Abstract: An adapter for use in puncture (a puncture adapter) for performing puncture while an ultrasonic image is being observed. The puncture adapter is composed of a holder for holding a probe which transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave, and a base unit for movably supporting the holder. A guide mechanism provided in the base unit guides a puncture needle. Moving the probe held in the holder moves a beam scan plane, and the intersection between the beam scan plane and a puncture route can be moved along the puncture route. The base unit functions as a seat which is brought into contact with a surface of a living body. A plurality of projecting legs may be provided on the base unit. The plurality of projecting legs are provided along the periphery of the movement region in which the wave transmitting and receiving surface of the probe moves.

Abstract: An adapter for use in puncture (a puncture adapter) for performing puncture while an ultrasonic image is being observed. The puncture adapter is composed of a holder for holding a probe which transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave, and a base unit for movably supporting the holder. A guide mechanism provided in the base unit guides a puncture needle. Moving the probe held in the holder moves a beam scan plane, and the intersection between the beam scan plane and a puncture route can be moved along the puncture route. The base unit functions as a seat which is brought into contact with a surface of a living body. A plurality of projecting legs may be provided on the base unit. The plurality of projecting legs are provided along the periphery of the movement region in which the wave transmitting and receiving surface of the probe moves.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe apparatus suitable for use in stress echocardiography testing is disclosed. This ultrasonic probe apparatus comprises, an ultrasonic probe provided with a phased array transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a supporting member for supporting the ultrasonic probe rotationally and pivotally; and a plurality of deformable holding legs provided on the supporting member and formed of a copper plate coated with plastic so as to be able to be easily deformed by hand and further maintain its deformed state for a long time. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe apparatus can hold the ultrasonic probe stably onto a body surface of a person to be examined for a long time by appropriately deforming or bending any of the holding legs and then attaching the legs on the body surface in such a manner that the probe is in contact with the body surface, even if the body surface has various shape and unevenness.