Ultrasound transducers for imaging and therapy
First Claim
1. An ultrasound applicator, comprising:
- a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements configured in an array;
a control system configured to energize the transducer elements; and
a first damping network configured to be electrically coupled to the transducer elements during use of the transducer elements for ultrasound imaging and configured to be electrically decoupled from the transducer elements during use of the transducer elements for ultrasound therapy.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Ultrasound applicators able to both image a treatment site and administer ultrasound therapy include an array of transducer elements that can be focused. In several embodiments, an electronically phased array is used for controlling the focal point of an ultrasound beam. The ultrasound beam produced thereby can also be electronically steered. To reduce the quality factor or Q of the array when the array is used for imaging, an electronic switch is selectively closed, placing a resistance in parallel with each of the array elements. A flexible array is employed in several embodiments and is selectively bent or flexed to vary its radius of curvature and thus control the focal point and/or a direction of focus of the array. In another embodiment, each of the transducer elements comprising the array are individually mechanically pivotable to steer the ultrasonic beam produced by the transducer elements.
204 Citations
16 Claims
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1. An ultrasound applicator, comprising:
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a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements configured in an array;
a control system configured to energize the transducer elements; and
a first damping network configured to be electrically coupled to the transducer elements during use of the transducer elements for ultrasound imaging and configured to be electrically decoupled from the transducer elements during use of the transducer elements for ultrasound therapy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An ultrasound applicator, comprising:
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a flexible array of ultrasound transducer elements comprising a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements supported by a thermally and electrically conductive layer, each transducer element separated from adjacent elements by a kerf that is filled with a deformable material, wherein the flexible array is deformed into a concave shape; and
a control system configured to energize at least one of the transducer elements with a different phase than at least one other of the transducer elements. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. An ultrasound applicator, comprising:
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means for generating ultrasonic energy have a first quality factor; and
means for reducing the first quality factor to generate ultrasonic energy having a second quality factor. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification