Transducer assembly and method for coupling ultrasonic energy to a body for thrombolysis of vascular thrombi
US5879314A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/22084
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A transducer assembly and method for coupling ultrasonic energy to a body for thrombolysis of vascular thrombi is provided. The assembly includes a catalytic transducer for transmitting ultrasound into a medical target transcutaneously. The catalytic transducer includes a front mass having structure which optimizes the transmission of ultrasound into the body. A reservoir for containing a cooling conductive medium between the front mass and the body surface is provided, and is contained within the housing. In addition, the catalytic transducer includes an irrigation manifold, disposed through a center of the front mass, for directing the media into the reservoir generally along a perimeter thereof. The front mass includes an apex for accumulating expelled gasses. A sloped surface of the front mass functions to direct expelled gasses toward the apex and through an outlet provided by the irrigation manifold. The medium may be circulated from a degassing tank as well as a heat exchange unit in order to maintain a desired reservoir temperature at the body surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.