Spherical ultrasonic HIFU transducer with modular cavitation sense element

摘要

An ultrasonic HIFU transducer (120) has a threaded opening into which a modular cavitation sensor (90) is removably located. The modular cavitation sensor includes a modular housing (92) containing a piezoelectric transducer for sensing acoustic signals indicative of cavitation. The modular cavitation sensor has electrodes (96,98) which engage spring contacts (112,114) in the threaded opening when the modular housing is screwed into the threaded opening. A damaged sensor can be unscrewed and replaced simply without connectors or soldering.

主权项

1. A high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducer having a replaceable cavitation sensor comprising:
a dish-shaped HIFU transmitter having a central region, wherein the HIFU transmitter comprises a plurality of separated composite piezoelectric tiles mounted to a support frame, wherein the separated composite piezoelectric tiles are accessible between ribs of the support frame; a plurality of separated printed circuit boards (PCBs) mounted to the support frame above respective ones of the plurality of separated composite piezoelectric tiles, wherein the support frame maintains a spaced relation between the plurality of separated PCBs and respective ones of the plurality of separated composite piezoelectric tiles; a cavitation sensor; and a modular housing which contains the cavitation sensor, the modular housing being removably located in the HIFU transmitter so that the cavitation sensor is positioned to receive acoustic signals which may be indicative of cavitation.