Handheld devices for projecting focused ultrasound and related methods
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Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10639503-B2
Publication Date
2020-05-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
Devices, systems, kits and methods are provided, that simplify focused ultrasound treatment. Devices comprise a supporting structure and a focused ultrasound (FUS) transducer having a central axis that is affixed to the supporting structure. Devices may further comprise an imaging ultrasound transducer and/or an x-ray aim, that may be attached to the supporting structure along the central axis of the FUS transducer. The FUS transducer is connected to a controller configured to control application of focused ultrasound by the transducer and may be associated with an imaging unit for imaging the treatment region using ultrasound and/or x-ray image data. The devices are hand held and easy to manipulate and aim correctly, utilizing coupling member(s) as well as feedback from the concurrently imaged treatment region.
Core Innovation
A device for a focused ultrasound treatment of a tissue includes a supporting structure comprising an arm configured to enable manipulating the supporting structure with respect to an X-ray imaging unit. The device further includes a FUS transducer having a central axis that is affixed to the supporting structure, and an x-ray aim attached to the supporting structure and directly to the FUS transducer along the central axis of the FUS transducer. The FUS transducer is connected to a controller configured to control application of focused ultrasound energy by the FUS transducer.
The x-ray aim is directly attached to the FUS transducer along the central axis, enabling the device to use X-ray imaging with an aim arrangement that is fixed relative to the FUS transducer. In particular embodiments, the x-ray aim includes a geometry made of at least two parallel and congruent members whose centers lie along the central axis of the FUS transducer. In other embodiments, the x-ray aim structure includes at least two externally protruding surfaces that are parallel to the central axis of the FUS transducer, where the surfaces differ in their dimensions perpendicular to the central axis.
A controller is configured to control application of focused ultrasound based on X-ray imaging conditions tied to the x-ray aim. Focused ultrasound is applied only after identifying, from x-ray imaging features, a perpendicular orientation of the x-ray image to the central axis, and focused ultrasound can be applied only when the at least two parallel and congruent members coincide on an x-ray image. The device may also include a coupling member that couples the FUS transducer to a target at a specified angle relative to the FUS transducer’s central axis.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides one independent claim (clm-00001) and dependent refinements. The claims emphasize a FUS transducer fixed to a supporting structure manipulable relative to an X-ray imaging unit, an x-ray aim rigidly aligned to the FUS transducer central axis, and controller gating of focused ultrasound application based on X-ray image identification tied to that x-ray aim geometry.
Handheld FUS supporting structure manipulable with respect to an X-ray imaging unit
A supporting structure comprising an arm configured to enable manipulating the supporting structure with respect to an X-ray imaging unit.
Central-axis affixed FUS transducer connected to a controller
A FUS transducer having a central axis that is affixed to the supporting structure, wherein the FUS transducer is connected to a controller configured to control application of focused ultrasound energy by the FUS transducer.
X-ray aim attached along the FUS transducer central axis
An x-ray aim attached to the supporting structure and directly to the FUS transducer along the central axis of the FUS transducer.
X-ray aiming arrangement of at least two parallel and congruent members
An x-ray aiming arrangement made of at least two parallel and congruent members whose centers lie along the central axis of the FUS transducer.
Ultrasound application only when congruent members coincide on an x-ray image
The controller is configured to apply focused ultrasound only when the at least two parallel and congruent members coincide on an x-ray image.
Ultrasound application only after identifying perpendicular orientation of the x-ray image
The controller applies focused ultrasound only after identifying, from x-ray imaging features, a perpendicular orientation of the x-ray image to the central axis.
X-ray aim with externally protruding parallel surfaces differing in perpendicular dimensions
An x-ray aiming structure includes at least two externally protruding surfaces parallel to the central axis of the FUS transducer, where the surfaces differ in their dimensions perpendicular to that axis.
Coupling member couples the FUS transducer to a target at a specified angle
The device further includes a coupling member that couples the FUS transducer to a target at a specified angle relative to the FUS transducer’s central axis.
Across the independent claim and provided dependent refinements, the claims center on a supporting structure with an arm, a FUS transducer fixed along a central axis, an x-ray aim directly attached along that axis, and controller control of focused ultrasound application based on x-ray imaging conditions associated with the x-ray aim.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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