EP0513279B1 - Device for producing focussed sound waves - Google Patents
Device for producing focussed sound waves Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0513279B1 EP0513279B1 EP91920223A EP91920223A EP0513279B1 EP 0513279 B1 EP0513279 B1 EP 0513279B1 EP 91920223 A EP91920223 A EP 91920223A EP 91920223 A EP91920223 A EP 91920223A EP 0513279 B1 EP0513279 B1 EP 0513279B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- sonic generator
- segments
- sound
- axis
- sound waves
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
- G10K11/18—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
- G10K11/26—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning
- G10K11/28—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using reflection, e.g. parabolic reflectors
Definitions
- the sound generating unit is a body which is rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis passing through the focus point, the body of which shell surface extending in the direction of this axis is the radiation surface for the sound waves.
- the axially symmetrically emitted sound waves are focused by a reflector, which is a paraboloid in the case of a cylindrical sound generating unit, for example.
- a flat, ring-shaped sound source which emits the sound waves in the “backward direction” onto a reflector, which then “focuses the sound waves through the ring”.
- Another device for generating sound waves is known from DE 32 41 026 C3, for example, in which the shock waves generated by a spark gap are focused by an ellipsoid.
- EP-A-0 209 053 a device for the contact-free destruction of concrements in the body of living beings is known, in which the electromagnetic sound generating unit has the shape of a spherical cap, so that "focused sound waves" are already emitted.
- DE 35 01 838 A1 discloses a device for generating shock waves at different times, in which a flat sound generating unit is used, the sound waves of which are a first conical reflector redirects to a second reflector, which then focuses the sound waves.
- the focus zone has largely fixed dimensions that are typical for a specific design of the sound generating unit and that can be varied slightly at most.
- small stones can be treated gently with small focus zones.
- Larger stones or multiple stones can, on the other hand, be treated more cheaply with an extended focus zone.
- EP-A-0 367 117 discloses a device for generating focused acoustic sound waves for therapeutic applications with a sound generating unit which has at least one sound radiation surface from which sound waves are emitted which are focused by the focusing zone, the focusing unit and / or the sound generating unit is divided into segments. This document is regarded as the generic state of the art.
- EP-A-0 367 117 lists three options in the form of a final list. The best possible The variant shown is to control the individual segments differently electronically, which results in a good solution to the variation of the focus geometry.
- EP-A-0 367 117 it is not known from EP-A-0 367 117 to make the segments of the focusing unit movable relative to one another and to provide a housing in addition to the focusing unit which surrounds the focusing unit in a liquid-tight manner.
- the invention is based on the object of a therapy device for crushing concrements, having a sound generation unit which has at least one sound radiation surface which generates acoustic sound waves in a liquid serving as a coupling medium, and a focusing unit which focuses the sound waves into a focus of variable size , the sound generating unit and / or the focusing unit being subdivided into segments in such a way that the focus zone can be widened easily and inexpensively for certain applications.
- At least the focusing unit is divided into segments that are movable relative to one another.
- the coupling medium is a liquid and if a housing is provided which at least surrounds the focusing unit and which has an opening which is closed by a sound-permeable, acoustically adapted membrane.
- This design results in a liquid-tight design in a simple manner, which allows handling of the device according to the invention in the same way as conventional devices.
- the segments are sealed in a liquid-tight manner with the exception of a sound outlet opening.
- the sound outlet openings are connected to a liquid-tight space which has an opening which is closed by a sound-permeable, acoustically adapted membrane.
- the segments can be pivoted independently of one another about the focal point. Furthermore, the segments can be pivoted independently of one another about an axis running through the focal point (claim 13) or displaceable relative to one another.
- the number of segments is at least two, but three, four or more segments can also be used.
- the focusing unit can have the shape of a spherical cap, the intersecting curves of which are essentially second-order curves (claim 2).
- the intersecting curves of which are essentially second-order curves (claim 2).
- the sound generating unit can be identical to the surface of the focusing unit or, according to claim 6, can be a rotationally symmetrical body in the initial state, the outer surface of which extends in the direction of the axis of rotation and represents a radiation surface for axially symmetrical sound waves, the direction of propagation of which is essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and which the dome-shaped reflector focuses on.
- the sound generating unit piezo vibrator (claim 4 or 11) or an electromagnetic pressure wave generating unit, but also other sound generating elements, such as magnetostrictive vibrator, etc. have (claim 5 or 11).
- the dome-shaped focusing unit is a reflector that focuses the sound waves emanating from the sound radiation surface (s) (claim 6), it is also possible that the sound generating unit in on is known to be a spark gap, so that the reflector has the shape of an ellipsoid (claim 7)
- the sound generating unit in the initial state is a rotationally symmetrical body, the lateral surface of which extends in the direction of the axis of rotation represents a radiation surface for axially symmetrical sound waves, the direction of propagation of which is essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and which the spherical reflector focuses, it is preferred if the rotationally symmetrical body is also divided into segments that are movable together with the associated segments of the spherical reflector.
- the device according to the invention also allows the simple integration of an X-ray and / or ultra-sound locating device for concrements, the observation axis of which intersects the axis of the sound generating device at the focal point or extends in the axis of the sound generating unit (claim 16).
- the observation axis of the X-ray and / or ultrasound locating device runs in the axis of the sound generating unit, it is possible to design the device in such a way that the possibility of movement of the individual segments is used to ensure that their (apart) movement occurs serves to release the observation axis of the locating device, so that a space-saving arrangement of the individual elements is possible.
- a device for generating focused acoustic sound waves for therapeutic applications and in particular for the crushing of concretions is shown, which in the basic state, i.e. the state in which the segments have not moved (apart) is similar to the device described in DE 38 35 318 C1.
- the device has a sound generation unit 1, which can be an electromagnetic, magnetostrictive or piezoelectric pressure wave generation unit, for example, and which is a rotationally symmetrical body in the initial state.
- both the sound generation unit 1 and the reflector 5 are divided into two segments (1, 1 'and 5, 5') in the embodiment shown, which are relative in the embodiment shown are movable relative to one another in that they can be pivoted independently of one another about the focus point F or an axis passing through the focus point.
- the movement of the reflector segments 5 and 5 'takes place together with the assigned segments of the sound generating unit 1 and 1'.
- the figure shows the case in which the individual parts have already been pivoted by the angle ⁇ .
- the in practice "elongated" focus zones of the reflector segments 5 and 5 ' are also rotated relative to one another by the angle ⁇ , so that a broadened focus zone results as the total focus zone, ie as a superimposition of the two individual focus zones.
- a housing which the sound generating unit 1, 1 ' and surrounds the reflector 5, 5 'and which has an opening which is closed in the manner described, for example, in DE 38 35 318 C1 by a sound-permeable, acoustically adapted membrane.
- the housing and the membrane are not shown in the figure.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Surgical Instruments (AREA)
- Obtaining Desirable Characteristics In Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
- Diaphragms For Electromechanical Transducers (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Therapievorrichtung insbesondere zur Zertrümmerung von Konkrementen, mit
- einer Schallerzeugungseinheit (1), die wenigstens eine Schall-Abstrahlfläche aufweist, die akustische Schallwellen (4) in einer als Koppelmedium dienenden Flüssigkeit erzeugt, und
- einer Fokussiereinheit (5), die die Schallwellen in einen Fokus (F) variierbarer Größe fokussiert, wobei die Schallerzeugungseinheit (1) und/oder die Fokussiereinheit in Segmente (1, 1', 5, 5') unterteilt sind.
- a sound generating unit (1) which has at least one sound radiation surface which generates acoustic sound waves (4) in a liquid serving as a coupling medium, and
- a focusing unit (5) which focuses the sound waves into a focus (F) of variable size, the sound generating unit (1) and / or the focusing unit being divided into segments (1, 1 ', 5, 5').
Vorrichtungen dieser Art sind in den verschiedensten Ausführungen bekannt. Nur exemplarisch wird auf die DE 38 35 318 C1 und die dort genannten weiteren Druckschriften verwiesen, auf die im übrigen auch zur Erläuterung aller hier nicht näher beschriebenen Einzelheiten verwiesen wird.Devices of this type are known in a wide variety of designs. Reference is made only by way of example to DE 38 35 318 C1 and the other publications mentioned therein, to which reference is also made to explain all of the details not described here.
In der DE 38 35 318 C1 ist eine Vorrichtung zur Erzeugung von fokussierten Druckwellen für therapeutische Anwendungen beschrieben, bei der die Schallerzeugungseinheit ein zu einer durch den Fokuspunkt gehenden Achse rotationssymmetrischer Körper ist, dessen sich in Richtung dieser Achse erstreckende Mantelfläche die Abstrahlfläche für die Schallwellen ist. Die axialsymmetrisch abgestrahlten Schallwellen fokussiert ein Reflektor, der beispielsweise im Falle einer zylindrischen Schallerzeugungseinheit ein Paraboloid ist.DE 38 35 318 C1 describes a device for generating focused pressure waves for therapeutic applications, in which the sound generating unit is a body which is rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis passing through the focus point, the body of which shell surface extending in the direction of this axis is the radiation surface for the sound waves. The axially symmetrically emitted sound waves are focused by a reflector, which is a paraboloid in the case of a cylindrical sound generating unit, for example.
Bei einem weitgehend übereinstimmenden Vorschlag wird eine ebene ringförmige Schallquelle verwendet, die die Schallwellen in "Rückwärtsrichtung" auf einen Reflektor abstrahlt, der die Schallwellen dann durch den "Ring hindurch fokussiert".In a largely identical proposal, a flat, ring-shaped sound source is used which emits the sound waves in the “backward direction” onto a reflector, which then “focuses the sound waves through the ring”.
Beispielsweise aus der DE 32 41 026 C3 ist eine weitere Vorrichtung zur Erzeugung von Schallwellen bekannt, bei der die von einer Funkenstrecke erzeugten Stoßwellen durch ein Ellipsoid fokussiert werden.Another device for generating sound waves is known from DE 32 41 026 C3, for example, in which the shock waves generated by a spark gap are focused by an ellipsoid.
Weiterhin ist aus der EP-A-0 209 053 eine Einrichtung zur berührungsfreien Zertrümmerung von Konkrementen im Körper von Lebewesen bekannt, bei der die auf elektromagnetischer Basis arbeitende Schallerzeugungseinheit die Form einer Kalotte hat, so daß bereits "fokussierte Schallwellen" abgestrahlt werden.Furthermore, from EP-A-0 209 053 a device for the contact-free destruction of concrements in the body of living beings is known, in which the electromagnetic sound generating unit has the shape of a spherical cap, so that "focused sound waves" are already emitted.
Ferner ist es z.B. aus der DE 35 43 867 A1 bekannt, anstelle von elektromagnetischen Schallerzeugungseinheiten Piezoschwinger, aber auch magnetostriktive Schwinger zur verwenden, die ebenfalls in Form einer (Kugel)-Kalotte angeordnet sind.Furthermore, e.g. known from DE 35 43 867 A1, instead of electromagnetic sound generating units to use piezo oscillators, but also magnetostrictive oscillators, which are also arranged in the form of a (spherical) dome.
Aus der DE 35 01 838 A1 ist eine Einrichtung zur Erzeugung zeitlich versetzter Stoßwellen bekannt, bei der eine ebene Schallerzeugungseinheit verwendet wird, deren Schallwellen ein erster kegelförmiger Reflektor auf einen zweiten Reflektor umlenkt, der die Schallwellen dann fokussiert.DE 35 01 838 A1 discloses a device for generating shock waves at different times, in which a flat sound generating unit is used, the sound waves of which are a first conical reflector redirects to a second reflector, which then focuses the sound waves.
Über die vorstehend genannten und nur exemplarisch aufgeführten Vorrichtungen sind noch weitere, z.T. abweichend aufgebaute Vorrichtungen zur Erzeugung von therapeutisch wirksamen Schallwellen bekannt geworden.In addition to the devices mentioned above and listed only as examples, other, partly deviatingly constructed devices for generating therapeutically effective sound waves have become known.
Sämtlichen bekannten Vorrichtungen ist jedoch gemeinsam, daß die Fokuszone weitgehend feste und für eine bestimmte Ausbildung der Schallerzeugungseinheit typische Abmessungen aufweist, die allenfalls geringfügig variiert werden können.However, it is common to all known devices that the focus zone has largely fixed dimensions that are typical for a specific design of the sound generating unit and that can be varied slightly at most.
Je nach Anwendungsfall ist es jedoch wünschenswert, einen breiteren oder einen schmaleren Fokus zu verwenden. Beispielsweise können kleine Steine gewebeschonend mit kleinen Fokuszonen behandelt werden. Größere Steine oder multiple Konkremente können andererseits günstiger mit einer ausgedehnten Fokuszone behandelt werden.Depending on the application, however, it may be desirable to use a wider or a narrower focus. For example, small stones can be treated gently with small focus zones. Larger stones or multiple stones can, on the other hand, be treated more cheaply with an extended focus zone.
Aus der EP-A-0 367 117 ist eine Vorrichtung tur Erzeugung von fokussierten akustischen Schallwellen für therapeutische Anwendungen mit einer Schallerzeugungseinheit, die wenigstens eine Schall-Abstrahlungsfläche aufweist, von der Schallwellen ausgehen, die von der Fokussierzone fokussiert werden, wobei die Fokussiereinheit und/oder die Schallerzeugungseinheit in Segmente unterteilt ist, bekannt. Dieses Dokument wird als gattungsbildender Stand der Technik angesehen.EP-A-0 367 117 discloses a device for generating focused acoustic sound waves for therapeutic applications with a sound generating unit which has at least one sound radiation surface from which sound waves are emitted which are focused by the focusing zone, the focusing unit and / or the sound generating unit is divided into segments. This document is regarded as the generic state of the art.
Zur Lösung der Aufgabe, die Fokuszone zu vergrößern, werden in der EP-A-0 367 117 drei Möglichkeiten in der Form einer abschließenden Aufzählung genannt. Die als bestmögliche dargestellte Variante ist dabei, die einzelnen Segmente unterschiedlich elektronisch anzusteuern, wodurch sich eine gute Lösung der Variation der Fokusgeometrie ergibt.To solve the problem of enlarging the focus zone, EP-A-0 367 117 lists three options in the form of a final list. The best possible The variant shown is to control the individual segments differently electronically, which results in a good solution to the variation of the focus geometry.
Aus der EP-A-0 367 117 ist es allerdings nicht bekannt, die Segmente der Fokussiereinheit relativ zueinander bewegbar zu gestalten und ein Gehäuse zusätzlich zur Fokussiereinheit vorzusehen, das die Fokussiereinheit flüssigkeitsdicht umgibt.However, it is not known from EP-A-0 367 117 to make the segments of the focusing unit movable relative to one another and to provide a housing in addition to the focusing unit which surrounds the focusing unit in a liquid-tight manner.
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Therapievorrichtung zur Zertrümmerung von Konkrementen, mit einer Schallerzeugungseinheit, die wenigstens eine Schall-Abstrahlfläche aufweist, die akustische Schallwellen in einer als Koppelmedium dienenden Flüssigkeit erzeugt, und einer Fokussiereinheit, die die Schallwellen in einen Fokus variierbarer Größe fokussiert, wobei die Schallerzeugungseinheit und/oder die Fokussiereinheit in Segmente unterteilt sind, derart weiterzubilden, daß die Fokuszone für bestimmte Anwendungsfälle auf einfache Art und kostengünstig verbreitert werden kann.The invention is based on the object of a therapy device for crushing concrements, having a sound generation unit which has at least one sound radiation surface which generates acoustic sound waves in a liquid serving as a coupling medium, and a focusing unit which focuses the sound waves into a focus of variable size , the sound generating unit and / or the focusing unit being subdivided into segments in such a way that the focus zone can be widened easily and inexpensively for certain applications.
Eine erfindungsgemäße Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist im Anspruch 1 angegeben. Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche.An inventive solution to this problem is specified in
Erfindungsgemäß ist zumindest die Fokussiereinheit in Segmente unterteilt, die relativ zueinander bewegbar sind. Hierdurch ist es einerseits möglich, die einzelnen Segmente derart anzuordnen, daß die Überlagerung ihrer "Teil-Fokuszonen" eine möglichst kleine Gesamt-Fokuszone entsprechend der jeweiligen "nicht bewegten Grundvorrichtung" ergibt, andererseits aber die einzelnen Segmente so zu bewegen, daß die einzelnen "Teil- bzw. Segment-Fokuszonen" gegeneinander verdreht sind, so daß sich eine verbreiterte Fokuszone ergibt, oder gegeneinander verschoben sind, so daß sich die Gesamt-Fokuszone als Überlagerung mehrerer getrennter Fokuszonen darstellt.According to the invention, at least the focusing unit is divided into segments that are movable relative to one another. This makes it possible on the one hand to arrange the individual segments in such a way that the superimposition of their "partial focus zones" results in the smallest possible overall focus zone corresponding to the respective "non-moving basic device", but on the other hand the individual ones To move segments so that the individual "partial or segment focus zones" are rotated against each other, so that there is a broadened focus zone, or are shifted against each other, so that the total focus zone is a superimposition of several separate focus zones.
In jedem Falle ist es jedoch von Vorteil, wenn das Koppelmedium eine Flüssigkeit ist, und wenn ein Gehäuse vorgesehen ist, das zumindest die Fokussiereinheit umgibt und das eine Öffnung aufweist, die von einer schalldurchlässigen, akustisch angepaßten Membran abgeschlossen ist. Durch diese Ausbildung ergibt sich in einfacher Weise eine flüssigkeitsdichte Ausbildung, die eine Handhabung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in gleicher Weise wie herkömmliche Vorrichtungen erlaubt.In any case, however, it is advantageous if the coupling medium is a liquid and if a housing is provided which at least surrounds the focusing unit and which has an opening which is closed by a sound-permeable, acoustically adapted membrane. This design results in a liquid-tight design in a simple manner, which allows handling of the device according to the invention in the same way as conventional devices.
Bei einer weiteren Fortbildung dieser Ausgestaltung sind die Segmente mit Ausnahme einer Schallaustrittsöffnung flüssigkeitsdicht abgeschlossen. Die Schallaustrittsöffnungen stehen mit einem flüssigkeitsdichten Raum in Verbindung, der eine Öffnung aufweist, die von einer schalldurchlässigen, akustisch angepaßten Membran abgeschlossen ist.In a further development of this embodiment, the segments are sealed in a liquid-tight manner with the exception of a sound outlet opening. The sound outlet openings are connected to a liquid-tight space which has an opening which is closed by a sound-permeable, acoustically adapted membrane.
Hierzu ist es gemäß Anspruch 12 möglich, daß die Segmente unabhängig voneinander um den Fokuspunkt schwenkbar sind. Ferner können die Segmente unabhängig voneinander um eine durch den Fokuspunkt verlaufende Achse schwenkbar (Anspruch 13) oder gegeneinander verschiebbar sein. Dabei ist die Zahl der Segmente mindestens zwei, es können aber auch drei, vier oder mehr Segmente verwendet werden.For this purpose, it is possible according to claim 12 that the segments can be pivoted independently of one another about the focal point. Furthermore, the segments can be pivoted independently of one another about an axis running through the focal point (claim 13) or displaceable relative to one another. The number of segments is at least two, but three, four or more segments can also be used.
Der erfindungsgemäße Grundgedanke, zumindest die Fokussiereinheit in Segmente zu unterteilen, die relativ zueinander bewegbar sind, kann auf die verschiedensten und insbesondere jede der eingangs beschriebenen Vorrichtungen angewendet werden:The basic idea according to the invention of dividing at least the focusing unit into segments which can be moved relative to one another can be applied to the most varied and in particular each of the devices described at the outset:
Insbesondere kann die Fokussiereinheit die Form einer Kalotte haben, deren Schnittkurven im wesentlichen Kurven 2.Ordnung sind (Anspruch 2). Selbstverständlich ist es aber auch möglich, Fokussiereinheiten mit wenigstens in einem "achsparallelen Schnitt" ebenen Flächenzu verwenden, wie sie beispielsweise in der EP 0 298 334 A1 beschrieben sind.In particular, the focusing unit can have the shape of a spherical cap, the intersecting curves of which are essentially second-order curves (claim 2). Of course, however, it is also possible to use focusing units with flat surfaces at least in an "axially parallel cut", as described, for example, in EP 0 298 334 A1.
Dabei kann die Schallerzeugungseinheit gemäß Anspruch 3 identisch mit der Oberfläche der Fokussiereinheit sein oder gemäß Anspruch 6 im Ausgangszustand ein rotationssymmetrischer Körper sein, dessen sich in Richtung der Rotationsachse erstreckende Mantelfläche eine Abstrahlfläche für axialsymmetrische Schallwellen darstellt, deren Ausbreitungsrichtung im wesentlichen senkrecht zur Rotationsachse verläuft, und die der kalottenförmige Reflektor fokussiert.The sound generating unit can be identical to the surface of the focusing unit or, according to claim 6, can be a rotationally symmetrical body in the initial state, the outer surface of which extends in the direction of the axis of rotation and represents a radiation surface for axially symmetrical sound waves, the direction of propagation of which is essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and which the dome-shaped reflector focuses on.
In jedem Fall kann die die Schallerzeugungseinheit Piezoschwinger (Anspruch 4 bzw. 11) oder eine elektromagnetische Druckwellenerzeugungseinheit, aber auch andere Schallerzeugungs-Elemente, wie magnetostriktive Schwinger etc. aufweisen (Anspruch 5 bzw. 11).In any case, the sound generating unit piezo vibrator (
Wenn die kalottenförmige Fokussiereinheit ein Reflektor ist, der die von der(en) Schall-Abstrahlfläche(n) ausgehenden Schallwellen fokussiert (Anspruch 6), ist es auch möglich, daß die Schallerzeugungseinheit in an sich bekannter weise eine Funkenstrecke ist, so daß der Reflektor die Form eines Ellipsoids hat (Anspruch 7)
Wenn gemäß Anspruch 8 die Schallerzeugungseinheit im Ausgangszustand ein rotationssymetrischer Körper ist, dessen sich in Richtung der Rotationsachse erstreckende Mantelfläche eine Abstrahlfläche für axialsymmetrische Schallwellen darstellt, deren Ausbreitungsrichtung im wesentlichen senkrecht zur Rotationsachse verläuft, und die der kalottenförmige Reflektor fokussiert, ist es bevorzugt, wenn der rotationssymmetrische Körper ebenfalls in Segmente unterteilt ist, die zusammen mit den zugeordneten Segmenten des kalottenförmigen Reflektors bewegbar sind.If the dome-shaped focusing unit is a reflector that focuses the sound waves emanating from the sound radiation surface (s) (claim 6), it is also possible that the sound generating unit in on is known to be a spark gap, so that the reflector has the shape of an ellipsoid (claim 7)
If, according to claim 8, the sound generating unit in the initial state is a rotationally symmetrical body, the lateral surface of which extends in the direction of the axis of rotation represents a radiation surface for axially symmetrical sound waves, the direction of propagation of which is essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and which the spherical reflector focuses, it is preferred if the rotationally symmetrical body is also divided into segments that are movable together with the associated segments of the spherical reflector.
Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung erlaubt darüberhinaus die einfache Integration einer Röntgen- und/oder Ultra-Schall-Ortungsvorrichtung für Konkremente, deren Beobachtungsachse die Achse der Schallerzeugungseinrichtung im Fokuspunkt schneidet oder in der Achse der Schallerzeugungseinheit verläuft (Anspruch 16). Insbesondere dann, wenn die Beobachtungsachse der Röntgen- und/oder Ultraschall-Ortungsvorrichtung in der Achse der Schallerzeugungseinheit verläuft, ist es möglich, die Vorrichtung so zu gestalten, daß die Bewegungsmöglichkeit der einzelnen Segmente dazu genutzt wird, daß deren (Auseinander-) Bewegung dazu dient, die Beobachtungsachse der Ortungsvorrichtung freizugeben, so daß ein platzsparenden Anordnung der einzelnen Elemente möglich wird.The device according to the invention also allows the simple integration of an X-ray and / or ultra-sound locating device for concrements, the observation axis of which intersects the axis of the sound generating device at the focal point or extends in the axis of the sound generating unit (claim 16). In particular, if the observation axis of the X-ray and / or ultrasound locating device runs in the axis of the sound generating unit, it is possible to design the device in such a way that the possibility of movement of the individual segments is used to ensure that their (apart) movement occurs serves to release the observation axis of the locating device, so that a space-saving arrangement of the individual elements is possible.
Die Erfindung wird nachstehend ohne Beschränkung des all-. gemeinen Erfindungsgedankens anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnung exemplarisch beschrieben, auf die im übrigen bezüglich der Offenbarung aller im Text nicht näher erläuterten erfindungsgemäßen Einzelheiten ausdrücklich verwiesen wird, und deren einzige Figur einen Querschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zeigt.The invention is hereinafter without limitation of the all. general inventive idea based on exemplary embodiments Described by way of example with reference to the drawing, to which reference is expressly made with regard to the disclosure of all details according to the invention not explained in more detail in the text, and the only figure of which shows a cross section through a device according to the invention.
In der Figur ist eine Vorrichtung zur Erzeugung von fokussierten akustischen Schallwellen für therapeutische Anwendungen und insbesondere für die Zertrümmerung von Konkrementen gezeigt, die im Grundzustand, d.h. dem Zustand, in dem die Segmente nicht (auseinander) bewegt sind, der in der DE 38 35 318 C1 beschriebenen Vorrichtung gleicht.In the figure, a device for generating focused acoustic sound waves for therapeutic applications and in particular for the crushing of concretions is shown, which in the basic state, i.e. the state in which the segments have not moved (apart) is similar to the device described in DE 38 35 318 C1.
Die Vorrichtung weist eine Schallerzeugungseinheit 1 auf, die beispielsweise eine elektromagnetische, magnetostriktive oder Piezoelektrische Druckwellenerzeugungseinheit sein kann, und die im Ausgangszustand ein rotationssymmetrischer Körper ist. Die sich in Richtung der Rotationsachse 2 erstreckende Mantelfläche 3 der Schallerzeugungseinheit 1 stellt eine Abstrahlfläche für axialsymmetrische Schallwellen 4 dar, deren Ausbreitungsrichtung in einem nicht näher dargestellten Koppelmedium zunächst im wesentlichen senkrecht zur Rotationsachse 2 verläuft. Ein kalottenförmiger Reflektor 5, der im Falle einer zylindrischen Mantelfläche ein Paraboloid ist, fokussiert die reflektierten Schallwellen 4' in einer Fokuszone F.The device has a
Erfindungsgemäß sind sowohl die Schallerzeugungseinheit 1 als auch der Reflektor 5 in bei dem gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel zwei Segmente (1, 1' bzw. 5, 5') unterteilt, die bei dem gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel relativ zueinander dadurch bewegbar sind, daß sie unabhängig voneinander um den Fokuspunkt F bzw. eine durch den Fokuspunkt gehende Achse schwenkbar sind. Die Bewegung der Reflektorsegmente 5 bzw. 5' erfolgt dabei gemeinsam mit den zugeordneten Segmenten der Schallerzeugungseinheit 1 bzw. 1'. In der Figur ist der Fall dargestellt, daß bereits eine Schwenkung der einzelnen Teile um den Winkel α erfolgt ist. Hierdurch werden die in der Praxis "länglichen" Fokuszonen der Reflektor-Segmente 5 bzw. 5' ebenfalls gegeneinander um den Winkel α verdreht, so daß sich als Gesamt-Fokuszone, d.h. als Überlagerung der beiden Einzel-Fokuszonen eine verbreiterte Fokuszone ergibt.According to the invention, both the
Die Bewegbarkeit bzw. die Verschwenkbarkeit der einzelnen Segmente 1 und 5 bzw. 1' und 5' trotz des Vorhandenseins eines Koppelmediums für die Schallwellen, wie beispielsweise Wasser, kann dadurch realisiert werden, daß ein Gehäuse vorgesehen ist, das die Schallerzeugungseinheit 1, 1' und den Reflektor 5, 5' umgibt und das eine Öffnung aufweist, die in der beispielsweise in der DE 38 35 318 C1 beschriebenen Weise von einer schalldurchlässigen, akustisch angepaßten Membran abgeschlossen ist. Das Gehäuse und die Membran sind zur Vereinfachung der Darstellung in der Figur nicht dargestellt.The mobility or the pivotability of the
Vorstehend ist die Erfindung anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels ohne Beschränkung des allgemeinen Erfindungsgedankens beschrieben worden, innerhalb dessen selbstverständlich die verschiedensten Abwandlungen möglich sind:
So ist es möglich, mehr als zwei Segmente vorzusehen und/oder die Segmente gegeneinander verschiebbar zu gestalten. Weiterhin können wenigstens zwei Segmente keinen gemeinsamen Fokuspunkt aufweisen.The invention has been described above using an exemplary embodiment without restricting the general inventive concept, within which, of course, the most varied modifications are possible:
It is thus possible to provide more than two segments and / or to make the segments displaceable relative to one another. Furthermore, at least two segments cannot have a common focus point.
Vor allem aber kann der erfindungsgemäße Grundgedanke auf die verschiedensten Vorrichtungen angewendet werden, wie sie u.a. in den eingangs genannten Druckschriften beschrieben sind.Above all, however, the basic idea of the invention can be applied to a wide variety of devices, such as, among others. are described in the publications mentioned at the beginning.
Claims (17)
- Therapeutical device, particularly for shattering concrements, comprising- a sonic generator (1) including at least one sonic emission surface which generates acoustical sound waves (4) in a liquid serving as coupling medium, and- a focussing means (5) which focusses the sound waves in a focus (F) of variable size, wherein the sonic generator (1) and/or said focussing unit are subdivided ink segments (1, 1', 5, 5'),characterized in that a housing is provided in addition to said focussing unit (5) and said sonic generator (1), which surrounds said focussing unit and said sonic generator so as to render them tight to liquids, and which presents an opening closed by a sound-permeable acoustically matched membrane, and
that the segments of said focussing unit (5, 5') and/or said sonic generator (1, 1') are mobile relative to each other. - Device according to Claim 1,
characterized in that said focussing means presents the shape of a spherical segment whose sectional curves are substantially curves of the 2nd order. - Device according to Claim 2,
characterized in that the sound emitter surface of said sonic generator is identical with the surface of said focussing unit. - Device according to Claim 3,
characterized in that said sonic generator includes piezo oscillators disposed in the form of a spherical segment. - Device according to Claim 3,
characterized in that said sonic generator is an electromagnetic pressure wave generator disposed in the form of a spherical segment. - Device according to Claim 2,
characterized in that said focussing unit having the shape of a spherical segment is a reflector (5) which focusses the sound waves (4) emanating from its sound emitter surface(s). - Device according to Claim 6,
characterized in that said sonic generator is a spark gap in a manner known per se, and that said reflector presents the shape of an ellipsoid. - Device according to Claim 6,
characterized in that in the initial condition said sonic generator is an axially symmetrical body whose jacket, which extends in the direction of the axis of rotation, constitutes a surface emitting axially symmetrical sound waves (4), whose direction of propagation is substantially normal to the axis of rotation (2) and which are focussed by said reflector (5) having the shape of a spherical segment. - Device according to Claim 8,
characterized in that said jacket (3) is the emitter surface of said sonic generator (1). - Device according to Claim 8,
characterized in that said jacket (3) is the surface of a reflector which deflects the sound waves (4) emanating from a planar sonic generator (1). - Device according to Claim 9 or 10,
characterized in that said sonic generator (1) is an electromagnetic or piezoelectric pressure wave generator. - Device according to any of Claims 1 to 11,
characterized in that the segments are pivotable about the focal point independently of each other. - Device according to any of Claims 1 to 11,
characterized in that the segments are pivotable, independently of each other, about an axis passing through the focal point. - Device according to any of Claims 1 to 11,
characterized in that the segments are displaceable relative to each other. - Device according to any of Claims 1 to 14,
characterized in that at least two segments do not share a common focal point. - Device according to any of Claims 1 to 15,
characterized in that an X-ray and/or ultrasonic device is provided for locating concrements, whose axis of observation intersects with the axis of said sonic generator or extends along the axis of said sonic generator. - Device according to Claim 16,
characterized in that the axis of observation of said locating device may be released by a movement of said segments.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE4036981 | 1990-11-20 | ||
| DE4036981A DE4036981A1 (en) | 1990-11-20 | 1990-11-20 | DEVICE FOR PRODUCING FOCUSED ACOUSTIC SOUND WAVES |
| PCT/EP1991/002188 WO1992008413A1 (en) | 1990-11-20 | 1991-11-20 | Device for producing focussed sound waves |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0513279A1 EP0513279A1 (en) | 1992-11-19 |
| EP0513279B1 true EP0513279B1 (en) | 1995-10-11 |
Family
ID=6418625
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP91920223A Expired - Lifetime EP0513279B1 (en) | 1990-11-20 | 1991-11-20 | Device for producing focussed sound waves |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0513279B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE128843T1 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE4036981A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1992008413A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5595178A (en) * | 1994-10-02 | 1997-01-21 | Hmt High Medical Technologies Gmbh | System, method and apparatus for treatment of degenerative bone |
| US7189209B1 (en) | 1996-03-29 | 2007-03-13 | Sanuwave, Inc. | Method for using acoustic shock waves in the treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer or a pressure sore |
| US6368292B1 (en) | 1997-02-12 | 2002-04-09 | Healthtronics Inc. | Method for using acoustic shock waves in the treatment of medical conditions |
| US6390995B1 (en) | 1997-02-12 | 2002-05-21 | Healthtronics Surgical Services, Inc. | Method for using acoustic shock waves in the treatment of medical conditions |
| DE10301875B4 (en) * | 2003-01-17 | 2004-11-18 | Sws Shock Wave Systems Ag | Device for generating different acoustic pressure waves through variable reflection surfaces |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4029395A (en) * | 1975-10-31 | 1977-06-14 | Westinghouse Electric Corporation | Method for altering the focal zone of a lens system |
| DE3150513A1 (en) * | 1981-12-21 | 1983-06-30 | Battelle-Institut E.V., 6000 Frankfurt | Device for local hyperthermia treatment |
| DE3501838A1 (en) * | 1985-01-21 | 1986-07-24 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | DEVICE FOR THE GENERATION OF TIMED SHOCK SHAFTS |
| DE3835318C1 (en) * | 1988-10-17 | 1990-06-28 | Storz Medical Ag, Kreuzlingen, Ch | |
| JP2602923B2 (en) * | 1988-10-31 | 1997-04-23 | 株式会社東芝 | Shock wave therapy device |
| DE3932967A1 (en) * | 1989-10-03 | 1991-04-11 | Wolf Gmbh Richard | ULTRASONIC SHOCK WAVE CONVERTER |
-
1990
- 1990-11-20 DE DE4036981A patent/DE4036981A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1991
- 1991-11-20 AT AT91920223T patent/ATE128843T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1991-11-20 DE DE59106686T patent/DE59106686D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-11-20 WO PCT/EP1991/002188 patent/WO1992008413A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1991-11-20 EP EP91920223A patent/EP0513279B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE59106686D1 (en) | 1995-11-16 |
| DE4036981A1 (en) | 1992-05-21 |
| EP0513279A1 (en) | 1992-11-19 |
| WO1992008413A1 (en) | 1992-05-29 |
| ATE128843T1 (en) | 1995-10-15 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| EP0369177B1 (en) | Focused acoustic pressure wave generator | |
| DE3932967C2 (en) | ||
| DE4110102C2 (en) | ||
| DE3907605C2 (en) | Shock wave source | |
| DE102008038214B4 (en) | Method and shockwave head for generating focused ultrasound shockwaves | |
| EP0355177A1 (en) | Apparatus for the contactless desintegration of concrements in a living thing body | |
| EP0486815A1 (en) | Acoustic focussing device | |
| DE3543867A1 (en) | DEVICE FOR SPACIOUS LOCATION AND DESTRUCTION OF CONCRETE IN BODY CAVES | |
| EP0189756A1 (en) | Device for the production of out-of-phase sound shock waves | |
| DE3447440A1 (en) | SHOCK SHAFT PIPE FOR THE CRUSHING OF CONCRETE | |
| EP0327917A1 (en) | Shock wave generator for the non-contacting disintegration of concretions in a body | |
| EP0372119B2 (en) | Lithotripter | |
| DE3328039A1 (en) | Crushing device for concrements in the body of a living being | |
| EP0240923B1 (en) | Shoke wave generator with a piezo ceramic transducer | |
| EP0400196B1 (en) | Shock wave transducer for the destruction of concretions | |
| EP0513279B1 (en) | Device for producing focussed sound waves | |
| DE19622919C1 (en) | Device for location and destruction of calculi in body of patient | |
| EP0441997B1 (en) | Medical ultrasonic applicator for use in an acoustic shock-wave-conducting propagation-medium | |
| DE10215416B4 (en) | Medical device for the treatment of biological tissue | |
| DE4236255A1 (en) | Acoustic lens for plane-wave to spherical-wave transformation - divides tubular acoustic waveguide between two media sepd. by eg polystyrene with conical and ellipsoidal faces | |
| CH696683A5 (en) | Means for generating ultrasonic beams for the ultrasound therapy. | |
| DE102007013288A1 (en) | Biological body substance treating device for soft tissue i.e. body muscle, of patient, has percussion body contracted at body substance side to fabric sided focal point of ellipsoids of revolution | |
| EP0278304A1 (en) | Lithotripter with an integrated positioning device | |
| DE3739390A1 (en) | Lithotripter having a variable focus | |
| DE3833862C2 (en) |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
| 17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19920820 |
|
| AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE |
|
| 17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19930311 |
|
| GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
| AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE |
|
| PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Effective date: 19951011 Ref country code: ES Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY Effective date: 19951011 Ref country code: BE Effective date: 19951011 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 19951011 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19951011 |
|
| REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 128843 Country of ref document: AT Date of ref document: 19951015 Kind code of ref document: T |
|
| REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 59106686 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 19951116 |
|
| PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Effective date: 19951120 |
|
| PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19951130 |
|
| GBT | Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977) |
Effective date: 19951127 |
|
| ITF | It: translation for a ep patent filed |
Owner name: LENZI & C. |
|
| PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Effective date: 19960111 |
|
| ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
| NLV1 | Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act | ||
| PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
| STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
| 26N | No opposition filed | ||
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: IF02 |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PFA Owner name: STORZ MEDICAL AG Free format text: STORZ MEDICAL AG#UNTERSEESTRASSE 47#8280 KREUZLINGEN (CH) -TRANSFER TO- STORZ MEDICAL AG#LOHSTAMPFESTRASSE 8#8274 TAEGERWILEN (CH) |
|
| PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20101130 Year of fee payment: 20 |
|
| PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20101120 Year of fee payment: 20 Ref country code: CH Payment date: 20101018 Year of fee payment: 20 |
|
| PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20101126 Year of fee payment: 20 Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20101123 Year of fee payment: 20 |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R071 Ref document number: 59106686 Country of ref document: DE |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R071 Ref document number: 59106686 Country of ref document: DE |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: PE20 Expiry date: 20111119 |
|
| PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION Effective date: 20111119 |
|
| PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION Effective date: 20111121 |