Ultrasound therapeutic device

Abstract

The ultrasound therapeutic system of the present invention generally includes a generator unit, at least one transducer treatment head, and a programmable controller. The generator is in operable communication with the at least one transducer treatment head such that electric power outputted from the generator to the head is converted into acoustic power by the head. Re-programmable software at the controller generally controls all features and functions for the system. In particular, the controller calculates an initial optimal treatment dose, maintains effective acoustic power transmitted to the patient through the at least one treatment head, performs calibration procedures for the at least one treatment head, controls outputting for each supported treatment mode, and provides for various other features and functions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional application of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 281,090, entitled “Ultrasound Theropeutic Device,” filed on Oct. 25, 2002, which will issue as U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,852, Mar. 1, 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of ultrasound treatment. More specifically, the present invention relates to an ultrasound therapeutic device capable of automatically determining a considerate treatment dose, controlling acoustic power output efficiency, and performing adjustable calibration functions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Therapeutic ultrasound devices have long been utilized in the treatment of musculoskeletal and tissue injuries. Greater understanding of ultrasound, and the application of ultrasound to human skin and tissue, have expanded the scope of possible uses for these devices. For instance, in addition to the thermal or vibratory focus of more t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] The ultrasound therapeutic system and methods in accordance with the present invention substantially solve the problems and weaknesses present in the prior art devices and methods. The present invention is generally directed to an ultrasound treatment system wherein it is preferred that each of the described prior art deficiencies are addressed in one device. In general, the ultrasound device and methods of the present invention are directed to providing an optimal initial treatment dose based on complete processing of user-inputted histological tissue data, employing an automatic regulatory feedback loop to maintain optimal acoustic power output to the patient during operation, and providing a simple yet efficient user-initiated treatment head calibration technique. Further, the treatment system of the present invention includes multi-mode treatment techniques / effects, and user-specific memorization functions.

[0022] To ensure that the ultrasound device of the present invention is operating safely and effectively, the present invention includes an automatic calibration feature. This feature enables new and replacement treatment heads to be introduced without having to send the entire device away for calibration. The ultrasound device of the present invention automatically determines the complex impedance of the transducer head, after calibration, and maintains acoustic power even in the presence of changes in the real or imaginary portion of the acoustic impedance of the relevant tissue.

Problems solved by technology

Namely, advancements in the technology and the understanding of the potential applications, has correspondingly led to the complication of setup procedures, inefficient power adjustments, and the need for more precise calibration procedures.

There are many drawbacks with manually operated devices.

Specifically, it is problematic that these manual systems are reliant upon the skills and knowledge of the individual user.

First, there is no way to know or control exactly what factors are being considered by the user in calculating the proper treatment parameters.

For example, there are no guarantees that the end user will properly consider the target tissue characteristics, the target tissue type, or the existence and depth of any intermediate tissue between the treatment head and the target tissue.

In addition, accidental parameter entries, and the varying level of user training introduce still more uncertainty into the likelihood of providing optimized ultrasound treatment for the patient.

Despite the fundamental importance of these considerations, conventional ultrasound therapeutic devices simply have not advanced methods and apparatus that properly consider and process known histological tissue characteristics in generating a treatment dose.

Such a default-driven device and process is problematic and fails to properly focus the ultrasound treatment on ultrasound effects and histological tissue data.

The use of default parameters to calculate dosage, by definition, fails to take into account the unique circumstances and characteristics of the patient, the treatment goals for the specific target tissue of the patient, and like goals and considerations that are essential in providing highly efficient and effective ultrasound treatment.

Generating a dose, regardless of the automated nature of the calculation, is deficient if it fails to account for the true tissue structure, such as the energy losses produced as a result of tissue heating, and the losses caused by adjacent tissue structure.

Ignoring such essential characteristics of treatment on complex tissue structures dilutes the efficacy of the dosage calculation.

Conventional ultrasonic therapeutic devices and systems are generally deficient when it comes to the continuous and efficient monitoring and controlling of the power being outputted from the generator to the transducer.

However, such systems and devices merely focus on preventing overheating and electrical shorting.

The innate problem with such a system is that while it does acknowledge the effects varying treatment techniques, treatment zones, and an individuals body can have on ultrasound treatment, it does not properly use this information in providing for a truly responsive individualized treatment dosage.

Events and circumstances effecting the ultrasound treatment are not properly considered—i.e, the introduction of intermediate tissue, the natural changes across a patient's body “zones”, and the like.

However, these factory calibrations are problematic since untimely degeneration can adversely affect treatment quality and effectiveness.

Even those conventional devices that permit for user-initiated calibration require the initiation of complicated or time-consuming procedures.

For obvious reasons, such techniques are undesirable and inconvenient.

Additionally, conventional devices do not consider complex changes introduced by slight imaginary components in the acoustic impedance of the tissues being treated.

Conventional devices are thus unable to transmit an accurate amount of power to the tissue or fully self-calibrate.

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