METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COUPLING AND FOCUSING ACOUSTIC ENERGY USING A COUPLER MEMBER
First Claim
1. A system for coupling acoustic energy to a region of interest comprising:
- a substantially acoustically transparent gel coupler member configured to hold the shape of a lens geometry;
a control system configured for control of said system;
a probe configured for therapy, imaging and/or monitoring; and
a display system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An exemplary system for coupling acoustic energy using an encapsulated coupler member comprises a display or indicator, a control system, a probe, and a coupler member. This invention provides a coupler member adjustably configured to perform at least one of (i) providing a standoff, (ii) focusing or defocusing energy, and (iii) coupling energy. An exemplary gel coupler member is configured to hold the shape of a lens geometry. In one aspect of the present invention, gel coupler member comprises water, glycerol, and polyvinyl alcohol, and exhibits an increased desiccation time and shelf life when compared to the prior art. The probe can comprise various probe and/or transducer configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, the probe delivers focused, unfocused, and/or defocused ultrasound energy to the region of interest. Imaging and/or monitoring may alternatively be coupled and/or co-housed with an ultrasound system contemplated by the present invention.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A system for coupling acoustic energy to a region of interest comprising:
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a substantially acoustically transparent gel coupler member configured to hold the shape of a lens geometry; a control system configured for control of said system; a probe configured for therapy, imaging and/or monitoring; and a display system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system for coupling acoustic energy to a region of interest comprising:
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a substantially acoustically transparent encapsulated fluid filled coupler member, wherein said fluid filled coupler member is configured to provide a standoff; a control system configured for control of said system; a probe configured for therapy, imaging and/or monitoring; and a display system. - View Dependent Claims (7)
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8. A method of forming a substantially acoustically transparent gel coupler member comprising the steps of:
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mixing water in an amount of from about 30% to about 50% percent mass with an organic solvent in an amount of from about 40% to about 60% percent mass to form a mixed solvent; dissolving polyvinyl alcohol in an amount of from about 2% to about 20% percent mass at an elevated temperature in said mixed solvent to form a gel mixture; and crystallizing said gel mixture in a mold or shell, wherein the mold or shell is configured to hold the shape of a lens geometry. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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10. A system for coupling acoustic energy, sensing, and/or monitoring with photon-based and/or radio frequency energy, sensing, and/or monitoring comprising at least two of:
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a substantially acoustically transparent gel coupler member configured to hold the shape of a lens geometry; an optical waveguide; and electric contacts.
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11. A method of coupling an ultrasound transducer probe to a region of interest, said method comprising the steps of:
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placing a coupler member onto an outer surface of a region of interest; transmitting ultrasound signals from a transducer through said coupler member to the region of interest; wherein said coupler member comprises a substantially acoustically transparent gel. - View Dependent Claims (12)
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Specification