Patent ID: 6645162
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
A system for destroying tissue within a subcutaneous tissue region, comprising;a transducer device comprising an emission surface for emitting acoustic energy and defining a longitudinal axis, the transducer device configured for focusing the acoustic energy at a substantially linear focal zone that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis in the subcutaneous tissue region; drive circuitry coupled the transducer device for providing drive signals to the transducer device whereby the transducer device may emit acoustic energy from the emission surface; and a controller coupled to the drive circuitry, the controller configured for controlling the drive signals delivered by the drive circuitry such that the acoustic energy emitted by the transducer device has sufficient intensity to cause mechanical damage and rupture cells within the focal zone, the controller configured for controlling the drive circuitry such that the transducer generates pulses having a duration of between approximately 0.25 and 20 microseconds and has a duty cycle of about twenty percent (20%) or less to minimize heating within the focal zone.