Component ultrasound transducer

Abstract

An ultrasound transducer having multiple focal zones is described. In one embodiment there is an ultrasound transducer manufactured as a single piece but having two or more focal zones. In a second embodiment there is a transducer assembly combining a high frequency and low frequency transducer. In a third embodiment there is an interchangeable assembly allowing for different ultrasound transducers to be used based on procedural needs. Variations of each embodiment are also disclosed.

1 . An ultrasound transducer split into two or more equal size sections wherein each said section has a discrete focal point.  
     
     
         2 . The transducer of  claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound transducer is a therapeutic transducer.  
     
     
         3 . The transducer as described in  claim 1 , wherein said sections are cut from a single transducer die.  
     
     
         4 . The transducer of  claim 1  being a hemispherical transducer.  
     
     
         5 . The transducer of  claim 1  being a flat annular array transducer.  
     
     
         6 . The transducer of  claim 1 , wherein said focal points lay in a single axis.  
     
     
         7 . A transducer assembly comprising: 
 a first focused ultrasound transducer operating at a high frequency for causing bubble formation in adipose tissue; and    a second ultrasound transducer operating at low frequency for collapsing bubbles formed by said first ultrasound transducer.    
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said high frequency transducer and said low frequency transducer are operable between 1 to 1000 watts.  
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said low frequency transducer is unfocused.  
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said first and second ultrasound transducers are pulse wave transducers.  
     
     
         11 . An interchangeable electronic medical instrument assembly comprising: 
 a receptacle having a plurality of sockets;    a plurality of electronic medical instruments having a common style of electronic communication plug for engaging said plurality of sockets, said plurality of electronic medical instruments having an electronic identity; and    a medical appliance being in electronic communication with said receptacle and having at least one signal generator, a data I/O bus, and a power supply wherein said medical appliance can detect and identify each electronic medical instrument through said electronic communication plug when said plugs are engaged in said sockets, and control each said electronic medical instrument according to a set of operation parameters.    
     
     
         12 . The assembly as described in  claim 11 , wherein said plurality of electronic medical instruments are transducers.  
     
     
         13 . The assembly as described in  claim 12 , wherein said plurality of electronic medical instruments are ultrasound transducers.  
     
     
         14 . The assembly as described in  claim 11 , wherein said plurality of electronic medical instruments are sensors.  
     
     
         15 . The assembly as described in  claim 11 , wherein said plurality of electronic medical instruments are a first high intensity focused ultrasound transducer, a second imaging ultrasound transducer.  
     
     
         16 . The assembly as described in  claim 15  further comprising a third thermal sensor and a fourth optical sensor.  
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said fourth optical sensor is a tracking device.  
     
     
         18 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said fourth optical sensor is a photo detector.  
     
     
         19 . The assembly as described in  claim 11 , wherein said receptacle and said plurality of electronic medical instruments are isolated within a sealable housing.  
     
     
         20 . The assembly of  claim 19 , wherein said sealable housing further comprises a means for moving said receptacle.