Ultrasonic syringe

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic syringe for delivery and withdrawal of fluids from a human and/or animal patient. The ultrasonic syringe apparatus comprises a generator, a movable ultrasound transducer, a barrel, an ultrasound transducer tip, a radiation surface, an orifice located at the front end of the barrel, and a syringe head. The apparatus may further comprise a channel, a valve located on the distal end of the channel, and an orifice within the side wall which enables fluids to be delivered into the barrel. Ultrasonic waves emitting from the radiation surface induce vibrations within the fluids, sonicating the fluids, thereby eliminating the pain and discomfort associated with receiving injections, reducing and/or eliminating the force required to administer the injection, decreasing delivery time of the fluids into the body, and delivering ultrasonic energy to the tissue via the sonicated fluids.

1 . An ultrasonic syringe for delivery or withdrawal of a fluid comprising:
 an ultrasound generator;   an ultrasound transducer connected to the ultrasound generator;   a transducer tip attached to the ultrasound transducer;   a radiation surface formed at the distal end of the transducer tip, wherein   ultrasound waves assist the movement of the radiation surface within a barrel; and   an orifice at the distal end of the barrel.   
   
   
       2 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  also having a cavity within the barrel between the orifice and the radiation surface for holding the fluid. 
   
   
       3 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 2  wherein the fluid is ultrasonically activated. 
   
   
       4 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  wherein the ultrasound transducer is moveable within the barrel. 
   
   
       5 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  wherein the ultrasound transducer is removably affixed in the barrel. 
   
   
       6 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  also having a seal between the transducer tip and the barrel. 
   
   
       7 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  also having a hypodermic needle removably fastened to the distal end of the barrel. 
   
   
       8 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  wherein the fluid is a therapeutic agent. 
   
   
       9 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  wherein the radiation surface is flat. 
   
   
       10 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  wherein the radiation surface is concave. 
   
   
       11 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  wherein the radiation surface is convex. 
   
   
       12 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  wherein the radiation surface is flat. 
   
   
       13 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  also having a means for focusing ultrasound waves. 
   
   
       14 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  wherein the fluid is in transferred from the barrel to a hypodermic needle through the orifice. 
   
   
       15 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  wherein ultrasound waves assist the transfer of the fluid from the barrel to a hypodermic needle through the orifice. 
   
   
       16 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  wherein the radiation surface emits ultrasound waves at a wavelength within a range of 1 micron to 300 microns. 
   
   
       17 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 1  wherein the radiation surface emits ultrasound waves at a frequency between 20 kHz and 20 mHz. 
   
   
       18 . An ultrasonic syringe for delivery or withdrawal of a fluid comprising:
 an ultrasound generator;   an ultrasound transducer connected to the ultrasound generator;   a transducer tip attached to the ultrasound transducer;   a radiation surface formed at the distal end of the transducer tip, wherein   ultrasound waves assist the movement of the radiation surface within a barrel;   an orifice at the distal end of the barrel; and   an attachment stub located on the barrel radial surface.   
   
   
       19 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 18  also having a cavity within the barrel between the orifice and the radiation surface for holding the fluid. 
   
   
       20 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 18  having a valve portion of the attachment stub. 
   
   
       21 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 18  wherein the fluid is in communication from the attachment stub to a hypodermic needle through the orifice. 
   
   
       22 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 18  wherein the cavity receives the fluid through the attachment stub. 
   
   
       23 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 18  wherein the fluid is a therapeutic agent activated by ultrasound waves. 
   
   
       24 . The ultrasonic syringe of  claim 18  also having a means for focusing ultrasound waves.