Ultrasonic probe for creating multiple cavities

Abstract

A probe for transmitting ultrasonic energy and related methods. The probe includes a rod body having a shaft coupling a proximal end to a distal end. The rod body is configured to transmit ultrasonic energy from the proximal end to the tip of the distal end in a propagation direction parallel to a longitudinal axis arranged along the centerline of the rod body. When the ultrasonic energy corresponds to an odd integer multiple of a quarter wavelength of a resonant frequency, the tip can be arranged to substantially coincide with a displacement anti-node position. A plurality of grooves in the shaft are configured to generate a plurality of cavities in a medium proximal to the rod body in response to the ultrasonic energy. The plurality of grooves include a second groove between the first groove and the proximal end. The first groove is located at a distance of an integer multiple of a half wavelength of the resonant frequency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention described herein generally relates to an apparatus for delivering ultrasonic energy as part of a cosmetic procedure and, more particularly, to a probe and related methods for delivering ultrasonic energy during a cosmetic procedure. Background Art

[0002] The device transmits ultrasonic energy to a target area of ​​a patient for various cosmetic procedures, such as ultrasonic fragmentation or emulsification of the patient's soft tissue. When such a device is used for ultrasonic fragmentation or emulsification of soft tissue, a cavitation volume is created by the interaction between the ultrasonic energy and the portion of the soft tissue near the tip of the ultrasonic probe that transmits the ultrasonic energy. Cosmetic procedures performed using such an ultrasonic probe may involve repositioning the tip of a given ultrasonic probe so that the tip is close to each area of ​​soft tissue targeted by the cosmetic procedure. Each repositioning prolongs the duration of the cosmetic procedure, which can lead to operator fatigue and patient discomfort.

[0003] Therefore, it may be desirable to provide an ultrasound probe that can shorten the duration of such cosmetic procedures to avoid such adverse outcomes. Summary of the invention

[0004] Embodiments of the invention described herein include an ultrasonic probe ("probe") for use in a device configured to transmit ultrasonic energy as part of a cosmetic treatment, and a method for completing a cosmetic treatment using such an ultrasonic probe. In one embodiment, the probe includes a shank having a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft coupling the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal end is configured to be coupled to an ultrasonic source configured to generate ultrasonic energy. The shank is configured to propagate the ultrasonic energy from the proximal end to the tip of the distal end in a propagation direction parallel to a longitudinal axis configured along the centerline of the shank. When the ultrasonic energy corresponds to an odd integer multiple of a quarter wavelength of a resonant frequency, the tip is configured to substantially coincide with a displacement anti-node position. A plurality of grooves in the shaft are configured to generate a plurality of cavities in a medium near the shank in response to the ultrasonic energy. The plurality of grooves include a second groove between a first groove and the proximal end. The first groove is positioned at an integer multiple of a half wavelength of the resonant frequency.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method includes using a probe, the probe including a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft coupling the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal end is configured to be coupled to an ultrasonic source configured to generate ultrasonic energy. The shaft is configured to propagate the ultrasonic energy from the proximal end to the tip of the distal end in a propagation direction parallel to a longitudinal axis arranged along a centerline of the shaft. When the ultrasonic energy corresponds to an odd integer multiple of a quarter wavelength of a resonant frequency, the tip is arranged to substantially coincide with a displacement anti-node position. The shaft includes a plurality of grooves configured to generate a plurality of cavities in a medium proximal to the shaft in response to the ultrasonic energy. The first groove is spaced apart from the second groove in the propagation direction by a distance that is an integer multiple of one-half wavelength of the resonant frequency. The method further includes inserting a portion of the probe including at least a subset of the plurality of grooves into a biological tissue of a patient. The method further includes causing the ultrasonic source to generate ultrasonic energy.

[0006] In one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft coupling the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal end of the shaft is configured to couple to a source of ultrasonic energy. The shaft includes a first plurality of grooves, a second plurality of grooves, and a non-grooved section disposed along a longitudinal axis of the shaft between the first plurality of grooves and the second plurality of grooves.

[0007] In one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft coupling the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal end is configured to couple to a source of ultrasonic energy. The shaft includes a plurality of grooves disposed along the entire length of the shaft.

[0008] This content of the invention is intended to provide a simple concept of the following implementation method. This content of the invention is not intended to indicate specific key features or essential features of the subject matter protected by the claims, nor is it intended to be used alone as an aid to limit the scope of protection of the subject matter protected by the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The following drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of the present specification. The following drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present invention and are used to illustrate the principles of the present invention together with the general description of the above invention content and the detailed description of the embodiments below. In the various views of the drawings, similar symbols are used to indicate similar parts.

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example device suitable for implementing certain aspects of the invention described herein.

[0011] Figure 2is a side view of an example shaft of an ultrasonic probe suitable for implementing certain aspects of the invention described herein.

[0012] Figures 3A to 3E Detailed side views of different types of grooves suitable for practicing certain aspects of the invention described herein.

[0013] Figures 4A to 4H Depicted are exemplary graphs of various longitudinal compression waves generated within a shaft of an ultrasonic probe in response to being driven by different odd integer multiples of a quarter wavelength of the resonant frequency of the shaft of the ultrasonic probe.

[0014] Figures 5A to 5B Draw through simulation through Figure 2 The example shaft is shown as an example loss field obtained by transmitting ultrasound energy to an ultrasound probe in a patient.

[0015] Figures 6A to 6B Draw through simulation through Figure 2 The example shaft is shown delivering ultrasound energy to an ultrasound probe in a patient to produce an example cavitation field.

[0016] Figures 7A to 7B Draw through simulation through Figure 2 An example pressure field obtained by the example shaft transmitting ultrasound energy to an ultrasound probe of a patient is shown.

[0017] Figure 8 is a side view of a probe having a plurality of grooves extending along the entire length of the shaft suitable for practicing certain aspects of the invention described herein.

[0018] Fig. 9 and 10 is a side view of a probe tip suitable for practicing certain aspects of the invention described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Many details are described below to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. However, the drawings illustrate only some exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, and therefore the drawings should not be considered limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other valid aspects or variations do not include all of the specific details described herein. In addition, well-known systems, methods, components, devices, and circuits are not described in detail to avoid obscuring more relevant aspects of the embodiments described herein.

[0020] Now please refer to Figure 1, which is a block diagram of an example device 100 suitable for implementing aspects of the invention described herein. In operation, the device 100 is configured to deliver ultrasonic energy to a target area of ​​a patient as part of a cosmetic treatment (e.g., ultrasonic segmentation or emulsification of the patient's soft tissue). Figure 1 As shown, the device 100 includes a power supply 110, an ultrasonic source 120, an ultrasonic coupler 130, and an ultrasonic probe 140. The power supply 110 (i.e., the power source) is configured to transmit power from an external power source (e.g., an alternating current (AC) outlet) to various components of the device 100, such as the ultrasonic source 120. In one embodiment, the power supply 110 is configured to convert the alternating current from the external power source into direct current that is transmitted to various components. In one embodiment, the power supply 110 is configured to provide electrical isolation between the external power source and other components of the device 100.

[0021] The ultrasonic source 120 is basically configured to generate ultrasonic energy for driving the ultrasonic probe 140. To this end, the ultrasonic source 120 includes a generator 122 and a transducer 124. The generator 122 is configured to generate electrical energy of a specific frequency (e.g., 36 kHz) in response to activation by an operator of the device 100. The transducer 124 is configured to convert the electrical energy generated by the generator 122 into mechanical motion or ultrasonic vibration energy ("ultrasonic energy"). To this end, the transducer is configured to expand and contract to generate longitudinal compression waves in the ultrasonic probe 140 through the ultrasonic coupler 130. In one embodiment, the transducer 124 includes an ultrasonic motor, a piezoelectric transducer, or a combination of the foregoing. The ultrasonic coupler 130 is configured to mechanically couple the ultrasonic source 120 to the ultrasonic probe 140, thereby transferring the ultrasonic energy from the ultrasonic coupler 130 to the rod body (e.g., Figure 2 The ultrasonic coupler 130 includes a shaft body 200, which is detachably coupled to the ultrasonic probe 140. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic coupler 130 includes a mechanical wave amplifier.

[0022] In one embodiment, the ultrasound source 120 is configured to operate in a continuous operation mode. In one embodiment, the continuous operation mode involves the ultrasound source 120 continuously generating ultrasound energy. In one embodiment, the ultrasound source 120 is configured to operate in a pulsed operation mode. In one embodiment, the pulsed operation mode involves the ultrasound source 120 cycling between a first state and a second state when generating ultrasound energy. During the first state, the ultrasound source 120 generates ultrasound energy for driving the ultrasound probe 140. In the second state, the ultrasound source 120 stops generating ultrasound energy for driving the ultrasound probe 140.

[0023] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary shaft 200 of an ultrasonic probe 140 suitable for implementing aspects of the invention described herein. Figure 2 As shown, the rod body 200 includes a proximal end 210, a distal end 220, and a shaft 230 coupling the proximal end 210 to the distal end 220. The proximal end 210 includes a coupling element 212 (e.g., a stud) configured to couple the rod body 200 to an ultrasonic source (e.g., Figure 1 The shaft 200 further includes a plurality of grooves (e.g., groove 242 and groove 243) along the shaft 230, which are configured to create or produce cavities in a medium (e.g., a patient's biological tissue) near the shaft during a cosmetic treatment, as described in detail below. The shaft 200 has a longitudinal axis 205 that can be disposed along the centerline of the shaft 200.

[0024] As used herein, a "groove" is a discrete region of the shaft 230 having a reduced cross-section (relative to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 205) extending in a radially inward direction relative to the longitudinal axis 205. In one embodiment, the reduced cross-section of the discrete region of the shaft 230 corresponding to the groove has a diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the shaft 230. In one embodiment, the groove can be formed in the shaft 230 by machining a substantially smooth shaft 200. In one embodiment, the shaft 230 can be made of titanium or a titanium alloy.

[0025] exist Figure 2In the embodiment, a plurality of grooves 242, 243 are arranged in a plurality of discrete groups along the length of the shaft 230, which include a group 240 containing grooves 242 and a group 241 containing grooves 243. The shaft 230 of the shaft 200 has a non-grooved section 245 located between the group 240 of grooves 242 and the group 241 of grooves 243. The shaft 230 of the shaft 200 has an outer surface 247, and for a circular embodiment, the shaft 230 of the shaft 200 may have a uniform or constant diameter D along its entire length except for the portion where the group 240 of grooves 242 and the group 241 of grooves 243 are located. In particular, the non-grooved section 245 may have the diameter D, and the outer surface 247 may extend uninterruptedly (i.e., without grooves) in the non-grooved section 245 between the group 240 of grooves 242 and the group 241 of grooves 243. In one embodiment, the grooves 242, 243 may extend over the entire circumference of the shaft 230. In one embodiment, the grooves 242 , 243 may be recessed relative to the exterior surface 247 and around the entire circumference of the shaft 230 .

[0026] According to the embodiments of the invention described herein, there are various implementations and arrangements of the plurality of grooves of the shaft 230. For example, Figures 3A to 3E A detailed side view of a portion of the shaft 230 is shown depicting embodiments of the groove 242 having different cross-sectional profiles (relative to a plane extending transverse to the longitudinal axis 205 ).

[0027] exist Figure 3A In FIG. 2 , the portion of the shaft 230 includes a flange 305 that defines different grooves 242. Figure 3A As shown, each flange 305 represents a discrete area of ​​the shaft 230 having an increasing cross-section extending radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis 205. In one embodiment, the discrete area of ​​the shaft 230 defined by the flanges 305 has a diameter that is equal or substantially equal to the outer diameter of the shaft 230. Each groove 242 is located between an adjacent pair of flanges 305.

[0028] exist Figure 3B In the embodiment, each groove 242 can be implemented in a portion of the shaft 230 having a "box-shaped" cross-sectional profile. Figure 3B As shown, the "box-shaped" cross-sectional profile of each recess 242 is defined by a pair of opposing side walls and a lower surface coupled to the pair of opposing side walls. Figure 3B Each of the illustrated pair of opposing side walls is configured to be substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 205 , and the lower surface is configured to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 205 .

[0029] exist Figure 3C In the embodiment, each groove 242 can be implemented in a portion of the shaft 230 having a "V-shaped" cross-sectional profile. Figure 3DIn the embodiment, each groove 242 can be implemented in a portion of the shaft 230 having a "U-shaped" cross-sectional profile. Figure 3E , each groove 242 in that portion of the shaft 230 is interrupted by one or more ridges 355. Thus, although Figures 3B to 3D Each groove 242 shown in FIG. 1 is substantially around the shaft 230, Figure 3E Each groove 242 shown in FIG. 2 does not substantially surround the shaft 230 , but instead extends only around a portion of the shaft 230 .

[0030] Back to Figure 2 , an ultrasonic source (e.g. Figure 1 An ultrasonic source 120 (e.g., a stud) is coupled to the shaft 200 via a coupling element 212 (e.g., a stud) located at the proximal end 210. The shaft 200 is substantially configured to propagate ultrasonic energy generated by the ultrasonic source between the proximal end 210 and a tip 222 of the distal end 220. The ultrasonic energy propagates in a propagation direction 215 that is parallel to a longitudinal axis 205 disposed along a centerline of the shaft 200. In particular, the ultrasonic energy generated by the ultrasonic source excites a longitudinal mode of the shaft 200 to cause the shaft 200 to vibrate axially to generate a longitudinal compression wave in the shaft 200. The longitudinal compression wave propagates along the shaft 200 from the proximal end 210 to the distal end 220 in the propagation direction 215, and is reflected at the tip 222 in the opposite direction of the propagation direction 215, thereby causing a standing wave pattern.

[0031] This standing wave pattern causes certain locations (nodes) of the rod 200 to experience minimal or no oscillatory movement (i.e., minimal vibration amplitude), and causes other locations (anti-nodes) of the rod 200 to experience maximal oscillatory movement (i.e., maximal vibration amplitude). As the ultrasonic energy propagates along the rod 200, portions of the shaft 230 near the node locations experience minimal or zero displacement amplitude, while portions of the shaft 230 near the anti-node locations experience maximal displacement amplitude. In one embodiment, such node and anti-node locations are referred to herein as "displacement node locations" and "displacement anti-node locations," respectively.

[0032] In one embodiment, one groove 242 in group 240 may be spaced apart from one groove 243 in group 241 along the length of shaft 230 by a distance equal to a full wavelength of the resonant frequency of shaft 200. In one embodiment, one groove 242 in group 240 may be spaced apart from one groove 243 in group 241 along the length of shaft 230 by a distance equal to one-half wavelength of the resonant frequency of shaft 200. In one embodiment, one groove 242 in group 240 may be located substantially equidistant from proximal end 210 and distal end 220 of shaft 200. For a resonant frequency of 33 kHz, the distance between groups 240, 241 may be equal to approximately 60 centimeters to 90 centimeters. In some embodiments, the distance between the groups 240, 241 may be at least about 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, or 90 centimeters. In some embodiments, the distance between the groups 240, 241 may be at most about 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, or 90 centimeters. In some embodiments, the distance between groups 240, 241 is approximately 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89 or 90 centimeters.

[0033] Figures 4A to 4H An example graph showing various longitudinal compression waves generated within the shaft 200 of an ultrasound probe in response to being driven by different odd integer multiples of a quarter wavelength of the resonant frequency of the shaft 200 . Figures 4A to 4H Each graph or chart depicted illustrates a corresponding exemplary longitudinal compression wave by plotting normalized displacement amplitude as a function of position along the normalized length of the shaft 200 . Figures 4A to 4H In each of the depicted figures, the normalized length of the shaft 200 ranges from a position “0.0” representing the coupling of the proximal end 210 with the ultrasound source to a position “1.0” representing the tip 222 . Figures 4A to 4H The normalized displacement amplitude value corresponding to the dotted line in represents the original value, while the normalized displacement amplitude corresponding to the solid curve represents the absolute value of the original value. Figures 4A to 4H Each inflection point in the depicted graphs represents a displacement nodal position, and each point of the concavity within those graphs represents a displacement anti-nodal position.

[0034] The diagram of the longitudinal compression wave generated within the shaft 200 is determined using the following equation:

[0035]

[0036]

[0037] where f n is the resonant frequency, w n is the angular frequency determined according to the resonant frequency, c is the acoustic velocity of the probe, L is the length of the probe, n is a positive integer, and x is the position along the length of the probe.

[0038] Depend on Figures 4A to 4H In one aspect of the invention shown, the tip 222 is intentionally positioned along the length of the shaft 200 so that the tip 222 substantially coincides with a displacement anti-node location when the shaft 200 is driven by ultrasonic energy having a wavelength that is an odd integer multiple of one quarter wavelength of the resonant frequency of the shaft 200. Figures 4A to 4H Another aspect of the invention is shown, in this case, positioning the tip 222 substantially coincident with a displacement anti-nodal location, may involve configuring the proximal end 210 to couple to the ultrasound source at a location substantially coincident with a displacement nodal location.

[0039] Depend on Figures 4A to 4H Another aspect of the present invention is that the number of displacement node locations within the rod 200 increases as the frequency of the ultrasonic energy driving the rod 200 increases. Figure 4A In FIG. 1 , when the ultrasonic energy driving the rod body 200 corresponds to a quarter wavelength of the resonant frequency of the rod body 200 , there is a displacement anti-node position at the normalized length position “1.0” corresponding to the tip 222 . Figure 4B In the embodiment, when the ultrasonic energy driving the rod body 200 corresponds to three-quarters of the wavelength of the resonant frequency, there are two displacement anti-node positions: one displacement anti-node position is at the normalized length position "1.0" corresponding to the tip 222; the other displacement anti-node position is approximately at the normalized length position "0.35". In one embodiment, a groove may be provided at each displacement anti-node position.

[0040] Figures 4C to 4H It is shown that the number of displacement anti-node positions continues to increase as the frequency of the ultrasonic energy driving the rod body 200 continues to increase. Figure 4CIn the example, when the ultrasonic energy driving the rod body 200 corresponds to a wavelength of four-fifths of the resonant frequency (i.e., 1.25 times the wavelength resonance), there are three displacement anti-node positions. Figure 4D In FIG. 1 , when the ultrasonic energy driving the rod body 200 corresponds to seven-quarters of the wavelength of the resonance frequency (i.e., 1.75 times the wavelength resonance), there are four displacement anti-node positions. Figure 4E In FIG. 1 , when the ultrasonic energy driving the rod body 200 corresponds to a wavelength of four-ninths of the resonant frequency (i.e., 2.25 times the wavelength resonance), there are five displacement anti-node positions. Figure 4F In FIG. 1 , when the ultrasonic energy driving the rod body 200 corresponds to a quarter-eleven times wavelength of the resonance frequency (i.e., 2.75 times wavelength resonance), there are six displacement anti-node positions. Figure 4G In FIG. 1 , when the ultrasonic energy driving the rod body 200 corresponds to 1 / 4th of the wavelength of the resonance frequency (i.e., 3.25 times the wavelength resonance), there are seven displacement anti-node positions. Figure 4H In the embodiment, when the ultrasonic energy driving the rod body 200 corresponds to 1 / 415 times the wavelength of the resonance frequency (ie, 3.75 times the wavelength resonance), there are eight displacement anti-node positions.

[0041] Depend on Figures 4A to 4H Another aspect of the present invention is that when there are multiple displacement anti-node positions and / or displacement anti-node positions along the rod 200, these displacement node / anti-node positions are cyclically repeated at half wavelength intervals. Figure 4C , there are three displacement anti-nodal positions along axis 230. In this example, one wavelength period of the example longitudinal compression wave occurs between the normalized length position "0.00" and approximately the normalized length position "0.80". Within one wavelength period, the first displacement anti-nodal position is approximately at the normalized wavelength position "0.20", and the second displacement anti-nodal position is approximately at the normalized wavelength position "0.60". Figure 4C Depicted are first and second displacement anti-nodal locations occurring within a one wavelength period, separated by a distance corresponding to one-half wavelength of the rod 200 driven by the resonant frequency. Figure 4B and 4D 4H similarly depict the displacement nodal positions and / or displacement anti-nodal positions alternating at half-wavelength intervals along axis 230.

[0042] As described above, the ultrasonic energy propagated by the rod body 200 during a cosmetic treatment causes a longitudinal vibration motion in the rod body 200. The ultrasonic energy generates local heat in the medium (e.g., biological tissue of a patient) through frictional contact between the area of ​​the rod body 200 corresponding to the displacement anti-nodal position and the medium near the rod body 200. In various embodiments of the present invention described herein, a plurality of grooves may be positioned along the axis of the rod body (e.g., the rod body 200) to substantially coincide with the displacement anti-nodal position. Such grooves that are not near the tip of the shaft provide the rod body with additional areas in which the propagated ultrasonic energy interacts with the nearby medium to generate local heat during the cosmetic treatment. By changing the frequency of the ultrasonic energy driving the rod body, the number and location of the displacement anti-nodal positions can be changed, and the spatial location of the cavities created or generated by the above-mentioned grooves in the nearby medium can also be changed, as described below with reference to Figure 8 Description.

[0043] Figures 5A to 5B shows an exemplary loss field for Figure 2 In a simulated beauty treatment of the rod body 200, ultrasonic energy is transmitted to the patient through the ultrasonic probe. In particular, Figure 5A shows an exemplary loss field along the length of the rod body 200, and Figure 5B Provided near the area containing the groove of the shaft 200 Figure 5A A close-up of an exemplary loss field for . Figures 5A to 5B In the diagram, the regions where the maximum interaction between the propagating ultrasonic energy and the adjacent medium occurs (i.e., high intensity regions) are schematically depicted by dashed lines, while other regions are characterized by lower interactions between the propagating ultrasonic energy and the adjacent medium. The high intensity regions represent higher relative spatial heating, which is proportional to cavitation. The loss field is determined by finite elements analysis techniques.

[0044] Figures 5A to 5B Two regions of maximum loss are shown, namely a region centered at approximately 320 millimeters (mm); and a second region centered at approximately 250 mm. In one embodiment, and with reference to Figure 2, the area centered at about 320 mm corresponds to a portion of the medium adjacent to the discrete groove set 241, and the area centered at about 250 mm corresponds to a portion of the medium adjacent to the discrete groove set 240. In this embodiment, the center of the groove 243 included in the discrete groove set 241 is about 320 mm, and the center of the groove 242 included in the discrete groove set 240 is about 250 mm. In this embodiment, the spacing distance between the central groove 242 of the discrete groove set 240 and the central groove 243 of the discrete groove set 241 can be a distance 250, which substantially coincides with an integer multiple of one-half wavelength of the resonant frequency of the shaft 230. In this embodiment, the distance 250 can also be the spacing distance between a non-central groove 242 of the discrete groove set 240 and a non-central groove 243 of the discrete groove set 241.

[0045] Figures 6A to 6B Shown by simulation through Figure 2 The pressure field associated with the ultrasonic energy is obtained by the ultrasonic probe that transmits the ultrasonic energy to the patient through the rod body 200. In particular, Fig. 6A The simulated pressure field along the length of the rod 200 is shown, and Figure 6B A portion of the shaft 200 including the groove 242 and the groove 243 is provided. Fig. 6A A close-up of the simulated pressure field of FIG. 1 . The pressure field was determined using finite element analysis techniques. The maximum pressure field occurs in the shaft along the entire length of the shaft, while local maxima in the pressure field occur in the medium, as shown by the dotted line.

[0046] Figures 7A to 7B shows that the simulation Figure 2 The simulated cavitation field is obtained by an ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic energy to a patient through a rod 200. In particular, Fig. 7A The cavitation field is shown along the length of the rod 200, and Figure 7B A portion of the rod body 200 including the groove 242 and the groove 243 is provided. Fig. 7A A close-up of the cavitation field. Figures 7A to 7B In FIG. 2 , regions of high cavitation probability in the medium surrounding the rod body 200 are indicated by dotted lines and appear near the grooves 242 and 243 , respectively.

[0047] The cavitation field is determined using the following equation:

[0048]

[0049] Among them, G Ais the dimensionless cavitation number (usually less than 2), p is the calculated pressure in the tissue, ρ is the density of the tissue, c is the speed of sound in the tissue, and Δυ is the calculated particle velocity of the tissue.

[0050] In one embodiment, the spatial position of the cavity generated by the groove of the rod (e.g., rod 200) can be changed by changing the frequency of the ultrasonic energy driving the rod. Figures 4A to 4H As described above, the location and number of displacement anti-node locations can be changed by changing the frequency of the ultrasonic energy driving the rod. The grooves represent discrete deviations of cross section that can be positioned along the rod to substantially coincide with displacement anti-node locations corresponding to regions where maximum interaction occurs between the propagating ultrasonic energy and the adjacent medium, as described above with respect to Figures 5A to 5B In this way, by changing the frequency of the ultrasonic energy driving the rod body, the spatial position of the cavity body generated by different groups of grooves can be changed.

[0051] For example, an ultrasonic source can be coupled to Figure 8 The embodiment of the rod body shown, wherein the plurality of grooves can extend along the entire length of the rod body 200 of the shaft 230. At the initial time, Figure 8 The ultrasonic source coupled to the rod as shown can generate an odd integer multiple of a quarter wavelength corresponding to the resonant frequency (e.g., Figure 4B At the initial time, the groove 844 is approximately located at the normalized length position "0.35" of the rod body, coinciding with a displacement anti-node position. At the initial time, the groove 844 can generate a cavity in the medium adjacent to the normalized length position "0.35" in response to the ultrasonic energy.

[0052] At a subsequent time, the ultrasonic source may be caused to generate different odd integer multiples (e.g., Figure 4CThe groove 844 may cease to generate a cavity in the adjacent medium to the extent that the normalized length position "0.35" no longer coincides with the displacement anti-node position in response to the second ultrasonic energy. However, the groove 845 located at approximately "0.20" of the normalized length position consistent with the displacement anti-node position may generate a cavity in the medium near the normalized length position "0.20" in response to subsequent ultrasonic energy. Moreover, the groove 846 located at approximately "0.60" of the normalized length position that coincides with another displacement anti-node position may generate a cavity in the medium near the normalized length position "0.60" in response to subsequent ultrasonic energy.

[0053] Please refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The tip 222 of the shaft 200 may include a port 347 configured to provide an outlet for a lumen 345 disposed within the shaft 200. The port 347 may be located, for example, at the tip 222 ( Fig. 9 ) on the rounded side, or may be located at the end of the tip 222 ( Fig.10 In one embodiment, lumen 345 is configured to be coupled to an external suction source. In one embodiment, the external suction source can be operated to apply suction force to the medium (e.g., biological tissue of a patient during a cosmetic procedure) through port 347.

[0054] The terms in this document are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. A noun with the number "one" or "one" may also include multiple embodiments, unless the context clearly excludes multiple situations. "Include", "comprise" or similar words in the specification indicate the existence of the described technical features, values, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the existence or addition of at least one other technical feature, value, step, operation, element, component and / or group consisting of the above things. In addition, the terms "comprise", "have", "include" or variations of the above terms in the implementation method or claim are intended to express the inclusive meaning in a manner similar to the term "comprise".

[0055] Terms modified by approximate terms herein, such as "about", "approximately" and "substantially", are not limited to the exact value to which the term refers. Approximate terms may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value and, unless otherwise dependent on the precision of the instrument, may represent + / -10% of the value.

[0056] The present invention is illustrated by various embodiments in the embodiments, and the details of these embodiments have been described in detail, but the applicant does not intend to limit the scope of protection of the attached claims in any form by these details. Additional advantages and modifications should be easily discovered by those with ordinary knowledge in the art. Therefore, the broad aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details, representative devices or methods, and illustrative embodiments. Therefore, modifications of such details can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's overall inventive concept.

Claims

1. A probe, comprising: A rod body, comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the proximal end of the rod body being configured to couple to a source of ultrasonic energy, and the rod body being configured to propagate the ultrasonic energy from the proximal end to a tip of the distal end in a propagation direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rod body; A first groove located in the shaft, the first groove being disposed adjacent to the tip; as well as A second groove is located in the shaft, and the second groove is arranged along the rod body between the first groove and the proximal end. wherein the first groove is separated from the second groove by a first distance, and the first distance is approximately equal to a first integer multiple of half the wavelength of the resonant frequency of the rod body in the propagation direction, The first groove is disposed adjacent to a first position, and at the first position, the ultrasonic energy corresponds to a first odd integer multiple of a quarter wavelength of the resonance frequency.

2. The probe according to claim 1, wherein The tip is disposed relative to the proximal end to substantially coincide with a first displacement anti-node position when the ultrasonic energy corresponds to an odd integer multiple of a quarter wavelength of the resonant frequency of the shaft.

3. The probe according to claim 2, wherein: When the ultrasonic energy corresponds to the odd integer multiple of the quarter wavelength, the proximal end is configured to couple to the source of the ultrasonic energy at a point that substantially coincides with a second displacement node location.

4. The probe according to claim 1, wherein The first groove is spaced apart from the second groove by a non-groove section of the shaft.

5. The probe according to claim 4, wherein The second groove is disposed adjacent to a second position, and at the second position, the ultrasonic energy corresponds to a second odd integer multiple of a quarter wavelength of the resonant frequency.

6. The probe according to claim 1, wherein The first groove is included in a plurality of first grooves, and the second groove is included in a plurality of second grooves.

7. The probe according to claim 6, wherein The plurality of first grooves and the plurality of second grooves are arranged in a continuous row extending from the proximal end of the shaft to the distal end of the shaft.

8. The probe according to claim 1, wherein The shaft further includes a third groove between the second groove and the proximal end, and the first groove is spaced apart from the third groove by a second distance, the second distance being approximately equal to a second integer multiple of one-half wavelength of the resonant frequency of the rod in the propagation direction.

9. The probe according to claim 1, wherein The shaft includes a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end, and the tip includes a port coupled to the lumen.

10. The probe according to claim 9, wherein The lumen is configured to be coupled to an external suction source.

11. An ultrasonic probe, comprising: A shaft comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the proximal end being configured to couple to a source of ultrasonic energy, the shaft comprising a first plurality of grooves, a second plurality of grooves, and a groove-free section, the groove-free section being disposed between the first plurality of grooves and the second plurality of grooves along a longitudinal axis of the shaft, at least one of the first plurality of grooves being disposed a distance from the second plurality of grooves that is approximately equal to an integer multiple of one-half wavelength of a resonant frequency of the ultrasonic energy, At least one of the first plurality of grooves is disposed adjacent to a first position, and at the first position, the ultrasonic energy corresponds to a first odd integer multiple of a quarter wavelength of the resonant frequency.

12. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 11, wherein: The shaft has an outer surface with a first diameter in the non-grooved section, and the shaft has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter at a first location of each of the first plurality of grooves.

13. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 12, wherein: The shaft has a third diameter smaller than the first diameter at a second location of each of the second plurality of grooves, and the second diameter is equal to the third diameter.

14. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 11, wherein: The shaft has an outer surface with a first diameter, the shaft includes a plurality of flanges protruding from the outer surface, each of the first plurality of grooves is located between a pair of adjacent flanges among the plurality of flanges, and the shaft has a second diameter equal to the first diameter at the location of each of the first plurality of grooves.

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