Solid hydrogel coupling for ultrasound imaging and therapy
US7070565B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/2253
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention employs hydrogels as acoustic couplings for clinical applications of ultrasound imaging and therapy, but is particularly applicable to high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) based therapy. While other materials can be used, it has been determined that polyacrylamide is sufficiently robust and transmissive to withstand the high temperatures encountered in HIFU therapy. One embodiment of a hydrogel coupling is configured in shape and size (length) to ensure that a focal region of an ultrasound transducer is disposed proximate the target area when the distal tip of the transducer is in contact with tissue. These couplings can be shaped to correspond to the beam focus characteristics of specific transducers. Water can be applied to hydrate the tip of the hydrogel coupling during use, and medication absorbed into the hydrogel material can be applied to the tissue in contact with the distal surface of the hydrogel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.