Abstract: Medical ultrasound systems. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.

Abstract: A method and system for checking functionality of an ultrasound therapy head. The waveform profile for typical ultrasound reflections for a functional therapy head are stored, and before use of a therapy head, an ultrasound energy burst (700) is sent, and the actual waveform profile of the returned reflections (702) are compared to the stored waveform profiles (706). If the actual profiles are not sufficiently close to the stored profiles, then a first signal (712) may be generated, which may cause the ultrasound therapy device to shut down or may generate a warning. If the actual profiles are sufficiently close to the stored profiles, then operation may continue (714), or a second signal may be produced, permitting operation of the ultrasound therapy device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus (100) are described for modifying unwanted tissue for cosmetic reasons. The methods provide a non-invasive manner to perform body contouring by destroying adipose tissue while simultaneously causing collagen contraction in a single procedure. Adipose tissue destroyed during the medical procedure may be removed from a treatment volume during the wound healing process, allowing the treatment volume to gradually shrink (22). The gradual shrinkage may promote better skin tone in the treatment area. The procedure may involve multiple treatments to the same treatment area or location.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer and methods of fabricating and using the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer includes a composite layer having a first surface and comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements separated by isolating material filled kerfs. The composite layer is configured so that the first surface includes an exposed face of each element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The transducer further includes a plurality of electrodes defined on the first surface, the electrodes having boundaries configured so that none of the exposed faces are in contact with more than one of the plurality of electrodes. The electrodes may be defined in a conductive layer deposited on the first surface of the composite body by forming a channel in the conductive layer that is aligned vertically with the dielectric kerfs. The transducer may be used to scan a treatment region with both HIFU and imaging ultrasound signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for modifying unwanted tissue for cosmetic reasons. The methods provide a non-invasive manner to perform body contouring by destroying adipose tissue while simultaneously causing collagen contraction in a single procedure so that as destroyed tissue is removed from a treatment volume, the volume shrinks gradually to maintain the skin tone of the treatment area. The procedure may involve multiple treatments to the same treatment area or location.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound system. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.

Abstract: Therapy heads and related medical systems having an actuation assembly for controlling the position/orientation of a directional energy applicator in at least two planes are disclosed. A therapy head includes an enclosure, a partition separating a lower compartment from an upper compartment, an aperture in the partition, a control arm extending through the aperture, an actuation assembly positioned within the upper compartment, and a directional energy applicator positioned in the lower compartment for transmitting energy through a window. The control arm includes an upper end disposed within the upper compartment and a lower end disposed within the lower compartment. The actuation assembly is coupled with the upper end of the control arm such that the control arm is movable by the actuation assembly in at least two planes. The directional energy applicator is coupled with the lower end of the control arm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for coupling a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer to a skin surface using water as a coupling agent.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer and methods of fabricating and using the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer includes a composite layer having a first surface and comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements separated by isolating material filled kerfs. The composite layer is configured so that the first surface includes an exposed face of each element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The transducer further includes a plurality of electrodes defined on the first surface, the electrodes having boundaries configured so that none of the exposed faces are in contact with more than one of the plurality of electrodes. The electrodes may be defined in a conductive layer deposited on the first surface of the composite body by forming a channel in the conductive layer that is aligned vertically with the dielectric kerfs. The transducer may be used to scan a treatment region with both HIFU and imaging ultrasound signals.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for increasing the accuracy of ultrasound power delivered to and received from a patient by an HIFU system having exchangeable components. The system components include one or more memory devices in which calibration parameters for the component are stored, such as when the component is manufactured. During operation of the system, the calibration parameter data is received from the memory and used by the system to adjust the output power of one or more ultrasound sources and/or received signal levels based on the received calibration parameters. The calibration parameters may include data relating to impedance, sensitivity, transfer functions, linearity, or other data that could affect the power delivered to a patient by the component.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere package for extending the shelf life of a replaceable transducer cartridge having a sealed volume and containing a fluid. The fluid may be fluid or a gas. If a fluid, such as water, then the modified atmosphere package may be configured to prevent the loss of fluid or the entry of gas into the transducer cartridge.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer having multiple focal zones is described. In one embodiment there is an ultrasound transducer manufactured as a single piece but having two or more focal zones. In a second embodiment there is a transducer assembly combining a high frequency and low frequency transducer. In a third embodiment there is an interchangeable assembly allowing for different ultrasound transducers to be used based on procedural needs. Variations of each embodiment are also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical ultrasound systems. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound system. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for modifying unwanted tissue for cosmetic reasons. The methods provide a non-invasive manner to perform body contouring by destroying adipose tissue while simultaneously causing collagen contraction in a single procedure so that as destroyed tissue is removed from a treatment volume, the volume shrinks gradually to maintain the skin tone of the treatment area. The procedure may involve multiple treatments to the same treatment area or location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for modifying unwanted tissue for cosmetic reasons. The methods provide a non-invasive manner to perform body contouring by destroying adipose tissue while simultaneously causing collagen contraction in a single procedure so that as destroyed tissue is removed from a treatment volume, the volume shrinks gradually to maintain the skin tone of the treatment area. The procedure may involve multiple treatments to the same treatment area or location.

Abstract: A two-stage control system is disclosed being made of a first control means for providing command and control of a robotic arm, and a second control means for the control and movement of a therapy device, such as an ultrasound transducer. The therapy device is positioned within a therapy head. The therapy head is attached to the distal end of the robotic arm. The two-stage control system provides for a macro and micro level of control for the therapy device during a therapy procedure.

Abstract: A physical shield placed on the face of a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer for medical applications is described. The shield may be shaped or angled to match a particular pattern of mechanical or acoustic energy that may damage the transducer during operation. The shield may be ablative, replaceable or modified as needed. Methods of manufacturing a transducer with a shield are also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly and method for assembling a tuning transformer (104) and printed circuit board (PCB) (108) to a transducer (110) to produce a tuned ultrasound transducer (100). The tuned ultrasound transducer allows a transducer to be made with some degree of inconsistency in its impedance magnitude and phase, but each transducer, when configured and coupled to a tuning transformer assembly, produces a signal that is substantially homogeneous.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound system. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.