Focused ultrasound system with optimized monitoring of cavitation
Inventors
Vortman, Kobi • De Picciotto, Rafi
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11872085-B2
Publication Date
2024-01-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
Various approaches for generating an ultrasound focus at a target region and receiving signals therefrom using an ultrasound transducer having multiple transducer elements include acquiring multiple images of the target region and one or more path zones located on beam paths between the transducer elements and the target region; determining one or more tissue characteristics associated with the target region based on the acquired images; determining multiple profile parameters associated with each of the transducer elements based at least in part on the determined tissue characteristic; based at least in part on the profile parameters, operating at least first ones of the transducer elements to collectively transmit an ultrasound beam to the target region so as to create a focus thereon with desired properties; and based at least in part on the profile parameters, operating at least second ones of the transducer elements to receive acoustic signals from the target region and, in response thereto, adjusting operation of the at least first ones of the transducer elements to thereby improve the focus at the target region.
Core Innovation
The system uses an ultrasound transducer with multiple transducer elements and an imaging system that obtains images of a target region and beam-path zones. A controller determines anatomical characteristics of non-target tissue in those zones, including structure, thickness, density, or heating profile, and uses those characteristics to assign the transducer elements transmitting or receiving modes. The characteristics associated with transmitting elements differ from those associated with receiving elements.
The transmitting elements collectively transmit an ultrasound beam to create a focus at the target region. The receiving elements receive acoustic signals from the target region, and the controller adjusts the transmitting elements to alter the focus based on the signals. In addition, tissue heating estimates and calcification detection guide transducer-element mode selection.
Claims Coverage
The provided claim information identifies one independent claim, claim 1, with four main inventive features.
Image-based characterization of non-target tissue
The imaging system obtains images of the target region and beam-path zones. Based on the images, the controller determines at least one anatomical characteristic of non-target tissue in those zones, including its structure, thickness, density, or heating profile.
Mode assignment based on anatomical characteristics
For each transducer element, the controller determines a transmitting mode, a receiving mode, or both based at least in part on the anatomical characteristics. The non-target tissue characteristics associated with transmitting elements differ from those associated with receiving elements.
Transmission to create a target-region focus
Transducer elements assigned to transmitting mode collectively transmit an ultrasound beam to the target region to create a focus there.
Reception and focus adjustment
Transducer elements assigned to receiving mode receive acoustic signals from the target region. In response, the controller adjusts operation of the transmitting elements to alter the focus at the target region.
Claim 1 covers image-based characterization of non-target tissue along beam paths, assignment of transducer-element modes based on those characteristics, transmission to create a focus, and reception of target-region signals to adjust that focus.
Stated Advantages
Tissue heating estimates and calcification detection guide transducer-element selection to limit non-target heating.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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