26528 results about "Ultrasound wave" patented technology

An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation, and fine dissection required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The assembly includes a clamping mechanism, including a clamp arm cam-mounted at the distal portion of the instrument, which is specifically configured to create a desired level of tissue clamping forces. The balanced blade provides a functional asymmetry for improved visibility at the blade tip and a multitude of edges and surfaces, designed to provide a multitude of tissue effects: clamped coagulation, clamped cutting, grasping, back-cutting, dissection, spot coagulation, tip penetration and tip scoring. The assembly also features hand activation configured to provide an ergonomical grip and operation for the surgeon. Hand switches are placed in the range of the natural axial motion of the user's index or middle fingers, whether gripping the surgical instrument right-handed or left handed.

A system for medical ultrasound in which the ultrasound probe is positioned by a robot arm under the shared control of the ultrasound operator and the computer is proposed. The system comprises a robot arm design suitable for diagnostic ultrasound, a passive or active hand-controller, and a computer system to co-ordinate the motion and forces of the robot and hand-controller as a function of operator input, sensed parameters and ultrasound images.

Apparatus and method for the treatment of tissue, such as hard and soft tissues, wounds, tumors, muscles, and cartilage, through the direct contact of ultrasound energy is disclosed. Ultrasound energy is delivered to a target area through direct contact with an ultrasound tip. Ultrasound energy is also delivered through direct contact with a coupling medium. The ultrasound tip is specially designed to comprise of a cavity area for controlled fragmentation and the simultaneous sonication of a target area. The specially designed ultrasound tip allows for ultrasound energy to focus on a target area. The ultrasound apparatus may be moved in a variety of different directions during the treatment of tissue.

A method and apparatus for producing lysis of adipose tissue underlying the skin of a subject, by: applying an ultrasonic transducer to the subject's skin to transmit therethrough ultrasonic waves focussed on the adipose tissue; and electrically actuating the ultrasonic transducer to transmit ultrasonic waves to produce cavitational lysis of the adipose tissue without damaging non-adipose tissue.

A medical procedure utilizes a high-intensity focused ultrasound instrument having an applicator surface, a liquid-containing bolus or expandable chamber acting as a heat sink, and a source of ultrasonic vibrations, the applicator surface being a surface of a flexible wall of the bolus, the source of ultrasonic vibrations being in operative contact with the bolus. The applicator surface is placed in contact with an organ surface of a patient, the source is energized to produce ultrasonic vibrations focused at a predetermined focal region inside the organ, and a temperature of liquid in the bolus is controlled while the applicator surface is in contact with the organ surface to control temperature elevation in tissues of the organ between the focal region and the organ surface to necrose the tissues to within a desired distance from the organ surface.

The method and device of the present invention for the treatment of avian influenza and other viruses, bacteria, and infectious agents with ultrasonic waves includes a generator and a transducer to produce ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic transducer has a specially designed ultrasound tip that is able to radiate ultrasound energy toward the body of the target animal or human at a level higher than a traditional ultrasound tip. The apparatus delivers ultrasonic energy without contacting the target through an air / gas medium or through a spray, or by contacting the target with or without a coupling medium. The ultrasonic waves provide a therapeutic effect such as destroying viruses, bacteria, or other infectious agents, increasing blood flow, or stimulating the immune system, etc; additionally, breathing ability is enhanced through the ultrasonic delivery of a medicament to the target's lungs.

A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a deep tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat labuli into the dermis. The invention delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat labuli, whereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. The invention can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products.

A wireless power transmission system includes a wireless power transmitting apparatus and a wireless power receiving apparatus. The wireless power transmitting apparatus includes a signal generator and an ultrasonic transmitting unit. The ultrasonic transmitting unit generates and outputs a focused ultrasonic wave according to a signal outputted from the signal generator. The wireless power receiving apparatus includes an ultrasonic receiving unit and a power conversion unit. The ultrasonic receiving unit receives the focused ultrasonic wave outputted from the wireless power transmitting apparatus and converts the focused ultrasonic wave into electrical power energy. The power conversion unit performs a power conversion on the electrical power energy and thereby provides the converted electrical power energy to a back-end circuit. The ultrasonic signal can also be encoded in the transmitting unit and subsequently decoded in the receiving unit as a means to remotely control the back-end circuit in the receiving unit.

An apparatus includes an optical transmission unit which irradiates a subject to be examined with light containing a specific wavelength component, an electroacoustic conversion unit which receives acoustic waves generated inside the subject by the light radiated by the optical transmission unit and converts them into electrical signals, an image data generating unit which generates first image data on the basis of the reception signals obtained by the electroacoustic conversion unit, an electroacoustic conversion unit which receives ultrasonic reflection signals obtained by transmitting ultrasonic waves to the subject and converts them into electrical signals, an image data generating unit which generates second image data on the basis of the reception signals obtained by the electroacoustic conversion unit, and a display unit which combines the first and second image data and displays the resultant data.

Ultrasonic horns configured for use with a surgical ultrasonic handpiece including a resonator are described. The ultrasonic horns include an elongated member having a longitudinal internal channel extending partially therethrough. Disposed on the distal end of the elongated member is a chisel and awl shaped tip configured for cutting and / or abrading hard tissue, for example bone.

Proppants having added functional properties are provided, as are methods that use the proppants to track and trace the characteristics of a fracture in a geologic formation. Information obtained by the methods can be used to design a fracturing job, to increase conductivity in the fracture, and to enhance oil and gas recovery from the geologic formation. The functionalized proppants can be detected by a variety of methods utilizing, for example, an airborne magnetometer survey, ground penetrating radar, a high resolution accelerometer, a geophone, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultra-sound, impedance measurements, piezoelectric activity, radioactivity, and the like. Methods of mapping a subterranean formation are also provided and use the functionalized proppants to detect characteristics of the formation.

The invention provides a method of sensitising target cells to ultrasound energy using a stimulus such as an electric field. This "electrosensitisation" enables target cells to be disrupted by ultrasound at frequencies and energies of ultrasound which do not cause disruption of non-sensitised (i.e., non-target) cells. As a consequence, the method increases the selectivity of ultrasound therapy, providing a way to ablate undesired cells, such as diseased cells (e.g., tumor cells) while minimising harm to neighboring cells. In another aspect, however, ultrasound can be used to sensitise cells while the electrical field is used to disrupt cells. The invention also provides an apparatus for performing the method and assays for identifying gene products and other molecules involved in apoptosis.

A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

The invention relates to a preparation method of a polymer / graphene composite material through in situ reduction, which is characterized by comprising the following steps: adopting ultrasonic wave or grinding to evenly disperse the graphite oxide prepared by a Hummers method into polymer dispersion; introducing reducing agent into the polymer dispersion for in situ reduction, enabling the graphite oxide to be reduced into the grapheme so as to obtain stable polymer / graphene composite emulsion; carrying out demulsification, agglomeration and drying to obtain the composite polymer / grapheme composite master batch; adding the dried polymer / grapheme composite master batch and various assistants into the polymeric matrix according to a certain ratio; and carrying out double-roller mixing, vulcanization, melt extrusion or injection molding to obtain the polymer / graphene composite material with excellent physical and mechanical properties.

Implantable medical devices (IMDs) for monitoring signs of acute or chronic cardiac heart failure by measuring cardiac blood pressure and mechanical dimensions of the heart and providing multi-chamber pacing optimized as a function of measured blood pressure and dimensions are disclosed. The dimension sensor or sensors comprise at least a first sonomicrometer piezoelectric crystal mounted to a first lead body implanted into or in relation to one heart chamber that operates as an ultrasound transmitter when a drive signal is applied to it and at least one second sonomicrometer crystal mounted to a second lead body implanted into or in relation to a second heart chamber that operates as an ultrasound receiver. The ultrasound receiver converts impinging ultrasound energy transmitted from the ultrasound transmitter through blood and heart tissue into an electrical signal. The time delay between the generation of the transmitted ultrasound signal and the reception of the ultrasound wave varies as a function of distance between the ultrasound transmitter and receiver which in turn varies with contraction and expansion of a heart chamber between the first and second sonomicrometer crystals. One or more additional sonomicrometer piezoelectric crystal can be mounted to additional lead bodies such that the distances between the three or more sonomicrometer crystals can be determined. In each case, the sonomicrometer crystals are distributed about a heart chamber such that the distance between the separated ultrasound transmitter and receiver crystal pairs changes with contraction and relaxation of the heart chamber walls.

A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

An apparatus and method for treating subcutaneous tissues using acoustic waves in the range of low acoustic pressure ultrasound waves is disclosed. The method includes injections of enhancing agents, wherein disruption of subcutaneous tissues and subcutaneous cavitational bioeffects are produced by ultrasound waves having a power that will not produce tissue cavitation in the absence of the enhancing agents. The apparatus and method of use is useful for treatment of subcutaneous abnormalities including cellulite, lipomas, and tumors.

An ultrasonic surgical blade has a blade body and a shank. The shank is fixed at one end to the blade body and is operatively connectable at an opposite end to a source of ultrasonic vibrations. The shank has a longitudinal axis. The blade body is eccentrically disposed relative to the axis.

The invention is a method of using ultrasound waves that are focused at a specific location in a medium to cause localized production of bubbles at that location and to control the production, and the cavitational and heating effects that take place there. According to the method of the invention, the production and control is accomplished by selecting the range of parameters of multiple transducers that are focused at the location such that they produce by interference specific waveforms at the focal point, which are not produced at other locations. Preferably the region within the focal zone of all the transducers in which the specific waveform develops at significant intensities, is typically very small. The invention is also a system for carrying out the method. The method and system of the invention can be used to perform a variety of therapeutic procedures. Typical of such procedures is occlusion of varicose veins.

Methods and systems for treating stretch marks through deep tissue tightening with ultrasound are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a therapeutic ultrasound system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a shallow tissue region, such as a region comprising an epidermis, a dermis and a deep dermis. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound system can be configured to achieve depth from 0 mm to 1 cm with a conformal selective deposition of ultrasound energy without damaging an intervening tissue in the range of frequencies from 2 to 50 MHz. In addition, a therapeutic ultrasound can also be configured in combination with ultrasound imaging or imaging / monitoring capabilities, either separately configured with imaging, therapy and monitoring systems or any level of integration thereof.

An apparatus that collects and processes physical space data while performing an image-guided procedure on an anatomical area of interest includes a calibration probe that collects physical space data by probing a plurality of physical points, a tracked ultrasonic probe, a tracking device that tracks the ultrasonic probe in space and an image data processor. The physical space data provides three-dimensional coordinates for each of the physical points. The image data processor includes a computer-readable medium holding computer-executable instructions. The executable instructions include determining registrations used to indicate position in both image space and physical space based on the physical space data collected by the calibration probe; using the registrations to map into image space, image data describing the physical space of the tracked ultrasonic probe used to perform the image-guided procedure and the anatomical area of interest; and constructing a three-dimensional volume based on the ultrasonic image data on a periodic basis.

A system for ultrasonic mammography includes an ultrasonic mammography device for constructing an ultrasonic image of a breast having a support structure with an ultrasonic transducer mounted on the support structure. The system also includes a personal digital assistant operatively connected to the ultrasonic transducer via a communication link, a patient computer system operatively connected to the personal digital assistant via a second communication link, and a healthcare provider computer system operatively connected to the patient computer system via an internet, for constructing the image of the breast. The method includes the steps of positioning the ultrasonic mammography device having an ultrasonic transducer on the patient and activating the ultrasonic transducer to generate a signal for constructing an image of the breast. The method also includes the steps of transmitting the signal from the ultrasonic transducer to the personal digital assistant, and transmitting the signal via an internet to a healthcare provider computer. The method further includes the steps of using the signal to construct an image of the patient's breast.

A non-invasive subject-information imaging apparatus according to this invention includes a light generating unit which generates light containing a specific wavelength component, a light irradiation unit which radiates the generated light into a subject, a waveguide unit which guides the light from the light generating unit to the irradiation unit, a plurality of two-dimensionally arrayed electroacoustic transducer elements, a transmission / reception unit which transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject by driving the electroacoustic transducer elements, and generates a reception signal from electrical signals converted by electroacoustic transducer elements, and a signal processing unit which generates volume data about a living body function by processing a reception signal corresponding to acoustic waves generated in the subject by light irradiation, and generates volume data about a tissue morphology by processing a reception signal corresponding to echoes generated in the subject upon transmission of the ultrasonic waves.

A method and system for treating a patient to repair damaged tissue which includes exposing a selected area of bone marrow of a patient to ultrasound waves or ultra shock waves so that cells comprising stem cells, progenitor cells or macrophages are generated in the area of the bone marrow of the patient due to the ultrasound, converting the cells from the bone marrow of the patient and reducing the damaged tissue in the bone marrow of the patient by repairing the damaged tissue.

The presently disclosed invention is a device for measuring horizontal and vertical eye movement. The device is adaptable to utilize multiple measurement technologies (e.g., direct infrared, electro-oculography, ultrasound, or video), and is capable of measuring each eye individually or both eyes jointly. The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by requiring minimal adjustment for accurate measurement, only minimally obstructing the user's visual range (i.e., slightly more than the user's own nose), being made of low cost and readily available material, and by being comprised of a comfortable and efficient design of an adjustable nose and forehead piece with an adjustable head strap. An additional advancement over the prior art is that the presently disclosed device does not require an aperture or frame, as did the prior art, or any additional optics such as, lenses, mirrors, or prisms. The device rests on the user's nose with the sensors located near the nasal area of the eye(s) utilizing a nose bridge component to house the measuring technology. The forehead piece and head strap provide for ease of alignment, added stability, and a wide range of test applications. The greater field of vision provided by this device allows for a wide range of test applications.

This invention incorporates the techniques of geophysical technology into medical imaging. Ultrasound waves are generated from multiple, simultaneous sources tuned for maximum penetration, resolution, and image quality. Digitally recorded reflections from throughout the body are combined into a file available for automated interpretation and wavelet attribute analyses. Unique points within the object are imaged from multiple positions for signal-to-noise enhancement and wavelet velocity determinations. This system describes gaining critical efficiencies by reducing equation variables to known quantities. Sources and receivers are locked in invariant, known positions. Statistically valid measurements of densities and wavelet velocities are combined with object models and initial parameter assumptions. This makes possible three-dimensional images for viewing manipulation, mathematical analyses, and detailed interpretation, even of the body in motion. The invention imposes a Cartesian coordinate system on the image of the object. This makes reference to any structure within the object repeatable and precise. Finally, the invention teaches how the recording and storing of the received signals from a whole body analysis makes a subsequent search for structures and details within the object possible without reexamining the object.

A medical system includes a carrier and a multiplicity of electromechanical transducers mounted to the carrier, the transducers being disposable in effective pressure-wave-transmitting contact with a patient. Energization componentry is operatively connected to a first plurality of the transducers for supplying the same with electrical signals of at least one pre-established ultrasonic frequency to produce first pressure waves in the patient. A control unit is operatively connected to the energization componentry and includes an electronic analyzer operatively connected to a second plurality of the transducers for performing electronic 3D volumetric data acquisition and imaging (which includes determining three-dimensional shapes) of internal tissue structures of the patient by analyzing signals generated by the second plurality of the transducers in response to second pressure waves produced at the internal tissue structures in response to the first pressure waves. The control unit includes phased-array signal processing circuitry for effectuating an electronic scanning of the internal tissue structures which facilitates one-dimensional (vector), 2D (planar), and 3D (volume) data acquisition. The control unit further includes circuitry for defining multiple data gathering apertures and for coherently combining structural data from the respective apertures to increase spatial resolution. When the data gathering apertures are contained in a flexible web or carrier so that the instantaneous positions of the data gathering apertures are unknown, a self-cohering algorithm is used to determine their positions so that coherent aperture combining can be performed.

A method for medically employing ultrasound within a body cavity of a patient. An end effector is obtained having a medical ultrasound transducer assembly. A biocompatible hygroscopic substance is obtained having a non-expanded anhydrous state and having an expanded and fluidly-loculated hydrated state. The end effector, including the transducer assembly, and the substance in substantially its anhydrous state are inserted into a body cavity (such as endoscopically inserted into a uterus) of a patient. The transducer assembly is used to medically image and / or medically treat patient tissue (such as stopping blood flow to, and / or ablating, a uterine fibroid). A system for medically employing ultrasound includes the end effector and the substance. In another system, the end effector includes the substance. The substance in its hydrated state expands inside the body cavity providing acoustic coupling between the wall of the body cavity and the transducer assembly.