Patent ID: 7699780
Filing Date: 2010-04-20
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. A focused ultrasound system, comprising: an ultrasound transducer device having a plurality of transducer elements; drive circuitry coupled to the transducer elements; and a drive signal controller coupled to the drive circuitry, the drive signal controller configured to individually control delivery of acoustic energy from the transducer elements along an ultrasound energy path towards the target tissue such that an energy intensity measured at the target tissue remains at or above a prescribed treatment level, while an energy intensity measured at tissue to be protected in the ultrasound energy delivery path and outside of the target tissue remains at or below a prescribed safety level, wherein the drive signal controller controls one or more of the transducer elements to create a limited energy density at the tissue to be protected in the ultrasound energy path.