All-in one small modular transducer system for ultrasound therapy

Abstract

We developed new concept all-in one small modular transducer system for ultrasound therapy. Focus position control of HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) with multi-elements phase delay control is very popular in clinical application. However, multi-elements driving amplifiers are very large size like a large refrigerator. So, we adopted a direct drive amplifier system for the multi-elements modular transducer. The modular system has some advantages compared to conventional systems. It can be reduced the energy loss of the connecting cable between the transducer element and the amplifier. Other advantages are below. Free placement of module transducer elements like a patient specific body line. Easy maintenance of each element. Easy design change to reduce the manufacturing time. The modular transducer system is composed of four blocks. The first module is multi-channel transducer elements. The second module is multi-channel direct drive amplifier system. The third module is a name-card size multi-channel phase delay signal generator with the phase delay signal set memory bank. The fourth module is a phase delay signal set generating software with a personal computer. It can transmit the signal set to the third module. We manufactured the prototype very small all-in one modular transducer system for ultrasound therapy.