Therapy and imaging probe and therapeutic treatment apparatus utilizing

Abstract

The therapy and imaging probe of the invention comprises a probe body (20') of an elongate shape defining a general axis (X--X), one imaging transducer (40') for transmitting imaging waves, and one therapy transducer (30') for transmitting therapy waves. The imaging transducer is mounted on first support means providing translational movement of the imaging transducer within the probe, parallel to the general axis (X--X) of the probe, between a withdrawn position and an extended position. The therapy transducer is mounted on second support means providing rotation of the therapy transducer within the probe, about an axis of rotation (X1--X1) parallel to the general axis (X--X) of the probe but offset with respect to the imaging transducer, to allow rotation of the therapy transducer between a withdrawn position and a treatment position. In the withdrawn or non-active position of the therapy transducer, the imaging transducer may be brought by translational movement to its extended position to occupy the place occupied by the therapy transducer in its treatment position. Thus, the imaging transducer may form an image of a region for treatment by the therapy transducer. In the treatment position of the therapy transducer, the imaging transducer is at its withdrawn position. The therapy transducer, during the transmission of therapy waves, directly transmits the therapy waves in a direction substantially identical to the direction in which the imaging transducer transmits the imaging waves when imaging waves are being transmitted.