초록 ▼

A transducer assembly and method for coupling ultrasonic energy to a body for thrombolysis of vascular thrombi is provided. The assembly includes a catalytic transducer for transmitting ultrasound into a medical target transcutaneously. The catalytic transducer includes a front mass having structure

A transducer assembly and method for coupling ultrasonic energy to a body for thrombolysis of vascular thrombi is provided. The assembly includes a catalytic transducer for transmitting ultrasound into a medical target transcutaneously. The catalytic transducer includes a front mass having structure which optimizes the transmission of ultrasound into the body. A reservoir for containing a cooling conductive medium between the front mass and the body surface is provided, and is contained within the housing. In addition, the catalytic transducer includes an irrigation manifold, disposed through a center of the front mass, for directing the media into the reservoir generally along a perimeter thereof. The front mass includes an apex for accumulating expelled gasses. A sloped surface of the front mass functions to direct expelled gasses toward the apex and through an outlet provided by the irrigation manifold. The medium may be circulated from a degassing tank as well as a heat exchange unit in order to maintain a desired reservoir temperature at the body surface.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Ultrasonic medical apparatus comprising:a housing:means, including a piezoelectric element, enclosed in said housing for generating ultrasonic waves;a front mass disposed in said housing;means for radiating the ultrasonic waves into a medical target in a patient;reservoir

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Ultrasonic medical apparatus comprising:a housing:means, including a piezoelectric element, enclosed in said housing for generating ultrasonic waves;a front mass disposed in said housing;means for radiating the ultrasonic waves into a medical target in a patient;reservoir means including a flexible membrane for containing a fluid conductive medium between the front mass and the flexible membrane to thereby provide an interface between said fluid conductive medium and a body surface of a patient and for coupling the radiated ultrasonic waves into the body surface;a fluid conductive medium contained in said reservoir means; andflow management means, defining an arcuate surface area on said front mass, for accumulating and removing expelled gasses from the reservoir means in order to enhance the transmission of the ultrasonic waves into the medical target, said arcuate surface area comprising concavity means, including an concavity apex, for enabling gasses expelled from the fluid conductive medium to accumulate at the concavity apex, and outlet means, in fluid communication with said reservoir means and disposed generally at said concavity apex, for passing fluid conductive medium and accumulated gasses out of the reservoir means.