Apparatus For Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

Abstract

An extracorporeal shockwave therapy device is disclosed. An extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a cylindrical shockwave generating part that generates a shockwave and outputs it in an outer direction, and a reflector module provided to surround the outer side of the shockwave generating part and reflect the output shockwave. The reflector module may be provided by extending and unfolding in the axial direction and the outer direction of the shockwave generating part to focus the output shockwave so that it moves in the axial direction of the shockwave generating part.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device, and more specifically, to an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device in which focus adjustment is easy using a deployable reflector. Background Technology

[0002] Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) creates a waveform with high pressure for a very short period of time using various methods, and uses this to stimulate damaged tissue to promote tissue healing or break down stones.

[0003] Accordingly, such extracorporeal shockwave therapy is being utilized to treat calcific or non-calcific tendinitis, lateral or medial epicondylitis of the elbow, patellar tendinitis, Achilles tendinopathy, proximal plantar fasciitis, etc.

[0004] Furthermore, recently, as the increased expression of cytokines at the cellular level, stem cell injection effects, and antibacterial effects of such extracorporeal shockwave therapy have been reported, its application is expanding into various fields.

[0005] Meanwhile, extracorporeal shockwave therapy devices for such therapy can be broadly classified into radial-type and focus-type devices based on their generation principle.

[0006] Radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) devices generate pressure waves using air pressure. They accelerate compressed air from a projectile to deliver kinetic energy to the skin through an applicator. Because this type of therapy spreads out radially, it cannot concentrate energy on a single point of tissue; however, due to its effectiveness in delivering extracorporeal shockwave energy to the tissues evenly, it is primarily used to treat muscle disorders.

[0007] In contrast, focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) operates on the principle that the human body acts as a medium to deliver shockwaves; it converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to generate shockwaves and then uses a reflector to concentrate them on a specific area. Such focused ESWT devices are primarily used for conditions such as calcific or non-calcific tendinitis.

[0008] On the other hand, since the focal length of these conventional focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy devices is fixed for each device, there is the inconvenience of having to adjust the thickness of the pad according to the depth of the lesion during treatment. Prior art literature

[65535] Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2004-0069377 (August 6, 2004) The problem to be solved

[0009] This embodiment aims to provide an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device that allows for easy focus adjustment using a deployable reflector.

[0010] The present embodiment aims to provide an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device capable of performing more accurate focus adjustment by considering the reinforcing or destructive interference effects caused by wave superposition within the travel path of the shockwave. means of solving the problem

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device is provided, comprising a cylindrical shockwave generating part that generates a shockwave and outputs it in an outer direction, and a reflector module provided to surround the outer side of the shockwave generating part and reflect the output shockwave, wherein the reflector module extends and unfolds in the axial direction and the outer direction of the shockwave generating part to focus the output shockwave so as to move it in the axial direction of the shockwave generating part.

[0012] The above-described reflector module includes a housing having an internal space in the shape of a parabola, a reflector embedded in the housing that focuses the output shock wave onto an axial imaginary centerline of the shock wave generating unit, and a driving unit that moves the reflector within the housing.

[0013] The above housing is provided with a material through which the output shock wave is transmitted, and the above reflector is provided with a material that reflects the output shock wave and can bend along the internal space of the housing.

[0014] The above-described reflector module is provided with a positive parabolic shape in which the cross-section extends in the height direction of the shock wave generating part.

[0015] The above shock wave generating unit is configured to generate and output shock waves by means of an electromagnetic method.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device is provided that includes a cylindrical shockwave generating part that generates a shockwave and outputs it in an outer direction, and a reflector module provided to surround the outer part of the shockwave generating part and reflect the output shockwave, wherein the reflector module is angle-adjusted around a pivot axis provided at the lower side so that the upper side moves away from or closer to the axial center of the shockwave generating part, thereby focusing the output shockwave to move in the axial direction of the shockwave generating part.

[0017] The above reflector module further includes a plurality of cut sections provided in the axial direction of the shock wave generating part.

[0018] The above-described reflector module is provided with a negative parabolic shape in which the cross-section extends in the height direction of the shock wave generating part.

[0019] The above shock wave generating unit is configured to generate and output shock waves by means of an electromagnetic method. Effects of the invention

[0020] The extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention allows for easy focus adjustment by means of a deployable reflector, thereby improving the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy through focus adjustment according to the depth of the lesion, as well as eliminating the inconvenience of having to adjust the thickness of the pad during treatment.

[0021] The extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention can further enhance the effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy by performing more accurate focus adjustment by considering the reinforcing or destructive interference effects caused by wave superposition within the travel path of the shockwave. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the distribution state of shock waves formed by a reflector plate in an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the change in the height of the focal point according to the deployment of the reflector plate in an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the change in pressure according to the change in focal height in an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the detailed configuration of an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8a, b, and c are drawings illustrating the focal point and pressure change of a shock wave according to the angle change of a negative parabolic reflector in an extracorporeal shock wave therapy device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are presented to sufficiently convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented herein and may be embodied in other forms. In order to clarify the present invention, the drawings may omit the illustration of parts unrelated to the description and may slightly exaggerate the size of components to aid understanding.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the distribution state of shockwaves formed by a reflector plate in an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a shockwave generating unit (100) and a reflector module (200).

[0026] The above shock wave generating unit (100) is provided in a cylindrical shape overall and is configured to generate a shock wave and output it in the outer direction.

[0027] At this time, the shock wave generating unit (100) may be configured to output a shock wave by any one of the known electro-hydroelectric, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric energy output methods.

[0028] For example, the shock wave generating unit (100) may apply an electromagnetic method that outputs shock wave energy in the outer direction between two electrodes provided with a cylindrical coil (not shown) and a cylindrical metal plate or another cylindrical coil having the same central axis as the cylindrical coil and a different diameter.

[0029] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned reflector module (200) is configured to surround the outer periphery of the shock wave generating unit (100) in a cup shape having a parabolic cross-section overall, so as to focus the shock wave output from the shock wave generating unit (100) onto an imaginary centerline in the axial direction of the shock wave generating unit (100), and extends outward in the axial direction and outer periphery direction of the shock wave generating unit (100).

[0030] That is, the upper part of the above-mentioned reflector module (200) is configured to be adjustable in height in the axial direction of the shock wave generating part (100) and to be adjustable in distance in the outer direction of the shock wave generating part (100).

[0031] At this time, the cross-sectional shape of the reflector module (200) may be provided as a positive parabolic shape that extends in the height direction of the shock wave generating part (100), as shown in FIG. 2.

[0032] Accordingly, an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention can focus the shockwave output from the shockwave generating unit (100) on an axial virtual centerline of the shockwave generating unit (100) by the reflector module (200) as shown in FIG. 2.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the change in the height of the focal point according to the deployment of the reflector plate in an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the change in pressure according to the change in the focal point height in an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the reflector module (200) is deployed in the height direction of the shockwave generating unit (100) and at the same time the upper side of the reflector module (200) is deployed away from the outer circumference direction of the shockwave generating unit (100), it can be seen that the focal length of the shockwave formed by being output from the shockwave generating unit (100) and reflected by the reflector module (200) moves in the height direction of the shockwave generating unit (100).

[0035] That is, as the reflector module (200) is unfolded and the reflection area increases, it can be seen that the focal length of the shock wave moves in the height direction of the shock wave generating part (100).

[0036] More specifically, when the distance H from the bottom of the outer periphery where the shock wave is output from the shock wave generating unit (100) to the top of the reflector module (200) increases from H1 to H6, and at the same time the distance W from the outer periphery of the shock wave generating unit (100) to the top of the reflector module (200) increases from W1 to W6, it can be seen that as the area S of the reflector module (200) increases from S1 to S6, the focal length of the shock wave moves upward from the top of the shock wave generating unit (100).

[0037] Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 4, when the focal length of the shock wave is moved upward, it can be seen that the pressure of the shock wave gradually increases, and then decreases again once it exceeds a certain point.

[0038] More specifically, as the reflector module (200) is deployed and the area of ​​the reflector module (200) changes from S1 to S6, the focal length of the shock wave increases from the top of the shock wave generating unit (100) to 3.1 cm, 3.7 cm, 4.5 cm, 5.1 cm, 5.5 cm, and 6.1 cm, and the pressure of the shock wave according to each shock wave focal length is measured to be approximately 1.8 MPa, 1.9 MPa, 2.05 MPa, 2.20 MPa, 2.25 MPa, and 2.15 MPa.

[0039] In addition, it can be seen that the pressure of the shock wave decreases by about 20% as the focal length of the shock wave decreases by a maximum of 3.1 cm, and the pressure of the shock wave decreases by about 10% as the focal length of the shock wave decreases by a total of 1.6 cm from 6.1 cm to 4.5 cm.

[0040] In particular, while the area of ​​the reflector module (200) increases from S1 to S5, the pressure of the shock wave increases in proportion to this, but when the area of ​​the reflector module (200) increases from S5 to S6, the pressure of the shock wave decreases again, and thus the deployment range of the reflector module (200) can be determined through these measurement results.

[0041] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the detailed configuration of an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, for the effective deployment of the reflector module (200) as described above, an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (210), a reflector (220), and a driving unit (230).

[0043] More specifically, the housing (210) may be provided with a material through which the shock wave output from the shock wave generating part (100) is transmitted, and the housing (210) has a positive parabolic shape in which the cross section includes an internal space and extends in the height direction of the shock wave generating part (100).

[0044] At this time, the size of the housing (210) can be determined according to the expansion range of the reflector module (200) determined as described above.

[0045] Additionally, the housing (210) is formed such that the upper side is closed and the lower side is open so that the reflector (220) is inserted into the lower side.

[0046] The above reflector (220) is embedded in the housing (210) and is provided to focus the shock wave output from the shock wave generating unit (100) onto an axial virtual centerline of the shock wave generating unit (100).

[0047] At this time, as the reflector (220) moves along the internal space of the housing (210), the area over which the shock wave output from the shock wave generating unit (100) is reflected can be increased.

[0048] To this end, the reflector (220) can be bent to facilitate movement along the internal space of the housing (210) and is provided with a material capable of reflecting the shock wave output from the shock wave generating unit (100).

[0049] The above driving unit (230) may be configured to include a driving means such as an electric motor connected to the lower side of the reflector (220) to move the reflector (220) along the internal space of the housing (210), and an arm provided to clamp the lower side of the reflector (220) to push or pull it.

[0050] Meanwhile, FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view, respectively, illustrating the configuration of an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a cylindrical shockwave generating unit (100') that generates and outputs a shockwave in an outer direction, and a reflector module (200') that is angle-adjusted around a pivot axis (240) provided on the lower side so that the upper side moves away from or closer to the axial center of the shockwave generating unit (100) and focuses the output shockwave so that it moves along an axial imaginary centerline of the shockwave generating unit.

[0052] At this time, the shock wave generating unit (100') may be configured to output a shock wave by any one of the previously known energy output methods, such as electro-hydroelectric, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric types, in the same manner as the previously described embodiment.

[0053] The above reflector module (200') may further include a plurality of cut sections (250) arranged radially in the axial direction of the shock wave generating section (100') to facilitate angle adjustment around the rotation axis (240), in a parabolic shape formed to surround the outer periphery of the shock wave generating section (100').

[0054] At this time, the reflector module (200') may be configured such that one side between the cut sections (250) extends toward the other side and the extended side overlaps toward the other side according to angle adjustment, thereby preventing a void space from occurring between the cut sections (250) according to angle adjustment.

[0055] FIG. 8a, b, and c are graphs illustrating the pressure change of a shock wave according to the focal length of the shock wave when the cross-sectional shape of the reflector module is a positive parabolic shape, a flat shape, and a negative parabolic shape, respectively, in an extracorporeal shock wave therapy device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 8a and b, it can be seen that when the reflector module (200') is formed with a cross-section of a positive parabolic shape and when it is formed with a cross-section of a flat shape, the pressure of the shock wave increases as the focal distance of the shock wave from the top of the shock wave generating part (100) increases from A to E.

[0057] However, referring to Fig. 8c, when the reflector module (200') is formed with a cross-section of a negative parabolic shape, it can be seen that the pressure of the shock wave remains constant even when the focal distance of the shock wave from the top of the shock wave generator (100) increases from A to E.

[0058] More specifically, when the above-mentioned reflector module (200') is formed with a positive parabolic cross-section, when the focal length of the shock wave moves a total of 1.62 cm from 5.62 cm to 7.24 cm, the pressure of the shock wave is confirmed to be an average of 324.5 Pa and the Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) is 25.34%.

[0059] In addition, when the above-mentioned reflector module (200') is formed with a flat cross-section, when the focal length of the shock wave moves a total of 1.80 cm from 5.08 cm to 6.88 cm, the pressure of the shock wave was confirmed to be an average of 291.9 Pa and the RSD was 15.85%.

[0060] In addition, when the above-mentioned reflector module (200') is formed with a negative parabolic cross-section, when the focal length of the shock wave moves a total of 1.97 cm from 4.91 cm to 6.88 cm, the pressure of the shock wave was confirmed to be an average of 275.4 Pa and the RSD was 7.81%.

[0061] That is, when the reflector module (200') is adjusted at the same angle around the hinge (240), it is advantageous for the reflector module (200') to have a cross-section in the shape of a negative parabola so that the change in focal length of the shock wave is formed relatively large and the pressure of the shock wave is formed relatively constant.

[0062] Accordingly, the extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to the embodiment of the present invention allows for easy focus adjustment by means of a deployable reflector, thereby improving the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy through focus adjustment according to the depth of the lesion, as well as eliminating the inconvenience of having to adjust the thickness of the pad during treatment.

[0063] In addition, the extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention can further enhance the effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy by performing more accurate focus adjustment by considering the reinforcing or destructive interference effects caused by wave superposition within the travel path of the shockwave.

[0064] Although specific embodiments of the extracorporeal shockwave therapy device of the present invention have been described so far, it is obvious that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0065] Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof.

[0066] That is, the aforementioned embodiments should be understood as exemplary in all respects and not limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0067] F. Focus W. Shock wave 100. 100`. Shock wave generator 200, 200`. Reflector module 210. Housing 220. Reflector 230. Driving part 240. Rotating shaft 250. Incision

Claims

Claim 1 An extracorporeal shockwave therapy device comprising: a cylindrical shockwave generating part that generates a shockwave and outputs it in an outer direction; and a reflector module provided to surround the outer side of the shockwave generating part and reflect the output shockwave; wherein the reflector module comprises: a housing formed of a material through which the output shockwave is transmitted and having an open bottom end to provide a parabolic internal space; a reflector formed of a material that can bend along the internal space of the housing and inserted into the open bottom end of the housing to focus the output shockwave on an axial imaginary centerline of the shockwave generating part; and a driving part that moves the reflector within the housing; thereby focusing the output shockwave to move in the axial direction of the shockwave generating part. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 An extracorporeal shockwave therapy device according to claim 1, wherein the reflector module is provided with a positive parabolic cross-section that extends in the height direction of the shockwave generating part. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 In claim 1, the shock wave generating unit is an extracorporeal shock wave therapy device configured to generate and output shock waves by an electromagnetic method.

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