Use of focused ultrasound for vascular sealing

Abstract

Methods for applying heat to a region proximate a blood vessel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method can include generating an imaging ultrasound beam adapted to image a blood vessel target and receiving a reflection of the imaging ultrasound beam. The method can also include producing an output signal in response to the reflection of the imaging ultrasonic beam and processing the output signal to identify a location of a treatment zone proximate an outer wall of the blood vessel. Therapeutic energy can be applied to the treatment zone. In some embodiments, the therapeutic ultrasound energy beam can be moved to over-scan the treatment zone. Other methods are also disclosed.

1 . A method of applying heat to a region proximate to a blood vessel, the method comprising:
 generating an imaging ultrasonic beam adapted to image a blood vessel target;   applying an ultrasonic pulse to a nerve structure in a treatment zone;   receiving a reflection of the imaging ultrasonic beam and in response producing a corresponding output signal;   processing the output signal to determine the treatment zone proximate an outer wall of a blood vessel target;   applying a therapeutic ultrasound energy beam to the treatment zone; and   moving the therapeutic ultrasound energy to scan the treatment zone with therapeutic ultrasonic energy based on the output signal.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the therapeutic ultrasound energy beam is a high intensity focused ultrasound energy beam. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the therapeutic ultrasound energy is transcutaneously applied. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the therapeutic ultrasound energy beam is movable in a plurality of directions. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the therapeutic ultrasound energy beam is applied by an ultrasonic transducer applicator. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the ultrasonic transducer applicator comprises an array of transducers. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the array of transducers is configured to also emit the imaging ultrasonic beam. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of interrupting the application of the therapeutic ultrasound beam to generate a second imaging ultrasonic beam to confirm that the therapeutic ultrasound beam is being directed to the treatment zone. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic pulse determines the presence of a nerve structure within the treatment zone. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the intensity of the ultrasonic pulse is less than about 1,000 Watts per square centimeter. 
     
     
         11 . A method of treating a patient, the method comprising:
 directing an imaging ultrasonic beam proximate a blood vessel target;   receiving a reflection of the imaging ultrasonic beam;   processing the reflection of the imaging ultrasonic beam to identify a location of a treatment zone proximate an outer wall of the blood vessel;   applying an ultrasonic pulse to a nerve structure proximate the blood vessel; and   applying a high intensity focused ultrasound beam to the treatment zone.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising moving the high intensity focused ultrasound beam to over-scan the treatment zone with therapeutic ultrasonic energy. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the high intensity focused ultrasound beam is transcutaneously applied. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the high intensity focused ultrasound beam is movable in a plurality of directions. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the high intensity focused ultrasound beam is applied by an ultrasonic transducer applicator comprising an array of transducers. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the array is an annular array. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the array of transducers is configured to also emit the imaging ultrasonic beam. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of interrupting the application of the high intensity focused ultrasound beam to generate a second imaging ultrasonic beam to confirm that the high intensity focused ultrasound beam is being directed to the treatment zone. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the ultrasonic pulse determines the presence of a nerve structure within the treatment zone. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the intensity of the ultrasonic pulse is less than about 1,000 Watts per square centimeter.