Ultrasound Intracavity System for Imaging, Therapy Planning and Treatment of Focal Disease

A new and unique ultrasound system has been developed based on advances in transducer material technology permitting the use of same piezoceramic element to be used for conventional pulse echo ultrasound imaging as well as continuous wave high intensity focused ultrasound for tissue ablation. This intracavity device is presently used for prostate tissue ablation. Ultrasound visualization of the prostate guides the probe placing the ultrasound beam focus in the appropriate tissue region. A large volume tissue ablation of demarcated size is produced by using both the linear and sector motions of the transducer. Clinical and Instrument Specifications The transrectal approach to treatment of benign prostate disease such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) provides an ideal arrangement for focused ultrasound because it permits a non-sterile procedure, is free from hemorrhage and significant trauma and offers the potential of being performed without general anesthesia with a minimal time for treatment. Accordingly the human clinical specifications were for a transrectal probe not to exceed 30 mm in diameter and there must be no injury to the rectal wall or other surrounding tissue and organs on the path to the selected site for ablation. Of course the 1051-0117/92/0000-1249 $1.00