Ultrasonic bath to increase tissue perfusion

Abstract

The present invention describes a method of using an ultrasonic bath to enhance tissue perfusion, enhance the development of collateral blood vessels and/or enhance collateral circulation in an extremity in need thereof. Also described is an ultrasonic bath for the inventive method.

1 . A method for enhancing the oxygen level in an extremity, comprising:
 providing a source of ultrasonic energy; and   applying ultrasonic energy to the extremity, thereby enhancing the oxygen level in the extremity.   
     
     
         2 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . An ultrasonic bath for enhancing the oxygen level in an extremity, comprising:
 a basin shaped and sized to hold media and to permit the immersion of an extremity; and   one or more ultrasonic transducers configured to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy to the extremity.   
     
     
         17 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 16 , wherein the basin is about 20 inches in length, about 12 inches in width and about 40 inches in depth. 
     
     
         18 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more ultrasonic transducers are configured to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy at a frequency of about 18 kHz to about 3 mHz. 
     
     
         19 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more ultrasonic transducers are configured to generate and transmit the ultrasonic energy at a power level of about 0.01 watt per cm 2  to about 20.0 watts per cm 2 . 
     
     
         20 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more ultrasonic transducers are configured to generate and transmit the ultrasonic energy at a power level of about 0.25 watt per cm 2  to about 5.0 watts per cm 2 . 
     
     
         21 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 16 , further comprising an inlet, an outlet or both. 
     
     
         22 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 16 , further comprising a heating element. 
     
     
         23 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 16 , further comprising an ultrasonic transducer control unit. 
     
     
         24 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 23 , wherein the transducer control unit is coupled to the one or more ultrasonic transducers operative to selectively control the frequency and duration of the ultrasonic energy transmitted to the extremity during operation. 
     
     
         25 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 23 , wherein the transducer control unit is configured to allow an operator to adjust the frequency and duration of the ultrasonic energy transmitted to the extremity during operation. 
     
     
         26 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more ultrasonic transducers are configured to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy to the extremity at a plurality of frequencies during operation. 
     
     
         27 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 16 , wherein the extremity is an ischemic extremity. 
     
     
         28 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 16 , wherein the extremity is selected from the group consisting of an arm, hand, finger, leg, foot, toe and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         29 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 16 , wherein the media comprises a saltwater solution having a salt concentration of between 0.25% and 10%. 
     
     
         30 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more ultrasonic transducers are configured to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy at a frequency of about 18 kHz to about 3 MHz. 
     
     
         31 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more ultrasonic transducers are configured to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy at a frequency of about 19 kHz to about 40 KHz. 
     
     
         32 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 16 , wherein the media comprises a semi-solid or a solid. 
     
     
         33 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 32 , wherein the semi-solid is a gel. 
     
     
         34 . The ultrasonic bath of  claim 32 , wherein the solid is small beads.