Patent ID: 11959707
Assignee: SUNNYBROOK RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC B  F  A  H | IPC A  B  F  H

Claim 25:
26. An ultrasound apparatus comprising:
an active acoustic element configured to generate ultrasound energy when electrical drive signals are applied thereto, said active acoustic element having a distal surface for emitting the ultrasound energy in a distal direction and an opposing proximal surface;
an electrically conductive member contacting said active acoustic element for delivering electrical drive signals to said active acoustic element and for conducting heat from said active acoustic element, said electrically conductive member extending from said active acoustic element beyond said proximal surface such that at least a portion of said proximal surface of said active acoustic element is free from contact with said electrically conductive member;
a circuit board spatially offset in a proximal direction from said proximal surface, wherein a proximal end of said electrically conductive member is in electrical contact with said circuit board for delivering the electrical drive signals to said active acoustic element; and
a heat exchanger in thermal contact with said circuit board for removing heat conducted through said electrically conductive member and through said circuit board.