Therapeutic ultrasound device and interchangeable head for same

Abstract

The present invention relates to ultrasound devices and interchangeable ultrasound heads for said device that allow the ultrasound heads to be interchanged to apply therapeutic treatment in various areas. In particular, the present invention relates to an interchangeable head for an ultrasound apparatus comprising: a head holder configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer comprising a piezoelectric material arranged in a metal container; a coupling unit configured to balance the impedances of the ultrasonic transducer; and a contact connector arranged for interconnecting the coupling unit and an ultrasound apparatus. The ultrasonic transducer operates at a frequency selected between approximately 0.8 MHz and 3 MHz, and the head emits ultrasonic energy with an effective intensity from approximately 0.1 W / cm2 to 2.5 W / cm2 with the aim of improving the quality of life of people with rheumatism such as soft tissue rheumatism and osteoarthritis. The present invention further relates to an ultrasound device comprising: a housing; an interconnection unit; a power and control system; and a power unit, wherein the interconnection unit is configured to receive an interchangeable head.

Description

THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND DEVICE AND INTERCHANGEABLE HEAD FOR IT: I Technical sector

[0001] The present invention relates to heads for ultrasound devices and, specifically, to interchangeable heads for portable ultrasound devices in the application of physical therapy. Background of the invention

[0002] One of the most common joint diseases is osteoarthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or arthrosis. It generally affects older people, with nearly 70% being adults over 70 years of age, according to data reported by the Ministry of Health. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease characterized by cartilage deterioration, which causes proliferative reactions in the subchondral bone and inflammation of the synovial membrane (synovitis). It is also associated with thickening and sclerosis of the subchondral bone, osteophyte formation at the joint margin, distension of the joint capsule, changes in the periarticular soft tissues, and a large number of comorbidities such as soft tissue rheumatism. The development of osteoarthritis is due to a possible family history, obesity, or previous joint injuries.It can occur in any joint, however, the most common involvement occurs in the joint groups of the hands, shoulders, knees, hips, and spine.

[0003] There is currently no definitive cure for osteoarthritis, however, its symptoms can be controlled by administering analgesics and anti-inflammatories, developing controlled physical activity, heat and cold therapy on the joint, sufficient rest, physical therapy that helps reduce inflammation and joint pain, improve muscle strength, joint movement and slow the progression of the disease to provide a better quality of life for people with rheumatism such as soft tissue rheumatism and osteoarthritis.

[0004] In this sense, therapeutic ultrasound is the physical agent that best heats the interior of a joint, where the continuous emission produces a thermal effect, raising the temperature in a localized and deep manner, obtaining better results in collagen-rich tissues such as tendons, muscles, ligaments, joint capsules, meniscus, muscle fascia, nerve roots, periosteum, and subchondral bone. Hyperthermia, that is, the abnormal increase in temperature of a body area, intentionally generated by ultrasound treatment, produces an increase in blood circulation in the treated area due to the thermal effect and the release of vasodilatory substances. As a consequence of the heat and agitation, the activation of local metabolism is favored, producing an increase in the permeability of cell membranes.

[0005] Ultrasound treatment, combined with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, provides multiple benefits for soft tissue rheumatism. It activates the anti-inflammatory process, accelerating the course of its physiological phases, thereby achieving faster recovery of injured tissue and increasing the permeability and elasticity of superficial tissues. Its objective is to increase local blood flow, thereby promoting healing, tissue remodeling, and reducing edema.

[0006] Referring to the physical principle of ultrasound, basically sound is a set of mechanical energy waves generated by the vibration of an element that, when vibrating, generates pressure variations that propagate through an elastic transmission medium, such as air or water. Depending on the vibration frequency, the tone of the sounds is determined, these are classified into three types: for the frequency range between 0 Hz and 20 Hz, there are infrasounds; for the range 20 Hz to 20 KHz there is sound (waves perceptible by the human ear); and for the range 20 KHz to 1 GHz, there is ultrasound. Of which, the range of 0.8 MHz to 3 MHz are the ultrasound frequencies used in contact physiotherapy. Specifically, the 1 MHz frequency is commonly used to treat deeper tissues, while the 3 MHz frequency is used for more superficial areas. Different frequency ranges are implemented in other areas. in medicine and cosmetics. For example, 3 MHz, 7 MHz, and 10 MHz are used in beauty and cancer treatment.

[0007] To generate ultrasound, piezoelectric transducers are used, which transform an alternating electric current into mechanical vibration. For systems that require frequency variation, such as HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) systems, a plurality of transducers or cartridges are required to reach different depths. Specifically, for the present invention, frequency variation is not required, in addition to necessarily having a resonant metal container attached.

[0008] The transducer is attached to a resonant metal container (head), commonly made of stainless steel or aluminum, which is used to apply, focus, and direct the ultrasound waves. Furthermore, the head is the part that comes into direct contact with the skin (transmission medium) to deliver the therapeutic ultrasound. It is important to mention that, within the head, there is a region where the transmission of the ultrasound waves is concentrated, known as the effective area. This region can vary depending on the transducer used, as well as the characteristics of the head, impacting the effectiveness of the therapy.

[0009] Because osteoarthritis and rheumatic pain can develop in any joint, the effectiveness of ultrasound physiotherapy depends directly on the optimal incidence of ultrasound energy on the skin and the area being treated. Therefore, different sizes of ultrasound heads must be used depending on the area being treated. The manufacturing method of each head, the materials it is made of, the dimensions of the contact area, among others, define the physical characteristics of each transducer, for example: the coupling factor, the resonant frequencies, the capacitance and impedance of the head, to name a few.The physical characteristics of each ultrasound head directly impact the design of the electrical circuit for ultrasound generation in therapeutic ultrasound equipment. This is because the electrical circuits that generate the electric current are tuned to maximize efficiency in ultrasonic energy generation, that is, to emit the greatest amount of energy while avoiding electrical losses.

[0010] Ultrasound equipment designed for therapeutic use in the field of contact physiotherapy can be classified into two types: station-based and portable. Station-based therapeutic ultrasound equipment is a specialized system that offers a wide range of functions, including therapy assistance, a wide range of available powers and frequencies, and a variety of head types and therapy applicators, all of which are wired to a station. These station-based devices require a fixed location. Their implementation requires specific training for medical personnel, and the use of the heads is made inefficient by the number of wired connections, one per head. Portable therapeutic ultrasound equipment, on the other hand, is lighter and relatively easy to transport.This type of device can operate wired, wireless, or a combination of both. They offer a single level of effective intensity and specific frequency. Furthermore, their intuitive user interface requires no specialized training, meaning the patient can apply the therapy themselves.

[0011] The availability of implementing different types of heads for the application of ultrasound therapy is found in station-type ultrasound equipment, due to the consumption of direct electric current, greater availability of space for the implementation of sophisticated electronic circuits for the generation of ultrasonic energy at different intensities with different frequencies, as well as the structural availability of the equipment to support the applicator heads.The opposite is true for portable equipment. It has not been possible to implement different types of applicator heads because the electrical circuits are designed for a single type of head. That is, the coupling of the excitation current-generating circuit is specifically tuned for a single type of ultrasonic head. The range of variations in the physical manufacturing characteristics must be minimal and must be considered within the design of the electrical circuit. Otherwise, there will be significant losses of electrical energy and high variability in the effective intensity emitted by the ultrasonic equipment.

[0012] Among the equipment known in the state of the art, patent document EP2131744A2 describes a transducer that offers various features and operating parameters to expand or extend the type of transducers that a user can connect to the medical system. The interchangeable transducer has a generally rigid and hollow housing; the housing has two open ends, one adapted to mount a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducer, and the other end has an insulation layer and electrical connection for the electrical signal and power communication with the HIFU medical system. However, this document does not refer to a device that can be portable; on the contrary, it shows a device that uses an articulated arm, with the head being the only portable element, which is applied to a station equipment, in addition to applying high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

[0013] On the other hand, patent document WO202219381 A1 discloses a series of removable cartridges that emit HIFU and radiofrequency (RF), as well as the control of ultrasonic waves and the control of radio frequencies, where the device may include several sensors, control algorithms, circuits, devices, etc., to individually perform a HIFU function and an RF function, that is, the objective is to couple in a single device, an ultrasound signal and an RF signal.Regarding high-intensity focused ultrasound, this consists of the application of a high-frequency, high-energy ultrasound beam to produce cellular destruction or necrosis of the target cells by raising the temperature between 55-100 ° C (thermal ablation); in contrast, the interchangeable head and ultrasound device of the present invention does not contemplate ultrasound and RF coupling, instead, it provides contact physiotherapy through high-frequency sound waves (1 MHz), which penetrate the tissue (3-4 cm) to reduce pain, generate heat, increase the permeability of the cell membrane and muscle relaxation, no type of RF coupling is required.

[0014] Similarly, patent document US20230008673 describes a cartridge housing unit that allows movement of a transducer, but does not allow it to be exchanged for a different transducer, In addition, high-intensity focused ultrasound is also used in this document.

[0015] Additionally, patent document EP3013420A1 describes a wearable ultrasound device that includes a power controller with a power source and at least one integrated circuit that delivers electrical power to an applicator coupled to a surface of the applicator, which transmits ultrasound to the wearer for a specified duration. However, this document does not describe the possibility of interchanging the transducer heads, such that the applied therapy is restricted to the characteristics of the head provided with the device.

[0016] Likewise, patent document CN107684672 describes an ultrasonic massage probe comprising a housing with a container cavity, a processor arranged in the container cavity and a focused ultrasonic assembly arranged in the container cavity and electrically connected to the processor, in which the focused ultrasonic assembly comprises a plurality of ultrasonic elements that surround a central axis of the housing and are distributed obliquely towards the center of the lower part of the housing at the same angle. However, in this document only the use of one transducer in each head is observed, without suggesting at any time that the head may be interchangeable.

[0017] Another known precedent is patent document CN 2726638, which discloses a portable device intended to treat bone fractures; however, the effective intensity employed is much higher than that required for the treatment of osteoarthritis and does not include interchangeable heads.

[0018] Derived from the above, there remains a need to provide a solution that allows the use of a therapeutic ultrasound device for the treatment of osteoarthritis, which is portable, and that allows the application of different head options to treat various areas in the manner performed in station ultrasound systems, allowing for more effective, but portable and ergonomic, since these types of diseases affect the patient's mobility. Objects of the invention

[0019] It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasound device that allows for improved application for the treatment of osteoarthritis by using various heads with different types of resonant metal containers that apply, focus and direct the ultrasonic wave more efficiently according to the area of ​​application.

[0020] It is another object of the present invention to have specific control parameters according to the connected head and area to be treated.

[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide an ultrasound device that is not limited by the shape, dimension or material of the head.

[0022] It is also an object of the invention to provide an ergonomic ultrasound device focused on people with rheumatic conditions.

[0023] It is yet another object of the invention to provide an ultrasound device that allows quick connection / disconnection of the head. Brief description of the invention

[0024] The present invention relates to interchangeable heads for portable ultrasound devices intended for the application of physical therapy, in continuous or pulsatile mode. Continuous mode is applied when the tissues to be treated are deep, especially in soft tissue rheumatism such as muscle, tendon, joint, perarticular, or ligament injuries due to its anti-inflammatory effect, while pulsatile mode is used in the treatment of acute and inflammatory processes or bone diseases such as osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-edematous effect.

[0025] One aspect of the present invention describes an interchangeable head for an ultrasound device comprising: a) a head holder configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer comprising a piezoelectric material disposed in a metallic container; b) a coupling unit; c) a contact connector arranged for interconnection of the coupling unit with an ultrasonic device; wherein the ultrasonic transducer operates at a frequency selected between approximately 0.8 MHz and 3 MHz, and wherein the head allows ultrasonic energy to be emitted with an effective intensity from approximately 0.1 W / cm2 to approximately 2.5 W / cm2.

[0026] In another aspect of the present invention, a portable ultrasound device is described, comprising: a housing; an interconnection unit; a processing system and power unit; and a power unit, wherein the interconnection unit is configured to receive an interchangeable head as described in the preceding paragraph. Brief description of the figures

[0027] The novel aspects of the present invention will be set forth with particularity in the claims. However, certain embodiments, features, and advantages thereof will be better understood in the detailed description set forth below, when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. 1

[0028] [Fig.1] Figure 1 illustrates an ultrasound device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.2

[0029] [Fig.2] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of an ultrasound device together with three different interchangeable heads in accordance with the present invention. Fig.3

[0030] [Fig.3] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of an interchangeable head in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.4

[0031] [Fig.4] Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of an ultrasound device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0032] The present invention is described below with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used for like elements throughout. In the following description, various specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation in order to provide a complete understanding of the invention. However, it is evident that the invention can be practiced without the need for such specific details. Various embodiments of the invention are discussed below. It should be noted that the figures are described for the sole purpose of facilitating an understanding of the description of the embodiments and are in no way intended to provide an exhaustive description of the invention or to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, an illustrated embodiment does not necessarily encompass all of the aspects or advantages shown.Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described in the different embodiments of this description may be combined and fall within the scope thereof.

[0033] As used herein, the term “approximately” refers to an average value that, due to the nature of the techniques used for its measurement, may vary. For example, a frequency, power, etc., is understood to encompass, for example, variations of ±20% or ±10%, in another example ±5%, in another example ±1%, and in another example ±0.1% of the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate for performing the disclosed method.

[0034] The term “effective intensity” refers to the power output per radiating surface.

[0035] Referring to the present invention, an interchangeable head for an ultrasound device is presented, comprising: a) a head holder configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer comprising a piezoelectric material arranged in a metallic container; b) a coupling unit; and c) a contact connector arranged for interconnection of the coupling unit with an ultrasonic device; wherein the ultrasonic transducer operates at a frequency selected between approximately 0.8 MHz and 3 MHz, and wherein the head allows ultrasonic energy to be emitted with an effective intensity from approximately 0.1 W / cm2 to approximately 2.5 W / cm2.

[0036] In the context of the present invention, an ultrasonic transducer refers to a device that converts electrical energy into ultrasonic sound waves.

[0037] Regarding the ultrasonic transducer impedance balance, the coupling unit balances the impedance of the ultrasonic transducer and the power unit, thus maintaining stability and efficiency in the transmission of the excitation signal. This unit is based on the results of frequency-domain electrical circuit analysis, where an RCL coupling circuit is used between the power stage output and the Butterworth Van Dyke (BVD) circuit. The BVD circuit represents the equivalent circuit of the ultrasonic transducer, whose parameters are defined by the physical and electrical characteristics of the transducer.In this way, the RCL circuit values ​​are sought such that the output of the power stage, the coupling circuit and the transducer are within an acceptable resonance range, which allows minimizing electrical losses to excite the transducer for ultrasound generation.

[0038] The use of a frequency between approximately 0.8 MHz and 3 MHz that emits ultrasonic energy with an effective intensity between approximately 0.1 W / cm2 and 2.5 W / cm2 allows high-frequency sound waves to penetrate tissues at a depth of approximately 1 cm to 5 cm, generating thermal and mechanical effects in the transmission medium.

[0039] In this sense, the thermal effect refers to a localized and deep increase in temperature, known as hyperthermia. Hyperthermia increases blood circulation, activates local metabolism, and increases the permeability of cell membranes. The thermal effect seeks to increase blood circulation in the area, reduce spasms, accelerate cellular metabolism, and alter nerve conduction velocity.

[0040] On the other hand, the mechanical effect refers to the generation of micro-massages that reduce muscle contractures and increase cell membrane permeability.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer is about 1 MHz.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the device allows for a group configuration consisting of a pulsed mode and a continuous mode, as well as an effective intensity between 0.1 and 1.8 W / cm2. Additionally, the head is configured to receive the configuration selected on the device.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the head allows ultrasonic energy to be emitted with an effective intensity between 0.1 to 1.8 W / cm2.

[0044] In a head composed of an ultrasonic transducer in a metallic container, there is an area called the effective radiation area (ERA). Therefore, when referring to the treatment surface area, it is necessary to consider the shape and size of the head that contains the piezoelectric material from which the ultrasound is generated. Each head will then have an effective radiation zone, which is the treatment area. This depends on the effective radiation area (ERA), which is always smaller than the geometric area of ​​the head that contains it; this is expressed in cm2.

[0045] In this sense, the shape or dimension of the interchangeable head of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be selected according to the application, that is, depending on the area and the zone to be treated, Preferably, geometry represents a circle, an oval, a regular or irregular polygon, among other shapes.

[0046] Thus, an advantage of the present invention is to provide heads that can be easily removed and replaced, offering the user the possibility of using various heads with different effective areas, thus providing various therapy modalities according to the user's needs.

[0047] In another aspect of the invention, the head exchange system does not limit the device from generating a vibratory massage mode. In a particular embodiment, a contact cap may additionally be provided to the head, which is configured to couple to the head holder such that the transducer is covered between said cap and said head holder. The contact cap has an exterior surface that may have a specific shape to apply massage to certain areas or points of interest. For example, but not limited to, the contact cap may be selected from a contact cap with a flat surface, a contact cap with specific areas to provide massage, a contact cap with protrusions, or combinations thereof.

[0048] In some particular embodiments of the invention, the interchangeable head additionally comprises a hermetic seal that can be placed, for example, under the head holder, which hermetically encloses the coupling unit, protecting it from external elements such as transducer gel, dust, liquids, etc.

[0049] In another particular embodiment of the invention, the coupling unit may comprise detection and communication elements, for example, the coupling unit may comprise a temperature sensor to measure the temperature generated by the emission of ultrasonic waves. Because therapeutic ultrasound is the physical agent that best heats the interior of a joint, the continuous emission produces a thermal effect, which raises the temperature in a localized and deep manner; however, for adequate therapy, it is necessary to monitor the temperature. In a non-limiting embodiment, the coupling unit in turn may comprise sensors motion or contact to generate automatic contact activation control or analyze the therapy movement dynamics without affecting the principle of interchangeable heads. The coupling unit in a particular modality comprises an identification circuit, which allows the selection of modes, effective intensity, and vibration massage without the head having to be limited by firmware, software, or updates thereof.

[0050] In another embodiment of the invention, each head comprises a fastening means, the purpose of which is to fasten the interchangeable head to an ultrasound device, wherein the fastening can be carried out by at least one fastening system selected from the group consisting of mechanical fastening by rotation, fastening by thread, fastening by sliding, clamping by pressure, fastening by adjustment and fastening by tabs.

[0051] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the head holder of the interchangeable head comprises at least one tab, and the ultrasound device comprises a connection base comprising a circular flange interrupted by at least one space, wherein at least one end portion of the flange adjacent to the space comprises a slot; wherein when placing the head in the connection base of the ultrasound device, the head is positioned such that the tab coincides with the space between the flange and subsequently the head is rotated such that the tab is housed in the slot of the flange, securing the head to the ultrasound device.

[0052] In another aspect of the present invention, an ultrasound device is provided comprising: a housing; an interconnection unit; a control and power system; and a power unit, wherein the interconnection unit is configured to receive an interchangeable head as described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0053] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the ultrasound device is a portable device, preferably wireless.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the device allows selecting a group configuration consisting of a pulsed mode and a continuous mode.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment, the device allows the effective intensity to be programmed between 0.1 to 2.5 W / cm2, preferably between 0.1 to 1.8 W / cm2.

[0056] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the interconnection unit comprises a head connection card configured to receive a contact connector of an interchangeable head, allowing communication of information between the head and the ultrasound device. The interconnection unit is also a structural base for the quick mechanical fastening and release of each of the heads, and additionally has contact connectors arranged for electrical interconnection with each head.

[0057] In another particular embodiment of the invention, the control and power system comprises a control unit that manages the functionality of the equipment and the operating modes determined by a user, for example, use of pulsed or continuous modes, in addition to a power unit that is responsible for managing, amplifying and adjusting to adequate electrical levels for the generation of ultrasonic energy and functionalities of the equipment with widely known design techniques.

[0058] The power unit of the ultrasound device manages and regulates the operating electrical power of the device and comprises at least one of a battery pack, a battery unit, an AC-DC adapter, or combinations thereof.

[0059] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the ultrasound device may comprise a user interface unit comprising a display unit that is capable of displaying the operating parameters of the equipment before, during and after the therapy, a plurality of buttons that allow the activation of the operating modes by the user.

[0060] In a particular embodiment of the invention, an anti-slip element is provided to the ultrasound device to improve the grip of the device, providing an ergonomic device focused on people with rheumatic conditions.

[0061] Reference will now be made to the attached figures, which show the best way for the inventors to carry out the invention. It should be noted that the modalities described below should in no way be interpreted as limiting the invention, since they have the sole purpose of presenting an exemplary embodiment that allows a person skilled in the art to develop the present invention.

[0062] In Figure 1, a portable, wireless ultrasound device 1000 is shown, which has an interchangeable head 100 attached to it.

[0063] Referring now to Figure 2, a portable ultrasound device 1000 is shown without a head attached thereto. One of a plurality of interchangeable heads 100, 200, and 300 may be attached to said portable ultrasound device 1000. Each of the interchangeable heads comprises particular features for performing a massage on a specific area. As can be seen in Figure 2, head 100 provides a larger contact area and is lower in height compared to head 200, which in turn has a larger contact area and is lower in height compared to head 300. It should be noted that the contact area shown in this figure is not limiting, and interchangeable heads may be provided with different shapes, dimensions, or materials.As can be seen from Figure 2, the present invention allows the use of various interchangeable heads, thus providing the advantage of being able to use the same portable ultrasound device for different therapeutic applications, resulting in convenience for the user by allowing him to perform various applications of ultrasound waves as appropriate to the type of massage required according to the area to be applied.

[0064] Turning now to Figure 3, a preferred embodiment of an interchangeable head 100 is shown. The interchangeable head is primarily comprised of a transducer 10. The transducer is a piece of piezoelectric material, preferably a wafer of piezoelectric material, which transforms an alternating electric current into mechanical vibration. To this end, an excitation electric current is applied, the frequency of which is directly proportional to the required mechanical vibration frequency.

[0065] The piezoelectric material wafer is adhered to a resonant metal container, preferably made of stainless steel or aluminum, which provides a direct contact transmission effect for the ultrasonic waves. For the present application, the transducer 10 is defined as the piezoelectric material already adhered to the metal container.

[0066] The transducer 10 is placed inside a head holder 20, which acts as an assembly body and allows the interconnection of the interchangeable head 100 with the portable ultrasound device 1000. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the head holder 20 has a tab that allows the interconnection of the interchangeable head 100 with the portable ultrasound device 1000 by means of a rotation, for example, a 30° rotation.

[0067] The interchangeable head 100 of Figure 3 also comprises an interconnection unit 30 which is configured to allow the impedance balancing of the transducers during its manufacture. Generally, portable ultrasound devices comprise an electrical circuit designed for a single type of head, that is, the coupling of the generator circuit is designed for a single type of head. In the present invention, the interconnection unit 30 at least fulfills the functions of: allowing coupling by balancing the impedances, temperature measurement and head identification and, since this unit is located within the interchangeable head 100, it is possible to use various heads.

[0068] Additionally, the interchangeable head 100 comprises a contact connector 40. The contact connector carries out the interconnection of the high frequency signals.

[0069] The interchangeable head 100 further includes a contact cap 50 configured to provide massage, the contact cap illustrated in Figure 3 showing a plurality of protrusions, which will come into contact with the skin to apply the ultrasound therapy. It should be noted that Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the contact cap 50, but the contact cap may have other configurations such as flat surfaces, surfaces at different heights, surfaces with various shapes, protrusions in other configurations, etc.

[0070] The interchangeable head 100 of Figure 3 also has a hermetic seal 70, the hermetic seal may be, for example, an O-ring.

[0071] Figure 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the ultrasound device represented by a block diagram. An interconnection unit 1200 is disposed within the device 1000 comprising contact connectors arranged for electrical interconnection with the contact connector 40 of the interchangeable head 100 for communication with the docking unit.

[0072] The portable ultrasound device further comprises a control and power system 1300 comprised of a control unit 1310 that manages the functionality of the device and the operating modes determined by a user, and a power unit 1320 that manages, amplifies, and adjusts the electrical levels for generating ultrasonic energy. A power unit 1400 manages, regulates, and distributes electrical power to the device. In the exemplary embodiment, the power unit comprises a pair of batteries; however, it may comprise an AC-DC adapter, or combinations thereof.

[0073] A user interface 1500 may be provided comprising a display unit 1510 that displays visual parameters of the operation of the equipment to a user before, after, and during therapy. Furthermore, the user interface 1500 comprises a plurality of buttons 1520, which allow the user to input commands to the therapeutic ultrasound device 1000. It should be noted that other input means may be provided, for example, the plurality of buttons may be absent and instead, the display device 1510 may have a plurality of virtual buttons that can be actuated by means of a touch screen. An anti-slip element may be provided to the portable ultrasound device to improve the grip thereof.

[0074] The device 1000 may further contain a mechanical vibration system 1600 generated by a rotational actuator, which is managed by the control unit in conjunction with or independently of the ultrasound therapy.

[0075] The above description includes the best modalities known to the applicant for carrying out the present invention; however, it does not specify all conceivable combinations of components or methodologies. One skilled in the art will recognize that additional combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the subject matter claimed below is intended to encompass such alterations, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims

1. An interchangeable head (100, 200, 300) for a portable ultrasound device (1000) characterized in that it comprises: a head holder (20) configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer (10) comprising a piezoelectric material arranged in a metallic container; a coupling unit (30); a contact connector (40) arranged for the interconnection of the coupling unit with an ultrasonic device; wherein the ultrasonic transducer operates at a frequency selected between approximately 0.8 MHz and 3 MHz, and wherein the head allows ultrasonic energy to be emitted with an effective intensity from approximately 0.1 W / cm2 to approximately 2.5 W / cm2.

2. The interchangeable head (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, further characterized in that the head has a variety of shapes, dimensions and wherein the material of the metallic container of the transducer is selected from stainless steel or aluminum, depending on the area to be treated.

3. The interchangeable head (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized in that the device allows to select an ultrasound configuration, wherein the ultrasound configuration is selected from a pulsating mode and a continuous mode, and wherein the head is configured to receive the selected configuration in the device.

4. The interchangeable head (100, 200, 300) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a contact cap (50).

5. The interchangeable head (100, 200, 300) according to claim 4, further characterized in that the cap of Contact is selected from a flat surface contact cap, a contact cap with specific areas to provide massage, a bumpy contact cap, or combinations of the above.

6. The interchangeable head (100, 200, 300) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a hermetic seal (70).

7. The interchangeable head (100, 200, 300) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the coupling unit additionally comprises at least one detection and communication element.

8. The interchangeable head (100, 200, 300) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the coupling unit additionally comprises an identifier circuit.

9. The interchangeable head (100, 200, 300) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the head holder comprises a clamping means, wherein the clamping means is selected from the group consisting of mechanical clamping by rotation, screw clamping, sliding clamping, snap clamping, adjustment clamping and flange clamping or combinations thereof.

10. A portable ultrasound device comprising: a housing; an interconnection unit (1200); a control and power system (1300); and a power unit (1400), wherein the interconnection unit (1200) is configured to receive an interchangeable head (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. The portable ultrasound device according to claim 10, further characterized in that it allows to select a configuration from the group consisting of a pulsating mode and a continuous mode.

12. The portable ultrasound device according to claim 10 or 11, further characterized in that it allows programming the effective intensity between 0.1 to 2.5 W / cm2, preferably between 0.1 to 1.8 W / cm2.

13. The portable ultrasound device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further characterized in that the interconnection unit (1200) comprises a head connection card configured to receive the contact connector (40).

14. The portable ultrasound device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further characterized in that the control and power system (1300) comprises: a control unit (1310) and a power unit (1320).

15. The portable ultrasound device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further characterized in that the power unit (1400) comprises at least one of: a battery pack, a battery unit, an AC-DC adapter or combinations thereof.

16. The portable ultrasound device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, further characterized in that it further comprises a user interface (1500) comprising a display unit and a plurality of buttons.

17. The portable ultrasound device according to any one of claims 10 to 16, further characterized in that the device additionally comprises a connection base, wherein the interchangeable head is attached to the therapeutic ultrasound device when placed on the connection base.

18. The portable ultrasound device according to claim 17, further characterized in that the fastening of the head to the ultrasound device is selected from one of the following fastening systems: mechanical twist fastening, sliding fastening, snap fastening, adjustment fastening, tab fastening, or combinations thereof.

19. The portable ultrasound device according to any one of claims 10 to 18, further characterized in that the head holder of the interchangeable head comprises a fastening means, and the therapeutic ultrasound device comprises a connection base comprising a circular flange interrupted by at least one space, wherein at least one end portion of the flange adjacent to the space comprises a slot; wherein when placing the head in the connection base of the therapeutic ultrasound device, the head is positioned such that the fastening means coincides with the space between the flange and subsequently the head is rotated such that the tab is housed in the groove of the flange, securing the head to the ultrasound device, i.

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