Noise-free real time ultrasonic imaging of a treatment site undergoing high intensity focused ultrasound therapy
September 17, 2019. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References RE33590 Method for examining and aiming treatment with untrasound Examining, localizing and treatment with ultrasound Apparatus for examining and localizing tumors using ultra sounds, comprising a device for localized hyperthermia treatment Apparatus for selective destruction of cells by implosion of gas bubbles Method and apparatus for ultrasonic wave treatment in which medical progress may be evaluated Therapy apparatus for locating and treating a zone in the body of a life form with acoustic waves Ultrasonic diagnosis and therapy system in which focusing point of therapeutic ultrasonic wave is locked at predetermined position within observation ultrasonic scanning range Probe for medical imaging and therapy using ultrasound Therapy apparatus for locating and treating a zone located in the body of a life form with acoustic waves Inventors
AssigneeApplicationNo. 397471 filed on 09/17/1999US Classes:600/439, With therapeutic device601/3HyperthermiaExaminersPrimary: Smith, Ruth S.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassA61B 008/00AbstractMethod and apparatus for the simultaneous use of ultrasound on a probe for imaging and therapeutic purposes. The probe limits the effects of undesirable interference noise in a display by synchronizing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) waves with an imaging transducer to cause the noise to be displayed in an area of the image that does not overlap the treatment site. In one embodiment, the HIFU is first energized at a low power level that does not cause tissue damage, so that the focal point of the HIFU can be identified by a change in the echogenicity of the tissue caused by the HIFU. Once the focal point is properly targeted on a desired treatment site, the power level is increased to a therapeutic level. The location of each treatment site is stored and displayed to the user to enable a plurality of spaced-apart treatment sites to be achieved. As the treatment progresses, any changes in the treatment site can be seen in the real time, noise-free image. A preferred application of the HIFU waves is to cause lesions in blood vessels, so that the supply of nutrients and oxygen to a region, such as a tumor, is interrupted. The tumor will thus eventually be destroyed. In a preferred embodiment, the HIFU is used to treat disorders of the female reproductive system, such as uterine fibroids. The HIFU treatment can be repeated at spaced-apart intervals, until any remaining fibroid tissue is destroyed. | |
