Focused ultrasound procedure device and operation method thereof

Abstract

A focused ultrasound procedure device according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUT), each of which includes a plurality of elements; a calculation unit that calculates an output depth for outputting high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on the basis of a real-time ultrasound image provided according to ultrasound for image acquisition, the ultrasound for image acquisition being output by a first element that is at least one of the plurality of elements; and a control unit that controls the first element to output the ultrasound for image acquisition and controls a second element, which is at least one of the plurality of elements, to output the high-intensity focused ultrasound on the basis of the output depth. Accordingly, the output depth can be set to be suitable for the skin thickness of each subject of the procedure, and can be changed without replacing components or modules.

Description

Focused ultrasound treatment device and its operating method

[0001] The present invention relates to a focused ultrasound treatment device and an operating method thereof.

[0002] Focused ultrasound treatment using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a treatment that burns and destroys tissue by utilizing the heat generated at the focus when high-intensity ultrasound energy output through a capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (CMUT) housed inside the treatment device is focused on one spot. It is widely used not only for the treatment of diseases but also for skin treatments that induce skin regeneration and improve wrinkles.

[0003] Focused ultrasound therapy stimulates the skin and promotes regeneration by focusing on the dermis and subcutaneous tissue within the epidermis of the recipient. This skin treatment is known to be effective when the depth of the focus formed within the skin is varied, for example, at 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, or 4.5 mm.

[0004] These skin treatments are typically performed by specialized personnel and specialized medical equipment, as miniaturization is difficult due to issues such as precise depth control and high-voltage control. In particular, to vary the depth of focus, the procedure typically involves replacing the probe at each focal depth.

[0005] However, since the thickness of the inner layers of the epidermis varies depending on the physical characteristics of the subject, there is the inconvenience of having to replace the probe each time to change the depth of focus when performing the procedure in the conventional manner.

[0006] (Patent Document 1) KR10-2137728 B1 (Registered on July 20, 2020)

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a focused ultrasound treatment device and an operating method thereof for calculating an output depth for outputting high-intensity focused ultrasound based on a real-time ultrasound image provided according to an ultrasound for image acquisition.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a focused ultrasound treatment device and an operating method thereof capable of varying the output depth without replacing separate parts or modules by outputting high-intensity focused ultrasound based on the calculated output depth.

[0009] However, the technical tasks that this embodiment seeks to accomplish are not limited to the technical tasks described above, and other technical tasks may exist.

[0010] As a means for achieving the above-described technical task, a focused ultrasound treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers (CMUTs), each of which includes a plurality of elements; a calculation unit that calculates an output depth for outputting high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) based on a real-time ultrasound image provided according to an ultrasound for image acquisition output by at least one first element among the plurality of elements; and a control unit that controls the first element to output the ultrasound for image acquisition and controls the second element, which is at least one of the plurality of elements, to output the high-intensity focused ultrasound based on the output depth.

[0011] In one embodiment, the capacitive micromachined transducer may further include an input unit that receives a first output operation for outputting the image acquisition ultrasound, receives a focal length acquired based on the real-time ultrasound image provided as the image acquisition ultrasound is output, and receives a second output operation for outputting the high-intensity focused ultrasound, the capacitive micromachined transducer.

[0012] In one embodiment, the control unit can control the first element to output the image acquisition ultrasound when the input unit receives the first output operation, and can control the second element to output the high-intensity focused ultrasound when the input unit receives the second output operation.

[0013] In one embodiment, the capacitive micromachining transducers may be arranged in series such that each of the plurality of capacitive micromachining transducers overlaps by a predetermined horizontal distance.

[0014] In one embodiment, each capacitive micromachining transducer may include a first element disposed at a central location and a plurality of second elements having different circumferences about the first element.

[0015] In one embodiment, the calculation unit can calculate an output depth for the second element to output the high-intensity focused ultrasound using at least one of the focal length, the reference frequency, the radius of the capacitive micromachined transducer, the length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer to the inner edge of the second element, the length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer to the center of the second element, and the length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer to the outer edge of the second element.

[0016] A method for operating a focused ultrasound treatment device according to another aspect of the present invention may include: a step of allowing at least one first element among a plurality of elements included in each of a plurality of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) to output ultrasound for image acquisition; a step of calculating an output depth for outputting high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) based on a real-time ultrasound image provided as the ultrasound for image acquisition is output; and a step of allowing at least one second element among the plurality of elements to output the high-intensity focused ultrasound based on the output depth.

[0017] In one embodiment, the method may further include: a step of receiving a first output operation for the capacitive micromachined transducer to output the image acquisition ultrasound; a step of receiving a focal length acquired based on the real-time ultrasound image provided as the image acquisition ultrasound is output; and a step of receiving a second output operation for the capacitive micromachined transducer to output the high-intensity focused ultrasound.

[0018] In one embodiment, the step of outputting the ultrasound for image acquisition may include a step in which the first element outputs the ultrasound for image acquisition when the first output operation is input, and the step of outputting the high-intensity focused ultrasound may include a step in which the second element outputs the high-intensity focused ultrasound when the second output operation is input.

[0019] In one embodiment, the capacitive micromachining transducers may be arranged in series such that each of the plurality of capacitive micromachining transducers overlaps by a predetermined horizontal distance.

[0020] In one embodiment, each capacitive micromachining transducer may include a first element disposed at a central location and a plurality of second elements having different circumferences about the first element.

[0021] In one embodiment, the calculating step may include calculating an output depth for the second element to output the high-intensity focused ultrasound using at least one of the focal length, the reference frequency, the radius of the capacitive micromachined transducer, the length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer to the inner edge of the second element, the length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer to the center of the second element, and the length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer to the outer edge of the second element.

[0022] The above-described problem-solving methods are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments described above, additional embodiments may exist, as described in the drawings and detailed description of the invention.

[0023] According to the present invention constituted by the solution described above, the following effects are achieved.

[0024] The focused ultrasound treatment device according to the present invention calculates the output depth for outputting high-intensity focused ultrasound by checking the real-time ultrasound image provided according to the ultrasound for image acquisition, so that the output depth of the high-intensity focused ultrasound can be set to suit the skin thickness of each subject.

[0025] In addition, since the output depth calculated based on real-time ultrasound images can be immediately reflected even if the thickness of the skin layer varies depending on the treatment area, the step of replacing parts or modules to change the output depth is omitted, enabling rapid treatment, and high-intensity focused ultrasound can be accurately output at the output depth with the highest treatment effect.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a focused ultrasound treatment device according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the focused ultrasound treatment device illustrated in Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a focused ultrasound treatment device according to the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a capacitive micro-machined transducer and a plurality of elements according to the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure in which a plurality of capacitive micro-machining transducers according to the present invention are arranged in series so that they overlap each other by a predetermined horizontal distance.

[0031] Figure 6a is a diagram illustrating a concept for calculating output depth according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6b is a diagram illustrating a concept for calculating output depth according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a focused ultrasound treatment device according to the present invention.

[0034] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, irrelevant parts have been omitted for clarity of description, and similar reference numerals have been used throughout the specification to indicate similar elements.

[0035] Throughout the specification, when it is said that a part "includes" a component, unless otherwise specifically stated, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included. Furthermore, throughout the specification, when it is said that a part is "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected, but also cases where they are connected via another component, and cases where other elements are electrically connected between them. Furthermore, throughout the specification, when it is said that a part is located "on" another part, this includes not only cases where a part is in contact with another part, but also cases where another component exists between the two parts.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a focused ultrasound treatment device (10) according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a drawing schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the focused ultrasound treatment device (10) illustrated in FIG. 1. Hereinafter, the external appearance, internal configuration, and corresponding functions of the focused ultrasound treatment device (10) according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a focused ultrasound treatment device (10) according to the present invention includes a housing (100), a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) (200), an output unit (300), a control unit (400), and an input unit (500). In addition, the focused ultrasound treatment device (10) according to the present invention may further include a power supply unit (600) and a charging cradle (700).

[0038] The housing (100) forms the exterior of the focused ultrasound treatment device (10) and may largely include a main body (110) and a head (120). An input unit (500) for inputting output operations may be formed on one external side of the main body (110).

[0039] The input unit (500) may include a first input unit (510) that can input an output operation for the capacitive micro-machined transducer (200) to output ultrasound or high-intensity focused ultrasound for image acquisition, and a second input unit (520) that can input a focal length according to a real-time ultrasound image by a user (operator).

[0040] In another embodiment, the second input unit (520) may be omitted. In this case, the focused ultrasound treatment device (10) may communicate with an external device (e.g., an ultrasound image analysis device, etc.) connected via wired / wireless communication, and may input or receive a focal length input to the external device via wired / wireless communication.

[0041] Meanwhile, the power supply unit (600) may be provided within the main body (110) of the housing (100) and may be formed of a rechargeable secondary battery. In addition, the charging cradle (700) may be formed to be detachable from the housing (100) and to charge the power supply unit (600) when the housing (100) is coupled.

[0042] The main body (110) may house a generating unit (300), a control unit (400), and a power supply unit (600). The generating unit (300) may calculate an output depth for the capacitive micro-machined transducer (200) to output high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) based on a focal length input through the input unit (500). A description thereof will be given later with reference to the drawings below.

[0043] The control unit (400) is electrically connected to the input unit (500) and can acquire the output manipulation and focal distance input through the input unit (500). The control unit (400) can control a plurality of capacitive micro-machined transducers (200) to output ultrasound for image acquisition or high-intensity focused ultrasound based on the output depth.

[0044] A plurality of capacitive micro-machined transducers (200) can be accommodated in the head portion (120). The capacitive micro-machined transducer (200) was developed to improve the operating frequency range and bandwidth of a general ultrasonic transducer, and is basically a type of ultrasonic transducer (or ultrasonic probe) that converts an electrical signal into an ultrasonic signal and outputs it, or converts an ultrasonic signal into an electrical signal and receives it as input.

[0045] Each of the plurality of capacitive micro-machined transducers (200) includes a plurality of elements (210) and can output ultrasound for image acquisition or high-intensity focused ultrasound toward the skin of the subject according to the output control of the control unit (400).

[0046] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the focused ultrasound treatment device (10) and configurations according to the present invention will be described.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a focused ultrasound treatment device according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a capacitive micromachining transducer (200) and a plurality of elements (210) according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a structure in which a plurality of capacitive micromachining transducers (200) according to the present invention are arranged in series so that they overlap each other by a preset horizontal distance, and FIG. 6a is a diagram illustrating a concept for calculating an output depth according to the present invention, and FIG. 6b is a diagram illustrating a concept for calculating an output depth according to the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3, the control unit (400) can control the capacitive micro-machined transducer (200) to output ultrasound for image acquisition based on the first output operation received through the input unit (500).

[0049] First, referring to FIG. 4 for the capacitive micro-machined transducer (200), the capacitive micro-machined transducer (200) according to one embodiment may be configured to include one first element (211) that outputs ultrasound for image acquisition among a plurality of elements (210) and eight second elements (212) that output high-intensity focused ultrasound.

[0050] The first element (211) may be placed at the center of each capacitive micro-machining transducer (200), and the second element (212) may be one or more elements among a plurality of elements (210) having different circumferences centered around the first element (211).

[0051] The first element (211) and one or more second elements (212) are configured so that a control circuit is independently connected to each of them, so that the output operation can be independently controlled by the control of the control unit (400).

[0052] Additionally, referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of capacitive micro-machined transducers (200) may be arranged in a serial structure so that they overlap each other by a predetermined horizontal distance (e.g., 1 mm). For example, through integration using a semiconductor process, a plurality of capacitive micro-machined transducers (200) may be manufactured so that they overlap each other by a predetermined horizontal distance.

[0053] A plurality of capacitive micro-processing transducers (200) can sequentially perform ultrasonic output operations under the control of the control unit (400).

[0054] Referring again to FIG. 3, the control unit (400) can control the first element (211) to output ultrasound for image acquisition based on the first output operation received through the input unit (500).

[0055] While the ultrasound for image acquisition is output, a real-time ultrasound image can be provided to an external device connected wired or wirelessly to the focused ultrasound treatment device. When the real-time ultrasound image is provided to the user through the external device, the input unit (500) can receive from the user a focal length representing the distance from the epidermis of the subject to be treated to an internal point of the skin where the high-intensity focused ultrasound is to reach through the real-time ultrasound image. The focal length can mean, for example, a distance set by the user to output high-intensity focused ultrasound to the ultrasound treatment area by assuming the skin thickness of the subject to be treated for optimal treatment of the subject's skin.

[0056] The output unit (300) can calculate an output depth for each of the second elements (212) among one or more second elements (212) to output high-intensity focused ultrasound when a focal length is input. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B together.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, the output unit (300) has a focal length F, a reference frequency (e.g., 7 MHz) according to the ultrasonic output operation of the second element (212), a radius R of the capacitive micromachining transducer (200), and a length r from the center of the capacitive micromachining transducer (200) to the inner edge of the second element (212) located at the ith position. i , the length r from the center of the capacitive micro-machined transducer (200) to the outer edge of the second element (212) located at the i-th position i+1 And the length from the center of the capacitive micromachining transducer (200) to the center of the second element (212) located at the ith position (i.e., the length r from the center of the capacitive micromachining transducer (200) to the center of the second element (212) located between the inner edge and the outer edge of the second element (212) located at the ith position c,i The output depth d for the i-th second element (212) to output high-intensity focused ultrasound using at least one of i can be produced.

[0058] Output depth d i can represent a depth value for the i-th second element (212) to output high-intensity focused ultrasound at a point corresponding to the focal distance. The point according to the focal distance input by the user and the point where the high-intensity focused ultrasound of one or more i-th second elements (212) is actually output are different depending on the position of the i-th second element (212), so the output depth d i A process to produce it is required.

[0059] Below, referring to the mathematical formula, the output unit (300) outputs the depth d i Let us explain how to produce it.

[0060] Referring to the mathematical expression 1 below, the output unit (300) is a length r from the center of the capacitive micro-machining transducer (200) to the inner edge of the i-th second element (212). i can be produced.

[0061]

[0062] Next, referring to the mathematical expression 2 below, the output unit (300) is a length r from the center of the capacitive micro-machining transducer (200) to the center of the i-th second element (212). c,i can be produced.

[0063]

[0064] Afterwards, referring to the mathematical expression 3 below, the output unit (300) is a length r from the center of the capacitive micro-machining transducer (200) to the center of the i-th second element (212). c,i And the output depth d of the i-th second element (212) using the focal length F input by the user i can be produced.

[0065]

[0066] Accordingly, the control unit (400) outputs the depth d of the output produced through the production unit (300). i And based on the second output operation, the second element (212) can be controlled to output high-intensity focused ultrasound. The focused ultrasound treatment device outputs an output depth d calculated based on the focal distance input by the user. i It can output high-intensity focused ultrasound to the corresponding point.

[0067] In this way, since the output depth for outputting high-intensity focused ultrasound is calculated based on the focal length according to the ultrasound for image acquisition, the output depth of the high-intensity focused ultrasound can be set to suit the skin thickness of each subject.

[0068] In addition, since the output depth calculated based on real-time ultrasound images can be immediately reflected, the step of replacing parts or modules to change the output depth is omitted, enabling rapid treatment and enabling accurate output to the area where the treatment effect is highest.

[0069] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) can control the phase of each of the one or more second elements (212) to output high-intensity focused ultrasound, and can control the time difference for the output operation of the one or more second elements (212) through the phase control.

[0070] For example, one or more second elements (212) may have different phases in the order in which they are arranged on the capacitive micromachined transducer (200) (e.g., in the order in which they are arranged with respect to the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer (200).

[0071] Accordingly, when each of one or more second elements (212) has a different phase, each of one or more second elements (212) generates a time difference in the ultrasonic output operation. When each of one or more second elements (212) outputs high-intensity focused ultrasound with a time difference, there is an advantage in the ultrasonic treatment treatment effect.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the control unit (400) may acquire the phase of one or more second elements (212) and, based on the acquired phase, calculate the time difference of each of the one or more second elements (212) through the calculation unit (300). The control unit (400) may control the high-intensity focused ultrasound output operation of one or more second elements (212) by using the time difference of each of the one or more second elements (212).

[0073] Specifically, the time difference of each of the one or more second elements (212) can be calculated according to a calculation formula such as (phase * period) / 360°.

[0074] According to the above-described embodiments, the control unit (400) controls one or more second elements (212) in the serially arranged capacitive micro-machined transducers (200) to sequentially output high-intensity focused ultrasound with a time difference through phase control, thereby accurately and uniformly outputting ultrasound to an area corresponding to the treatment site.

[0075] Meanwhile, those skilled in the art will fully understand that the capacitive micro-machined transducer (200), output unit (300), control unit (400), input unit (500), and power supply unit (600) may be implemented separately, or one or more of them may be implemented integrated.

[0076] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating each step of the operation method of the focused ultrasound treatment device according to the present invention.

[0077] The method of operating a focused ultrasound treatment device performed in the focused ultrasound treatment device illustrated in FIG. 7 includes steps sequentially processed by the focused ultrasound treatment device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. Therefore, even if the content is omitted below, it also applies to the method of operating a focused ultrasound treatment device performed in the focused ultrasound treatment device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 7, in step S10, the focused ultrasound treatment device can output ultrasound for image acquisition by a first element (211), which is at least one of a plurality of elements (210) included in each of a plurality of capacitive micro-machined transducers (200).

[0079] In step S20, the focused ultrasound treatment device can calculate an output depth for outputting high-intensity focused ultrasound based on a real-time ultrasound image provided as the ultrasound for image acquisition is output. In step S20, the focused ultrasound treatment device can further perform a step of receiving a focal length acquired based on the real-time ultrasound image provided as the ultrasound for image acquisition is output.

[0080] In step S30, the focused ultrasound treatment device may output high-intensity focused ultrasound based on the output depth of the second element (212), which is at least one of the plurality of elements (210). Before step S30 is performed, the focused ultrasound treatment device may include a step of inputting a second output operation for the capacitive micromachined transducer (200) to output high-intensity focused ultrasound, and a step of the second element (212) outputting the high-intensity focused ultrasound when the second output operation is input.

[0081] Additionally, the focused ultrasound treatment device can perform, prior to step S10, a step of inputting a first output operation for the capacitive micromachined transducer (200) to output ultrasound for image acquisition, and a step of outputting the ultrasound for image acquisition when the first output operation is input, by the first element (211).

[0082] In addition, in step S20, the focused ultrasound treatment device may perform a step of calculating an output depth for the second element (212) to output high-intensity focused ultrasound by using at least one of a focal length, a reference frequency, a radius of the capacitive micromachined transducer (200), a length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer (200) to the inner edge of the second element (212), a length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer (200) to reach the center of the second element (212), and a length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer (200) to the outer edge of the second element (212).

[0083] In the above description, steps S10 to S30 may be further divided into additional steps or combined into fewer steps, depending on the implementation of the present invention. Furthermore, some steps may be omitted as needed, and the order of steps may be changed.

[0084] The description of the present invention described above is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that modifications can be made to other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single entity may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0085] In addition, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In the focused ultrasound treatment device, A plurality of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs), each comprising a plurality of elements; A calculation unit for calculating an output depth for outputting high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) based on a real-time ultrasound image provided according to an ultrasound for image acquisition output by a first element, which is at least one of the plurality of elements; and A control unit that controls the first element to output the image acquisition ultrasound and controls the second element, which is at least one of the plurality of elements, to output the high-intensity focused ultrasound based on the output depth; A focused ultrasound treatment device comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, An input unit for receiving a first output operation for the capacitive micro-machined transducer to output the image acquisition ultrasound, for receiving a focal length acquired based on the real-time ultrasound image provided as the image acquisition ultrasound is output, and for receiving a second output operation for the capacitive micro-machined transducer to output the high-intensity focused ultrasound; A focused ultrasound treatment device further comprising:

3. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, When the input unit receives the first output operation, the first element is controlled to output the ultrasound for image acquisition, A focused ultrasound treatment device that controls the second element to output the high-intensity focused ultrasound when the input unit receives the second output operation.

4. In paragraph 1, A focused ultrasound treatment device, wherein the capacitive micromachining transducers are arranged in series so that each of the plurality of capacitive micromachining transducers overlaps by a predetermined horizontal distance.

5. In paragraph 1, A focused ultrasound treatment device, wherein each capacitive micromachining transducer comprises a first element disposed at a center thereof and a plurality of second elements having different circumferences centered around the first element.

6. In paragraph 2, The above output section A focused ultrasound treatment device that calculates an output depth for the second element to output the high-intensity focused ultrasound by using at least one of the focal length, the reference frequency, the radius of the capacitive micromachined transducer, the length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer to the inner edge of the second element, the length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer to the outer edge of the second element, and the length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer to reach the center of the second element.

7. In the operating method of the focused ultrasound treatment device, A step of outputting ultrasound for image acquisition by a first element, which is at least one of a plurality of elements included in each of a plurality of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs); A step of calculating an output depth for outputting high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) based on a real-time ultrasound image provided as the ultrasound for image acquisition is output; and A step of outputting the high-intensity focused ultrasound based on the output depth by a second element, which is at least one of the plurality of elements; A method of operating a focused ultrasound treatment device, comprising:

8. In paragraph 7, A step of inputting a first output operation for outputting the ultrasound for image acquisition to the capacitive micro-machined transducer; A step of receiving a focal length obtained based on the real-time ultrasound image provided as the ultrasound for image acquisition is output; and A step of inputting a second output operation for the capacitive micro-machined transducer to output the high-intensity focused ultrasound; A method of operating a focused ultrasound treatment device, further comprising:

9. In paragraph 8, The step of outputting the ultrasound for image acquisition is When the first output operation is input, the first element includes a step of outputting the ultrasound for image acquisition, The step of outputting the above high-intensity focused ultrasound is A method of operating a focused ultrasound treatment device, comprising a step of the second element outputting the high-intensity focused ultrasound when the second output operation is input.

10. In paragraph 7, A method of operating a focused ultrasound treatment device, wherein the capacitive micromachining transducers are arranged in series so that each of the plurality of capacitive micromachining transducers overlaps by a predetermined horizontal distance.

11. In paragraph 8, A method of operating a focused ultrasound treatment device, wherein each capacitive micromachining transducer comprises a first element disposed at a center thereof and a plurality of second elements having different circumferences centered around the first element.

12. In paragraph 8, The above calculation steps are A method of operating a focused ultrasound treatment device, comprising: calculating an output depth for the second element to output the high-intensity focused ultrasound using at least one of the focal length, the reference frequency, the radius of the capacitive micromachined transducer, the length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer to the inner edge of the second element, the length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer to the center of the second element, and the length from the center of the capacitive micromachined transducer to the outer edge of the second element.

Images