Apparatus for ultrasound treatment

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for ultrasound treatment which allows an ultrasound treatment with preselected targets to be carried out with submillimetric accuracy. The apparatus eliminates the mechanical coupling problems between the emitter and the animal, facilitating the positioning of the ultrasonic bulb using a laser spot that is coaxial to the ultrasonic beam, or of an optical vision system, which guides the system over the tissue surface.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR ULTRASOUND TREATMENT

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention falls within the technical field of devices that allow interaction with biological tissues through ultrasonic waves. These applications can be low, medium, or high power, and by thermal or mechanical mechanisms. These applications include opening the animal's blood-brain barrier, stimulation, neuromodulation, hyperthermia treatments, ablation, or histopathology.

[0005] The invention relates to an apparatus for ultrasound treatment that allows ultrasound treatment of preselected targets with submillimeter precision. The apparatus eliminates the difficulties of mechanical coupling between the transmitter and the animal, facilitating the positioning of the ultrasound focus using a laser spot coaxial with the ultrasound beam, or an optical vision system, which allows the system to be guided over the tissue surface.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The application of ultrasound for treatment is entering a phase of generalization in the clinical field, finding very diverse applications that include: the treatment of Essential Tremor, Parkinson's disease, palliative care in bone cancer, uterine fibrosis, prostate cancer or prostatic hyperplasia, and clinical trials are being conducted for the treatment of a wide range of pathologies ranging from Alzheimer's disease, by opening the patient's blood-brain barrier (BBB), to pancreatic tumors, passing through pathologies of the locomotor system such as plantar fasciitis, of the neurological system such as neuropathic pain, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or kidney, lung or liver tumors.

[0008] Ultrasound is a technology that allows treatments to be performed in a non-destructive, non-invasive, reversible, and non-ionizing manner by focusing on areas of therapeutic interest.

[0009] For this reason, it is presented as one of the most versatile technologies with the greatest growth potential in terms of its application in the coming decades.

[0010] Virtually all medical therapy procedures that will be clinically implemented require a preclinical phase, during which the procedure is tested on animals, usually small animals in the initial stages and sometimes on larger animals, such as non-human primates. In this preclinical phase, studies aim to establish the safety of the technique and understand the biological effects the therapy has on the animal. Therefore, they are usually carried out by personnel in the biomedical field, such as medical researchers, biologists, chemists, pharmacists, or biomedical engineers, who are generally unfamiliar with the existing tools for generating and applying ultrasound appropriately.Since there is currently no compact and easy-to-use ultrasound therapy device for animals, preclinical trials require technical personnel with expertise in the field of ultrasound. This increases costs and variability in the trials, as this person must implement the therapy system from various pre-existing commercial components, or even adapt or assemble some of them.

[0011] A clear example could be a preclinical study of drugs for the treatment of a neurological pathology that requires opening the BBB in a localized area of ​​the brain using ultrasound. For a procedure such as this, the following elements are required: the animal fixation system, the conditioning system, the anesthesia system, the ultrasound transmitter, the mechanical coupling system between the ultrasound transmitter and the animal, the positioning system, the treatment guidance system, the treatment monitoring system, and the electrical excitation system.

[0012] All these elements, which must be mechanically and electrically adjusted to each other, can only be used by personnel expert in the field of ultrasound, which represents a significant limitation for the development of this type of therapy.

[0013] There is no single, easy-to-use system that allows comfortable, safe, and flexible ultrasound treatment by non-ultrasound experts conducting research where ultrasound is necessary: ​​for example, the study of drugs for the treatment of brain disease or the use of drugs for the treatment of tumors in combination with hyperthermia (which requires raising the temperature of the area with ultrasound).

[0014] In short, there is no device in the field of ultrasound for animals that can be used by research personnel who are not experts in the field of ultrasound.

[0015] The present invention solves all the above drawbacks.

[0016] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention relates to an apparatus for ultrasound treatment of a preselected target in a small animal, such as a mouse, rat, rabbit, dog, or macaque, among others, allowing ultrasound treatments of small animals in vivo with a single apparatus. The apparatus can be adapted for the treatment of non-human primates and humans.

[0018] The device comprises:

[0019] - an ultrasonic emitter configured to focus an ultrasound beam, in use, on a preselected target of the animal by means of a point on the surface of the animal where the ultrasound beam must fall;

[0020] - a coupling means arranged between the ultrasonic emitter and the surface of the animal configured to propagate the ultrasonic beam; and

[0021] - a guidance system attached to the ultrasonic transmitter and configured to locate the point on the animal's surface where the ultrasonic beam must strike to deposit the ultrasonic energy on the preselected target.

[0022] Optionally, the guidance system comprises a laser emitter coaxial to the ultrasound beam or an optical vision system, such as a video camera, which allows the location of the point on the animal's surface where the ultrasound beam must strike to deposit the ultrasonic energy on the preselected target.

[0023] The device configured in this way can be used to perform treatments from both the bottom and top of a stretcher or support where the animal is resting, allowing the ultrasonic focus to be located and moved over the treatment area with sub-millimeter precision, avoiding the device having to move over the animal's surface.

[0024] Optionally, the coupling medium is a clear aqueous medium.

[0025] Optionally, the coupling means is a transparent solid medium or a non-transparent solid medium comprising a cavity or conduit configured to allow the guidance system attached to the ultrasonic emitter to locate the point on the animal's surface where the ultrasound beam should strike.

[0026] Optionally, the device also comprises a positioning system configured to move the ultrasonic transmitter relative to the surface of the animal.

[0027] Optionally, the device also comprises an electrical excitation system for the ultrasonic emitter, which allows the ultrasonic emitter to carry out, among others, but not limited to, the following treatments: a) Opening of the blood-brain barrier; b) Thermal ablation; c) Hyperthermia; d) Neuromodulation; e) Histopathology.

[0028] Optionally, the device comprises a control system configured to control treatment parameters for the different options described above, including: a) Opening the blood-brain barrier; b) Thermal ablation; c) Hyperthermia; d) Neuromodulation; e) Histopathology.

[0029] The ultrasound treatment apparatus of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0030] - Compact system. Includes transmitter, coupling device, guidance system, positioning system, excitation system, and control software in a single device.

[0031] - Optical guidance of the treatment.

[0032] - Real-time treatment guidance.

[0033] - Submillimeter accuracy.

[0034] - Allows scanning of the total volume of the preselected target.

[0035] - Allows treatment of the preselected target without the need to mark the reference point beforehand.

[0036] - Automatic recognition of the reference point by the guidance system.

[0037] - Automatic recognition of the interaural line and its center. - Allows real-time incorporation of an atlas of the brain structures of interest into the guidance system.

[0038] - Easy-to-use system for non-expert personnel.

[0039] - Economic.

[0040] - Easy access to veterinary instruments.

[0041] - Allows the incorporation of a therapy monitoring system.

[0042] The reference to the in vivo therapeutic treatment method that will be made below in this description must be interpreted as a reference to the purpose for which the apparatus that is the subject of this application is intended.

[0043] The treatment method comprises the following steps: a) selecting the target for treatment; b) identifying the point on the animal's surface where the ultrasonic beam must hit so that the ultrasonic focus reaches the preselected target; c) positioning the animal for treatment; d) bringing the apparatus closer to the animal's surface so as to allow the guidance system to operate; e) activating the guidance system; f) moving the apparatus so that the ultrasonic beam hits the animal at the point defined in step b); g) moving the apparatus closer to or further away from the animal so that the ultrasonic focus reaches the preselected target; h) activating the apparatus for treatment.

[0044] Alternatively, the method may comprise the following steps: a') selecting the target for treatment; b') identifying a reference point on the surface of the animal from which the position of the preselected target can be determined, such as the bregma or lambda point of the skull of a mouse; c') positioning the animal for treatment; d') bringing the apparatus closer to the surface of the animal so as to allow the guidance system to operate; e') activating the guidance system; f) moving the apparatus so that the ultrasonic beam hits the animal at the point defined in step b'); g') moving the apparatus as indicated by the animal atlas so that the ultrasonic beam can reach the preselected target; h') moving the apparatus closer to or further away from the animal so that the ultrasonic focus reaches the preselected target; j') activating the apparatus for treatment.

[0045] Alternatively, the method may comprise the following steps: a”) positioning the animal for treatment; b”) activating the video camera guidance system; c”) recognizing, from the camera images, and if necessary from the position of the equipment used to hold the animal, a reference point of the animal, such as the midpoint of the interaural distance in a mouse; d”) indicating to the guidance system the therapeutic target of interest; either on an atlas of the animal's structures superimposed on the camera image or in a text command; e”) activating the positioning system, which will position the apparatus such that the ultrasonic focus reaches the preselected target; f”) activating the apparatus for treatment.

[0046] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] To complement the description being made and in order to help better understand the characteristics of the invention, in accordance with a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

[0048] Figure 1.- Shows a schematic elevation view of the apparatus for ultrasound treatment of the present invention according to a first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 2.- Shows a schematic elevation view of the apparatus for ultrasound treatment of the present invention according to a second embodiment.

[0050] Figure 3.- Shows a view of the guidance system of the ultrasound treatment apparatus of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 4.- Shows a perspective view of the apparatus for ultrasound treatment of the present invention according to the first embodiment, including a support housing not shown in Figure 1.

[0052] Figure 5.- Shows a schematic elevation view of the apparatus for ultrasound treatment of the present invention according to a third embodiment.

[0053] Figure 6.- Shows a schematic elevation view of the apparatus for ultrasound treatment of the present invention according to a fourth embodiment.

[0054] Figure 7.- Shows a view of the guidance system of the apparatus for ultrasound treatment of the present invention according to the third or fourth embodiment.

[0055] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for ultrasound treatment of the present invention according to a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises:

[0056] - an ultrasonic emitter (1) configured to focus an ultrasound beam, in use, on a preselected target (D) of the animal, by means of a point (P) on a surface of the animal (A) where the ultrasound beam must fall to deposit the ultrasonic energy;

[0057] - a coupling means (2) arranged between the ultrasonic emitter (1) and the surface of the animal (A) configured to propagate the ultrasound beam; and

[0058] - a guidance system (3) attached to the ultrasonic transmitter (1) and configured to locate the point (P) on the surface of the animal (A) where the ultrasonic beam must strike to deposit the ultrasonic energy on the preselected target (D).

[0059] Optionally, the guidance system (3) comprises a laser emitter (4) coaxial to the ultrasound beam or an optical vision system (5), such as a video camera, which allows the location of the point (P) on the surface of the animal (A) where the ultrasound beam must hit to deposit the ultrasonic energy on the preselected target (D). In this way, the positioning of the ultrasound beam is facilitated by means of a spot of a laser (4) coaxial to the ultrasonic beam, or an optical vision system (5), which allows the guidance of the ultrasound beam on the surface of the animal (A).

[0060] Preferably, as shown in Figure 4, the apparatus comprises a housing (6), where the laser emitter (4) coaxial to the ultrasound beam is arranged inside the housing (6) which comprises a hole through which the laser of the laser emitter (4) passes through the housing (6) to propagate through the coupling means (2).

[0061] In the event that the coupling means (2) is a transparent aqueous or solid medium, the laser of the laser emitter (4), or the light of the optical vision system (5) such as that of a video camera, of the guidance system (3), propagates directly through said coupling means (2), locating the point (P) of the surface of the animal (A) through said coupling means (2). In the event that the coupling means (2) is a non-transparent solid medium, said coupling means (2) comprises a cavity or conduit (7) configured to allow the passage of the laser beam or the light of the optical vision system (5) to position the ultrasonic focus on the preselected target (D). In the event that the guidance system (3) is an optical vision system (5), the guidance system (3) further comprises a reticle configured to determine the exact point (P) of the surface of the animal (A) through which the ultrasonic beam will fall.In the event that the guidance system (3) comprises a laser emitter (4), the guidance system (3) also comprises a device that allows the laser spot to be viewed on the surface of the animal (A), such as a system of mirrors or a camera, to determine the exact point (P) on the surface of the animal (A) through which the ultrasonic beam will fall.

[0062] The device further comprises a positioning system (8) configured to move the ultrasonic emitter (1) relative to the surface of the animal (A), preferably a 3D positioning system (8) with sub-millimetric precision, according to the point (P) of the surface of the animal (A) located by the guidance system (3).

[0063] The device also comprises an electronic excitation system (not shown) of the ultrasonic emitter, which allows the ultrasonic emitter to carry out different treatments.

[0064] The apparatus comprises a control system (9) configured to control the treatment parameters.

[0065] The ultrasonic emitter (1) may be arranged above (Figure 2) or inside (Figure 1) some means of holding (10) of the animal (A), preferably arranged on a stretcher (14), configured to hold the animal (A).

[0066] In the event that the ultrasonic emitter (1 ) is arranged inside the fastening means (10), said fastening means (10) comprise an orifice (11 ) configured to allow the ultrasound beam and the guidance system (3) to pass through to the surface of the animal (A). Furthermore, in the event that the coupling means (2) is a non-transparent solid medium, said orifice (11 ) of the fastening means (10) is aligned with the cavity or duct (7) of the coupling means (2).

[0067] In the case where the ultrasonic emitter (1) is arranged superiorly, the coupling means (2) is a non-transparent solid medium that allows light to pass through for the guidance system (3).

[0068] Furthermore, if the coupling means (2) is aqueous and the ultrasonic emitter (1) is arranged inside the fastening means (10), the apparatus comprises a flexible membrane (13) attached to an inner part of the housing (6) in contact with the coupling means (2) configured to allow movement of the ultrasonic emitter (1) with respect to the animal (A) and sealing means (12) to prevent the escape of the aqueous medium.

[0069] Optionally, as shown in Figure 5, the guidance system (3) is an optical guidance system comprising, in addition to the elements described in the apparatus of the first preferred embodiment, a red or infrared light source (14) located on a surface of the animal (A) opposite to the surface of the animal (A) where the point (P) is arranged where the ultrasound beam must hit to deposit the ultrasonic energy on the preselected target (D), where the optical vision system (5) is coaxial to the ultrasound transducer (1), like a video camera, which allows the location of the point (P) of the surface of the animal (A) where the ultrasound beam must hit to deposit the ultrasonic energy on the preselected target (D).In this way, the positioning of the ultrasound beam is facilitated to determine the point (P) on the surface of the animal (A) where the ultrasound beam must strike to deposit the ultrasonic energy on the preselected target (D). To carry out the guidance, the preselected target is spatially located at known coordinates relative to the point (P), the point (P) being known through the analysis of the image provided by the vision system (5), as shown in Figure 7.

[0070] Optionally, as shown in Figure 6, the guidance system (3) is an optical guidance system comprising, in addition to the elements described in the apparatus of the second preferred embodiment, a red or infrared light source (14) located on a surface of the animal (A) opposite to the surface of the animal (A) where the point (P) is arranged where the ultrasound beam must hit to deposit the ultrasonic energy on the preselected target (D), where the optical vision system (5) is coaxial to the ultrasound transducer (1), like a video camera, which allows the location of the point (P) of the surface of the animal (A) where the ultrasound beam must hit to deposit the ultrasonic energy on the preselected target (D).In this way, the positioning of the ultrasound beam is facilitated to determine the point (P) on the animal's surface (A) where the ultrasound beam must strike in order to deposit the ultrasonic energy on the preselected target (D). In this way, the animal can be placed in a prone position with respect to the ground plane. To carry out the guidance, the preselected target is spatially located at known coordinates relative to the point (P), the point (P) being known through the analysis of the image provided by the vision system (5), as shown in Figure 7.

[0071] Next, a treatment method that is not the subject of the invention will be described in detail, where the method comprises the following steps: a) A step of determining the characteristics of the target region for treatment: size, shape and location inside the animal's body (A): preselected target (D); b) A step of identifying the point (P) on the surface of the animal (A) through which the ultrasound beam must fall so that the focus can reach the preselected target.; c) A stage of placing the animal (A) on the fastening means (10), preferably on the stretcher (14), to receive the treatment; d) a stage of moving the ultrasonic emitter (1 ) towards the area of ​​the animal's surface (A); e) A stage of activating the guidance system (3); f) A stage of moving the emitter (1 ), according to the indications of the guidance system (3), until the ultrasound beam, in use, focuses, through point (P), on the preselected target (D); g) A stage of activating the electrical excitation system according to the treatment protocol.

[0072] Optionally, in the activation stage of the guidance system (3), if the guidance system (3) is based on the use of a laser (4), an illuminated point (P') will appear on the surface of the animal (A). This can be observed by the operator by using mirrors located inside the aqueous bath, by means of an optical vision system (5) or by direct vision of the surface of the animal (A). The observation must allow the simultaneous visualization of the luminous point (P') and the point (P) on the surface of the animal defined in stage b). If the luminous point (P') produced by the laser (4) does not coincide with the point (P) identified in stage b), then the operator will move the ultrasonic emitter (1) in a horizontal plane until both points (P, P') coincide spatially.Once this has been done, and taking into account the geometry of the ultrasonic focus and the position and shape of the preselected target (D), the ultrasonic emitter (1 ) will be moved closer or further away so that the ultrasonic focus and the preselected target (D) have the maximum overlap. If it is required to deposit ultrasonic energy at different points of the preselected target (D), planning will be carried out and the ultrasonic emitter (1 ) will be moved (manually or electronically) so that the preselected target (D) receives the planned ultrasonic energy.

[0073] Optionally, in the activation stage of the guidance system (3), if the guidance system (3) is based on the use of an optical vision system (5), such as a video camera, on the screen of an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a tablet or a computer, associated with the video camera, the reticle (P”) of the camera will appear superimposed on the surface of the animal (A). If the reticle (P”) does not coincide with the point (P) identified in step b), then the operator will move the ultrasonic emitter (1 ) in a horizontal plane until both points (P”, P) coincide spatially. Once this has been done, and taking into account the geometry of the ultrasonic focus and the position and shape of the preselected target (D), the ultrasonic emitter (1 ) will be brought closer or further away so that the ultrasonic focus and the preselected target (D) have the maximum overlap.If it is required to deposit ultrasonic energy at different points of the preselected target (D), planning will be carried out and the ultrasonic emitter (1) will be moved (manually or electronically) so that the target receives the planned ultrasonic energy.

[0074] Alternatively, the treatment method that is not the subject of the invention comprises the following steps: a) A step of determining the characteristics of the target region for treatment: size, shape and location inside the animal's body (A): preselected target (D); b) A step of identifying and marking a reference point on the animal (A) from which the position of the region of interest for the treatment or preselected target (D) can be known, by means of a map of the animal (A), such as the bregma or lambda point on the skull of a mouse.c) A step of placing the animal on the fastening means (10), preferably arranged on a stretcher (14); d) a step of moving the ultrasonic emitter (1 ) towards the area of ​​the animal's surface (A); e) A step of activating the guidance system (3); f) A step of moving the emitter (1 ), according to the indications of the guidance system (3), until the ultrasound beam, in use, focuses, through point (P), on the preselected target (D); g) A step of activating the electrical excitation system according to the treatment protocol.

[0075] Optionally, in the activation stage of the guidance system (3), if the guidance system (3) is based on the use of a laser (4), an illuminated point will appear on the surface of the animal (A). This can be observed by the operator by using mirrors located inside the aqueous bath, by means of an optical vision system (5) or by direct vision of the surface of the animal (A). The observation must allow the simultaneous visualization of the luminous point (P') and the reference point (R) on the surface of the animal. If the luminous point produced by the laser (4) does not coincide with the reference point (R), then the operator will move the ultrasonic emitter (1) in a horizontal plane until both points coincide spatially.Once this has been done, and taking into account the coordinates of the preselected target (D) with respect to the reference point as indicated by the animal atlas (A), the device will be moved in the plane transverse to the animal (XY), (see Figure 4) and, depending on the geometry of the ultrasonic focus and the position and shape of the preselected target (D), the ultrasonic emitter will be moved closer or further away (Z axis) so that the ultrasonic focus and the preselected target have the maximum overlap. If it is required to deposit ultrasonic energy at different points of the preselected target (D), planning will be carried out and the ultrasonic emitter (1) will be moved (manually or electronically) so that the target receives the planned ultrasonic energy.Optionally, in the activation stage of the guidance system (3), if the guidance system (3) is based on the use of an optical vision system, such as a video camera, on the screen of an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a tablet or a computer, associated with the video camera, the reticle (P”) of the camera will appear superimposed on the surface of the animal. If the reticle does not coincide with the reference point (R), then the operator will move the ultrasonic emitter (1) in a horizontal plane (XY) until both points coincide spatially.Once this has been done, and taking into account the coordinates of the preselected target (D) with respect to the reference point as indicated on the animal map, the device will be moved in the plane transverse to the animal (XY) and, depending on the geometry of the ultrasonic focus and the position and shape of the preselected target, the ultrasonic emitter will be moved closer or further away (Z axis) so that the ultrasonic focus and the preselected target (D) have the maximum overlap. If it is required to deposit ultrasonic energy at different points of the preselected target, planning will be carried out and the ultrasonic emitter (1) will be moved (manually or electronically) so that the target receives the planned ultrasonic energy.

[0076] Alternatively, the treatment method that is not the subject of the invention comprises the following steps: a) A step of placing the animal on the holding means (10), preferably arranged on a stretcher (14); b) A step of activating the guidance system (3), which from the images taken with the optical viewfinder (5), and if necessary from the position of the tool used to hold the animal, will determine a reference point in the animal (A), such as the midpoint of the interaural distance in a mouse, from which the position of different structures of interest in the animal can be known by means of an atlas of the animal (A). c) A step of selecting the target (D), either with a command or on an image of an atlas of the animal (A) superimposed on the image provided by the optical viewfinder (5) of the guidance system (3).d) A stage of moving the emitter (1), according to the indications of the guidance system (3), until the ultrasound beam, in use, focuses on the preselected target (D). e) A stage of activating the electrical excitation system according to the treatment protocol.

[0077] Optionally, in the activation step of the guidance system (3), if the reference point (R) cannot be directly identified with the image provided by the optical viewfinder (5), a prior calibration of the fastening means (10) will be carried out, in such a way that a relationship can be established between a point visible by the optical viewfinder (5) and the reference point (R) that is not visible. For example, the midpoint of the animal's interaural line can be used as a reference to obtain the position of the transmitter to treat the preselected target (D). This point is not visible to the optical viewfinder (5), but since it is located midway between the two ear anchors of the animal, a relationship can be established between this midpoint of the animal's interaural line and a point visible to the optical viewfinder (5).

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Apparatus for ultrasound treatment comprising: - an ultrasonic transmitter (1) configured to focus an ultrasound beam, in use, on a preselected target (D) of the animal; by means of a point (P) on a surface of the animal (A) where the ultrasound beam must fall; - a coupling means (2) between the ultrasonic emitter (1) and the surface of the animal (A) configured to propagate the ultrasound beam; and - a guidance system (3) attached to the ultrasonic transmitter (1) and configured to locate the point (P) on the surface of the animal (A) where the ultrasonic beam must strike to deposit the ultrasonic energy on the preselected target (D). 2.- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling medium (2) is a transparent aqueous medium. 3.- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling means (2) is a transparent solid medium. 4.- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling means (2) is a non-transparent solid medium comprising a cavity (7) or conduit configured to allow the guidance system (3) integral with the ultrasonic emitter (1) to locate the point (P) on the surface of the animal (A) where the ultrasound beam must fall. 5.- Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guidance system (3) comprises a laser emitter (4) coaxial to the ultrasound beam, which allows the location of the point (P) of the surface of the animal (A) where the ultrasound beam must strike to deposit the ultrasonic energy on the preselected target (D). 6.- Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a housing (6), inside which the laser emitter (4) is arranged coaxial to the ultrasound beam, where the housing (6) comprises a hole through which the laser of the laser emitter (4) passes through the housing (6) to propagate through the coupling means (2). 7.- Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guidance system (3) comprises an optical vision system (5), which allows the location of the point (P) of the surface of the animal (A) where the ultrasound beam must fall to deposit the ultrasonic energy on the preselected target (D). 8.- Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the guidance system (3) is an optical guidance system that also comprises a source of red or infrared light (14) located on a surface of the animal (A) opposite to the surface of the animal (A) where the point (P) is arranged where the ultrasound beam must fall to deposit the ultrasonic energy on the preselected target (D), 9.- Apparatus according to any of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the vision system (5) is coaxial to the ultrasound transducer. 10.- Apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the guidance system (3) further comprises a grid configured to determine the exact point (P) of the surface of the animal (A) through which the ultrasonic beam will fall. 11.-Apparatus according to any of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the guidance system (3) locates the point (P) of the surface of the animal (A) through said coupling means (2). 12.- Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a positioning system (8) configured to move the ultrasonic emitter (1) with respect to the surface of the animal (A). 13.- Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning system (8) is a 3D positioning system (8) with sub-millimeter precision. 14.- Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for holding (10) the animal (A) configured to hold the animal (A). 15.- Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the ultrasonic emitter (1) is arranged above the holding means (10) of the animal (A). 16.- Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the ultrasonic emitter (1) is arranged internally to the holding means (10) of the animal (A). 17.- Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the fastening means (10) comprise a hole (11) configured to allow the ultrasound beam to pass through and give visual access to the guidance system (3) to the surface of the animal (A). 18.- Apparatus according to claims 4 and 17, characterized in that the hole (11) of the fastening means (10) is aligned with the cavity or conduit (7) of the coupling means (2). 19.- Apparatus according to claims 2, 6 and 16, characterized in that it comprises a flexible membrane attached to an inner part of the housing (6) in contact with the coupling means (2) configured to allow movement of the ultrasonic emitter (1) with respect to the animal (A).

20. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an electronic excitation system.

21. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a control system (9) configured to control the treatment parameters.

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