METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COUPLING AND FOCUSING ACOUSTIC ENERGY USING A COUPLER MEMBER

• US 20080281237A1
• Filed: 05/07/2008
• Published: 11/13/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/07/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems Llc
• Original Assignee: Guded Therapy Systems LLC
• Inventors: Slayton, Michael H., Barthe, Peter G., Jaeger, Paul M.
• Granted Patent: US 8,764,687 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 601/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/42 Details of probe positioning or probe attachment to the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4272 involving the acoustic interface between the transducer and the tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4281 characterised by sound-transmitting media or devices for coupling the transducer to the tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/46 Ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic devices with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 49/226 Solutes, emulsions, suspensions, dispersions, semi-solid forms, e.g. hydrogels
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 11/02 Mechanical acoustic impedances; Impedance matching, e.g. by horns; Acoustic resonators
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 11/30 using refraction, e.g. acoustic lenses

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.

Claims

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.

2. A system as in claim 1, wherein said gel coupler member is further configured to provide a standoff.

3. A system as in claim 1, wherein said gel coupler member is comprised of:

water in an amount of from about 30% to about 50% percent mass, an organic solvent in an amount of from about 40% to about 60% percent mass, and polyvinyl alcohol in an amount of from about 2% to about 20% percent mass.

4. A system as in claim 3, wherein said organic solvent is glycerol.

5. A system as in claim 1, wherein said gel coupler member acts as an acoustically transparent coupling between said gel coupler member and one or both of said region of interest and said probe.

6. A system for coupling acoustic energy to a region of interest comprising:

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.

7. A system as in claim 6, wherein said fluid filled coupler member acts as an acoustically transparent coupling between said fluid filled coupler member and one or both of said region of interest and said probe.

8. A method of forming a substantially acoustically transparent gel coupler member comprising the steps of:

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.

9. A method as in claim 8, wherein said organic solvent is glycerol.

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:

a substantially acoustically transparent gel coupler member configured to hold the shape of a lens geometry;

an optical waveguide; and

electric contacts.

11. A method of coupling an ultrasound transducer probe to a region of interest, said method comprising the steps of:

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.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein said acoustically transparent gel is provided by 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.