Method and apparatus for cartilage growth stimulation
First Claim
1. A kit for ultrasonically stimulating cartilage growth, which comprises:
- means for initiating a biological healing response at or adjacent a cartilaginous site;
an ultrasonic transducer assembly having at least one ultrasonic transducer;
a placement module configured to be worn by a patient, said placement module being configured to receive said transducer assembly such that when said placement module is worn said at least one ultrasonic transducer is positioned in proximity to the channels;
an ultrasonic signal generator positioned in said ultrasonic transducer assembly and operative between a signal generating mode and a non-signal generating mode, wherein at said signal generating mode the ultrasonic signal generator emits ultrasonic signals;
timing means for automatically placing the ultrasonic signal generator from said signal generating mode to said non-signal generating mode after a predetermined period of time; and
a main operating unit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to apparatus and method for ultrasonically stimulating cartilage growth. The apparatus includes at least one ergonomically constructed ultrasonic transducer configured to cooperate with a placement module or strip for placement in proximity to an area where cartilage growth is desired. The apparatus also utilizes a portable, ergonomically constructed main operating unit constructed to fit within a pouch worn by the patient. In operation, at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned in proximity to an osteochondral site is excited for a predetermined period of time. To ensure that at least one ultrasonic transducer is properly positioned, and to insure compliance with a treatment protocol, a safety interlock is provided to prevent inadvertent excitation of the at least one ultrasonic transducer.
386 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A kit for ultrasonically stimulating cartilage growth, which comprises:
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means for initiating a biological healing response at or adjacent a cartilaginous site;
an ultrasonic transducer assembly having at least one ultrasonic transducer;
a placement module configured to be worn by a patient, said placement module being configured to receive said transducer assembly such that when said placement module is worn said at least one ultrasonic transducer is positioned in proximity to the channels;
an ultrasonic signal generator positioned in said ultrasonic transducer assembly and operative between a signal generating mode and a non-signal generating mode, wherein at said signal generating mode the ultrasonic signal generator emits ultrasonic signals;
timing means for automatically placing the ultrasonic signal generator from said signal generating mode to said non-signal generating mode after a predetermined period of time; and
a main operating unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for ultrasonically stimulating a healing response for the regeneration of cartilage comprising the following steps:
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initiating a biological healing response at or adjacent a cartilaginous site;
providing a main operating unit having an internal power source coupled to an ultrasonic transducer assembly, said ultrasonic transducer assembly includes at least one ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic signal generator and signal generator circuitry therein;
providing a placement module configured to receive said transducer assembly such that when said placement module is secured to a patient'"'"'s body said at least one ultrasonic transducer is positioned in proximity to the channels;
exciting said at least one ultrasonic transducer to impinge ultrasonic waves towards the cartilaginous site;
providing a timing mechanism for clocking the amount of time said at least one ultrasonic transducer is excited; and
automatically turning off said at least one ultrasonic transducer after said timing mechanism has clocked a predetermined period of time. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method for ultrasonically stimulating a healing response for the regeneration of cartilage comprising the following steps:
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initiating a biological healing response at or adjacent a cartilaginous site;
releasably securing at least one ultrasonic transducer coupled to a signal generator to a band;
affixing the band on a patient such that said at least one transducer is in proximity to an area where the regeneration of cartilage is desired;
exciting said at least one ultrasonic transducer by actuating said signal generator to impinge ultrasonic waves towards the cartilaginous site;
providing a timing mechanism for clocking the amount of time said at least one ultrasonic transducer is excited; and
automatically turning off said at least one ultrasonic transducer after said timing mechanism has clocked a predetermined period of time. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification