Noise-free real time ultrasonic imaging of a treatment site undergoing high intensity focused ultrasound therapy

US6425867B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• University of Washington · US

Inventors

• Shahram Vaezy · Seattle, US
• Roy W. Martin · Downers Grove, US
• Stephen J. Carter · La Conner, US
• George W. Keilman · Bothell, US
• Victor Y. Fujimoto · Seattle, US
• Lawrence A. Crum · Bellevue, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 17, 1999
• Grant date: Jul 30, 2002
• Expiry date: Sep 17, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/378
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Method 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 pref…