Patent ID: 8337434
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. A probe for administering ultrasound therapy to a treatment site within a patient's body, wherein a tissue mass is disposed between the probe and the treatment site, the probe comprising: an elongate supporting structure, having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the elongate supporting structure comprises a section at the proximal cud configured to be grasped and manipulated by a clinician to at least initially position the distal end of the elongate supporting structure at a desired location generally adjacent to the tissue mass; a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducer disposed at the distal end of the elongate supporting structure, wherein the HIFU transducer comprises an aperture through which HIFU waves are transmitted, the aperture being of a sufficient size to transmit therapeutic HIFU waves such that the therapeutic HIFU waves have sufficient intensity remaining upon reaching the treatment site after being attenuated by the passage of the therapeutic HIFU waves through the tissue mass to achieve a desired therapeutic effect without substantially damaging a portion of the tissue mass through which the therapeutic HIFU waves initially propagate toward the treatment site; a light based imaging element directed generally toward an interface between as flexible membrane substantially encapsulating the distal end of the elongate supporting structure and the tissue mass, the light based imaging element being configured to determine whether air bubbles are present at the interface, wherein the flexible membrane is configured to be inflated with a liquid to as desired extent when the distal end of the elongate supporting structure is disposed adjacent to the tissue mass such that the flexible membrane will substantially conform to the tissue mass and, thereby ultrasonically couple the HIFU transducer to the tissue mass and means for dislodging air bubbles at the interface.