Coupling device

Abstract

A coupling device (1), for coupling a therapeutic transducer (3) to a diagnostic transducer (4) of a transducer apparatus (2), wherein the coupling device (1) extends along a device axis (7), between a proximal end (8) and an opposite distal end (9), wherein the coupling device (1) comprises a distal body (10) extending from the distal end (9) towards the proximal end (8), wherein the coupling device (1) comprises at least one introduction duct (11) and one ejection duct (12), separate from each other and extending through the distal body (10) at least in a direction parallel to the device axis (7), wherein the introduction duct (11) leads out from the distal body (10) at an introduction opening (13), and is configured to convey the coupling fluid out from the distal body (10), wherein the ejection duct (12) leads out from the distal body (10) at an ejection opening (14), and is configured to convey air and / or coupling fluid into the distal body (10), and wherein, with reference to the device axis (7), the axial distance between the ejection opening (14) and the proximal end (8) is less than the axial distance between the introduction opening (13) and the proximal end (8).

Description

“Coupling device”

[0001] Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a coupling device, in particular for coupling a therapeutic transducer to a diagnostic transducer of a transducer apparatus for therapeutic treatments performed by focused ultrasound, also known as “focused ultrasound” or “FUS”.

[0003] Prior art

[0004] Focused ultrasound (FUS) surgical treatment is a treatment for various pathologies, including oncological ones, which provides for the localized release of energy by means of the emission, through a piezoelectric transducer, of a focused ultrasound beam on an area to be treated, such as a tumour mass, to perform the ablation of the target tissue.

[0005] The FUS treatment offers numerous advantages, including the possibility of ablating tissues, such as oncological organs, in a completely non-invasive manner, without any toxicity for the patient, reduced hospitalisation times, and the possibility of repeating the treatment even within the same day if necessary. Consequently, the FUS treatment is considered highly promising and potentially improving over standard oncological treatments.

[0006] However, known FUS platforms suitable for performing therapeutic treatments by focused ultrasound still have several critical issues.

[0007] One critical issue of the known technique concerns the coupling between the patient and the transducer. Specifically, for the correct execution of the treatment, it is necessary to achieve proper acoustic coupling between the focused ultrasound transducer and the patient’s body, for example by interposing a coupling fluid, such as degassed water, between the transducer and the patient’s skin. If and only if this proper coupling occurs, the focused ultrasound beam can correctly propagate from the transducer to the patient’s body.

[0008] Conversely, if the coupling is not carried out correctly, for example due to the presence of air bubbles inside the coupling system and the coupling fluid, it may cause a reduction in treatment efficiency (due to power dissipation), reflections of the therapeutic beam outside the target (with consequent collateral damage to non-target structures), interface burns (for example on the patient’s skin), and high-energy reflections with possible damage to the equipment (for example to the focused ultrasound transducer and the ultrasound probe for therapy guidance).

[0009] FUS platforms provided with a coupling apparatus comprising a degassedwater tank inside which the focused ultrasound transducer is placed, and wherein the patient is partially immersed or placed above or below the tank, are known. This known technology has several problems, including the complexity or impossibility of immersing or reaching certain anatomical areas, poor comfort for the patient, and the need to make the equipment compatible with immersion in water. Furthermore, to avoid the presence of air bubbles, it requires the immersion of the transducer at a specific inclination, in order to prevent the accumulation of air within the volume of the coupling medium affected by the focused ultrasonic beam, and also requires visual inspections and corrective actions, such as repositioning the coupling system or removing air bubbles using dedicated tools, for example suction cannulas.

[0010] FUS platforms provided with a coupling apparatus comprising an inflatable membrane with degassed water, so as to form a coupling balloon anchored to the ultrasound transducer, which is placed and pressed against the patient’s skin in order to attempt to ensure constant coupling between the device and the patient, are also known. This known technology also has problems related to the presence of air within the coupling system, which in the known art are addressed by manoeuvring and tilting the transducer at a particular inclination suited to favour the expulsion of air bubbles from the coupling system, and by visual inspection and corrective actions such as palpation of the membrane to push out residual air bubbles.

[0011] Solution

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a coupling device, in particular for coupling an ultrasound transducer to the body of a patient, which resolves at least some of the critical issues highlighted in the known art.

[0013] A particular purpose of the present invention is to provide a coupling device for coupling a therapeutic transducer to a diagnostic transducer of an ultrasound transducer apparatus, which ensures correct, easy, and safe coupling between the patient and the ultrasound transducer apparatus.

[0014] A particular purpose of the present invention is to provide a coupling device for coupling a therapeutic transducer to a diagnostic transducer of an ultrasound transducer apparatus, which prevents the presence of air bubbles within the ultrasound transducer apparatus, in particular within a coupling fluid that can be contained in a coupling membrane of the ultrasound transducer apparatus.

[0015] A further particular purpose of the present invention is to provide a coupling device for coupling a therapeutic transducer to a diagnostic transducer of an ultrasound transducer apparatus, which favours the expulsion of air from the ultrasound transducerapparatus, without requiring particular manipulations or inclinations of the ultrasound transducer apparatus or corrective actions following the filling of the coupling membrane.

[0016] These and other purposes are achieved by means of a coupling device for coupling a therapeutic transducer to a diagnostic transducer of an ultrasound transducer apparatus, according to the independent claim.

[0017] The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figures

[0019] To better understand the invention and appreciate its advantages, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments thereof will be described below with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0020] - Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of a coupling device, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0021] - Figure 2 is a bottom view of the coupling device shown in figure 1 ;

[0022] - Figure 3 is a side view of the coupling device shown in figure 1 ;

[0023] - Figure 4 is a further side view of the coupling device shown in figure 1 ;

[0024] - Figure 5 is a side view in axial section of the coupling device shown in figure 1;

[0025] - Figure 6 is a detail view of the coupling device shown in figure 5;

[0026] - Figure 7 is a side view in axial section of a transducer apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0027] - Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of a transducer apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Description of some preferred embodiments

[0029] With reference to the figures, a coupling device is generally denoted by the reference number 1.

[0030] The coupling device 1 is suitable to be integrated in a transducer apparatus 2 of the type comprising a therapeutic transducer 3 and a diagnostic transducer 4. In particular, the coupling device 1 is suitable for establishing a coupling or connection between the therapeutic transducer 3 and the diagnostic transducer 4.

[0031] Moreover, the transducer apparatus 2 is of the type comprising a coupling membrane 5 associable with the therapeutic transducer 3, and positionable facing the diagnostic transducer 4, so as to be fillable with a coupling fluid, for example degassed water.

[0032] Specifically, the therapeutic transducer 3 is configured to emit a focused ultrasound beam coaxial to a therapeutic axis 6. The diagnostic transducer 4 is configured to perform an ultrasound scan along a diagnostic plane coplanar to the therapeutic axis 6. “Coplanar” is therefore understood to mean that the therapeutic axis 6 lies on the diagnostic plane, i.e., the therapeutic axis 6 is contained in the diagnostic plane.

[0033] The coupling device 1 defines a device axis 7. The coupling device 1 extends along the device axis 7 between a proximal end 8 (or first end 8) and an opposite distal end 9 (or second end 9, opposite the first end 8).

[0034] In operational configuration, the distal end 9 is positionable facing the coupling membrane 5 or a patient’s body. Conversely, the proximal end 8 is positionable opposite the coupling membrane 5 or the patient’s body.

[0035] The coupling device 1 comprises a distal body 10. The distal body 10 extends from the distal end 9 towards the proximal end 8.

[0036] Optionally, the distal body 10 is positioned substantially coaxial to the device axis 7.

[0037] The coupling device 1 comprises at least one introduction duct 11 and an ejection duct 12. The introduction duct 11 and the ejection duct 12 are separate from each other. Moreover, the introduction duct 11 and the ejection duct 12 extend passing through the distal body 10, at least in a direction parallel to the device axis 7.

[0038] The introduction duct 11 leads out from the distal body 10, i.e., it leads externally from the distal body 10, at an introduction opening 13. Specifically, the introduction duct 11 extends from the introduction opening 13 through the distal body 10.

[0039] Moreover, the introduction duct 11 is configured to convey the coupling fluid out from the distal body 10. In this way, the coupling fluid, exiting from the introduction opening 13, fills the coupling membrane 5. Therefore, it is understood that the introduction duct 11 is configured to convey the coupling fluid through itself, i.e., through the introduction opening 13, out from the distal body 10, so as to introduce the coupling fluid into a containment compartment 23 definable by a transducer apparatus 2.

[0040] The ejection duct 12 leads out from the distal body 10, i.e., externally from the distal body 10, at an ejection opening 14. Specifically, the ejection duct 12 extends from the ejection opening 14 through the distal body 10.

[0041] Moreover, the ejection duct 12 is configured to convey air and / or the coupling fluid (in particular both air and coupling fluid) into the distal body 10. In this way, the coupling fluid, or air bubbles, are extracted from the space between the couplingmembrane 5 and the coupling device 1, through the ejection opening 14. Therefore, it is understood that the ejection duct 12 is configured to convey air and coupling fluid through itself, i.e. , through the ejection opening 14, into the distal body 10, so as to eject air and coupling fluid from a containment compartment 23 definable by a transducer apparatus 2.

[0042] Moreover, with reference to the device axis 7, the axial distance between the ejection opening 14 and the proximal end 8 is less than the axial distance between the introduction opening 13 and the proximal end 8.

[0043] “Axial distance” is understood to mean the distance, measured along the device axis 7, between the respective projections of two elements on the device axis 7.

[0044] Advantageously, a coupling device 1 thus configured allows the coupling of the therapeutic transducer 3 to the diagnostic transducer 4 and further ensures correct coupling between the patient and the transducer apparatus 2.

[0045] In fact, the coupling device 1 thus configured, with the ejection opening 14 positioned, in operational configuration, higher than the introduction opening 13, allows natural conveyance of any air accumulations or air bubbles towards the ejection opening 14, and thus towards the ejection duct 12, thereby obtaining their ejection through the ejection duct 12, which is facilitated by the same working fluid introduced through the introduction duct 11 and which gradually fills the coupling membrane 5.

[0046] Consequently, the coupling device 1 thus configured eliminates the possible presence of air bubbles without requiring particular manipulations or inclinations of the transducer apparatus 2 nor corrective actions following the filling of the coupling membrane 5, thus increasing the safety of the treatment while at the same time reducing the overall execution time.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the distal body 10 defines a recess 15 at the distal end 9.

[0048] The recess 15 extends into the distal body 10, towards the device axis 7.

[0049] Moreover, the ejection opening 14 is positioned at the recess 15, so that the ejection duct 12 leads into the recess 15.

[0050] Advantageously, the recess 15 thus configured allows the accumulation, by gravity, of any air bubbles present at the distal end 9, and therefore facilitates their ejection through the ejection opening 14, via the ejection duct 12.

[0051] The recess 15 is in fluid communication with the ejection duct 12, but not with the introduction duct 11.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the recess 15 is open both in a direction radially external to the device axis 7 and in a direction parallel to the device axis 7. In this way, the recess 15 opens at the distal end 8 of the distal body 10.

[0053] Advantageously, the recess 15 thus configured, in operational configuration, is directly facing the coupling membrane 5 and allows the easy accumulation, by gravity, of any air bubbles present at the distal end 9, thus facilitating their ejection.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the recess 15 is defined by a cut, on the distal body 10, extending at least along an arc of circumference.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the recess 15 is defined by a cut, on the distal body 10, extending at least partially along a plane incident to the device axis 7, with an angle of incidence between 80° and 10°, or between 60° and 20°, or between 45° and 30°.

[0056] Advantageously, the recess 15 thus shaped facilitates the natural conveyance of air towards the ejection opening 14.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the ejection opening 14 extends along a plane substantially orthogonal to the device axis 7.

[0058] Advantageously, such a configuration facilitates the natural conveyance of air towards the ejection opening 14, since it maximises the passage section through which to discharge the possible air.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the introduction opening 13 extends along a plane incident to the device axis 7, with an angle of incidence between 10° and 60°, or between 10° and 45°, or between 10° and 30°.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the introduction opening 13 extends along a plane substantially parallel to the device axis 7.

[0061] Advantageously, the introduction opening 13 thus configured allows conveying the working fluid out from the distal body 10, and thus into the space between the therapeutic transducer 3 and the coupling membrane 5, avoiding dripping (i.e., vertical, free, and uncontrolled falling) of the coupling fluid, which would induce the formation of further air bubbles.

[0062] In fact, the introduction opening 13 thus oriented allows directing the working fluid towards an emission surface 24 of the therapeutic transducer 3, thus favouring the formation of a film of working fluid adhering to the emission surface 24, thereby achieving a controlled and continuous supply of the working fluid.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the distal body 10 comprises a plurality ofintroduction openings 13 into which the introduction duct 11 branches.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the coupling device 1 comprises a connection body 16.

[0065] The connection body 16 is connected to the distal body 10. Optionally, the connection body 16 and the distal body 10 have structural continuity. Alternatively, the connection body 16 is connected to the distal body 10 by reversible sealing connection means, for example by an assembly of threaded elements and polymeric gaskets.

[0066] The connection body 16 extends from the proximal end 8 towards the distal end 9.

[0067] The connection body 16 comprises fastening means 17 for fastening the connection body 16 to the therapeutic transducer 3.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the fastening means 17 are of the reversible type, for example snap connection means or shape connection means with elastic deformation or threaded connection means or adhesive connection means.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the connection body 16 comprises a connection plate 18.

[0070] The connection plate 18 extends substantially in a direction transverse to the device axis 7.

[0071] Optionally, the connection plate 18 is positionable in overlapping relationship with the therapeutic transducer 3, in a direction parallel to the device axis 7, so that the distal body 10 is positionable inside the therapeutic transducer 3.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the connection means 17 are positioned at the connection plate 18.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the coupling device 1 comprises a coupling hole 19 extending through the coupling device 1, in a direction substantially parallel to the device axis 7.

[0074] Optionally, the coupling device 1 and the coupling hole 19 extend coaxially to the device axis 7.

[0075] The coupling hole 19 leads out from the connection body 16 at the proximal end 8. Moreover, the coupling hole 19 leads out from the distal body 10 at the distal end 9.

[0076] Advantageously, the diagnostic transducer 4 is insertable into the coupling hole 19, so as to be connected to the coupling device 1 and to the therapeutic transducer 3.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the coupling hole 19 is delimited by an inner surface 20 formed by the coupling device 1, in particular by at least the distal body 10. Therefore, the inner surface 20 faces the device axis 7.

[0078] Moreover, the distal body 10 comprises an outer surface 21. The outer surface 21 externally delimits the distal body 10 at least in a direction transverse to the device axis 7. Therefore, the outer surface 21 faces in a direction opposite to the device axis 7.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the inner surface 20 and the diagnostic transducer 4 are configured to establish a watertight coupling at the coupling hole 19.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the introduction duct 11 and the ejection duct 12 are positioned extending through the distal body 10 and are contained between the inner surface 20 and the outer surface 21. Moreover, the introduction duct 11 and the ejection duct 12 are positioned extending through the distal body 10, substantially parallel to the coupling hole 19.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the distal body 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape coaxial to the device axis 7.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the distal body 10 comprises a dividing tab 22 extending in a direction parallel to the device axis 7, from the distal end 9 towards the proximal end 8.

[0083] The dividing tab 22 is positioned at the recess 15, so as to delimit the recess 15 in a direction radially internal to the device axis 7.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the dividing tab 22 at least partially defines the inner surface 21. Consequently, the dividing tab 22 at least partially separates, in a direction transverse to the device axis 7, the recess 15 from the coupling hole 19.

[0085] Transducer apparatus 2

[0086] According to a further aspect of the invention, a transducer apparatus 2 comprises a therapeutic transducer 3 and a diagnostic transducer 4.

[0087] The therapeutic transducer 3 is configured to emit a focused ultrasound beam coaxial to a therapeutic axis 6.

[0088] The diagnostic transducer 4 is configured to perform an ultrasound scan along a diagnostic plane coplanar to the therapeutic axis 6.

[0089] The transducer apparatus 2 further comprises a coupling membrane 5. The coupling membrane 5 is suitable for being fillable with coupling fluid, for example degassed water. Furthermore, the coupling membrane 5, filled with the coupling fluid, is suitable for being positioned or pressed at the patient’s body, so as to establish acoupling between the patient and the therapeutic and diagnostic transducers 3, 4.

[0090] The coupling membrane 5 is connected, or anchored, to the therapeutic transducer 3, so as to be substantially facing the therapeutic transducer 3. Moreover, the coupling membrane 5 is positioned facing the diagnostic transducer 4.

[0091] In this way, the coupling membrane 5 can be traversed by the ultrasound beams generated by the therapeutic transducer 3 and by the diagnostic transducer 4.

[0092] The coupling membrane 5 and the therapeutic transducer 3 define a containment compartment 23, particularly for containing a coupling medium (for example degassed water), comprised between the coupling membrane 5 and the therapeutic transducer 3.

[0093] The transducer apparatus 2 further comprises a coupling device 1 as previously described.

[0094] The coupling device 1 is positioned so that the distal end 9 is facing the coupling membrane 5. Conversely, the proximal end 8 is facing in the opposite direction from the coupling membrane 5.

[0095] Moreover, the coupling device 1 is positioned so that the device axis 7 is positioned substantially coincident with the therapeutic axis 6.

[0096] The coupling device 1 is connected to the therapeutic transducer 3 so that the introduction opening 13 and the ejection opening 14 are in fluid communication with the containment compartment 23. Therefore, the introduction opening 13 and the ejection opening 14 are both in fluid communication with the containment compartment 23. Consequently, both air and coupling fluid that can be contained in the containment compartment 23 can be conveyed and transferred between the containment compartment 23 and the coupling device 1 through the introduction and ejection openings 13, 14.

[0097] Advantageously, a transducer apparatus 2 thus configured enables easy coupling between the therapeutic transducer 3 and the diagnostic transducer 4 and further ensures correct coupling between the patient and the transducer apparatus 2.

[0098] In fact, the transducer apparatus 2 thus configured allows creating a flow of coupling fluid in the containment compartment 23 through the introduction and ejection ducts 11 and 12 in fluid communication with the containment compartment 23, determining the filling of the coupling membrane 5. Furthermore, the transducer apparatus 2 thus configured allows naturally conveying any air accumulations or air bubbles towards the ejection opening 14, and thus towards the ejection duct 12, thereby achieving their expulsion through the ejection duct 12, which is facilitated by the sameworking fluid introduced through the introduction duct 11 and which gradually fills the coupling membrane 5.

[0099] Indeed, in operational configuration, with the patient’s body generally positioned below the coupling membrane 5, and thus below the distal end 9 of the coupling device 1, the ejection opening 14 is positioned higher than the introduction opening 13, with the consequent natural conveying and accumulation of air at the ejection opening 14, and subsequent expulsion through the ejection duct 12.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the coupling device 1 comprises the previously described coupling hole 19.

[0101] The diagnostic transducer 4 is positioned inserted into the coupling hole 19. According to one embodiment, the coupling hole 19, and in particular the inner surface 20 defining the coupling hole 19, and the diagnostic transducer 4 establish a watertight coupling. In particular, the diagnostic transducer 4 is connectable integrally to the coupling device 1 , and consequently to the ducts 11, 12.

[0102] Advantageously, such a configuration reduces the overall bulk of the transducer apparatus 2 and allows positioning the diagnostic transducer 4 coaxial to the therapeutic transducer 3 and to the coupling device 1.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the therapeutic transducer 3 comprises an emission surface 24. The emission surface 24 is coaxial to the therapeutic axis 6 and faces the coupling membrane 5. The emission surface 24 has a concave shape with respect to the coupling membrane 5.

[0104] From the emission surface 24, the focused ultrasound beam coaxial to the therapeutic axis 6 is emitted.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the emission surface 24, in axial section or coplanar to the therapeutic axis 6, has a shape of a portion of a parabola or a portion of an ellipse or an arc of a circle.

[0106] The therapeutic transducer 3 further comprises a coupling seat 25, extending through the therapeutic transducer 3, coaxial to the therapeutic axis 6. The coupling seat 25 is delimited by a seat wall 26, preferably cylindrical.

[0107] The coupling seat 25 leads to the emission surface 24.

[0108] Consequently, the emission surface 24 extends, in a direction radially external to the therapeutic axis 6 and divergent from the therapeutic axis 6, from the coupling seat 25 (i.e., from the seat wall 26 or from the interface between the seat wall 26 and the emission surface 24) towards the coupling membrane 5.

[0109] In operational configuration, the seat wall 26 faces the outer surface 21 of the distal body 10.

[0110] The distal body 10 of the coupling device 1 is positioned inserted in the coupling seat 25 of the therapeutic transducer 3. Consequently, the ducts 11, 12 are positioned inside the coupling seat 25 defined by the seat wall 26.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the distal body 10 is positioned so that the introduction opening 13 leads outside the coupling seat 25, while the ejection opening 14 leads inside the coupling seat 25.

[0112] Advantageously, such a configuration defines a pocket, delimited by the distal body 10 and by the seat wall 26, which may correspond to the recess 15, allowing the accumulation by gravity of any air bubbles present at the distal end 9, thus facilitating their expulsion through the ejection opening 14, via the ejection duct 12. Preferably, the ejection opening 14, or the previously defined pocket, is positioned at a top part of the containment compartment 23 or of the emission surface 24. Therefore, when the transducer apparatus 2 is oriented with the emission surface 24 facing the patient, particularly with the portion of the patient’s skin arranged horizontally, any air present in the containment compartment 23 naturally flows upward by gravity, so as to be naturally expelled from the ejection opening 14.

[0113] According to one embodiment, said pocket, which may correspond to the recess 15, is delimited by the seat wall 26 and by the dividing tab 22.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the introduction opening 13 faces the emission surface 24. Specifically, the introduction opening 13 extends along a plane orthogonal to an incident or tangent axis with respect to the emission surface 24.

[0115] Advantageously, the introduction opening 13 thus configured allows conveying the working fluid out from the distal body 10, and thus into the containment compartment 23, avoiding dripping (i.e. , vertical, free and uncontrolled falling) of the coupling fluid that would induce the formation of further air bubbles.

[0116] In fact, the introduction opening 13 thus oriented allows directing the working fluid towards the emission surface 24 of the therapeutic transducer 3, thus favouring the formation of a film of working fluid adhering to the emission surface 24, thereby achieving a controlled and continuous supply of the working fluid into the containment compartment 23.

[0117] Focused ultrasound platform

[0118] According to a further aspect of the invention, a focused ultrasound platform comprises a passive manipulator or a robotic arm.

[0119] Moreover, the focused ultrasound platform comprises a transducer apparatus 2 as previously described.

[0120] The transducer apparatus 2 is connected to the passive manipulator or to the robotic arm.

[0121] Naturally, the person skilled in the art will be able to make modifications or adaptations to the present invention without, however, departing from the scope of the following claims.List of references1. Coupling device2. Transducer apparatus 3. Therapeutic transducer 4. Diagnostic transducer 5. Coupling membrane6. Therapeutic axis7. Device axis8. Proximal end9. Distal end10. Distal body11. Introduction duct12. Ejection duct13. Introduction opening14. Ejection opening15. Recess16. Connection body17. Fastening means18. Connection plate19. Coupling hole20. Inner surface21. Outer surface22. Dividing tab23. Containment compartment 24. Emission surface25. Coupling seat26. Seat wall

Claims

Claims1. A coupling device (1), for coupling a therapeutic transducer (3) to a diagnostic transducer (4) of a transducer apparatus (2), wherein the transducer apparatus (2) is of the type comprising a coupling membrane (5) associable with the therapeutic transducer (3) and adapted to be fillable with coupling fluid and to be positionable facing the diagnostic transducer (4), wherein the therapeutic transducer (3) is configured to emit a focused ultrasound beam coaxial to a therapeutic axis (6), and wherein the diagnostic transducer (4) is configured to perform an ultrasound scan along a diagnostic plane coplanar to the therapeutic axis (6),wherein the coupling device (1) extends along a device axis (7), between a proximal end (8) and an opposite distal end (9),wherein the distal end (9) is positionable facing the coupling membrane (5) or a patient’s body, while the proximal end (8) is positionable opposite to the coupling membrane (5) or the patient’s body,wherein the coupling device (1) comprises a distal body (10) extending from the distal end (9) towards the proximal end (8),wherein the coupling device (1) comprises at least one introduction duct (11) and an ejection duct (12), separate from each other and extending passing through the distal body (10) at least in a direction parallel to the device axis (7),wherein the introduction duct (11) leads out from the distal body (10) at an introduction opening (13), and is configured to convey the coupling fluid out from the distal body (10), wherein the ejection duct (12) leads out from the distal body (10) at an ejection opening (14), and is configured to convey air and / or coupling fluid into the distal body (10), and wherein, with reference to the device axis (7), the axial distance between the ejection opening (14) and the proximal end (8) is less than the axial distance between the introduction opening (13) and the proximal end (8).

2. A coupling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the distal body (10) defines a recess (15) at the distal end (9),wherein the recess (15) extends into the distal body (10), towards the device axis (7), wherein the ejection opening (14) is positioned at the recess (15), so that the ejection duct (12) leads into the recess (15).

3. A coupling device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the recess (15) is in fluid communication with the ejection duct (12), but not with the introduction duct (11).

4. A coupling device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the recess (15) is open in both a direction radially outside the device axis (7) and a direction parallel to the device axis (7),and / or wherein the recess (15) is defined by a cut, on the end body (10), extending at least along an arc of circumference,and / or wherein the recess (15) is defined by a cut, on the end body (10), extending at least partially along a plane incident to the device axis (7) with an angle of incidence between 80° and 10°, or between 60° and 20°, or between 45° and 30°.

5. A coupling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ejection opening (14) extends along a plane substantially orthogonal to the device axis (7).

6. A coupling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the introduction opening (13) extends along a plane incident to the device axis (7) with an angle of incidence between 10° and 60°, or between 10° and 45°, or between 10° and 30°,or wherein the introduction opening (13) extends along a plane substantially parallel to the device axis (7).

7. A coupling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a connection body (16) connected to the end body (10), wherein the connection body (16) extends from the proximal end (8) towards the distal end (9),wherein the connection body (16) comprises fastening means (17) for fastening the connection body (16) to the therapeutic transducer (3),and wherein the fastening means (17) are reversible-type fastening means, optionally snap connection means or shape connection means with elastic deformation or threaded connection means or adhesive connection means,and wherein, optionally, the connection body (16) comprises a connection plate (18) extending substantially in a direction transverse to the device axis (7), and wherein the connection means (17) are positioned at the connection plate (18).

8. A coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a connection body (16) connected to the end body (10), wherein the connection body (16) extendsfrom the proximal end (8) towards the distal end (9),wherein the connection device (1) comprises a coupling hole (19) extending passing through the coupling device (1), in a direction substantially parallel to the device axis (7), wherein the coupling hole (19) leads out from the connection body (16) at the proximal end (8), and leads out from the distal body (10) at the distal end (9),wherein the coupling hole (19) is delimited by an inner surface (20) formed by at least the distal body (10),wherein the distal body (10) comprises an outer surface (21),and wherein the introduction duct (11) and the ejection duct (12) are positioned extending through the distal body (10) and contained between the inner surface (20) and the outer surface (21), substantially parallel to the coupling hole (19).

9. A transducer apparatus (2), comprising:- a therapeutic transducer (3);- a diagnostic transducer (4);- a coupling membrane (5);- a coupling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the therapeutic transducer (3) is configured to emit a focused ultrasound beam coaxial to a therapeutic axis (6),wherein the diagnostic transducer (4) is configured to perform an ultrasound scan along a diagnostic plane coplanar to the therapeutic axis (6),wherein the coupling membrane (5) is adapted to be fillable with coupling fluid, and is connected or anchored to the therapeutic transducer (3), so as to substantially face the therapeutic transducer (3) and the diagnostic transducer (4),wherein the coupling membrane (5) and the therapeutic transducer (3) define a containment compartment (23) enclosed between the coupling membrane (5) and the therapeutic transducer (3),wherein the coupling device (1) is positioned so that the distal end (9) faces the coupling membrane (5), and the proximal end (8) faces in the opposite direction from the coupling membrane (5),wherein the coupling device (1) is positioned so that the device axis (7) is positioned substantially coincident with the therapeutic axis (6),and wherein the coupling device (1) is connected to the therapeutic transducer (3) so that the introduction opening (13) and the ejection opening (14) are in fluid connection with the containment compartment (23).

10. A transducer apparatus (2) according to claim 9, wherein the connection device (1) comprises a coupling hole (19) extending passing through the coupling device (1), in a direction substantially parallel to the device axis (7), wherein the coupling hole (19) leads out from the connection body (16) at the proximal end (8), and leads out from the distal body (10) at the distal end (9),and wherein the diagnostic transducer (4) is positioned inserted into the coupling hole (19),and wherein the coupling hole (19) and the diagnostic transducer (4) form a watertight coupling.

11. A transducer apparatus (2) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the therapeutic transducer (3) comprises an emission surface (24) coaxial to the therapeutic axis (6) and facing the coupling membrane (5), wherein the emission surface (24) is concave in shape with respect to the coupling membrane (5),wherein the therapeutic transducer (3) comprises a coupling seat (25) extending passing through the therapeutic transducer (3), coaxial to the therapeutic axis (6),wherein the coupling seat (25) is delimited by an optionally cylindrical seat wall (26), wherein the coupling seat (25) leads to the emission surface (24),wherein the distal body (10) of the coupling device (1) is positioned inserted into the coupling seat (25) of the therapeutic transducer (3),and wherein the distal body (10) is positioned so that:- the introduction opening (13) leads outside the coupling seat (25);- the ejection opening (14) leads inside the coupling seat (25).

12. A transducer apparatus (2) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the introduction opening (13) faces the emission surface (24),and wherein the introduction opening (13) extends along a plane orthogonal to an incident or tangent axis with respect to the emission surface (24).

13. A focused ultrasound platform comprising:- a passive manipulator or a robotic arm;- a transducer apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 9 to 12,wherein the transducer apparatus (2) is connected to the passive manipulator or the robotic arm.

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