Patent ID: 7559904
Filing Date: 2009-07-14
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A shockwave generating system comprising: a first shockwave source device comprising an acoustic wave transducer with a longitudinal axis of symmetry; a reflector which is axisymmetric about said longitudinal axis of symmetry; a propagation medium that fills an inner volume of said reflector, said acoustic wave transducer being separated from said reflector by the propagation medium, wherein said reflector is arranged with respect to said first shockwave source device so that outwardly radiated acoustic waves from said first shockwave source device propagate in the propagation medium and are reflected by a reflective surface of said reflector towards a focus, said first shockwave source device fitting in an aperture which is formed in said reflector and located on said longitudinal axis of symmetry, said aperture being sealed by a sealing ring; a first membrane that covers an open end of said first shockwave source device non-parallel to said longitudinal axis of symmetry in order to seal said first shockwave source device from ingress therein of the propagation medium, said first membrane being shaped differently from the reflective surface of said reflector; a second membrane that covers an end face of said reflector; and a second shockwave source device disposed in said aperture and adapted to emit acoustic waves, wherein said second shockwave source device sealingly passes through said first membrane.