US20070038113A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20070038113A1
Application number: US11/502,369
Authority: US
Inventors: Yutaka Oonuki; Hiroyuki Shikata; Takashi Takeuchi
Original assignee: Toshiba Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Corp
Priority date: 2005-08-11
Filing date: 2006-08-11
Publication date: 2007-02-15
Also published as: US8216149B2; CN1911176A; CN100556367C; US20100228131A1

Abstract

An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe transmitting and receiving ultrasound toward and from a subject, a puncture adaptor configured to be fixed to the ultrasonic probe and to hold a puncture needle, wherein the puncture adaptor has moving part movable in relation to the ultrasonic probe with the puncture needle, and a sensor provided at the ultrasonic probe, and configured to detect the position of the moving part. As the puncture needle is moved relative to the probe, the movable part is correspondingly moved relative to the probe, and movement of the movable part, and therefore also of the puncture needle, is detected by the sensor.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-233308, filed on Aug. 11 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is often used for puncture. In this case, an operator watches a monitor display of an ultrasound image of a live body and a puncture needle, and insertion of the puncture needle. In the puncture operation, a puncture adapter is often used, and a puncture guide marker is displayed on the monitor to serve as a direction guide to assist an operator during needle insertion. In one puncture method, a puncture adaptor is fixed at a predetermined position of an ultrasonic probe body. In this method, an operator must read an angle value by watching a scale on the adaptor, and set the angle value for displaying the angle of the puncture marker of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. This setting enables display of the puncture guide image with an ultrasonic image on the display monitor. In this technique, which entails operator's reading and setting, an operator perform angle reading and setting every time the operator changes an angle of the puncture needle. This is complicated for the operator.

In another method, the above mentioned angle of the puncture needle guide is detected by a sensor set by the puncture guide, and the detected angle is delivered to a processing unit in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. (For example, see JP2004-305535A.) The sensor detecting the angle of the puncture needle guide is provided near a part moving in accordance with the changing angle of the puncture needle, (for example, seeFIG. 6 orFIG. 7 in JP2004-305535A) and the sensor detects the angle indirectly or directly. In this method, the puncture marker image displayed on the monitor is automatically changed in accordance with the detected angle.

However the puncture adaptor is often removably constructed so that operator can mount and remove it from a standard ultrasonic probe. In this case, provision must be made for delivering detected signal to the apparatus body. For example, in the case that probe cables double as the connection to apparatus body, a connection structure such as a connecter connecting to the ultrasonic probe and a cable leaded from the puncture adaptor is necessary. On the other hand, in the case that another cable is connected to the apparatus body, the increasing number of cables adversely impact operability, and providing a new connecter for puncture is needed.

Because a guiding portion of the puncture adaptor guides a needle inserted into a body, body fluid and body tissues adhere to the guides. In this situation, the guiding portion must be easily disinfected and sterilized or must be disposable. However, in the above mentioned case, use of the sensor makes the structure complicated, makes disinfection or sterilization of the guide difficult, and makes the guide too expensive to be disposable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic apparatus diagnostic, an ultrasonic probe, a puncture guide and a method for detecting the angle of a puncture needle that does not require an operator to perform a bothersome operation for display of a puncture guide image.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including a ultrasonic probe configured to transmit and receive ultrasound toward and from a subject, puncture adaptor configured to be fixed at the ultrasonic probe and to hold a puncture needle, the puncture adaptor having moving part configured to move toward the ultrasonic probe with the puncture needle and a sensor provided at the ultrasonic probe and configured to detect a position of the moving part.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic probe including a fixed puncture adaptor configured to hold a puncture needle, and having moving part configured to move with the puncture needle, and a sensor provided at a probe body and configured to detect a position of the moving part.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a puncture adaptor including a fixed part configured to be fixed at an ultrasonic probe, a moving part movable with the puncture needle toward the ultrasonic probe when the moving part is fixed at the ultrasonic probe, and a sensor provided at probe body and configured to detect a position of the moving part.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting an angle of a puncture needle, including detecting a position of a moving part which moves with a puncture needle toward a ultrasonic probe, by a sensor provided at the ultrasonic probe, and detecting information relating to position of the puncture needle on the basis of a detection result of the sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS.1(a),1(b),1(c) and1(d) are related aspect views of a first exemplary embodiment of the ultrasonic probe and puncture adaptor of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS.3(a),3(b) and3(c) are related aspect views of a second exemplary embodiment of the ultrasonic probe and puncture adaptor of the invention.

FIGS.4(a),4(b) and4(c) are related aspect views of a third exemplary embodiment of the ultrasonic probe and puncture adaptor of the invention.

FIGS.5(a),5(b) and5(c) are related aspect views of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the ultrasonic probe and puncture adaptor of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, various embodiments of the present invention are next described.

(First Exemplary Embodiment)

Anultrasonic probe10 shown inFIG. 1 (b) includes aprobe body11 holding an ultrasonic transmit and receivingunit12 having arrayed ultrasonic transducers, and analternating photo sensor13 includingluminous elements13aand lightsensitive elements13b. Lead wires of theluminous elements13aand the lightsensitive elements13bare wired in aprobe body11. The wires are connected to a body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus through aprobe cable11cwith read wires of ultrasonic transducers.

As aslide opening part22 ofpuncture adaptor20 shown inFIG. 1 (a) is positioned opposite thephoto sensor13 of theprobe body11, aholder21 of thepuncture adaptor20 holds theprobe body11, as shown inFIG. 1(c). Aslider23, having a reflective face facing theprobe body11, is fitted into aslide opening part22 of thepuncture adaptor20, and aneedle guide24 is fastened at one end of theslider23 by screws (not shown) to theslider23 and anadaptor part25. Apuncture needle29 can be inserted into a puncture needle hole of theneedle guide24 as shown inFIG. 1 (c).

Next, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to which thepuncture adaptor20 attaches, in this exemplary embodiment, is explained with reference to the schematic block diagram ofFIG. 2.

As shown in theFIG. 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes abody30 connected to anultrasonic probe10 with anpuncture adaptor20, an angle sensor signal from theultrasonic probe20 is inputted into thebody30, for processing within thebody30. Also connected to thebody30 is aninput unit41 for user interface with thebody30. Theinput unit41 can be a key board, a track ball and/or an operation panel. Amonitor39 for displaying an image signal delivered from thebody30 is also connected to thebody30.

Thebody30 includes anultrasonic transmitting unit31, anultrasonic receiving unit32, animage processing unit33, a sensor IF (interface)unit34, adatabase35, aCPU unit36 and adisplay unit37. Theultrasonic transmitting unit31 generates and applies a driving signal to theultrasonic probe10. Theultrasonic receiving unit32 receives a received signal from theprobe10. Theimage processing unit33 processes this received signal into an image signal. The sensor IF (interface)unit34 receives a sensor signal from theultrasonic probe10 and converts this signal into an angle signal. Thedatabase35 memorizes and saves a variety of data. TheCPU unit36 controls each of the components of the apparatus on the basis of an operation signal from theinput unit41. Thedisplay unit37 converts a signal from theimage processing unit33 into a display format. An additional image signal like a signal based on a signal fromsensor IF34 is also processed into a graphical signal by thisimage processing unit33. Thedisplay unit37 delivers these signals to themonitor39.

Next, the function and operation of the exemplary embodiment are explained in reference toFIG. 1.

At first, theholder21 is fixed to theprobe body11 shown inFIG. 1 (b), so that theneedle guide24 of thepuncture adaptor20 lies near the end of theadaptor part25. Then, as illustrated inFIG. 1(c), all of theluminance elements13aand thesensitive elements13bcomposing thephoto sensor13 are exposed. In this case, eachsensitive element13bwhich does not receive light emitted fromluminance elements13alikewise does not generate a signal. This position of theneedle guide24 corresponds to a maximum angle of insertion angles (in relation to a vertical insertion angle which is 0 degree) of the puncture needle.

Next, when an operator displaces theneedle guide24 and theslider23 to the side of the probe body along theslide opening part22 and reduces the insertion angle of the puncture needle, theslider23 having a reflective surface on the side facingprobe body11 faces opposite some of theluminance elements13aandsensitive elements13b. At that time, light reflected off the reflecting surface impinges on thesensitive elements13b, and a detection signal is outputted from suchsensitive elements13b. Such detection signals are delivered by a lead wires (not shown in the figures) provided in theprobe body11. These read wires are assembled in theprobe cable11cwith read wires for theultrasonic transducer unit12 provided at the top ofultrasonic probe10, and these read wires are connected to the sensor IFunit34. When the detective signal is inputted to the sensor IFunit34, the unit measures an angle of theneedle guide24 by detecting how manysensitive elements13bdetect the light fromluminance elements13a. The result of angle detection is delivered to theCPU unit36.

TheCPU unit36 directs theimage storing device38 to output data of the puncture guide image corresponding to the detected puncture needle insertion angle to thedisplay unit37. An operator can see the puncture guide image corresponding to a real needle angle on themonitor39.

In addition,luminous elements13aand lightsensitive elements13bof the alternatingphoto sensor13 are arranged in pairs in the direction of a circular arc in the above explanation. However, pairs of theluminous elements13aand lightsensitive elements13bmay be arranged radially opposite each other with the pairs ofluminous element13aand lightsensitive element13bextending in a circular arc direction. This arrangement enables a high density of sensors and high accuracy of angle detection. In another implementation, the reflecting part ofslider23 may be composed of a plurality of reflecting parts having narrow reed shape, which also enables high accuracy of angle detection.

In the above explanation of the described exemplary embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus reads an angle of the needle guide, and automatically display an insertion position or angle of the puncture needle in an ultrasonic image. This enables provision of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe and a puncture adaptor which avoids a bothersome operation for display of a puncture guide image. In addition, because an angle detection sensor is arranged in the body of the ultrasonic probe, the puncture adaptor has no electrical machinery. Therefore this puncture adaptor can be disinfected and sterilized without concern for breakage or electric leakage caused by body fluids or heat. In addition, because the fabrication cost of the puncture adaptor can be lower than one having sensor, it is possible to treat the adaptor as disposable. Furthermore because read wires for sensor signals are provided in the probe body, it is not necessary that a connecting device be provided outside the probe. Because a cable for the sensor to the diagnostic apparatus body is united with a probe cable for transducers, there is no operability complication caused by an increasing number of cables when the puncture adaptor is used.

Furthermore, in the above explanation of this exemplary embodiment, because it is not necessary that electromagnetic devices be provided on the puncture adaptor, the cost for fabricating the puncture adaptor is lower than the cost for gabricating a puncture adaptor having magnetic elements described in the below mentioned third exemplary embodiment or fourth exemplary embodiment.

(Second Exemplary Embodiment)

In a second embodiment, as shown byFIG. 3, it is characteristic that a pattern having different degrees of reflection, for example a black and white stripe pattern, is provided on a probe body side of theslider26. The pattern is detected by one pair of aluminance element15aand asensitive element15bprovided on theprobe body11. In the explanation of this exemplary embodiment, explanations of similarities with the first exemplary embodiment will be skipped, and differences will be mainly explained.

In this second exemplary embodiment, theneedle guide24 of thepuncture adaptor20 held by theprobe body11aof theultrasonic probe10ais moved to a desirable position. By this movement, when the stripe pattern on theslider26 passes by theluminance element15aand thesensitive element15b, thesensitive element15breceives reflected light from the luminance element intermittently. A read wire for light receiving signals is provided in theprobe body11aand the probe cable, and the signal is delivered to the sensor IFunit34. This pulse train signal by intermittently receiving light is transformed to angle data by pulse counting of the sensor IFunit34. TheCPU unit36 directs theimage storing device38 to output data of the puncture guide image corresponding to the detected puncture needle insert angle to thedisplay unit37. An operator can see the puncture guide image corresponding to an actual needle angle on themonitor39.

In addition, in order to detect a direction of movement of the puncture needle, thephoto sensor15 may be composed as two sensitive elements and one luminance element between the two sensitive elements. In this case, by detecting each phase of light that enters into two sensitive elements, a direction of movement is distinguished.

Furthermore, the pattern on theslider26 may be composed as an other monochrome pattern code which indicates puncture angles, for an example bar-code or a QR code (registered trade mark). In this case, thephoto sensor15 reads the code pattern, and the sensor IFunit34 decodes this code.

In the above explanation of this exemplary embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus reads an angle of the needle guide and displays an insert position or angle of the puncture needle in an ultrasonic image automatically. This enables provision of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe and a puncture adaptor which avoids a bothersome operation for display of a puncture guide image. In addition, because the angle detection sensor is arranged in the body of ultrasonic probe, the puncture adaptor has no electrical machinery. Therefore this puncture adaptor can be disinfected and sterilized without concern for breakage or electric leakage caused by body fluids and heat. In addition, because the fabrication cost of the puncture adaptor can be lower than one having sensor, it is possible to treat the adaptor as disposable. Furthermore because the read wires for sensor signals are provided in the probe body, it is not necessary that connecting devices be provided outside the probe. Because cables for the sensors to the diagnostic apparatus body are united with the probe cable for the transducers, there is no operability complication caused by an increasing number of cables when the puncture adaptor is used.

Furthermore, in the above explanation of this second exemplary embodiment, because it is not necessary that electromagnetic devices be provided on the puncture adaptor, the cost for fabricating the puncture adaptor is lower than the cost for fabricating a puncture adaptor having magnetic elements described in the below mentioned third exemplary embodiment or fourth exemplary embodiment.

In addition, in the above explanation of this second exemplary embodiment, because the number of necessary sensors is two or three, the cost of fabrication of read wires and connecting devices for the sensor can be lower than the case of using more sensors.

(Third Exemplary Embodiment)

In a third exemplary embodiment as shown byFIG. 4, a magnetizedmagnetic element27ais provided on the probe body side of theslider27 and a magnetic sensor unit formed by magneto metric sensors16a-16fis provided at theprobe body11bin a circular direction. In the explanation of this exemplary embodiment, explanation of similarities with the first exemplary embodiment will be skipped, and differences will be mainly explained.

In this exemplary embodiment, theneedle guide24 of thepuncture adaptor20 held by theprobe body11bof theultrasonic probe10bis moved to a desirable position. By this movement, when themagnetic element27aon theslider27 passes past the magneto metric sensors16a-16f, the magnetic metric sensors16a-16fdetect the passing of themagnetic element27ain turn. A read wire for detecting signals is provided in theprobe body11aand the probe cable, and the signal is delivered to the sensor IFunit34. When detected signals are inputted to the sensor IFunit34, theunit34 measures an angle of theneedle guide24 by detecting how many magneto metric sensors detect the passing. TheCPU unit36 directs theimage storing device38 to output data of the puncture guide image corresponding to the detected puncture needle insertion angle to thedisplay unit37. An operator can see the puncture guide image corresponding to a real needle angle on themonitor39.

In the above explanation of this exemplary embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus reads an angle of the needle guide, and displays an insertion position or angle of the puncture needle in an ultrasonic image automatically. This enables provision of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe and a puncture adaptor which avoids a bothersome operation for display of a puncture guide image. In addition, because an angle detection sensor is arranged in the body of the ultrasonic probe, the puncture adaptor has no electrical machinery. Therefore this puncture adaptor can be disinfected and sterilized without concern for breakage or electric leakage caused by body fluid or heat. In addition, because the fabrication cost for the puncture adaptor can be lower than one having sensor, it is possible to treat the adaptor as disposable. Furthermore because read wires for sensor signals are provided in the probe body, it is not necessary that a connecting device be provided outside the probe. Because a cable for the sensor to the diagnostic apparatus body is united with a probe cable for transducers, there is no operability complication caused by an increasing number of cables when the puncture adaptor is used.

Furthermore, in the above explanation of this exemplary embodiment, because of noncontact sensing between the magneto metric sensors and the magnetic element, the magneto metric sensors16a-16fcan be provided inside the case of theprobe body11b. In this case, a surface of theprobe body11bcan be formed without irregularities. So a probe washing operation is easy. Because of noncontact sensing, in a case that fluid and tissues of object adhere on the surface of probe body, there is no adverse effect on sensing.

Furthermore, in the above explanation of this exemplary embodiment, it is not necessary that a plurality of magnetic elements be provided on the slider. So the cost for composing puncture adaptor can be lower than the case of below mentioned fourth exemplary embodiment.

(Fourth Exemplary Embodiment)

In a fourth exemplary embodiment, as shown byFIG. 5, plural magnetizedmagnetic elements28aare provided on the probe body side of theslider28 in a circular arc direction. The magnetizedmagnetic elements28aare detected by a magnetometric sensor17aprovided on theprobe body11c. In the explanation of this exemplary embodiment, explanation of similarities with the first exemplary embodiment will be skipped, and differences will be mainly explained.

In this exemplary embodiment, theneedle guide24 of thepuncture adaptor20 held by theprobe body11aof theultrasonic probe10ais moved to a desirable position. By this movement, when the magnetizedmagnetic elements28aon theslider28 pass adjacent the magnetometric element17a, the magnetometric element17adetects passing of themagnetic elements28ain turn. A read wire for detecting signals is provided in theprobe body11aand the probe cable, and the signal is delivered to the sensor IFunit34. This pulse train signal produced by intermittent detecting ofelement17ais transformed to angle data by pulse counting of the sensor IFunit34. TheCPU unit36 directs theimage storing device38 to output data of the puncture guide image corresponding to the detected puncture needle insertion angle to thedisplay unit37. An operator can see the puncture guide image corresponding to a real needle angle on themonitor39.

In the above explanation of this exemplary embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus reads an angle of the needle guide, and automatically displays an insertion position or angle of the puncture needle in an ultrasonic image. This enables provision of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe and a puncture adaptor which avoids a bothersome operation for display of a puncture guide image. In addition, because an angle detection sensor is arranged in the body of the ultrasonic probe, the puncture adaptor has no electrical machinery. Therefore this puncture adaptor can be disinfected and sterilized without concern for breakage or electric leakage caused by body fluids or heat. In addition, because the fabrication cost of the puncture adaptor can be lower than one having sensor, it is possible to treat the adaptor as disposable. Furthermore because read wires for sensor signals are provided in the probe body, it is not necessary that a connecting device be provided outside the probe. Because a cable for the sensor to the diagnostic apparatus body is united with a probe cable for transducers, there is no operability complication caused by an increasing number of cables when the puncture adaptor is used.

Furthermore, in the above explanation of this exemplary embodiment, because of noncontact sensing between the magneto metric sensor and the magnetic elements, themagneto metric sensor17acan be provided inside the case of theprobe body11c. In this case, the surface of theprobe body11ccan be formed without irregularities. So a probe washing operation is easy. Because of noncontact sensing, in a case that fluid and tissues of object adhere on the surface of the probe body, there is no adverse effect on sensing.

Furthermore, in the above explanation of this fourth exemplary embodiment, it is not necessary that a plurality of magneto metric sensors be provided on theprobe body11c. So the cost of fabricating read wires and connecting devices to the sensor can be lower than the case of using more sensors.

Numerous variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above description. It is therefore to be understood that the invention as claimed can be practiced other than is specifically described herein.

For example, in above explanation of exemplary embodiments, sensors detecting the slider is magneto metric sensors or photo sensors. However, it is needless to say that electromagnetic induction sensors, electro capacitance sensors or an ultrasound sensors can be adaptable by appropriate change.

Claims

1. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprising:

a ultrasonic probe configured to transmit and receive ultrasound toward and from a subject;

a puncture adaptor configured to be fixed at the ultrasonic probe and to hold a puncture needle, the puncture adaptor having a moving part movable toward the ultrasonic probe with the puncture needle; and

a sensor provided at the ultrasonic probe, and configured to detect a position of the moving part.

2. The ultrasonic apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein:

the puncture adaptor is configured to be removable.

3. The ultrasonic apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising;

a read wire provided inside the ultrasonic probe, and configured to deliver a signal from the sensor to outside of the ultrasonic probe.

4. The ultrasonic apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising;

a displaying unit configured to display information related to a position of the puncture needle based on the signal from the sensor.

5. The ultrasonic apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the sensor comprises:

photo sensors provided along a course of movement of the moving part; and

a detecting unit configured to detect position of the moving part on the basis of a state of detection of the photo sensors.

6. The ultrasonic apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein:

the moving part has a reflective pattern so that degrees of reflection of at least two of different points of the pattern are different from each other; and

the sensor includes, a photo sensor provided near a course of moving of the moving part, and a detecting unit configured to detect a position of the moving part on the basis of the state of detection of the photo sensor.

7. The ultrasonic apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein:

the moving part includes a magnetic element; and

the sensor includes,

magneto metric sensors provided along a course of movement of the moving part, and

a detecting unit configured to detect the position of the moving part on the basis of a state of detection of the magneto metric sensors.

8. The ultrasonic apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein:

the moving part has a magnetic pattern in which at least two of different points of the magnetic pattern are different from each other; and

the sensor includes,

a magneto metric sensor provided near a course of movement of the moving part, and

a detecting unit configured to detect the position of the moving part on the basis of a state of detection of the magneto metric sensor.

9. The ultrasonic apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein:

the sensor comprises one of an electromagnetic induction sensor, an electro capacitance sensor and an ultrasound sensor.

10. An ultrasonic probe comprising:

a puncture adaptor configured to be fixed to a body of the ultrasonic probe and to hold a puncture needle, said puncture adaptor comprising a moving part movable with the puncture needle; and

a sensor provided at the probe body and configured to detect the position of the moving part.

11. The ultrasonic probe according toclaim 10, wherein

the puncture adaptor is configured to be removable.

12. The ultrasonic probe according toclaim 10, wherein the sensor comprises:

photo sensors provided along a course of movement of the moving part; and

a detecting unit configured to detect the position of the moving part on the basis of a state of detection of the photo sensors.

13. The ultrasonic probe according toclaim 10, wherein:

the moving part has a reflective pattern in which degrees of reflection of at least two of different points of the pattern are different each other; and

the sensor includes,

a photo sensor provided near a course of movement of the moving part, and

a detecting unit configured to detect the position of the moving part on the basis of a state of detection of the photo sensor.

14. The ultrasonic probe according toclaim 10, wherein:

the moving part includes a magnetic element; and

the sensor includes magneto metric sensors provided along a course of movement of the moving part, and

15. The ultrasonic probe according toclaim 10, wherein:

the sensor includes,

magneto metric sensor provided near a course of movement of the moving part, and

16. The ultrasonic probe according toclaim 10, wherein:

17. A puncture adaptor comprising:

a fixing part configured to be fixed to an ultrasonic probe; and

a moving part movable with a puncture needle toward the ultrasonic probe when the moving part is fixed at the ultrasonic prove so that a sensor provided at a probe body can detect the position of the moving part.

18. A method for detecting an insertion angle of a puncture needle, comprising:

detecting position of moving part, which moves with a puncture needle in relation to an ultrasonic probe, by a sensor provided at the ultrasonic probe; and

generating information relating to position of the puncture needle on the basis of detection result of the sensor.