Systems and methods for delivering ultrasound energy

Abstract

Systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer having an impedance subject to variations. The systems and methods electrically couple an ultrasound generator to the ultrasound transducer to deliver ultrasound energy.

1 . A system comprising
 an ultrasound transducer,   an ultrasound generator coupled to the ultrasound transducer for operation,   a use register sized and configured to be carried by the ultrasound transducer, the use register comprising a memory field that registers, according to preprogrammed rules, a prescribed copyright notice, and   a use monitoring controller sized and configured to be carried by the ultrasound generator and to be coupled to the use register to control delivery of ultrasound energy through the ultrasound transducer according to the preprogrammed rules comprising a preprogrammed rule that compares the prescribed copyright notice in the memory field to a prescribed content and disables use of the ultrasound transducer if the prescribed content is not present in the memory field.   
   
   
       2 . A system according to  claim 1   wherein the ultrasound transducer is sized and configured to transcutaneously apply ultrasound energy to the thoracic cavity.   
   
   
       3 . A system according to  claim 1   wherein the ultrasound generator applies to the ultrasound transducer a power density not exceeding 3 watts/cm2 at a maximum total power output of no greater than 200 watts operating at a fundamental therapeutic frequency not exceeding 500 kHz, whereby the application of ultrasound energy increases the blood flow of the individual.   
   
   
       4 . A system according to  claim 1   further including a strap assembly to stabilize the ultrasound transducer on a chest during application of ultrasound energy.   
   
   
       5 . A method comprising
 providing an ultrasound transducer   providing an ultrasound generator   coupling a use register to the ultrasound transducer comprising a memory field that registers, according to preprogrammed rules, a prescribed copyright notice, and   coupling a use monitoring controller to the ultrasound generator to control delivery of ultrasound energy through the ultrasound transducer according to a preprogrammed rule that compares the prescribed copyright notice in the first memory field to a prescribed content and disables use of the ultrasound transducer if the prescribed content is not present in the memory field.   
   
   
       6 . A method according to  claim 5   wherein the ultrasound energy delivered to the ultrasound transducer is transcutaneously applied to a targeted tissue region.