The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 08, 2011
Filed:
Jul. 31, 2007
Michael P. H. Lau, Edmonds, WA (US);
Gregory Paul Darlington, Snohomish, WA (US);
Michael J. Connolly, Bothell, WA (US);
Zihong Guo, Bellevue, WA (US);
Michael P. H. Lau, Edmonds, WA (US);
Gregory Paul Darlington, Snohomish, WA (US);
Michael J. Connolly, Bothell, WA (US);
Zihong Guo, Bellevue, WA (US);
Mirabilis Medica Inc., Bothell, WA (US);
Abstract
A combined imaging/HIFU probe includes an imaging scan head, a HIFU transducer, and an outlet port that delivers a flow of fluid across the HIFU transducer. At least a portion of the body cavity is filled with fluid in which the probe is immersed. The fluid provides a coupling for transmission of ultrasound energy between the probe and the patient. A flow of fluid may also be used to flush obstructions from an area of tissue near the HIFU transducer. Further described herein is a cuff to help retain fluid in the body cavity, a regulator to regulate fluid flow with respect to the body cavity according to a desired fluid pressure, and a cover for the HIFU transducer that has at least one perforation defined therethrough to allow fluid to flow through the cover. Further disclosed herein are methods of deploying a combined imaging/HIFU probe in a body cavity.