Abstract: A system method for sono-thrombolysis is provided employing real-time, continuous intensity and temperature monitoring. The method generally includes the steps of establishing an ultrasound delivery column to the patient being treated for a thrombotic or embolic occlusion wherein the column includes an ultrasound transducer, a coupling medium and a hydrophone. The transducer is operated in a conventional manner to deliver ultrasound to the occlusion. During operation of the transducer, characteristics of the ultrasound being delivered to the occlusion are monitored on a real-time basis with the hydrophone. In addition, the methods includes monitoring temperature proximate the site of the occlusion, the temperature also being monitored on a real-time basis. Importantly, in response to the monitored characteristics of the ultrasound, intensity of the delivered ultrasound is controlled to be maintained within a desired intensity range.

Abstract: The effect of ultrasound irradiation of a human or other animal body portion is enhanced by operating the body portion as a trapped mode resonator. The intensity and location of resonances within the body portion is controlled by controlling such variables as the amplitude, frequency and/or phase of the ultrasound irradiation. This minimizes the overall energy required to be applied to the body portion in order to achieve a desired localized intensity level.