Multifaceted ultrasound transducer probe system and methods for its use
First Claim
1. An ultrasound probe comprising a housing having an interior, a first ultrasound radiating surface, a selectively movable support for supporting the first radiating surface, the support having a first end on which the first radiating surface is mounted, and a second end opposite the first end, a seal through which the support extends, the seal dividing the interior into a first chamber at a first end thereof in which the first radiating surface is housed and a second chamber at a second end thereof into which the second end extends, at least a first passageway coupling the first and second chambers, and a piston for closing the second chamber, the piston being movable selectively to alter the volume of the second chamber, and a fluid medium for filling the probe, the fluid medium serving to couple ultrasound between the first radiating surface and a tissue being investigated with the aid of ultrasound transmitted from the first radiating surface, movement of the support to reciprocate the first radiating surface reciprocating the second end of the support in the second chamber to pump the fluid medium back and forth between the first and second chambers, and movement of the piston selectively to reduce and increase the volume of the second chamber increasing and decreasing, respectively, the pressure of the fluid medium in the first and second chambers.
3 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A High Intensity Focused Ultrasound system is provided for treatment of focal disease. The preferred embodiment includes an intracavity probe having two active ultrasound radiating surfaces with different focal geometries. Selectively energizing the first surface focuses therapeutic energy a first distance from the housing, energizing the second surface focuses therapeutic energy nearer the housing. Preferably, the probe includes a thin, flexible, inelastic membrane which is rigidized with pressure to allow blunt manipulation of tissue. Methods of use of the probe are also provided, particularly for treatment of diseases of the prostate.
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Citations
9 Claims
- 1. An ultrasound probe comprising a housing having an interior, a first ultrasound radiating surface, a selectively movable support for supporting the first radiating surface, the support having a first end on which the first radiating surface is mounted, and a second end opposite the first end, a seal through which the support extends, the seal dividing the interior into a first chamber at a first end thereof in which the first radiating surface is housed and a second chamber at a second end thereof into which the second end extends, at least a first passageway coupling the first and second chambers, and a piston for closing the second chamber, the piston being movable selectively to alter the volume of the second chamber, and a fluid medium for filling the probe, the fluid medium serving to couple ultrasound between the first radiating surface and a tissue being investigated with the aid of ultrasound transmitted from the first radiating surface, movement of the support to reciprocate the first radiating surface reciprocating the second end of the support in the second chamber to pump the fluid medium back and forth between the first and second chambers, and movement of the piston selectively to reduce and increase the volume of the second chamber increasing and decreasing, respectively, the pressure of the fluid medium in the first and second chambers.
Specification