Ultrasound transducer

摘要

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention an ultrasound transducer for intrabody medical therapy comprising; an element adapted to transmit ultrasound energy; at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage across at least some volume of the element; and a gas bubble containment area adapted to retain the gas bubble when in blood.

主权项

1. A catheter for medical therapy comprising:
a distal end; and a proximal end adapted to be inserted into the body, comprising:
an ultrasound transducer positionable within a blood vessel;a separation element configured to distance said ultrasound transducer at least a minimal distance away from a wall of said blood vessel, said minimal distance sufficient to allow blood to flow between said transducer and said wall;said ultrasound transducer comprising:
an acoustic element for delivering ultrasound energy at an intensity sufficient for medical therapy; anda temperature sensor mounted on said transducer and positioned adjacent said acoustic element, said temperature sensor positioned to contact blood flowing over a surface of said acoustic element to provide an indication of a temperature of said blood when said transducer and said temperature sensor that is mounted on it are distanced away from a wall of said blood vessel by said separation element; wherein said catheter is connected to circuitry configured to apply electrical power to said transducer; said circuitry further configured to modify said applied electrical power according to said indication obtained from said temperature sensor.