System and methods for controlling distribution of acoustic energy around a focal point using a focused ultrasound system
US6506171B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2007/027
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A focused ultrasound system includes a plurality of transducer elements disposed about and having an angular position with a central axis. Drive signals drive respective transducer elements that include phase shift values based upon the angular position of each respective transducer element. The phase shift values are based upon an oscillation function that oscillates about the central axis between minimal and maximal phase shift values such that a first on-axis focal zone and a second off-axis focal zone are created. An amplitude and frequency of the oscillation function are controlled to adjust relative acoustic energy levels of the first and second focal zones, and to adjust a radius of the second focal zone, respectively. In addition, the drive signals include an additional predetermined phase shift based upon a radial position of each respective transducer element to adjust a focal distance of the focal zones.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.