Use of at least one composite piezoelectric transducer in the manufacture of an ultrasonic therapy apparatus for applying therapy, in a body zone, in particular to concretions, to tissue, or to bones, of a living being and method of ultrasonic therapy
AssigneesTechnomed International Societe Anonyme, Institut National de Recherche Meicale (Establissement Public)
InventorsJean-Yves Chapelon, Dominique Cathignol, Emmanuel Blanc
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Abstract
The invention relates to a composite piezoelectric transducer for making an acoustic or an ultrasonic therapeutic apparatus. The transducer may be a single large-size transducer or it may be a multi-transducer device and it advantageously emits ultrasonic waves that are focused on a focal point.
Claims23
A method for effecting therapeutic treatment of a body zone, comprising:
- providing at least one composite piezoelectric transducer element for emitting ultrasound waves, wherein said composite transducer element comprises piezoelectric ceramic material in combination with a polymer;
- and
- applying a current to said composite piezoelectric transducer element for causing said piezoelectric transducer element to emit ultrasound waves having sufficient acoustic energy for effecting said therapeutic treatment of said body zone.
The method of claim, wherein said step of applying a current comprises applying a current for effecting one of lithotrity, hyperthermia and tissue removal.
An apparatus for effecting therapeutic treatment of a body zone, comprising:
- at least one composite piezoelectric transducer element for emitting ultrasound waves, wherein said composite transducer element comprises piezoelectric ceramic material in combination with a polymer;
- and
- means for applying a current to said composite piezoelectric transducer element for causing said piezoelectric transducer element to emit ultrasound waves having sufficient acoustic energy for effecting said therapeutic treatment of said body zone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.