Technicare Corporation

Andreas Hadjicostis

Bayard G Gardineer

William S Trimmer

A highly efficient piezoelectric transducer suitable for medical applications is disclosed which exhibits a 40 db ring down time of less than 3 cycles, that is, of less than 0.7 microsecond at 4.2 MHz. The subject transducer comprises a single crystal lithium niobate active element which is supported on a formed backing material which is lapped to a surface flatness of better than 0.0002 inches (0.0015 cm). The subject transducer, which is designed to be driven at 4.2 MHz further comprises a first matching layer having an impedance of 6.8-7.4.times.10.sup.6 kg/m.sup.2 sec and a second matching layer having an impedance of between 1.8-2.4.times.10.sup.6 kg/m.sup.2 sec. An alternate embodiment dual-power transducer is also disclosed which is suitable for operating at different power levels to selectively image or produce lesions in selected body tissues.

Short ring down, ultrasonic transducer suitable for medical applications

A solid steel stylet is carried coaxially within a hollow biopsy needle. The stylet carries a matching layer at its tip, such that when the needle and stylet are inserted into the body, ultrasound energy impinging on the needle tip is converted to pressure waves which are conveyed back up the stylet. An ultrasound transducer located outside the body is coupled to receive sonic energy from the stylet, and to convert it to electrical energy for coordination with, and superposition upon the image of the system.

Growing community of inventors

North Brunswick, NJ, United States of America

Andreas Hadjicostis