PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase flexibility in changing the shape of the distal end part of an intracavitary probe.SOLUTION: The distal end part 12 of the transesophageal probe to be inserted into the body cavity of the living body has an ultrasonic transmission/receiving part 20 for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves into the living body, a rear joint part 15, and a front joint part 22. The rear joint part 15 is disposed in the rear of the ultrasonic transmission/receiving part 20, and is bent according to the operation from the outside of the living body. The front joint part 22 is disposed in the front of the ultrasonic transmission/receiving part 20 and is bent according to the operation from the outside of the living body.COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT【課題】体腔内プローブにおける先端部の形状可変の自由度を拡大する。【解決手段】生体の体腔内に挿入される経食道プローブの先端部12は、生体内に超音波を送受信する超音波送受信部20と、後方関節部15と、前方関節部22とを有する。後方関節部15は、超音波送受信部20の後方に設けられ体外からの操作によって屈曲する。前方関節部22は、超音波送受信部20の前方に設けられ体外からの操作によって屈曲する。【選択図】図2
