an insertion object is inserted to a deep position of a subject or even when the insertion object is inserted into the subject at an angle close to a right angle, it is possible to confirm the position of the insertion object in a photoacoustic image. The insertion object is, for example, a hollow puncture needle 15 that includes an opening at a tip thereof. The puncture needle 15 includes a light guide member 152 that guides light emitted from a first light source to the vicinity of the opening, and a light emitting portion 153 that is provided in the vicinity of the opening and emits the light. First photoacoustic waves, which are caused by the light emitted from the light emitting portion 153, are generated in the puncture needle 15. A first photoacoustic image is generated on the basis of the first photoacoustic waves.