Frequency optimization in ultrasound treatment
Inventors
Vortman, Kobi • Vitek, Shuki • Zadicario, Eyal
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11872412-B2
Publication Date
2024-01-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system and method for selecting a patient-specific frequency for ultrasound therapy of a target within the patient are provided. The method includes: (a) for at least one segment of an ultrasound transducer and for each of a plurality of ultrasound frequencies within a test range, sonicating the target and measuring a parameter correlated with an amount of ultrasound energy absorbed in the target; and (b) for each said at least one segment, selecting for subsequent ultrasound therapy, among the frequencies within the test range, a frequency corresponding to a value of the measured parameter that itself corresponds to a maximum amount of ultrasound energy absorbed in the target.
Core Innovation
The invention describes patient-specific frequency optimization for ultrasound therapy of a target. It uses measurements correlated with the amount of ultrasound energy absorbed in the target to compare frequencies for transducer segments, combines segment measurements into a total parameter value, and selects the frequency corresponding to the maximum total energy absorption for subsequent focused-ultrasound therapy.
The described context identifies patient-specific tissue interactions, including reflection, refraction, and scattering, and tissue regions with different acoustic impedances. Ex-vivo skull data show non-monotonic variation in peak intensity, unlike the smooth prediction based on absorption alone. The document therefore addresses frequency selection in a setting where patient-specific acoustic interactions affect energy deposition at the target.
Claims Coverage
The two independent claims cover one patient-specific frequency-optimization method and one system for selecting a patient-specific frequency for ultrasound therapy.
Patient-specific frequency-optimization method
The method covers assessing frequencies for segments of an ultrasound transducer array, combining the segment measurements into a total parameter value correlated with total energy absorbed in the target, and selecting the frequency corresponding to the maximum total amount of absorbed energy. The selected frequency is used for subsequent therapy, including for segments whose acoustic beams pass through tissue regions with different acoustic impedances.
System for selecting a patient-specific frequency
The system comprises a segmented ultrasound transducer and controller, a measurement facility, and a computational facility. These components support segment-based measurements correlated with energy absorbed in the target, combination of measurements into a total parameter value, and selection of the frequency corresponding to the maximum total absorbed energy for subsequent therapy.
The independent claims cover both a method and a system that select a patient-specific ultrasound frequency by comparing measurements across transducer segments and choosing the frequency associated with maximum total energy absorption in the target.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Patient-specific frequency selection for focused-ultrasound therapy of a target within a patient.
Interested in licensing this patent?