Systems and methods for applying audible acoustic energy to increase tissue perfusion and/or vasodilation

• US 7,229,423 B2
• Filed: 02/05/2003
• Issued: 06/12/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/05/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: TIMI 3 Systems Incorporated
• Original Assignee: TIMI 3 Systems Incorporated
• Inventors: Thompson, Todd A., Suorsa, Veijo T., Horzewski, Michael J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown; Michael A.
• Application Number:
  US10/359,040
• Publication Number:
  US 20040153009A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,588 Days
• Field of Search: 601/21, 600/437, 600/443, 600/25
• US Class Current: 601/21
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/08 Trunk
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/0236 using sonic waves, e.g. using loudspeakers
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 7/00 Ultrasound therapy lithotripsy A61B17/22, A61B17/225; massage using supersonic vibration A61H23/00 ; using ultrasound for introducing media into the body A61M37/0092

Abstract

Systems and methods apply audible acoustic energy to cause vasodilation and/or to increase tissue perfusion.

Claims

1. A system for applying audible acoustic energy to a targeted body region cause vasodilation and/or to increase tissue perfusion comprising

an audible acoustic energy applicator sized to be placed in acoustic contact with the individual to transcutaneously apply audible acoustic energy to the targeted body region, the audible acoustic energy applicator comprising a transducer including a radiating surface, an acoustic coupling media for the transducer, and a well region surrounding the radiating surface and being located at a higher plane than the radiating surface to collect air bubbles forming in the acoustic coupling media, and

an electrical signal generating machine adapted to be coupled to the audible acoustic energy applicator, the electrical signal generating machine including a controller to generate electrical signals to operate the audible acoustic energy applicator during a treatment session to produce audible acoustic energy.

2. A system according to claim 1

wherein the controller generates audible acoustic energy at a fundamental frequency laying within a range of fundamental frequencies not greater than about 20 kHz.

3. A system according to claim 2

wherein the range of fundamental frequencies is between about 20 Hz and 20 kHz.

4. A system according to claim 2

wherein the fundamental frequency is between 15 kHz and 20 kHz.

5. A system according to claim 1

wherein the audible acoustic energy applicator is sized to provide an intensity not exceeding 25 watts/cm2 at a maximum total power output of no greater than 150 watts operating within a range of fundamental frequencies not greater than 20 kHz.

6. A system according to claim 5

wherein the range of fundamental frequencies is between about 20 Hz and 20 kHz.

7. A system according to claim 5

wherein the fundamental frequency is between 15 kHz and 20 kHz.

8. A system according to claim 1

wherein the transducer includes an acoustic coupling region having an effective diameter (D) to transcutaneously apply audible acoustic energy at a prescribed fundamental frequency, the transducer having an aperture size (AP) not greater than about 5 wavelengths, wherein AP is expressed as AP=D/WL, where WL is the wavelength of the fundamental frequency.

9. A system according to claim 8

wherein the controller generates audible acoustic energy at a fundamental frequency laying within a range of fundamental frequencies not greater than 20 kHz.

10. A system according to claim 9

wherein the range of fundamental frequencies is between about 20 Hz and 20 kHz.

11. A system according to claim 9

wherein the range of fundamental frequencies is between 15 kHz and 20 kHz.

12. A system according to claim 1

further including an assembly sized and configured to be affixed to the audible acoustic energy applicator and worn by the individual to stabilize placement of the audible acoustic energy applicator on the individual during transcutaneous application of audible acoustic energy.

13. A system according to claim 1

wherein the audible acoustic energy applicator comprises an acoustic coupling region for the transducer that includes a flexible material that forms a contour-conforming interface with skin.

14. A system according to claim 13

wherein the flexible material presents a generally flat surface for contact with skin.

15. A system according to claim 13

wherein the flexible material presents a generally convex surface for contact with skin.

16. A system according to claim 1

wherein the radiating surface has a radiating surface area,

wherein the audible acoustic energy applicator comprises an acoustic coupling region for the transducer, the acoustic coupling region having a surface area that is larger than the radiating surface area.

17. A system according to claim 1

wherein the audible acoustic energy applicator comprises an acoustic coupling region for the transducer spaced from the radiating surface to space the radiating surface from contact with skin.

18. A system according to claim 1

wherein the radiating surface is generally flat.

19. A system according to claim 18

wherein the radiating surface includes a hydrophilic coating.

20. A system according to claim 1

wherein the radiating surface is generally convex.

21. A system according to claim 20

wherein the radiating surface includes a hydrophilic coating.

22. A system according to claim 1

wherein the radiating surface is generally convex to direct air bubbles toward the well region.

23. A system according to claim 1

wherein the radiating surface includes a hydrophilic coating to shed air bubbles.

24. A system according to claim 1

further including a use register sized and configured to be carried by the audible acoustic energy applicator, and

wherein the controller includes a use monitoring function adapted and configured to be coupled to the use register and an enablement function that enables operation of the audible acoustic energy applicator when prescribed use criteria are satisfied.

25. A system according to claim 1

wherein the controller is adapted and configured to execute a tuning function that delivers audible acoustic energy to the audible acoustic energy applicator at an output frequency that varies over time within a range of output frequencies and selects from within the range an operating output frequency for the audible acoustic energy applicator based upon preprogrammed selection rules.

26. A system according to claim 1

wherein the controller generates electrical signals to operate the audible acoustic energy applicator in pulses.

27. A system according to claim 1

wherein the electrical signal generating machine is sized and configured to apply audible acoustic energy to the individual while the individual is undergoing transport.

28. A method for treating an acute coronary syndrome comprising the step of using the system defined in claim 1 to apply audible acoustic energy to a targeted body region to cause vasodilation and/or increase tissue perfusion.

29. A method for treating a heart attack comprising the step of using the system defined in claim 1 to apply audible acoustic energy to a targeted body region to cause vasodilation and/or increase tissue perfusion.

30. A method for treating stroke comprising the step of using the system defined in claim 1 to apply audible acoustic energy to a targeted body region to cause vasodilation and/or increase tissue perfusion.

31. A method for treating vascular disease comprising the step of using the system defined in claim 1 to apply audible acoustic energy to a targeted body region to cause vasodilation and/or increase tissue perfusion.

32. A method for increasing drug uptake comprising the step of using the system defined in claim 1 to apply audible acoustic energy to a targeted body region to cause vasodilation and/or increase tissue perfusion.

33. A method comprising the step of using the system defined in claim 1 to apply audible acoustic energy to a targeted body region to cause vasodilation and/or increase tissue perfusion.

34. A method for achieving regional systemic therapy in an individual comprising the steps of

administering an agent to the individual, and

using the system defined in claim 1 to apply audible acoustic energy to a targeted body region to cause vasodilation and/or increase tissue perfusion to affect an increase in uptake of the agent in the targeted body region before, during or after administration of the agent to the individual.

35. A method according to claim 34

wherein the agent in an angiogenic material.