Systems and methods for cooling ultrasound transducers and ultrasound transducer arrays

An ultrasound apparatus comprising:

• an active acoustic element configured to generate ultrasound energy when electrical drive signals are applied thereto, said active acoustic element having a distal surface for emitting the ultrasound energy in a distal direction and an opposing proximal surface;
• an electrically conductive member contacting said active acoustic element for delivering electrical drive signals to said active acoustic element and for conducting heat from said active acoustic element, said electrically conductive member extending from said active acoustic element beyond said proximal surface such that at least a portion of said proximal surface of said active acoustic element is free from contact with said electrically conductive member, wherein said electrically conductive member is connectable to drive electronics for delivering the electrical drive signals to said active acoustic element through said electrically conductive member;
• and
• a heat exchanger spatially offset in a proximal direction from said proximal surface, said heat exchanger contacting a portion of said electrically conductive member residing beyond said proximal surface to remove heat from said active acoustic element through said electrically conductive member while delivering the electrical drive signals to said active acoustic element through said electrically conductive member;
• wherein said heat exchanger comprises an electrically insulating fluid, said electrically insulating fluid contacting said portion of said electrically conductive member to remove the heat conducted through said electrically conductive member without contacting said active acoustic element.