Abstract: A transducer seal designed to seal an open aperture of a transducer housing for a therapeutic ultrasound procedure. The seal has a membrane, a retainer and a mating device for locking in place with the transducer housing. The membrane is essentially transparent to ultrasound energy while being stretched taut about the retainer. The transducer seal may be made in a disposable or re-usable form.

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: A mechanically formed transducer capable of producing a non-ideal focal region is described. The transducer has a plurality of piezoelectric elements suspended in an epoxy and heat molded into a desired shape. One or more shaped irregularities in the transducer provides for a mechanically induced non-ideal focal field without the need for electronic steering or lens focusing. Systems and methods of making the same are also described.

Abstract: A handheld ultrasound instrument is disclosed having enhanced diagnostic modes including pulse/continuous wave Doppler, time-motion analysis, spectral analysis and tissue harmonic imaging. An external electrocardiograph (ECG) recording unit is also disclosed. The ECG unit is adaptable to be used with the handheld ultrasound instrument to provide for ECG monitoring while performing an ultrasound scan in B-mode, Doppler, color Doppler, M-mode, and CW/PW mode. The enhanced handheld ultrasound instrument further includes a security mechanism allowing any combination of the diagnostic modes to be enabled by the manufacturer, and later to enable or disable any one or group of the diagnostic modes. The invention also discloses a method for a manufacturer to maintain a database of handheld ultrasound instrument capabilities after the instruments enter the stream of commerce.

Abstract: An apparatus for precise positioning of a medical device is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base, an articulating arm, a position sensor and a means for load balancing. The apparatus may also include a robotic driver and an additional rhythmic motion sensor. The apparatus is used to carry a therapy head for a medical procedure requiring precise positioning of a therapy head, precise movement of a therapy head, or use of a therapy head over a patient body for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A therapy head for use in HIFU procedures is described. The therapy head has an enclosure with a window, an energy applicator and a means of moving the energy applicator within the enclosure. The therapy head uses motors and actuators to move the energy applicator, usually an ultrasound transducer, inside the enclosure. A controller is provided either internally or externally that allows the therapy head to identify and distinguish locations where the therapy head should be to radiate energy into a patient. The controller uses the motors and actuators to move the energy applicator into the desired locations.

Abstract: A position tracking device is disclosed combining one or more optical sensors in a housing with a medical device. The medical device may be an insertion device or one that produces radiant energy. The device may utilize an on-board processor or an external processor to track position data generated by the optical sensors and correlate the treatment regime of the medical device. Alternative embodiments and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A transducer seal designed to seal an open aperture of a transducer housing for a therapeutic ultrasound procedure. The seal has a membrane, a retainer and a mating device for locking in place with the transducer housing. The membrane is essentially transparent to ultrasound energy while being stretched taut about the retainer. The transducer seal may be made in a disposable or re-usable form.

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: Described is a system and method for the destruction of adipose tissue using an energy applicator such as a HIFU transducer. The system has a scan head containing an energy applicator, a mechanical arm for carrying the weight of the scan head, and a therapy controller such as a computer for controlling the operation of the scan head. The therapy controller may be part of a general purpose computer, and may be used as a robotic controller to automate the procedure. Methods are included for destroying adipose tissue in a quick, non-invasive manner.

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: A disposable transducer seal designed to seal an open aperture of a transducer housing for a therapeutic ultrasound procedure. The seal has a membrane, a retainer and a mating device for locking in place with the transducer housing. The membrane is essentially transparent to ultrasound energy while being stretched taunt about the retainer.