Methods and apparatus for focused ultrasound application
US8388535B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/164
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An ultrasonic applicator unit (2) is used diagnostically to locate a puncture wound (316) in an artery and then therapeutically to seal the puncture wound with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). A control unit (6) coupled to the applicator unit includes a processor (74) that automates the procedure, controlling various parameters of the diagnostic and therapeutic modes, including the intensity and duration of the ultrasonic energy emitted by the applicator unit. A protective, sterile acoustic shell (4), which is intended to be used with a single patient and then discarded, is slipped over the applicator unit to protect against direct contact between the applicator unit and the patient and to maintain a sterile field at the site of the puncture. The apparatus and method are particularly applicable to sealing a puncture made when inserting a catheter into an artery or other vessel. Several different procedures are described for locating the puncture wound, including imaging the vessel in which the puncture is disposed and use of a locator rod to determine the disposition of the puncture along the longitudinal axis of the artery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.