KR20180107832A - Intensity focused ultrasound operating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a convergent ultrasonic surgical device comprising: a surgical handpiece for operation of an operator; a cartridge detachably attached to the surgical handpiece and filled with a cooling fluid therein; a transducer disposed inside the cartridge to generate an ultrasonic wave; a driving means moving the transducer forward and backward; a position detection means detecting a position of the transducer; and a control means receiving the position of the transducer from the position detection means, and controlling operation of the driving means and ultrasonic generation of the transducer. According to the present invention, when the transducer moves forward and backward by a predetermined reference distance, the control means controls the driving means to stop the transducer, thereby providing a useful effect to improve at least one of surgical efficiency, stability, and correctness.

Description

[0001] INTENTITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND OPERATING APPARATUS [0002]

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a focused ultrasound treatment device.

Recently, interest in skin beauty and obesity treatment is increasing, and various medical devices for skin beauty and obesity treatment are being developed. For example, a variety of skin care medical devices have been developed for patients who wish to perform face lifting or skin tightening procedures, and on the other hand, medical devices for the treatment of obese patients are being developed.

As a skin beauty medical device, there are invasive medical devices for dissecting skin tissue. However, as the safety problem of the patient and the rejection of patients are highlighted, non-invasive medical devices capable of performing the operation without cutting the skin tissue are attracting attention have. This tendency is similar in the fields of skin beauty and obesity treatment, and it is expected that this tendency will also appear in other medical fields.

In keeping with this trend, ultrasound medical devices using Intensity Focused Ultrasound (IFU) as a noninvasive medical device have recently come into the spotlight. For example, there is an ultrasonic medical device that performs non-invasive skin lifting or skin tightening by irradiating a focused ultrasound wave into the skin tissue for skin cosmetic surgery. In order to treat obesity, focused ultrasound is focused on the subcutaneous fat layer by using focused focused ultrasound : IFU) to non-invasively burn or dissolve adipose tissue.

US 2007-0232913 A1 A1 2011-0091831 A1 GB 2007-0065332 A1

One aspect of the present invention can provide a focused ultrasound treatment device improved in at least one of efficiency, safety, and accuracy of the procedure.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments that are described. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, There will be.

A focused ultrasound treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a procedure handpiece for manipulation of a practitioner; A cartridge detachably attached to the procedure handpiece and filled with a cooling fluid; A transducer provided in the cartridge to generate ultrasonic waves; Driving means for moving the transducer forward or backward; Position sensing means for sensing a position of the transducer; And control means for receiving the position of the transducer from the position sensing means and for controlling the operation of the driving means and the ultrasonic generation of the transducer, wherein the control means controls the transducer so that the transducer is moved by a predetermined reference distance And to control the driving means so that the transducer is stopped when the motor is moved forward or backward.

At this time, the control means may control the first operation in which the transducer advances by the reference distance and then stops to repeat the first operation for generating the ultrasonic wave for a predetermined reference time.

In addition, the control means repeatedly performs the first operation after the transducer is positioned at the start point and generates the ultrasonic wave for the reference time, and when the transducer is positioned at the end point, the ultrasonic wave is generated during the reference time It is possible to control the generation and movement of the ultrasonic waves to be interrupted.

In addition, the control means may control to repeat the second operation of generating ultrasonic waves during the reference time by stopping the transducer by moving backward by the reference distance.

In addition, the control means repeatedly performs the second operation after the transducer is positioned at the end point and generates the ultrasonic wave for the reference time, and when the transducer is positioned at the start point, It is possible to control the ultrasonic wave generation and movement to be stopped after occurrence.

Further, the driving means may include: a driving unit provided to the procedure handpiece; A driving pin that is advanced or retracted by the driving unit; And a guide pin coupled to the transducer and being advanced or retracted within the cartridge, wherein one end of the drive pin and one end of the guide pin can be in contact with each other.

The driving pin and the guide pin may be coupled to each other by a magnetic force.

The transducer may further include an elastic member for applying an elastic force to the guide pin in a direction in which the transducer is moved backward.

In addition, a through hole passing through the driving pin may be provided at predetermined intervals, and the position sensing means may include a light emitting portion provided in the procedure handpiece and irradiating light to the driving pin; And a light receiving unit provided in the handpiece for sensing light passing through the through hole.

Further, an identification mark may be provided on the driving pin at predetermined intervals, and the position sensing unit may include: a light emitting unit provided on the manipulating handpiece and irradiating light to the driving pin; And a light receiving unit provided on the handpiece for sensing light reflected by the driving pin.

In addition, the position sensing means may include a magnetic force sensor for sensing a change in a magnetic field.

Fm is a magnetic force between the driving pin and the guide pin, Fr1 is a magnetic force between the driving pin and the guide pin, Fr1 is a magnetic force between the driving pin and the guide pin, Fr2 is the sum of the frictional force of the guide pin and the resistance of the guide pin and the resistance of the transducer acting on the backward movement of the transducer, M is defined as the total mass of the guide pin and the transducer, the absolute value of the acceleration when the transducer is advanced and decelerated is less than (Fm | + | Fr1 |) / M, and the transducer The absolute value of the acceleration at the time of the backward movement in the stop state can be determined to be less than (| Fm | - | Fr2 |) / M.

The position sensing means may include a camera for photographing the transducer or the guide pin; And an operation unit for analyzing the image taken by the camera and calculating the position of the transducer.

A focused ultrasound treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a procedure handpiece for manipulation of a practitioner; A cartridge detachably attached to the procedure handpiece and having a transducer for generating focused ultrasound; Driving means for advancing and retracting the transducer; Position sensing means for sensing a position of the transducer; And control means for receiving the position of the transducer from the position sensing means and for controlling operation of the driving means and generation of focused ultrasonic waves of the transducer, A transducer bi-directional ultrasonic irradiation control sequence that generates focused ultrasound waves at the target.

In this case, the transducer bidirectional ultrasonic irradiation control sequence may include a first transducer operation sequence in which the cartridge generates the focused ultrasonic wave while the transducer moves forward at a first position in the skin of the subject to be treated. And a second transducer operation sequence for generating the focused ultrasonic wave while the transducer is moving backward, at a second position where the cartridge is different from the first position of the subject's skin.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a focused ultrasound treatment device in which at least one of efficiency, safety, and accuracy of the procedure is improved.

1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a focused ultrasound treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a process of assembling the procedure handpiece and the cartridge shown in FIG.
3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surface cut along a line I-I 'shown in FIG .
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a modified example of a specific part in the focused ultrasound treatment apparatus shown in FIG.
5 is a view for explaining the operation principle of a focused ultrasound treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a view for explaining the operation principle of a focused ultrasound treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a plane cut along the line I-I 'shown in FIG. 2 in a focused ultrasound treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a view for explaining an application example of a focused ultrasound treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and features of the present invention and the manner of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and that those skilled in the art will fully understand the scope of the present invention. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

The terms used herein are intended to illustrate embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In the present specification, the singular form includes plural forms unless otherwise specified in the specification. It is to be understood that the terms 'comprise', and / or 'comprising' as used herein may be used to refer to the presence or absence of one or more other components, steps, operations, and / Or additions.

In addition, the embodiments described herein will be described with reference to cross-sectional views and / or plan views, which are ideal illustrations of the present invention. In the drawings, the detailed size, shape, thickness, curvature, etc. of each structure are exaggerated or schematized for effective explanation of technical contents, and the shape may be modified by tolerance or the like.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation effects of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a focused ultrasound treatment apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a procedure of combining a procedure handpiece 210 and a cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a partially exploded sectional view taken along a line I-I 'shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a modified example of a concave portion in the focused ultrasound treatment apparatus 10 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the operation principle of the focused ultrasound therapy apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the operation principle of the focused ultrasound therapy apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a surface cut along a line I-I 'shown in FIG. 2 in a focused ultrasound treatment apparatus 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a view for explaining an application example of the focused ultrasound treatment apparatus 10 according to the example.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, the focused ultrasound treatment device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a medical device that performs various procedures using an Intensity Focused Ultrasound (IFU).

In one embodiment, the focused ultrasound treatment device 10 generates thermal focal points (12 in FIG. 8) by focused ultrasound within the skin tissue to provide face lifting, skin tightening, , Subcutaneous fat layer reduction or removal, tumor removal, and other cancers can be performed noninvasively.

Here, the focused ultrasound may focus the ultrasound to focus on one focus. For example, as one form of focused ultrasound, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (hereinafter, referred to as 'HIFU') is a method in which a thermal focal point is formed by focusing ultrasound at a single focal point at a high intensity . As another form of focused ultrasound, a low intensity focused ultrasound (LIHU) may be one in which a thermal focus 12 is formed by focusing an ultrasonic wave to a low intensity at a single focus. The thermal focal point 12 may be a thermal focal point 12 at a high temperature of about 60 DEG C or more. In the thermal focal point 12, a thermal effect or a cavitation effect may be generated. Such focused ultrasound may be generated in the transducer 314 or the like, and in one embodiment, the transducer 314 may be provided within the cartridges 310, 310-1, 310-2.

Accordingly, the focused ultrasound treatment apparatus 10 may be configured to perform a procedure of restoring a normal tissue through densification or regeneration of the skin tissue after intentionally damaging or stimulating the internal tissue of the human body by forming a thermal focal point 12 Can be performed.

In one embodiment, the focused ultrasound treatment device 10 may be configured to form the thermal focus 12 in a dermal, fascia, or SMAS layer located approximately 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm from the skin surface to provide face lifting or A skin tightening procedure may be performed or a fat reduction or removal procedure may be performed by forming the thermal focal point 12 with respect to the subcutaneous fat layer positioned at about 6.0 mm to 15.0 mm from the skin surface.

In one embodiment, the focused ultrasound treatment device 10 may include a machine body 100, a handpiece assembly 200, and a cartridge set 300, and the like. The apparatus main body 100 may provide information related to the operation to a practitioner (not shown), and may be for the operator to operate or operate the focused ultrasound treatment apparatus 10. For example, the apparatus main body 100 may be provided with a display 110 for displaying information related to the procedure of the operator, and a controller 120 for operating or controlling the focused ultrasound treatment apparatus 10 by a practitioner. The controller 120 may be implemented as a touch screen or the like. Although the display unit 110 and the input unit 120 are illustrated separately in FIG. 1 and the like, it is obvious that the display unit and the input unit may be integrated by a touch screen method.

The handpiece assembly 200 may include a procedure handpiece 210 and a connection cable 220. The treatment handpiece 210 is for irradiating the HIFU to the treatment subject, and may be provided in a hand-held form for the convenience of user's operation. For example, the manipulation handpiece 210 is provided with a handle 212 to provide convenience for a practitioner to grasp the manipulation handpiece 210. A switch 212a for controlling an ultrasonic irradiation operation may be provided at an upper end of the handle 212. The connection cable 220 may be for electrically and physically connecting the procedure handpiece 210 and the apparatus main body 100. One end of the connection cable 220 may be connected to the procedure handpiece 210 and the other end may be detachably connected to the device body 100 in a connecting manner.

The cartridge set 300 may be a set of a plurality of cartridges. For example, the cartridge set 300 may include a first cartridge 310, a second cartridge 320, and a third cartridge 330 having different procedures and objectives. For example, the first cartridge 310 is for non-invasive face lifting or skin tightening procedures, the second cartridge 320 is for non-invasive subcutaneous fat layer reduction or removal procedures, 3 cartridge 330 may be for removal of tumor or cancer tissue.

Each of the first to third cartridges 310, 320, and 330 may be detachably attached to the procedure handpiece 210. For example, each of the first to third cartridges 310, 320, and 330 may be fastened to the front end of the handle 212.

The focused ultrasound treatment device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include driving means, position sensing means, and control means.

Here, the driving means can perform the function of advancing or retracting the transducer 314. In addition, the position sensing means may perform a function of directly or indirectly sensing the position of the transducer 314. The control means is connected to the transducer 314, the driving means, and the position sensing means described above, and is capable of precisely controlling them.

In one embodiment, the drive means may include a guide pin 316, a drive pin 215, a drive 214, and the like.

In one embodiment, the guide pin 316 is engaged with the transducer 314 and can perform the function of moving the position of the transducer 314 while advancing or retracting within the first cartridge 310. For this purpose, a separate guide rail 317 for guiding the movement path of the guide pin 316 may be further provided in the first cartridge 310.

The driving unit 214 and the driving pin 215 may be provided inside the handpiece 210 and the driving pin 215 may be linearly moved forward or backward by the driving unit 214. [ For this purpose, a stepping motor, a rotating motor, and a gear, a belt, a pulley, and the like, which are operated by these motors, are selectively combined, Can be implemented.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first cartridge 310 may be detachably attached to the procedure handpiece 210. In this case, when the first cartridge 310 is detached from the procedure handpiece 210, The driving pin 215 and the guide pin 316 are brought into contact with each other so that the driving pin 215 and the guide pin 316 are in contact with each other when the first cartridge 310 is fully engaged with the handpiece 210. [ . Here, the magnetic force can be utilized so that the driving pin 215 and the guide pin 316 can be firmly coupled. For example, the first coupling portion 215c having a magnetic force at one end of the driving pin 215 and the second coupling portion 316c having a magnetic force at one end of the guide pin 316, The first engaging portion 215c and the second engaging portion 316c may be brought into contact with each other while being magnetically coupled to each other in the process of attaching the cartridge 310 to the procedure handpiece 210. [

In one embodiment, each of the first to third cartridges 310, 320, and 330 may be provided with a cooling fluid for cooling the heat generated by the operation of the transducer 314. Such a cooling fluid may also function as a transmission medium for allowing the ultrasonic waves generated from the transducer 314 to be smoothly transmitted to the outside of the transmission member 318 such as a window.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the aforementioned guide pin 316 may protrude out of the first cartridge 310. Also, at least a portion of the drive pin 215 described above may be drawn into the first cartridge 310. In this case, a packing ring or the like for preventing the cooling fluid from flowing out through the coupling surface between the guide pin 316 and the wall of the first cartridge 310, between the driving pin 215 and the wall of the first cartridge 310, (Not shown) may be further provided.

In one embodiment, each of the first to third cartridges 310, 320, and 330 is provided so that the cooling water can be filled therein, and the cooling water is circulated by a separate cooling water circulation line (not shown) The overheat phenomenon of the transducer 314 can be prevented. For this, when the first to third cartridges 310, 320, 330 are mounted on the handpiece 210, the cooling water in the first to third cartridges 310, 320, 330 is connected to the cooling water circulation line And the cooling water circulation line is connected to a cooling water storage vessel (not shown) inside the apparatus main body 100, and can circulate the cooling water in the cooling water storage vessel. On the other hand, though not shown, circulation means such as a pump may be installed on the cooling water circulation line.

In one embodiment, the position sensing means can directly sense the position of the transducer 314 itself. In addition, the position sensing means can indirectly derive the position of the transducer 314 by sensing the position of the driving pin 215, the guide pin 316, and the like.

In one embodiment, the position sensing means may be implemented in an optical sensing manner. 3, a light emitting portion 216-1 is provided above the driving pin 215, a light receiving portion 216-2 is provided below the driving pin 215, A plurality of through holes 215-1 spaced apart from each other may be provided. In this case, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 216-1 passes through the through hole 215-1 and reaches the light receiving portion 216-2, and a state where the light is transmitted to the light receiving portion 216- 2) can not be reached. In this way, it is possible to detect how far the drive pin 215 has advanced or retracted. By varying the shapes and diameters of the through holes 215-1, it is possible to make the intensity of the light passing through the through hole 215-1 and the phase of the light that is emitted to the light receiving portion 216-2 to be different. In this case, It is possible to detect whether or not the through hole 215-1 is located on the light receiving portion 216-2 so that the exact position of the transducer 314 as well as the degree of movement of the transducer 314 can be grasped precisely.

4, a composite light sensor 216-3 including a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion is positioned above the driving pin 215, and the driving pin 215 is provided with an identification mark 215-2 So that the emitted light can be reflected by the surface of the driving pin 215 to reach the light receiving unit. In this case, by using the difference between the situation where the light is reflected on the identification mark 215-2 and the situation where the light is reflected on the surface of the drive pin 215 rather than the identification mark 215-2, The backward degree can be detected. In addition, as described above, the position of the transducer 314 can be grasped more accurately by varying the size or shape of the identification tag 215-2.

In the foregoing, a method of detecting the movement of the driving pin 215 by the light emitting unit 216-1 and the light receiving unit 216-2 in the handpiece 210 has been described. Although not shown, the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion may be positioned above the cartridge so that the degree of movement of the guide pin 316 may be detected. However, in this case, light must not be reduced or blocked between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion and the guide pin 316, and as a result, there may be a restriction that the degree of design freedom is reduced.

In one embodiment, the position sensing means may be implemented in a manner that senses a change in the magnetic field. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, at least one magnetic force sensor 319 (see FIG. 3) is provided above the first cartridge 310, And the magnetic force sensor 319-1 detects the change of the magnetic field generated in accordance with the movement of the first engaging portion 215c and the second engaging portion 316c so that the position of the transducer 314 Can be detected. Here, if the guide pin 316 and the driving pin 215 are not magnetically coupled to each other, a separate magnet for generating a magnetic field may be provided on the guide pin 316 or the driving pin 215.

In one embodiment, the position sensing means may be implemented in a camera-photographing manner. For example, a camera 319-2 is provided above the cartridge to photograph at least one of the transducer 314, the guide pin 316, and the drive pin 215, analyze the photographed image, So that the position can be grasped. In this case, an arithmetic unit for image analysis must be separately provided, and this arithmetic unit may be included as a function in the control means. In this case, the image can be taken through the cartridge wall only if the cartridge is made of a transparent or semi-transparent material. In addition, since a computation unit capable of image processing can be provided, there is a disadvantage that more resources may be required than the above-described other embodiments.

In one embodiment, the position sensing means may be implemented by having at least one of the above-described optical detection system, a method of detecting a change in magnetic field, and a camera 319-2 imaging system included in the focused ultrasound treatment apparatus 10 . In the meantime, in the manner that the light emitting unit 216-1, the light receiving unit 216-2, the magnetic force sensor 319-1, the camera 319-2, etc. are provided in the first cartridge 310, However, in this case, not only the number of components to be electrically connected between the cartridge and the handpiece 210 is increased but also the manufacturing cost of the cartridge is increased because components for sensing are required for each cartridge .

In one embodiment, the control means uses the position sensing means to determine the position of the transducer 314 and to determine the position of the transducer 314 in the ultrasonic wave generating operation of the transducer 314, And to control the movement of the transducer 314. For example, the transducer 314 may be stopped after the transducer 314 is advanced or retracted by a predetermined distance (hereinafter referred to as a 'reference distance'). Furthermore, the control means can control the transducer 314 and the driving means so that the transducer 314, which is stopped after the movement, generates ultrasonic waves for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as "reference time"). For convenience of explanation, the operation in which the stopped transducer 314 advances by the reference distance and the ultrasonic wave is generated during the reference time is referred to as a first operation, and conversely, the stopped transducer 314 is moved backward by the reference distance The operation of generating ultrasonic waves during the reference time will be referred to as a second operation.

Generally, the area to be treated is formed broadly by a part of the human ball, a part of the abdomen, or the like. In the process of performing such a large area, it is considerably inefficient and inaccurate to perform the procedure while the operator manipulates the manipulation handpiece 210 while grasping the manipulation handpiece 210. However, the focused ultrasound treatment apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can perform the forward or backward movement of the transducer 314 within the cartridge, so that the cartridge can be moved to a predetermined position, A plurality of thermal foci may be formed in the region corresponding to the maximum advance distance or the maximum backward distance of the transducer 314. Thus, the procedure time can be shortened and the operator's fatigue can be reduced. However, in order for the thermal focus to be formed at predetermined intervals, the transducer 314 must be able to generate ultrasound after being moved by a correct distance. To this end, the focused ultrasound treatment apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the position sensing means and the driving means as described above, and the transducer 314, the position sensing means and the driving means are controlled by the control means .

In one embodiment, the drive means may move the transducer 314 forward and backward. In one embodiment, the control means receives the position of the transducer 314 from the position sensing means, and can control the actuation of the drive means and the focused ultrasonic generation of the transducer 314. Here, the control means may include a control sequence for generating focused ultrasound both in the forward and backward movements of the transducer 314. This control sequence can be referred to as a transducer bi-directional ultrasonic irradiation control sequence.

In one embodiment, the transducer bidirectional ultrasound illumination control sequence may comprise a first transducer operation sequence and a second transducer operation sequence.

At this time, the first transducer operation sequence is a sequence in which the transducer 314 advances and generates focused ultrasonic waves while the first cartridge 310 is in contact with the skin surface on the first position in the skin of the subject, . ≪ / RTI >

In addition, the second transducer operating sequence means a sequence in which focused ultrasonic waves are generated while the transducer moves backward while the first cartridge 310 is in contact with the skin surface on the second position of the subject's skin . Here, the second position means a position different from the above-mentioned first position.

8, it is understood that the left picture illustrates a situation where a first transducer action sequence is performed at a first location, and the right picture illustrates a situation where a second transducer action sequence is performed at a second location . 8, the state in which the first cartridge 310 is in the first position and the state in which the contact surface of the skin surface and the first cartridge 310 do not overlap at all in the state in which the first cartridge 310 is in the second position A part of the skin contact surface of the first cartridge 310 may be overlapped as necessary. In this case, the thermal focal spot 12 formed according to the first transducer operation sequence and the thermal focal point formed according to the second transducer operation sequence can be spaced apart from each other.

In one embodiment, the maximum distance that the transducer 314 can move within the cartridge depends on the size of the cartridge, etc. In determining the size of the cartridge, not only the convenience of the operator but also the efficiency and safety of the operation are comprehensively determined Can be considered. The limit of the rear limit and the limit of the front where the transducer 314 provided inside the cartridge can irradiate the ultrasonic wave to form the thermal focus can be referred to as a start point PS and an end point PE, respectively. Hereinafter, the operation principle of the focused ultrasound treatment apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described based on this definition.

First, the practitioner moves the procedure handpiece 210 so that the window of the cartridge is positively positioned on the treatment target site, and then the procedure handpiece 210 can be fixed. In this state, when the operator presses the first button, the first operation described above can be repeated. On the other hand, the initial value may be set so that the transducer 314 is located at the start point PS or the end point PE before starting the ultrasonic generation. That is, when the first button is operated, the transducer 314 moves to the start point PS or the end point PE and can perform the first operation or the second operation after achieving the preparation state. In one embodiment, if the cartridge is detached from the skin, the transducer 314 may be moved to one of the starting point PS or the ending point PE. Here, it may be moved to a position near the current position of the transducer 314 among the start point PS and the end point PE.

In this way, after the transducer 314 is positioned at the start point PS and the ultrasonic wave is generated for the reference time, the control means can control the transducer 314 and the drive means so as to repeatedly perform the first operation described above have. In this case, it is necessary to accurately determine whether the transducer 314 is advanced by the reference distance in each cycle of the first operation. In one embodiment of the present invention, the position of the transducer 314 is detected So that the control means can determine whether or not to move by the reference distance. Here, the first button is pressed by the practitioner, so that the ultrasonic wave generation at the start point PS can be started. Thereafter, the repetition of the first operation can be performed automatically. Then, when the first operation is repeated and the transducer 314 reaches the end point PE, the ultrasonic wave generation and movement is performed after forming the thermal focus in a state where the transducer 314 is positioned at the end point PE It can be stopped.

Meanwhile, the first button may be implemented as a switch 212a provided in the procedure handpiece 210. [ Also, a first button may be implemented on the controller 120 provided in the main body 100 of the apparatus. In addition, although not shown, it may be implemented as a separate foot switch connected to the equipment body 100 or the like.

Next, the practitioner moves the surgical handpiece 210 so that the window of the cartridge is moved to the left or right by a predetermined distance, and is positively positioned on the second treatment target site, and then the treatment handpiece 210 can be fixed. In this state, when the operator presses the first button, the second operation can be repeatedly performed. Here, the transducer 314 may repeat the second operation after forming a thermal focus at the end point (PE). Then, when the transducer 314 reaches the start point PS after the repetition of the second operation, the ultrasonic wave generation and movement can be stopped after forming the thermal focus at the start point PS.

In one embodiment, the cartridge can be moved away from the subject's skin. In another embodiment, the cartridge may be moved while sliding in contact with the skin of the recipient. Here, the left or right side can be defined based on the forward or backward movement of the transducer 314. However, the movement to the left or the right is not limited to the physically perfect orthogonal direction on the forward and backward lines of the transducer 314.

In one embodiment, the first button is provided to select a plurality of modes, and is configured to return to the start point (PS), return to the end point (PE), repeat the first operation, repeat the second operation Mode may be selectively implemented. In addition, various setting values such as the reference time, the reference distance, and the number of repetitions of the first operation or the second operation may be input through the controller 120 or the like, and the operation may be performed in various ways.

As described above, the focused ultrasound device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be implemented with the driving unit as the guide pin 316, the driving pin 215 and the driving unit 214, and the guide pin 316 In this case, if the advancing speed or the reverse speed of the transducer 314 is suddenly changed, the guide pin 316 and the driving pin 215 are separated from each other There is a risk to be able to. In consideration of this danger, the focused ultrasound therapy apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can control the forward or backward speed of the transducer 314, which will be described in detail below.

First, we define terms and premises as follows to help the reader understand and omit redundant expressions.

A force toward the advancing direction of the transducer 314 is a positive force and a force toward the reverse direction is a negative force

- Fm is the magnetic force between drive pin 215 and guide pin 316

Fr1 is the sum of the kinetic frictional force of the guide pin 316 and the resistance due to the cooling fluid acting upon advancement of the guide pin 316 and the transducer 314 if the transducer 314, The frictional force may also be included if it is moved by friction)

- Fr2 is the sum of the static frictional force of the guide pin 316 and the resistance force of the guide pin 316 and the cooling fluid acting upon the backward movement of the transducer 314 (if the transducer 314, The frictional force may also be included if it is moved by friction)

- M is the total mass of the guide pin 316 and transducer 314 (mass of the M1 portion of FIG. 5, combined with a guide pin or transducer 314, The mass of the elements may also be included)

In order to advance and stop the transducer 314, the advancing speed of the driving pin 215 must be reduced. In other words, a rearward force must be applied to the driving pin 215. The acceleration when the rearward force is applied to the driving pin 215 in this way can be referred to as a1.

The guide pin 316 and the transducer 314 are subjected to resistance by the kinetic frictional force and the cooling fluid in the process of moving inside the cartridge. The total sum of the forces applied to the transducer 314, the guide pin 316 and the like while moving forward can be regarded as a resistance force, and can be abbreviated as Fr1. In addition, when a rearward force is applied to the driving pin 215, the guide pin 316 and the transducer 314 are subjected to an inertial force for continuously advancing in the forward direction, and this inertial force can be expressed by -Ma1 .

Meanwhile, when the force of the guide pin 316 and the transducer 314 is greater than the magnetic force Fm between the driving pin 215 and the guide pin 316, the guide pin 316 and the driving pin 215 are separated from each other . When the guide pin 316 and the driving pin 215 are separated from each other, the transducer 314 can not be stopped at the correct position. Even though such an error occurs, the transducer 314 generates ultrasonic waves, When the focal point is formed, the uniformity of the procedure is reduced. In the worst case, as the thermal focal point is overlapped, the specific part may be excessively damaged and the safety may be deteriorated.

The focused ultrasound treatment apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can solve the above-described problems by making the force of the guide pin 316 and the transducer 314 advance less than Fm. In one embodiment, the force to which the guide pin 316 and the transducer 314 advance is the sum of the inertia force and the resistive force. In this case, the sum of the inertia force -Ma1 and the resistance force Fr1 can be made smaller than Fm. To do this, it is possible to increase Fm by decreasing -a1 (i.e., slowing down slowly). Here, since Fm is a value determined in the manufacturing process unless the electromagnet is utilized, it is difficult to increase or decrease in the state of the cartridge and the handpiece 210 already manufactured. In addition, if the magnetic force is excessively increased, unintentional side effects may occur due to the magnetic force, malfunction may occur, and the manufacturing cost may increase. Considering this point, it can be considered variously to reduce -a1 to prevent the separation phenomenon between the guide pin 316 and the driving pin 215. However, if -a1 is excessively reduced, the time during which the transducer 314 is moved by the reference distance may become excessively long, and as a result, problems such as a delay in the procedure time and an improvement in fatigue of the operator may be caused. Therefore, under all circumstances, it is necessary to decelerate the drive pin 215 at a maximum speed at which the drive pin 215 and the guide pin 316 are not separated. According to an embodiment of the present invention, The control means controls the control means so that the absolute value | a1 | of the acceleration when decelerating while advancing is less than (Fm | + | Fr1 |) / M, thereby achieving one object of the present invention.

6 shows that the transducer 314 is spaced from the starting point PS and the velocity v of the transducer 314 over time in the course of starting the starting point PS and repeating the above- The change in distance s is illustrated.

6, a section (0 to t1) in which the transducer 314 is accelerated in the forward direction in the stop state, a section (t1 to t2) in which the acceleration of the transducer 314 is advanced to the speed V1, T2 to t3 where the ducer 314 is decelerated, t3 to t4 where the transducer 314 remains stopped, t4 to t5 that is accelerated in the forward direction in the stop state, A period t5 to t6 during which the acceleration of the transducer 314 is advanced to the speed V1 and a period t6 to t7 during which the transducer 314 decelerates and a period t7 ~ t8) can be understood. Here, since the ultrasonic wave can be emitted in the section indicated by T1, the above-mentioned reference time can be regarded as T1. However, it is also possible to include a little extra time in T1 in consideration of control errors and the like. On the other hand, it can be understood that S2-S1 may mean the above-mentioned reference distance in the graph showing the change of the moving distance by time. In FIG. 6, acceleration is constantly maintained in each section, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Further, when the transducer 314 in the stopped state is to be retracted, a rearward force must be applied to the driving pin 215. [ The acceleration when the rearward force is applied to the driving pin 215 in this way can be referred to as a1.

The guide pin 316 and the transducer 314 are subjected to resistance by the static frictional force when they start moving in the stationary state. Here, when the guide pin 316 and the transducer 314 start to move backward, a resistance due to a dynamic frictional force is received instead of a static frictional force. However, since the dynamic frictional force is smaller than the static frictional force, The kinetic frictional force of the poem is not necessary. Also, as in the case of forward movement, the guide pin 316 and the transducer 314 are subjected to resistance by the cooling fluid even in the process of moving backward in the cartridge. The total sum of the forces applied to the transducer 314, the guide pin 316 and the like while moving backward can be regarded as a resistance force and can be abbreviated as Fr2. Further, when a rearward force is applied to the driving pin 215, the guide pin 316 and the transducer 314 are subjected to an inertial force for maintaining the stationary state, and this inertial force can be represented by -Ma1.

When the forward force is greater than the magnetic force Fm between the driving pin 215 and the guide pin 316 when the guide pin 316 and the transducer 314 are moved backward, The driving pin 215 can be separated, and the problem caused thereby is similar to that described above.

The focused ultrasound treatment apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by making the forward force less than Fm when the guide pin 316 and the transducer 314 are to be moved backward . In one embodiment, the force acting in the forward direction when trying to move the guide pin 316 and the transducer 314 may be the sum of the inertia force and the resistance force. In this case, the sum of the inertia force -Ma1 and the resistance force Fr2 can be made smaller than Fm. To this end, it is possible to increase Fm by decreasing -a1 (i.e., increasing the speed to the rear slowly), but decreasing -a1 as described above so that the guide pins 316 and drive pins 215 The prevention of separation phenomenon is considered to be advantageous in many ways. Further, as described above, it is necessary to accelerate the drive pin 215 in the backward direction at a maximum speed at which the drive pin 215 and the guide pin 316 are not separated from each other. According to an embodiment of the present invention, The control unit controls the driving unit 214 so that the absolute value | a1 | of the acceleration when the transducer 314 is reversed from the stop state is less than (| Fm | - | Fr2 |) / M have.

Referring to FIG. 7, the focused ultrasound treatment apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an elastic member 316e. Here, the elastic member 316e can provide the guide pin 316 with an elastic force toward the direction in which the transducer 314 is moved backward. Although not shown, the elastic force of the elastic member 316e can be applied to a component that moves integrally with the transducer 314 even if the guide pin 316 is not provided.

According to the present embodiment, since the coupling force between the guide pin 316 and the driving pin 215 is relatively larger than that in the above embodiment, the guide pin 316 can be moved in the forward or reverse direction even when the transducer 314 is rapidly advanced or retracted. And the driving pin 215 are separated from each other. However, when the transducer 314 is advanced in the focused ultrasound therapy apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, a force enough to cancel the elastic force must be provided, and thus the load of the driving unit 214 is relatively increased .

Although the specific embodiments of the focused ultrasound treatment device 10 according to the present invention have been described above, it is apparent that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, but should be determined by the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof. It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and should not be construed as limiting, and the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents All changes or modifications that come within the scope of the present invention should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

10: Focus ultrasound treatment device
12: Thermal lesion
100:
110: indicator
120:
200: Handpiece assembly
210: Procedure handpiece
212:
214:
215: drive pin
215c:
215-1: Through hole
215-2: Identification label
216-1:
216-2:
216-3: Composite light sensor
220: Connecting cable
300: Cartridge set
310: first cartridge
314: Transducer
316: Guide pin
316c:
316e: elastic member
317: Guide rail
318: permeable member
319-1: magnetic force sensor
319-2: Camera
320: second cartridge
330: Third cartridge

Claims (13)

A surgical handpiece for manipulating the operator;
A cartridge detachably attached to the procedure handpiece and filled with a cooling fluid;
A transducer provided in the cartridge to generate ultrasonic waves;
Driving means for moving the transducer forward or backward;
Position sensing means for sensing a position of the transducer; And
Control means for receiving the position of the transducer from the position sensing means and controlling the operation of the driving means and the ultrasonic generation of the transducer;
Wherein the control means controls the driving means such that the transducer is stopped when the transducer is advanced or retracted by a predetermined reference distance. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control means controls the transducer to move forward by the reference distance and stop so as to repeat the first operation for generating ultrasonic waves for a predetermined reference time. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the control unit repeats the first operation after the transducer is positioned at the start point and generates the ultrasonic wave for the reference time, and when the transducer is positioned at the end point, generates the ultrasonic wave for the reference time, And the movement is stopped. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the control unit controls the second operation to repeat the second operation of generating ultrasonic waves during the reference time after the transducer is moved backward by the reference distance. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the control unit repeatedly performs the second operation after generating the ultrasonic wave for the reference time when the transducer is positioned at the end point and generates ultrasound for the reference time when the transducer is positioned at the start point A focused ultrasound procedure device that controls the generation and movement of the ultrasound waves to be interrupted. The method according to claim 1,
The driving means includes:
A driving unit provided on the procedure handpiece;
A driving pin that is advanced or retracted by the driving unit; And
A guide pin coupled with the transducer and being advanced or retracted within the cartridge;
Wherein one end of the driving pin is in contact with one end of the guide pin. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the driving pin and the guide pin are coupled to each other by a magnetic force. 8. The method of claim 7,
And an elastic member for applying an elastic force to the guide pin in a direction in which the transducer is moved backward. The method according to claim 6,
A through hole passing through the driving pin is provided at predetermined intervals,
The position sensing means,
A light emitting unit provided in the handpiece for emitting light to the driving pin; And
A light receiving unit provided in the handpiece for sensing light passing through the through hole;
And an ultrasound system. The method according to claim 6,
An identification mark is provided on the drive pins at predetermined intervals,
The position sensing means,
A light emitting unit provided in the handpiece for emitting light to the driving pin; And
A light receiving unit provided on the handpiece for sensing light reflected by the driving pin;
And an ultrasound system. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the position sensing means includes a magnetic force sensor for sensing a change in magnetic field. A surgical handpiece for manipulating the operator;
A cartridge detachably attached to the procedure handpiece and having a transducer for generating focused ultrasound;
Driving means for advancing and retracting the transducer;
Position sensing means for sensing a position of the transducer; And
And control means for receiving the position of the transducer from the position sensing means and controlling operation of the driving means and generation of focused ultrasonic waves of the transducer,
Wherein the control means comprises a transducer bidirectional ultrasound irradiation control sequence for generating focused ultrasound waves both in the forward and backward movement of the transducer. 13. The method of claim 12,
The transducer bi-directional ultrasonic wave irradiation control sequence comprises:
A first transducer operation sequence in which the cartridge generates the focused ultrasonic wave while the transducer is moving forward at a first position in the skin of a subject to be treated; And
And a second transducer operating sequence for generating said focused ultrasonic waves while said transducer is moving backward at a second position of said skin of said subject being different from said first position.

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