Method for increasing saliva and tear production with ultrasound
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1. A method for increasing saliva production in a patient comprising the step of applying ultrasound pressure waves to the salivary glands through the facial tissue of the patient.
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Abstract
A non-invasive apparatus and method for increasing saliva and tear production from the salivary and lacrimal glands with the application of high frequency low intensity ultrasound. An ultrasound transducer coated with connecting gel placed in contact with the facial tissues transmitting 1.5 MHz frequency ultrasound pressure waves into the tissues and into the glands. The time-averaged intensity of the ultrasound pressure waves is typically limited to approximately 30 milliwatts per square centimeter to avoid tissue heating.
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7 Claims
- 1. A method for increasing saliva production in a patient comprising the step of applying ultrasound pressure waves to the salivary glands through the facial tissue of the patient.
- 4. A method for increasing tear production in a patient comprising the step of applying ultrasound pressure waves to the lacrimal glands through the facial tissue of the patient.
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7. A method for increasing bodily fluid productions in a patient comprising the step of applying ultrasound pressure waves to the glands producing said bodily fluids.
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