Transurethral ultrasound probe for treatment of prostate

Abstract

A probe (40) includes a shaft (52) on which an ultrasound element (42) is mounted. An outer sheath (64) and an acoustic membrane (66) surround the shaft and the ultrasound element such that the shaft and ultrasound element are rotatable therein. Passages (56) supply a cooling and acoustic coupling fluid to an inlet and outlet (48) adjacent the acoustic element to cool the acoustic element and fill a volume between the acoustic element and the acoustic sheath with the fluid. A balloon (90) mounted on the probe is selectively inflated in order to fix a position of the probe. A drain (94, 98) drains urine and other bodily fluids through the probe.

Description

technical field [0001] The present application relates to an ultrasound therapy probe. The probe has particular application in transurethral prostate therapy, especially in thermal ablation of prostate disease, however the probe can also be used in other treatments at other anatomical sites. Background technique [0002] In 2007, prostate cancer was the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among American men. Meanwhile in the United States, an estimated 14 million men show symptoms of another prostate disease called benign prostatic hyperplasia. The high incidence of prostate cancer and BPH calls for more research into the treatment of these diseases. Current treatments commonly used include radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, cryotherapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. The aforementioned therapies have their associated side effects, either due to invasiveness, non-specific treatment, use of ionizing radiation, or due to the inabi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the probe's copper housing and thin-film acoustic window can cause significant damage to the urethra and surrounding tissue when rotated

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