JP7278540B2 - Combined therapy device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic therapeutic device and a low-frequency therapeutic device, and in particular, integrates and miniaturizes an ultrasonic therapy using a low-intensity pulsed ultrasonic pulse (hereinafter LIPUS) and a weak current therapeutic device. In addition, the present invention relates to a composite therapeutic device capable of obtaining both therapeutic effects at the same time.

Treatment using low-power ultrasonic pulses is a therapeutic method in which low-power ultrasonic waves are applied to a fractured affected part to promote bone fusion. Ultrasound has a mechanical stimulating effect and a thermal effect in vivo, and it is believed that the former mechanical stimulating effect promotes bone fusion in the treatment of bone fractures. In addition, it is said to have effects on normalization of nerve function, convergence of inflammation, tissue repair, calcification, promotion of soft tissue development, and promotion of percutaneous drug absorption (phonophoresis). On the other hand, electrical stimulation therapy obtains a therapeutic effect by supplying a low-frequency electrical signal to the living body, and is said to be effective for pain relief, improvement of motor function, and wound treatment. There are various types of electrical stimulation, such as transcutaneous electrical stimulation, interference current therapy, and high voltage stimulation. Due to the same effect as the above, it promotes cell repair and is used, for example, for the healing of damaged muscles and joints or wounds.

The ultrasonic bone fracture treatment device described above is a known technique and is commercially available. As an ultrasonic therapeutic device based on such a known technology, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200013. Similarly, the electrical stimulation treatment device is equipped with various operation modes that supply electrical stimulation signals in accordance with known electrical stimulation methods such as transcutaneous electrical stimulation, interference current, high voltage stimulation, and weak current (microcurrent). Alternatively, a dedicated machine type low-frequency treatment device is commercially available. Also, a combination therapy device having both functions has been realized. As for the functional configuration, the functions of the ultrasonic therapy device and the low-frequency therapy device are provided in parallel. Regarding the probe, for example, in the case of the above-mentioned commercially available combination therapy device, the probe provides electrical stimulation to the human body, Some have separate probes for irradiating ultrasonic waves, and have a shared configuration in which the surface outline of the ultrasonic probes also serves as one electrode of a conductor for applying electrical stimulation.

In the case of the above-mentioned combination therapy device, the electric stimulation conductor is of a type that is attached to the surface of the human body and has a shape that requires a certain large area, and is constructed separately from the ultrasonic probe. Therefore, it cannot be applied to tissues with a small surface area for application, such as the face or the oral cavity, or tissues covered with mucous membranes.

For example, as in Patent Document 2, which is a well-known technology, both functions of ultrasonic irradiation function and electrical stimulation function are realized with one probe, and by using this in a pair, ultrasonic waves and low energy from both probes It becomes possible to simultaneously apply the frequency electric signal from one probe to the face surface or the like. However, in the case of Patent Document 2, the structure of the probe is a physically separated structure in which the portion for irradiating ultrasonic waves and the electrode for passing low-frequency electrical signals have separate contact points.

In this case, the structure tends to be large and complicated, and the area in contact with the human body becomes very large, making it difficult to apply to a narrow area. In addition, the tip of the probe is required to have a certain level of waterproofness in consideration of the method of applying a gel or the like to the skin surface to obtain the effect of ultrasonic waves, or the application to the oral cavity. In other words, when the electrode portion is newly provided, the waterproof property is lowered, making it difficult to use for these purposes.

JP-A-9-276352 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-253501

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problem, in which treatment using a weak current is continued for a relatively long period of time. . It is necessary to reduce the weight and size of the therapeutic device itself in order to reduce the burden on the user when carrying it. For that purpose, it is important to reduce the size of the battery to be used.

In order to solve the above problems, a therapeutic device according to the present invention comprises a body having an ultrasonic driving circuit and a weak current supply circuit, and a probe for irradiating at least one of ultrasonic waves and weak current to an affected area, A pair of probes having a piezoelectric element for generating the ultrasonic wave by an electric signal output by an acoustic wave driving circuit and a metal shell to which the piezoelectric element is adhered, and a signal line between the metal shell and the ultrasonic wave driving circuit. a capacitor, wherein the electric signal from the ultrasonic wave driving circuit and the weak current from the weak current supply circuit are alternately output, so that the piezoelectric It is characterized in that the ultrasonic wave by the element and the weak current are alternately generated between the pair of probes by using the metal shell of the probe as an electrode.

Further, the therapeutic device according to the present invention electrically disconnects the weak current supply circuit when the ultrasonic drive circuit is driven, and electrically disconnects the ultrasonic drive circuit when the weak current supply circuit is driven. It is characterized in that the ultrasonic wave and the weak current are alternately output by separating them physically.

With the treatment device of the present invention having the above configuration, a combined treatment device using LIPUS and microcurrent can be realized, and the probe to be used has a configuration in which an ultrasonic therapy device and a weak current stimulation therapy device are integrated to reduce the size of the device. This improves portability.

In addition, since it is possible to irradiate treatment energy from a probe that integrates ultrasonic waves and weak currents, it can be applied to areas with relatively few flat areas, such as the mouth and chin area of the face, with a degree of freedom in placement. became possible.

In addition, since the waterproofness of the head part is maintained by sharing the metal shell in the head part of the probe and the contact point of the ultrasonic irradiation and the weak current, it is possible to treat the mucosal surface such as the oral cavity. became.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a composite therapeutic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a head structure diagram of a probe for applying ultrasonic waves and applying a weak current according to an embodiment of the present invention. Example of realization of connection configuration of combined therapy device and probe according to embodiment of the present invention Another implementation example of the connection configuration of the combined therapy device and the probe of the embodiment of the present invention

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an ultrasound and weak current combined therapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. A circuit for generating an electric signal for driving the piezoelectric element in the probe (hereinafter referred to as ultrasound drive circuit 1) and a circuit for supplying weak current (hereinafter referred to as weak current supply circuit 2) are contained in the main body of the treatment device. exist respectively. Both circuits may be configured independently without affecting each other, and as a configuration for acquiring electrical signals between both circuits, one output may be synchronized with the output timing of one, or one output may be used as a trigger to output the other. The other may be output based on or may be configured to operate in cooperation with each other. In that case, a signal line (not shown) is provided between both circuits. A probe 3 that supplies ultrasound and weak current is connected to the main body. Two probes 3 form a pair. The probe 3 is composed of a probe head section 8, which will be described later, and a capacitor 9 for preventing the potentials between the probe heads from becoming the same in terms of direct current.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the probe head portion 8 of the probe 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 includes electric wires a6 and b7 for passing electrical signals from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 for driving 4. As shown in FIG. The electric wire a6 also plays a role of passing the weak current from the weak current supply circuit 2 to the human body through the metal shell 5. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the basic structure of the head portion of the ultrasonic probe, which consists of the piezoelectric element 4 and the metal shell 5, can have substantially the same structure as the head portion of the conventional ultrasonic probe used in bone fracture therapy devices. Despite the addition of additional functions, this eliminates the need to change the size of the probe 3, eliminates the need to use gel or adhesive pads, and can be used not only on small areas such as the face, but also on the oral cavity. It can also be applied to sites with mucous membranes such as the inside.

The ultrasonic drive circuit 1 is an oscillation circuit for generating an AC electric signal for driving the piezoelectric element 4 . The frequency of the ultrasonic waves generated in the piezoelectric element is determined by the frequency of the applied signal, and in the case of ultrasonic therapeutic devices, frequencies of several MHz and below are generally used, which are particularly effective on the human body. An AC electrical signal is supplied to the piezoelectric element 4 to cause the piezoelectric element to generate the ultrasonic wave of the predetermined frequency.

The weak current supply circuit 2 is a type of low-frequency current stimulation, and is generally used for weak current therapy that promotes recovery of damaged tissue by passing a weak current equivalent to the damage current involved in tissue repair to the human body. Specifically, it is a circuit for passing a current with a frequency of 100 Hz or less and a maximum current not exceeding 1 mA, for example, a frequency of 50 Hz and an output of 500 μA.

An electric signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 for driving the piezoelectric element 4 and a weak current to be passed through the human tissue from the weak current supply circuit 2 are superimposed and supplied to the probe head portion 8 constituting the probe 3. be done. Here, when each probe is connected to the GND of the treatment device main body on the circuit and the probes are at the same potential, the capacitor 9 does not allow a weak current to flow between the probes. By separating the probes in direct current, it is arranged to prevent the probes from becoming the same potential and to allow a weak current to flow between the probes via the human body.

The piezoelectric element 4 has a structure in which a general piezoelectric element is sandwiched between metal plates serving as electrodes. For example, piezoelectric ceramic (PZT: lead zirconate titanate) is used as the piezoelectric element.

The metal shell 5 constitutes a supporting member for the piezoelectric element 4, and is used to reliably and efficiently supply ultrasonic waves to the human body. Fulfill. Any material can be used as the material of the metal shell 5 as long as it is electrically conductive, provides a predetermined ultrasonic output, and has water resistance and corrosion resistance. In addition to aluminum steel plates, stainless steel plates, and titanium steel plates, steel plates plated with nickel, silver, or the like may also be used.

The electric wire a6 connects the electric signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and the weak current from the weak current supply circuit 2 between the probe head part 8 and the capacitor 9, and supplies the superimposed electric signal to the metal shell 5. It is a signal line for The electric wire b7 is a signal wire that sandwiches the piezoelectric element 4 and connects the opposite electrode side of the metal shell 5 . Since the weak current is a low-frequency signal and has the piezoelectric element 4 and the capacitor 9, it flows between the probe heads through the human body. In the treatment device, it is driven at a high frequency of around 1 MHz). That is, the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and each probe 3 form a closed circuit for high-frequency signals, while the weak current supply circuit 2, the probe 3, the human body, the probe 3, and the weak current supply circuit 2 form a closed circuit for the weak current signal. constitutes

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the electric signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and the current from the weak current supply circuit 2 are output from separate connectors (not shown) from the main body of the therapeutic device. In terms of practical use, the connector may be unified. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the connector of the main body of the treatment device accommodates both the electric signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and the current from the weak current supply circuit 2, and it is also a problem to unify the cables. do not have. In this case, it is possible to connect and use a conventional ultrasonic probe by positioning the current contact from the weak current supply circuit 2 at a position that does not interfere with the contact of the conventional ultrasonic probe.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment. This configuration includes a capacitor 9 inside the main body of the therapeutic device, and even a coupling point between an electric signal from the ultrasonic wave drive circuit 1 and a current from the weak current supply circuit. In the case of this configuration, the probe has a structure including only the probe head portion 8 . In Fig. 3, it is necessary to change the connector, but in Fig. 4, the connector from the main body of the treatment device has a single signal line, so it can be used without changing the connector of the conventional ultrasonic probe. is. 1, 2, and 3, the capacitor 9 is arranged only on the wire a6, but is not limited to this, and may be arranged also on the wire b7.

Next, a usage example of the therapeutic device of the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described.

Since the basic structure of the probe of the present invention is the same as that of conventional ultrasonic probes, the method of use is basically the same as that of applying gel to the affected area to be treated and bringing the probe into contact. At this time, according to the present invention, by applying a weak electric current to the affected area at the same time, it is possible to simultaneously obtain the effect of hastening the repair and recovery of the tissue by the electric current simulating the injury electric current. Since the structure is equivalent to that of a conventional ultrasonic probe head, it is possible to perform treatment by applying the tip of the probe to the planned treatment site even in the oral cavity, which has a relatively high water content, for example.

Since the probes have the same two-channel configuration, by properly arranging them on the affected area, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy of the site to which the weak current is to be applied, and to improve the therapeutic effect.

By activating the therapeutic device of the present invention, a weak electric current is passed between the two probes, and LIPUS is irradiated at the same time for treatment. The weak current is, for example, a low-frequency (approximately 100 Hz) +/- bidirectional rectangular current pulse with an effective current of 1 mA or less, for example, a frequency of 50 Hz and an output of 500 μA. LIPUS has a frequency of about 1.5 MHz and an output of about 60 mW per square centimeter. In this example, there are two probes, but the number of pairs of probes may be increased to perform multiple simultaneous treatments.

Also, an output button may be provided on the probe to control output of LIPUS and weak current. The output button is connected to the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and the weak current supply circuit 2 inside the treatment device main body via the probe. For example, it is possible to give variations to the treatment method, such as outputting only while the button is pressed. . In the case of this embodiment, a signal line is provided between the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and the weak current supply circuit 2. For example, when the output from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 is ON, the output of the weak current supply circuit 2 It is also possible to provide an interlocking function so as to turn ON also. Alternatively, an output pattern in which ultrasonic wave output and weak current output are alternately performed may be used.

According to the therapeutic device of the present invention, ultrasonic therapy and weak current therapy can be performed simultaneously. Conventionally, treatment with ultrasound is performed first, followed by treatment with weak current, or treatment with weak current is followed by treatment with ultrasound. It takes a total time, and a very long treatment time is required. However, according to the therapeutic device of the present invention, since both treatments are performed simultaneously, the treatment time can be shortened and the treatment efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, compared to the case of performing ultrasonic therapy and weak current treatment separately, such as applying ultrasonic therapy for a certain period of time (for example, 30 minutes) and then performing treatment with weak current, the treatment device of the present invention is more effective. When ultrasonic waves and weak electric currents are used for treatment at the same time, the effect of each treatment is much higher, and the treatment effect is further improved in this respect as well.

In addition, in the treatment using ultrasonic waves, different frequencies are used according to the depth of the treatment site, and it is said that 3 MHz reaches about 1 cm under the skin, and 1 MHz reaches about 3 cm under the skin. It is also possible to automatically adjust the current value and frequency of the weak current to a level at which a therapeutic effect can be obtained even when the frequency of the ultrasonic wave to be applied is selected in accordance with this property, and to simultaneously output the current value and frequency. The current value and frequency of this weak current may be set in advance, or may be set so as to be finely adjusted according to the condition of each individual patient. With such control, an appropriate therapeutic effect can be obtained according to the position of the affected area to be treated.

Although the ultrasonic wave and the weak current are output at the same time in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. If the pulse width of the weak current is, for example, 2 msec, no ultrasonic wave is output during the 2 msec period during which the pulse is output, but the ultrasonic wave is output during the period during which no pulse is output other than the 2 msec period. is also desirable. The ultrasonic wave and the weak current are not output at the same time, in other words, the ultrasonic wave drive circuit 1 and the weak current supply circuit 2 are not driven at the same time, but are controlled by driving them alternatively or with a time difference. Since the peak value of electric power can be suppressed and the output capacity of the power supply used can be reduced, the size and cost of the power supply can be reduced.

Since treatment using a weak current is continued for a relatively long time, the treatment device is often carried around, and in this case, a battery is used as a power source. It is necessary to reduce the weight and size of the therapeutic device itself in order to reduce the burden on the user when carrying it. For that purpose, it is important to reduce the size of the battery to be used. Therefore, in the present invention, the ultrasonic wave and the weak current are controlled so that they are output with a time lag so as not to be output at the same time. Therefore, the battery is not required to have a large output, and the size and weight of the battery can be reduced. Not only is it possible, but the cost of the battery can also be reduced.

By controlling the above-mentioned control, that is, by controlling the output time of the ultrasonic waves output in the off state where the weak current is not output, it is possible to control the balance between the treatment with ultrasonic waves and the treatment with weak current. Alternatively, by controlling the pulse width of the weak current, it is possible to similarly control the balance between the ultrasonic wave and the weak current treatment. Furthermore, when the weak current therapy is performed for a relatively long period of time, for example, about one hour, it is possible to perform control such as stopping only the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 halfway, for example, after 20 minutes have passed.

Furthermore, in the control that does not output the ultrasonic wave and the weak current at the same time, when the ultrasonic wave drive circuit 1 is driven, the weak current supply circuit 2 is driven, and when the weak current supply circuit 2 is driven, the ultrasonic wave A configuration in which the drive circuits 1 are electrically isolated from each other may be used. For example, when the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 is driven, a switch circuit (not shown) that is connected to the weak current supply circuit 2 and electrically disconnects the wire connected to the wire a6 from the weak current supply circuit 2 is provided. It is also desirable to provide control so that the signal for ultrasonic wave driving does not affect the weak current supply circuit 2 . In such a configuration, the weak current supply circuit 2 is not affected by the ultrasonic driving signal at all, and the operation of the weak current supply circuit 2 can be made more stable. Similarly, when the weak current supply circuit 2 is being driven, a switch for electrically disconnecting the wires connected to the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 and connected to the wires a6 and b7 from the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 It is also desirable to provide a circuit (not shown) to control the ultrasonic drive signal so that it does not affect the weak current supply circuit 2, and the operation of the ultrasonic drive circuit 1 can be made more stable. Furthermore, providing these switch circuits in both the ultrasonic wave drive circuit 1 and the weak current supply circuit 2 is more desirable because both circuits can be made more stable.

In the present invention, as the configuration of the therapeutic device and the probe, one therapeutic device has one pair of probes, but a plurality of one-pair configurations may be provided. That is, the configuration may be such that the number of probes is 2n (n=1 or more), and the number of combinations in which a weak current is passed between pairs of probes for performing ultrasonic wave irradiation is n. Such a multiple-probe-pair configuration enables simultaneous treatment of multiple sites, shortening the treatment time, and reducing the burden on the patient.

It should be noted that the illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not only directly indicated by the described embodiments, but also includes various modifications and improvements that can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the claims. It goes without saying that changes are included.

The present invention mainly provides a therapeutic device that combines an ultrasonic therapeutic device mainly using LIPUS and a weak current stimulation therapeutic device, and uses a miniaturized probe and targets the head such as the face surface or the oral cavity. It is an object of the present invention to provide a probe and a circuit configuration that enable effective treatment with a probe having improved waterproofness and at the same time.

In order to solve the above problems, a therapeutic device based on the present invention includes a piezoelectric element that emits ultrasonic waves, a metal shell that adheres to the piezoelectric element, a probe that is composed of a pair of the piezoelectric element and the metal shell, An ultrasonic drive circuit for driving the piezoelectric element, a weak current supply circuit for supplying a weak current between the metal shells of the pair of probes, and an electric wire between the metal shells of the probes and the ultrasonic drive circuit. More specifically, a therapeutic device comprising an ultrasonic drive circuit, a weak current supply circuit, and a probe for irradiating at least one of ultrasonic waves and weak current to an affected area. A piezoelectric element arranged in the probe is driven by a signal obtained by superimposing a weak current from the weak current supply circuit on an electrical signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit to generate an ultrasonic wave. A weak current is output through the outer shell of the probe.

Further, in the therapeutic device according to the present invention, a capacitor is provided in the signal line connected to the outer shell of the probe, and the weak current from the weak current supply circuit is applied after the signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit passes through the capacitor. It is characterized by being superimposed.

1 ... Ultrasonic drive circuit 1
2 Weak current supply circuit 2
3... Probe 4... Piezoelectric element 5... Metal shell 6... Electric wire a connected to metal shell
7 . . . Electric wire b connected to the piezoelectric element
8... Probe head part 9... Capacitor

Claims (2)

a body having an ultrasonic drive circuit and a weak current supply circuit;
A pair of probes for irradiating an affected area with at least one of an ultrasonic wave and a weak current, comprising a piezoelectric element for generating the ultrasonic wave according to an electrical signal output by the ultrasonic driving circuit, and a metal shell to which the piezoelectric element is bonded. a probe of
a capacitor placed in a signal line between the metal shell and the ultrasonic drive circuit,
By alternately outputting the electric signal from the ultrasonic drive circuit and the weak current from the weak current supply circuit, the ultrasonic wave generated by the piezoelectric element arranged in the probe and the metal of the probe are generated. A therapeutic device, wherein the weak current is alternately generated between the pair of probes using the shell as an electrode. By electrically disconnecting the weak current supply circuit when the ultrasonic wave drive circuit is being driven, and by electrically disconnecting the ultrasonic wave drive circuit when the weak current supply circuit is being driven, the ultrasonic wave is and the weak current are alternately output.

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