METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ENGAGEMENT AND COUPLING OF AN INTRACAVITORY IMAGING AND HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND PROBE

摘要

A combined imaging/HIFU probe (10) includes an imaging scan head (12), a HIFU transducer (16), and an outlet port (20) 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 (60) to help retain fluid in the body cavity, a regulator (64) to regulate fluid flow with respect to the body cavity according to a desired fluid pressure, and a cover (180) 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.