METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STEERING ULTRASOUND THERAPY BEAM

摘要

An apparatus and methodology for medically treating at least one region of interest of a patient is disclosed utilizing an ultrasound therapy array transducer for generating a therapy beam of given amplitude at one or more focal point locations of the at least one region of interest; a memory storage device for storing information regarding transducer beam amplitude as a function of focal point location of the beams, the device including a processor for computing beam amplitudes as a function of focal location in real time; a positioning system that is connected to the transducer for translating or rotating the position of the transducer, the positioning system being capable of changing the position of the transducer by utilizing electronic beam steering and/or mechanical re-positioning; a controller for determining whether mechanical repositioning of the transducer is needed, the controller being connected to the positioning system and being capable of causing translation or rotation of the transducer position; a user interface that couples to the controller, the user interface being capable of receiving input from the user of the desired size, shape and location of the at least one region of interest; and optionally a signaling device connected to the controller for indicating to the user that mechanical re -positioning of the transducer is needed.