Patent ID: 6719694
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: A61B,A61H,A61N,G10K

Abstract:
An ultrasound applicator that is capable of both ultrasound imaging and administering ultrasound therapy to a site, comprising:(a) a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements configured in an array and mounted in a housing; (b) a plurality of conductors adapted to couple a control system to the plurality of ultrasound transducer elements, for conveying signals that energize the plurality of ultrasound transducer elements in one of an imaging mode and a therapy mode; and (c) a quality factor circuit adapted to couple to the control system and connected to the plurality of ultrasound transducer elements, said quality factor circuit including a switch movable between a first position and a second position, the switch being selectively actuated into one of the first position and the second position to select a quality factor associated with the plurality of ultrasound transducer elements based upon whether the plurality of ultrasound transducer elements are operated in the imaging mode or the therapy mode, such that when the switch is in the first position, a bandwidth of each energized transducer is wider relative to a bandwidth of the energized transducer when the switch is in the second position.