Use of contrast agents to increase the effectiveness of high intensity focused ultrasound therapy
US7686763B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/378
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Ultrasound contrast agents are used to enhance imaging and facilitate HIFU therapy in four different ways. A contrast agent is used: (1) before therapy to locate specific vascular structures for treatment; (2) to determine the focal point of a HIFU therapy transducer while the HIFU therapy transducer is operated at a relatively low power level, so that non-target tissue is not damaged as the HIFU is transducer is properly focused at the target location; (3) to provide a positive feedback mechanism by causing cavitation that generates heat, reducing the level of HIFU energy administered for therapy compared to that required when a contrast agent is not used; and, (4) to shield non-target tissue from damage, by blocking the HIFU energy. Various combinations of these techniques can also be employed in a single therapeutic implementation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.