Methods and Systems for Coupling and Focusing Acoustic Energy Using a Coupler Member

Abstract

An exemplary system for coupling acoustic energy using an encapsulated coupler member comprises a display or indicator, a control system, a probe, and a coupler member. This invention provides a coupler member adjustably configured to perform at least one of (i) providing a standoff, (ii) focusing or defocusing energy, and (iii) coupling energy. An exemplary gel coupler member is configured to hold the shape of a lens geometry. In one aspect of the present invention, gel coupler member comprises water, glycerol, and polyvinyl alcohol, and exhibits an increased desiccation time and shelf life when compared to the prior art. The probe can comprise various probe and/or transducer configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, the probe delivers focused, unfocused, and/or defocused ultrasound energy to the region of interest. Imaging and/or monitoring may alternatively be coupled and/or co-housed with an ultrasound system contemplated by the present invention.

1 . A system for coupling acoustic energy to a region of interest comprising:
 a substantially acoustically transparent gel coupler member comprising a shape of a lens geometry and said gel coupler member is a solid;   a control system configured for control of said system;   a probe configured for attachment to said gel coupler member and comprising a transducer configured to emit acoustic energy through said shape of said lens geometry; and   a display system in communication with said control system and said probe.   
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said gel coupler member is further configured to provide a standoff. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said gel coupler member is comprised of:
 water in an amount of from about 30% to about 50% percent mass, an organic solvent in an amount of from about 40% to about 60% percent mass, and polyvinyl alcohol in an amount of from about 2% to about 20% percent mass.   
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein said organic solvent is glycerol. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said gel coupler member is configured to provide coupling between a region of interest and said probe. 
     
     
         6 . A device for coupling acoustic energy to a region of interest comprising:
 a coupling member consisting essentially of water in an amount of from about 80% to about 98% percent mass, and polyvinyl alcohol in an amount of from about 2% to about 20% percent mass; and   a lens shaped into the coupling member; and   an ultrasound transducer integrated into the coupling member and positioned to emit ultrasound energy through the lens.   
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the coupling member further consists essentially of an additive in an amount from about 0.1% to about 10% percent mass. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein the additive is one of a medicant, an anesthetic, a calcification inhibitor, a bioactive agent, a dopant, a coloring agent, a water softening agent, a pH modifier, a preservative, an odor absorber, a viscosity modifier, a neutralizer, a cationic conditioning polymer, an antibacterial agent, biocide, a vitamin, a botanical extract, a skin conditioner, a moisturizer, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the coupling member is a solid. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the coupling member is a crystallized gel. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein the additive is a surfactant configured for the coupling member to be substantially free of bubbles. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 6 , further comprising a standoff shaped into coupling member. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 12 , wherein the standoff further comprises at least one acoustic matching layer. 
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the coupling member is configured to alter at least one of acoustic velocity, acoustic attenuation, and acoustic impedance of the acoustic energy. 
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the coupling member is configured to operate at least one of below a freezing point of water and above a vapor point of water. 
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the coupling member is configured to directly contact to a surface above a region of interest, and is configured to couple the transducer with tissue in a to region of interest.