Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for therapeutically treating connective tissue or increasing vascularization in tissue using ultrasound. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus which use ultrasound to stimulate growth or healing, or to treating pathologies, of connective tissue, or to increase vascularization in ischaemic or grafted tissue using ultrasound.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for therapeutically treating connective tissue or increasing vascularization in tissue using ultrasound. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus which use ultrasound to stimulate growth or healing, or to treating pathologies, of connective tissue, or to increase vascularization in ischaemic or grafted tissue using ultrasound.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for therapeutically treating connective tissue or increasing vascularization in tissue using ultrasound. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus which use ultrasound to stimulate growth or healing, or to treating pathologies, of connective tissue, or to increase vascularization in ischaemic or grafted tissue using ultrasound.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic device and method of use generate longitudinally propagating ultrasound and shear waves generated by such longitudinally propagating ultrasound to provide effective healing of wounds. A transducer having an operative surface is disposed substantially adjacent to the wound to emit ultrasound to propagate in the direction of the wound to promote healing. Reflections of the ultrasound by bone tissue, by skin layers, or by internally disposed reflective media propagate toward the wound as longitudinal waves, with shear waves generated by the longitudinal waves for the healing of the wound. A focusing element is used for focusing the propagation of the ultrasound at a predetermined angle toward the wound. The operative surface of the transducer may be annularly shaped to encircle the wound to convey the ultrasound and/or reflected ultrasound thereto.

Abstract: A modal converter having at least one ultrasonic transducer or at least one array of such transducers positioned on the modal converter at various angles relative to a tissue surface and bone tissue surface, such that some combination of one or more of the following occur: longitudinal waves are produced perpendicular to the bone surface, longitudinal waves propagate along the surface of the skin after incidence at the skin tissue surface, and both longitudinal and shear waves propagate along the surface of the bone after incidence at the bone tissue surface. Illuminating an open tissue wound and bone fracture site with these acoustic modes enhances and promotes angiogenesis and the biological endostial or periostial healing phases, or both, of the bone fracture healing process. The spatial and temporal distribution of acoustic waves directed to the treatment area via the ultrasonic transducers and the modal converter may be controlled.

Abstract: A method and kit for therapeutically treating bone and tissue injuries using ultrasound. The method includes the steps of introducing an ultrasound contrast agent into the patient, preferably, the patient's blood stream, and impinging ultrasonic waves in proximity to an injury. The ultrasound contrast agent facilitate in lowering the cavitation threshold, i.e., the energy required for the cavitation, to a level attainable by the ultrasonic waves to induce acoustic intracellular microstreaming to accelerate the healing process. The method further includes the steps of maintaining the resonance bubble frequency of the microbubbles of the ultrasound contrast agent from 0.5 MHz to 10 MHz; maintaining the acoustic transmit frequency of the ultrasound waves from 10 kHz to 10 MHz; and maintaining the acoustic spatial average-temporal average (SATA) intensity of the ultrasonic waves from 5 to 500 mW/cm2.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and method for ultrasonically and electromagnetically treating tissue to treat, for example, traumatized tissue or a bone injury. The apparatus includes at least one ultrasonic transducer assembly and at least one electromagnetic coil-assembly configured to cooperate with a placement module for placement in proximity to the treatment area. The apparatus also utilizes a portable main operating unit constructed to fit within a pouch or carrying case worn by the patient. In operation, at least one ultrasonic transducer and at least one electromagnetic coil are activated by transmitting control signals to the placement module from the main operating unit. The activation of the at least one ultrasonic transducer causes ultrasonic waves to be propagated toward the treatment area which are modulated by electrostatic and magnetic forces generated by the at least one electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: Ultrasound bandages (10) and ultrasound transducer array bandages are provided herein to accelerate the healing of wounds by positioning the ultrasound bandages (10) and ultrasound transducer array bandages adjacent to a wound and generating ultrasonic pulses. The ultrasound bandages (10) generally include (a) a backing layer (12), (b) an adhesive layer (14) applied to, and substantially coextensive with the backing layer (12), and (c) a transducer material (16) disposed on at least a portion of the adhesive layer (14). The ultrasound transducer array bandages generally include (a) a backing layer (13), (b) an adhesive layer applied to, and substantially coextensive with, the backing layer, and (c) an array comprising a plurality of transducer materials arranged in adjacent relation to define spaces therebetween, the array being disposed on at least a portion of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and method for ultrasonically stimulating cartilage growth. The apparatus includes at least one ergonomically constructed ultrasonic transducer configured to cooperate with a placement module or strip for placement in proximity to an area where cartilage growth is desired. The apparatus also utilizes a portable, ergonomically constructed main operating unit constructed to fit within a pouch worn by the patient. In operation, at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned in proximity to an osteochondral site is excited for a predetermined period of time. To ensure that at least one ultrasonic transducer is properly positioned, and to insure compliance with a treatment protocol, a safety interlock is provided to prevent inadvertent excitation of the at least one ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably securing an ultrasonic transducer to an orthopedic appliance is disclosed. The apparatus having; (a) an optional adjustable clamp adapted to adjustably secure the apparatus to an element of an orthopedic appliance; (b) a transducer holder adapted to secure the transducer to the apparatus; (c) an adjustable connector adapted to adjustably connect the optional adjustable clamp to the transducer holder.

Abstract: A cast punch and mounting assembly for forming an opening in an orthopedic cast and securing a therapeutic treatment device within the opening adjacent a bone or musculoskeletal injury is provided. The assembly includes a cast punch housing which is fastened to the body surface beneath the cast. The cast punch housing includes a central bore and a guide rod extending outwardly from the central bore. The guide rod extends through the cast. A punch member and a drive member are operably connected to the guide rod and are movable towards the central bore of the cast punch housing to core an opening in the cast above the central bore. The central bore includes engagement structure to releasably secure a therapeutic treatment device within the central bore of the cast punch housing.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic device and method of use generate longitudinally propagating ultrasound and shear waves generated by such longitudinally propagating ultrasound to provide effective healing of wounds. A transducer having an operative surface is disposed substantially adjacent to the wound to emit ultrasound to propagate in the direction of the wound to promote healing. Reflections of the ultrasound by bone tissue, by skin layers, or by internally disposed reflective media propagate toward the wound as longitudinal waves, with shear waves generated by the longitudinal waves for the healing of the wound. A focusing element is used for focusing the propagation of the ultrasound at a predetermined angle toward the wound. The operative surface of the transducer may be annularly shaped to encircle the wound to convey the ultrasound and/or reflected ultrasound thereto.

Abstract: Ultrasound application devices and methods of use for sternum healing of a patient includes the steps of positioning an ultrasound application device near a sternum having approximated portions, and applying ultrasound to the approximated portions for promoting healing. The ultrasound application device includes a transducer for generating the ultrasound, and a base for positioning the transducer near to the sternum. A diverging lens may be disposed between the transducer and the sternum for acoustically diverging the ultrasound to flood the sternum with ultrasound. A plurality of transducers may be included in a plurality of recesses of the base along a longitudinal length of the sternum for applying the ultrasound along the longitudinal length of the sternum. A ring may be included to be positioned and secured about the neck of the patient. The ring may be woven as and/or incorporated in a tie.

Abstract: A cast punch and mounting assembly for forming an opening in an orthopedic cast and securing a therapeutic treatment device within the opening adjacent a bone or musculoskeletal injury is provided. The assembly includes a cast punch housing which is fastened to the body surface beneath the cast. The cast punch housing includes a central bore and a guide rod extending outwardly from the central bore. The guide rod extends through the cast. A punch member and a drive member are operably connected to the guide rod and are moveable towards the central bore of the cast punch housing to core an opening in the cast above the central bore. The central bore includes engagement structure to releasably secure a therapeutic treatment device within the central bore of the cast punch housing.

Abstract: The system is used for therapeutically treating injuries using ultrasound. The system includes an ergonomically constructed ultrasonic transducer treatment head module and a main operating unit. The transducer treatment head module is positioned adjacent the area of the injury and excited for a predetermined period of time. The system includes a bathtub insert that envelops a portion of the patient's body, and means on the insert for positioning and holding the treatment head module adjacent positions on the patient's body.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and method for therapeutically treating reflex sympathetic dystrophy using ultra sound. The apparatus includes at least one ergonomically constructed ultrasonic transducer configured to cooperate with a placement module or strip for placement in proximity to pain receptors of the sympathetic nervous system. The apparatus also utilizes a portable, ergonomically constructed main operating unit constructed to fit within a pouch worn by the patient. In operation, at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned in proximity to the pain receptors of the sympathetic nervous system is excited for a predetermined period of time. To ensure that at least one ultrasonic transducer is properly positioned, and to insure compliance with a treatment protocol, a safety interlock is provided to prevent inadvertent excitation of the at least one ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A self-contained ultrasound applicator for therapeutically treating injuries. The self-contained ultrasound applicator comprises a cantilever mounting structure, a cantilever connected to the mounting structure, a main operating unit operably mounted adjacent the cantilever and an ultrasonic transducer positioned adjacent a distal portion of the cantilever for abutment with a treatment site. The self-contained ultrasound applicator includes a means for attaching adjacent a treatment site. The cantilever is configured to urgingly bias the ultrasonic transducer toward a treatment site when mounted adjacent the treatment site.

Abstract: A kit of elements including an ultrasonic generator, transducers with connecting cables, and a means for locating the transducers over areas of the body containing cartilage, is provided with the surgical instruments for post-surgical application to ultrasonically stimulate the cartilage growth, thus relieving the effects of surgical intervention.

Abstract: The apparatus is used for therapeutically treating injuries using ultrasound. The present invention may include a therapeutic ultrasonic composite comprising a transducer and an integrated circuit unit positioned adjacent the transducer. The therapeutic ultrasonic composite also includes signal generation circuitry, housed on the integrated circuit unit, for generating a driving signal for the transducer, and a driving interface between the signal generation circuitry and the transducer. In operation, driving signals generated by the signal generation circuitry are transmitted to the transducer by the interface, thereby driving the transducer for the creation of therapeutic ultrasound.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic device and method of use generate longitudinally propagating ultrasound and shear waves generated by such longitudinally propagating ultrasound to provide effective healing of wounds. A transducer having an operative surface is disposed substantially adjacent to the wound to emit ultrasound to propagate in the direction of the wound to promote healing. Reflections of the ultrasound by bone tissue, by skin layers, or by internally disposed reflective media propagate toward the wound as longitudinal waves, with shear waves generated by the longitudinal waves for the healing of the wound. A focusing element is used for focusing the propagation of the ultrasound at a predetermined angle toward the wound. The operative surface of the transducer may be annularly shaped to encircle the wound to convey the ultrasound and/or reflected ultrasound thereto.