Systems and methods for delivering ultrasonic energy

Abstract

Systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer. In one arrangement, the ultrasound energy is delivered at an output frequency that varies over time within a range of output frequencies. The systems and methods select from within the range an operating output frequency for the ultrasound transducer based upon preprogrammed selection rules. The systems and methods can deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near the operating output frequency selected, to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic function. In another arrangement, the systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near a first output power condition to perform a first function, as well as at or near a second output power condition that differs from the first output power condition to perform a second function that differs from the first function. In this arrangement, the systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at a power condition that transitions, according to a ramping function, from a condition at or near the first output power condition, for execution of the first function, toward a condition at or near the second output power condition, for execution of the second function. The ramping function may, e.g., be linear or non-linear.

1 . A system for delivering ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer comprising 
 an ultrasound generator adapted and configured to be electrically coupled to the ultrasound transducer to deliver ultrasound energy, and    a controller coupled to the generator, the controller being adapted and configured to execute a tuning function that delivers ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at an output frequency that varies over time within a range of output frequencies and selects from within the range an operating output frequency for the ultrasound transducer (a “selected operating output frequency”) based upon preprogrammed selection rules.    
   
   
       2 . A system according to  claim 1   wherein the controller is adapted and configured to execute an operating function that delivers ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near the selected operating output frequency.    
   
   
       3 . A system according to  claim 2   wherein the tuning function delivers ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at an output frequency that varies over time within a range of output frequencies at or near a first output power condition, and    wherein the operating function delivers ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near the selected operating output frequency at or near a second output power condition that is different than the first output power condition.    
   
   
       4 . A system for delivering ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer comprising 
 an ultrasound generator adapted and configured to be electrically coupled to the ultrasound transducer to deliver ultrasound energy, and    a controller coupled to the generator, the controller being adapted and configured to execute a first function that delivers ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near a first output power condition, the controller also being adapted and configured to execute a second function, different than the first function, that delivers ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near a second output power condition that differs from the first output power condition, the controller being further adapted and configured to deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at a power condition that transitions, according to a ramping function, from a condition at or near the first output power condition, for execution of the first function, toward a condition at or near the second output power condition, for execution of the second function.    
   
   
       5 . A system according to  claim 4   wherein the ramping function is linear.    
   
   
       6 . A system according to  claim 4   wherein the ramping function is non-linear.    
   
   
       7 . A method for delivering ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer comprising the steps of 
 (i) delivering ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer at an output frequency that varies over time within a range of output frequencies, and    (ii) selecting from within the range an operating output frequency for the ultrasound transducer based upon preprogrammed selection rules.    
   
   
       8 . A method according to  claim 7   further including a step of (iii) delivering ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near the operating output frequency selected in step (i) to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic function.    
   
   
       9 . A method according to  claim 7   wherein step (i) delivers ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at an output frequency that varies over time within a range of output frequencies at or near a first output power condition, and    wherein step (iii) delivers ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near the selected operating output frequency at or near a second output power condition that is different than the first output power condition.    
   
   
       10 . A method according to  claim 9   further including a step between step (ii) and step (iii) of delivering ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near the selected operating output frequency at a power condition that transitions, according to a ramping function, from a condition at or near the first output power condition toward a condition at or near the second output power condition.