WO2016143921A1

WO2016143921A1 - High-intensity focused ultrasound treatment head

Info

Publication number: WO2016143921A1
Application number: PCT/KR2015/002353
Authority: WO
Inventors: 윤영일; 박현수; 강국진; 손건호
Original assignee: 알피니언메디칼시스템 주식회사
Priority date: 2015-03-11
Filing date: 2015-03-11
Publication date: 2016-09-15

Abstract

Disclosed is a high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment head. A high-intensity ultrasound radiation frame of a high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer has a high-intensity ultrasound radiation surface. A membrane has a receiving space formed between the membrane and the high-intensity ultrasound radiation surface for receiving an ultrasound transmission medium. An imaging transducer is inserted through the center of the high-intensity ultrasound radiation frame. An ultrasound transmission medium supply unit supplies an external ultrasound transmission medium into the receiving space and injects the ultrasound transmission medium from the outside of the high-intensity ultrasound radiation surface to the inside of the high-intensity ultrasound radiation surface to make the ultrasound transmission medium flow near the high-intensity ultrasound radiation surface. An ultrasound transmission medium discharge unit is disposed adjacent to the imaging transducer to discharge the ultrasound transmission medium within the receiving space to the outside.

Description

High intensity focused ultrasound therapy head

The present invention relates to a high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy head used to treat high heat generated at the focal point when high-intensity ultrasound energy is collected in one place.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a procedure that burns and removes lesion tissue in the body by using high heat of 65-100 degrees centigrade at the focus when high-intensity ultrasound energy is collected in one place. In other words, focusing ultrasonic waves about one hundred thousand times stronger than the ultrasound intensity used for diagnosis causes heat to develop in the focal region, which can be used to burn away the lesion tissue in the body.

Ultrasound itself is harmless to the human body and heat is generated only at the focal point where the ultrasound is concentrated, so the lesions in the body can be treated non-invasive. High-intensity focused ultrasound therapy is available for pancreatic cancer, uterine fibroids, liver cancer, etc., and active research is being conducted on prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, breast cancer, soft tissue tumors, and bone tumors.

The high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head according to the prior art includes a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer at an end thereof. The high intensity focused ultrasound transducer is configured to emit high intensity focused ultrasound. A membrane is mounted to the high intensity focused ultrasound transducer to cover the high intensity ultrasound radiation plane of the high intensity focused ultrasound transducer. In this state, the ultrasonic delivery medium is filled in the receiving space between the high intensity ultrasonic emitting surface and the membrane. Generally, degassed water is used as the ultrasonic delivery medium. In addition, the high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head may be provided with an imaging transducer for acquiring a diagnostic image.

The high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head is positioned above the patient and emits high intensity focused ultrasound through the high intensity ultrasound radiating surface while the membrane is in contact with the patient's skin. Then, the high intensity focused ultrasound is delivered to the lesion site of the patient through the water filled in the receiving space between the high intensity ultrasound radiation surface and the membrane.

On the other hand, after the membrane is initially mounted or replaced in the high intensity focused ultrasound transducer, water is filled in the empty receiving space between the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface and the membrane. In this process, bubbles are generated and stick to the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation plane. When the high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment is performed in this state, bubbles in the accommodation space may be instantaneously generated by bursting with high-intensity focused ultrasound. This may result in serious risks such as the patient being burned on the skin. In addition, bubbles in the accommodation space may be a factor of distorting the diagnostic image data obtained by the imaging transducer.

Therefore, before performing the high intensity focused ultrasound treatment, all the bubbles in the receiving space need to be removed. At this time, the longer the time to remove the bubble, the longer the treatment time, it is preferable that the bubble is removed quickly. In addition, during the high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment, bubbles may be generated in the water by the high-intensity focused ultrasound to adhere to the high-intensity ultrasound radiation surface. In this condition, if high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy is resumed, it may cause the above-mentioned problems. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the bubbles quickly before the high intensity focused ultrasound therapy is resumed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy head that can remove bubbles more quickly and effectively.

The high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer, a membrane, an imaging transducer, an ultrasonic delivery medium supply, and an ultrasonic delivery medium discharge. The high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer has a high-intensity ultrasonic generator for generating high-intensity ultrasonic waves, and a high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface formed in a curved shape concave at the center at the bottom thereof, and the high-intensity ultrasonic waves for focusing and radiating the high-intensity ultrasonic waves generated from the high-intensity ultrasonic generator. It has a radiation frame. The membrane is mounted to cover the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation frame, and forms a receiving space for accommodating the ultrasonic transmission medium between the high-strength ultrasonic radiation surface. The imaging transducer is inserted through the center of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame. The ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit is disposed at the edge of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame to supply an external ultrasonic transmission medium into the accommodation space, and the ultrasonic transmission medium is sprayed from the outside of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation plane to the inside of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation plane to provide a high intensity ultrasonic room. Flow near the slope. The ultrasonic delivery medium discharge part is disposed at a central portion of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame adjacent to the imaging transducer to discharge the ultrasonic delivery medium in the receiving space to the outside.

The high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head according to the present invention includes a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer, a membrane, an ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit, and an ultrasonic delivery medium discharge unit. The high intensity focused ultrasound transducer includes a high intensity ultrasonic wave generating unit for generating high intensity ultrasonic waves, and a high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame for focusing and radiating high intensity ultrasonic waves generated from the high intensity ultrasonic wave generating unit. The membrane is mounted to cover the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation frame, and forms a receiving space for accommodating the ultrasonic transmission medium between the high-strength ultrasonic radiation surface. The ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit is disposed in the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame to supply an external ultrasonic transmission medium into the accommodation space, and sprays the ultrasonic transmission medium to flow near the high intensity ultrasonic radiation plane. The ultrasonic delivery medium discharge part is disposed in the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame to discharge the ultrasonic delivery medium in the accommodation space to the outside.

According to the present invention, after the membrane is initially mounted or replaced in the high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer, bubbles generated in the process of filling the ultrasonic delivery medium in the empty receiving space between the high-intensity ultrasonic radiating surface and the membrane are quickly removed from the receiving space. can do. In addition, during the high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment, bubbles generated by the high-intensity focused ultrasound can be quickly removed from the accommodation space. Therefore, the time required for high intensity focused ultrasound treatment can be shortened.

According to the present invention, when cooling the ultrasonic delivery medium in the receiving space, it is possible to evenly distribute the temperature distribution of the ultrasonic delivery medium in the receiving space, it is possible to accurately monitor the cooling temperature of the ultrasonic delivery medium.

1 is a cross-sectional view of the high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a process of removing bubbles while filling the receiving space with an ultrasonic delivery medium.

3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region A in FIG. 2.

4 is a bottom view illustrating an example in which the injection direction of the injection guide member is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation plane.

5 is a bottom view showing another example of the discharge port.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of still another example of a discharge port in FIG. 5. FIG.

7 is a bottom view showing another example of the injection guide member.

8 is a cross-sectional view of a high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head according to another embodiment of the present invention.

When described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings for the present invention. Here, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and repeated descriptions and detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention will be omitted. Embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the shape and size of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

1 is a cross-sectional view of the high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a process of removing bubbles while filling the receiving space with an ultrasonic delivery medium. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region A in FIG. 2.

1 to 3, the high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head 100 includes a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer 110, a membrane 120, an imaging transducer 130, an ultrasound delivery medium supply unit 140, And an ultrasonic delivery medium discharge part 150.

The high intensity focused ultrasound transducer 110 is configured to radiate high intensity focused ultrasound for patient treatment. The high intensity focused ultrasound transducer 110 includes a high intensity ultrasonic generator 111 and a high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112.

The high intensity ultrasonic wave generating unit 111 generates high intensity ultrasonic waves. For example, the high intensity ultrasonic wave generator 111 may be mounted on the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112. Although not shown, the high intensity ultrasonic wave generator 111 may be electrically connected to the driving circuit board by wiring or the like. The driving circuit board may be disposed above the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112.

The high intensity ultrasonic wave generator 111 may include a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element resonates to generate ultrasonic waves when a voltage is applied by the driving circuit board. The piezoelectric element may be made of a piezoelectric ceramic such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), a single crystal, a composite piezoelectric composite of these materials and a polymer material. In addition, the high intensity ultrasonic wave generator 111 may include an acoustic matching layer. The acoustic matching layer is located on one side of the piezoelectric element so that the resonance characteristics can be appropriately set. The high intensity ultrasonic wave generator 111 may be configured in various forms in a range capable of generating high intensity ultrasonic waves, and is not limited thereto.

The high-intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112 has a high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a formed in a curved shape concave at the center of the lower portion, and focuses and radiates high-intensity ultrasonic waves generated from the high-strength ultrasonic generator 111. For example, the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112 may have a predetermined thickness and have a substantially hemispherical shape.

The high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112 may be received in the housing 103. The housing 103 may be formed in a cylindrical shape having an internal space. The lower side of the housing 103 may be open to expose the high intensity ultrasonic emission surface 112a of the high intensity ultrasonic emission frame 112. The high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112 may be formed such that an edge thereof is coupled to a lower opening portion of the housing 103 to block the lower opening of the housing 103.

The membrane 120 is mounted to cover the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a to form a receiving space 102 for receiving the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 between the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a. Ultrasonic delivery medium 101 may be made of degassed water and the like. For example, the membrane 120 may be formed to surround the lower opening and a portion of the side of the housing 103 and may be coupled to the side of the housing 103 in a sealed state. Since the membrane 120 may be coupled to the edge of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112 in a sealed state, the membrane 120 is not limited thereto.

The membrane 120 may be made of a material having an acoustic impedance similar to that of the ultrasonic transfer medium 101, a low ultrasonic transfer loss, and excellent elasticity. For example, the membrane 120 may be formed of a material such as ethylene propylene (EPDM) rubber, latex rubber, silicone rubber, or the like. The membrane 120 has a shape as shown in FIG. 1 in a state in which the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 is not received in the receiving space 102. In this state, when the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 is filled in the receiving space 102 in a predetermined amount, the membrane 120 may be deformed into a substantially hemispherical shape, as shown in FIG.

The imaging transducer 130 is for acquiring a diagnostic image of the subject. The operator may perform high intensity focused ultrasound therapy while checking the diagnostic image acquired by the imaging transducer 130. The imaging transducer 130 may be configured to transmit the ultrasonic signal to the subject and receive the ultrasonic signal reflected from the subject. For example, the imaging transducer 130 may be configured by embedding a piezoelectric element in a cylindrical casing. Ultrasound may be transmitted and received through the lower surface of the imaging transducer 130.

The imaging transducer 130 is inserted through the center of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112. An insertion hole for inserting the imaging transducer 130 may be formed in the center of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112. The high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112 may include a flange portion 112b formed to protrude along the upper opening periphery of the insertion hole.

The perimeter of the imaging transducer 130 may be wrapped by the partition 103a in the housing 103. The partition 103a may have a lower portion coupled to the flange portion 112b of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112. The imaging transducer 130 and the partition 103a may be sealed and coupled so that the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 does not leak between the imaging transducer 130 and the partition 103a.

Ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 140 is disposed on the edge portion of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112 to supply the external ultrasonic delivery medium 101 into the receiving space (102). The ultrasonic transfer medium supply unit 140 sprays the ultrasonic transfer medium 120 from the outside of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a to the inside of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a and flows in the vicinity of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a. Accordingly, the bubbles 10 attached to the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a are separated from the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a by the ultrasonic transmission medium 101 flowing near the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a, and then the high intensity ultrasonic waves It can be guided and moved inside the radial surface 112a. At this time, since the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a is formed in a curved shape concave at the center, the bubble 10 separated from the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a can be gathered to the highest portion of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a. have.

For example, the spraying direction of the ultrasonic transfer medium supply unit 140 may be set to flow the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 along the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a. While the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 flows along the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a, the bubble 10 may be more effectively separated from the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a. The ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 140 may include at least one supply port 141 and an injection guide member 142.

The supply port 141 may be formed by vertically penetrating the edge portion of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112. The supply port 141 may introduce the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 through the inlet and outflow the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 through the outlet. The supply port 141 may be provided in plurality. In this case, the supply ports 141 are spaced apart from each other along the edge portion of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112. The supply ports 141 may be arranged at equal intervals.

The injection guide member 142 is connected to the outlet of the supply port 141 so that the injection direction is set to flow the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 along the high intensity ultrasonic radiation plane 112a. The injection guide member 142 may be disposed in the accommodation space 102. The injection guide member 142 may receive the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 from the supply port 141 through the inlet and spray the injection guide member 142 into the receiving space 102 through the injection hole 142a.

When a plurality of supply ports 141 are provided, a plurality of injection guide members 142 may be provided to be connected to each outlet of the supply ports 141. In addition, the injection guide members 142 are set such that each injection direction flows the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 along the high-intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a. The injection direction of the injection guide member 142 may be set in parallel with the tangential direction of the portion of the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a adjacent to the injection hole 142a. Not limited to this, the injection direction of the injection guide member 142 may be variously set in the range of flowing the ultrasonic transmission medium along the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a.

The injection guide member 142 may have a structure attached to the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a. Injection guide member 142 has a passage (142b) connecting the inlet and the injection port. The passage 142b may be formed in an open shape, that is, in the form of an elongated groove, in contact with the high intensity ultrasonic radiation plane 112a. Accordingly, the injection hole 142a of the injection guide member 142 may be located as close as possible to the high intensity ultrasonic emission surface 112a. The passage 142b may be formed to extend in parallel to the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a. Although not shown, the passage 142a may be formed in the form of a blocked portion, that is, in the form of an elongated hole, in contact with the high intensity ultrasonic radiation plane 112a. In addition, the injection guide member 142 may have a structure in which the inlet portion is fitted into the outlet of the supply port 141 and fixed.

The number of the supply ports 141 and the injection pressure of the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 in the ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 140 may cause the bubbles 10 attached to the high intensity ultrasonic emission surface 112a from the high intensity ultrasonic emission surface 112a. It may be appropriately set to effectively perform the action of removing and moving to the ultrasonic transfer medium discharge unit 150.

Supply pipes 143 may be connected to each inlet of the supply ports 141. Although not shown, the supply pipe 143 may be formed to wind the circumference of the imaging transducer 130 at least once in the inner space of the housing 103. The ultrasonic transfer medium 101 flowing along the inside of the supply pipe 143 may cool the internal space of the housing 103 through heat exchange. Therefore, the high intensity ultrasound generating unit 111 and the driving circuit board which generate heat during the high intensity focused ultrasound treatment may be cooled.

The ultrasonic transfer medium discharge unit 150 discharges the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 in the accommodation space 102 to the outside. The ultrasonic delivery medium discharge part 150 is disposed at the central portion of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112 adjacent to the imaging transducer 130. Accordingly, the ultrasonic transfer medium discharge unit 150 may be disposed not only higher than the ultrasonic transfer medium supply unit 140 but also disposed at the highest portion of the high intensity ultrasonic emission surface 112a. Therefore, the bubbles 10 separated from the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a by the ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 140 and collected at the highest portion of the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a are easily provided through the ultrasonic delivery medium discharging unit 150. Can be discharged.

For example, the ultrasonic transfer medium discharge unit 150 may include at least one outlet port 151. The discharge port 151 may be formed through the central portion of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112. The discharge port 151 may introduce the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 in the accommodation space 102 through the inlet to allow the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 to flow out through the outlet. The discharge port 151 may be provided in plurality. In this case, the discharge ports 151 may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the imaging transducer 130. The discharge ports 151 may be arranged at equal intervals.

Discharge pipes 152 may be connected to each outlet of the discharge ports 151. The outlet port 151 has an outlet extending to the flange portion 112b, and the discharge pipe 152 may be connected to the flange portion 112b. The discharge pipe 152 may be connected to a circulator (not shown) together with the supply pipe 143. The circulator may be configured to degas and cool the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 discharged through the discharge pipe 152 from the accommodation space 102 to be supplied back into the accommodation space 102 through the supply pipe 143. have. The discharge pipe 152 is formed to wind the circumference of the imaging transducer 130 at least once in the inner space of the housing 103 similarly to the supply pipe 143, such as the high intensity ultrasonic wave generator 111 and the driving circuit board. Can be cooled.

An operation example of the high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment head 100 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

After the membrane 120 is initially mounted or replaced by the operator by the operator to the high intensity focused ultrasound transducer 110, the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 is supplied by the ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 140 to the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a and the membrane ( It is supplied in the empty accommodation space 102 between 120. At this time, the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 is filled by the ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 140 by the set amount in the receiving space 102 while being injected from the outside of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a to the inside of the high-strength ultrasonic radiation surface 112a. . In this process, if the bubble 10 is generated in the receiving space 102 and stuck to the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a, the ultrasonic wave transmission medium 101 flows in the vicinity of the high-strength ultrasonic radiation surface 112a during injection. The bubble 10 is separated from the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a. Thereafter, the bubbles 10 are partially moved around the imaging transducer 130 to be collected.

In this state, the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 discharges the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 from the accommodation space 102 by the ultrasonic delivery medium discharge unit 150, and simultaneously discharges the ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 140 to the ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 140. By the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 is supplied into the receiving space (102). In this process, when the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 is discharged by the ultrasonic transfer medium discharge unit 150, the bubbles 10 collected around the imaging transducer 130 may be discharged together with the ultrasonic transfer medium 101. Can be. In addition, when the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 is supplied into the accommodation space 102 by the ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 140, the remaining bubbles 10 are caused by the flow of the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 to the imaging transducer 130. I keep gathering around. The bubbles 10 collected as described above may be discharged by the ultrasonic transfer medium discharge unit 150.

By this process, the bubble 10 in the accommodation space 102 can be removed more quickly and effectively. As a result, the time required for filling the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 with a predetermined amount without the bubble 10 in the receiving space 102 for high intensity focused ultrasound treatment may be shortened.

Thereafter, the high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head 100 is positioned above the patient and the high intensity focused ultrasound is radiated by the high intensity focused ultrasound transducer 110 while the membrane 120 is in contact with the patient's skin. Then, the high intensity focused ultrasound may be irradiated to the lesion site of the patient through the ultrasound delivery medium 101 between the high intensity ultrasound radiation frame 112 and the membrane 120.

As described above, in the process of irradiating and treating the high intensity focused ultrasound once, the ultrasound delivery medium 101 may be heated by the high intensity focused ultrasound. As a result, the bubble 10 may be generated in the accommodation space 102 and stuck to the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a. Before resuming the high intensity focused ultrasound treatment, the ultrasonic delivery medium is circulated to replace the heated ultrasonic delivery medium 101 in the receiving space 102 with an externally cooled ultrasonic delivery medium. It is possible to quickly remove the bubbles 10 in).

In detail, the ultrasonic transfer medium supply unit 140 discharges the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 in a heated state from the receiving space 102 by the ultrasonic transfer medium discharge unit 150, and discharges the ultrasonic transfer medium as much as the discharged amount of the ultrasonic transfer medium 101. Ultrasonic delivery medium 101 of the cooling state is supplied into the receiving space (102). In this process, when the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 is supplied by the ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 140, the bubbles 10 continue to gather around the imaging transducer 130 by the flow of the ultrasonic delivery medium 101. The bubbles 10 collected as described above may be discharged together in the process of discharging the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 by the ultrasonic transfer medium discharge unit 150. Therefore, the bubble 10 in the accommodation space 102 can be removed more quickly and effectively.

Thus, since the high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment can be resumed in the state in which the bubble 10 in the receiving space 102 is removed, the phenomenon in which the high-temperature instantaneously occurs while the bubble 10 bursts during the high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment can be prevented. have. Thus, the patient can safely receive high intensity focused ultrasound therapy without the risk of burns. In addition, the phenomenon in which the diagnostic image data acquired by the imaging transducer 130 is distorted due to the bubble 10 may be prevented.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, the injection guide member 142 of the ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 140 may be inclined in the injection direction (SD) with respect to the radial direction (RD) of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a. . Accordingly, the ultrasonic delivery medium injected from the injection guide member 142 may flow in a spiral form on the high-intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a, as indicated by the arrow.

As such, the ultrasonic delivery medium injected from the injection guide member 142 flows in a spiral form from the outside of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a to the inside of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a. You will have a vortex-like rotation. Accordingly, the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a may increase the area where the flow of the ultrasonic wave transmission medium occurs. Therefore, the process of removing the bubble from the high-intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a and moving it to the ultrasonic transfer medium discharge unit 150 can be performed quickly.

When a plurality of spray guide members 142 are provided, the spray guide members 142 may be set to have the same inclined direction with respect to the radial direction RD of the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a. For example, the injection guide members 142 may have respective injection directions SD inclined counterclockwise with respect to the radial direction RD of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a to flow the ultrasonic transfer medium in the form of a counterclockwise spiral. Can be. As another example, the injection guide members 142 may have respective injection directions SD inclined clockwise with respect to the radial direction RD of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation plane 11 to flow the ultrasonic transmission medium in a spiral in a clockwise direction. have.

As such, the ultrasonic delivery medium respectively injected from the injection guide members 142 flows in a spiral form from the outside of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a to the inside of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 112a. In 112a) a vortex-like rotational motion is performed. At this time, the ultrasonic wave transmission medium sprayed from any one of the injection guide member 142 may be mixed while hitting the ultrasonic wave transmission medium sprayed from the other injection guide member 142.

Accordingly, the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a may further increase the area where the flow of the ultrasonic delivery medium occurs. Therefore, bubbles can be more easily removed from the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a. At this time, since the ultrasonic delivery medium discharge unit 150 is disposed higher inside the ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 140, bubbles separated from the high-intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a are ultrasonic delivery medium discharge unit 150 and ultrasonic transmission. After being smoothly collected toward the ultrasonic transfer medium discharge unit 150 by the height difference between the medium supply units 140, it may be quickly discharged through the ultrasonic transfer medium discharge unit 150.

In addition, in the process of cooling the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 in the accommodation space 102, when the ultrasonic delivery medium is sprayed in the form of a spiral, the ultrasonic delivery medium flows over the high-intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a, so that the ultrasonic wave The temperature distribution of the delivery medium can be evened. Thus, the cooling temperature of the ultrasonic delivery medium can be accurately monitored. On the other hand, the injection guide member 142 may be inclined at the same angle with respect to the radial direction of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a, respectively.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the discharge port 151 ′ may have a structure in which a band-shaped inlet is formed along the periphery of the imaging transducer 130 on the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a. When the circumference of the imaging transducer 130 is circular, the inlet of the discharge port 151 ′ may have a circular band shape. In this case, the discharge port 151 ′ may be formed as a groove recessed in a circular band shape along the periphery of the imaging transducer 130 from the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a. The discharge port 151 ′ may be formed along the periphery of the insertion hole of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112.

The discharge port 151 ′ may be connected to the recessed groove by forming at least one outlet in the flange portion 112b of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 112. Since the discharge port 151 ′ has a band-shaped inlet along the periphery of the imaging transducer 130, the ultrasonic transducers ejected from the jet guide members 142, respectively, are applied to the imaging transducer 130 by the aforementioned action. Bubbles can be more effectively captured as they flow along the perimeter.

As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the plurality of discharge ports 151 ″ are formed as grooves each recessed in the shape of an arc of a band along the periphery of the imaging transducer 130, and are arranged in an isolated form. May be

As shown in FIG. 7, each injection guide member 142 ′ may be in the form of a tube. The injection guide member 142 ′ may be fitted to the supply port 141. The injection guide member 142 ′ may be attached to an edge of the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 112a. The injection guide member 142 ′ may be directly connected to the supply pipe 143.

Referring to FIG. 8, the high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment may have a configuration in which the imaging transducer 130 is omitted in the above-described embodiment.

The high intensity focused ultrasound transducer 210 includes a high intensity ultrasound generator 211 for generating high intensity ultrasound, and a high intensity ultrasound radiation frame 212 for focusing and radiating high intensity ultrasound generated from the high intensity ultrasound generator 211. . The ultrasonic wave generator 211 may be configured in the same manner as the ultrasonic wave generator 111 of the above-described embodiment.

The high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 212a may be formed in a curved shape concave at the center of the lower portion of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 212. The membrane 220 is mounted to cover the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 212a of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 212. The membrane 220 forms an accommodating space 202 for accommodating the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 between the membrane 220 and the high intensity ultrasonic emission surface 212a. The membrane 220 may be configured in the same manner as the membrane 120 of the above-described embodiment.

The ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 240 is disposed in the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 212 to supply the external ultrasonic transmission medium 101 into the accommodation space 202. The ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 240 sprays the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 to flow in the vicinity of the high intensity ultrasonic emission surface 212a. Accordingly, the bubbles attached to the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 212a are easily detached from the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 212a by the ultrasonic transmission medium 101 flowing near the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 212a, and then ultrasonically transmitted. It may move along the flow direction of the medium 101. The ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 240 may spray the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 from the outside of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 212a to the inside of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 212a. Accordingly, the bubbles may be guided to the center of the high intensity ultrasonic emission surface 212a to collect.

The spraying direction of the ultrasonic transfer medium supplying unit 240 may be set to flow the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 along the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 212a. Accordingly, while the ultrasonic delivery medium 101 flows along the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 212a, bubbles can be effectively removed from the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 212a. The injection direction of the ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 240 may be inclined with respect to the radial direction of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 212a. Accordingly, the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 212a may increase the area where the flow of the ultrasonic wave transmission medium 101 occurs. Ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 240 may be configured in the same manner as the ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit 140 of the above-described embodiment.

The ultrasonic transfer medium discharge part 250 is disposed in the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame 212 to discharge the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 in the accommodation space 202 to the outside. The ultrasonic transfer medium discharge part 250 may discharge the ultrasonic transfer medium 101 from the inside of the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 212a.

When the high intensity ultrasonic radiating surface 212a has a curved shape concave at the center of the lower portion of the high intensity ultrasonic radiating frame 212, the ultrasonic delivery medium discharge part 250 may be located higher than the ultrasonic transmission medium supply part 240. have. The ultrasonic delivery medium discharge part 250 may be disposed at the apex of the high intensity ultrasonic emission surface 212a. Accordingly, bubbles separated from the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 212a may smoothly move to the apex of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface 212a, collect in the ultrasonic delivery medium discharge unit 250, and may be quickly discharged. The ultrasonic delivery medium discharge part 250 may include at least one discharge port.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to one embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, this is merely exemplary, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Could be. Accordingly, the true scope of protection of the invention should be defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

It has a high-intensity ultrasonic wave generating unit for generating high-intensity ultrasonic waves, and a high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface consisting of a curved surface concave at the center at the bottom and a high-intensity ultrasonic radiation frame for focusing and radiating high-intensity ultrasonic waves generated from the high-intensity ultrasonic generator High intensity focused ultrasound transducer;

A membrane mounted to cover the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation frame, and forming a receiving space between the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface and an ultrasonic delivery medium;

An imaging transducer inserted through a center of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame;

It is disposed at the edge of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation frame to supply an external ultrasonic transmission medium into the receiving space, and spray the ultrasonic transmission medium from the outer side of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation plane to the inner side of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation plane to the high-intensity ultrasonic chamber. Ultrasonic delivery medium supply for flowing in the vicinity of the slope; And

An ultrasonic transfer medium discharge unit disposed at a central portion of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame adjacent to the imaging transducer to discharge the ultrasonic transfer medium in the accommodation space to the outside;

High intensity focused ultrasound treatment head comprising a.
The method of claim 1,

The ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit,

At least one supply port formed through an edge portion of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame, and an injection guide member connected to an outlet of the supply port and configured to flow an ultrasonic transmission medium along the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface in a spray direction; High intensity focused ultrasound treatment head, characterized in that.
The method of claim 2,

The injection guide member is a high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head, characterized in that the injection direction is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation plane.
The method of claim 3,

The injection guide member,

High intensity focused ultrasound, characterized in that a plurality of supply ports corresponding to the plurality provided is connected to each outlet of the supply ports, the direction inclined with respect to the radial direction of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation plane is set to be the same Treatment head.
The method of claim 1,

The ultrasonic delivery medium discharge portion high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head, characterized in that it comprises at least one discharge port formed through the central portion of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation frame.
The method of claim 1,

The ultrasonic delivery medium discharge portion of the high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head, characterized in that it comprises a discharge port formed with a band-shaped inlet along the periphery of the imaging transducer on the high-intensity ultrasound radiation surface.
A high intensity focused ultrasound transducer having a high intensity ultrasonic wave generating unit for generating high intensity ultrasonic waves, and a high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame for focusing and radiating high intensity ultrasonic waves generated from the high intensity ultrasonic wave generating unit;

A membrane mounted to cover the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation frame, and forming a receiving space between the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation surface and an ultrasonic delivery medium;

An ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit disposed in the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame to supply an external ultrasonic transmission medium into the receiving space, and to spray the ultrasonic transmission medium to flow near the high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface; And

An ultrasonic delivery medium discharge unit disposed in the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame to discharge the ultrasonic delivery medium in the accommodation space to the outside;

High intensity focused ultrasound treatment head comprising a.
The method of claim 7, wherein

The ultrasonic delivery medium supplying part of the high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment head, characterized in that for spraying the ultrasonic delivery medium from the outside of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation plane to the inside of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation plane.
The method of claim 8,

The injection direction of the ultrasonic delivery medium supply unit is a high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head, characterized in that the ultrasonic delivery medium is set to flow along the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation plane.
The method of claim 9,

The injection direction of the ultrasonic delivery medium supply portion is high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head, characterized in that inclined with respect to the radial direction of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation plane.
The method of claim 8,

The ultrasonic delivery medium discharge portion high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head, characterized in that for discharging the ultrasonic delivery medium from the inside of the high-intensity ultrasonic radiation plane.
The method of claim 11,

The high-intensity ultrasound radiating head is a high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy head, characterized in that the lower portion of the high-intensity ultrasound radiating frame has a curved shape concave at the center to the top of the ultrasonic delivery medium discharge portion is located higher than the ultrasonic delivery medium supply.
The method of claim 7, wherein

And a imaging transducer inserted through the center of the high intensity ultrasonic radiation frame.
The method of claim 13,

The high intensity focused ultrasound treatment head of the ultrasonic delivery medium discharge unit is disposed adjacent to the imaging transducer.