Annular array transducer
First Claim
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1. An ultrasound transducer for use in a visualization and therapy system comprising:
- a first curved element operable in a plurality of modes, wherein the first curved element provides for imaging in one of the plurality of modes and provides therapy in a second of the plurality of modes;
a second curved element coupled to the first curved element and operable in the second of the plurality of modes, wherein the first curved element and the second curved element operate in combination to provide therapy when in the second of the plurality of modes.
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Abstract
A transducer for use in a localization and therapeutic ultrasound system. The transducer of the present invention includes multiple elements that are driven separately. The elements operate together to focus a continuous wave ultrasound beam at a focal zone that is at a variable distance from the elements. The transducer includes a mechanism to adjust the focal distance so that the focal zone may be moved to multiple depths.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. An ultrasound transducer for use in a visualization and therapy system comprising:
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a first curved element operable in a plurality of modes, wherein the first curved element provides for imaging in one of the plurality of modes and provides therapy in a second of the plurality of modes; a second curved element coupled to the first curved element and operable in the second of the plurality of modes, wherein the first curved element and the second curved element operate in combination to provide therapy when in the second of the plurality of modes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A transducer assembly comprising:
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a plurality of curved elements, wherein each of the plurality of curved elements is driven separately by one of a plurality of signals to generate energy waves as a continuous wave focused at a focal zone a focal distance from the plurality of curved elements, such that an acoustic beam is created by the plurality of curved elements; and means coupled to the plurality of curved elements for adjusting the focal distance to move the focal zone to one of a plurality of depths while maintaining a same amount of acoustic energy at different depths. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A transducer assembly comprising:
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a plurality of concentric circular curved annuli coupled as an annular array, wherein each of the plurality of concentric circular curved annuli is driven separately by one of a plurality of signals to generate ultrasound waves as a continuous wave focused at a focal point a focal distance from the plurality of concentric circular curved annuli; and a drive mechanism coupled to the plurality of concentric circular curved annuli, wherein the drive mechanism adjusts the focal distance to one of a plurality of depths by adjusting the phase of the plurality of signals while maintaining a same amount of acoustic energy at different depths. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification