4th generation linear focus type high-intensity focused ultrasound system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a 4th generation linear focus type high-intensity focused ultrasound system using 4th generation linear focus type high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) capable of being selectively used according to a specific part of a human body by forming an element array plate in two stages. The present invention enables focused irradiation by selectively using first and second stages for deep or thin areas according to a specific part of the human body, or by using the first and second stages simultaneously, and enables a detection sensor to operate upon detection so as to provide a sense of security. A hand piece part consisting of a left hand piece and a right hand piece is formed on the outside of a main body, an element array plate having a plurality of piezoelectric elements is arranged inside the light hand piece, and a control part, a first high-intensity focused ultrasonic operation part, a second high-intensity focused ultrasonic operation part, a power supply part, a mounting part, and a display part are arranged inside the main body, wherein the control part controls the operation of a high-voltage generator to generate a high voltage for generating ultrasonic waves when a parameter is input by a user through a touch input part, and this high voltage is transmitted to the piezoelectric elements of the hand piece part to generate ultrasonic waves.

Description

4th generation linear focus high-intensity focused ultrasound system

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-intensity focused ultrasound system, and more particularly, to a 4th generation linear focus type high-intensity focused ultrasound system using 4th generation linear focus type high-intensity focused ultrasound (hereinafter abbreviated as HIFU) in which the element array plate is formed in two stages and can be selectively used according to a specific part of the human body.

[0002] With the advancement of ultrasound therapy, tremendous progress has been made in screening and treating tumors by ultrasound therapy associated with imaging devices such as B-mode ultrasound.

[0003] B-mode ultrasound imaging devices currently used in ultrasound therapy equipment are used to locate and observe tumors prior to ultrasound treatment. These devices perform MRI or CT scans after treatment for a certain period of time to determine whether the required therapeutic radiation dose has been delivered to the target area, whether coagulative necrosis has occurred in the target tissue, and to evaluate the healing effect after treatment.

[0004] In this method, there are many disadvantages because the healing effects are not observed in time and the dose for treatment is controlled only by experience.

[0005] If the radiation dose is insufficient, diseased tissue will not be effectively destroyed, preventing a therapeutic effect. If the radiation dose exceeds the required dose, normal tissue may be destroyed, posing a significant safety risk.

[0006] However, the above conventional technology has problems such as not being able to be selectively used depending on a specific part of the human body, not being able to provide focused treatment to a specific part, and being unstable in case of system malfunction.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the past, and the purpose is to provide a 4th generation linear focus type high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) system using a 4th generation linear focus type high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) that can be selectively used according to a specific part of the human body by forming a two-stage element array plate.

[0008] In addition, when using a deep or thin area depending on a specific part of the human body, it can be used by selecting 1st or 2nd stage, or 1st and 2nd stages can be used simultaneously for focused investigation, and the detection sensor operates upon detection to provide a sense of stability.

[0009] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the 4th generation linear focus type high intensity focused ultrasound system according to the present invention comprises a handpiece part composed of a left handpiece and a right handpiece on the outside of the main body, an element array plate having a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged inside the right handpiece, and a control part, a first high intensity focused ultrasound operating part, a second high intensity focused ultrasound operating part, a power part, a mounting part, and a display part inside the main body, wherein the control part controls the operation of a high voltage generator to generate ultrasound when a parameter is input by a user through a touch input part, and this high voltage is transmitted to the piezoelectric element of the handpiece part to generate ultrasound, and the power part is composed of a noise filter and a SMPS, and AC200V power is supplied and transmitted to the SMPS through a noise filter, and the power supplied to the SMPS is converted to DC24V / 12V / 5V through an internal constant voltage circuit and output, and is supplied as driving power to the control part, the display part (LCD), and each part, and some of the power is It is supplied with a high voltage generator of the mounting part, and the mounting part is composed of a high voltage generator, a handpiece out, and a foot switch, and the handpiece part is mounted on the outside so that the ultrasonic waves generated by the main body are transmitted to the human body, and the display part is composed of a display and a touch input part on the front of the main body, and when a parameter is input by a user through the touch input part, the parameter is transmitted to the control part, and the data transmitted from the control part is displayed on the display.

[0011] Other features and further details of the present invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0012] According to the 4th generation linear focus type high intensity focused ultrasound system of the present invention, the 4th generation linear focus type high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) system, which has a two-stage element array plate and can be selectively used according to a specific part of the human body, provides various effects such as pain relief and reduction of skin diseases, and in particular, has various effects such as being able to irradiate a wide area due to a wide focus size, shortening the irradiation time, excellent durability, and enabling a customized mode for the patient.

[0013] Additionally, when using a deep or thin area depending on a specific part of the human body, it can be used by selecting 1 or 2 stages, or by using 1 and 2 stages simultaneously for focused investigation, and there is another effect of providing a sense of stability by having the detection sensor operate when detected.

[0014] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0015] Figure 1 is a state diagram illustrating the operating principle of the focused ultrasound of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a 4th generation linear focus type high intensity focused ultrasound system according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the internal power supply and control display unit of the main body of Figure 2.

[0018] Figure 4 is a control block diagram showing the operating status of a 4th generation linear focus type high intensity focused ultrasound system according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 is a control block diagram showing a handpiece having a linear structure of another embodiment of the present invention on both sides.

[0020] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a handpiece that generates high-intensity connected ultrasound according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the exterior of Figure 6.

[0022] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Throughout the description of each drawing, similar reference numerals have been used to designate similar components.

[0023] While terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a "first component." The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related items described herein or any of multiple related items described herein.

[0024] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0025] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be understood that the terms “comprise” or “have” in this application are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, movement, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, movements, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0026] The principle of the fourth-generation linear-focused type high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) of the present invention is a cutting-edge technology that utilizes the heat generated when high-intensity ultrasound is focused on a single point in the body. This is similar to the principle of focusing warm sunlight with a magnifying glass to light a fire, allowing the focused ultrasound to easily pass through body tissues. HIFU is widely used in the field of pain relief, where it focuses focused ultrasound energy (HIFU) to break down calcium and regenerate damaged tissue, as well as in regenerative therapy for damaged skin layers. In Korea, HIFU is widely used in orthopedics, neurosurgery, rehabilitation medicine, pain medicine, surgery, and dermatology, but most of the products are expensive imported products.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a state diagram illustrating the operating principle of the focused ultrasound of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the exterior appearance of a high-intensity focused ultrasound system of the fourth-generation linear focus type according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the internal power supply and control display unit of the main body of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a control block diagram for illustrating the operating state of the high-intensity focused ultrasound system of the fourth-generation linear focus type according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a control block diagram illustrating a handpiece having a linear structure of another embodiment of the present invention on both sides. In addition, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a handpiece that generates high-intensity connected ultrasound according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an exterior perspective view of FIG. 6.

[0029] As illustrated in Figure 1, this cutting-edge technology utilizes the heat generated by focusing high-intensity ultrasound waves on a single point within the body. This principle is similar to using a magnifying glass to focus warm sunlight to ignite a fire, allowing focused ultrasound waves to easily penetrate body tissue.

[0030] As illustrated, the fourth-generation linear focus type high-intensity focused ultrasound system according to the present invention comprises a handpiece section (100) composed of a left handpiece (110) and a light handpiece (120) outside a main body (700), and an element array plate (130) having a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged inside the light handpiece (120).

[0031] The above handpiece part (100) is compactly designed with a U-shaped concave inner surface to increase output performance, and approximately 350 piezoelectric elements are arranged in a two-layer structure in two rows in the front and rear on the inner surface.

[0032] We conducted performance tests on piezoelectric elements, conducting in-house experiments on various properties and voltage application. Since high-voltage pulses are used, the function and properties of piezoelectric elements play a crucial role in durability. Therefore, we tested and verified the functions and properties of various domestic and foreign piezoelectric element products, and utilized them in the 4th generation linear-focused type high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) of the present invention.

[0033] The piezoelectric element discharge operation principle of the present invention is that piezoelectric element elements are arranged in a mosaic shape in a container, and are simultaneously activated by a pulse generator, and the shape and pressure of the focused ultrasonic wave or pressure wave are determined according to the shape of the container.

[0034] Piezoelectric elements are simultaneously stimulated with short, high-voltage pulses (5 to 6 kV). Thanks to "direct focus" technology, no additional reflectors are required, allowing for compact designs and providing a precise and refined focus area. With minimal pain and noise, energy and penetration depth can be controlled, improving patient satisfaction.

[0035] The focused ultrasonic U-shaped technology must be designed with a 1-2 layer structure, and the outer structure must be precision machined from stainless steel (SUS 304 material).

[0036] SUS 304 material has excellent chemical and heat resistance, so there is almost no deformation of appearance or color. (SUS 304 contains 8-11% Ni and 18-20% Cr)

[0037] When a short time (0.7~2us) and high voltage (5kV~6kV) pulse is applied to the piezoelectric element, the focused ultrasound is oscillated in a U-shaped structure of 65~70R and is designed to form a focus at a maximum distance of around 60mm from the surface. Each focused ultrasound pulse generated by the piezoelectric element is precisely arranged so that it can be linearly concentrated at a specific point. Through the precise focusing of this pulse, focused ultrasound is generated and formed at the focal point.

[0038] The advantages of the handpiece (100) according to the present invention include a wide and long focal area, pulse control for specific areas of the human body, shortening the time and duration, and high output. Furthermore, while ESWT is limited to pain, high-intensity focused ultrasound can be utilized in various fields, including wound relief and Buerger's disease.

[0039] The main body (700) includes a control unit (200), a first high-intensity focused ultrasonic actuator (310), a second high-intensity focused ultrasonic actuator (320), a power supply unit (400), a mounting unit (500), and a display unit (600).

[0040] The above control unit (200) controls the operation of the high-voltage generator (510) to generate high voltage to generate ultrasonic waves when a parameter is input by the user through the touch input unit (620), and this high voltage is transmitted to the piezoelectric element of the handpiece unit (100) to generate ultrasonic waves.

[0041] In particular, the control unit (200) controls the ultrasound to rapidly rise and then exponentially fall, followed by a short negative pressure, by applying a high-voltage (6 to 7 kV) pulse to the piezoelectric element for a short time (0.7 to 2 μs) in order to effectively generate a 4th generation linear-focused type high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

[0042] This technology requires high control and design skills of the high-voltage generator (510).

[0043] The above control unit (200) selectively controls the first high-intensity focused ultrasonic actuator (310) and the second high-intensity focused ultrasonic actuator (320) to operate high-intensity focused ultrasonic waves. In particular, it is preferable that the control unit (200) control the output so that the maximum pressure is 10 Mpa, the energy density is 0.160 mj / ㎟, the maximum central penetration depth is 20 mm, and the focus size is 46*185*4 mm.

[0044] For this purpose, the control unit (200) is composed of an L / R center switch means (210), a part position setting means (220), a proximity detection sensor operating means (230), and a selection and simultaneous operation means (240).

[0045] The above L / R center switch means (210) selects either the left or right handpiece (110) (120), and the above-mentioned part position setting means (220) sets the positions of body parts such as the shoulder, waist, back, arm, leg, neck, thigh, calf, wrist, and ankle.

[0046] The proximity detection sensor operating means (230) selects a deep or thin area depending on a specific part of the human body through proximity detection.

[0047] The selection and simultaneous operation means (240) selectively operates the first high-intensity focused ultrasonic operating unit (310) and the second high-intensity focused ultrasonic operating unit (320) according to proximity detection by the proximity detection sensor operating means (230) to select output in one stage or two stages, or can be used to perform focused irradiation using the first stage and the second stage simultaneously.

[0048] In particular, it has a feature that provides a sense of stability by operating when the proximity detection sensor operating means (230) detects the detection sensor.

[0049] The power supply unit (400) is composed of a noise filter (410) and an SMPS (420), and AC200V power is supplied and transmitted to the SMPS (420) through the noise filter (410).

[0050] The power supplied to SMPS (420) is converted to DC24V / 12V / 5V through an internal constant voltage circuit and output, and is supplied as driving power to the control unit (200), display unit (LCD) (600), and each unit. In addition, some of the power is supplied to the high voltage generator (510) of the mounting unit (500).

[0051] The mounting part (500) is composed of a high voltage generator (510), a handpiece out (520), and a foot switch (530), and the handpiece part (100) is mounted on the outside.

[0052] The handpiece section (100) transmits ultrasonic waves generated by the main body equipped with the left handpiece (110) and the right handpiece (120) to the human body.

[0053] The display unit (600) is composed of a display (610) and a touch input unit (620) on the front of the main body (700).

[0054] When a parameter is input by the user through the touch input unit (620), the parameter is transmitted to the control unit (200), and the data received from the control unit (200) is displayed on the display (610).

[0055] The embodiments of the present invention described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not encompass all of the technical ideas of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of filing. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims, and such modifications are within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A handpiece section (100) composed of a left handpiece (110) and a light handpiece (120) is formed on the outside of the main body (700), and an element array plate (130) having a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged inside the light handpiece (120) is arranged. The main body (700) includes a control unit (200), a first high-intensity focused ultrasonic actuator (310), a second high-intensity focused ultrasonic actuator (320), a power supply unit (400), a mounting unit (500), and a display unit (600). The above control unit (200) controls the operation of the high-voltage generator (510) to generate high voltage to generate ultrasonic waves when a parameter is input by the user through the touch input unit (620), and this high voltage is transmitted to the piezoelectric element of the handpiece unit (100) to generate ultrasonic waves. The above power supply unit (400) is composed of a noise filter (410) and an SMPS (420), and AC200V power is supplied and transmitted to the SMPS (420) through the noise filter (410), and the power supplied to the SMPS (420) is converted to DC24V / 12V / 5V through an internal constant voltage circuit and output, and is supplied as driving power for the control unit (200), the display unit (LCD) (600), and each unit, and some of the power is supplied to the high voltage generator (510) of the mounting unit (500). The above mounting part (500) is composed of a high-pressure generator (510), a handpiece out (520), and a foot switch (530), and the handpiece part (100) is mounted on the outside so that the ultrasonic waves generated by the main body are transmitted to the human body. The above display unit (600) is composed of a display (610) and a touch input unit (620) on the front of the main body (700), and when a parameter is input by the user through the touch input unit (620), the parameter is transmitted to the control unit (200), and the data received from the control unit (200) is displayed on the display (610). The handpiece part (100) is compactly designed with a U-shaped concave inner surface to increase output performance, and 350 piezoelectric elements are arranged in a two-layer structure with two rows in the front and rear on the inner surface, and when a short time (0.7 to 2 us) and high voltage (5 kV to 6 kV) pulse is applied to the piezoelectric elements, it is designed to form a focus at a maximum distance of around 60 mm from the focused ultrasound surface oscillating from the U-shaped structure of 65 to 70 R. The above control unit (200) is a 4th generation linear focus type high intensity focused ultrasound system characterized in that it generates high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) by applying a high voltage pulse of 6 to 7 kV to a piezoelectric element for a time of 0.7 to 2 μs, so that the ultrasound rapidly rises, then exponentially falls, and then a short negative pressure follows.

2. In claim 1, The above control unit (200) A 4th generation linear focus type high intensity focused ultrasound system characterized in that it operates high intensity focused ultrasound by selectively controlling a first high intensity focused ultrasound operating unit (310) and a second high intensity focused ultrasound operating unit (320), and the control unit (200) controls the output so that the maximum pressure is 10Mpa, the energy density is 0.160mj / ㎟, the maximum central penetration depth is 20mm, and the focus size is 46*185*4mm.

3. In claim 1, The above control unit (200) L / R center switch means (210) for selecting either the left or right handpiece (110)(120), a part position setting means (220) for setting the position of body parts such as shoulder, waist, back, arm, leg, neck, thigh, calf, wrist, and ankle, A 4th generation linear focus type high intensity focused ultrasound system characterized by including a proximity detection sensor operating means (230) for selecting a deep or thin area depending on a specific area through proximity detection, and a selection and simultaneous operation means (240) for selectively operating the first high intensity focused ultrasonic operating unit (310) and the second high intensity focused ultrasonic operating unit (320) according to proximity detection of the proximity detection sensor operating means (230) to select output in one stage or two stages and use them, or for focused irradiation using the first stage and the second stage simultaneously.

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