Method and system to synchronize acoustic therapy with ultrasound imaging
US7621873B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 2005 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/543
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Interference in ultrasound imaging when used in connection with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is avoided by employing a synchronization signal to control the HIFU signal. Unless the timing of the HIFU transducer is controlled, its output will substantially overwhelm the signal produced by ultrasound imaging system and obscure the image it produces. The synchronization signal employed to control the HIFU transducer is obtained without requiring modification of the ultrasound imaging system. Signals corresponding to scattered ultrasound imaging waves are collected using either the HIFU transducer or a dedicated receiver. A synchronization processor manipulates the scattered ultrasound imaging signals to achieve the synchronization signal, which is then used to control the HIFU bursts so as to substantially reduce or eliminate HIFU interference in the ultrasound image. The synchronization processor can alternatively be implemented using a computing device or an application-specific circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.